Living alone can be challenging no matter a person’s age, but certain issues are especially prevalent for seniors. Check out the following blog on ways seniors can stay safe while living alone!

When you’re ready to sell your home and purchase a new one, connect with skilled REALTOR® Debbie Wise for local expertise and exceptional service!  (253) 973-0866

Many older people choose to live in their own homes instead of care communities, a term referred to as aging in place. Check out the following blog on some tips to aging in place!

When you’re ready to sell your home and purchase a new one, connect with skilled REALTOR® Debbie Wise for local expertise and exceptional service!  (253) 973-0866

Deciding to sell your home is a cause for celebration. And closing the deal faster is even better. But how do you further expedite the sales process when the market seems to be dragging? It is possible. Here are some tips to help your home sell quicker and faster than ever, courtesy of Windermere Real Estate.

Focus on the exterior

One of the first things that catch a potential home buyer’s eye is your property’s exterior more than anything else. Also known as curb appeal, this is the initial impression someone has of your house from the curb even before they get the chance to step into your home.

Therefore, to create the best first impression possible, it may be a good idea to concentrate your revamping efforts on the exterior of your home before everything else to ensure that potential home buyers don’t pass you by.

Why your front yard matters

According to research, many potential homebuyers say that a well-maintained garden is a significant deciding factor in their purchasing decision. In fact, one could even go so far as to say that curb appeal could even make or break the deal – that’s how important it is.

But maintaining a well-kept garden and keeping it immaculate at all times can be challenging to do if you don’t have the know-how. This is where you should enlist a landscaper’s help to help your garden look the best it can be. Professional landscapers will know what type of greenery will look best in your garden. And which styles will suit the theme and overall look of your home.

They will also have the background knowledge and design skills to make plants, flowers, and shrubbery look like they were meant to be there. And to make it look complimentary to the look you envision for your home, taking into account what’s popular or trending to encourage buyers to want to see more.

Freelance or agency?

Choosing the right landscapers to work with is vital to ensure you make the most of every penny while still getting the professional look you’re after. Freelance designers are a great option here, as they often provide more flexibility concerning what you want and are open to incorporating your ideas with their own to make your landscape look one-of-a-kind as opposed to run-of-the-mill. And in turn, it can boost your chances of getting your house noticed even more.

Make your home shine

After tending to your garden and making sure it’s in tip-top shape, the next thing you want to do is focus on making your home shine. That could mean adding a fresh coat of paint to your front entrance, fixing up loose gutters, and making sure your roof looks good by repairing any loose or broken roof tiles.

This could even go on to include giving your windows and window panes a good scrub and even a free coat of paint also. Or perhaps your fencing needs a bit of refurbishment, or your storage areas need a complete overhaul. What matters most here is paying attention to areas that are an eyesore, which can negatively deter buyers and sway their decision to purchase.

Inside, you can try out peel and stick wallpaper to look for rooms that need to catch the eye. This will freshen up rooms without the mess of repainting. What’s more, you can swap out designs and colors since these options don’t use strong adhesives.

Hard work pays off

At the end of the day, if you’ve made an effort to enhance your home’s curb appeal, your hard work is sure to pay off in a profitable sense. But you’re also likely to land a sale quicker too if that’s your aim.

Once you’ve got your home ready to sell, contact Debbie Wise to begin marketing your property.

Every homebuyer’s biggest fear is buying a lemon. A few minor issues are normal when buying a home, but if major problems aren’t noticed until after the sale is closed, homebuyers are on the hook for thousands of dollars in repairs—thousands of dollars they probably don’t have. If you’re in the market for a home, learn how to avoid overpaying or buying a money pit. These tips from Windermere Real Estate can help you get started.

Know What You Can Afford

Before you jump into searching for a new home, you should have a considerable grasp on what you can afford in a monthly mortgage payment. Assess your budget, accounting for additional costs like maintenance and emergencies, to get a rough idea of how much you can comfortably pay. Next, survey the various loans available to you. From FHA to VA to conventional and more, there are quite a few options. Once you find an ideal fit, shop around for lenders, and work on getting preapproved.

There are some loans available that do not require a down payment. If you decide that will not work for you either, you can always look for apartments near Seattle which will allow you to save for your down payment while living in the area. With nearly 5,000 apartments available, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Understanding the True Value of a Home

To avoid overpaying, buyers need to understand the true value of a home they’re interested in. A home’s market value is affected by its size, location, condition, and the current market, meaning it’s a number that’s constantly in flux. The best way to assess the market value of a home is through comparative market analysis.  Online tools are handy and will give you a rough idea, but they are not privy to the condition of the house. Instead, ask your trusted Real Estate agent to do a market analysis prior to making an offer on a house you are interested in.  That is one of the many reasons to work with a professional.

Why Home Inspections Are a Must

The estimated value of a home is based on the assumption that it’s in good condition. However, problems hidden within could make a home worth much less than its list price. That’s why home inspections are so important. Without an inspection, there’s no way to know if the home you’re buying is move-in ready or needs costly repairs.

