Upcoming Free (& non-promotional) Home Buyer Classes:

Saturday, July 23rd, from 11am-2pm (ish)
        Vancouver YMCA, conference room
        11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave)
Saturday July 30th , from 10am-1pm (ish)       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)
Tuesday night, August 2nd , from 5pm-8pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

If these class dates and/or times don't work for you, please let us know.  We understand that you have lives, and families, and work.  We will work something out that works better with your schedule.  Just let us know....                                                                                  
....we also have home seller classes available too...link on left on website
                  
Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D
~~~~~~~~~
Happy Saturday morning!

  So, on my facebook this week, one of my friends had a question about earthquake insurance...and whether or not it was necessary or 'worth it'.  She had quite a few comments on her question as well, and while I read them...I was surprised how little people understand insurances.  Now... I'm not an insurance guru...far from it.  I am a real estate guru, and happy to share what I know.  :-) I do know a little bit about insurances. 

When you are buying a home,  there's lots of insurances involved, and some you should think about after you buy your home.  I thought that I'd take a little bit of your time to talk about them...  I will try not to drone on, but let's be honest...  I do like to talk...even if it is by email!  LOL

Mortgage Insurance...
    This is insurance that is paid as part of most peoples mortgage that is an insurance to protect the bank if you were to default on your home loan.  

Hazard Insurance (aka Homeowners Insurance)
   This is the insurance that is paid (again) as part of your mortgage payment that goes into escrow.  This is an insurance that protects you, and the lender, in case something that were to happen to your home that is (and remember these words) outside of your 'Care, Custody, and Control'.  With homeowners insurance, those are the Big Three words...  if damage is outside of your Care, Custody, and Control', you could have a homeowners claim, where your homeowners insurance can help you.  However, homeowners insurance is a lot like car insurance... you have a deductible, and if the damage is a maintenance issue....you don't have a claim, or if the damage is less than your deductible... you probably aren't going to call in a claim.  As a buyer,  you need to call around to insurance companies to find one that works best for you.  The first place to start is usually with your car insurance company since most insurances will 'bundle' your insurances, and give you a discount.  Once you have chosen a home insurance company, you will request that insurance company to send a 'binder' to your lender.  You can't close without a homeowners insurance policy for the home you are buying.  

Everyone has hazard insurance as part of their mortgage payment, and most people will have mortgage insurance as well.  You don't chose the mortgage insurance company though...it's just ...there.  :-) 

as a note...  this is different than a home warranty.  A home warranty is something every buyer should get, especially for that first year.  A warranty doesn't cover windows, wall, roofing, floors, or siding...but it does cover plumbing, electric, built in appliances, water heaters, heating, and there are other items you can include as well.  Three ways to get a home warranty are to ask the seller for one, ask your agent for one, or pay for one yourself.   There is a co-pay every time you use it, but it's a lot less than the repair.  I like Old Republic Home Warranty, but there are also other good companies out there as well....like First American, Fidelity, American Home Shield, etc.  

So what about 'other' insurances?

Flood Insurance...
   For the last 19 years, I have lived in Woodland.  We moved here in 1997.  Most people remember the flood of 1996, but did you know that wasn't a 'natural' flood?  The company who runs the dams, well, someone wasn't paying attention.  That year we had a really good snowpack, then had a warm week of almost 70 degree weather, and then it started raining.  Now, normally, the dams let out water to keep levels in the dams at the best levels, but that year...well, something didn't happen the way it was supposed to.  They (the company) went through the town and told people that they were releasing water, and they had 30 minutes.  Now, please remember that at the time, we didn't live in Woodland, but my mother in law did, and she had a person come to their door to warn them.  In 1996, when most of Woodland flooded, many people did not have flood insurance, and had to go through FEMA for reimbursement. This took forever, and in many cases, people did not get paid out what they thought they should.  It created a huge problem for the insurance companies, and raised insurance rates. Now, flood insurance is required through most of Woodland as most of Woodland is in a 100 year flood plain.  As part of your closing costs is the flood search.  Every home has to be researched as to whether or not it is in a floodplain, what type of flood plain, and whether or not flood insurance is required. Surprisingly, there are areas of Clark County where flood insurance is required.  We have lots of water around here....
Flood insurance, because it is required for my home & home loan, is part of my mortgage payment, and goes to escrow, where it is paid out of once a year.  


Earthquake insurance...
