Page not found – In the Business of Finding Your "WAY" Home https://sandyoregonrealestate.org In the Business of Finding Your "WAY" Home Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:31:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Do You Really Need to Hold an Open House? https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/22/do-you-really-need-to-hold-an-open-house https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/22/do-you-really-need-to-hold-an-open-house#respond Fri, 22 Mar 2024 22:31:06 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1731 Once a staple of real estate marketing, open houses are no longer as effective in selling a home as they once were. According to recent data from the National Association of Realtors®, only 7% of homebuyers found their home through an open house. Of those, most had already retained a buyer’s agent and would have […]

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Once a staple of real estate marketing, open houses are no longer as
effective in selling a home as they once were. According to recent data
from the National Association of Realtors®, only 7% of homebuyers found
their home through an open house. Of those, most had already retained a
buyer’s agent and would have seen the home through them regardless.
Open houses are one of the most difficult aspects of selling a home. Not
only does the home need to be spotless, but the homeowner must leave
the premises for most of the day, normally a weekend. In today’s world,
most of these open houses are not even held by the listing agent
themselves. They realize that these events are not likely to result in a sale,
so newer agents hold these open houses in the hope of finding new clients.
For the homeowner, there are other risks associated with an open house
beyond just wasting time. Even with the best planning, real estate agents
cannot monitor every inch of the home. Thieves often use this time to tour
the home, either to steal valuables when the agent is not looking, or to
scout for future burglaries. It’s easy to imagine a thief pocketing a piece of
jewelry or even a financial document while the agent is discussing the open
floor plan downstairs.
The main point is that open houses are not as important as they used to be
in selling a home. In this digital age, most buyers review homes online and
then arrange a private tour for those they like. Given this shift, the hassle
and risk of an open house may not benefit the homeowner the way it did in
the past.

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What to Expect From a Listing Agent https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/15/what-to-expect-from-a-listing-agent-2 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/15/what-to-expect-from-a-listing-agent-2#respond Fri, 15 Mar 2024 21:26:57 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1725 You already know that the best way to sell your home, and for the most profit, is to hire a listing agent. The fact is that people who sell using a real estate agent make more profit and have a smoother transaction than those who try to do it themselves. Yet often consumers don’t know […]

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Michelle Way Real Estate
You already know that the best way to sell your home, and for the most
profit, is to hire a listing agent. The fact is that people who sell using a real
estate agent make more profit and have a smoother transaction than those
who try to do it themselves. Yet often consumers don’t know everything the
listing agent does. Listing a home properly entails so much more than
putting a lockbox on the front door and slapping a sign in the yard.
The listing agent is your advocate and partner in the selling process. They
help guide you through the transaction, negotiate on your behalf, and work
with the buyers’ agents to get you the best deal possible. A good listing
agent will provide you with regular updates and input from showings. The
most important thing is to discuss and set expectations at the beginning.
Some sellers ask that their agent attend all showings. This is typical with
luxury properties, for example. But often they do most of their work behind
the scenes, encouraging offers, negotiating counter offers, working with
lenders and appraisers, handling loose ends and hiccups.
Once in a while, things don’t go well. The partnership becomes difficult or
impossible. Since almost all listings involve a reasonable time limit, you
may feel trapped or hopeless that there is a solution. In this case, you do
have options. First, if your agent works for a brokerage, call the managing
broker who can mediate, or if necessary, reassign your listing if needed.
Your agent is your partner. Be honest and open with your needs and
expectations. In this way, you can work together to sell your home quickly
and for the best price and terms possible.

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Guide to Broker Compensation https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/06/guide-to-broker-compensation https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/06/guide-to-broker-compensation#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2024 23:28:13 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1713 The post Guide to Broker Compensation appeared first on Michelle "Mickie" Way.

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What to Expect From a Listing Agent https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/01/what-to-expect-from-a-listing-agent https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/03/01/what-to-expect-from-a-listing-agent#respond Fri, 01 Mar 2024 17:58:08 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1701 You already know that the best way to sell your home, and for the most profit, is to hire a listing agent. The fact is that people who sell using a real estate agent make more profit and have a smoother transaction than those who try to do it themselves. Yet often consumers don’t know […]

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You already know that the best way to sell your home, and for the most
profit, is to hire a listing agent. The fact is that people who sell using a real
estate agent make more profit and have a smoother transaction than those
who try to do it themselves. Yet often consumers don’t know everything the
listing agent does. Listing a home properly entails so much more than
putting a lockbox on the front door and slapping a sign in the yard.
The listing agent is your advocate and partner in the selling process. They
help guide you through the transaction, negotiate on your behalf, and work
with the buyers’ agents to get you the best deal possible. A good listing
agent will provide you with regular updates and input from showings. The
most important thing is to discuss and set expectations at the beginning.
Some sellers ask that their agent attend all showings. This is typical with
luxury properties, for example. But often they do most of their work behind
the scenes, encouraging offers, negotiating counter offers, working with
lenders and appraisers, handling loose ends and hiccups.
Once in a while, things don’t go well. The partnership becomes difficult or
impossible. Since almost all listings involve a reasonable time limit, you
may feel trapped or hopeless that there is a solution. In this case, you do
have options. First, if your agent works for a brokerage, call the managing
broker who can mediate, or if necessary, reassign your listing if needed.
Your agent is your partner. Be honest and open with your needs and
expectations. In this way, you can work together to sell your home quickly
and for the best price and terms possible.

