Homeowner Archives - Living Room Realty

Meowdy! Congratulations to Woodstock Portland’s newest neighbors!

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Nicole Chavira

Story time about this dynamic duo Jason and Tamara! They began their home search with me in early 2021. They pulled out on a potential purchase that just wasn’t quite right for them that year. They took a break from the home search (this happens on occasion and for good reason). We stayed in touch over the next few years and I was thrilled when they came back around the end of 2023 to update their home search and peek at what the current market had to offer!

We got an offer accepted on a condo that turned out to need more repairs than the HOA had budgeted for, so they terminated. Thank goodness for the many contingencies during the home purchasing process that protected my clients to uncover all they needed to make the educated decision to move on from that one. Although it was a huge disappointment for them, they did not get discouraged or give up on their dreams of home ownership. They jumped right back on the saddle and asked to tour new homes! I was so proud of their trust in my guidance and faith in themselves to get to the finish line.

They found a gorgeous new construction home that offered what is called an SDC exemption (System Development Charge). This is a program that assists developers by reducing their development costs when building affordable residential housing. T & J diligently worked on getting that application in after our offer was accepted, and they were approved for $30k off the sales price AND over $9k in closing costs covered by the seller!

They are now MOTHER F*CKING HOME OWNERS!

Special shoutout to our trusted lender Cat Jerger with Guild Mortgage for her excellent service!

Way to go my friends! It’s been a true pleasure. Wishing you many beloved memories of game nights, play time with your fur baby Ophy and new neighborly friendships in your new home.

Homeownership: Your Best Hedge Against Inflation

Posted on June 14, 2024 by Tracey Henkels

Buying a home is the most expensive and important financial transaction most people will ever make. It’s also the strongest tool and best hedge they will have in their portfolio to fight inflation. While money invested in a stock may go down, historically, your home appreciates in value over the long-term. And as you build equity in your home, you increase your overall net worth.

Benefits of Owning Your Home:

A fixed-rate mortgage offers a predictable monthly payment, even with the changes in tax and insurance costs.
The interest you pay on your mortgage, insurance premiums and property taxes may
be deductible. Consult your tax advisor for more information.
You can make any changes and renovations you desire, without asking for your landlord’s permission.
When you have a HELOC (home equity line of credit), you can tap into it for home improvements, renovations or other needs.

Homeowners in 2022:

Gained an average of $34,300 in equity in the third quarter
Had an average of $300,000 in total equity.
Sold for a median of $85,000 above the purchase price

If you, or someone you know, are interested in a more in-depth analysis of how much your home has appreciated since you purchased it, please reach out! I’d be happy to create a report for you.

New Year, New To Do! ~January Home Maintenance

Posted on December 29, 2023 by Kiersten Frey

New Year, Fresh Checklist!

Winter is in full swing, and we know home maintenance can feel daunting, but fear not! Here to
make it easy on your time and wallet, let’s dive into the tasks that need your attention:

Holiday Cleanup:

Take down those festive lights and prevent tangles by wrapping them around a hanger.
Self-clean the oven and wipe the interior with a vinegar-soaked cloth.
Dispose of your Christmas tree wisely – compost or use it for midwinter mulching.
Pro Tip: Consider a one-time cleaning crew, costing around $200-$250.
Ask your Realtor to recommend a reliable cleaning contact or two.

Protect the Pipes:

Prevent frozen pipes by wrapping them with heat tape, controllable with a thermostat.
If you’re off for a winter vacation, turn off water to outdoor spigots, shut off water valves,
and drain existing water.
Pro Tip: Thaw frozen pipes with a heating pad or hairdryer. In case of a burst pipe, shut off the
main water valve and call a plumber or a water restoration company for cleanup.

Check for Storm Damage:

Post-winter storms, inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and yard for potential damage.
Use binoculars or invest in a drone to spot damage without climbing on the roof.
Pro Tip: Immediate repairs are crucial. A handyman can handle minor fixes, and
roofing experts can tackle more serious issues.

Remove Hidden Dirt:

Clean those often-neglected spots like range hoods, refrigerator coils, and HVAC vents.
Let your dishwasher handle metal parts, and toss dirty sponges and dishrags in for a quick clean.

Tighten Hardware:

Shine and tighten doorknobs, hinges, cabinet pulls, and nobs.
Level those cabinet doors for a quick facelift.
Pro Tip: Clean metal hardware with soapy water and shine with a microfiber
cloth dipped in vinegar or lemon juice. Brass polish works wonders on solid brass.

