Fall is a great time to get your home ready for the winter season. By taking some simple maintenance steps now, you can help to prevent problems down the road.
Here are 10 fall home maintenance tips for real estate owners:
1. Clean your gutters.
This is one of the most important fall home maintenance tasks. Clogged gutters can lead to water damage to your roof and foundation. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts regularly, especially after heavy rains.
2. Rake your leaves.
Fallen leaves can not only be unsightly, but they can also clog your gutters, damage your lawn, and attract pests. Be sure to rake your leaves regularly throughout the fall season.
3. Weatherize your windows and doors.
Drafts from windows and doors can make your home uncomfortable and costly to heat in the winter. Seal any air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping.
4. Inspect your roof.
Look for any missing or damaged shingles. If you find any problems, have them repaired by a qualified roofing contractor.
5. Clean your fireplace and chimney.
If you have a fireplace, be sure to have it cleaned and inspected by a qualified chimney sweep before you start using it for the winter. This will help prevent chimney fires.
6. Service your heating system.
Schedule a tune-up with a qualified HVAC contractor to make sure your heating system is in good working order before the winter season.
7. Insulate your attic.
Proper attic insulation can help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you don’t have enough insulation in your attic, consider adding more.
8. Check your water heater.
Make sure that your water heater is properly insulated and that the temperature is set correctly. You may also want to flush your water heater to remove any sediment buildup.
9. Trim your trees and shrubs.
Trim back any branches that are overhanging your roof or that could pose a hazard in a storm.
10. Inspect your sprinkler system.
If you have a sprinkler system, be sure to turn it off before the first frost of the season. You’ll also want to drain the pipes and blow out the system to prevent freezing.
By following these fall home maintenance tips, you can help to keep your home in good condition and protect your investment.
Ready to buy or sell a home in Snohomish? Gilpin Realty is honored to help you in that journey! Contact our team today to talk with an experienced real estate agent!
Snohomish County is a desirable place to live, and for good reason! This means that the real estate market is always active. If you’re thinking about selling your home, there are a few things you need to do to get it ready to list.
Here are 7 things you need to do before listing your home in Snohomish County:
1. Hire a real estate agent.
A good real estate agent will know the market and be able to help you price your home competitively. They will also handle all the paperwork and marketing for you, so you can focus on getting your home ready to show.
2. Get your home appraised.
An appraisal will give you an accurate idea of your home’s fair market value. This will help you set a realistic asking price and avoid overpricing your home.
3. Stage your home.
The first impression is everything when it comes to selling a home. Staging your home will make it look its best and attract more buyers. This means decluttering, cleaning, and making repairs. You may also want to hire a professional stager to help you get the best results.
4. Fix any major problems.
Buyers will be looking for a home that is move-in ready, so it’s important to fix any major problems before you list your home. This could include things like leaky faucets, broken windows, or a damaged roof.
5. Update your home’s curb appeal.
The curb appeal of your home is the first thing buyers will see, so it’s important to make a good impression. This means fixing up the front yard, painting the exterior, and adding new landscaping.
6. Take professional photos.
High-quality photos are essential for selling your home. They will help buyers visualize themselves living in your home and make them more likely to make an offer.
7. Price your home right.
Pricing your home too high will discourage buyers, while pricing it too low will leave you money on the table. It’s important to price your home competitively so you can sell it quickly and for the best possible price.
Bonus tips!
Get your home listed on multiple real estate websites.
Hold open houses on weekends and evenings.
Work with your real estate agent to negotiate offers.
Be prepared to make concessions, such as waiving the appraisal contingency or offering seller financing.
Selling a home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more successful.
Contact Gilpin Realty today to get started on selling your home in Snohomish County.
Buying a house is a big decision, and it’s important to do your research to avoid making any costly mistakes. In Snohomish County, the housing market is competitive, so it’s more important than ever to be prepared.
In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a house in Snohomish County. We will also provide tips on how to avoid these mistakes and make the home buying process as smooth as possible.
1. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when buying a house is not getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This is a crucial step in the home buying process, as it will give you an idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It will also show sellers that you are a serious buyer.
To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you will need to provide the lender with some basic financial information, such as your income, debts, and assets. The lender will then use this information to determine how much money you qualify for.
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is free and doesn’t obligate you to buy a house. However, it is a very important step in the home buying process, so don’t skip it.
2. Not Having a Real Estate Agent
Another big mistake is not having a real estate agent. A good real estate agent can help you find the right house, negotiate the best price, and close the deal. They can also help you avoid making costly mistakes.
In Snohomish County, the housing market is competitive, so it’s important to have an experienced real estate agent who knows the area well. Your agent can help you find homes that meet your needs and budget, and they can also help you navigate the complex home buying process.
