Your Home, Your Life, 2017

Page 1

Your Home 2017Your Life

An Advertising Supplement to the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

April 30, 2017

Spring Greetings from your LCAR President Spring has finally arrived in the Lewis Clark Valley and we could not be more excited! With the sun shining, green lawns, and beautiful blooming flowers, the Realtors of the L-C Valley are hard at work with a high demand and a low supply for homes in all price ranges. Our Valley is a unique and beautiful place to live. With the increase in tourism and the recent American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation, our Valley will continue to become a desired place to live and bloom. The hardworking Realtors of the Lewis-Clark Association of Realtors strive to uphold the Realtors Code of Ethics and take continuous training in all areas of the real estate industry to facilitate the complex details of each real estate transaction. Along with our affiliated partners in the industry, our appraisers, lenders, title companies, home inspectors, and others involved; we are here to serve the L-C Valley. To learn more about the Lewis-Clark Assocation of Reatlors, or to find your dream home, visit us online at www.lcarealtors.com.

All the Best,

Shelly L. Miles 2017 President, Lewis-Clark Association of Realtors

Lewis-Clark Assocation of Reatlors 810 Main Street, Lewiston, ID 83501 |

208-746-2019 |

info@lcarealtors.com

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

Set aside cash for ‘extras’ GreenShoot Media

I

f you haven’t been through a home sale or purchase, you might not be prepared for the extra costs you could incur during the process. Make sure you sit down with your budget to understand exactly how much money you can devote to the transaction. This includes your down payment, title costs and moving expenses. Don’t forget any extra purchases you’ll need to make after moving in. Even if your new home is fully furnished, there are hidden costs that you will want to prepare to cover. If you’re selling a home, be prepared to give and take a bit on your final asking price. Once a buyer hires an inspector to assess the home, there might be items you will be asked to either pay for or fix. This can lead to unforeseen expenses.

Up-front costs The website Homefinder.com has put together a helpful chart for home buyers to consider before signing the dotted line on a mortgage. Use it to calculate the minimum you should save for your home purchase and estimate what the upfront costs could be on the high end. Cost category Down payment Home inspection Closing costs Cash reserves

Low estimate 3.5% of purchase price $300 2% of purchase price 2 months of payments

High estimate 20% of purchase price $500 5% of purchase price 6 months of payments

IMAGINE THE

By taking these figures into consideration, you can help stay on top of your required costs, while also building an amount on the side that can help float any extra costs.

Track your spending The good news is that there are easy ways to quickly stockpile extra cash for your home purchase or sale. The first step is tracking your spending.

Here are a few tips: · Assess your expenses. Two of the largest spending categories for a typical household are housing and transportation costs. Consider moving to a cheaper unit while you save for your down payment. Go to a one-car household if you can feasibly do so. This will cut down on your car payments, insurance costs and gas and maintenance expenses. · Reduce your bills. How much are you paying for your monthly satellite TV and video streaming services? Make some cuts to free up a little cash for your real estate fund. · Pay off debt. A great way to increase your cash flow is to pay off debts that is taking up a big portion of your budget. Get those high-interest credit cards under control and watch your savings account grow.

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April 30, 2017

Granite still top list of home improvements

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espite the sputtering economy, consumer spending on home renovation remains healthy. Across the nation, homeowners are investing in home remodeling projects; either to make their homes more appealing to buyers or more comfortable and enjoyable while they ride out the housing slump. And one of the most popular home improvements is, once again, granite countertops. A recent study of 10,000 consumers, conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, found kitchen renovations remain at the top of the list for consumers seeking to add value to their homes. When the study asked homeowners, “If you were changing your kitchen now and had no budget constraints, what improvement would you make?� granite countertops were among the kitchen features they coveted most. Many consumers are tightening their belts but remain eager for granite countertops, according to Garis Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble Institute of America. “Historically, consumers recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of a home in ways few other improvements

