Prelist

Preparing your
House For Sale

Bonebrake & Company, LLC.

1155 N. First Avenue, Stayton, OR 97383
503-385-0033

[email protected] C:503-884-6056

www.KeyToOregon.com

“Your Key to Oregon!”

Bonebrake & Co, LLC

Helping you make smart decisions in a fast-paced complex market.

About Us

Brenda Bonebrake
Principal Broker, CRS, CDPE

Brenda Bonebrake, our “fearless leader,” started selling real estate in the Valley in 1987. Brenda
specializes in working with our sellers and builders, but her steady hand is behind every area of our
business. She resides in Lyons with her husband Dave, who was the Agriculture teacher & FFA advisor
at Scio High School & now farms full-time. Their daughter Bonnie is an Oregon State graduate and
loves her job at Farm Credit Services. Married to Drew, their oldest daughter, Cassi is a nurse & they
live in Lyons where they’re raising their two very-busy daughters. The Bonebrakes live and work on the
family farm where they designed and built their own home. Brenda loves the sweet smell of new
lumber & sheetrock, working on the farm, and teaching her grandkids mischievous new tricks! Brenda
was honored with the “Realtor of the Year, 2013” award, presented by the Salem Association of
Realtors. Brenda can be reached at [email protected] and 503-932-8222.

Leslie Stewart Mary Gries
Broker, Buyer’s Specialist, CRS, CDPE Broker, Buyer’s Specialist, CDPE

Leslie Stewart is a full-time Buyer’s Mary Gries is our other full-time
Agent; she loves finding the perfect Buyer’s Specialist. Mary’s husband
home for her buyers! Leslie grew up Jim is a supervisor at Oregon State
in Mill City where she lives with her Bridge construction. They have 3
husband Scott, who works for Frank children: Craig, part owner of Oregon
Lumber Company. Daughter Kelsey State Bridge, is married to Brooke.
is a Graduate of the Vascular Jaime and husband David, live in
Ultrasound school at OIT. Their oldest Jacksonville, FL, where they are
daughter Kendra is married to Josh. enjoying their daughters Sarah and
Kendra works at a local medical clinic Abi. Marcus is a builder in
and Josh is employed by Far Line Wilmington, NC, married to Jess and
Bridge. They have 3 daughters, Quinn, Scarlett and Waverly. has 2 daughters, Emmy Jane & Elin. Mary has lived in the
Leslie’s experience and attention to detail is reassuring to her Stayton area most of her life, moving from Seattle to Lebanon
buyers throughout the entire home-buying process. Leslie is at age 6 and then to Stayton at 16. She worked as a branch
also busy working behind the scenes managing the internet office administrator for Edward Jones in West Salem, and
marketing for the team. Leslie can be reached at before that, worked for a computer software and training
[email protected] and 503-932-8202. company. She was a mentor for 4 years through the Friends
of the Family Mentoring Program. Mary can be reached at
Drew Johnson, Broker, ABR [email protected] and 503-881-4976.

Sandy Edwards, Broker, CRS, CDPE

Drew Johnson is the newest Broker Sandy Edwards, our “Southern Lady,”
on the Bonebrake and Co team. Drew lives in Sublimity. Twenty-one years
grew up in the small town of Kamiah, ago, fate brought Brenda and Sandy
Idaho on the Clearwater River but Edwards together when Sandy was
now resides in Lyons. He worked in looking for a new home and it was
IT in the medical field for twelve the beginning of a great friendship
years. Drew's wife Cassi is a and partnership. Sandy is a
registered nurse and has been in the transplant from Virginia where she
healthcare field for the last eight worked for an NBC television affiliate.
years. Keeping life busy at home are Sandy hit the jackpot by marrying
their two active daughters Haddie Don Michael and inheriting 3
and Piper. Drew spends his spare time tackling home daughters and 9 grandchildren! Sandy enjoys showing both
improvement projects that Cassi comes up with and working locals & transplants the great aspects of the wonderful
on the family farm. He runs a mean chain-saw, enjoys golfing, Willamette Valley. Our clients love her Southern charm and
bow-hunting, and good-naturedly put away his motorcycle the genuine care she shows each and every one of them.
when the kids arrived. Life is good and he shows it with his Sandy can be reached at [email protected] and 503-932-
ready smile and steady knowledgeable manner! Drew can be 0977.
reached at [email protected] and 503-884-6056.



