Kathleen Miles-REALTOR®-ABR®-CRS®-ePRO® Selling Moses Lake-Washington Homes

Happy April! Were you April Fooled? What a way to start a month! Here is something else that is just starting. Coldwell Banker is starting a new Ad campaign. One of the new ads is running on You Tube! You can view it here:

Happy April! Were you April Fooled? What a way to start a month! Here is something else that is just starting. Coldwell Banker is starting a new Ad campaign. One of the new ads is running on You Tube! You can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfQy7kTULVg Do you remember the 2008 ad campaign? I do. Some people loved it, while others just didn't get it. I hope this year the memories are strong and the enjoyment is huge.

When I become your agent -- that is also my goal. I want your memories to be strong, your experience a joy and your new home a wonderful beginning for your new future. Lets look forward to a wonderful Spring in Moses Lake, WA!

Happy Spring!

Kathleen "Miles of Smiles" Miles, REALTOR®, CRS®, ABR®, ePRO

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson

Moses Lake, WA 98837

www.KathleenMiles.com

Smiles@KathleenMiles.com

What is the difference between being pre-qualified and being pre-approved? All the difference in the world! In today's market where things are much different from a few years ago -- when nearly everyone could get a loan, today's buyers are actually being asked to show their income, have their credit history examined and the homes themselves have to meet the underwriter's standards. Underwriters, now more than ever, make sure the appraisal is sound. No longer are lenders lending money on a glib premise that the transaction is fine and there will be no problems. Things are being checked and checked again.

My advice to my clients and customers in Moses Lake, WA is this: Go to a local lender of your choice. (I usually give my clients two lenders that I trust, but tell them to go where they feel most comfortable.) I really stress the fact that they should use a local lender. Too many times I've heard stories of non-local lenders going up to the end of a transaction and then failing and going out of business or some other tragic ending to my client's ill fate. Please choose someone you trust, but trust a local lender.

If you do this simple thing: Get "Pre-Approved", before you begin to search for your perfect home, you will be way ahead of the game! Seller's love to see a ‘ready to go' buyer and they may take the offer more seriously. What difference will this make to you? When you have found the home of your dreams, it may make all the difference in the world.

The Seller's Disclosure

When selling a home in Moses Lake, WA, it is important to fill out a 5 page form called the Seller's Disclosure. The questions on this form are a little complex and sometimes the seller wants an agent to help with it. I, as a CRS agent, advise against helping. I tell the seller that if they don't know the answer, it is easy to just mark the ‘don't know' box. I also tell a seller that if they even once think -- "should I disclose this particular thing" I say "Yes definitely!" Disclose everything! If something has had a problem in the past and been repaired, you can add a little explanation, but to protect oneself it is best to disclose.

Realtors have heard horror stories about seller's not disclosing and years later being taken to court because of fraud. If you disclose, that will not happen to you. (Ask me about some of these stories; they'll raise hair on your neck!)

Another reason for the Seller's Disclosure is to protect the seller in another way. If the potential buyer does not receive a disclosure, he can back out anytime before 3 days of closing and (yes, you read it right) get his earnest money back! Here you are -- moving and packing and planning the sale will happen and ‘Bang'! The buyer hasn't received the disclosure and decides he found another house he likes better. Best to fill out all those pages of the Seller's Disclosure.

Call me if you want more information about selling your home. I can be reached at 750-3302.

How is the market? Looking over the latest reports from our office statistician, I see that homes in Moses Lake, Washington have been taking a hit. Closed sales, year to date residential homes have gone from an average price in 2007 of $204,365 to only $192,714 in 2008. That is a decline of -5.7%. The median price, year to date was $169,380 in 2007 compared to $165,983 in 2008, a -2.0% drop.

The quarter to date residential report shows an even steeper decline. The average price in 2007 was $218.559 compared to $165,287 in 2008. That is a whopping -24.4%. Homes in the lower end of the market are keeping their heads above water. The homes that are most hurting are the ones that require those jumbo loans. The quarter to date residential report showed the median price as $188,269 in 2007 compared to $160,093 in 2008. a -15.0% decrease.

My search of Moses Lake's residential listing shows there are currently 27 homes for sale above $500,000. Twenty eight homes for sale between 400 and 500 thousand. Forty one homes between 300 and 400 thousand. 76 homes between 200 and 300 thousand. There were 74 homes between 150 and 200 thousand and 48 homes homes listed between 100 and 150 thousand. Only 12 homes were listed less than $100,000. The most expensive home in Moses Lake was listed for over a Million dollars. The least expensive was a two bedroom one bath for $75,000.

When I talk to sellers about selling their Moses Lake, WA home, I tell them the facts; we must not mislead them. I let them know that homes are staying on the market much longer than they were previously in the seller's market. This market is much different. I also advise them that there are things they can do to help themselves.

First and foremost, to price the home competitively. With so many more homes on the market, buyer's are looking for a good deal. If we are one of the 'good deals' we are more likely to get plenty of showings and an offer. Even in today's market there are people looking to move to a larger or down-size to a smaller home. There are buyers relocating that need to find a place to live. If you must sell quickly -- price wisely.

Second, first impressions are everything; the view from the street is loud and clear. Recently I showed a number of homes to clients that didn't even want to see one home because of the lack of street appeal. My words simply couldn't convince them. Actually that home was a good buy and great inside. Please pay attention to your view from the street.

Third, one cannot make it too clean. The kitchen and bathrooms must be spotless. Any pets should be out of sight or taken during showings and their food and beds put away. The cabinets should be free of clutter and appliances. The table should be either set with place settings or enhanced with fresh flowers. The bedrooms should be tidy with beds made and any excess out of sight. (You are going to be moving anyway, pack some of that clutter and use only what you must. It will make cabinet drawers and closets seem roomy and inviting for the potential buyer.)

Fourth, take down the family collections and photos and make your rooms shine with depersonalized decor. Your home will be easier to maintain during this transition time. As all agents know, one doesn't live in a home the way we 'stage' a home. Make it easy for the new homeowner to visualize themselves in the rooms.

Fifth, open curtains, turn on the lights and make your home light and bright. Soft music may be a nice touch as well. Get ready for that just right buyer, your home is going to SELL!