can,� said Distelhorst. “No other countertop surface can measure up to granite in terms of practicality, timeless beauty, durability and safety. This natural stone has held its value in ways more trendy materials have not.� Consumers continue to invest confidently in kitchen makeovers because the projects typically increase the resale value of their homes. In the last five years, kitchen remodeling projects have generally returned 80 to 85 percent of consumers’ investments, according to the “Cost versus Value Report� from Remodeling magazine. Because kitchen renovations increase resale values, experts agree that if consumers can only afford to renovate one room in their homes, it should be the kitchen. In fact, an all-new kitchen “that looks great and is fun to work in� was the top priority of 2,200 home enthusiasts surveyed recently by Better Homes and Gardens magazine. “What we’ve discovered is that the home continues to be our emotional center and the sweet spot of everyday life,� said Gayle Butler, Better Home’s editor in chief. “Economic uncertainty aside, we won’t stop spending, improving and dreaming.�

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April 30, 2017

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

Paying off a mortgage early

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f you cringe every time you send an online payment or check to your bank for your mortgage, you’re not alone. We all want to live debt free, right? Even if you had access to a large chunk of money that could completely pay off your mortgage, would it be wise to do so? Should you be sending double or even triple your minimum payment amount every month in an effort to pay down your mortgage? The answer depends on your financial goals and future. Consider the following questions when putting together your mortgage payoff plan:

What is your other debt? With 30-year fixed mortgages still relatively low, a mortgage offers a great solution for you to build credit and invest in your future. Consider the rates for other debt, such as your credit cards. The financial website Bankrate reports that the average variable interest rate for credit cards stands at around 16.28 percent. If you have extra money to pay down some debts, your best strategy is probably to focus on knocking down your highest-interest

No matter what changes you are making,

debt. This helps get you out of “bad credit” situations that can affect your credit score. Lenders like to see that you have low balances on credit cards. Paying more than the minimum payment can help you cut into these debts in a big way. Once you have these under control, it makes sense to move on to your mortgage payments.

Is this your forever home? What sense does paying off your mortgage make if you’re just going to be moving in a couple of years? Speak with your financial advisor or local accountant for better ways to place your extra money in low-risk investments. This will help your money grow as you continue in your career. If you plan to stay in your home forever, paying it off makes a lot of sense. By paying a extra each month, you can shave thousands of dollars off the amount you’ll pay in interest over the life of your mortgage. This can lead to a more financially secure future in retirement and beyond.

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

April 30, 2017

Remodel or move?

GreenShoot Media

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t’s the intersection at which many individuals and couples are forced to make a major life decision: Should we remodel or move?

Your first instinct after outgrowing your current residence might be to put it on the market, but if you love your home and shudder at the thought of leaving it, you may have some other options. Adding on to your house or performing an extensive remodel might give you the extra space you need. Your budget and creativity are the two main factors in pulling off a remodel that satisfies your space and livability requirements, so sit down with a contractor or financial advisor to put together your plan. Reasons to sell Sometimes, moving is inevitable. You might land a great job or have to move away to handle family issues, making staying in your current location physically and financially impossible. If selling is your only choice, you can at least take comfort in the fact that you’ll be able to enlist the help of a local Realtor to help facilitate the process while you take care of your new life circumstances. Your Realtor can keep you in the loop on any offers and let you know of any issues keeping buyers from pulling the trigger on making an offer. Ways to remodel Conversely, if there isn’t a major life change on your horizon and you love your current home, location and neighborhood, maybe you’re just due for a remodel. Even if you love your area and your home fits your overall lifestyle, there may still be parts of the home that aren’t working for you. Is the master bathroom outdated? Does the landscaping need an overhaul? Here are a few remodeling tips that can make a big difference in your overall love for the home, as well as your resale value should you need to make a move one day: Little things: Changing out light fixtures and updating your appliances can make a world of difference in the overall look and feel of your home. These are also relatively inexpensive projects that can add immediate value. A new backsplash: Transforming a room from drab to dramatic is as easy as updating the backsplash. Add peel-and-stick backsplash tile to your kitchen or bathroom for an instant upgrade or hire a professional crew to install top-tier tile. Whatever

you decide, you’ll enjoy your new backsplash for years to come. Consider curb appeal: Making small tweaks to the landscaping by seeding the lawn or planting vibrantly colored flowers help make you enjoy spending time in your yard again. Power wash your home, plant a tree or add a garden shed. These steps can add functionality and beauty to your outdoor space.