Market Statistics & Market Trends

Bonebrake & Company, LLC.

1155 N. First Avenue, Stayton, OR 97383
503-385-0033

www.KeyToOregon.com Oregon Licensed Brokers

Brenda Bonebrake, Sandy Edwards, Leslie Stewart, Mary Gries & Drew Johnson

Volume Ranking - Agent Within MLS Ranking

Statistics for: Class=RE, RA, LN, MF, LS, MH, RT, Date Range01/01/2015-12/31/2015, CitySalem, Keizer, Silverton, Turner, Aumsville, Jefferson, Marion, Scio, Stayton, Sublimity, Lyons, Mehama, Mill City, Idanha,
Number To Report=50, Rank By=2, Filter Actives=YES, Report By=Both, Status=SLD; As Of: 2/5/2016

Rank Agent Office Units Volume Units Volume Units Volume Avg DOM

Listed Sold Total

1 TEAM, THE BLUM - 12430 BLUM REAL ESTATE - GBG 193 $42,948,758 139 $30,330,797 332 $73,279,555 123

2 NON-MEMBER SALE, NOM - 1000 NON-MEMBER SALE - NOM 4 $1,143,269 307 $95,519,378 311 $96,662,647 151

3 BONEBRAKE, BRENDA - 2107 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF 86 $17,207,050 59 $12,130,840 145 $29,337,890 85
STAYTON BRANCH

4 WHITTON, DEWEY - 11722 THE SALEM REAL ESTATE GROUP INC - SREG 60 $16,188,600 65 $18,818,797 125 $35,007,397 108

5 COMP, SOLD - 1001 SOLD COMP - SOLD COMP 92 $20,506,539 2 $389,900 94 $20,896,439 46

6 LABBE, SAM - 3488 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 74 $13,130,500 18 $3,964,900 92 $17,095,400 200

7 BUCKENDORF, FISKUM- - 8226 RE/MAX INTEGRITY - SALEM - SA 47 $13,246,620 38 $10,317,170 85 $23,563,790 99

8 BASINGER, CONNIE - 8379 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF 48 $4,295,450 34 $2,320,450 82 $6,615,900 90

9 TIPTON, LINDA - 3372 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF 42 $8,826,485 30 $6,872,250 72 $15,698,735 84

10 ALDRICH, CHRIS - 6300 RE/MAX INTEGRITY - SALEM - SA 40 $6,167,379 30 $5,083,475 70 $11,250,854 113

11 ELWOOD, SANDI - 9062 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF 47 $10,305,400 22 $5,803,100 69 $16,108,500 87

12 TRUONG, CHUN - 7894 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 22 $4,740,100 44 $8,183,275 66 $12,923,375 99

13 RYBAKOV, NATALIE - 11526 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 32 $5,866,324 33 $5,412,806 65 $11,279,130 115

14 MAHONEY, MATT - 11698 HOMESTAR BROKERS - HOMESTAR 27 $6,320,400 37 $9,837,199 64 $16,157,599 101

15 FOLZ, CHRISTINE - 12520 JOHN L. SCOTT WSL - WSL 28 $5,657,375 35 $8,368,181 63 $14,025,556 97

16 WERTZ, MEREDITH & RYAN - 7868 SILVERTON REALTY, INC. - BBS 35 $10,062,767 28 $7,352,917 63 $17,415,684 93

17 BRESEE, CONNIE - 1451 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 47 $16,165,800 14 $5,950,300 61 $22,116,100 135

18 WHITE, BRIAN AND NINA - 11817 PARAMOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICES - PRES 33 $8,049,900 27 $6,831,596 60 $14,881,496 88

