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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
| June 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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Fair housing makes US stronger: Commemorating 50 years of the Fair Housing Act Courtesy of Debbie Lawrence, President, Latah County Board of REALTORS®
Fair housing is more than a list of dos and don’ts, rights and penalties, and mandatory continuing education. As stewards of the right to own, use and transfer private property, fair housing protects our livelihood and business as REALTORS® and depends on a free, open market that embraces equal opportunity. Fair Housing Makes US Stronger.
50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act In 2018 the National Association of REALTORS® will join with our partners and allies in a year-long commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. The commemoration will focus on three key elements of Fair Housing: · Acknowledging the organization’s past role in the fight for fair housing;
· Understanding how we as a nation are constantly improving our commitment to fair housing; and · Embracing REALTORS®’ role at the forefront of advancing fair housing, leading efforts to address community fair housing issues.
Fair Housing for All NAR and Latah County Board of REALTORS® firmly believes in equal opportunity in housing. No person of this country should have the right to rent or purchase shelter of choice abridged because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Furthermore, these rights should not be limited because of existing or desired ethnic, racial, or religious proportions in any defined area.
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
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 2018 |
How to conserve water as the mercury rises MetroCreative
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onserving natural resources is often so simple that people make some adjustments without affecting their daily lives at all. But sometimes it’s not so easy to conserve. Summer is one time of year when conservation efforts tend to require more sacrifice than normal. Even the most devoted conservationist may find it difficult to conserve water during the dog days of summer, when drought and soaring temperatures make it difficult to maintain lawns and gardens. Thankfully, there are ways to help lawns and gardens withstand summer’s dog days without wasting water.
Water wisely Watering lawns and gardens in the early morning hours is a savvy move for various reasons. Heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion pose a serious threat to people of all ages, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cooling off in air conditioned places as temperatures climb. By watering their lawns and gardens
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early in the morning, homeowners are ensuring they won’t be outside watering during those times of day when their risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion is at its peak. In addition, watering in the early morning when the sun has not yet reached its peak decreases the amount of water that will be lost to evaporation, thereby increasing the amount of water that will make it into water-needy lawns and gardens.
Shower at the beach Beach enthusiasts can conserve water and save money on their water bills by taking quick showers at the beach to wash the sand off. A cold shower can be the perfect remedy after a long day of soaking up some sun at the beach. And because beach showers use cold water, beachgoers are less likely to take luxurious, potentially wasteful showers than they might at home.
Take nights off from doing dishes Hand-washing dishes may seem like a more effective way to conserve water than using a dishwasher, but that’s not the case. The National Resources Defense Council notes that hand-washing dishes can consume as many as 27 gallons of water, while Energy Star®-rated dishwashers consume just three gallons of water. Before running the dishwasher, make sure it’s full.
Cover your pool Keeping pools covered during the dog days of summer reduces the likelihood that pool water will be lost to evaporation. In fact, the GRACE Communications Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating sustainable food systems, notes that uncovered pools can lose as much as 1,000 gallons of water to evaporation each month.
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!
4 | June 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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How to manage relocating for a new job MetroCreative
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oving can be a considerable undertaking. While working professionals who are single or married with no children may find it easier to move than men and women with families, it’s fair to say that anyone who is moving in the near future has some significant work ahead of them. In its Job Relocation Survey, the moving company Allied Van Lines found that people move for a variety of reasons. Fifty percent of the 3,500 respondents indicated they relocated for career advancement or money, and many more indicated they relocated because of a job transfer (12 percent), their companies moved (9 percent) and to be closer to family/relationships (8 percent). Regardless of what’s motivating men and women to relocate, and whether or not they’re relocating on their own or uprooting their families, various strategies can make a
forthcoming move go more smoothly.
Inquire about relocation assistance The Allied survey found that 63 percent of companies offered relocation packages. That’s a considerable perk, as moving can be expensive, especially for adults moving to different parts of the country. Asking about relocation expenses before being offered a job can be tricky, but some companies may mention such packages in their job ads or in their initial meetings with out-of-town candidates.