      When we bought this home in 2001, earthquake insurance was part of our standard homeowners insurance policy, but with the risks now predicted for our area regarding earthquakes, your standard homeowners insurance policy no longer carries earthquake insurance. We carry a separate earthquake insurance policy...why? Because it's cheap, and it's always better to be safe than sorry. This is an additional policy that is NOT paid as part of my mortgage.  I pay this out of pocket once a year.  This is an insurance you might want to look into, and purchase, after you get keys.  

Umbrella policy....
   Because I have 2 big dogs, live on a sloped driveway, and because I often have folks in my car when showing homes, I also carry an umbrella policy...just in case.  Like your vehicle policy, your homeowners insurance has a limit.  I 'may' be a bit paranoid, but owning a home does have risks...  let's say we get snow and/or ice one year (hey! it happens sometimes!), and someone slips on the sidewalk in front of your home...they 'could' sue you!  If some moron goes into my back yard and one of my 2 idiot dogs (who would probably lick them, and then lead the burgler into my home) did something crazy like bite or scratch the idiot inside my fenced back yard...believe it or not...but that trespasser could sue me.  Now... my philosophy is that if someone I do NOT know is inside my FENCED back yard...I would HOPE that one of my 2 stupid dogs would actually...oh, I don't know... protect the property?  Now, frankly, my 2 dogs are hopeless.  They are sweet, loveable, and goofy.  In our house, I would be more concerned about the CATS than those two furry idiots.  :-)  The cats are pretty shady... True story....  
Sometimes, you will see a 'beware of dog' sign...please don't do it.  By putting up a sign like that you are saying that your dog is dangerous, and if your dog did bite someone, that sign is an admission of guilt.  Long story short... the umbrella policy is to cover your tush in case a claim goes above, and beyond, the limit of your standard car & homeowners insurance policy.  Again...It's always better to be safe than sorry...


Umbrella policies are something you might want to talk to your insurance agent about after you buy your home.  It is not included as part of your homeowners insurance policy, and won't be paid as part of your mortgage.  It is a policy that you would have to pay yourself.  


Insurances are to protect you (or the lender) in case something were to happen to the property that the lender has an interest in, which is your home.  The insurances are there to return your property back to pre-damaged condition.  Just like your car insurance, there are deductibles involved, and different types of insurances that you can piece together for each policy.  It is good to have a relationship with your agent; someone you can ask questions to, and get reasonable answers.  I know that internet insurances are sometimes cheaper, but just like real estate, relationships give you the ability to have someone you know help you with the process, and the answers.  :-)  

As stated above...I am NOT an insurance guru...just a real estate guru.  There are lots of different policies, and lots of different insurance companies.  Ask your favorite insurance agent what policies might be best for you, and what coverage you need.  

          Information is power, and I hope that I am able to help you.  Good luck, and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  AND If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.                                                                       
 
    As always....this is just a quick overview.... please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Your agent, and your lender work for YOU.  You drive the bus...we are merely GPS to help you get to your goals.  Like the classes, this weekly blog email is to help you with your home adventure.  The goal is to be informative and non-promotional.  :-)  We are, however, hoping you will call and want us to help with your adventure.  

If you have any questions about this, or something you have heard...or if you would like me to help you with your home adventure, please call, email,  text, or facebook me anytime.  I am, as always, happy to help!
 
Thank you again for your business and your referrals!!  ...and thank you for referring these classes to your friends, family, and co-workers. 
 
 .   ..disclaimer...if you have already purchased a home, or would no longer like to receive these emails, please let me know and I will be happy to remove you from any further mailings... 
 
 
Upcoming Topics:  Buying a home & buying a car...how is that alike & different? or   Escrow Accounts, and what they do
Last Week:  Buyers due diligence


Have a great day, and I will talk to you soon,   
;-D   
Tracie DeMars   
Real Estate broker    
Re/Max - Van Mall   
360/ 903-3504 cell   
360/ 882-3600 fax   
www.traciedemars.com   
traciedemars@aol.com   
    
“Interested in free and non promotional home education classes?  Go to www.freehomebuyerclasses.com for local upcoming home buyer and home SELLER classes, or facebook: Tracie DeMars Real Estate for my home buyer education blog.”
"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."    
   - Shel Silverstein, American poet, cartoonist and composer, (1930 - 1999).

​Upcoming Free (& non-promotional) Home Buyer Classes:

Saturday July 9th , from 9am-12pm (ish)       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)
Monday night, July 11th , from 5pm-8pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, July 23rd, from 11am-2pm (ish)
        Vancouver YMCA, conference room
        11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave)

If these class dates and/or times don't work for you, please let us know.  We understand that you have lives, and families, and work.  We will work something out that works better with your schedule.  Just let us know....                                                                                  
....we also have home seller classes available too...link on left on website
                  
Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D
~~~~~~~~~
Happy Sunday morning!