19 Mosher, Cece - 12673 MANUFACTURED HOUSING PROF - HHI-MH 31 $686,300 26 $482,400 57 $1,168,700 54

20 SMITH, BRIAN - 3673 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 55 $9,578,650 1 $269,900 56 $9,848,550 91

21 HAUGE, KATHY - 11368 LEGACY REAL ESTATE - L1 29 $6,570,400 26 $5,931,650 55 $12,502,050 88

22 CURRIE, PHILLIP - 3542 JOHN L. SCOTT-SALEM - JLS1 38 $6,397,450 16 $3,172,950 54 $9,570,400 132

23 LARSON, ERIC-JENNIFER - 11651 HOMESTAR BROKERS - HOMESTAR 35 $9,488,490 19 $6,624,300 54 $16,112,790 84

24 WILSON, LEVI - 8235 NED BAKER REAL EST - BU 37 $6,313,917 16 $3,161,350 53 $9,475,267 109

25 HOFMANN, RICK AND ANDE - 9658 RE/MAX INTEGRITY - SALEM - SA 31 $7,420,700 19 $4,283,374 50 $11,704,074 107

26 MAURMANN, RICK - 2387 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 44 $11,087,615 6 $1,173,850 50 $12,261,465 87

27 TATE, JOHN - 9196 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF 33 $5,645,599 17 $3,648,700 50 $9,294,299 222

28 RENSHAW, TROY - 6942 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 30 $8,867,694 17 $5,145,920 47 $14,013,614 90

29 BURK, DANA and ALAN - 8564 JOHN L. SCOTT-SALEM - JLS1 24 $4,926,700 22 $4,037,650 46 $8,964,350 97

30 STEWART, GERRY AND CHRIS - 7761 WINDERMERE PACIFIC WEST PROP - WP 25 $5,540,235 21 $4,692,400 46 $10,232,635 123

31 HALL, TOM - 2645 JOHN L. SCOTT WSL - WSL 42 $7,428,870 3 $645,900 45 $8,074,770 85

32 HAMBY, NANCY - 4565 HAMBY REALTY - HHS 21 $2,552,180 24 $3,447,000 45 $5,999,180 148

33 SLIVKOFF, CHRISTINA - 8325 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 28 $6,322,310 15 $3,681,740 43 $10,004,050 82

34 TANDY P.C., STEPHEN G. - 4805 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 28 $10,437,300 15 $3,696,000 43 $14,133,300 246

