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

​Saturday, August 17th, from 9am-12pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)
Tuesday, August 20th, from 5pm - 8pm (ish)
        Marshall Community Center, Conference room
       1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, August 24th, from 12pm-3pm (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!
Sweet Summertime....  Sorry about the email/blog silence lately...  in June, Chris Berg and I started a radio ad on 102.3 & 620, and they needed some analytics from the running of that for awhile.  We didn't want to mess it up with analytics from the email/blog.  It's been so weird not sending this out for awhile though.  Always remember that if you ever have any questions you can always email, call, or text me anytime.  I am always here to help.  I also have all of these on the blog page at www.learningtobuyahome.com too.  You can also browse through those too. 
Now... the Clark County Fair starts this Friday!   The fair runs from Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 11th.  Chris Berg and I will be at the Clark County Fair again this year... because we are crazy.  Please, stop by and say, "hi!" to us... it is the one thing that keeps up sane while we are there.  It's a long 10 days and we will be there EVERY day.  I will be at the booth (inside the cool big exhibit hall, second booth to the right of the main doors) from 10am-4pm, and Chris will be there from 4pm-10pm....  EVERY DAY.  So, please... stop by... talk to us... help us preserve what little sanity we have left.... AND … tell us you saw/read this post AND we have something pretty cool for you. Why? Because I went a little crazy on the promotional items, and I need to get them out of my garage so I can park in there again before the weather starts to turn.  Help a gal out...  

  So this week let's talk a bit about the market...  I've have a few people ask me if the market is starting to 'turn'... and my answer is a mixed bag.  First things first....it's summer, and weather has a LOT to do with real estate, which is kind of weird, but there is a reasoning behind it.  The BEST months of the year to be a buyer is always going to be the winter months of November, December, and January.  There are couple of reasons for this ….  weather (cold, crappy, rainy, and sometimes snowy), and the holidays.... not many folks want to be out looking or selling during the holidays.  Because of these reasons, home typically 'sit' on the market for a bit longer.  This is good for buyers because it gives people time to think before jumping on a home and making an offer, and because the market is a bit 'softer' during these months, there are less multiple offer situations and more sellers are willing to pay some closing costs.  The down side of these months is that there aren't usually as many homes for sale on the market....this is an upside for the seller, as there is less competition for the seller.  The second BEST months of the year to be a buyer are JULY and AUGUST...  why?  because again....it's HOT, and surprisingly the hotter it is the less people are out looking at homes.  People want to go the lakes, rivers, and beaches when it is hot....they don't want to go look at homes.  Also, there is less buyer competition during these months because it is summer, and during that time of year there are additional childcare costs, getting ready for school costs, and vacations.  One of the pluses about the summer months over the winter months is that there is usually a lot more homes for sale during these months.  The craziest time of year to be a buyer is always during February through June as this is usually the busiest time as people have tax refunds to use for down payments (if you don't have one though there are programs to help with this), and closing costs.  February and June can go either way....depending on the year, but during this time there tends to be less homes on the market and a LOT more buyer competition so more multiple offers, homes sell for more than listing price, and sellers are less likely to pay any closing costs.  
  So what if you have a home to sell, and need to buy one too?  The summer and winter months are your best friend too.  The spring might be easier to sell, but as a buyer you will have a more difficult time with that 'sell my home first' contingency (more about this on an upcoming blog). The summer and winter months will give you a more solid buyer, and availability to purchase your new home with being contingent on the sale of your current home.   
  Does this explain the price drops you are seeing?  Yes... the market is always on steroids during the spring, and when people list during the summer they see this, but as the home sits on the market for a bit longer, the price drops start happening. For buyers this is good....  multiple offers are difficult for everyone, and many buyers need some closing costs assistance. If you are a buyer.... go look at homes when it is hot as hades out there...  it is a good thing!  
  The home market really follows interest rates  Interest rates went up for a bit, and the market softened a bit.  Interest rates dropped again recently, and that has helped some buyers with the amount they're pre-approved for.  Remember that you are pre-approved for a monthly home payment (not a purchase price).  The monthly home payment is directly related to interest rates....so as rates go up, a buyer is pre-approved for less.  I'm talking to my buyers right now, and reminding them that the home they purchase is really a 7-10 year home.  The market has been going up for quite awhile, but it's not skyrocketing like it was.  
  We see many more homeowners following the interest rates, and seeing home prices start to soften, so we are seeing more home inventory hitting the market....again... this is a good thing as it will ease up the low supply/high demand that caused home prices to skyrocket. 
   Please remember a couple of things....I might have been called a witch a time or two, but my powers of seeing the future are not very good. My magic wand is a hit and miss, and that silly 8 ball lies to me quite frequently.  All we can do is listen to the economists, watch and follow the trends, and rely of past economic predictions. 
  Good news is that YES, due to higher inventory and lower demand and this infernal heat, we ARE seeing price drops.  We are also seeing sellers assisting with buyers closing
  Is there a crash coming?  Not that anyone sees....no...  What the economists are talking about is a 'market correction'  where rising interest rates control the skyrocketing home prices.  When that is coming is anyone's guess though....   Please remember that your home is just that...your home.  While it is an investment...it's an investment in your future.  Owning a home is a long term investment.  

  Now for those of you who love this heat....  I am too fluffy, pale, and my hair is too frizzy for this kind of madness.... :-)


   I hope that explains this a bit, but if you have any questions, or comments please call or email me anytime!  I am here to help...

Your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  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:
Rules to seeing homes (for Buyers & Sellers)
Contingencies, Rentback, and Pre-Possession (oh my!), 
 Buyers Due Diligence, &....
What happens after an offer is made?

Last Week:  What's in a mortgage & 'escrow'?



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.learningtobuyahome.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:
Monday, June 17th, from 5pm - 8pm (ish)
        Marshall Community Center, Conference room
       1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, June 22nd, from 12pm-3pm (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....                                                                                  
...www.learningtobuyahome.com for seller class schedule....
                  
Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D
~~~~~~~~~
Happy Sunday~


It's supposed to be in the 90's this week?  Blech....  I know that some people love the heat, but I may be too fluffy for the heat.  Thank goodness for Air Conditioning this week.  So, Chris and I get asked about closing costs all the time.  What are they?  How much are they?  What are they for?  How can you plan for them?  

 Buying a home will be the largest purchase you ever make.  The only thing that will cost your more than buying a home is having a child.  :-)  Like a child, you have to take care of your home though, and there is more to home ownership than most people realize.  
   Every month you pay bills, and your mortgage payment will most likely be your largest monthly expenditure, but what is it?  We will talk about how a mortgage payment works soon, but this week, let's talk about the five parts of a mortgage payment.  

Now...what is all in your payment?
 
   There are four parts to your mortgage payment...it is called a PITI payment.  What that means is Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance.  For example, if my payment was $2000, my principal/interest portion would be about  $1300 a month, and the other $700 a month would be put into an escrow account.  Out of this account comes the homeowners insurance payment once a year, and property taxes are also paid from this account twice a year.  All of these fees are wrapped into the monthly mortgage payment.  Anytime you are using a FHA, or any government type of loan like RD (USDA), or the downpayment assistance programs & grants (like Home Advantage), these fees must be wrapped into the mortgage payment.   If you don't have a 20% down payment (like 99.9% people), then your mortgage payment will actually have FIVE PARTS with the fifth part being Mortgage Insurance. Another insurance that 'could' come out of the escrow payment is flood insurance.  If you live in a flood plain (I used to), then you will be required to carry flood insurance.  Flood insurance would be wrapped up into your mortgage payment, and be deposited into your escrow payment for a payment once a year.  

So what's an escrow account?
  Your escrow account, as mentioned above is the account that holds the money taken from your mortgage payment every month to pay for those parts of your mortgage that are NOT principal and interest.  Every year your mortgage company will evaluate your escrow account to be certain that they're collecting enough to pay for these items.  As property taxes go up (or down) based on home value, your home owners insurance should also change to cover your homes value.  If your values are going up, then the amount you need in your escrow account will also need to increase.  You will receive a letter from your escrow account every year to update you whether you have enough in your payment to cover escrow, or if you have too much in your escrow account.  If you have too much in your escrow account then you might receive a check, and new payment amount.  If you don't have enough forecasted in your account, then they will ask you to mail in a check to cover the difference, or your mortgage payment will be adjusted to cover the difference.  

Mortgage Insurance vs Homeowners Insurance
 Mortgage insurance is different than home owners (sometimes called, Hazard) insurance.  In a nutshell, mortgage Insurance protects the lender in case you default on your loan, and homeowners insurance protects you & the lender in case something happens to the home....ie.. a fire, a tree falling on your home, a car driving into your home, burst pipes, etc.  

Homeowners Insurance
   Now, please remember, you do choose your insurance company!  One of the things I suggest to clients is to contact their insurance company after they make their offer and to do a couple of things...(1) Has there been any water of fire claims in the past 3-5 years on this home?, and (2) How much would the insurance be for this home?  Average homeowners insurance is about $500-$700 a year....again, it is wrapped up into your monthly mortgage payment so it is NOT another extra expense.  You do get to choose your company, and many companies will give you discounts for 'bundling' your policies...like, home, car, life, etc.  It doesn't hurt to call around for quotes.  Once you choose a company, you will want to request that your insurance agent send over an 'insurance binder' over to your lender. 

Property Taxes
  Taxes are decided by the county, and are usually paid twice a year. You may get a copy of the tax bill, but again, it is paid by your mortgage company out of your escrow account.  I always get phone calls when these bills come out.  :-D  No worries...it is just for your records, and I encourage your phone calls!!  :-)  Please remember that 'Tax Assessed Value' is NOT market value.  Property taxes are assessed every year, but based off of sales from a year to two years prior.  

Principal & Interest
   Now...your principal and interest portion of your mortgage payment.  As we know a portion of your mortgage payment every month goes toward the principal amount that your borrowed to purchase your home, and a portion goes toward the interest that the lender is charging you.  In the beginning of your loan the smaller amount goes toward principal, and the larger portion goes toward interest...this eventually switches.  We all know the wisdom of making an additional payment every year on your mortgage to reduce your loan time.  Some banks will offer to take your payment in two week portions, and make your additional payment for you.  Honestly I don't advise this.....before you think I am crazy, this is the reason why....the bank actually holds your money and makes your additional payment at the end of the year.  This isn't the best way for you, really....  I always pay between $25-$100 extra on my mortgage every month depending upon our finances that month, but apply it directly towards my principal borrowed amount.  At the end of the year I have made that extra payment directly towards my principal, which is less money I can be charged interest on!  This will shorten my loan length considerably.  In the end I actually pay MORE on the principal amount than I would have if I had just made one extra payment.  My suggestion to all my clients is to take that $20 from each paycheck and put it into that credit union far away (with no debit card or checkbook for) that is for your home repairs that are needed as a homeowner.  If you just put at least $25 per month extra toward your principal loan amount you will also be shortening your loan time.  This sounds like a lot...but really is it?  It is a trip to McD's (for my family anyhow as we have 2 adults, a third grader, and either my adult son, and/or my adult daughter and her husband, and baby.), or a couple of Dutch Brothers trips a month...but it will help you in the long run immensely.   I won't lie... I love my Dutch Bros though.  :-)
   So there are the 5 parts of your mortgage payment...Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance...both Mortgage & Homeowners.....all tidily wrapped up into one payment every month..

  Yay!  I kept it shorter this week!  :-D  It's like going to the grocery store, and only coming out with the items you went in for....ok, who am I kidding...that never happens!  
  
          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.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  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: 55 things not to do when buying a home.
                                  When is a pre-approval not a pre-approval?
Last Week:  Types of Realtors & Compensation...explained


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.learningtobuyahome.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:  
...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page

Saturday, May 4th, from 9am-12pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Tuesday, May 7th, from 5pm-8pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, May 18th, from 11am-2pm (ish)
​       Vancouver YMCA, conference room
       11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave).
 
Thursday, May 30th, 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
~~~~~~~~~

Hi!  Guess what time it is? 
No... not Miller Time... (ewww)... It's Client Appreciation Event time!  On Saturday, 5/4 from 3pm-6pm (ish as the movies 3 hours & 2 minutes long)  Chris Berg & I will be hosting what is projected to be the biggest opening movie of all time...  Infinity War: ENDGAME!  This movie is projected to earn 900 MILLION dollars in the opening weekend!  Holy Moly...  that's almost a BILLION dollars the opening weekend!  So, here we go...let's be part of it!  So, you know the rules...  our client appreciation events are for past, current, and clients who want to be working with us to buy a home, sell a home, or to refinance a home.  We appreciate our clients because we know that without you... well, without our clients, what would Chris and I be doing? Well, not hosting really awesome movies with cool pens.  For tickets, please email me or Chris Berg at chris.berg@cardinalfinancial.com with how many adult/kid tickets you need.  Thank YOU!!!  Thank you for your continued business, and your Referrals.   Come watch a movie with us!  

  Has anyone noticed the slow down?  Oh...how can you tell?  All the Facebook ads?  Good gravy, it's gotten crazy!  The market has slowed down from last year, and for many people in the industry this means that they are looking for any way to reach potential clients. Unfortunately some of the information that they're floating around is ... to be polite...  bonkers, and did I mention incorrect?  What is funny is that I keep seeing the same ad...over and over, but shared by different Realtors, and lenders.  So, let's go over some of the questions I've been asked recently, or read that some in my industry were sharing...  

How about we play a game of True or False?

1.  A client of mine took a class recently where the Realtor teaching the class told folks in the class that Buyers could not close on a home if their drivers licenses did not have their new address on it.  
FALSE:  to close on a home you do need to bring a copy of your current drivers license to the title company with you.  You do NOT have to have the address of the home you are buying on it.  I moved in 2017, and didn't update my license address until a year later when I needed to renew my license. Now, it is advised that you probably update your license with your new address sooner than I did... but not before closing. 

2.  You can buy a home with zero money out of pocket.
FALSE:  You CAN BUY a home with NO down payment as there are programs to assist with down payment, and yes, people use these programs ALL the time.  Don't let any lender tell you that these programs don't exist... because they really do.  That being said, however... you do need some money though.  As a buyer you will need to come up with an Earnest Money Deposit....You will need to pay for a Home Inspection...You will need to pay for an Appraisal.  I have done a blog on these fees if you would like to go towww.freehomebuyerclasses.com to hit that up.  There are also a few other 


3.  You get a better 'deal' if you call & work with the sellers agent
FALSE:  Oh my heavens... is there a more FALSE statement than this?  I'm not certain... maybe #1?  Anyhow, working with the sellers agent, or someone on their team is like being married, getting divorced, and calling your soon-to-be ex's lawyer and asking if they'll help you too.  I can not tell you what to do...I'm not your mother... but you should ALWAYS have YOUR OWN Realtor.  Your Realtor works for you... their job is to protect you to the best of their experience, skills, and knowledge.  The sellers Realtor's job is to do the same for their client...the seller.  

4.  You need to pay a 'buyers agent fee'
FALSE:  sigh... FALSE...  this is like part 2 of #3.  When a seller signs a contract to sell their home, part of that contract goes over the commission they are going to pay their agent.  The sellers agent then splits that commission with the buyers agent.  Some Realtors/Companies talk about 'listing fees' and 'buyers fees'.  Ok...they do this to make their fees seem 'cheaper' than other peoples.  It's like telling someone...  "I'll sell your home for only 3%, and only for 3% when you buy."  Ok... so 3+3 still equals 6, right?  If you choose to pay a buyers agency fee... you can, but most likely... you shouldn't be.  If you are selling your home and something sounds to good to be true, maybe it is?  Ask what the fees include?  Remember high school English...  Who, what, when, where...and how... Always ask questions.  

5.  You need to sign this contract
TRUE & FALSE:  When you are selling your home, yes, you will sign a contract with your Realtor for a certain length of time to represent you, and to market your home to potential buyers and their Realtors.  You will want to know what the release terms, commission, and marketing is...and what that all entails  When you are buying a home... no, you do not have to sign a contract with your Realtor to buy that home.  Signing a contract with a Realtor to help with buying a home actually protects the Realtor more than you.  You do not have to sign a contract with a Realtor to see homes in a new development.  Again, I have a blog regarding agency, who does what and questions to ask... where?  See #2.  

6. I saw a Sponsored Facebook Ad today that gave a list of things that 'buyers should know' before buying a home.  One of these 'list items' said that a buyer should 'budget for homeowners insurance & property taxes'.  
FALSE!  Do Realtors who pay money to sponsor these even read them before they post them???  No... as a buyer you do NOT need to budget for homeowners insurance OR property taxes.  Your Mortgage Payment will INCLUDE these items as part of your payment.  These are not items you pay separately.  

