Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.
Benefits of water features
in garden landscapes
April 2018 Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Home is not just a place, it’s a feeling. Everyone has goals, but not always a plan to reach them. We can help you find home financing options to meet your needs, whether you’re: • Purchasing your first home • Looking to buy a second home • Interested in buying an investment property And, with our PriorityBuyer® preapproval, you can shop for your home with confidence. Your home financing matters, contact me today. Rachel Ellen Laine Home Mortgage Consultant Office: 208-883-5659, Cell: 208-874-2452 rachel.e.laine@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/rachel-laine NMLSR ID 1015986
Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS3812380 Expires 09/2018
| April 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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Latah County real estate market snapshot Courtesy of Latah County Board of REALTORS®
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types are included there are 103 properties in Moscow listed for sale.
Moscow Statics
The average sales price for the 1st quarter of 2018 for single family homes with acreage, in Latah County is $198,882 compared to the 1st quarter of 2017 of $183,297. With 18 homes sold in 2017 and 19 sold in 2018.
nterest rates are creeping up, inventory is still squeezed, and some feared revised tax laws would have a chilling effect on home sales, but Latah County Board of REALTOR® (LCBOR) leaders say the local market remains competitive. The average sales price for the 1st quarter of 2018 for single family homes, including condos, in Moscow is $256,271 compared to the 1st quarter of 2017 of $237,956. With 30 homes sold in 2017 and 52 sold in 2018. There were 34 pending sales last month. 21 closed sales last month, up from a year-ago of 10 closed sales. Average prices on those sales rising from the year ago figure of $203,303 to last month’s price of $261,630. Currently there are 26 single family listings only, not including condos, in Moscow for sale. When all classes and
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Benefits of water features
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in garden landscapes
April 2018 Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
ONLINE: Check out the latest edition online at DNews.com — just click on the Special Sections tab. To advertise in Palouse Living, email Sally Imel at simel@ lmtribune.com or call your local marketing consultant today!
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Rural Communities throughout Latah County, not including Moscow
LCBOR shows 13 pending sales last month. 8 closed sales last month, same as a year-ago of 8 closed sales. Average prices on those sales falling from the year ago figure of $200,856 to last month’s price of $175,409. With 105 properties, includes all classes and types, listed for sale.
Learn about buying a home will show you how! Course required for some affordable loans.
6-hour course offered by Moscow Affordable Housing Trust. In Moscow: April 24 & 25, September 18 & 19, October 23 & 24 In Lewiston: May 22 & 23 5:30-8:30 PM each night, must attend both nights $15/household Registration Fee To register and for more information, visit www.FinallyHomeIdaho.com
Expand Your Horizons! KARYL SAWYER
Your real estate expert from Latah County to the Treasure Valley "Let My Experience and Dedication Work For You" (208) 860-1992 karyl@sawyerhl.com www.sawyerhl.com
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | April 2018 | 3
Make moving much easier MetroCreative
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t should come as no surprise that spring kicks off one of the busiest times of year in the housing market. Warm weather makes it more comfortable to see and display homes, leading to more listings and open houses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average person in the United States changes residences more than 11 times in his or her lifetime. With each move, the process of moving may become more familiar. But even the most practiced nomad can find moving to be an overwhelming experience. Those on the cusp of moving and nervous about packing up and leaving can employ a few tricks to make moving much easier.
Research areas carefully Buyers are advised to do their research when seeking new towns or cities to call home. There are many factors to consider, including school district ratings, proximity to shopping, distance from work/commute times, availability of transportation, climate, and crime ratings. Before falling in love with a particular home, potential buyers can visit the area in which the home is located during a typical weekday to get a feel for the atmosphere. Check out shopping centers, observe the residents and drive by the schools and businesses. This can help paint an accurate picture that may or may not differ from that depicted in the real estate listing.
Stack the deck Working with qualified professionals who have gone through the moving process before can make for easier work for buyers and sellers. Ask for recommendations regarding real estate companies, real estate attorneys, home | April 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
inspectors, insurance agents, and all of the other people who will assist with buying, selling and moving. Carefully vet these professionals, relying on third-party reviews as well as any information provided by the Better Business Bureau.