April 30, 2017

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

April 30, 2017

Pets and our homes

GreenShoot Media

W

hen making decisions about buying, selling or renovating your home, don’t forget about Fido.

sacrifices pet owners are willing to make when it comes to buying and selling homes.

The 2017 Animal House: Remodeling Impact report from the National Association of Realtors found that 81 percent of respondents said animalrelated considerations play a role when deciding on their next living situation.

· Eighty-nine percent of those surveyed said they would not give up their animal because of housing restrictions or limitations. · Twelve percent of pet owners have moved to accommodate their animal.

From specific building materials that hold up to pet wear and tear to renovation projects that make life easier on pets, American pet owners are crazy about their four-legged friends.

· Nineteen percent said they would consider moving to accommodate their animal in the future. · Fifty-two percent of respondents indicated that they had completed a home renovation project specifically to accommodate their animal.

Considering that 61 percent of households in the United States either have a pet or plan to get one in the future, today’s generation of pooches and kittens might have more marketplace influence than we think.

The viewpoints of Realtors also was taken into consideration for the study:

Pets by the numbers Here are some more fun facts from the NAR’s 2017 animal study: · Ninety-nine percent of pet owners said they consider their animal part of the family, and this becomes apparent in the CO

ATTENTION ALL HOME BUYERS

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· When it comes to selling, 67 percent of Realtors say animals have a moderate to major effect on selling a home. · Sixty-six percent of Realtors say that they advise animal-owning sellers to replace things in the home damaged by an animal.

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

Trends of 2017

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ny time a new presidential administration takes office, the real estate industry as a whole tends to take notice. Factors such as interest rates and market uncertainty can impact buyers, sellers and investors.

With President Donald Trump and his staff taking over the country, we can expect to see some changes in the home buying and selling processes.

Interest rates Between Trump’s election and February 2017, interest rates shot up 40 basis points (0.4 percentage points), according to economic research by the Realtor.com team. This boost marked the end of record-low interest rates that had been seen over the previous few years. According to the organization’s forecast, the 2017 national real estate market is predicted to slow compared with the past two years. These shifts in the interest rate can make a difference to firsttime homebuyers, who rely heavily on getting as much bang for their buck as possible.

Major demographics Look no further than the two largest American generations in history for indicators of who will move the markets in 2017 and

beyond. Millennials and baby boomers are both in the thick of life stages that generally are associated with moving. Millennials are starting families and landing new jobs, requiring them to rethink their current living situation or buy bigger homes. Boomers are retiring or becoming empty-nesters, facilitating the need to downsize their homes or even sell them for extra retirement income. The analysis by Realtor.com predicts that millennials will make up 33 percent of buyers in 2017. If we see a return to lower interest rates anytime soon, that number could move even higher.

Home prices: a moving target Realtor.com also reports that home prices are expected to slow nationally to 3.9 percent growth year over year, from an estimated 4.9 percent in 2016. What does this mean for the country’s major markets? · Of the 100 largest metros in the country, 26 markets are expected to see price acceleration of 1 percentage point or more, with Greensboro, N.C., Akron, Ohio and Baltimore experiencing the largest gains. · Likewise, 46 markets are expected to see a slowdown in price growth of 1 percentage point or more, with Lakeland, Fla.; Durham, N.C.; and Jackson, Miss., expected to undergo the largest downturns.

Host a successful yard sale

I

MetroCreative

nstead of giving away unwanted items that have gathered dust around the house, many people turn to garage and yard sales to transform their clutter into some extra money. Yard sales may not be a “get rich quick” scheme, but they present an environmentally friendly way to clean up a home. Statistics collecting resource Statistics Brain says that roughly 165,000 yard/garage sales take place in the United States each week. Nearly 700,000 people purchase something at those sales, leading to millions of dollars exchanging hands. Yard sales may seem straightforward, but there are a few strategies to ensure such sales go boom rather than bust.