7.  Whether this is your first home, or you've bought homes before, you should take a home buyer class
TRUE.  Yes, you should take a home buyers class, but unfortunately not all classes are created the same.  Sadly, getting a Real Estate License in Washington is ridiculously easy, and one of the first things they tell new Realtors to do is to host a home buyers class.  However, as seen with these items above that I've been asked recently, most people teaching classes have no idea what they're even talking about.  Ask questions...  how long have you been licensed?  How long have you taught classes?  Where do you teach classes at?  How many homes have you sold?  What can you tell me about the classes you teach?  
So, why are these questions important?  Because most classes are a way for the lender/Realtor teaching the class to try to get clients.  Now honestly, anyone who teaches a class is hoping you will call them to help you with your adventure, yes... even me.  However, we strive to keep our classes as non-promotional as possible which is why we teach them at community centers like Marshall & the YMCA.  We know that 3 hours (ish) is a long time so we try to also have fun with and during the classes as people usually remember more with humor.  
There is a plethora of mis-information out there that just keeps getting shared because someone doesn't know.  Don't be mis-informed because in real estate what you don't know CAN financially hurt you.  There's like a million (only slight exaggeration) of home buyers classes on facebook right now... try to make certain you are taking a class that has some history to it...not a class that is squeaky new.

8.  You don't need to take a class if you are selling a home (or buying a home)
 FALSE.  I was talking with someone the other day who called me with a question.  They're working with a lender who told them to call a Realtor whose number he gave them.  They told the lender that they were scheduled to take a home buyers class (not one I teach), and the lender told them that they didn't need a class.  That he (the lender) and the Realtor that he told them to call could help them with anything they needed to know.  Why do you think that the lender didn't want them to take a class?  Isn't more knowledge good?  One of their friends told them to call me to ask me some questions they had, and these were two questions they asked.  There are many good Realtors & lenders out there.  There are also many, many classes right now.  Many of these classes are promotional classes meaning that the classes are not so much about information, but more about trying to get clients.... a lot like open houses are more about trying to get peoples names, numbers, and email addresses and less about selling a home.  The lender in question was afraid that these folks would go to a class and not work with them anymore. This lender was also worried that their clients would get some of that mis-information that is going around.  Classes are good, and information is good.  Questions are the BEST though.  Call around... ask lenders questions, and ask Realtors questions... you will get a 'feel' about who knows what, and who's feeding you a line.  These folks did not like the Realtor they were told to call.  They are also purchasing in an area that I can not help them as I don't work in Oregon.  I gave them a couple of numbers of Realtors that I know that can help them, but told them they can always call me with questions.We're here to help...

If you, or someone you know is thinking about selling a home.  YES, you should absolutely take a class.  There are seller classes available at www.learningtobuyahome.com...again...non-promotional & free.  Take a home buyers class as well.  Knowledge is never a bad thing, and whether buying, or selling...there's a lot to know, vocabulary to go over, paperwork to discuss, and so much more.  It's scarier to sell a home because it IS your home.  When you are selling and buying at the same time... it's a juggling process.  You need to know how that works because GI Joe still knows what they're talking about.  


9.  You need a 700 or better credit score to buy a home
FALSE.  You can buy a home with a credit score of 580, but it will be more difficult, and there will be higher fees & interest rates.  Their will be some programs that you can not utilize unless you have a 620 credit score.  Those 40 points though...  a good lender can help you with that.  A credit score is a way for lenders to determine how much of a 'risk' you are....how likely you are to pay back the loan.  The higher the credit score, the lower the interest rate. However, I will tell you that the VAST majority of folks have credit scores in the mid-600 range...and they purchase homes ALL the time.  In fact....coolest story...  I talked with a gal about a year and half ago with a credit score in the low 500's. About a week ago their family received keys to their very own home!  4 bedrooms, living room, vaulted family room with brick fireplace, and a remodeled kitchen....with a HUGE yard for their puppies and kids.  Her landlord had given her a 30 day notice because he decided to sell the home.  We had 30 days to find a home, do the inspections, the appraisal, and close on the home.  Challenge accepted!  We did it!!  

10.  You can be too old for Disney...  
FALSE!  You are NEVER to old to enjoy Disney!  Ok, Ok, Ok... So I had someone call me wanting to look at homes because they were pre-approved.  Perfect!  That is what we want...  Meet with a lender, get pre-approved, and THEN go look at homes with your Realtor.  I ask about the type of home they are hoping to find,  what price range, type of loan, and who their lender is.  This is where it got weird...  they told me they took a 'quiz' on the lenders facebook page that took them to the lenders website page where the 'quiz' told them how much they were pre-approved for.  Ummm....no...  you are not really pre-approved.  But the website said they were, and they answered all the questions on the quiz.  Yeah... that's not how this work...that's not how any of this works.... It's not that easy.  When meeting with a lender they will want to meet with you...in person... and see copies of your bank statements, paycheck stubs, credit reports, and yes, W-2's as well.  The file has to be approved with the underwriters so that you are really pre-approved.  Remember that getting pre-approved doesn't mean that you are guaranteed to buy a home...  a pre-approval is a snapshot of your current financial situation...if your financial situation changes AT ALL that means that your pre-approval changes as well.  I had a client lose their loan because they were working too much overtime.  :-(  I have a client who is a bartender... she couldn't deposit her tips for 3 months because it's not just money OUT that is being tracked, but money IN too.

Lots of information this week...sorry!  I also apologize for not being timely this year with these.  The last 6 weeks has been crazy in my home as my oldest daughter was pregnant with a high risk pregnancy and we've had a LOT of doctor appointments these past few weeks.  Last week, my daughter and son-in-law had a beautiful little girl...born at 35 weeks.  She was in NICU for 5 days, but they brought her home just this week.  She's amazing!  It is very weird to be a 'grandma', as I still have a 9 year old.  :-D  That is what we get for having babies young, and older too.  Now... if anyone wants to tell me how young I look...  I am forever grateful!!    


  I'm always available to answer your questions, so feel free to reach out to me anytime.  :-)    

  Remember that this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is more about relationships.  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.  :-)  All home buying adventures should START with the Home Buyer Education Classes. Don't talk to lenders/agents until after the classes so you know the questions to ask, what all the paperwork means, and fully understand the process.  

As always...the classes are Free and Non-Promotional.  After teaching these classes for 14 years, we are not there to promote ourselves, or any 'special' agenda like some classes, and while we certainly hope you will call Chris or I, or both of us, to help with your home adventure, that certainly isn't the main focus of the classes.  If you have any questions about this, or something you have heard... or if you would like me to assist you with your home adventure... please call, email, or text.  We are here 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:
Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you
Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg,Cardinal Financial)
What do I need to buy a home,
Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask,

What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....
Debt to Income Ratios....What is this?


Last Week: Property Taxes (the elephant in the room) 


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:  
...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page

Saturday, March 16th, from 11am-2pm (ish)
​       Vancouver YMCA, conference room
       11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave).

Monday, February 18th, from 5pm-8pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, March 30th, from 10am-1pm (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 Daylight Savings time aka National Napping Day~

  After the nastiest of the last couple of weeks... what a gorgeous day!!!  ...and did you hear?  It's supposed to hit 60 degrees this week?  It's like a heat wave!  WooHoo!  Is it?  Could it be?  Spring may finally be coming...and I know we are all excited, right?  Spring also means that we have a Client Appreciation event coming up.  We will be hosting Avengers:  Endgame the first Saturday of May...yes, a week after it opens, but we are still excited, right?  If there is a different movie that you think we should host....we still have time to change it!  :-D  Let me, or Chris Berg (chris.berg@cardinalfinancial.com) know.  We are always open to suggestions.  

Ok, now to be honest with you, this is NOT the email I was going to send out this week.  There was some craziness that has been going on with social media the last week or so, and I wanted to talk about it...and I might send it out next week, but I am not sure that right now is the best time for it.  I mean...it is always a good time to talk about protecting yourself and to talk about agency, but I think I need to have that blog read by an outside source to make certain it is clear and not just venting.  You know what I mean... You spend time typing something up, and then read what you typed, and think, "oh crap...do I sound crazier than what I am talking about?"  Yeah... I better make sure first.  

So, instead  we are going to talk about something else that has been all over facebook recently.... surprise... we are going off topic *gasp*.  Let's talk about the elephant in the room...Property Taxes (insert scare music here).  
 
As you know from previous posts, a mortgage payment is one payment for you, but then it is broke down into payments within that payment. There's your actual loan amount (principal) with interest.  Your interest doesn't change (unless you refinance), so this amount is always the same, but over the course of your home ownership you pay less on interest and more towards principal. Then there is the amount that goes into your 'escrow' account.  From your escrow account is paid a couple of things... Insurances (mortgage, hazard, flood) and property taxes.  Most folks have some mortgage insurance and this is the cost to secure the loan....it protects the lender.  Your hazard insurance is another term for homeowners insurance.  This is the insurance you carry to protect the property if something outside of your care, custody, and control were to happen to the home.  It's a lot like car insurance in that it is there to protect the asset from damage and to correct, or fix, that damage, and to bring the asset (in this case, the home) back to original (before the damage) condition.  For example, if your home catches fire, you wouldn't have the money to fix that damage, but with hazard/home insurance, you would be able to correct the fire damage with only the insurance deduction out of pocket.  Flood insurance is only required if you are in a designated flood plain, and if you have it will be paid from the escrow account as well.  Then there is the amount that goes toward paying your property taxes.  The amount needed in your escrow account to pay these items can change, and as it does, your monthly mortgage payment will change too. Every year you will get a statement from your escrow account letting you know if you are paying enough into that escrow account.  In a market upswing, where your home is increasing in value, is going to usually mean you will have a deficit in that account and you will either A) have to send an additional check for $XX amount to deposit into your escrow account and your mortgage payment will now be $XXXX.xx, or B) you can spread that amount over the next 12 months of mortgage payments and your mortgage payment will now be $XXXX.xx.  I receive calls on this every year, and that is ok.  I am always here to help! 