3. Not Understanding the Closing Costs
Closing costs are the fees associated with buying a house. They can add up to 3-5% of the purchase price of the home. It’s important to understand these costs before you buy a house, so that you are not surprised at closing.
Some of the common closing costs include:
Appraisal fee
Title insurance
Recording fees
Homeowners insurance
Mortgage origination fee
Points
You can get an estimate of closing costs from your lender or real estate agent. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget when you are considering buying a house.
4. Not Doing Your Research on the Neighborhood
Before you buy a house, it’s important to do your research on the neighborhood. This includes things like the crime rate, the school district, and the proximity to amenities.
You can get this information from a variety of sources, such as the local library, the internet, and your real estate agent. It’s also a good idea to take a walk around the neighborhood and talk to the residents.
Buying a house is a big investment, so it’s important to make sure that you are happy with the neighborhood.
5. Not Negotiating the Price
The asking price is not the final price. You should always negotiate the price of the house. This is where your real estate agent can really come in handy. They will be able to help you negotiate the best possible price for the house.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The worst that can happen is the seller says no. But you might be surprised at how much you can get off the asking price.
Buy With Confidence
These are just a few of the biggest mistakes to avoid when buying a house in Snohomish County. Working with an experienced real estate agent who can help guide you through the ins and outs and finer points of your home purchase will help you avoid costly surprises and feel good about your purchase.
If you are thinking about buying a house in Snohomish County, reach out to Gilpin Realty! We’re always ready to walk with you through every step of the home purchase process.
Buying a home is a big investment, and it’s important to make sure that you’re getting what you pay for. A home inspection is a thorough examination of the property by a professional who will look for any potential problems. This can help you avoid costly repairs down the road, and it can also give you peace of mind knowing that you’re buying a safe and sound home.
Why are home inspections important?
There are many reasons why home inspections are important. Here are just a few:
To identify potential problems. A home inspection can help you identify any potential problems with the property, such as structural damage, mold, or pests. This can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
To protect your investment. A home inspection can help you protect your investment by giving you peace of mind knowing that you’re buying a safe and sound home.
To negotiate the price of the home. If the home inspection reveals any major problems, you may be able to negotiate a lower price with the seller.
To comply with lending requirements. Many lenders require homebuyers to have a home inspection before they will approve a loan.
What to expect during a home inspection
A home inspection typically takes several hours. The inspector will start by looking at the exterior of the home, including the roof, siding, gutters, and foundation. They will then move inside and inspect the major systems of the home, such as the plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and foundation. The inspector will also check for signs of pests, mold, and other problems.
What to do after a home inspection
Once the home inspection is complete, the inspector will give you a written report that lists any potential problems. You should carefully review the report and discuss any concerns with your real estate agent. If you’re not happy with the findings of the inspection, you may be able to negotiate a lower price with the seller or walk away from the deal.
How to find a home inspector
There are many home inspectors out there, so it’s important to find one who is qualified and experienced. You can ask your Gilpin real estate agent for recommendations, or you can search online for home inspectors in your area. When you’re interviewing home inspectors, be sure to ask about their experience, their qualifications, and their fees.
The importance of home inspections
Home inspections are an important part of the home buying process. They can help you identify potential problems, protect your investment, and negotiate the price of the home.
If you’re a home buyer on the hunt for your dream property, our pros at Gilpin Realty have you covered. Our expertise in the Snohomish County real estate market makes us your go-to guides. Contact Gilpin Realty today, and let’s embark on your next great real estate adventure!
Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and it’s important to have the right real estate agent in your corner. A good agent can help you find the perfect home, negotiate the best price, and navigate the entire home buying or selling process.
Here are some tips on how to find the right real estate agent for you:
Get referrals from friends, family, or colleagues. This is a great way to start your search, as you’ll be getting recommendations from people you trust.
Do your research online. There are many websites that can help you find real estate agents in your area. You can read reviews, compare prices, and even narrow down your search by specialization.
Interview multiple agents. Once you’ve found a few agents that you’re interested in, schedule interviews with them. This will give you a chance to get to know them better and see if they’re a good fit for you.
Ask the right questions. When you’re interviewing agents, be sure to ask them questions about their experience, their qualifications, and their fees. You should also ask them about their marketing strategies and how they’ll help you sell or buy your home.
Trust your gut. When you’re interviewing agents, pay attention to your gut feeling. If you don’t feel comfortable with an agent, don’t be afraid to move on to the next one.
Here are some of the qualities to look for in a real estate agent:
Experience. How long have they been in the business? Do they have experience in the type of property you’re looking for?
Knowledge. Are they knowledgeable about the local market? Do they understand the home buying or selling process?