Choose the right date and time

the sale is one method. Signs should be bold, simple and easily readable for passing motorists. Place ads in local newspapers, online and on grocery store bulletin boards, and use social media to spread the word of the sale even further. Be sure to give ample notice of the sale so that shoppers can mark their calendars.

Make for easy browsing Arrange goods for sale into categories and pay attention to presentation. You may generate more sales if items are easy to see and browsing is made easy. Put items you expect to draw the most attention popular near the end of the driveway to entice passersby.

Plan when to hold the sale by looking at the calendar and choosing an open weekend. Many people host their yard sales on Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings, theorizing that this is when the most people will be free to browse their wares.

A neat and inviting appearance also may convey that you’ve taken care of your home and your belongings. Play some music and offer light refreshments to create a convivial atmosphere.

Begin early in the morning so that shoppers will not need to disrupt their schedules much to visit neighborhood sales. A 7 a.m. start time will attract the early birds and free up most of the day.

It’s tempting to overprice items, but a good rule of thumb is to mark things for one-half to one-third of the original value. Be open to negotiation, but try to haggle with a “buy one get one” approach, rather than marking down the price considerably. After all, the goal is to get rid of as many items as possible, with financial gain a distant second.

Advertise the sale To reach the maximum number of shoppers, advertise your sale in various ways. Signage around the neighborhood announcing

Price things reasonably

10

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

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April 30, 2017

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April 30, 2017

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April 30, 2017

Is a VA Loan right for you?

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A

Refinancing fees and eligibility

s a member of the military, your service grants you access to the VA Loan Guaranty program, an initiative that can mean major savings in your monthly home payments. The loan is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and may be issued by qualified lenders.

The interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL) is designed to provide veterans a lower interest rate. To refinance into an IRRRL, you must already have a VA mortgage. Here are some costs you can expect to pay, via the VA:

According to mortgage software company Ellie Mae, VA mortgage rates routinely beat “market� rates by more than a quarter of a percentage point. The company handles more than 3.7 million loan applications annually.

¡ On a VA cash-out refinance, it’s 2.15 percent of the total loan, unless it isn’t your first VA loan. In that case, it’s 3.3 percent.

Consider these statistics from Ellie Mae: ¡ In January 2017, for the 33rd straight month, VA mortgage rates beat rates for comparable mortgages via the FHA, and via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. ¡ VA mortgage rates consistently beat conventional mortgage rates by 25 basis points (0.25 percent) or more on any given day. ¡ By contrast, FHA mortgage rates now beat conventional rates by only 19 basis points (0.19 percent). ¡ VA mortgages never require mortgage insurance, whether you put down 20 percent or nothing at all.

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Consider the institution If you decide to look into a VA loan for purchase or refinance, consider finding a mortgage lender that specializes in these types of programs. To qualify for a VA refinance, you must be an activeduty service member, an honorably discharged veteran or the spouse of a current service member or veteran. These loans can still be considered a niche product, so research lenders first.

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

13

What to look for in a new house

NewsUSA

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ortgage rates have remained low, and home prices are stable or rising in most communities.

A September 2015 poll by NeighborWorks America discovered that nearly 90 percent of consumers consider home ownership at least somewhat important. Guarantee your home ownership success by following these guidelines from NeighborWorks America:

1. Get professional help. The best way to learn what you need to know about buying a home is to meet with a nonprofit housing counselor. Look for a certified professional who can explain the different mortgages and interest rates, the effect of credit scores on loan approval, how much down payment is needed for purchase and how much home you can really afford. “The housing market is tough right now, with fewer homes for sale on the market than usual, and new mortgage rules and many mortgage products to choose,� said Marietta Rodriguez, vice president for homeownership and lending at NeighborWorks America. “To be in the strongest position to make an offer that is accepted, consumers have to be prepared. That’s where initial consultation with a housing counselor is vital, even before meeting with other professionals involved in the process.�

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Dominique Roberts Peggy Jones 208-791-5663 208-792-1828

Tom Scher 509-780-8249

Harty Schmaehl Sage Stoddard 714-658-4532 208-413-0232

Glen Strahan Brian Wilson Holly Todhunter 208-816-0642 Office Administrator 208-305-6257

2. Build a budget. Smart consumers approach home ownership with a budget, but surveys show that less than one-third of potential buyers have one. Start with a budget that includes potential changes in commuting costs, home maintenance expenses and even life changes, such as becoming a parent or paying for college. “Once all the numbers are on the table, it’s easier to see what type of home suits a family’s budget and needs, what might be necessary financial trade-offs and what could be a direct line to trouble,� said Rodriguez.

3. Be determined, not desperate. A winning bid on the wrong home can spell trouble. A bidding war could weaken your determination to find the right home while pushing the limits of your budget. Moreover, sellers know that desperate buyers may avoid inspection contingencies. “Forgoing a home inspection to move up a place in the bidding process could be costly down the road if problems and defects with the home arise. NeighborWorks recommends that homebuyers have a home inspection, and know as much as possible about the inside of a home as the outside,� added Rodriguez.

“We Hold Ourselves To A Higher Standard Of Practice.� Just Ask Our Clients.

All Star Realty, LLC t Lewiston/Clarkston t (SBOHFWJMMF See ALL MLS @ windermereallstar.com @ Windermere All Star Realty, LLC

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

14

April 30, 2017

4 surprising tips to know before buying or selling

NewsUSA

I

nsider tips -- who doesn’t love a good (legal) one?

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.

· March is the most profitable month. For sellers, that is. According to Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Zillow.com, who mined his site’s database of millions of homes, properties listed then sold faster and fetched 2 percent higher than average. 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.

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.

A new roof is a sure-fire way to boost a home’s resale value Forget kitchen remodeling. “You could spend a fortune, and it

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still might not suit prospective buyers’ tastes,” explains Patsy O’Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby’s in Montclair, New Jersey. Replacing an unsightly roof with a spiffy new one -- better for that all-important “curb appeal” -- was one of the very few projects singled out in Remodeling magazine’s new annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2015, rising a chart-topping 5.9 percent over even last year’s double-digit increase. In fact, says O’Neill -- and, sellers, pay close attention to the psychology here -- if your current roof really is an eyesore, buyers will be “predisposed” to find a zillion other things they hate about your place. Ergo, those craving the look of luxury at affordable prices should check out the Value Collection Lifetime Designer Shingles from GAF (www.gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacture.

The Starbucks Effect 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. “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.”

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

Financing to make you feel at home

Choosing a lender and the right home mortgage consultant is as important as choosing a mortgage. A powerful combination is imperative for you today and tomorrow. Backed by Wells Fargo, you can expect the best possible service from us to help you: • Plan effectively • Purchase confidently • Own successfully You’ll find loan options for most kinds of home financing needs. Plus resources to help you prepare for homeownership and feel more comfortable in today’s real estate market Contact one of our Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultants for your PriorityBuyer® preapproval today.

Crystal Nelson Home Mortgage Consultant 208-791-4422

Jody Lauzon Home Mortgage Consultant 208-799-6270

Teresa D. Koepke Home Mortgage Consultant 208-305-5904

Wesley Lloyd Gossage Branch Manager 208-799-6255

crystal.d.nelson@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/crystal-nelson1 NMLSR ID 189090

teresa.d.koepke@wellsfargo.com www.teresakoepke.com NMLSR ID 755325

jody.lauzon@wellsfargo.com www.wfhm.com/jody-lauzon NMLSR ID 400375

wesley.gossage@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 400369

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. AS3379379 Expires 07/2017

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

April 30, 2017

Dare to dream: Add functional Family Features

T

Natural light and fresh air from above

urning your home into the living space of your dreams takes effort and commitment, but while the weather is warm and motivation is on your side, it’s time to put your visions to the test.