  So, as you may or may not know, I have fur babies...2 big dogs (a 3 year old golden retriever & a 8 month old english sheepdog), and 3 cats.  I give my kitties a little bit of soft food in the mornings, and evenings...between the 3 of them, it's only 1 small can a day.  Well, last night I got home a bit late, and didn't give the kitties their treats, so this morning at 7:45am, I am awaken by all 3 of the fuzzy butts 'cuddling' with me...in reality they had decided that I had slept long enough, and as I opened my eyes they're all staring at me, and yes, I know what they were thinking...  "woman, we need our morning food!".  What is that saying?  'Dogs have people, and cats have staff'.  So, imagine their disgust as I, instead of going downstairs to take care of their needs, go to the bathroom (aka the 'torture chamber') to shower instead.  My cats are absolutely confused by my insistence of going into this room of horror to shower every morning.  The cats instead claw at the bathroom door & meow at the shower doors in confusion and abject fear as they are convinced I am drowning myself.  They are also very relieved as I emerge from the torture cell and insist on helping me dry off by rubbing against me.....of course...they could just be trying to get me to hurry up so that I can get them fed....tomato...tomoto... I'm certain they don't think I am very bright by my insistence of submerging myself in water every morning. 
  The dogs?  ...they're just happy.  Dogs are easy as they're always just happy to be with you....including trying to get in the shower with me.  I'm certain that this just convinces the cats that the dogs really are as stupid as they think they are.   Happy Sunday to me!  LOL

Yesterday I had the honor of showing homes to 2 different clients.  One of these clients I have known for years as I helped them buy their first home back in 2007, and now I am helping them sell that home, and buy their 'next' home.  This is so much fun as these clients are now friends, and we have so much fun together.  :-) The other client is a new client that was referred to me by one of my other clients.  This is also fun, in a different way, as we are getting to know one another, and it's such an exciting time for them as they are looking for their very first home.  Two clients at different times in their lives, and still.....so much fun!  Both clients made offers yesterday, and sadly, both are in multiple offer situations, so send us some good vibes, will you?  :-D  

I can tell you that when I am showing homes there are some questions I just can't answer....is the home haunted?  Um....I don't know?  Has there been a violent crime in the home or in the area?  Um...I don't know?  Believe it or not, that isn't considered a relevant fact when listing the home as it doesn't actually affect the home.  What is a material fact, and what isn't?  What is a seller supposed to disclose?

Caveat Emptor...  That famous Latin saying, and we all know what it means, right?  Buyer Beware.  In real estate this is very true.  As the buyer you are buying a home, whether freshly built, or x-y-z amount of years old based on the information you can find out about the home.  In real estate there are no 'take backs' or returns.  It's not like that awful present that you can take it back for an exchange, or store credit.  You are buying the home...and just like marriage, it is for better or worse.  You are married to that mortgage until you sell the home.  Scared?  It's ok...I always tell my clients that it doesn't matter if you are buying your first home or your fourth... buying a home is scary...and if you aren't scared...you're crazy.  There is only one thing more expensive than buying a home and that is having a child. :-)  