Communication skills. Are they good at communicating with you? Are they responsive to your calls and emails?
Negotiation skills. Are they good at negotiating on your behalf? Can they get you the best possible price?
Trustworthiness. Can you trust them to represent your best interests?
Once you’ve found the right real estate agent, be sure to build a strong relationship with them. This will help you get the most out of their services and ensure that you have a positive home buying or selling experience.
If you’re looking for a real estate agent in Snohomish, WA, call Gilpin Realty today at 360.568.218. Our team of local agents can help you achieve your real estate goals!
Do you pine for the days when you had to rely on your local newspaper and zigzagging around neighborhoods looking for “For Sale” signs to find a place to call home? If so, you may be in the minority.
With the rapid evolution of real estate tech technology, those times are long gone. In an earlier blog, we talked about some broad real estate trends and how technological advancements were a key factor in shaping our course.
But this time around, we’ll be delving even deeper into the exciting realm of real estate technology and seeing how recent advancements are exerting influence on the market in ways that benefit both buyers and sellers.
The Rapid Rise of Real Estate Tech
Technology adoption in real estate was admittedly a little slower than it was in other industries. But now that more brokerages, escrow companies, and lenders are integrating technology into their processes, it’s unlikely that we’ll see ourselves going backwards.
Every week, it seems that there is a new tech trend in real estate that is trying to change the game. In a previous blog, we mentioned virtual reality tours, AI-driven property recommendations, and a couple of shining examples.
In 2021, we witnessed some exciting developments in real estate technology, including increased use of big data analytics, drone photography, and smart home features. These innovations have not only streamlined the industry but also created new opportunities for buyers and sellers alike.
Technologies that make the homebuying and selling process more efficient and enjoyable are likely to stick around.
How Tech and Real Estate Work Hand in Hand
Now that there’s some synergy between the two of them, you could say that real estate and technology make a great match for one another.
Agents can now provide even better services by tapping into cutting-edge tools and platforms, while home buyers and sellers are gifted with unrestricted access to the same data as many agents, offering them a much more informed and seamless experience.
With so much real estate data as well, AI-driven analytics are already making a difference in how we forecast the market and expertly move within it.
The future looks to be even more exciting, with even more groundbreaking innovations on the way. Augmented reality home staging, blockchain-based transactions for heightened security, and many more—there seem to be endless possibilities that will reshape what we think we know about the real estate industry.
What Does Real Estate Technology Means for Home Buyers
Technology on its own is exciting, but what does it all mean for a savvy home buyer? Well, most homebuyers have already been enjoying the benefits of technology for years.
Better Ability to Search for Properties
Applications like Zillow and Redfin enable today’s tech-savvy home buyers to search for their dream property from the comfort of their couch. With online listing platforms, 3D virtual tours, and AI-powered property matching, finding your perfect home has never been easier.
Gone are the days of chasing down newspaper ads and getting lost driving through neighborhoods!
Simplifying the Buying Process
The real estate purchase process has been greatly simplified thanks to automated tasks like mortgage pre-approval and document management. Since this translates to less paperwork, it’s natural that homebuyers can enjoy a faster, more efficient home shopping experience.
What Real Estate Technology Means for Home Sellers
Sure, home buyers are benefiting from technology. But does that mean it’s coming at the expense of homeowners selling their properties? Not quite—in fact, home sellers benefit from real estate tech just as greatly as home buyers.
Appeal to Buyers with Revolutionary Marketing
For a seller looking to list their home, real estate technology gives them access to a plethora of marketing tools that paint their property in the best light. Even something as standard as professional drone photography wasn’t practical a decade ago.
Other technology tools, like virtual staging, also give the seller the power to present their home in an immersive way that appeals to tech-savvy buyers searching with other tech-based tools.
Big Data, Big Returns
Big data, you say? There truly aren’t many pools of data bigger than the real estate industry. Thanks to the superpowers of big data, savvy home sellers can now make informed decisions about their pricing and marketing strategies.
Using these data-driven insights with the expertise of a local real estate professional makes a pixel-perfect combination for sellers to pinpoint an ideal target audience and optimize their listing for maximum exposure.
Integrated Technology with Gilpin Realty
At Gilpin Realty, we’ve been staying ahead of the curve for years when it comes to real estate technology. Our team has been quick to adopt and iterate on these innovations because we see the potential they have for helping us better serve our clients and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience in the real estate market.
So, whether you’re a home buyer on the hunt for your dream property or a seller looking to gain the highest return, our pros at Gilpin Realty have you covered. Our combined expertise in both tech and real estate makes us your go-to guides to traverse the ever-evolving real estate market. Ready to level up your real estate technology game for your purchase or sale? Contact Gilpin Realty today, and let’s embark on your next great real estate adventure!
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