You can brighten your space in an eco-friendly way with Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh air skylights from Velux America, which provide natural light and ventilation to reduce energy costs.

Whether you choose to start your renovation project on the inside or outside, for fun or for function, the important part is committing to getting it done and doing it right.

Adding solar-powered blinds can further increase energy efficiency. The skylights carry a 10-year, no-leak installation warranty and, along with the blinds, operate by remote control, closing automatically when it rains. Both products, along with installation costs, qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit. To find certified installers, visit whyskylights.com.

That includes finding the right materials and products to suit your specific needs and style, whether it’s for closet organization, a beautiful kitchen upgrade, adding features like skylights or anything in between. Your dreams and desires for your home are attainable and within your reach, so long as you’re devoted and willing to put in the time. Find more home upgrade tips and tricks at eLivingToday.com.

Versatile home storage It’s time to get organized. Turn any closet or area in your home into a designer-inspired storage showcase with ClosetMaid’s SuiteSymphony line. This affordable, DIY system is available in multiple finishes and styles, and offers accessories such as doors, drawers, shoe shelves and expandable hang rods for total customization. Find free design, inspiration and organization solutions at closetmaid.com/ suitesymphony.

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April 30, 2017

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

17

features for a desirable home Functional furniture Ideal for enjoying a serene cup of coffee or welcoming guests for some outdoor fun, you can liven up your backyard space with a patio furniture set to help both aesthetically and functionally. The right set for your deck, patio or yard can lend a pleasing element to the eye and a comfortable spot to sit and eat, drink or rest after a friendly game of whiffle ball. Available in myriad colors and combinations, look for patio furniture that matches your style and personal preferences.

Backyard getaway Find a comfortable temperature and enter your most relaxed state at any time with your own backyard hot tub. The gateway

to a restful opportunity, a hot tub gives you a chance to close your eyes and unwind whether it’s the end of a long day or starting out your Saturday morning. With varying options like in-ground or above and a multitude of sizes, plus the ability to tune individual jets to your liking, a backyard hot tub can be the perfect personal oasis.

A finishing touch Bring everything together in a kitchen or bathroom with the subtle feature that can sometimes be forgotten - the faucet. Extravagant or simple, modern or classic, the faucet can serve multiple aesthetic purposes like catching attention upon entering the room or simply complementing the design elements around it. Adding the final touch with the right faucet can be a beautiful way to wrap up a room.

Local Assist-2-Sell named #1 IN NORTH AMERICA

Debbie Lee, Owner/Broker Shelley Rudolph, Realtor® 208-791-7590 208-791-8103

Candy Baker, Realtor® 208-791-8243

Kyle Meredith, Realtor® 208-553-8350

Linda Kaschmitter, Realtor® Cam Bickford, Realtor® 509-254-1877 208-983-6771

Jen Shubert, Realtor® 208-717-7398

Renell Vandervort, Realtor® 208-848-6070

Lewiston Idaho – April 19, 2017 – Barry Wardell, Sr. Vice-President of Assist-2-Sell Franchise Operations congratulates Debbie Lee and her team who have been named the TOP OFFICE of all Assist-2-Sell offices in North America in overall sales for 2016. Wardell said, “This is something to cheer about and it is also a testament to the exceptional quality of service they provide to their clients.” As a full-service real estate brokerage, Assist-2-Sell’s team of experienced brokers and agents handle everything throughout the entire process of selling a home. That includes pricing the home; advertising and marketing online and offline; showing the home to prospective buyers; working with other local brokers and agents; and managing all of the paperwork through the closing. In response to Mr. Wardell, Debbie states,

“My agents and I worked very hard last year, so I was really proud to accept the ‘Top Office” award for the third year in a row. It’s something that will help keep us motivated in 2017. Last year, we focused on providing great customer service and saving home sellers a lot of money with our flat fee & MLS for Less program. And we’re going to keep focusing on those things again this year.” “It really is a great time to buy a home,” commented Debbie Lee, “the selection of houses is not as abundant as it was, because with the interest rates still at alltime lows, properties that are priced right are being sold much faster. We are proud to serve our community & will be opening a second location for convenience to our clients in Clarkston coming soon. We are here for all your real estate needs.”