  Property tax payment dates are weird.... they're due on April 1 (pay period from January 1 thru June 30), and again on October 1 (pay period from July 1 thru December 31).  They can be paid in full on April 1, or split with 1/2 due on April 1, and half due on October 1.  I've seen escrow statements with either option paid by the bank.  
  Remember that every year your escrow company will assess your escrow account to make sure you have enough in there, or if you have enough projected to come in via your monthly payments, to pay your insurances and taxes.  If you have too much (in a declining market), you will receive a check with the option to mail it back and your payments become XX amount, or to keep the check and your payments will be XX amount....or... (and this is the case for the past couple of years now), it is projected by your escrow company that you will NOT have enough and you have one of two options ... you can send a check to the escrow company and your payment will be XX, or you can increase your monthly payments to XXX to cover the difference.  Yes, I know that I just repeated myself, but it bears repeating.  Yes, your mortgage payment amount WILL change every year.  
  Every year the Clark County Assessors assess the value of the home for taxes.  As your home value increases, so do your property taxes.  One thing to note is that they will use information that is available based on sales average from a year or so ago for that area.  This is not current information.  Tax assessed value is not market value... I will repeat... TAX ASSESSED VALUE IS NOT MARKET VALUE.  We are in an escalating market... (aka sellers market), and home values are still going up.  This is why tax assessed value is not market value because the market is always moving and changing...ebbing and flowing... and your taxes are the same for that period.  
"For every pro...there is a con, and for every con...there is a pro" (I will give a gift card to the person who can tell me what song that line is from) ....while this is a fun song from one of my favorite Disney movies (hint, hint) it is true nonetheless.  As your market value increases, so do your property taxes, and as the market declines and values go down, so will your taxes.  As your market value increases, so does the amount you need to insure your home against catastrophe and calamity, you might want to be prepared for that.  This can also increase (or decrease) your monthly payment amount.
  It really is a case of, 'you can't have your cake and eat it too'....  everyone loves it when their home values go up, but no one likes it when their property taxes do.  I get that.  My property taxes went up a lot last year, and they will this year again as I added on to my home so now there is more to tax.  It sucks...  I get it.  However, everyone hates it when they see their home values go down...but they like it when their taxes do.  Taxes go down when home values go down, but we wouldn't see that right away.  Sigh.... can't win for losing, right?
  Be prepared though... as home values increased significantly again last year (2018), taxes will go up again next year.  The higher values jump in a year... so do your property taxes.  2016 & 2017, we saw a sharp increase in home values.  Home values did increase again in 2018, but not as much in percentage as they did the two previous years.  As an industry we still expect to see an increase in home values this year, but again, not as much as a percentage as 2016/2017, and maybe not as much as last years either.  As an industry, the thought is that the rising interest rates will help the market to 'balance out'.  Of course, as I've often said...  my crystal ball is broken and the Magic 8 Ball often lies to me.  

  

  I'm always available to answer your questions, so feel free to reach out to me anytime.  :-)    

  Remember that this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is more about relationships.  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.  :-)  All home buying adventures should START with the Home Buyer Education Classes. Don't talk to lenders/agents until after the classes so you know the questions to ask, what all the paperwork means, and fully understand the process.  

As always...the classes are Free and Non-Promotional.  After teaching these classes for 14 years, we are not there to promote ourselves, or any 'special' agenda like some classes, and while we certainly hope you will call Chris or I, or both of us, to help with your home adventure, that certainly isn't the main focus of the classes.  If you have any questions about this, or something you have heard... or if you would like me to assist you with your home adventure... please call, email, or text.  We are here 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:
Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you
Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg,Cardinal Financial)
What do I need to buy a home,
Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask,

What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....
Debt to Income Ratios....What is this?


Last Week: Is Big Brother Watching?  Well...maybe... 


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:  
...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page

Saturday, February 16th, from 12pm-3pm (ish)
​       Vancouver YMCA, conference room
       11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave

Tuesday, February 19th, from 5pm - 8pm (ish)
        Marshall Community Center, Conference room
       1009 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)
Saturday, March 2nd, from 9am-12pm (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....  
                                                      
Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D
~~~~~~~~~


Happy Snow Day~

  SNOW!!  Just when you thought winter wasn't coming, it decided to come with some friends....snow, ice, and cold.  I mean...it's no polar vortex (yeah... I'm never moving out that area), but still...  I think February is pushing winter just a bit too far.  I remember, as a kid, we'd often get snow or ice in December, and January.  By the time we hit February, well, that is spring planning time.  This year, we were all talking smack about the weather, and how warm it's been.. Winter must have heard us and realized that somehow, while putting the mid & east coasts on a deep freeze, he forgot all about us  Weatherfolk are talking about more snow/ice/cold tomorrow, and into early next week too?  Well, I guess there's no help for it..... TIME TO RUSH THE STORES FOR SUPPLIES!  Oh wait... everyone already did that!  Sorry.. Portland is out of Kale.  I went to the store on Thursday night, and hit up Petsmart for cat food & litter too.  I can live without a lot of things over a potential weekend storm, but not being able to change the cat litter?  Yeah...  I can't do that!    I guess that shows where my priorities lie, doesn't it?  The cats must be taken care of first... 


So, talking about people listening in...  I'm going to tell you a story that happened a couple of weeks ago....  
I had listed one of my clients homes and marked it active on the RMLS.com on a Thursday morning.  After 3 days on the market we had 5 offers on the home.  As we are going over the offers, my clients were attaching the offers to the agents who showed the home.  Things like, "oh that offer was from that family with the 2 little kids that really loved the room colors" and "that offer was from that older couple", and then we got to the 3rd offer and my clients look at each other and say, "oh...it was that agent..."  I asked what agent, and they told me how when the young female agent came in she 'tossed' her card on a table, and then talked disparagingly to her clients with snide remarks about their home, the listed price, the sellers agent (me), and was just (they felt) very disrespectful and rude, from the moment she walked in.  My clients point blank said, "we're not accepting that offer".  Ok....  well, it wasn't the best offer we had, but even if had been... they did not want to accept the offer because of the attitude, and comments of that young female Realtor.  So ...how did they know all of these things?

Our homes are BUGGED!  Well...not really, but kind of.  With the rise of xfinity, or Ring, or any other number of home surveillance gears, what you say, or do may not be as private as you think.  I have the Ring set up outside my home so that I can see folks coming up to my drive, or on my front step   I can hear everything they say, and talk to them as well.  I have clients who have 'nanny-cams' set up inside their homes.  I have clients with whole house set ups too.  This is becoming more common.  Yes, you are not supposed to be recorded without your knowledge or permission, but...  well, think of all the 'porch pirates' at Christmas time... they didn't give permission, and don't often know they are being recorded, do they?  Maybe porch pirates don't care if they're being recorded?  I don't know...  but I am waiting for someone to get recorded taking someone's package dressed as a real pirate.

When looking at homes, talk about the pros and cons and feeling of the home IN THE CAR.  Do not discuss the home, or the potential offer in front of the home, or inside the home.  Honestly not every home has an in-home video surveillance, but enough of them do that you do need to think about it.  The thing you may dislike about the home and can't wait to change may very well be the one thing that they're in love with and hearing you talk about changing it can make the sellers look dis-favorably on your offer.  In a multiple offer situation...anything can change the tide toward, or away from, your offer.  

As a Realtor will we know whether or not the home has video in front, or inside?  Nope..  sometimes we can see it (I always look for a possible camera), but otherwise.. we won't know.  It's safer to assume that someone may be watching, or listening to you as you enter their home, and sometimes while you are inside the home.   

I know I said it above, but I will again say it... do NOT talk about any potential offer, or what it might be inside the home.  Never say anything about the home, the Realtors involved, the list price (and/or whether or not you agree with the list price), or about the decoration while anywhere near or inside the home.  Save the discussion for inside the vehicle. Always better to be safe than sorry..

And speaking of 'better to be safe than sorry'....  For the homeowners, there have been reports of potential buyers, and unfortunately, even Realtors doing things inappropriate inside homes for sale, taking things that don't belong to them, or touching things that they shouldn't be.  This is not the norm, and it is pretty rare, but it does happen.  
A couple of examples...  years ago during an open house for a model home in a new community there was a gal who asked why the master bedroom was locked and why they couldn't see it...  The gal I was working with looked at me with an 'oh no' expression as we realized that we hadn't seen this one couple come back downstairs for about 15 minutes...  yep, you guessed why...  She knocked on the door and told them in a no-nonsense voice that cops had been called (she hadn't).  A couple of minutes later a couple come out, and we had to cancel the rest of the open house while the housekeeper had to come in.  Ewwwww.....  
Another open house... very early in my Realtor career, in an owner occupied home.  There was this one family who came in complete with dirty shoes and started to make themselves at home on the furniture, laying on the bed (sorry, those don't stay), and worse, one kid was jumping on a bed (with dirty shoes), and another kid was in the other kids room playing with his legos (and breaking them).  If you know of a kid who plays with and puts together lego sets you KNOW how bad this was.  This was literally all in less than 5 minutes!  I was trying to deal with the parents, get them to take care of their kids (without making them mad), keep an eye on the front door as other people came in, and honestly... I was perplexed, befuddled, and overwhelmed...  luckily for me another older, more experienced agent came in with her client, and took command of the situation.  She pulled the 'mom card/tone' that I had been hesitant to use.  Yes, the parents were upset that she told them to get control of their kids and to remember that they were in someone else's home, but she did teach me valuable lessons that day.... 1) I don't do open houses in occupied homes. 2) If I have a client who really wants one, I always have 2 people there ... for safety, and for one to keep an eye upstairs/bedrooms and one downstairs/living spaces, and most importantly 3) KEEP EVERYONE TOGETHER.  In real estate there is a different kind of respect needed... you have to respect yourself.  You have to have enough respect for yourself and your career to stand up to others who lack that respect for others property.  Sometimes you do have to be the 'bad guy' to enforce others to respect the homes that they are seeing, and the boundaries that are respectfully put there....and it's ok.  Real estate is a lot like parenting... we can't always be the 'good guy', and sometimes, well, we can't please everyone.  That agent has since retired, and I've helped people buy/sell a LOT of homes since then.  So what happened after that?  Well, the agent who came in and put a stop to the neighbors (yes, they were NEIGHBORS!!!) shenanigans worked with the agent I was helping. The homeowners were really nice and were not surprised about the neighbors behavior.....as not shockingly, they were not friendly, and in fact, they were moving because of those neighbors.  They were surprised about the behavior of them during the open house though, and never thought about warning the Realtor that they might come to the open house.  I mean... why would they?  Who would've ever thought?  We had a housecleaner come in after the open house, and Troy got a new lego set as the neighbor little boy did destroy one of his dragons in the short time he was in there.  I was young, and new, and while neither is bad, in this case (as in many cases) age and experience is what saved the day. 
Another story...  a Realtor down south was using 'showings' to meet with her ... umm...  young boyfriend.  She couldn't meet him at her house because...well, that is where her husband and kids lived.  Yep...and she got caught because someone had an in home surveillance system.  I bet that was a shock to everyone!  


So, while yes, it sucks to think that someone might be watching you during a showing, you kind of have to understand where sellers are coming from anymore.  As Realtors we do everything we can do to protect our clients.. when representing a seller our job is multifaceted...  there's sociology, psychology, marketing, pricing, niche marketing, and of course representing the seller to best of our experience and skills... and helping the seller to realize the best profit from their real estate investment. 

 When working with a buyer, the Realtors duty is to protect the buyer to the best of the Realtors skills, experience, and education.  To help the buyer get the best home we can find them in their price range, to negotiate home inspection repairs, to walk them through the entire process, paperwork, to communicate every step so that the buyer understands and feels comfortable with the home buying process.  To help that buyer find and get keys to...not just a house, but a home.  A home is an investment in your future.  If you take care of it, it will take care of you.  We only hope our kids will take care of us someday...  :-D


    As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  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... 

Information is power,  and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.  
If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime.  You can call, text, email, or even facebook me.  Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.

   
Upcoming Topics:
Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you
Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg,Cardinal Financial)
What do I need to buy a home,
Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask,

What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....
What does an Agent do for me? 
Debt to Income Ratios....What is this?


Last Week:  Costs & Fees of Buying a Home


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:  
...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page

Saturday, January 26th, from 11am-2pm (ish)
​       Vancouver YMCA, conference room
       11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave).

Saturday, February 2nd, from 9am-12pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, February 16th, from 12pm-3pm (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....  
                                                      
Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D
~~~~~~~~~


Happy 2019~

  Now that we are 2 weeks into the new year we can start to get a 'feel' for what this year is going to bring us..right?  ....or not...  It's definitely been a mild winter, so I guess we know that, right?  Let's be honest though....there's lots more winter to come, so it could change, and there's still plenty of this year to go as well.  
  Last fall was pretty slow in the real estate world, and we saw plenty of price reductions.  This winter was also pretty slow as well....  have we reached the plateau?  Have we reached that 'magic' place where the crazy sellers market balances out? This spring will tell the tale...  Spring is typically the 'busy time' of the year as people get their income tax refunds back.  Tax refunds are used a lot for down payment & closing costs by buyers, so that is when the market gets crazy.  People who are selling their home, now that they have a buyer, go out and look for a new home for themselves.  Spring is crazy...  this year though?  Well, first we have to see if people will get refunds, and then...  well, the good news is that we are seeing a lot of new homes on the market. I have 3 that recently came on the market, and 2 more hitting by the end of the month.  I have spoken with a lot of my agent friends and they're also getting a bunch of calls of people wanting to sell this spring.  So, now we wait to see what will happen with the tax refunds and, of course, interest rates. Interest rates follow the market...market goes down, and so does interest rates. Market goes up, and so does interest rates.  I certainly hoping that the market has reached that seller/buyer balance.  We saw that nice balance in 2014 & 2015.  Real estate typically runs on a 10 year cycle of highs and lows....with a couple of years balance in the middle. Don't forget though that the only things in life that are consistent are death and taxes, so my crystal ball is not to be trusted.  

   While showing homes, we go over lots of 'little' things that otherwise people don't think about.  Some of these items are the 'hidden' costs of buying a home....those things that you weren't planning on, but probably should be.    Not too long ago, I was on one of the facebook swap/free/sale sites, and I was reading how some people were upset with the home buying process and the 'hidden' fees they weren't told about.  It is true that there are a LOT of fees and other expenses involved with buying a home.  The point of these blogs, and of course, the home buyer classes is to give folks this information.  There shouldn't be anything 'hidden' about the home buying process.  As you know, I am a big fan of not sugarcoating anything....I believe that an ugly truth is better than a pretty lie every day of the week.  You might not always like what I have to say (and that is ok), but I am not going to hold anything back from you on the off chance you might not ask me to help you buy, or sell, your home.  Personally I don't just want to hear about the 'good' things about a loan, or process....I want to hear it all...the good, the bad, and the ugly, so that I can make the best decision for me and my family based on the pros and the cons....not just the good.  So....yes, I am not going to just agree with what you read on the internet, or saw on HGTV, or heard from your direct and personal circle....I am going to give you the pros and cons because this is YOUR home buying (or selling) adventure, and YOU need to make the decisions.  My job is to help you find, and have, all the information I can get you so that you can make those choices based on a full picture....not just half of one.  

   That all being said, let's talk about the fees you can expect and some ones you might not.  I am not including down payment, or closing costs as part of this.  That will be an email in the upcoming week(s).  These are mainly fees associated with buying a home.  If you are thinking about selling a home, or know someone who is, there are some fees you need to be aware of as well.  I will post that on my facebook page at:  Tracie DeMars Real Estate, or you can contact me.  I am, as always, happy to help!

So what fees can you  expect?  There are three fees that will be needed upfront.  

Earnest Money
....earnest money is typically about $1000- $3000, but the more expensive the home means the more earnest money you will need.   Some banks (& builders) can request 1%-3% of the purchase price for earnest money.  With a bank owned property the bank will want a cashiers check.  With a regular sale, a personal check is fine.  The earnest money is deliverable upon acceptance of the offer, and not when the offer is written.  The earnest money is always made out to the title company and is refundable based upon the 4 legal reasons to back out.
 
