South Sound Properties Undressed

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02

THE BEST TIME TO INSPECT

 Home inspections conducted prior to a home being placed on the market is one of the wisest moves a seller can make. The initial response from sellers when approached with the idea of an inspection done as the home is about to be put up for sale is most always the same – “What?!” Let’s review a few of the most common concerns about Pre-Listing Home Inspections.
The Buyer Will Not Accept It
That is correct! The inspection done for the seller is not intended to replace the inspection done for the buyer. The purpose of the pre-listing inspection is to put the seller in control! Given that no good surprise can come to the seller during the home inspection, regardless of when it is done or whom it is done for, it makes perfect sense to get every strand of information as soon as it can be gotten. Bad news doesn’t get better with time.

If there is some bad news, or more correctly, some items that needs attention or might have an impact on the home’s value, who better to receive that information than the seller? And when is a better time to receive that information than before the home is placed on the market? The simple fact is this – a home inspection at the time of listing will put the seller in the best possible position. With the complete and clear view of the home’s strengths and weaknesses, the home can be marketed to the best benefit of the seller.
”I Don’t Want To Pay For The Inspection!”
This is certainly understandable. The seller generally perceives that the inspection is intended for the buyer, hence, should be a buyer’s responsibility. But to have the benefit of the information it must be paid for. Never have we had a complaint from a seller about the value of the inspection! In every case at the conclusion of a pre-listing inspection, the seller felt they had made a good choice in spending the money to get the inspection done.

In most cases, the seller’s feel good getting the peace of mind of knowing that no major event or expense will be uncovered by the buyer’s inspector. And on the rare occasion when it is discovered by the pre-listing inspector that the roof is completely shot or there is some other big expense or danger, the sellers, while not happy to have the problem, are glad to have discovered it on their own terms. The small expense of the inspection is always less then the cost and aggravation of a hurried hunt to get something repaired or replaced after the home is under contract. Save the pain, spend the money. Get every home inspected prior to putting it on the market!
The Home Is Selling “As IS”…
This may be the best reason of all to inspect at listing! If the home is being sold “as is”, reduce your risk and liability as the seller by getting a pre-listing inspection. In order for the home to sell quickly and at the highest price, disclose every condition of the home. The inspection gives both the buyer and the seller the comfort of knowing that the home “is as it is”. With a pre-listing inspection, there is a high likelihood that the home is as represented.

Even in an “as is” contract, the buyer may still have their own inspection performed. If these two inspections are similar in content, it is rare the buyer will walk or counter offer. That, in fact, is the goal of the “as is” sale. Another concern of sellers is that they will have to repair every item that is discovered to be discrepant on the inspection report. This is simply not true. It would be true that every discrepant item needs to be disclosed, and those disclosures may impact value and hence asking price, but nothing need necessarily be corrected.

Courtesy of:
Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC

email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
phone: (206) 901-1549
web: http://www.rinehartinspections.com

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20

Home Maintenance Tip – Water Heater

 

 

Home Maintenance Tip – from your South Sound Properties Team.
Keeping Your Water Heater Fit

 Most people don’t give much thought to their water heater – they just turn on the faucet and expect hot water to come out. Water heaters are relatively maintenance free, and you can keep your water heater in peak operating condition just by performing two simple maintenance tasks every six months: test the pressure valve and then flush the tank.

If the pressure release valve is not operating properly, the tank can potentially over pressurize and explode. Flushing the tank prevents sediment build up, which can reduce your water heater’s energy efficiency and clog your water lines. Consult your owner’s manual or other maintenance guide for instructions on how to safely perform these maintenance tasks. You can also visit us at www.orhp.com and click on the QUICK FIX TIPS link in the Homeowner’s Section of the site for more information.

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10

Repair Tips for Finished Wood Floors

Many homes in the South Sound region have natural wood flooring.  We love our wood floors, it is like bringing the outdoors inside.  We have all had times when ’something’ occurs and our floors need repair.  Below are some helpful hints.

The rich look of wood floors can add class and beauty to any room. The natural beauty of a wood floor never goes out of style and is very easy to incorporate in redecorating. But keep in mind that after much wear and tear, wood floors can look dull and worn and may need repairing.

Luckily, it is not always necessary to sand down the damaged part of your wood floor to give it a newer look. By filling cracks and gouges, your floor can look new again and it won’t cost you a lot of time, effort and money. With these helpful wood floor repair tips you won’t have to cover scratches or gouges with pieces of furniture or area rugs. If you have a stained floorboard that needs replacing, see How to Refinish Wood Floors. These small problems can be easy for anyone to fix with the right materials and tools. Remember that before you repair the floor, it must be cleaned thoroughly and all dust and debris must be vacuumed or swept up.