Theresa Reynold, Realtor® 208-413-1111

Marilyn Flatt, Realtor® 509-751-7711

Jo Bozarth, Realtor® 208-816-0731

Russ Martin, Realtor® 208-790-6722

Patti Brockman, Realtor® 208-305-3800

Debbie Keller, Realtor® 208-413-2993

Sarah Everett, Realtor® 208-305-9611

Lacey Herndon, Realtor® 208-413-3739

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YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

18

April 30, 2017

The flip side of foreclosure

NewsUSA

I

n so many ways, foreclosure is an end. It’s a bank’s last resort, and the sad final chapter for a family sold on the American dream of home ownership. But in another sense, foreclosure is also a beginning -- a never desirable, but often useful, tool that can help stave off neighborhood blight and create a path toward rejuvenation.

· Laws to facilitate nuisance abatement through receivership (giving courts the power to assign repairs or improvements to an overseer of a vacant property). · New rules making it easier for willing homeowners to forfeit their properties so that governments can take stewardship.

As much as everyone wants to avoid foreclosure, it does provide cities -- especially older ones with declining populations -- the legal means necessary for acquiring property that would otherwise become vacant or abandoned.

· Processes for tax foreclosures that don’t have to go through the courts. This is not to say that foreclosure is always the best option. In viable neighborhoods, the most beneficial course of action is generally to focus on improving the quality and affordability of housing for the people who still live there. But when there’s a breakdown, and there’s no hope of rescuing properties from becoming vacant or falling into disrepair, foreclosure is often the most viable option.

The trouble is that there’s a stigma associated with foreclosure, and legislators can be swayed to impose restrictions on the process that make it more difficult for municipalities that want to reclaim and reuse property that has been left to decay. So, from a policy perspective, what can be done to create better legal tools for clearing titles that don’t depend solely on the self-interest of debt collectors? Here are some ideas proposed by Mary Helen Petrus, a researcher at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland:

This is especially true in American cities where joblessness is high, or the population is dwindling. In these situations, where there simply aren’t enough homebuyers to purchase the number of homes available in a market, foreclosure can actually help begin the process of revitalizing neighborhoods.

· Quiet title actions, in which governments go to court to “quiet” any and all claims to a property’s title.

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April 30, 2017

YOUR HOME | YOUR LIFE

19

Be a better landlord

GreenShoot Media

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Farm out your work

as your 2017 New Year’s resolution to make more money? Being a landlord can be a profitable endeavor, especially if you are a good one. Improving your tenant relations can be a big first step in boosting your income this year.

Making the largest profit could mean taking yourself out of the picture. Especially if you have multiple properties or even a full-time job, it might make sense to hire a property management company to handle a lot of the legwork.

Whether you rent out a multiplex to numerous families or a single home to a college student, consider the following steps to becoming a better landlord. Your tenants — and your checkbook — will thank you.

Doing so allows you to still bring in monthly cash without having to sweat the small — but vital — stuff, such as contract management, legal compliance and repairs.

Build relationships

Integrate technology As a landlord, you want to make things as easy as possible on your tenants. This can be as simple as making it possible for them to pay their monthly rent online or sending emails rather than written correspondence. Think like your tenant to understand whether these steps would make a positive difference. If your target demographic is young families headed by millennial parents, incorporating technology into your landlord business model makes sense. If your market is less inclined to use technology to pay bills or connect with others, stick with traditional modes of billing and communication. The key is knowing your clientele and making their experience with you as seamless as possible.