Secure temporary storage It can help to put some belongings into a storage center prior to moving, and then gradually take items from the storage unit to your new home. This will free up space to make repairs to your new home and give you time to figure out decorating schemes while ensuring clutter won’t get in the way of renovation projects. New homeowners also can take their time sorting through boxes and getting rid of items they may not need in their new homes.
Get estimates and verify licensing The BBB advises consumers to verify all licensing for movers. Solicit at least three in-home estimates and get those figures in writing. Confirm insurance coverage for the company chosen, and be sure to have all agreed upon information spelled out explicitly in a written contract. Red flags to consider include movers who don’t make on-site inspections for estimates and those who demand payment in advance before the move.
Have a first-week survival kit New homeowners can pick up takeout restaurant menus and premade grocery store meals. In addition, stock up on staples such as paper plates, toilet tissue, light bulbs, and cleaning supplies in advance of the move so you won’t have to unpack everything at mealtime or when you want to clean after arriving at your new home.
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When to tackle lawn weeds MetroCreative
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eeds are the bane of lawn and garden enthusiasts. Weeds can spread rapidly and overrun pristine grass, choking lawns and robbing them of their lush green look. In garden beds, weeds can steal water from thirsty plants, threatening their survival. A proactive approach that prevents weed growth is easier and less frustrating than dealing with weeds after they have sprouted. That means addressing weeds before they release seeds, and not waiting so long that the damage is already done. According to the home and landscape experts with This Old House, spraying herbicide for weeds in June and July can address weeds before seeds are set. Tilling and installing a new lawn in late August or the beginning of September can help the lawn establish itself before the first frosts arrive, all the while avoiding weed growth. The weed control experts at Roundup also suggest a springtime application of weed killer if this is the desired route. Early treatment can prevent weed roots from spreading too far
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in the soil, which can reduce the chances that weed remnants will be left behind to grow at a later time. Homeowners with small lawns or gardens or those who prefer hand-weeding or using nonchemical ways to treat weeds must take steps to address the weeds early. Gardeners can try suffocating weeds by placing wood, blocks or plastic over them. Wet newspaper used as mulch can block weed formation and also clear patches of unwanted grass so that garden beds can be mapped out. Pouring boiling water on weeds or pulling them by hand is more effective when roots are young and have not yet spread. The Idaho-based Town & Country Gardens suggests lawn and garden enthusiasts wait to tackle weeds. By waiting and applying weed treatments in the fall, when dandelions and other weeds are absorbing food and nutrients in larger quantities to survive winter, homeowners can rid their lawns and gardens of weeds efficiently.
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Amanda DeBaun Office Manager
201 E 3rd St., Moscow, ID (208) 882-5531 www.moscowrealty.com
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | April 2018 |
Upgrades can NewsUSA
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t’s time to stop thinking of Millennials as totally uninterested in owning anything just because they were early adopters of Uber. The newly released U.S. home ownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years - it now stands at 64.2 percent - driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the under-age 35 crowd who’d been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons. “This is happening because young households are buying homes. Full stop,” Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at home listings provider Trulia, told the Wall Street Journal. They’re not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you’re looking to sell your house now or in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades experts say are worth it to help attract potential buyers.
Cross-generational: a new steel door The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project - with a 90.7% return on investment - speaks directly to the report’s main takeaway: “Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home.” Plus, as far as Millennials go, while their ideal interiors may differ from older generations - for example, they prefer open floor plans and hardwood floors - Architectural Digest says they’re still into “traditional exteriors.”
Millennials: smart-home tech Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones. “They want to use their brains for other things, not for remembering whether they adjusted the heat or closed the garage door,” Angie’s List stressed.