35 EVANS, CRAIG - 11466 CROWN REAL ESTATE GROUP - CROWN 22 $4,970,675 20 $5,080,400 42 $10,051,075 118

36 NUNN, KEVIN - 12747 LEGACY REAL ESTATE - L1 27 $7,375,946 14 $3,793,198 41 $11,169,144 91

37 TEAM, PREMIUM NW - 12869 KELLER WILLIAMS CAPITAL CITY - KWCC 14 $3,024,500 27 $5,951,449 41 $8,975,949 89

38 BENSON, COLLEEN - 13245 KELLER WILLIAMS CAPITAL CITY - KWCC 19 $4,102,400 21 $4,926,100 40 $9,028,500 92

39 BEYER, ANDREA - 2826 COLDWELL BANKER MOUNTAIN WEST - TG 21 $6,361,500 19 $4,986,630 40 $11,348,130 92

40 RHOTEN, ALEX - 4814 COLDWELL BNKR/COMMERCIAL DIV - TG-CO 30 $10,263,231 10 $6,238,984 40 $16,502,215 432

41 GRAHAM, CHET - 3305 JOHN L. SCOTT-SALEM - JLS1 23 $4,429,968 16 $3,171,405 39 $7,601,373 156

42 SCHARER, TREVOR - 13289 LEGACY REAL ESTATE - L1 18 $4,164,000 21 $4,878,700 39 $9,042,700 97

43 SHUBA, NICOLE - 13031 MANOR REALTY - MANOR 18 $3,689,030 21 $5,039,300 39 $8,728,330 85

44 MARTIN, OLIVIA - 13231 HOMESTAR BROKERS - HOMESTAR 18 $4,205,500 20 $5,372,297 38 $9,577,797 108

45 HAMILTON, CARRIE - 8963 RE/MAX INTEGRITY - SALEM - SA 23 $4,597,800 14 $3,390,275 37 $7,988,075 88

46 BEATY, RAY - 12543 PARAMOUNT REAL ESTATE SERVICES - PRES 15 $2,939,625 21 $5,003,127 36 $7,942,752 116

47 BRAMHALL, CATHY - 12796 WINDERMERE PACIFIC WEST PROP - WP 24 $3,607,504 12 $1,939,050 36 $5,546,554 92

48 ELLIOTT, ROGER - 7045 RE/MAX INTEGRITY - SALEM - SA 15 $3,276,467 21 $3,879,101 36 $7,155,568 96

49 KENNEDY, JOHN - 2647 JOHN L. SCOTT WSL - WSL 36 $5,796,220 0 $0 36 $5,796,220 100

50 SLEZAK, EILEEN - 7740 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES R E PROF 18 $3,603,000 18 $3,887,800 36 $7,490,800 84

Totals 1,829 $396,500,492 1,500 $365,120,231 3,329 $761,620,723 116

Market Overview
Through September 2016

In the month of September 2016, there were 1147 new listings that came on
the market and a total of 3195 listings available. In the month of
September 2015 there were 1181 new listings that came on the market and
a total of 4014 on the market. This is a 25% decrease in the number of
listings available this year over last year.

In September 2016, there were 971 closed sales. With that number of closed
sales we have approximately 3.3 months of inventory on the market.

Days on the market currently are:
Salem/Keizer: 96
Benton County: 85
Linn County: 101
Marion County: 112
Polk County 123

Closed Sales in Units for the last five years:
Through the end of September 2012: 4919
Through the end of September 2013: 5758
Through the end of September 2014: 5805
Through the end of September 2015: 7475
Through the end of September 2016: 8198

The percent of sales price to list price was 98.3% in Salem/Keizer, 97.5% in
Benton County, 97.8% in Linn County, 97.1% in Marion County, and
96.9% in Polk County.

Average Sales Price comparing last year to this year:

Area September 2015 September 2016 %change
+10%
Salem/Keizer $223,359 $247,811 +6.8%
+2.7%
Benton County $312,758 $335,555 +5.2%
+8.8%
Linn County $201,389 $206,868

Marion County $245,584 $258,919

Polk County $226,953 $248,805

Source: Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service

Good to know.™ Market Overview
Through July 2015

In the month of July 2015, there were 1468 new listings that came on the
market and a total of 4177 listings available. In the month of July 2014

Every house has a story to tell. A good agent knows
every chapter by heart. Our agents arm you with the
knowledge you need to move forward with confidence.

The Home Selling Process

What are the steps involved in selling your home? Even if you have
bought or sold a home before, this process can still be daunting. The
checklist below is designed to help you better understand the many steps
involved and how we work to tie them all together.

Decide to make a move
List with your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals REALTOR®
Discuss how Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Real Estate Professionals can assist you
in finding a new home
Establish price and time frame
Develop and implement a marketing strategy
An offer is submitted
The negotiation process begins
The offer is accepted
Property disclosures are delivered to buyer
Escrow is opened
Buyers submit loan application
Preliminary title report complete
Home inspections are scheduled and completed
Required repairs are negotiated and completed
Repairs are inspected
Home is professionally appraised
Loan is approved
Coordinate all activities required for closing
Review closing documents
Finalize and close transaction
Time to move

www.BHHSrep.com

©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

“The storied Berkshire Hathaway name stands for strength, intergrity and trust, and is
universally respected. Put simply, when that Berkshire Hathaway name appears on a
yard sign, it’s a sign that buyers and sellers want to see.”

-Earl Lee, Retired CEO
HSF Affiliates LLC

Determining Your Home’s Price

The real estate market is constantly fluctuating, so pricing is not an exact
science. Rather, it is a reasonable figure derived from a number of different
components such as:
• The status of the current real estate market
• The expertise and market knowledge of your real estate professional
• Hard facts such as lot size, square footage and condition of your home
• Desirability factors including location, special amenities, and property attributes
• Selling and listing prices of comparable homes
• A sophisticated real estate marketing plan
• Your level of motivation

It is important to note that the following conditions do not affect your
home’s price:
• The profit you wish to make from the sale
• The amount of money you have spent on improvements
• What other sources, such as friends and family, have told you it is worth
• What you originally paid for the home

www.BHHSrep.com

©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.





Marketing & Tips

Bonebrake & Company, LLC.

