The annual Northwest Washington Fair is going on right now in Lynden Washington. Stop by our booth and say hello to our friendly agents. Click on the link below to view the fair program.
1630 Westview Cir, Lynden 98264| MLS 645856 | $399,000
Lot 2, Mead Avenue in Everson also reduced in price and is available for $89,900 The 30,849 SqFt City Lot has the preliminary work done to be subdivided. Open pasture with clear views to the West. Come build your dream home or subdivide. Great opportunity for Builder or Developer.
Even with recent gains in the market, the concept of homeownership is still under attack. Owners feel let down by falling values, critics say the American Dream has become a nightmare, and others say renting is the best option right now. There is no doubt that many have suffered at the hands of bad lending practices and economic turmoil associated with the recession.
However…owning a home has Always been a huge part of the American Dream, and will continue to be so long after the current economic crisis and wave of defaults has passed. Our homes are a place of security for our families and for establishing traditions with our friends.
[%readmore%]No one can argue against the benefits that homeownership provides to our communities and to society in general. Homeowners have a higher level of self-esteem, education, and involvement in civic activities. Why try to tear down these fundamental truths simply because we are in a downward part of the always dynamic cycle of real estate?
The time has come to reaffirm the dream of homeownership, but in a more sober and accountable fashion. We should emphasize responsible ownership for the long term, which helps us and our communities achieve the common goals of financial and social well-being. Today’s naysayers will change their tune when the cycle rises again and you can count on that.
1305 Boon St #218, Sumas 98295 | MLS 667829 | $139,000
Newer condo complex in heart of Sumas! Second floor one level unit features 1630 SqFt of living space and a great floor plan with 4 spacious bedrooms. Spacious closets and ample storage make this a great first home or an excellent investment property. The outdoor patio is attached to the kitchen, and has a locked storage space as well. This condo is well cared for, neat, and clean!
First, know your credit score in advance of house hunting, and take immediate steps to improve it if it’s less than good. During your loan application is not the time to find any surprises.
[%readmore%]Correct any errors on your credit report, pay down some revolving debt, and don’t make any other major purchases (like a car) until your loan paperwork is complete and you’ve closed on your home. This is important because barrowers with lower scores pay higher fees and interest rates, which can total tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Once you’re in the position of having made an offer to purchase, do not skimp on inspections. No matter how strapped for cash you think you are, the cost of the inspections is a drop in the bucket compared to what unexpected plumbing, electrical and structural repairs will cost you in the future. Your agent will go over a list of available inspections and suggest the most appropriate ones of your property.
You know what? Size does matter! You want buyers to soak up every square foot of your home, visualizing how their belongings will fit in. Follow these recommendations to maximize the space they perceive, particularly if you are selling a smaller home.
[%readmore%]Furniture makes the most direct impact on the living space, so scale down the size of your furnishings, or even better, remove a few large pieces and rearrange what remains. Large furnishings can make a room feel cramped, so open it up.
Avoid busy fabric patterns, which can also make a room “feel” smaller. Use texture in fabrics to add interest, and if necessary, buy slipcovers for patterned chairs or sofas that you love or can’t remove.
After furniture, the next biggest impact is your walls. Since dark colors absorb light and make even large rooms look smaller, invest in some light paint (think creams, light blues or greens, soft yellows) to open your room’s space.
Another great “trick” is to simply hang some mirrors. Mirrors do double duty in expanding the space. Seeing a reflection of the rooms gives the impression of more space in “another” room, while mirrors also reflect light, and brighter room feels like a bigger room.
These are simple suggestions to implement, and a real estate professional will have even more advice for creating an appealing interior.