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Ready to Simplify Your Home? Some Questions to Help https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/02/23/ready-to-simplify-your-home-some-questions-to-help https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/02/23/ready-to-simplify-your-home-some-questions-to-help#respond Fri, 23 Feb 2024 20:43:29 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1695 Once the holidays are over and the decorations come down, it’s common to take a serious look at your home and decide to make some changes. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, often result in looking at other ways to remove excess clutter, and taking a more minimalist approach to our homes is common. The […]

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Once the holidays are over and the decorations come down, it’s common to
take a serious look at your home and decide to make some changes.
Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, often result in looking at
other ways to remove excess clutter, and taking a more minimalist
approach to our homes is common.
The biggest challenge is where to start and what to remove. Some experts
in the field have prepared a few questions to help you determine what to
keep, and what is valuable to you. As you consider changes, ask yourself
these questions about the items:
· Do you use, need, or love it?
· Is there historical or personal value to the item?
· Does it add significance or stress to your life?
· How do you want your home to feel? Spacious, light, cozy, warm,
eclectic?
· Why is it hard to part with the item? Is there sentimental value?
· Would you rush to save it in a fire?
· Would you buy it again?
· Do you own similar items?
· Will you use it again this year?
These thought-starter questions will lead to others. Think about that jacket
you loved wearing two decades ago; will you ever wear it again? Probably
not. Yet, you have it in your closet and can’t seem to part with it. Does it
bring back memories? Do you need the jacket to remember?
These and other questions and considerations can help you streamline
your home and lifestyle, allowing you to start fresh with the things that truly
matter.

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Weekend Projects That Will Change the Feel of Any Dining Room https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/02/09/weekend-projects-that-will-change-the https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/02/09/weekend-projects-that-will-change-the#respond Fri, 09 Feb 2024 20:06:57 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1687 Winter is here, and with it comes cozy evenings and comfort food. Your weekend plans are more likely to include movies on the couch than a picnic in the park. This is the time of year when everyone takes a closer look at their home and looks for ways to add warmth to the spaces. […]

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Winter is here, and with it comes cozy evenings and comfort food. Your
weekend plans are more likely to include movies on the couch than a picnic
in the park. This is the time of year when everyone takes a closer look at
their home and looks for ways to add warmth to the spaces.
If your meal plans include mac and cheese or hearty soups, these 5 tips
can transform your dining room quickly – adding the ambiance these meals
require.
1. Add a Library – Add intellectual charm by lining a wall with
bookshelves. Consider exchanging some chairs for a backed bench and
create a multi-use room for dining and relaxing.
2. Wood Side Table – Adding wood accents to any room is a great way to
add warmth to the look. Adding or replacing your side table with a warm
wood cabinet incorporates natural beauty to your dining room while adding
extra storage space.
3. Woven Back Chairs – Over the past few years, natural elements have
made a comeback. Replacing tired upholstered chairs with wood or woven
chairs adds interest and charm.
4. Chandelier – Adding a large-scale chandelier brings the eye up and
into the warm glow of the light. A chandelier centers the space, creating

intimacy and ambiance.
5. Candles – Simple taper candles on a cold evening change the mood of
the room. The soft light of the candles invites family and guests to slow
down and relax with some great food.

These are simple changes that will dramatically change the look and feel of
any dining room. Warm up your dining rooms during these cold dark
months with a few simple changes.

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Home Search Frustration? How to Refocus and Keep Going https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/02/02/home-search-frustration-how-to-refocus-and-keep-going https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/02/02/home-search-frustration-how-to-refocus-and-keep-going#respond Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:19:12 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1681 The best part of buying a new home is going out and touring homes. This is especially true for first-time home buyers. As time goes on, however, it can be frustrating when each home falls short of expectations. While it’s important to be realistic about what is available and affordable, there can be a temptation […]

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The best part of buying a new home is going out and touring homes. This is
especially true for first-time home buyers. As time goes on, however, it can
be frustrating when each home falls short of expectations. While it’s
important to be realistic about what is available and affordable, there can
be a temptation to settle when the right homes don’t pop up quickly.
When this happens, it’s important to take a step back and reevaluate the
criteria. Often buyers head out without a solid list of “must-have” and
“like-to-have” features in mind. If finding the right home is becoming
difficult, then this is the time to create or review these items. Consider
lifestyle as well as willingness to renovate or remodel. Is it important the
home is turn-key on day one, or is there a willingness and ability to make
changes after the sale?
Focus on the “must-have” list first. There could be a beautiful chef’s kitchen
on the “like-to-have” but if 4 bedrooms are critical for the size of the family,
the larger kitchen will not compensate for long. That said, if the hope is to
find a home with a pool, is there room to add the pool later?
Finding the right home is often a matter of timing. Patience is the best
advice. With the start of the new year, new listings are hitting the market
every day. The perfect home may not have been listed yet.