Inspection
...the inspection is ordered after the offer is accepted.  Remember that the inspection cost is approximately $400- $500, and is non-refundable. You, as the buyer, will hire the inspector and they work for you.  You have 10 calendar days to have the inspection done, and respond to the seller.  Don't wait until the last minute!  Both you, as the buyer, and your buyers agent should be at the home inspection.  A typical inspection is about 2-3 hours long.  Make sure the fee includes the dry rot and pest report....  We talked about home inspections a couple of weeks/months ago, but let me know if you need it again....or... hit up the Facebook page:  Tracie DeMars Real Estate.  It should be there.  
 
 Appraisal
...the appraisal is ordered by the lender, and the lender will put in the order for the appraisal.  An appraiser comes out to the home to verify the homes value for the bank.  The bank will only lend the dollar amount that the appraiser says the home is worth.  An average appraisal costs about $600 -/+ dollars, and is paid for by the buyer.  This is another non-refundable fee.  Neither you, nor your agent, will be present at the appraisal.  With the new laws that took effect a couple years ago, neither agent, nor anyone involved in the sale are supposed to have contact with the appraiser for fear we might 'taint' the appraisal, or affect the numbers. 
 

If you are buying a home with a well then there may an additional fee for the well testing.  You don't have to do that, but as a real estate agent, I would definitely advise you to do it.  Some other inspections that a buyer can have done (at their cost) are a sewer scope & a radon test.  A sewer scope is where they send a camera down the toilet to make sure the sewer lines are open, and a radon test is a company checks for radon levels in the home.  This is always a good idea if you are considering a home with a basement, daylight basement, or a split level home.  The radon test can take 3-5 days.  Again, these inspections are at a buyers expense.

These are the only fees a buyer should see before closing.  Being told another fee?  Call, text, or email me... 

Other fees?

Changing out locks
...I always advise my clients to change out the locks of their new homes.  Why?  Well, even if the sellers give you all the keys they have...there is not guarantee that there isn't more keys running around somewhere.  I used to change out my house locks every couple of years because my kids were always losing keys.  Finally....last year... I went and purchased the the house locks that have the key pad.  It is awesome!!  I don't worry about lost keys anymore.  Every family member has a code, and what is the best is that I can add and delete codes as needed.  So...go away for a couple of days, and have a house sitter?  Give them a code,and when you get back you simply delete the code. I tell you....worth it!  

Mailbox key
...yes, legally you are not supposed to copy the mailbox key, but a lot of people do.  Mail is not something you want to mess with.  Take your HUD form down to the post office, and have them re-key the box, and get a new key.  Cost is about $100, but for peace of mind...that isn't much.  When you are changing out locks, talk with the locksmith... she/he may be able to help with this as well.  

Paint
...you will probably want to paint some, or all, the rooms of your new home.  Each gallon of paint runs about $25.  Paint is the easiest thing you can do to make the home 'yours', and it's fun!  Paint can change the entire feel of a room, or home.  Personally, I am a fan of semi-gloss.  I like the shine to it, and most importantly, it cleans up easy....with kids and big dogs, this is my go-to.

Minor repairs
...during the home inspection the inspector will probably point out repairs that the home may need.  Some of these repairs may be cosmetic repairs that will be part of your 'honey-do list'  with your new home.  Remember that, at the home inspection, we are looking for any repairs that will affect the safety of the home, or occupants...or anything that may need a contractor to repair.  The 'big' areas that we usually see repairs for are roofs, attic spaces, crawlspaces, and siding.  These are the places that usually get called out during the repair process for a licensed contractor to come in  Remember that home inspectors are licensed for home inspections.  It is during this period that we will request a second opinion by a licensed contractor...who can give a better, more thorough inspection/repair for the item that the inspector called out.  All homes have some repairs that will need to be done by the (new) homeowner....it is part of being a homeowner.  Don't forget that the worst thing a homeowner can do is to defer maintenance.  If you need help with that, give me a call or email... I always have a 'guy' that you can call for help.  Anytime you need work done around the home that you can't do, give me a holler...I know people.   I tease, but it is true.  I know excellent contractors that will usually give you a better deal because I refer them out.  I refer them out because they do a good job...and give better deals.  Just like in Real Estate... referrals are the name of the game.  :-)

Lawn supplies
...did you come from an apartment?  Well, most likely now you have a yard.  You will need a lawnmower to start with.  There will be other lawn equipment that will follow...weed eaters, trimmers, wheel barrels, shovels, and a myriad other things that come with having a yard.  

Appliances
...don't forget that washer, dryer, and fridges don't come with the home.  If you don't already have these appliances then you may also be purchasing a washer, dryer, and/or a fridge. Just please, please, please wait until AFTER you get keys for the home before you go purchase these things.

Curtains/Blinds
...if your new home doesn't already have some then this may be on your 'to buy' list.  Sometimes even if your home does have some, you may want new ones.  Honestly, I have had very good luck with curtains at places like Target, or Fred Meyer, or even Wal-Mart.  I think I've gotten all my curtains from Target.  They have blinds as well.

House Cleaner/Carpet Cleaner
...when a home is vacant you know exactly what you're going to be walking into when your buyers agent (hopefully me LOL) gives you keys, but... when the home is owner occupied, you don't.  Yes, you can and will do a walk thru of the home before closing, but it will still be occupied.  In many cases, when the home is owner occupied the (soon to be) previous owner doesn't vacate the property until day of closing, or sometimes even a couple of days after closing.  With cases like this, you really don't know what condition the home will be upon closing.  We have to have faith that the (soon to be) previous owner will leave the home in a clean condition, but sometimes...well, sometimes, they don't.  Also, one persons idea of clean is not another persons idea of 'clean'.  :-)  Many times, whether the home is vacant or owner occupied, a buyer will book a professional carpet cleaning, or house cleaning after closing....simply for peace of mind.  

Insurance
...wait..you already have insurance, don't you?  Well...yes, you have mortgage insurance, title insurance, and homeowners insurance, but what about earthquake insurance?  You don't...  
When I purchased my home my homeowners insurance included earthquake insurance.  About 10 years ago though we received a letter that no longer would homeowners insurance include earthquake insurance....why?  Because we live in the #1 high danger area for earthquakes.  Because of that earthquake insurance must now be purchased separately.  So, AFTER you buy your home, call your insurance company and add on earthquake insurance.  Cost isn't too much, but it is important....just in case.  

Toilet Seats
  Yeah, I know you probably didn't think of that, but really....if it were me, I would change out the toilet seats when you buy your new home.  Why? Well, since now you are thinking about it....I'm sure you can see why.  LOL  Toilet seats are not expensive, and really...having new seats just makes you feel better!  :-D 

 
    As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  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... 

Information is power,  and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.  
If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime.  You can call, text, email, or even facebook me.  Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.

   
Upcoming Topics:
Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you
Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg,Cardinal Financial)
What do I need to buy a home,
Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask,

What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....
What does an Agent do for me? 
Debt to Income Ratios....What is this?


Last Week:  Winter Time & Buying (or not) Buying a Home


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:  
...we also have home seller classes available.  Link on left on website page
Saturday, January 5th, from 9am-12pm (ish)

      Marshall Community Center, conference room
      1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Thursday, January 17th, from 5pm-8pm (ish)
       Marshall Community Center, conference room
       1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, January 26th, 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....  
                                                      