Deep Dive & Declutter:

Channel your inner Marie Kondo and declutter rooms, closets, and drawers.
Take it in small steps – tackle one room or corner each day.

Think Green:

Combat January gloom by planning for spring. Grab seed catalogs and start planning your gardens.
Pro Tip: Opt for raised-bed or container gardens for low-maintenance greenery. Create weed-free soil with vermiculite, peat moss, and compost.

There you go! Your efficient guide to a well-maintained home. Happy New Year!

Cool Summer Tips for Homeowners: Reduce Energy, Conserve Water, Keep Your Home Comfortable

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Living Room Realty

Summer finally showed up in the PacNW, and when it did it came in HOT!

Here’s a few tips on keeping your home cool during those hot summer months, keeping costs down while helping reduce your energy use.

Garden / Yard

Mulch flower beds to keep your plants happy and healthy during hot days by reducing weed growth and locking in moisture.
To further slow water from evaporating from the soil, consider adding wind barriers and shade cloths.
Set your irrigation to timers and water during the cooler times of day (early morning or evenings) to conserve water.
Adjust your sprinklers to only water your plants and lawn. Stop watering the pavement, please!

Exterior

You can help maintain the interior temperature of your home by making sure windows and doors shut properly. Check that windows are in good condition and tightly sealed. Consider upgrading old windows, or reseal existing windows if necessary.

Add outdoor shade: Plant a tree, install window awnings or other types of sunscreens.

Interior

Get your cooling system serviced and change the filter on your Air Conditioner(s).

If you don’t have AC, you can still take steps to keep your home cool with these tips:

Attics hold the most heat during the hot summer months. To help keep the temperature down consider adding proper insulation.

Cool tip! If it’s time for a new roof, go with a light color to reduce heat absorption.

The next hottest spot in your home will be the upper level.

Install energy efficient, high quality ceiling fans with fewer blades (3 or 4) that are the appropriate size for the room. Run fans counterclockwise in the summer on the highest setting.
Keep the blades clean and fix any wobbling to reduce drag.

Unplug appliances you’re not using.
Avoid using the stove on hot days/nights.

Open windows and turn on ceiling fans during the cooler temperatures at night, then close windows in the morning and shut your blinds to trap cooler air inside. Drawing the curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day can help, too.

Maintaining your home during the heat of summer is just as crucial as other seasons. Here are some other tasks to consider:

Clean your lawn mower blades
Clean your BBQ grill
Wash down your porch / patio and check for rotting boards or nail pops. Check if your deck needs to be resealed by pouring water on it. Does it bead into puddles? Awesome! Does it sink into the wood? Time to reseal!
Check for outdoor leaks at faucets and hoses.
Clean gutters and downspouts if you haven’t already
Pressure wash driveway and walkways
Protect your siding and roof by pruning trees and bushes away from your house.
Touchup exterior house paint.
Get your roof inspected!
Soft wash your house to protect your siding + window trim

Stay cool and have a wonderful summer!

JUST LISTED: Corner Unit Across From Greenspace In Beaverton

Posted on June 23, 2022January 6, 2023 by Living Room Realty

2476 NW Crosswater Terrace,

Beaverton OR 97006

Offered at $425,000

2 Bed 2.5 Bath

Beaverton, OR 97006

VIEW LISTING

Bright, Spacious Corner Unit Across From Greenspace In Beaverton! No Rental Cap! Upon Entrance, You Are Greeted With A Charming Fenced Patio Front Yard. A Home To Enjoy In All Seasons. Nest Thermostat Making Life A Breeze. Enjoy A Newer AC During The Summer Heat & Cozy Up To A Newly Installed Electric Fireplace During The Winter & Fall Season. Updated Kitchen Features Include New Dishwasher & Deep Set Walk-In Pantry. Work From Home Made Convenient With Cat 6 Wired Internet To Loft Space Upstairs. Primary Bedroom Ensuite Bathroom With Jetted Soak Tub & Walk-In Closet. Second Bedroom With Vaulted Ceilings & Deep Set Closet. Unit Includes Laundry With Washer & Dryer. Parking Made Easy With Street Parking Out Front Along With Spacious 2 Car Garage. Great Location In Arbor Reserve! Easy Access to Bethany, Nike, Hwy-26, Intel, Shopping At Tanasbourne Village, Restaurants, Parks, Claremont Golf Club, Bronson Creek Greenway, Bars, Coffee Shops & More!

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