Home Inspections and As-Is Homes

Home inspections get complicated when it comes to as-is homes. While some as-is sellers allow inspections, most only permit informational inspections after a purchase agreement is signed. In some cases, as-is only refers to specific features of the home and not the property as a whole. If considering an as-is property, buyers need to understand exactly what’s meant by as-is and be ready to walk away if a seller won’t permit an inspection contingency.

What About Seller Disclosure Requirements?

It’s true that many states require sellers to disclose known issues with a property, but that doesn’t mean buyers should put total faith in a seller’s honesty. Additionally, some states only require a few seller disclosures, such as lead-based paint and septic systems. Sellers only have to disclose other material defects if asked.

Negotiating an Offer: Repair Options for Buyers

When a home inspection turns up significant repair and maintenance concerns, buyers have two options: walk away, or negotiate. If a home has foundation problems, water damage, major plumbing and electrical issues, or termites, it’s usually better to walk away. These problems are expensive to fix—if they can be fixed at all.

Other repairs can be negotiated in the offer. For example, if an inspection reveals structural defects, building code violations, or other major problems that affect financing, sellers are generally expected to pay for repairs. Other repairs fall in a gray area. While little problems generally aren’t worth quibbling over, buyers may want to ask sellers to cover reasonable repairs like electrical panels, roofing, drainage, and HVAC problems.

If a seller agrees to pay for repairs, buyers must decide if they want the seller to complete them too. While having repairs done before move-in is convenient, many buyers prefer to oversee the work themselves to ensure it’s done to their standards. If that’s your preference, ask for a price reduction rather than requesting the seller makes repairs

If a seller isn’t willing to pay, buyers can request a credit in lieu of repairs. With a credit, the buyer pays for repairs, but the costs are rolled into the mortgage so it doesn’t require cash on hand. However, not all mortgage loans allow credits in lieu of repairs.

A home is the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, so it’s important to do your due diligence. Instead of getting caught up in a home’s charm, look below the surface for problems that threaten to turn your dream home into a money pit. Only by doing your homework and being prepared to negotiate can you be confident that you’re getting a great home at a great price.

This article is brought to you by Windermere Real Estate, where Debbie Wise treats each transaction and client the same, whether it is a high-end luxury home or a first-time starter home. For more information, please contact us today!

At one time, you may have wanted a large home with plenty of space and modern conveniences, but as time has marched on, you now recognize the ease of living that a smaller home could bring. Downsizing before retirement allows for a simpler lifestyle and eliminates the expense that comes with owning a larger home. And when it comes to the size of your home, less can often be more.

If you’re contemplating a downsize in the near future, here are some tips you need to know.

Getting Organized

Seniors that live in large houses often use only a few of the rooms in the house, leaving the rest as storage space to collect clutter. Having a smaller home can lead to the decluttering of your living space, and as studies have revealed, the presence of a lot of clutter negatively affects mental well-being. Conversely, getting rid of excess possessions has a very positive effect on mood and self-esteem.

Out with the Old

Clearing your home of unwanted possessions can increase the enjoyment of living in that space and reduce stress. Removing old furniture that hasn’t been used in years and outdated electronic equipment creates additional living space. It also offers a new lease on life once the burden of all your unwanted possessions has been eliminated.

A Healthier Lifestyle

Downsizing can lead to increased opportunities for exercise. Living in a suburban community can leave seniors feeling isolated. A move to a condominium in an urban environment can eliminate the need to drive, as everything is within walking distance of your new home.

Financial Benefits

You may have a good amount of equity in your home, depending on how long you’ve lived there. Buying a smaller and more affordable home will allow you to profit from the sale of your older, larger home. This can assist in saving money for the future, rather than spending everything on the upkeep of your home. And with more money to save and invest, you will have greater financial freedom.

Improved Quality of Life

Not only can downsizing save you money, but it can also dramatically improve your quality of life in your retirement years. You will be able to relocate to a home much closer to your family, allowing you to spend quality time with them. When choosing your new home’s location, remember to consider climate, proximity to your family, hospitals in the area, the crime rate, and the presence of shopping and entertainment venues.

If you’re not retired yet and are still working from home, remember to still prioritize having enough space for an office so you can work comfortably and productively. This doesn’t have to be a large space, but as ZenBusiness details, it should be outfitted with the right furniture, wiring, and accessories.

Downsizing Tips

• Allow plenty of time for the downsizing process
• Start the process in a room that holds little emotional attachment
• Do away with duplicates
• Sell your discarded items on Craigslist, eBay, or in yard sales

If you are in need of a moving company, simply search online for local movers in your area, and then read the reviews posted online. Meet with the company beforehand and insist on a written quote. A legitimate moving company will also need to inspect your home before they are able to calculate the cost of moving your household.

A Positive Move

Downsizing can be a financially lucrative and emancipating experience. Purchasing a smaller and less expensive home will save you a lot of money in the long run and leave you free to move to any community or location you choose, free of the constraints of maintaining a large, high-maintenance home.

When you’re ready to sell your home and purchase a new one, connect with skilled realtor Debbie Wise for local expertise and exceptional service!  (253) 973-0866

Becoming a family caregiver is a big decision, especially when moving to a different city or state. However, if your senior loved one needs more attention and care, then you want someone who knows them well and loves them dearly—like you!