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Is Your Vacation Rental Ready For Winter Guests? https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/01/12/is-your-vacation-rental-ready-for-winter-guests https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/01/12/is-your-vacation-rental-ready-for-winter-guests#respond Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:37:39 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1675 Owning a vacation rental, like an Airbnb or VRBO home, is a great way to earn extra income. Much of the year, all these properties need is a way to manage access and a cleaning service. When winter comes, however, it’s important to add some extra care – both for the safety of your guests, […]

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Owning a vacation rental, like an Airbnb or VRBO home, is a great way to
earn extra income. Much of the year, all these properties need is a way to
manage access and a cleaning service. When winter comes, however, it’s
important to add some extra care – both for the safety of your guests, but
also to keep the home in top condition.
Here is a quick checklist for anyone managing a vacation rental this winter:
· Inspect, Repair, and Maintain Heating Systems – Before
temperatures drop, hire a professional to inspect and adjust heating
systems. Replace filters to increase efficiency.
· Seal Drafts and Insulate – Short term tenants will want to stay warm
and don’t care about your heating bills. An afternoon spent
weatherstripping or caulking can save hundreds of dollars each month.
Also consider adding extra insulation to the attics, walls, or basements to
keep the warm air inside.
· Have Clear Expectations – Leave clear instructions for guests.
Discuss how to protect pipes from freezing, how to report issues if they
arise, and have an emergency contact available at all times. Explain how to
turn off water properly, if necessary, and any other precautions required.
· Hire A Snow Removal Company – If your property gets snow, make
sure the property is clear of snow and ice. Hire an ongoing service to check
on a regular basis and after snowfall to protect the guests from injury
caused by slipping.
Always make sure you have adequate liability insurance as well. Winter
can cause its own share of challenges for vacation rentals. Proper
preparation and maintenance will ensure your vacation rental is a
money-maker and not a money-pit this winter.

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Don’t Overdo It When Decluttering to Sell Your Home https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/01/05/dont-overdo-it-when-decluttering-to-sell-your-home https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2024/01/05/dont-overdo-it-when-decluttering-to-sell-your-home#respond Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:57:59 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1669 If you’re preparing your home to sell, you already know that it’s important to declutter. A clean, tidy space allows potential buyers to see the beauty of your home and to imagine themselves living there. But there is a fine line between decluttering and denuding – removing too much can leave your home looking cold […]

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If you’re preparing your home to sell, you already know that it’s important to
declutter. A clean, tidy space allows potential buyers to see the beauty of
your home and to imagine themselves living there. But there is a fine line
between decluttering and denuding – removing too much can leave your
home looking cold and uninviting. Learn the difference and make sure your
buyers feel “at home” in your property.
Decluttering involves carefully removing excess personal items and décor
to create a clean and appealing space. On the other hand, some home
sellers go too far and end up with sterile rooms that lack any warmth or
personality. Buyers aren’t attracted by stark white walls with minimal
furnishing any more than they are by wall-to-wall clutter. Buyers want a
home with style and energy.
As you prepare for showings, start by removing extra “stuff.” Remove
excess items from tabletops, countertops, shelves, and personal items. You
do want a lived-in feel but allow some empty areas that make rooms look
larger and brighter. Once you’ve removed unnecessary items, strategically
return special décor and the occasional family picture or two.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a balance between decluttering and
maintaining the charm and personality of your home. Your buyers are
searching for a family home, so keep some “family” in the mix.

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Real vs Personal Property in a Real Estate Transaction https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2023/11/17/real-vs-personal-property-in-a-real-estate-transaction https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/2023/11/17/real-vs-personal-property-in-a-real-estate-transaction#respond Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:35:57 +0000 https://sandyoregonrealestate.org/?p=1663 When buying or selling a home, often misunderstandings occur over the distinction between “real” and “personal” property. Real estate agents across the nation frequently end up playing referee in situations fueled by misconceptions, which can create tension and sometimes even kill a sale. Understanding the difference is important to anyone engaged in a real estate […]

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When buying or selling a home, often misunderstandings occur over the
distinction between “real” and “personal” property. Real estate agents
across the nation frequently end up playing referee in situations fueled by
misconceptions, which can create tension and sometimes even kill a sale.
Understanding the difference is important to anyone engaged in a real
estate transaction.
In simple terms, “real” property is the land and anything permanently
attached to it, while “personal” property are items that are moveable. In this
sense, real property obviously includes the home itself, along with other
structures, such as a detached garage or barn, etc. It typically includes
fixtures inside the home, such as lighting, faucets, built-in appliances,
garage storage or racks, even curtain rods.
“Personal” property, being moveable, would usually include everything else.
A refrigerator that is not considered a built-in could be included on this list.
So would a free-standing BBQ Island, or a mounted TV. As you can see,
some of these items may be controversial if there is not a clear
understanding about what the seller intends to take with them when they
move in the contract.
The best practice is for a seller to provide a list of any item they intend to
keep that could be confusing and ensure it’s spelled out on the contract.
This way, both parties have a clear understanding of the sale and the buyer
does not plan a family BBQ on move day and find it gone.

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