Cross-generational: a new roof It’s the ultimate curb appeal enhancer and a perennial Remodeling magazine A-lister, with Credit.com having observed that “buyers pay a premium for one already in place.” So if the first thing prospects notice even before exiting
| April 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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really pay off their cars looks like something out of “Twister,” you’ve got a problem. “It’s a huge turn-off,” said Patsy O’Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, New Jersey, “and makes buyers of all ages predisposed to find even more things they don’t like.” If your roof does need replacing, those particularly interested in targeting Millennials might want to consider the very affordable Sienna line of diamond-shaped shingles from GAF (gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, since they capture that generation’s sensibilities. “They pick up on key Millennial style trends of natural, clean materials, clean lines, and the integration of artistic elements,” said Leslie Franklin, executive director of residential marketing at GAF.
Millennials: all-new appliances Realtors will tell you that major kitchen (and bath) upgrades aren’t generally worth their high costs, in terms of return on investment, since prospective buyers’ tastes can clash with yours. However, Millennials do love, love, love all-new stainless steel appliances. So much so that what RealtyTimes.com called “an astonishing majority of 75 percent” of respondents in a recent survey chose to spend their hypothetical home buying budgets on them.
Culligan Water LLC 320 NORTH JACKSON ST. Moscow, ID 83843 208-882-1351 www.culliganwaterllc.com
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | April 2018 |
Experiment with indoor edibles MetroCreative
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oodies find it hard to beat vine-ripened tomatoes plucked right out of a garden. Other edibles, such as fresh lettuce for a small luncheon salad or a handful of fresh parsley right out of a pot to add to a marinade, also add a lot to meals. The convenience and flavor of freshly grown edibles propels many home gardeners to grow produce and herb gardens in their yards. But those short on outdoor space may be happy to learn that many edibles grow equally as well indoors as outdoors. Many people maintain comfortable temperatures between 70 and 75 F in their homes all year long, which can be the ideal condition for growing an array of edibles no matter the season. For those with homes that receive ample sunlight (or if homeowners are willing to supplement with artifical light), growing conditions can be even stronger. An indoor garden can comprise as much space as a homeowner is willing to devote. Shelving can maximize vertical areas and enable gardeners to include even more planting room. Keep these tips in mind when cultivating indoor edible gardens. · Tomatoes: Tomatoes should be reserved for the sunniest spot in a home or one where additional UV light can be used. Tomatoes will need pots or containers that are roughly six inches deep with ample drainage. Keep in mind that tomatoes grown indoors will be smaller than outside fruits, and you may want to consider plum or cherry tomato | April 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
varieties. · Cucumbers: For those fresh salad mixes, cucumbers can be grown indoors in large pots so they can have space to develop. Be sure to put a climbing structure in the pot so that vines can grow vertically, and place cucumbers in a sunny, warm location. · Carrots: Natural Living Ideas says that if you have between four and five hours of bright sunlight per day and deep pots with loose, well-draining soil, you can cultivate carrots indoors. Carrots prefer cooler spots for sweet yields. Plus, carrot greens can make for attractive indoor decorations. · Microgreens: Swiss chard, basil, dill, kale, and other greens can provide nutrient-dense additions to any meals. These plants do not require a lot of depth to a container and can thrive on a sunny windowsill in a room that’s between 60 and 70 F. · Scallions: These plants of the onion family add flavor to many recipes. When scallions are grown at home, gardeners can snip off the greens as needed. Choose deep pots so the scallions can establish strong root systems. · Turnips: Large, deep pots are needed to grow turnips, says Loyal Gardener. You can grow them from seeds and be harvesting turnips in about two months. Homeowners or apartment dwellers can experiment with different types of edibles indoors. The result can be fresh foods no matter the season.
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Did you know? MetroCreaive
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ity dwellers looking to buy rather than rent an apartment may come across real estate listings categorized as “co-ops.” While co-ops can exist anywhere, Realtor.com notes that they are most common in big cities, comprising as much as 75 percent of the housing inventory in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. Co-op is short for “cooperative,” and people who buy into a co-op are not technically buying property but shares in an entity that owns the property where investors will ultimately live. The bigger the apartment in the building, the more shares the buyer will own. Residents of a co-op typically elect fellow residents to serve on the co-op board. That board is tasked with making a host of important decisions, including choosing who will and will not be allowed to join the cooperative. Co-op boards may require that applicants meet certain financial requirements.