1155 N. First Avenue, Stayton, OR 97383
503-385-0033

www.KeyToOregon.com Oregon Licensed Brokers

Brenda Bonebrake, Sandy Edwards, Leslie Stewart, Mary Gries & Drew Johnson

Online Exposure

THE HOME SEARCH PROCESS

More than 90%* of consumers use the Internet to search for their new home. To get your property extensive online exposure and
attract multiple competitive buyers, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will syndicate your home to these websites:

berkshirehathawayhs.com

PLUS OVER 300 ADDITIONAL WEBSITES POWERED BY ZILLOW, TRULIA AND HOMEFINDER.

Good to know.™

*According to National Association of REALTORS® 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and
Sellers, the use of the Internet in the home search rose slightly year-over-year to 92%.

©2014 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity.





AdvancedVideoMarketing

ProfessionalPhotography

Bonebrake and Company, LLC

1155 First St Avenue, Stayton Oregon 97383 503-385-0033

A Few Marketing Details ~ www.KeyToOregon.com

Thank you for the opportunity to assist you in the marketing of your property. The bulk of our
marketing is done on the internet. This is where we achieve our best results and reach the
greatest numbers of buyers. We do traditional print advertising as well, but frankly, print media
has become almost obsolete so we don’t spend a lot of time on that medium.

A few of the marketing tools and websites we use:
Professional Photography
You-tube Videos
Seller Reports to track your Virtual property showings
CirclePix – Video tours & Instant property information – available instantly to buyer’s cell
phones & email addresses
Professional Staging for vacant homes
Craigslist, Zillow, Realtor.com, Postlets.com & other 900+ other websites.

A personal newsletter is distributed bi-monthly that reaches over 1,500 people. Our eNewsletter
mailing includes all new listings, price changes and local information in addition to articles about
real estate, home & garden, health, etc. We belong to the WVMLS – Willamette Valley Multiple
Listing Service, and the RMLS – the Portland & Eugene Multiple Listing Services. At the monthly
association meetings of each MLS, (which is open to all of the brokers from all offices), slide show
advertising is available for purchase by brokers (similar to ad-trailers in a movie theater) which
runs before each meeting and all of our new listings and featured properties are displayed on the
screen each month.

Brenda serves on the Board of Directors for the SAR- Salem Association of Realtors, and for the
OAR – Oregon Association of Realtors, in addition to the state Government Affairs Committee and
the WVGAC – Willamette Valley Government Affairs Committee and as an elected Key Constituent
for OAR which meets regularly with our legislators. These organizations give us access to the top
brokers in the state and have proven invaluable in connections with Buyer’s agents for our
listings.

Our team has a full time administrative assistant plus a marketing specialist who handle all of our
advertising, transactional paperwork including coordinating documentation, inspections, changes
in listings, newsletters, etc. We also have two full-time Buyer’s Agents on our team who work
exclusively with buyers and are available to answer calls directly on ads, signs, websites and are
available to meet with buyers and show property very quickly.

In this market, we feel it is important to be able to hit every aspect of the market to find buyers,
get them qualified (and keep them motivated!), bringing them to a successful closing on all of our
listings. We appreciate the opportunity to help you achieve the sale of your property!

www.KeyToOregon.com

Bonebrake and Company, LLC

1155 First St Avenue, Stayton Oregon 97383 503-385-0033

www.KeyToOregon.com
Have You Ever Wondered How a Property is Appraised?

Residential lenders require an independent appraiser to assess the comparable market value for a property to be
financed. Appraising homes, especially in bigger cities or on large rural properties, is not always an easy job.
Properties that are just a couple of blocks away can differ greatly in price.

Appraisers make property value assessments largely based on:

• Age of the home

• Property size, livable square footage and number of rooms

• Amenities such as garages, pools, central air, security systems and fireplaces

• Upgrades such as kitchen or bath remodels, new roof or new windows

• Proximity to public transit, parks, schools, airports and noisy highways

• Energy efficient upgrades such as solar panels or tankless water heaters

Using the Uniformed Appraisal Dataset (UAD), they describe and compare conditions and quality of the subject
property against comparable properties in your surrounding area.