Ask what relocation packages cover Relocation packages vary from company to company. The Allied Survey found that 54 percent of companies that offered such packages covered moving expenses, while 21 percent
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 2018 |
Tiny homes and the women who love them By Lisa Prevost // Realtor.com
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wo years ago, Renee Randau McLaughlin, now 48, made the decision to go tiny at a time of personal upheaval. The younger of her two daughters had gone off to college. She was under financial strain, partly due to a divorce. And she was renting a house in an Iowa neighborhood where she knew no one. Then, returning home from work one day, McLaughlin discovered that her boyfriend had left her, taking all of his things while she was out. And so, ready for a dramatic life change, McLaughlin found an 87-square-foot, solar-powered house with wheels on Craigslist that she decided would be her next home. “I was looking for independence,” McLaughlin says. “I wasn’t taking care of anyone else on a daily basis, so it was a really good time to focus on taking care of myself.”
says Ryan Mitchell, managing editor of the Tiny Life. “I see more women than men in both of those categories,” says Mitchell. One reason for the popularity of tiny homes among women can be traced to the continuing disparity between men’s and women’s incomes. The average price of a budget-friendly tiny home, which is usually 400 square feet or less, is only about $60,000, says Mitchell. Those who build their own can pay just half that. Compare the size and cost with national medians for single-family homes. In 2016, newly constructed homes clocked in at just over 2,400 square feet, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meanwhile, the median national home price was nearly $275,000, according to the most recent realtor.com® data.
When it comes to tiny homes, the future is female. McLaughlin represents the largest and still growing market for tiny houses: women seeking a simpler, more affordable way of living. About 55% of tiny-house dwellers are female, compared with 45% of men, according to online surveys conducted by the Tiny Life, an informational website for tiny-house enthusiasts. Although there are no data on how many are part of a couple, the estimated household income of these radical downsizers is about $42,000 a year.
More women want to learn to build their own tiny homes
McLaughlin’s plain and boxy house wasn’t much to look at on the outside, but McLaughlin liked its relatively good-sized bathroom and mobility. She bought it for less than $10,000 and first parked it on a family member’s property outside Oskaloosa, IA.
Some women simply relish the challenge, considering that home construction is often a male-dominated field.
Glad to be free of rent and utility bills—she relied on the home’s solar power and refillable water tank—she also loved the flexibility of her stripped-down lifestyle. Her home is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Tiny-home enthusiasts tend to be millennials and baby boomers. The younger generation often would rather save some cash by buying a tiny home instead of a much larger abode, and use their leftover funds on things such as traveling. Meanwhile, baby boomers are seeking to downsize and shed costly home-related expenses as they eye retirement, | June 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
Roughly 75% of tiny-home enthusiasts aspire to build their own house, which means “more and more women are picking up hammers,” Mitchell says. He’s seen their interest firsthand. At his website’s annual tiny-house conference, the workshop on how to use power tools typically draws an audience that is 80% to 90% female.
“It’s very empowering for women to know and see that they can accomplish projects that they maybe never could have before,” says McLaughlin, who hopes to eventually build her own house. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment with building and creating.” Tracey Powell, 39, an architectural consultant in the Boston area, built her 150-square-foot house as a weekend project with her brother. Having spent much of their childhood living in a recreational vehicle and with parents in the construction business, the siblings were especially suited to the undertaking. Powell ended up spending about $65,000 on her house on wheels because she opted for efficient, chemical-free materials and luxuries such as radiant heating. The house,
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parked at an RV park in Brookline, NH, is also wired for mobile connectivity, so she can control the temperature, lighting, and shades when she’s away. “Had I purchased the house, it would have been closer to $200,000,” she says.
It’s easier to live in a tiny home when you’re solo Being single makes it easier to live tiny, Powell notes, and that’s likely another factor in the relative popularity of tiny houses among women—more are living alone. In 2016, women represented 53.2% of all singles over the age of 18, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Powell doesn’t expect to remain unattached forever. For her, the tiny house is “transitional, not something I plan to do for the rest of my life.” While she knows many tiny-house enthusiasts would disagree with her, she doesn’t think 150 square feet is enough space for two people, particularly if they’re attempting to become intimate in a loft-style bed. “Your normal activities are pretty manageable, but acoustically and odor-wise, the kitchen and bathroom are the big ones that just do not work,” she says. Lisa Prevost is a New York City–area journalist specializing in housing and real estate development
Buying, Selling Or Renting — Let Our Experience Lead You Home!