Remember...with reservation...we will throw in lunch, or dinner!  :-D
~~~~~~~~~

Happy New Year!

 Welcome to the 'lost time'... when I was a little girl I really thought this time of year was time in limbo.  We had Christmas, and then time kind of stopped and floated...then BAM! ...  it was New Years Day, and time started again. I know it sounds silly, but that is the way it really felt to me , and kind of still does.  There is all this build up to Christmas, and then time kind of 'floats' to New Years Day.  This is the time for reflection maybe?  I love the holidays... November, December...those are my absolute favorite months of the year.  I love the cold, wet weather.. I love the darkness... and I love that my husband has time off to be home, and winter vacation for the youngest.  I love having all my family together.  This time of year I love to snuggle down on the couch with some tea, and a fire, and some good movies on the TV....with some crochet to occupy myself with too.  LOL  
Let's be honest though... this is also the time of year for reflection....and this year was maybe one of our hardest as we had a very difficult loss this summer in my family, and then just this past week, a very loved friend of mine that Ive known for 30 years... he passed. This Christmas my son decided to spend both christmas eve, and christmas day with his girlfriends family, and I didn't like that at all.  Like every year there is good, and bad... but this year the losses seemed to be overwhelming for so many. However, it wasn't all bad.... we had some wonderful family vacations, we had some AMAZING client appreciation events, and I was blessed to assist 54 people with the home buying & home selling adventures. 54 sets of keys exchanged as some folks sold their homes and moved to their next adventures, and some folks got keys for their first home (and you never forget your first), and some folks got the keys for their next home to carry them to their next adventures. Man, it has been a mixed bag year for certain.... 
Here's to 2019!  Here's to helping you, and yours with your home buying ... or selling... adventures.  Here's to the Clark County Fair in August, the Home & Garden Show at the end of April, and the Client Appreciation events (Infinity War: End Game, the new Star Wars and another one that we are still deciding on. Here's to birthdays, anniversaries, house-iversarys, and get-togethers with the ones we love.  Here's to house warming parties, and that final walk through on the home you're leaving.  Here's to the joy you feel when you get keys to the home that is YOURS, and no one else's.  Here's to love, friendship, joy, and happiness.  Here's to memories, and 365 days of new adventures.  We got this!  
  
 So, this week, let's talk about the current market for a quick moment.....I know that it's winter, and it's the after holidays, but honestly, if you are even 'thinking' about buying a home....NOW is the best time.  Yes, there are not a whole lot of homes on the market, but the market is not as competitive as it is during the spring time.  Remember that from offer to keys it will take about 6-7 weeks.  The market tends to pick up and start getting crazy again right about March-April when folks start getting their tax refunds.    

So lately I've had a few clients lately asking me where all the homes are.  Well, it's the holidays...  and many folks will wait until after the new year to put their home on the market...new year, and fresh start.  I know of a few homes getting ready to go on the market within the next month.  If you're thinking about buying ....January through March is a great time to be out there.  We are in that tail end of the best time of year to be a buyer  :-)  

Now...please remember that my magic wand is broken, and the magic 8 ball exploded all over my house with the holidays... so no one really knows what is going to happen.  However, most people in the real estate industry agrees that in 2019 we will see interest rates continue to go up. This is a very solid bet.  It's a split decision with industry sources on when prices should plateau off.  With Seattle and the Portland area being 2 of the top markets in the United States, it really depends on how soon we will see more homes on the market.  This is a lot like foretelling the weather right now... as it really depends on when things happen.  Most industry sources do say that home prices should start plateauing though.  This doesn't mean that the home prices will not go up...they just shouldn't go up like last year.  They should steady out. As people see the change in the market coming, more homeowners should put the home on the market so they can begin their move to their new home, and this will help all the price ranges see more homes on the market...which should help with the multiple offers that we saw so much of during the spring of 2018. I'll be honest here... the last couple were awful for multiple offers. This past summer, and fall were not as bad, and this winter has been quite a bit different than the past couple of years winters. This is usually a beginning sign that we have reached that plateau... but this spring and summer will tell the tale.      

  So yes, prices are still going up, but let's talk about how all that works.  I bought my old home in late 2001, with a 6.875% interest rate....don't feel bad, or shocked....in a 'healthy' market, a 'normal' interest rate would be about 7%.  We were THRILLED to be under 7%!   We sold that home in 2017, and it was harder than I thought it would be.  It was our first home, and we had lived there for 16 years.  It was the craziest thing, but did you know that when our buyers purchased our home for the $285,000 it was worth, with the 4% interest rate.... our mortgages were almost THE SAME!   Wait...I'm not (that) crazy...it's economics.  Yes, they bought it for more than I owed, but with a much lower interest rate.   That equaled my lower owed amount, but higher interest rate. How crazy is that???  Now, here's the crazy part... in 2016, my old house was only worth about $245,000, and right now, that same home is worth $325,000! NUTS!!!  My mother purchased a home in the 80's for $70,000, but her interest rate was 18.375%!!!   ....now that is crazy!!    The point of this is that while yes, prices are going up, the interest rates are still really low, so you can purchase more home.   When this changes, and interest rates rise it doesn't mean that home prices will immediately start dropping, they should start leveling off ...it will take a bit of time to balance out though.  

   I have clients asking me if they should just settle then on a home, and frankly this is a tough question.   No, you shouldn't 'just settle' on a home, but you may have to adjust either the type of home you want, the location, or be able to go up in purchase price to get what you want.  Please remember that this most likely is not your last home, but your home for the next 5-10 years....that's the average.  Know what your top 3 things are that you need in a home.  Whether you are buying a home, or selling a home...it is exciting, scary, fun, and frustrating.  It's a lot like a roller coaster, or driving down Mill Plain during rush hour,....or during that last month of pregnancy. I tell you....there's a reason I don't drink often.....I'm afraid once I start that I won't stop!  ;-D  (just kidding)  Buying and/or selling a home always going to be a a roller coaster when you're on the ride.  We're here though to help...that's what we do. 

  When you are looking for a home,  you need to consider more than just the house.  You are also buying the neighborhood, the schools, the property taxes, the local parks, the neighbors, and the local infrastructure.  The home needs to 'fit' you like your favorite pair of pj's. For example....this last weekend I had a client look at a home that she liked.  On paper it was everything she said she wanted, and she couldn't find anything against the house that would cause her to not want to write an offer. So why was she hesitant?  Because this home was that sweater or shirt that looks good on the rack, and so you try it on.  It fits ok, and it looks all right, but there is just 'something' that is 'off' with it.....you can't figure it out either.  Sometimes you buy it, but never wear it, and sometimes you put it back.  Buying the 'right' home is a lot like that.  You can, and will, see homes you like, but they just don't 'fit'.  Put that home back.  Sometimes you see an item of clothing on the rack that you really don't know about....but you try it on anyway and BAM!  you look AMAZING!  Some homes don't look like much from the outside, but you get inside and they are amazing.  Remember that internet home photos are a lot like internet dating....you never know what you are going to see when you get there, and many agents hire professional photographers for a reason.  I can always tell which photos an agent did themselves, and who hired someone.   Finding the 'right' home is like sliding into your favorite jeans, or boots.....there is just something about it that 'fits'.  I see homes I 'like' all the time, but just because I like it doesn't mean it fits.  If you are obsessed with a home that you have seen though.   You really like the home, and you keep going back to the pictures, and driving by the house.....that's the 'right' home....even if it was one of the first homes you saw, or it was something you didn't think you wanted, or weren't sure about.  That home is that sweater/shirt/shoes that you just weren't sure about....until you tried it on.  Darling, you look AMAZING!   Trust your instincts....this is YOUR home, and YOUR mortgage.    With rents going up so much lately you can buy for about what your renting...or close to it. 

   What is the best time to buy, or sell?  Whenever YOU are ready.  Sometimes waiting makes sense, and sometimes it really doesn't.  I am a firm believer that the right home will always be ready when you are, and that it will all fall into place.  Remember....your agent works for you.   YOUR agent isn't a salesperson.  We shouldn't be trying to 'sell' you on anything.  YOUR agent works for YOU....not the other way around.  When you hire an agent you are hiring a representative; someone who should be looking out for your best interests. Always ask questions. We do this all the time, and we love it, so use our knowledge to your advantage.  There really is NO stupid question in real estate. There is always learning opportunities, and that is goes for us as well.   If i can't answer your question; I will help you find someone who can.  We're in this together.  


Don't forget though... that the first step in ANY adventure is education. Take a home buyer class, or a home seller class....that's what they're there for.  


Information is power,  and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.  
If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime.  You can call, text, email, or even facebook me.  Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.

    As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  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.  
 
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:
Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you
Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg, Pinnacle Mortgage)
What do I need to buy a home,
Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask,

What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....
What does an Agent do for me? 
Debt to Income Ratios....What is this?


Last Week:  Winter time home maintenance and things to look for


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, November 3rd, from 9am-12pm (ish)
      Marshall Community Center, conference room
      1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver WA (kitty corner from Clark College)

Saturday, November 10th, from 12pm-3pm (ish)
        Vancouver YMCA, conference room
        11324 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver WA (corner of SR500 & Gher Road/112th Ave)

Tuesday, November 13th , 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 ...Monday?  