Remember that appraisers are also making judgment calls about the value of your home! Make sure your home is
presentable so it makes a good first impression:

• Clean Your Home - Tidy up extra junk or kids toys to show off the value of updated countertops or new
floors

• Provide a List of Improvements - New floors, new roof, and remodeled bathrooms or updated HVAC
systems are important to point out

• Tackle Minor Repairs - Fix broken fence boards, replace missing window screens or touch up paint and
trim

• Spruce up Curb Appeal - Mow the yard, trim bushes or re-mulch your flowerbeds to give it better curb
appeal

• Be Polite and Friendly - Don't argue or harass the appraiser while they are trying to complete their
inspection of the home; act welcoming and available to answer questions as needed

Changes to mortgage legislation no longer allow lenders to have direct contact with appraisers. Instead, lenders
must schedule appraisals through third-party Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs). As a homeowner, you
are your best advocate during the inspection; answering any questions or providing additional information to the
appraiser.

Rates are still at historic lows. If you, your family or friends may be in need of my services, I am never too busy for
referrals from valued clients like you!

www.KeyToOregon.com

Selling
Tips

FOUR WAYS TO HASTEN THE SALE OF YOUR HOME

Every year come spring, many Tip No. 2: Avoid the folly of “testing the “People buy homes on perceptions,”
Americans feel the urge for new market on price.” say real estate professionals.
housing. More than any other time of Most home owners don’t start working on
year, they phone agents, book home Conventional wisdom has it that you the greenery around their homes or
tours, and turn out at open houses. should offer your house at the high side of tackle exterior paint jobs until late April ,
How can a seller capitalize on a the price range, on the basis that you can May or even June. By embarking on
revival in home buying interest that is “always come down.” But the remarkable these tasks early in the season, before
as predictable as the sprouting of fact is that sellers that ask to much in the your neighbors, your house will stand
spring flowers? Real Estate experts beginning get less in the end than sellers out. “You want your house to look real
offer their top tips: who started at a more reasonable pricing crisp – like the cottage of people’s
point. dreams!”
Tip No. 1: Be the early bird.
“The reality is that the sooner you go “An overpriced house will sit on the Tip No. 4: Clear away all your clutter
market and get stale. You’ll lose the before you bring your house to the
on the market the, the more buyers will excitement that the house could have market.
be exposed to your house,” says senior generated in the first 30 days of listing,”
vice president for an international realty the pros caution. Know all those men’s shaving products
chain. and women’s makeup items you have
Indeed, sellers who ask for too much at lined up on top of your vanities? They’ve
By putting your property up for sale in the outset can end up getting 10-20% less got to be tucked away in a cabinet or a
March or early April, you’ll be in the front than those who hit the target price right closet before the buyers come through.
of the pack for the prime spring selling away, they estimate. And the overpriced Ditto for all the blenders, mixers and
season. And by being early, you’ll be house will get fewer showings and take recipe boxes you may be keeping on
ready for those eager buyers who can longer to move. your kitchen counter tops.
come out, quite impulsively, when a
spring day turns out sunny. “Buyers know what’s going on. They’re Whether kept in kitchens, bathrooms,
going to wonder about the seller who asks or any other areas of the house, clutter is
“Springtime is an exciting time of year too much and say to themselves, ‘Who do the enemy of the home seller. Crowded
for a lot of people who want to make they think they’re kidding’?” rooms look smaller and less inviting all
changes in their lives,” says a manager year long. But they’re especially
for another realty chain. By overpricing your house, you breed troublesome in the springtime, when
suspicion in the buyers and ironically, many have the urge for clear, open
Even in hard to sell markets, many invite them to make low-ball bids, he says. spaces and the desire for a clean house
springtime sellers wait until April or May is especially strong.
to put their houses up for sale. That way, Tip No. 3: Give your house superb
they reason, they can stay in their old “curb appeal.” “Dress your home to impress” and your
properties through the end of their home will sell quicker and in most cases
children’s school year and move in Face it, the world is a superficial place. If for a higher sales price. We offer
summer. But the time it takes to liquidate prospective buyers get a poor first professional photos, virtual tours, and
your real estate could prove longer than impression of your property-based on the professional staging as additional
you anticipate. And you’ll maximize your peeling paint or unpruned plants they see marketing tools to get as many people as
chances of getting the price you want if outside – they’re also going to be doubtful we can viewing your home!
you offer your home to the public earlier about the interior and whether the house
in the season. has been well kept. On that basis, they
may even decline an invitation to look
inside.