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Unlike buying a single-family home, duplex, townhouse, or condominium, people interested in buying into a co-op may have put down no less than 20 percent the value of the apartment where they hope to live. Co-op dwellers will also be expected to pay monthly maintenance fees that go toward insurance, taxes and other building expenses.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | April 2018 |
The benefits of water features in garden landscapes MetroCreative
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any homeowners aspire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Exterior renovations may be high on homeowners’ to-do lists, and landscaping is oftentimes a key component of those projects. When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs. Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal.
Aesthetic appeal Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the landscape.
Soothing sound Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lapping on a shoreline elicit feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further enhancing the ambiance.
Brings texture Water has its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural elements, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines.
Enhance the natural ecosystem Water features can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may
10 | April 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
visit to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shimmering ripples. Inviting natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertainment by enjoying the animals and insects.
Remedy problem areas Rather than fighting with the landscape, homeowners can adapt it. An area of the yard prone to soggy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings.
Foster a passion Many people turn to water features so they can explore the hobby of nurturing an outdoor aquarium. Koi ponds are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal.
Add a personal touch Water features are as unique as the homeowners who create them. To set landscaping apart from neighbors’ homes, homeowners can add fountains, ponds or flowing water elements to their properties. Decorative water features also can be melded with pools and spas to help these manmade recreational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape. Water features can take landscapes to the next level with sounds, texture, movement, and beauty.
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3 buying/selling tips to know NewsUSA
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nsider tips -- who doesn’t love a good (legal) one? And when it comes to buying or selling a house, it turns out some of the very best -- ones that can translate into big bucks -- are those maybe only someone with Brian Williams’ imagination would think of. Want to know why, for example, Starbucks may be the greatest predictor of home-value appreciation? Read on.
March is the most profitable month
“You shouldn’t list your house for sale before March Madness or after the Masters (in April),” says Rascoff.
Your real estate agent’s gender matters Women, because they’re “more willing to negotiate,” tend to close deals faster, research suggests. But sellers take note: If you can hold out, men -- stubborn devils that they are -- are often better at getting the original asking price.
The Starbucks Effect.
For sellers, that is. According to Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Zillow.com, who mined his site’s database of millions of homes in co-authoring the newly released “Zillow Talk: The New Rules of Real Estate,” properties listed then sold faster and fetched 2 percent higher than average.
Don’t laugh. When Rascoff was checking his data, he discovered that, lo and behold, homes within a quarter mile of a Starbucks had appreciated 31 percent more -; 96 percent vs. 65 percent -; over the last 17 years than others nationwide.
Buyers, on the other hand, catch a break in December when even New York owners are apparently so demoralized by the cold that they’re willing to part with their homes for 2.8 percent less during the second week of the month.
“Is it that Starbucks is really great at picking locations, or is that Starbucks is sort of an omen of gentrification?” he writes. “It’s a little of each.”
Buying, Selling Or Renting — Let Our Experience Lead You Home!
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | April 2018 | 11
What would YOUR HOME sell for in today’s market? Now’s a GREAT TIME to find out, call one of our professional REALTORS® TODAY! Mark Blehm (509) 336-9935
Patti Green-Kent (509) 595-3740
Jason Brown (208) 669-1690
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Amy Honeywell (509) 432-9329
Kathy Motley (509) 432-6561
Stephanie Clark (509) 595-2798
Melanie Lange (509) 553-9451
Mick Nazerali (206) 794-7860
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Debbie Lawrence (208) 301-0108
Connie Newman (509) 595-1443
217 S. Main St. Moscow, ID (208) 882-0800 cbtmoscow.com
Eve Fortenbery (208) 301-8698
Shannon May (208) 892-9256
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405 S. Grand Ave. Pullman, WA (509) 334-0562 cbtpullman.com Palouse Living