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Tracey Powell helped build this 150-square-foot home. Provided by Tracey Powell
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 2018 |
Design your dream outdoor entertaining space MetroCreative
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pon the arrival of warm weather, many individuals prefer to spend their free time outside, relishing the fresh air and sunshine and evenings spent under the stars. But cracked patios and makeshift chairs and tables may not establish the desired ambiance. An outdoor entertaining area that offers the same amenities found inside a home can make outdoor retreats both comfortable and functional. Creative planning can help homeowners design dream areas perfect for hosting friends or family.
Establish goals As with any project, the first step when coordinating outdoor living areas is to determine what you hope to achieve with the space. Will it be a location for lounging? Will people be cooking meals outside? Is the pool the central focus of the yard? Answering these questions and more can help homeowners decide how to design their entertaining spaces. Remember, however, that goals may evolve as landscape designers and even architects make their own suggestions
for the space or present limitations.
Evaluate the space Look at the lot and decide what will go where, such as where to place the party space, where to create a quiet hideaway and where to locate a poolhouse or outdoor shower. A large, flat yard can be divided into a series of patios that serve different purposes. Yards that are built on a hill or a slope can still be utilized with creative design elements, such as multi-tiered decking. By working with qualified designers, homeowners can bring their ideas to life.
Easy food and drink access Traipsing in and out of the house for refreshments can become tiresome when entertaining outside. In such situations, people also can track dirt inside of the home or leave a trail of pool water in their wake. Outdoor kitchens allow easy access to food and drink that makes outdoor entertaining much easier. The experts at Angie’s List suggest outdoor kitchens be built close to the house to make it easier to run electricity and plumbing to the outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens should include a sink, small refrigerator, built-in grill, and bar area.
Creature comforts Homeowners should think about the things that make the inside of their homes so comfortable and then replicate that outside. Sofas and loveseats covered in fabric suited for outdoors and plenty of pillows can make for great lounging. Lighting that can be adjusted for day or night, or even to set the mood, is another consideration. Shade structures, like a trellis or retractable awning, will keep the area comfortable and can also define outdoor “rooms� and establish privacy.
Fire it up Many homeowners enjoy having fire elements in their yards. Lanterns and candles may create a romantic feel, but a fire pit or outdoor fireplace may help extend use of the outdoor entertaining area beyond summer. Entertaining outdoors is made that much more enticing with a dream outdoor living space full of amenities. | June 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
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(Relocating continued...) gave new hires a lump sum of money to use as they deemed necessary. One in five companies even sponsored trips to search for homes. Adults who are offered relocation packages should get the specifics so they can start creating moving budgets.
Emphasize organization Much of the stress associated with relocating can be traced to the logistics of uprooting oneself and one’s family. Men and women who are unaccustomed to making lists may want to start, as doing so can help keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed before hitting the road. Various unique tasks, from canceling utilities to changing insurance policies, must be completed before moving, and it’s easy to lose track of what’s been done and what hasn’t. Maintaining a to-do list and checking off tasks as they’re completed can simplify the relocation process.
Rent your first home The Allied survey found that 31 percent of respondents indicated the most challenging part of relocating for a job was finding a home, while 29 percent felt acclimating to their new community was the most challenging aspect of their relocation. Adults who rent their first homes upon relocating
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can remove some of the pressure to find the perfect home, knowing full well their first home in their new community will be temporary. If possible, rent in a location that makes it easy to immerse yourself in your new community, which should make the adjustment easier. In addition, place items that are unnecessary for day-to-day life in storage. Having some of your possessions already packed should make your next move less stressful. Relocating for a job can be exciting and stressful. But there are ways to make moving go smoothly.
Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 2018 |
Dealing with the boring parts of the home-buying process By Cathie Ericson // Realtor.com
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hen all is said and done, buying a home is exciting— and a milestone to be celebrated. But if you expect each step of the process to be a thrill ride, we’re here to tell you you’re sorely mistaken. In fact, between the rush of the hunt for the perfect place and the extreme satisfaction of crossing your threshold as a new homeowner, the rest of the home-buying process can be a bit of a slog. There are many unglamorous parts of buying a home— some of which many consider downright boring. Do the words “financial due diligence” make your eyelids feel heavy? Yeah, ours too. But when you know what to expect and why, it’s a whole lot easier to deal. So pay attention to these three very mundane—but very important—parts of the home-buying process. We’ve outlined why they matter and how to get through them without losing your sanity.
Raising your credit score Savvy home buyers know that a good credit score will allow them to lock in a good interest rate. But what if your credit score is in the gutter? Raising it can take some time—a year, if not more—but there are some strategies you can take to get it where it needs to be. One of the easiest and most effective ways to bump up that credit score (besides paying all your bills on time, which you already do anyway, right?) is to avoid applying for any new credit—including personal loans, car loans or leases, and
10 | June 2018 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune
credit cards—for about one year before starting the homebuying process, says Shayan Jalali, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, in Boston. “Your credit gets pulled each time you apply for a loan of any type, which negatively impacts your credit score,” he says. And that can translate to a less favorable rate when it comes time to get a mortgage.
Securing a mortgage pre-approval Once you’re satisfied with your credit, it’s time to shop for a mortgage lender who will ultimately help you buy a home. We won’t lie: Shopping for a mortgage lender is not fun. It requires a number of steps and a lot of paperwork. First, you’re going to want to inquire with different lenders to learn about their rates, programs, fees, and specials. You’ll also want to consider if you want to work with a mortgage broker, who will essentially shop home loans for you. It’s important to take the time to discuss the ins and outs of the loan programs that are available, from conventional 30-year loans to adjustable-rate mortgages, to FHA loans. Once you’ve settled on where you want your loan to come from, it’s time to get that all-important pre-approval, which is a commitment from your lender to provide you with a home loan up to a certain amount. That will set your home-buying budget, and also show sellers that you are serious about
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buying when it comes time to put an offer in.
without fully reading contract documents. This is especially common for buyers who have made multiple offers, as they all start to blur together. Its important to read every document for each offer to ensure that the contracts were completed correctly, including the offer price, earnest money deposit, and any contingencies, says Andi Costello, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties, in Vancouver, WA.
But the pre-approval process takes patience. “Lenders require a host of documents to get you fully pre-approved, and often it comes down to minutiae such as explanations of small transactions in or out of your account,” says Luke Loiselle, a real estate agent at Keller Williams, in Portland, OR. The plus side is that once you have your preapproval, you can largely check tedious mortgage tasks off the list.
Reading the fine print Spoiler alert: You are going to be bombarded with financial, legal, and technical documents during the home-buying process—and unfortunately, it’s your job to read through all of it. Even if that sounds about as exciting as trudging through “War and Peace,” don’t skimp on the time it takes to understand the contracts you’re signing. The best way to get through all the painful paperwork is to know what to expect. Here are the three most important documents that are going to come your way: Your offer: Once you and your real estate agent have put together an offer, you have to look over the contract and make sure its accurate. In the age of digital signature technology, buyers often click to add their initials or signature
Inspection report: Soffits. Fascia. Ductwork. We get it, the inspection report can be a snooze. In fact, if the roof isnt falling off and the sellers are not planning to remove that orange shag carpet, then you may decide you can just ignore the whole thing. But that would be a mistake. Even if youve received a verbal update after the inspection, you should actually read the report you paid for to ensure the inspector didn’t inadvertently forget to share any areas of concern,” Costello says. Closing documents: Get ready for a pile of closing documents about 2 inches thick. Its in your best interest to master all the intricacies of your mortgage and understand your closing fees, so make sure to look over your closing documents and have your lender explain any issues that you’re concerned about so you know what youre signing. Cathie Ericson is a journalist who writes about real estate, finance, and health. She lives in Portland, OR. Follow @CathieEricson
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Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 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
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217 S. Main St. Moscow, ID (208) 882-0800 cbtmoscow.com
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405 S. Grand Ave. Pullman, WA (509) 334-0562 cbtpullman.com Palouse Living