Albany, OR

I spent about an hour this week with Dave Pautsch, RE/MAX Integrity in Albany discussing the USDA 100% Rural Guarantee Program and the FHA 203k Streamline loans. The thing that made this meeting different than most meetings that I have had with Realtors was that this one was done on the radio.

Dave has a weekly program on KGAL 1580 NewsTalk Radio called Real Estate Talk. It was a lot of fun and I appreciate Dave asking that I be a guest on his program. To be real honest, trying to explain numbers on a 203k was confusing even to me but I think we covered the area pretty well. The USDA program fit so well with one of his own listings, it was a lot of fun talking about specific property.

Take a look and a listen, if you have the time. I think we covered a lot of ground in the hour program. The MP3 recording is available on the website. Take the link above.

The USDA 100% Guarantee Program is a fantastic program for those people purchasing a home outside the the urban growth boundaries of the major cities. Underwriting is flexible and rates are excellent. The FHA 203k Streamline is an excellent loan program for bank owned and short sale properties because it allows repairs to be done after closing. Check out my previous postings on both of them.

As winter approaches, there are many things you can do around the house that will save you money and energy. Knowing where to start and how to do what is needed can be daunting!

Learning how to get started on these projects is now as easy as heading to your local Home Depot.

Home Depot is sponsoring do it yourself workshops teaching basics such as installing dimmer switches and properly caulking your windows, sealing gaps in your walls and weatherizing your doors. These small improvements to your home can help you save up to 20% on heating costs and up to 10% on your total energy costs.

Saving Money On Your Energy Bills is scheduled at the Albany Home Depot Thursday, October 23, 2008 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. To sign up go to www.homedepotclinics.com.

To locate a workshop in your area, visit www.homedepotclinics.com.

Recently I had a fabulous opportunity to teach a class for "Learn Something New Day" which was sponsored by the Albany Oregon Downtown Association. I was presenting information on updating your home affordably -- whether you are selling or desiring a new look.

I live in a nearby town and had no personal experience with the local paint store, so contacted them for information on their products and handouts for the class. What I received was far more than I had asked for! Not only did they have amazing packets put together for attendees, I also learned about many of their products that I'm so excited to try!

Miller Paint offers premium quality paint products that are specifically engineered for the Pacific Northwest. The manager, Lee Warwick explained many of their products that are new, labor saving and interesting. His staff is knowledgeable and their service amazing. I was thrilled to find so many products I haven't tried that will help our clients remodel their home on a budget! I'll go into more of the products on other posts!

One product that I demonstrated for the class was the Modern Masters Metallic Paint. I took a ugly plastic framed mirror we just had removed from a rental property vanity.

For a demonstration, I painted half of it with this product - it took maybe 3 minutes. This is a water based product that comes in many colors. I used English Brown, which gives the rubbed bronze effect.

The transformation was incredible, and the finish is durable enough that I don't need to be worried about scratching or damage!

For those of us blessed to be in the Northwest, I would highly recommend checking out your local Miller Paint store. I personally can recommend the Albany Miller Paint Store located at 1350 Pacific Blvd, Albany, OR 97322 541-791-1851. Thanks Lee - I'm looking forward to many amazing before and afters using Miller Paint!

Saturday October 11th is Learn Something New Day - sponsored by the Albany Downtown Association. Local merchants are offering free classes at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm.

One class offered is "Achieving the Wow Factor for Your Home" at Full House Furniture (212 1st Ave E - 541-924-3793)

Ever dream of your home looking like it came out of an interior design magazine?

Selling your home? Does it create a memorable impression- one that sets it apart from all the others on the market online and in person?

A home stager can give your homes these qualities! Learn how to affordably apply staging concepts to your home. From cleaning, decluttering, updating on a dime, and creating an ambiance - what you learn can help you create the look you desire!

Margaret Oscilia of Creative Concepts and Contracting will present home staging tips and tricks to help your home look its best!

- BEFORE -

- AFTER -

BEFORE

SOLD in FIVE DAYS - September 2008

For more information contact Janine at Full House Furniture at 541-924-3793

Remember that song -- "The change will do you good"? Sometimes convincing sellers of this is a home stagers biggest success!

It seems frequently I hear from sellers -- I'll do anything but don't ask me to ____________ -- they always have one thing they dig in their heels and don't want to do. This home was no exception. When I viewed the kitchen the homeowner said - Just don't ask me to paint the kitchen.

This house had been on the market for MANY months, and already had been previously staged.

From the front entry, you could see five different colors of paint -- and not in any planned palate!

After explaining this problem to the homeowner and a providing them a list of to do items, the homeowner went to work painting! Some rented accessories from our inventory and this home transformed!

Yes -- it sold quickly with these minor changes!

Was it worth that gallon of paint and a few hours of work?

Color this homeowner VERY happy!