Along with preparing for the new challenges and rewards that will come as a caregiver, you must figure out the logistics of your move. Will you move in with your loved one or buy your own place? Will you buy a home for both of you or help your loved one move into assisted living? Below, Debbie Wise provides some practical advice for navigating the process.

Assessing Your Loved One’s Needs

Before planning your relocation, try to evaluate your loved one’s condition. Besides helping you gauge whether they need your support immediately or if you have some time, this will help you determine precisely what kind of care your loved one needs.

Assess your loved one’s medical condition(s), hygiene challenges, safety concerns, mobility troubles, mental acuity, and social needs. Also, figure out how many household tasks they need assistance with. Once you have some answers, you can confidently plan your move.

Purchasing a Home

After evaluating your loved one’s needs, you should have a better idea of what kind of living situation would work best for both of you. If you choose to buy a home in your new city, make sure the house has everything you need to live safely and comfortably. And if your loved one will be living with you, you will need to consider their needs as well.

Does your new home accommodate the challenges your loved one faces each day, or will you need to make some modifications? Are the neighbors friendly, and is your neighborhood safe? Are there pharmacies, grocery stores, and medical facilities nearby? These are the types of questions you will need to ask as you hunt for a new house.

If you are buying a house, be sure to work with an experienced realtor like Debbie Wise. Along with helping you find the ideal property, your realtor can help you navigate virtually every other step in the home buying process.

Moreover, review your finances and determine what type of mortgage you should seek. Since lenders will gauge your affordability on your debt-to-income ratio, calculate your DTI to get an idea of what kind of mortgage you can qualify for. Simply divide all of your monthly debt by your gross monthly income.

Exploring Other Living Options

You have other options than buying a new house for yourself and your loved one. Assisted living is a popular type of housing for seniors because it is designed for older adults who need special medical and personal care.

Most assisted living homes are designed to accommodate the individual’s independence, and services are typically available for daily living assistance. Depending on the facility, your loved one’s living space can be an apartment, an individual room, or a shared space.

If your loved one wishes to stay in their current home, you might consider in-home care or home medical care. In-home care generally involves assistance with daily activities (e.g., eating, bathing, cleaning, etc.) and companionship and socialization. As your loved one’s primary caregiver, you will probably be handling most of these responsibilities, but you might benefit from hiring an additional person to help.

If your loved one needs higher-level medical care and therapy, you might need to bring in a home health aid. These professionals are specially trained to conduct treatment, administer injections, and perform many other duties.

If you have recently decided to become a caregiver, it’s time to get ready for your new chapter. Evaluate your loved one’s condition and take time to research all of the possible living options for yourself and your loved one. Along with heeding the advice above, keep learning other ways to prepare yourself and your loved one for your new journey.

Please contact your Seniors Real Estate Specials, Debbie Wise with Windermere Professional Partners at
253-973-0866 – Debbiewise@windermere.com

Brimming with an impressive list of amazing features, details and amenities, this premium home in University Place is truly the epitome of luxury living. Located at 3314 Soundview Dr W, University Place, WA 98466, this vacation-worthy home provides breathtaking views of the Puget Sound, Olympic mountain range and Fox Island. With a generous 5 bedrooms and 6 baths, this 6,684 sq. ft. oasis is made up of 2 stories with a basement. Built in 2006, this like-new home is listed for $1,297,500.

With no detail or expense spared, this residence offers elegance and ultimate comfort and their finest! A beautiful, well-designed exterior welcomes you home, and invites you into a sophisticated foyer that is just a hint of what’s to come. An open-living concept with vaulted ceilings create a spacious feel, and wide windows throughout show off the property’s picturesque views. Crown molding, French doors, travertine tile, and rich hardwood floors are a few of the exquisite details included.

An exquisite living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and adjoined living space provide ample area to spread out in and relax. Have a quiet cup of coffee in the kitchen-side living area on the couch while you enjoy views of sailboats passing by, or host an elaborate dinner party at night with lights sparkling across the water in the background—this versatile home has it all! When it’s time to unwind, head to the sauna, and then cozy up in the exquisite master suite. Amazing views right from the comfort of your bed are only made better with a warm fire crackling in the suite’s stately fireplace.

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A fully finished basement comes complete with a drop-down projection screen (perfect for hosting movie nights!) and a gas range stove for added ease and convenience. A built-in vacuum and central air with A/C are also part of the package! This home takes comfort and convenience into account, as much as it does attention to detail and design.

Living in University Place

A wonderful city known for its community, University Place is a suburban area with a vibrant atmosphere. Opportunities for outdoor enjoyment are especially prevalent, and places like Chambers Bay offer plenty of opportunity to head out into nature, right in your own backyard! University Place—often simply referred to as “UP,”—is also ideal for commuters due to its close proximity to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Interstate 5, Highway 16, and more.

Interested in learning more about this listing? Contact REALTOR® Debbie Homeyer online here or give her a call/text at (253) 973-0866!