  I think it is Monday anyhow...  my timeline is still a bit out of whack...  jumping time zones, and then the daylight savings time ending, I am not even sure what day, or time it is.  I love, love, LOVE November & December!  The last 3 months of the year are my favorite.  I love the argument between Pumpkin Spice or Apple Cider (Apple Cider is the best by the way followed closely by all things peppermint). I love the colors, the smells, the holi-daze, the weather, and the coziness of it all.  I have a body made for winter clothes. :-D  It would be nice if my 8 year old would stop handing me catalogues with items she thinks Santa is going to bring her for Christmas though...  


  We do have an exciting event coming up though....  Winter Client Appreciation!  
Saturday, November 17th, from 3pm-6pm, Chris Berg & I are thrilled to be hosting the NEW, 'Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them' movie!!  You know the drill...  let me, or Chris Berg (cberg@pcmloan.com) know how many adults & kids tickets you need....  and yes, there are some 21+ tickets available as well.  Limit of 6 tickets please unless you have talked to me or Chris Berg about it first. We are excited to see you soon!!  :-) ...and Thank YOU.. Thank you for your referrals!  Thank you for recommending us, or the classes to those you know (and on Facebook too), and THANK YOU for letting us to be part of your home adventures. We appreciate you so much

So last time I talked about Inspections and Repairs, but what happens after that?  This is the part that gets kind of 'hairy & scary'.....  
As part of your inspection response (the 35r), your Realtor will want to make sure that 'all repairs are subject to re-inspection'.  What this means is that after the repairs are done, you have the right to have them re-inspected to make they are completed, and completed correctly. When the repair request comes in from a buyer, the sellers agent and the sellers go over the requested repairs together and the seller chooses how to respond to those requests. If both parties can not come to an agreement on repairs then the deal dies, but let's assume for the sake of this email, that both parties have agreed to some repairs.  At this time it is the sellers responsibility to have those items repaired. Some seller agents will leave it up to the sellers and not follow up.  I do not agree with this method, but again...that is just my opinion. Some seller agents will set up all the repairs to be done for the sellers, and some will help the sellers with names/numbers of contractors (if requested) for the sellers to contact so they can 'shop' around.  Honestly, this part depends on the Realtor in question, and the sellers themselves.  When working as a sellers agent, I ask my clients if they would like me to schedule the repairs, of if they would like me to help with names and numbers for them to contact.  Either way, it is the sellers agents job to follow up on those agreed upon repairs to make certain they were completed.  At this time, the sellers agent will let them buyers agent know that the repairs are completed so the buyers lender can order the appraisal and/or so the buyers can have the opportunity to do the re-inspection.

A re-inspection with the inspector does cost money. The inspector will come back out to verify the requested (agreed upon) repairs were actually completed.  We'd like to think that the sellers will do the repairs, but too many times I have seen it where they have not.  Once the deal is closed, and the buyers are the new owners it is very difficult (almost impossible) to get anything from the previous owners. It's always better to be safe than sorry, right? So yes, the re-inspection is another non-refundable fee of approximately $150 (ish), but if the repairs were not done....or done correctly... it gives you, the buyer, the opportunity to halt the transaction until it is done.  

If any of the work was done by licensed contractors (and that will need to be clarified as part of the home inspection requests), please make certain you receive the receipts. This gives you the opportunity and ability to go back to the contractor who did the repairs if something should happen, or go wrong.  If you lose a receipt, ask your Realtor....  I always keep copies of those.  :-)  Unfortunately, sometimes, no matter what we do to protect you in your home purchase, sometimes...things still do go wrong.  Remember what I said last time... you are purchasing a used home, and you really never know what is going to happen until you start living in it.  Everyone lives in their homes differently and each home reacts differently to each home owner.  Weird, but true... it's a lot like a car.  A home warranty, in a lot of cases, is your best friend.  Always get a home warranty... and there are 3 ways to get one... you can pay for it, the sellers can pay for it, or your Realtor can pay for it.  I always ask the sellers to pay for the home warranty, but if they don't then I will pay for the first year.....because things do happen and go wrong, and that is the last thing you need to be worried about.  A home warranty does NOT cover roofing, windows, walls, floors, or siding, but it does cover electrical, plumbing, heating, water heaters, built in appliances. There is a small co-pay, but if something happens you give the home warranty a call and they'll come out to repair, or replace it.  Home warranties are a very good thing. It's peace of mind...  

As I mentioned...things can go wrong no matter what we do to try to protect you.  I have a client who purchased a home this summer. This was a very difficult transaction, but we made it happen.  My clients were amazing and persevered through it all.  The home itself had been a rental for a number of years, and we could tell there had been some 'deferred maintenance'.  After they closed there were a couple of leakage issues that we had home warranty to come in to cover...irritating, but not the end of the world. Then there was 'the call'... they had sewage backing up in their master shower.  What?!?!?!  We had a septic report showing the septic had been inspected and pumped so what the heck was this?  They had a plumber come out who inspected the line and there was a break in the line. Oh crap....literally..... The plumber said that this was not a new break...this had been there for awhile.  Remember how I said that this had been a rental? The question becomes...did the sellers know about it?  One would assume that the renters told the previous owners about it, but we know what they say about 'assume', right?  Did the septic person check the sewage line as part of their inspection?  None of this was mentioned on the sellers disclosures.   So, where does that leave my clients?  I contacted the sellers agent requesting the sellers information as my clients were requesting to talk to them about it.  They just wanted to ask some questions and talk to them.  The sellers agent would not give me that information and told me that, "the transaction is closed, and it's not appropriate for us to be involved anymore".  Is he incorrect?  No...and unfortunately, yes.  
Real estate is not about houses....or not just about houses...  Real estate is about relationships.  A Realtors relationship with their clients should go beyond just getting keys.  I feel that my clients are more than 'clients'....they're friends.  I am always there to help in any way I can.  In this particular instance, my clients have a major issue that there is a darn good chance the sellers were aware of and did not disclose. They had questions and wanted to talk with the sellers.  I did what I could to help them find that information so they could ask questions and talk to the previous owners. Because they couldn't talk to the sellers, they have now gone to the courts.  It's sadly true.  My clients have spoken to an attorney about claims as there is some evidence the previous renters told the previous homeowners about the break in the line.  That is the key to liability...  the question really is IF the sellers knew about the line and did not disclose it, or repair it.  So what about the yes?  Legally, once the transaction is closed, technically we (as Realtors) are no longer involved with anything to do with it.  
Another client recently had their chimney inspected (we had requested that as part of the inspection process, but the sellers countered back on agreeing to do about 5 items, but not 3 of the requested items.  The chimney inspection was one of the items that the sellers were not doing. A chimney inspection is about $150 so my clients were ok doing it themselves after closing).  The chimney inspector noted that the brand new mantel that the sellers had put in was nailed through the flue.  This isn't good as the mantel has to be pulled out, and the flue replaced. There is an insert (which is amazing), but no metal chimney pipe going up through the chimney that will need to be put in.  The sellers would honestly have had no clue about the insert and the lack of the chimney piping as that was done before their ownership.  The previous owners also purchased the home as a bank foreclosure so they had purchased it 'as-is'. The mantel though...it was pretty, and yes, the seller did it himself.  However, nailing it through the flue?  He probably had no idea that he had done that as nope...not a contractor. I had contacted the sellers agent asking who installed the mantle (praying that there was a contractor that we could talk to), and the sellers agent contacted me back that the seller had just done some cosmetics to it...that was it.  Not necessarily true... the old pictures are still online.  The brick chimney was taken out and the mantle put in.  That's a bit more than cosmetics in my opinion. However, where does this one leave my clients?  Excellent question and one I am not sure of myself honestly.  I don't have an answer here.... the photos of the home when last listed (from when the sellers purchased the home) shows something entirely different with that chimney.  The seller did the work himself, and it was a bit more than cosmetic, but did he KNOW that he damaged the flue when he did that? Remember... knowledge. It really comes down to whether or not he knew about it and did not disclose or repair it.  We KNOW he changed it, but I think it would be very difficult to prove that the seller KNEW that damage had been done and that he knowingly didn't disclose it to my clients.  Most likely he made those changes (that 'could' be termed cosmetic), but the likelihood that he knew that he damaged the flue doing it is pretty unlikely.  Ugh...  real estate.. luckily for ALL of us, instances like these two are pretty rare.  

So what happens AFTER the inspection? A lot.  Any agreed upon repairs need to be completed, followed up on, and receipts gathered up.  The appraisal needs to be ordered, and final paperwork for your lender needs to be turned in.  



The inspection is one of the most important parts of your home buying (and selling) adventure. No one deal is the same and every transaction has its own path to completion.  Most cases things go pretty smoothly and everyone does what they are supposed to do, and follows directions.  However, sometimes, sometimes, sometimes....things get a bit 'hairy and scary'....  




Information is power,  and as always...May the odds be ever in your favor out there....  If you are looking for a real estate agent, I would love to be able to help you.  
If you have any questions, or comments please get a hold of me anytime.  You can call, text, email, or even facebook me.  Please remember that while I mean these emails/blogs to be helpful, and educational, I am still hoping that you will call, or email me as I would be honored to help you with your home buying, or home selling adventure.

    As always....this is just a quick overview.... again...and I can't say this enough...please remember that your agent is NOT a salesperson, and should not be acting like one.  Real Estate is not really about houses, it is about relationships.  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.  
 
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:
Delayed Possession... What is this & what does it mean to you
Interest Rates (information from Chris Berg, Pinnacle Mortgage)
What do I need to buy a home,
Hiring a Realtor...questions to ask,

What if I don't have a Down Payment? .....  &....
What does an Agent do for me? 
Debt to Income Ratios....What is this?


Last Week:  Home Inspections & seller disclosure


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).