   Don't be afraid though!  Part of being your real estate agents job is to help you through all the possible pitfalls of buying a home, and to explain everything as we go along.  We do this every day, and need to understand that you don't.  As the buyer...remember that you are THE BOSS!  No one gets paid until you get keys, and we want you to get keys. :-)  You have questions?  ASK!!!  ...and expect clear, concise, and understandable answers from your agent.  Just so you know...as part of The Real Estate Law of Agency, there is the Vicarious Liability portion.  Our job is to tell you everything we know, find, out, or hear about the property.  Of course, there are limitations.  (I know...surprise!)  If an agent doesn't know the answer, we shouldn't tell you anything, but only help you to find a source for the information.  Why?  Agents have been sued for being wrong.  I never trust hearsay....for obvious reasons.  :-)  There is a lot an agent doesn't know about the home as we are looking at the same information as you are.  We can, however, help you to get more information, or to help you research any information that is found out.  You need to know what you are getting into when buying a home....all the pro's and all the con's.  NO home is perfect...even if you have it built, but knowing what you are getting into can help you make the decision on which home is right for you.  A buyers agents job is to help you get there.  

So...what about the Sellers Disclosure???

When selling a home, the seller (and sellers agent) is only obligated to disclose known material facts about the home on the sellers disclosure.  The sellers disclosure is about 6 pages long and the seller is 'supposed to' disclose all known facts about the home on it.  Now, these are only material facts that have happened during the current owners ownership.  Has the roof leaked during their ownership? If it has, and even if it has been fixed, it is supposed to be disclosed on the sellers disclosure.  However, if anyone has teenagers you know how often 'supposed to' gets done.  Some sellers will disclose ALL facts about the homes....even those items that have been repaired, some sellers will only disclose those items that they haven't gotten around to fixing, and some sellers just have no idea about anything in their home.  Of course, this is why we do a home inspection.  It isn't that you can't trust the sellers, but when it comes down to it, most sellers don't know anything about their home.  This is called 'Buyers Due Diligence'.  A buyer does have some responsibility for doing some research on the home, and area, that they are wanting, or trying to, buy in.  If your real estate agent knows anything about the home or area then we have to legally disclose it.  However, if it isn't considered a 'material fact', which is considered to be something that affects the home, then your real estate agent may not know about it either. 

   Sellers disclosures are filled out by the sellers on all homes....however, if the seller is a bank, or it is an estate, or an investor then there won't be any sellers disclosures, or if there is, everything will be "don't know".  Even when you do receive a copy of the sellers disclosure though...remember to take it with a grain of salt, and hire a good inspector.  Many sellers now will even just put a majority of 'don't know' answers on the sellers disclosure so as to not have any liability.  The majority of sellers aren't trying to 'hide' anything about the home, they just truly don't know.  A realtor will hand the sellers disclosure to their client, the seller, and that is it.  We, real estate agents, can not help the seller fill out the sellers disclosure at all.  If you have any questions regarding anything on the sellers disclosure, your buyers agent can request more information (if there is any) from the sellers through their sellers agent.  Make sure you also address any concern you have regarding the homes condition to the home inspector you hire.  He (or she) should be able to help you with that.  Some inspectors encourage the buyers to walk with them during the home inspection so that the buyer is part of that inspection, and even if your inspector doesn't encourage you to do so....do it anyway!  You have hired the inspector to help you know about the home...including the things that you, and your agent can't see.  Inspectors are not licensed contractors though, so there is a limit of what they can do, and inspections can not be invasive. Inspections are something I like to call a 'crash course in homeowning as the inspector should be able to help you learn how to take care of your home.  :-)   By the time he is done with the inspection, my client usually knows more about the home than the current owner does!  I can't stress it enough....ask questions!  
 
   Your realtor will help you find out as much about the home as possible.  Your real estate agent should be present at your home inspection, and so should you.  However, whether or not the home is haunted or not, we really can't help you with.  Whether or not there has been a violent crime in the home or area is another thing that we really can't help you with, but we CAN help you by providing some places where you can do some research.  Has anyone died in the home?  Again....I don't know..., but if it is an older home, and an estate?  Maybe you should leave out some milk and cookies occasionally?  :-)  So, what about what the previous owners did, or didn't do to the home? Nope... we don't know anything about that either.  :-(  The sellers disclosures will only go over what the sellers know about the home during their ownership....they can't answer for what might have happened or not have happened during someone else's ownership.