Bonebrake & CO, LLC

Tips For Last Minute Showings

Last minute showings are unavoidable in Kitchen
today’s real estate market. 24-hour notice is Kitchens and bathrooms are highly
not realistic, as many buyers will move on to scrutinized by prospective buyers so be sure
the next listing. To avoid undue stress, we these areas are well cleaned. Clear off
encourage weekly maintenance tasks such as counters of any clutter and wipe down
dusting and vacuuming as well as daily tasks appliances. If you have a dining table set it
such as bed making and dishwashing. with linens and china.

“Consider creating a 30-minute action plan to Bathrooms
prepare for last minute showings.” Hang a fresh hand towel and a new bar of
soap in the soap dish. All tissues must be
If the following action items are planned for, sufficiently stocked and keep toilet lid down.
you can feel confident the home will look its Keep all prescriptions and toiletries neatly
best when the buyers arrive. stowed away.

Lighting Window Coverings
Be sure all lights are turned on, even in the Open all curtains and blinds to allow as much
closets, basements and storage rooms. Light natural lighting in as possible. Be sure that
gives both ambience and sense of increased slats are open evenly. You may decide to tilt
space in rooms. For evening showings, be the blinds if the view is poor.
sure yard and entrance lights are on.
Ambience
Odors Attend to the overall ambience by making
The home should smell as pleasant as sure there is no noise coming from a TV or
possible when buyers arrive. Rinse the radio. Some soft classical music is fine. Have
bathroom sink with bubble bath for a fresh the fireplace lit and the candy dish full for a
aroma. Simmering a teaspoon of vanilla or warm, inviting atmosphere.
brewing a pot of coffee can create an inviting
smell throughout the home. Finally, plan to keep the entrance way clear of
clutter and be sure to store jewelry and
valuables in a safe place, out of sight.





15 BS Facts About Homebuying Everyone
Thinks Are True

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Karen Highland • 4 Comments

How can something be a fact, but not be true? In the
internet age, it’s very possible to find many so-called
facts that don’t really hold true in real life…especially
regarding real estate. So many people have so much to
say, but don’t really know what they’re talking about.
Yep. I said it. BS Facts abound on the world-wide-web.

Two reasons why non-facts linger: Old news lasts a
long time on the internet. The problem is that any local
real estate market can change on a dime. As well as
market changes, its also true that markets are very local. All Real Estate is Local.What
is fact in one market may not be in another.
Here are some of those so-called facts that I’ve run into lately…and along with them, some truth.
I’ve brought in some of my favorite real estate bloggers to help
me expose and dispel the BS:

BS Fact #1: “Homes are way overvalued today, there is
nothing I can afford.”
In 2013, most recovering markets saw large gains in home prices,
many as much as 11-12%. That market correction hasn’t
continued in 2014, and isn’t expected in 2015, either. With the
combination of low interest rates, home affordability is still a
reality for middle-income Americans. Although affordability is
bound to decrease, compared to historic values and interest
rates, home affordability is still very good. Consider:

“At today’s house prices and income levels, mortgage rates would have to be nearly 7
percent before the U.S. median priced home would be unaffordable to a family making the
median income in most parts of the country.” ~ Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac VP and chief
economist

BS Fact #2: “New homes are not being constructed. I’m just going to wait until
builders start building again.”
Builders are building. Builders are targeting
different demographics, including first-time
home buyers. Many are prepared to make up for
lost ground of the last decade by building homes
that people actually want. D.R. Horton is one
such builder, with a focus on the entry-level
market, launching “Express Homes”, which are
priced between $120,000 and $150,000, much
lower than the national median new-home price
of $290,000.

