Albany, OR

Sometimes a home with a great floor plan and location can go unnoticed on the MLS . . .

A few changes can make a dramatic difference and create that all important favorable first impression!

A room that isn't used for it's original purpose, such as this dining room -

Can be confusing to buyers and won't create an inviting image -- one that speaks of family dinners and a cozy haven.

And even rooms that may be small and seem insignifcant . . .

Can have a huge visual impact -speaking of a quality lifestyle that these walls hold.

How much is it worth to you to have an updated look online and one that

creates a desirous impression in person as well?

This realtor paid for a staging consultation for her clients. Through our do-it-yourself checklist and a items from our accessory rental this great updated look was achieved. It's now one that craves and receives attention -- and we are confident that offers will follow soon!

Make sure your listings are attention ready with the help of Creative Concepts and Contracting - a full service home staging company in Salem, Oregon. Whether it's a full remodel or help with a paint color choice, we can help you achieve the look you love.

I love my coffee. Straight up black at home and work, but when I'm out with friends, meeting clients, or just wanting a break, it's a grande Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks - with whip!

One of my favorite things to do is read the little "The Way I See It" quotes on the sides of the cup. A while back they "decided" they were going back to the original look and I thought the quotes were gone forever - tragedy! But no, at this point at least our local Starbucks on Pacific Blvd. at the Fred Meyer is back to having the cups with quotes. This of course was also after the Christmas red cups during the holidays!

Anyway, I was sitting in a real estate accountability group meeting on Tuesday, and a friend of mine came in with her venti cup. On the side of it was the following quote:

(This isn't my hand, but I managed to find a picture online)

What an inspiration! I strive to be the kind of real estate broker that aims for this type of transaction. Whether it's someone buying their first home, or a seller trying to get their home sold, I want to be that one agent that wins races & moves mountains. While I know that's a lofty ambition, isn't is said that "If you shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll end up in the stars"?

Kristin Smith
Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette
kdsmith@kw.com ~ www.callkdsmith.com ~ 541-497-6510

Albany:

Average Days on Market 145

343 Currently Active Properties

Average Price per Sq Ft. $124

Average Sales Price $194,490

North Albany:

Average Days on Market 158

89 Currently Active Properties

Average Price per Sq Ft. $139

Average Sales Price $308,836

Corvallis:

Average Days on Market 114

278 Currently Active Properties

Average Price per Sq Ft. $164

Average Sales Price $301,363

So I was sitting here and thinking...in this struggling economy, why is it that I stay in Real Estate? Here are a few of the reasons I thought of:

1. I love the people. You simply cannot trade the feeling that you get when you help that young couple buy their first home, or that single make the most confident step of independence.

2. I love a challenge. Ok, so lately, I could do with a little LESS challenge, but there is a certain amount of a "high" you get from matching people up to homes.

3. I love my town. In Albany, OR, we have a population of between 40,000-45,000 people, so we can still be considered a small community. It's fun to go out & see the different neighborhoods and "discover" areas that I haven't seen before.

4. I love my brokerage. Truly, in all my years of business, I have never worked for a company so encouraging and supportive. It's amazing to see how everyone rallys around coworkers who have a car accident, or get stricken with cancer - and no one expects compensation. It's just what we do for each other.

5. I love paperwork. You guessed it, I was being facetious! :) For everyone who thinks our job is easy, they need to walk a mile in our shoes - make sure they're the high heeled ones that we gals have to wear to make ourselves look professional.

But the real reason I stick with it? I want to help people. It kinda goes back to Reason 1. The people I've met have become more than just customers or clients, they've become my friends. I'm so looking forward to all the new friends that I will be making in 2009. If you want to be one of them ;), give me a call, but above all, have a wonderful year!

So why do you do what you do?

Kristin Smith
Keller Williams Realty Mid-Willamette
kdsmith@kw.com ~ www.callkdsmith.com ~ 541-497-6510

For all of you out there thinking of buying your fist home in the new year, I wanted to give you some information. If you are in the Albany, Corvallis areas, you should really check out Willamette Neighborhood Housing. They offer first time home buyer classes and financial assistance for first time buyers. Coming up in the new year, they are going to be offering their own fixed rate loan program as well. WNHS not only helps prepare you to buy a home, but they know where to get grants, down payment assitance, second mortgages and more! They also work with reputable lenders and realtors who know our area! Rates are too good not to buy. Inventory is up and if you were every going to get a deal, now is the time! Here is the link to Willamette Neighborhood Housing:

http://www.w-nhs.org/

There are 100% Financing Programs Available!

Rural Development is 100% financing is used a lot in Lebanon, Sweet Home, Brownsville, Tangent area. There are homes in Albany and Corvallis, we just have to look up the address to see if they qualify. The positive about this program is there is no mortgage insurance, there is a 2% funding fee that is included in the financing. It allows 6% seller concession like FHA does. The income limits are actually pretty high (significantly higher than the housing programs). Here is the link to property eligibility and income eligibility for this program:

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/incomeEligibilityAction.do?pageAction=state&NavKey=income@11

If you have any other questions about this program contact Dee Robb at Pacific Crest Home Loans. Here is her information:

541-979-2194 Direct

541-451-3211 Office