About Belfair's Lakeland Village

Home Buying Process

If you are a first-time homebuyer or haven't bought a home in a while, this guide will offer valuable information about buying a home.

Gather the information you will need to qualify for a home mortgage

Before you can buy a home, you will need to secure financing. Be ready to provide a mortgage lender with the following information:

Income and Employment

• What is your current income?
• Are you employed?
• Do you have a history of steady employment?

Down Payment

Your lender will ask how much money you have available for a down payment. A down payment of 20 percent or more of the home purchase price demonstrates your commitment to long-term homeownership and provides you with immediate equity in a new home.

Credit History

Your lender will review your credit history - how well you've paid your bills in the past - by reviewing your credit report. The lender will consider how much you owe on credit cards, car payments, student loans and other debt. The lender will also review your ability to pay property taxes and other expenses of homeownership.

Escrow Accounts

Your lender may suggest that you set up an escrow account. With an escrow account, you pay a fixed amount each month in addition to your mortgage payment to an account maintained by the lender. The lender then draws on that account to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance as those bills become due. Escrow accounts ensure that money will be available for these payments.

Find a lender to get preapproved for a mortgage loan

Remember that you are investing not just in a home but also in the mortgage loan that will finance your home. Talk with several lenders and shop carefully for the best deal, including loan terms, interest rate and fees.

The lender you choose will review your financial information and explain the preapproval process. While preapproval is not a mortgage commitment or guarantee, it will provide guidance on what you can afford to spend on your new home. Having a preapproval letter to show to a seller demonstrates that you are a serious buyer. When you are ready to buy, it will shorten the time it takes your lender to complete the mortgage application process.

Make sure your lender explains all loan fees - the up-front costs of originating, processing and closing the loan.

Select your new home

With your mortgage preapproval in place, you are ready to begin your search.

Contact me

Daryl Datus

360-801-6373

www.daryldatus.com

Many of us love out door living, and when selling your home this should shine.

Is your deck ready to show, below as some tips to help you keep your investment looking good and will help you in getting ready to sell!

Clean your deck (once a year)
Dirt, grime, mildew, or mold can build up your deck over the course of the year. Not only can they diminish the look of your deck, they can also make it slippery and, in the case of mold and mildew, damage your deck. 1. Visually inspect your deck. Look for dirt, grime, mildew, and mold. Even if none are readily visible, you should still wash your deck. 2. Wash the deck. A power-sprayer is an easy way to remove the dirt and grime. However, for mold and mildew, or if you don't have a power-sprayer, use warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Thoroughly scrub the surface of the deck. Make sure you remove all mold and mildew you find. 3. Rinse the deck. Use a water hose to wash away the soap and water along with any loosened dirt, grime, mold, or mildew. Re-seal or re-stain your deck (once a year)
Once of the biggest ravages your deck can face is moisture. In order to keep your deck in good shape for years to come, you need to re-seal or re-stain it each year. 1. If you haven't already, clean the surface of the deck. A power-washer is an easy way to do this. If not, you can also use a large scrub brush and soapy water. 2. Let the deck dry. 3. If the deck already has a finished or sealed surface, remove the finish or seal with a remover/stripper that you can purchase at your local hardware store. Follow the directions on the package. 4. Purchase new sealant or stain. Make sure any stain you choose is meant for the outdoors and can protect the wood from the elements. For following steps, you should wear a dust mask or respirator to prevent the inhalation of particles and/or fumes. 5. Sand the deck. It must be smooth before you can refinish it. A medium grit sandpaper will probably work for most decks. Remove any sanding dust that may be left behind. 6. Apply the finish or sealant. If you're using a colored finish, make a test spot first to see if the color you chose is indeed the color you want. Using a foam brush, staining pad, or nylon/polyester brush, apply the stain or sealant with the grain of the wood. For colored finishes, work quickly and don't stop in the middle of the job for break. Doing so can cause the finish to dry uneven, leaving you with streaks. 7. Let the stain or sealant dry. This should take approximately two hours (depending on humidity and temperature). 8. Add a second and possibly third coat to enhance the protection of your deck.

Remember it should shine as the rest of your home!

www.daryldatus.com

Construction is underway on the new wastewater treatment and water reclamation facilities in Belfair. This project will convert septic systems within key areas of the Belfair Urban Growth Area to an environmentally-friendly, county-operated sewer utility. These wastewater facilities are needed to provide a sustainable approach to water management that protects Hood Canal and treats wastewater to Class A standards for water reuse. Reuse of treated wastewater provides the highest and best use of local resources and protects Hood Canal.

On a long-term basis the project will support the backbone for urban infrastructure in Belfair as mandated by the Growth Management Act,

We have long awaited this to build up this little town. its a great time to invest in Real estate Now!

www.daryldatus.com

Unless your water pipes freeze at night while your family is asleep (and this is often the case), you may recognize that your pipes are beginning to freeze by a reduction in water pressure. At this point, action should be taken immediately. If the pipes are allowed to freeze completely, blocking the flow of water, the pipes are likely to burst. Water expands as it turns into ice, and there is only so much room in the pipe. When the water expands beyond what the pipe can handle, the pipe may burst.

If you can catch the situation before the pipes freeze completely, you are in luck. Turn the water on and leave it on. The flowing water will help thaw the frozen obstruction in the pipe. If you were not so lucky, more extreme measures must be taken.

1. Before thawing frozen pipes, check to see if they have burst or are leaking. You will need to make repairs before thawing the ice in the pipes.
   
   
2. Shut off the water supply to the pipe. If there is no valve in the line to allow you do this locally, shut off the flow of water to your whole house at the main water cut-off valve.
   
   
3. Open a couple of faucets to provide an outlet for melting ice or steam.
   
   
4. Work back toward the water supply from the faucet side of the frozen area. Several methods can be used to do the actual thawing. They all require caution, however. The pipes must not be heated too quickly, and the water in the pipes must not be allowed to boil. The resulting steam pressure in the pipes could cause them to burst. Do not allow the pipe to become too hot to touch. Plastic pipe should be warmed with particular care. The following are some options:
   
   
   • You can wrap rags around the pipe in the frozen area and pour hot water on the rags. Keep the wet rags hot by pouring more hot water on them as they cool.
     
     
   • Wrap a grounded, heat strip around the frozen pipe.
     
     
   • Use a hairdryer focused on the frozen area of the pipe.
     
     
   • Use a space heater directed to the frozen area of pipe.

Tips for Sellers

The key to selling your home quickly and at the right price is in preparing it appropriately. Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Give home a though cleaning.
• Oil door hinges, tighten door knobs.
• Have carpets professionally cleaned, or replaced if damaged.
• Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets.
• Replace all burned out light bulbs.
• Repair defective light switch.
• Get rid of clutter both inside and out.
• Cut and edge grass.
• Trim hedges and weed gardens.
• Paint, fix or wash railings, steps, storm windows, screens and doors.
• Clean out the gutters.
• Wash the windows.
• Tidy up the garage.
• Paint, wash and fix garage doors and windows.

Here are some helpful tips for showing your home.

• Keep pets out of the house. Either take them with you or keep them penned
  in the yard or garage.
• Put away items in the yard like garden tools, bicycles and toys.
• Make sure your home is well lit.
• Remove clutter from tables and shelves. Less clutter creates the illusion of a larger space.
• Keep money, prescription drugs, and other valuables, out of view.
• Add a ground up lemon to the garbage disposal to give the kitchen a fresh smell.
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Light a fire in the fireplace to create a comfortable ambiance.
• Keep radios and TVs off, or on a low volume
• See more @
• http://www.daryldatus.com