   What about that new building being built in the neighborhood?  Your real estate agent probably doesn't know what it is, and we shouldn't guess.  That is something that a buyer will want to do some research on.  Is that garage conversion permitted?  Call the city/county.  Is there a landfill in the area?  Contact the city/county.  Your buyers agent will help you find the information, but when it comes down to it, because of past legal problems, we are now limited on the extent that we can delve into everything....but we can help you get there still.  It is weird, but there it is.  There is a lot your buyers agent will do for you, and we will do all that we can to make sure that you are getting the best customer service possible.  Your real estate agent should help you to make sure that you are performing your buyers due diligence to make sure that you won't get any unexpected surprises later.  Now, does that mean there won't be surprises?  Well, I wish I could tell you that you won't have any, but that isn't the case. You never really know a home, or neighborhood until you are actually living in it.  This is why we have a 10 day inspection/disclosure period.  It is during this time that you, the buyer, should be performing the home inspection, doing research on the home & neighborhood, researching the area, the schools, and whatever else is important to you.  

I am a huge fan of talking with neighbors....neighbors are a great source of information on a home.  :-)  Please remember that you are not just buying the home, you are buying the neighborhood.  One of the questions I always ask my clients is if they have thought about the area they want to move to?  Have they looked into schools, if that is important.  Have they considered locations regarding work, or family/friends?  I encourage my clients to drive around.  Vancouver doesn't really have a 'good side', or 'bad side'...Clark county has a lot of 'pocket neighborhoods'.  In a two mile radius you can have million dollar homes, new developments, 'sketchy' neighborhoods, and established 'homey' neighborhoods.  So definitely drive around...check out how well the neighbors are taking care of their yard, what vehicles are around, where are the parks?  Just remember that Clark County has something for everyone!  :-)  What are you looking for in a home/neighborhood?  What are your top 3 things you want (not counting price)?  As a realtor we can not 'steer' you towards, or away, from any neighborhood.  Our job is to help you find the best home we can, in your price range, that fits what you want.  As a realtor, I will help you get all the information I can, or direct you to places that can help you get that information.  For example....census.gov is an excellent site to check out neighborhoods, and schools.  Check it out!  :-)

   So...buyers due diligence....talk to neighbors, walk around the home, and neighborhood... and write down a list of questions.  Ask your inspector about these questions to check out.  Ask your buyers agent to help you find out some answers to these questions, or if they can't find the answers, help you find some places where you can do some research or ask questions.  Your buyers agent is here to help you!  Make sure you know what you are getting into....and any questions?  ASK!  ...and keep asking until you get answers!   As always, if you have any questions, please call or email me...I am always here to help.  :-)  Remember...I am a real estate broker, and I look forward to helping you on your home buying adventure...and assisting you to get those keys.  :-D  Whether you are buying, or selling your home, my goal is to be the real estate broker you think of.  I really want to help you with your first time, and every time.  I believe that real estate is about relationships.....and no...that is not a shameless plug!  LOL

Have a great 4th of July weekend, and be safe!  
 
  
          Information is power, and I hope that I am able to help you.  Good luck, and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  AND If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.                                                                       
 
    As always....this is just a quick overview.... please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Your agent, and your lender work for YOU.  You drive the bus...we are merely GPS to help you get to your goals.  Like the classes, this weekly blog email is to help you with your home adventure.  The goal is to be informative and non-promotional.  :-)  We are, however, hoping you will call and want us to help with your adventure.  

If you have any questions about this, or something you have heard...or if you would like me to help you with your home adventure, please call, email,  text, or facebook me anytime.  I am, as always, happy to help!
 
Thank you again for your business and your referrals!!  ...and thank you for referring these classes to your friends, family, and co-workers. 
 
 .   ..disclaimer...if you have already purchased a home, or would no longer like to receive these emails, please let me know and I will be happy to remove you from any further mailings... 
 
 
Upcoming Topics:  Buying a home & buying a car...how is that alike & different?
Last Week:  Homeowner Maintenance 


Have a great day, and I will talk to you soon,   
;-D   
Tracie DeMars   
Real Estate broker    
Re/Max - Van Mall   
360/ 903-3504 cell   
360/ 882-3600 fax   
www.traciedemars.com   
traciedemars@aol.com   
    
“Interested in free and non promotional home education classes?  Go to www.freehomebuyerclasses.com for local upcoming home buyer and home SELLER classes, or facebook: Tracie DeMars Real Estate for my home buyer education blog.”
"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."    
   - Shel Silverstein, American poet, cartoonist and composer, (1930 - 1999).