Nicole Weidauer

I hear from a lot of people that "homes just aren't selling for what they used to" and that some are holding back on selling until our real estate market has turned around. I understand their concerns and if it does not make financial sense to move your family right now, then by all means wait until you are.

Until we get to that point why not put a little bit of money and elbow grease into your home so when it does make sense to sell, you make a big profit off of replacing the worn carpet or repainting throughout the house. "For people on a budget, finding the most effective way to continue to increase the value of their home depends in part on the size of the property and its age, contractors and architects say" (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2008147515_renovate31.html).

Just in time- The Remodeling Expo at the Washington State Convention Center is a showcase for the latest and best products and services available to those remodeling their present home or building a new home. January is the time of year to line up all your home projects. Experts in fields such as kitchen and bath remodeling, new home construction, decks, sunrooms, heating and cooling, home security, flooring, windows, roofing and siding are at the Remodeling Expo to make your dream home a reality.

Here are hom improvements suggestions for every budget:

Up to $1,000

• Paint, which can cost less than $30 a gallon.

• Tear out or prune overgrown shrubs. Plant fast-growing trees.

• Replace an outdated bathroom medicine cabinet or paint kitchen cupboards.

Up to $10,000

• Add a deck or create a simple patio.

• Fix up a small bathroom with new vanity, mirrors and toilet.

• Upgrade the kitchen with granite counter tops, new floors and cabinets.

About $20,000

• Complete renovation of a master bathroom.

• Upgrade the doors and windows.

• Make a larger patio, add more plants, get a "trophy tree."

Right now is a great time to get those home improvement projects started because materials are at low prices and contractors too are selling their services for very low prices- they just want to work!- so take advantage of this time, re-paint your home, and reap the rewards when this market flips and we are back on top again!

Winter Storm Watch: Use Care on Icy Roads

Shoreline Plows and Sanding Equipment Are on the Job

With winter heralding its arrival with a big show of weather, Shoreline offers tips for staying safe and preparing for further winter storms. Be sure to check the National Weather Service (NWS) website for weather forecasts and updates.

Road Closures

· 3rd Avenue NW at NW 205th Street

Snow Removal

One of the concerns for Shoreline, like most of the Puget Sound area, is that there is still ice on many side streets that is now being covered by snow. This is because the snow froze during the previous storm before plows could clear it. Snow plows’ rubber blades do not remove ice.

“The important thing to understand is that this weather is not a normal snow storm. Last weekend we were hit with a light snow followed by a chill snap that immediately froze the melting snow, making it impossible to remove the ice with the plows. The rubber blades simply bounce on the roadway when ice hardens. We haven’t experienced weather like this since 1990," explains Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Brian Breeden.

“All available sanding equipment is out running the routes. We have gone through 135 tons of sand throughout the City since last Saturday night and expect to go through an even larger amount by week’s end,” Breeden continues.

While it’s snowing, Shoreline crews concentrate on getting and keeping primary routes (like Aurora) plowed. Once the snow stops and the primary routes are clear, crews move to the secondary routes and then neighborhood roads. Following the plows are the sanders to provide traction on the ice. Snow plows’ rubber blades do not remove ice. For specifics, visit Shoreline's Snow Removal page.

Be Prepared

The City of Shoreline encourages residents and businesses to prepare for continued cold weather. Information to help you plan and prepare for all types of emergencies is available on the Emergency Management page. Also check the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) for emergency reports and information from around the Puget Sound area.

Important reminders:

· Protect pets from cold and wind chill

· Protect against frozen pipes and radiators

· Make sure your emergency supply kit is within reach and fully stocked. Be sure to store three gallons of water per day per person.

· Test your battery-operated radio and flashlights; buy back-up batteries.

· If you have an electric garage door opener, locate and know how to use the manual override.

· Never use gas ovens, gas ranges, barbecues, and most portable or propane heaters for indoor heating. These units use oxygen and create carbon monoxide that can cause suffocation.

· Review the Power Outage Safety Guide before the power goes out.

· Check on neighbors who may need help being prepared for a storm, such as the elderly or people with special needs. Be sure they have emergency supplies.

· Stock your emergency car kit, especially with a battery-operated radio, water, blankets, and non-perishable foods.

At the Seattle Pacific University campus 12/18/2008. A group of friends and family who were snowed in spent the day walking around campus and playing in the snow.

Spending the day with good friends and family beats trying to drive in the snow and getting stuck or stranded somewhere. Ces la vie!

Merry Christmas, everyone and be safe out there!!

Here's a sampling of the kind of house or condo available at different price points. These homes sold recently in the Shoreline area:

Have questions about Shoreline area homes? Would you like to be one of the lucky buyers like the ones above? The Egerer & Weidauer home team proudly serves the Shoreline homeowners and would love to help you with your home buying or selling needs!

206.661.7256 www.jeremyandnicolesellhomes.com 360.990.4083

You heard me- I have the complete guide of how to NOT sell your home. In this market it is especially important to heed these instructions or you may end up with a sold house, and who would want that?!

First things first, Overprice Your Home. I understand that you want to get your price and because of that, you should price accordingly, even if the figure you came up with is nowhere near close to the actual market value of the property. Also, be sure to not budge on any offers that come in below asking price. You want to sell your house for X amount of dollars and you need to strive to get that, even if it means not selling it.

Second thing to remember; Don't Make Any Improvements to Your Home. At all! Don't think of doing any cosmetic or structural work on your home. If buyers want it- they'll put an offer in. I understand that your house has a LOT of charm and it has so much more value then the buyers are seeing. If they can't see it, you don't want them buying it anyways!

And finally, Hire an Incompetent Realtor. Or better yet, hire a discount agent. A realtor is a realtor is a realtor. Just pick any of them. They're all the same anyways and will give you great service so it doesn't matter who you hire.

Signed, a VERY mis-informed consumer

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Now, if you DO want to sell your home, give the Egerer & Weidauer Team a call. We are team that also works with other real estate teams to get homes sold, and get them sold with little to no hassle for you. We have the knowledge and skills to get your home sold and would love to be able to do that for you. Give us a call and we can discuss your situation and how we can best serve you!

206.661.7256 www.jeremyandnicolesellhomes.com 360.990.4083

Seattle's own, Press Condominiums, are holding an auction to sell the remaining 18 units that are still unsold. Beverly Hills-based real estate auctioneers Kennedy Wilson, will be conducting the auction, held at the Grand Hyatt Seattle, 721 Pine St. on December 13th.

The starting bids for many of these units are nearly 50% less than what comparable listings are selling for. Minimum bids range from $185,000 for one-bedroom units and $255,000 for two-bedroom units. (http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/realestatenews/archives/154792.asp) For all the details on the minimum bids, the process by which to put in a bid, and the floor plans of the units available, check out the Press website at; http://www.presscondos.com/auction.html.

Capitol Hill offers a truly unique experience that is hard to replicate anywhere else in Seattle. The Press Condominiums is surrounded by many bars, restaurants, and shops that are sure to fill your hearts desire.