Fixing a Scratch on a Stained Finish

Tools and Materials You Need: · Stain or furniture touch-up marker (similar color to your floor’s stain) · Polyurethane or urethane finish (small amount) · Artist’s paintbrush · Dry rag

Apply the Stain and Finish: If your floor was stained before it was finished, you must stain the scratch before applying the polyurethane or other type of finish. Use an artist’s paintbrush or any tiny brush and apply stain to the scratch using a similar color to that on the floor. You can also cover the scratch with furniture marker in place of stain. Let the stain dry for at least 24 hours and then apply the polyurethane using the same brush. Buff the Scratch: Wipe off the excess polyurethane that is not absorbed into the scratch before it dries so it does not leave a mark. Buff the scratch lightly with a dry rag to help it disappear.

Fixing Gouges

Tools and Materials You Need: · Latex wood filler · Putty knife · Sandpaper · Artist’s paintbrush · Stain (if needed) · Polyurethane, urethane or varnish (small amount) · Dry rag

Fill the Damaged Area: Fill the gouge with latex wood filler and smooth it over using a putty knife, removing the excess filler. Let the area dry completely and smooth it with sandpaper. Stain the Latex Wood Filler: If the filled gauge is very noticeable, it can be stained even if it is a natural finished floor. Use an artist’s paintbrush or any tiny brush to apply stain to the dried latex wood filler. Let the stain dry for at least 24 hours. Use a stain that matches the color of your floor as closely as possible. Apply the Finish: Using an artist’s paintbrush, apply polyurethane or any other finish to the area once it is dry. Wipe away excess finish before it dries and buff the area with a dry rag.

 

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01

South Sound’s Space Needle Fireworks Ring in 2010

It’s official.  It’s 2010 South Puget Sound Style.   The fireworks went off without a hitch to ring in the New Year of 2010 from the Space Needle in Seattle Center.  They were stunning.  From the New York Times Square Ball Drop to the South Sound Space Needle fireworks - the country rang in the new year of 2010 from the Atlanctic Coast to the Pacific Coast.

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13

GIG HARBOR COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

As the Holiday Season approaches, many in the Gig Harbor and surrounding areas of Kitsap County and Tacoma are thinking of those in need.  One fund raising event gains momentum every year!  At the Inn at Gig Harbor, all the employees and their families make homemade Gingerbread Houses and they remain in the stunning lobby until before Thanksgiving for show and auction.  Under the direction of award winning chef “Michael” from the Inn’s Heritage Restaurant, the houses are compiled and the families donate a day to decorating them.  Then they are up for auction in the lobby and all the proceeds go to the Children’s Home Society.  Please come support this charity and go home with a Gingerbread house made from love.  Auction starts next week 11/16 until before Thanksgiving.  For more information, call the Inn at 800-795-9980  http://www.innatgigharbor.com/  This attached article from the Gateway gateline.com/104/v-print/story/2911.html was last year and this year the Inn hopes to raise even more!!  Thank you for your support, come enjoy a great meal or a wonderful weekend getaway!  You can contact the South Sound Team here for more information, as well.  Happy Holidays!!

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30

Fall in the South Sound-Wonderful!

As I turn down streets all over the South Sound, the fall colors are a sight to behold!  As I was out raking leaves yesterday, I realized how invigorating and calming it made me feel.  Enjoy Fall wherever you live!!

 

http://www.gigharborchamber.com/calendar.html

http://tacomaevents.com/

http://www.portorchard.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=6&Itemid=52

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26

Favorite Place To Meet – Coffee

 

 

As real estate team members of South Sound Properties we are often contacted by clients wanting to see one or more properties in the Gig Harbor and South Sound areas.  More often than not, we choose to meet at Cutters Point Coffee http://www.tacoma.washington.edu/shopUWT/business_detail.cfm?business_ID=49 located just off the Olympic Blvd exit as you are entering Gig Harbor.   Not only do they roast and brew their own coffee on site. This is just one of their many locations.  It is simply great coffee to grab from a friendly coffee shop as we head out on property tours.

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25

Is it time to dump your ARM?

From: South Sound Properties Team and…

 

 

 Home mortgage rates and real estate news – CNNMoney.com

If you are among the 6.5 million homeowners who took out a low-rate adjustable-rate mortgage during the housing boom, you’ve probably spent the past couple of years waiting for your day of reckoning to come.

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22

Interesting Information! Hmmmm

On average, how many days does it take for an REO (a bank-owned foreclosed property) to sell compared to the length of time it takes for a standard or conventional sale?

Answer -  http://tinyurl.com/sspteam

(For more information on this home-visit the website above!)

 

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20

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD

Port Orchard is located on the Sinclair Inlet of the Puget Sound.  As a waterfront community we are proud of our amenities.   Our numerous marinas provide visitors and boat dwellers alike with convenient accommodations.  Our downtown corridor offers shopping, museums, entertainment, galleries and dining.  With ferry access from Bremerton and Seattle, an excursion to Port Orchard is an easy day trip or a weekend getaway.  When visiting our city, it is hard to miss the majestic view of the Olympic Mountains and the pride of military heritage just across the water at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.

 

 

http://tinyurl.com/p-orchard