Easy Curb Appeal Ideas for Summer

I know it is "technically" a few weeks away, but I think it is safe to say that SUMMER IS HERE in the Pacific Northwest! Now is a great time to get outdoors, finish those projects you have been waiting on, and add a slice of summer to your home's curb appeal.

Main tasks to enhance curb appeal:

• Plants and landscaping- trim up those overgrown plants, refresh the ones that made it through winter, and plant new flowers/shrubs in the yard or in planters.
• Clean exterior- rent or borrow a power washer (if you do not own one) and scrub down the sides of your home. You will be amazed at the difference! Click here for a tutorial 
• Decor- Add a potted plant, welcome sign, decorations or a wreath to your front door to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Fertilize- Lay down some fertilizer at the beginning of summer to enjoy green grass all season.
• Fix any small projects in need of attention- for example: clean your gutters, fix any broken fixtures, change lightbulbs that have been burnt out, etc.

Interesting ways to enhance curb appeal:

• Get funky! Take recycled materials and craft them into garden decorations (don't go overboard, but do have some fun)
• Paint your front door- a recent study showed that painting your front door a unique color will not only add curb appeal, but will make your home stand out in a beautiful way. 

• Redo your house numbers- some ideas are to add numbers for the outside of your home on tiles, wood and even planters! Click here for a tutorial on planter house number signs

• Yard Sales- see what you can find at local yard sales to add some frugal yet tasteful decor to your porch or garden.

Enjoy the summer- get your green thumb, tool belt, and your paintbrush ready! 

*And as always, contact me for more home advice or Real Estate assistance*

Homes are Like Hotcakes in Western Washington

"What's available and that looks at least 'pretty good' is selling," according to MLS director Dick Beeson, principal managing broker at RE/MAX Professionals in Tacoma. Commenting on the latest MLS statistics, he said, "What we have in the Greater Puget Sound real estate market is too many buyers chasing too few homes." 

Right now, the market is full of anxious buyers and a low inventory. It has been this way now for a few solid months- specifically in Western Washington. 

What is the cause?

Loans are at an all time low in terms of interest rate, and buyers are able to qualify for a mortgage even if they don't have the classic 20% down funds. There are many programs such as USDA, VA and FHA mortgages that allow 0% or no more than 3.5% down on a home. 

While this is happening, sellers are still hesitant- which has created "slim pickings". However, these buyers are eager and excited to pursue homeownership and take advantage of low interest rates, so what ever is decent is selling.

What does this mean?

As summer picks up, and even more buyers are going to pursue their dream (summer is the biggest moving season), inventory may still drop and homes are still going to go like hot cakes. Property values are projected to continue rising and interest rates for home loans are expected to stay low. 

If you have been thinking of selling your home, right now is a great time. The market is on the seller side, and your home will be able to sell at a great price! It may be intimidating to enter the competitive buyer's market after doing so, but the upside to that situation is that you may be able to purchase your next home with a ridiculously low interest rate, and may even qualify for 0-3.5% down program.

My advice (sellers):

-Prep your home for the market. Complete small repairs, declutter, and touch up appeal.
-Talk to a local lender about your options after your home sells
-Contact a realtor for a comparative market analysis (these are usually free) to get an idea of a listing price
-List your home, and start packing, because it will probably sell fast!

*We just sold our farmhouse a few weeks ago. It was listed on a Friday, shown on a Saturday, and had a signed around offer on Monday evening. Take it from me as a Realtor and homeowner- it is a smart move to sell during this strange market condition!



Contact me for more information, or to help you list and sell your home:

Kimberly Linson, Realtor/Broker
John L. Scott Centralia
253-343-3385
kimberlylinson@johnlscott.com
www.facebook.com/kimberlylinsonJLS 
www.kimberlylinson.johnlscott.com 
*proudly serving Thurston, Pierce and Lewis county, but happy to assist anyone in Western Washington. 


Quote source: NW REporter, May 2015 NWMLS*