Blog Entries tagged 'Real Estate'

Why choose a tech-savvy agent?

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

When you choose a real estate agent, you’re selecting someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions you may ever undertake.

As the Internet continues to simplify the way people research buying and selling homes, there are many good reasons to choose an agent who can harness the power of technology to provide you with exceptional service, including:

Sending up-to-date information by email for you to review at your convenience.

Providing you w [...]

Who Will Buy My House?

meredith@windermere.com — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Selling your house in this market is not a laughing matter, but just like a comedian, you need to know your audience to have a successful show (or - in this case - successful sale).
Mortgage guidelines have changed significantly since the housing bubble came and went, and sellers need to know who is out there buying and where the money is coming from so that they can be competitive and get their properties sold.

Below are a few fictional scenarios that represent some diffe [...]

Tips for an Organized Move

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Moving can be stressful and even chaotic. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a successful, organized move:

Make a checklist, outlining everything that needs to be done.
Get rid of clutter; don't move anything you don't really need or want.
Have plenty of boxes and packing materials available.
Pack room by room, labeling all the boxes.
Have someone watch your children to keep them safe, calm, and out of your way.
Make sure your pets are cared for so they stay saf [...]

Make your home sparkle

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

If you're thinking about putting your house on the market, giving it a deep and thorough cleaning will make it sparkle, show well, and command top dollar.

Here are some ideas to help guide you through the basics of cleaning your home to show it to full advantage:

Clean your carpets or have them professionally cleaned.
Wash all the windows and window treatments.
Organize your closets, clearing out items you no longer use.
Remove clutter from counters and sur [...]

Renting or Buying?

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Owning a home of your own offers many advantages, including the opportunity to create an environment that is a reflection of your taste and personality, not someone else's.

You can also move when you choose to move, not just when you’re forced to escape rising rents or noisy neighbors.

On the downside for some people are the expense and trouble of maintenance and upkeep. But high-quality remodeling and home improvements are a good investment in the long-ter [...]

Good Investment or Money Pit?

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There is a home for just about anyone. You can purchase a resale home in an established neighborhood, buy raw land and have a custom home built, or select new construction in a brand-new development.

There are also "fixers." And while some buyers wouldn't dream of tackling a major remodeling job, others love the fact that with imagination and plenty of elbow grease, they can convert a tired home with "good bones" into the home of their dreams.

Al [...]

The Closing Process

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In getting your home ready to go on the market, it's easy to lose track of all the administrative duties involved in selling your home.

Although a real estate agent usually handles the pricing, marketing, and negotiating, there are several additional steps to closing the sale once the purchase and sale agreements have been signed.

Step 1 - Removing contingencies: The most common contingencies are financing and the sale of the buyer’s current home. These con [...]

2009 - the year of the first-time homebuyer

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

You may eligible for the new income tax credit (10% - $8,000) that applies to any purchase of a home or condo!

Come learn about lending, qualifying, what is a wise purchase, realistic timelines and expectations, what you need to do to qualify for the tax credit, and how to purchase your first home.

Come learn about lending, qualifying, what is a wise purchase, realistic timelines and expectations, what you need to do to qualify for the tax credit, and how to purchase your first [...]

Household Safety

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Are you sure that your home is the safe haven you want it to be? Your home's age and design; amenities such as whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and decks; and the physical condition of the people living with you may require some modifications to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.

Here is a checklist of safety items that no home should be without:

* Smoke alarms

* Carbon monoxide alarm

* Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI)

* Fire extin [...]

Remodel or Move?

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Do you need more space? Are you thinking about remodeling your home, or is it time to make a move?

For many people, this can be a difficult decision. Once you've been in
a house for a few years, you can get attached to your home and your
neighborhood. It's where you know the stores, the parks, the theaters,
and the best commute to work. If you have children, they may love their
school. So what can you do?

Consider remodeling if you love your house and neighbor [...]

Foreign investors looking to purchase Anacortes real estate

Jean@JeanGroesbeck.com — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The slowing real estate market, accompanied with the unseasonal weather creates an interesting environment to sell and buy in the Anacortes, La Conner, Guemes Island and San Juan Islands area.

The uniqueness of Fidalgo Island living, with its small town feel, gorgeous landscapes and all the conveniences of a larger city has brought Anacortes and La Conner to the attention of the foreign investor.

This new attention to Skagit County and Island County real estate h [...]

Anacortes real estate expo coming

lindaharris@windermere.com — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:16:33 +0100

The first Anacortes Real Estate EXPO will be held at the Northwest Educational Service District Building at 1601 R Avenue, Anacortes, March 8th, 11 am - 4 pm.

The event was organized by the team members of Jean Groesbeck & Associates, local Windermere Real Estate agents. “We have brought together experts on subjects relating not just to the purchase and sale
of real estate, but also areas of interest to anyone who currently owns a home, plans to own a [...]

Anacortes real estate stats

meredith@windermere.com — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Here are some interesting statistics:

As of today, February 11, there are 263 single family homes listed in the Anacortes / Fidalgo Island market. 42 of those listings have accepted offers and are undergoing inspections or are pending and moving toward closing. The median house price of the listings without an offer is $470K. The median price of the listings with an accepted offer is $399K.

Average market time for a house with an accepted offer is 109 days.
[...]

On property tax assessments

editor@anacortesnow.com — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:21:53 +0100

From the Anacortes Real Estate Front...

Did your property get reassessed lately? More than you thought it should be? My phone rings off the hook when the assessments go out. My advice? Don't panic! What many people don't know is that Washington State is one of the few "budget-based" states in the country. What that means to you, the property owner, is that, just because your property values increased by, say 20%, it doesn't automatically mean that your taxes will increase [...]

Anacortes Real Estate

editor@anacortesnow.com — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:50:57 +0100

Watch here for a new column dealing with Anacortes real estate.