NAHB, National Home Builders Association, has been predicting positive outlook for new
homes throughout last year, reporting month-over-month increases in housing starts and
completions during 2014. Consider: Single Family Production is Poised to Take off in 2015.
In Frederick Md, we’re seeing new home construction like we haven’t seen since pre-2006.
BS Fact #3: “My house is worth much more than the neighbor’s house
because…[insert any of 2 dozen reasons].”
Sellers don’t determine how much their house is worth. a) Buyers do, and b) Appraisals do.
Lenders must have appraisals to establish a value that the bank uses to decide if they want to
loan the money or not. Buyers make an offer based on what they are willing to pay for the home
in the present market. These two factors determine a home’s value. [Not to say that
improvements aren’t taken into account, but the process of determining value is far more
entailed than many sellers realize.]

For Additional Reading on the appraisal process:
What Appraisers Look At During A Real Estate Appraisal, by Bill Gassett, Metrowest Mass.
Realtor
Tips For Dealing with Low Appraisals – for Buyers and Sellers, by Debbie Drummond, Las
Vegas Realtor
An Interview with An Appraiser, by Lynn Pineda, Coral Springs FL Realtor, and Ryan
Lundquist, Sacramento Appraiser [Sacramento Appraisal Blog]

BS Fact #4: “We’re headed for another housing bubble!”
It seems like any time there is positive movement on home values,
even if it’s a measly one percent, we have cries for the next housing
bubble. Our collective psyche will never be the same after the
previous decade of housing woes. Although we have sites like The
Housing Bubble Blog, and Trulia’s “Bubble Watch”, the
preponderance of economic reports are saying “No to another
housing bubble”, Trulia, Forbes, Inman, and Kiplinger are just a
few.
Here’s another thought…with so many eyes on the potential of a
real estate bubble, and so much intervention by the Fed, do we
really need to worry about bubbles so much? Can we enjoy a little real estate recovery
without so much angst? Tweet That!

Now, this is a housing
bubble I can dig! From
1972:

BS Fact #5: “I’m
waiting for mortgage
rates to fall.”
All indications are that
mortgage rates are on the
rise. Since the Fed stopped
buying up government
securities (Quantitative
Easing) they are predicting
rising rates. By waiting
around for 3% rates, a
potential buyer is taking a
great risk that the cost of a

home is only going up, and they may well be priced out of the market in the near future.

Additional Reading: Three Mortgage Rate Predictions from 3 Industry Experts, Tim Lucas
at My Mortgage Insider, Brad Yzermans at Home Loan Artist, and Luke Skar, Madison
Mortgage Guys.

BS Fact #6: “I was told it’s a bad time to buy (or sell) real estate.”
We’ve been hearing similar statements for years. It fascinates me how a single negative factor,
among thousands, can overshadow the entire subject of real estate for some people. They draw
large conclusions from one anecdote.

An example: Your neighbor refinanced several times during the boom and is now underwater
on his mortgage because the house isn’t worth that amount anymore…and probably won’t be for
a few years. So he concludes for you that “it’s a bad time to sell.” Well, yes, for him it is, but
that’s not the case for everyone.
BS Fact #7: “I can’t buy a house yet, I don’t have 20% to put down.”
Some of the well-known advice columns lead people to believe that they must have enough cash
saved to put 20% down on a home purchase. While that might be the ideal situation, and
certainly the best case scenario, that is not the only option. Very few have that amount,
especially first-time buyers. There are many loan programs available that require less than 20%
for a down-payment.

FHA loans require 3.5%. Fannie and Freddie Mac are now backing loans with 3% down.
VA requires 0 down, zero, nada. A wonderful benefit for those who have served us and kept our
freedom.
There are Conventional loans for 20%, 10% and as little as 5% down. Add to them gifts from
parents or other down payment assistance and they can be as little as 3% down.
Speaking of down payment assistance programs, there are many. Consult a local lender to find
them.
Related Article: Where Mortgage Down
Payment Assistance is Still Available,
Lender 411

BS Fact #8: “But the online
Valuation of my house was more
than you’re telling me?!”
Batman Has Strong Feelings About
Zestimates
Zestimates are more than 10% off
about 1/3 of the time. Tweet That! On
the Eastern Shore in Maryland, they are a
whopping 42% off! If any Realtor was that
far off, they would not be in business for
very long! All I have to say is this emphatic
statement:
Online valuations can never take the
place of a local professional CMA,
comparative market analysis.