Quality You Can Count On, Service You Can Trust

The best tenant-landlord relationships are based on trust, communication and loyalty. If you’re not listening to your tenants, you might be missing out on opportunities to grow your business or improve your reputation as a top local landlord. Your tenants are the ones living in your properties on a daily basis. If something breaks or a pipe starts leaking, it’s up to you to show them that their comfort and safety matters. Rather than letting repairs drag on for days or weeks, have a solid relationship with a handyman who can take care of emergency calls quickly. This kind of commitment to tenant satisfaction will help you retain clients in a competitive marketplace.

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What’s your favorite thing about living in the

LC Valley?

“I Enjoy the “down home� atmosphere of people helping people...and especially living where two rivers join for “fun in the sun.�

“How close we are to all types of recreation, boating, FDPSLQJ Ă€ VKLQJ WKH mountains, etc.â€?

Beverly Ausman (509) 751-6256

Jessica Bean (509) 552-6599

“I Love that LC Valley is one big community & that we have so many wonderful volunteers that make a huge impact on making our area a better place to live.�

Anna Hines (208) 305-3094 “My favorite thing is the outdoor recreational choices. From water to mountains we have it all. I also love the generous community we live in! �

Tami Meyers (509) 552-9492 “The LC Valley has an amazing variety of wonderful things to enjoy! 2XU TXDOLW\ RI OLIH LV WHUULĂ€ F My favorite thing about living here is the friendliness of the people! We know we’re blessed to live here and it shows by our attitude!â€?

/RULV 3URĂ€ WW (509) 751-7274

“The Rivers�

Kathy Hollingshead (208) 413-1738 “The beauty of the rivers coming together between our communities... and the lack of WUDIĂ€ F MDPV Âľ

Shelly Miles (208) 816-1477

“All of the outdoor activities we have here. The family friendly activities, I love our small community because “size does matter!�

Debbie Asplund (208) 791-3339 Too many to list! Recreation, Small town feel in a city atmosphere, Weather, Blue collar community Gary Bergen (208) 816-1750 “The fact that we are a large community with a small town feeling is why I love the valley. The close-knit relationships with friends and clients makes living here a pleasure.�

Joyce Keefer (208) 305-7401

“Living on the rivers and the quality of life that no commute times bring.�

Angela Nightengale (509) 552-6198

“The LC Valley is where most of my family lives, therefore it’s where my heart is. The small town feel with friendly people, beautiful weather, rivers and amazing wines are GHĂ€ QLWH SHUNV RI living here!!.â€?

“Access to recreation and, normally, mild temperatures year around.�

Stephanie Rogers (509) 780-7719

Kathy Spring (509) 552-9203

April 30, 2017

“I am always amazed at community involvement. I love going to local events - family events, fundraising events, etc and seeing ALL the people that turn out to support and participate. It’s so inspiring to see all the people that really care about the Valley.�

Megan Alexander (208) 791-3993 “I like the “smallness� of it. So easy to zip around and see everyone�

Laurie Fitzgerald (208) 791-8404 “The RAVINES! Deer, Bunnies, Turkey, Red Fox, Raccoons and an occasional badger (Yikes!) our community is alive with wildlife. When I introduce new residents to the community they are thrilled and excited seeing wild turkeys running around the Elks Club area and Red Fox sunning themselves on yards in Quailridge Golf Course neighborhood.�

Ronda Laybourn (208) 413-0197 “My favorite thing about living in the LC Valley is the memories that it holds for me. I grew up here. I can drive by a park and remember a picnic I had with my family. Or go by Clarkston’s skate park and remember the many summer days I spent there when it was Clarkston’s public pool. And now it is the town that my children are making memories in.��

Lacey Port (509) 552-1211 “I love the people. People moving here from out of the area are always telling me that “people are so friendly here...it’s amazing!â€? Also, We are surrounded by some of the most beautiful rivers & mountains anywhere. My family is very active; on any given weekend, they may be snowmobiling in McCall, “wheelingâ€? in the Blues, camping up WKH ULYHU Ă€ VKLQJ WKH /RFKVD the list is endlessâ€?

Tami Sweeney (208) 305-6639

What is YOUR favorite thing about living in the LC Valley? Answer the question posted on our

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