Selling A Home

Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Blog Home

Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.




rss logo RSS Feed
@Home with Coldwell Banker Tomlinson | 9 Posts
Buying A Home | 9 Posts
Doers of Good | 7 Posts
Family Fun | 3 Posts
Food | 4 Posts
Holidays | 3 Posts
Home Improvement | 22 Posts
Home Maintenance | 3 Posts
Market Reports | 55 Posts
Moving Tips | 2 Posts
Near Nature | 1 Posts
News | 12 Posts
Selling A Home | 10 Posts
Spokane Life | 41 Posts
Spring Cleaning | 1 Posts
Technology | 1 Posts
Uncategorized | 1 Posts
Things to Do | Spokane | Area Information | Moving Tips | New Home | New Town | Home Improvement | Landscaping | Market Report | REALTORS | Restaurants | Local Businesses | Recipe Of The Month | Mead | Colbert | Kitchen | Kitchen Remodel | Chattaroy WA | Cheney WA | Chewelah WA | Davenport WA | Deer Park WA | Liberty Lake WA | Loon Lake WA | Newport WA | Nine Mile Falls WA | Riverside WA | Spokane WA | Spokane Valley WA | Coeur D'Alene ID | Hauser ID | Hayden ID | Post Falls ID | Garden | Spring | Outdoors | Sell a Home | Selling Your Home | Listing Your Home | Buying a Home | summer | parks and recreation | staging | holidays | winter | home decor | Super Bowl | local events | Fall
October
3

October 3rd, 2022 by

Curb Appeal Tips for Fall

Delta Media Group

First impressions are everything when it comes to selling your house.  When a potential home buyer drives by your home, what will they see?  The outside of your home should serve as a preview for the inside of your home.

"WOW" home buyers from the curb with these tips perfect for the fall. 

  1. Spruce up your lawn
    Brilliant fall foliage can automatically "sell" your home for showings, but that doesn't mean you should forget about raking the leaves and mowing.  Keep those leaves raked and give your lawn the TLC it needs to look great. Patch any brown spots, and water the lawn as long as possible to keep it green and vibrant.

  2. Plant fall flowers
    Once lawn maintenance is handled, add a splash of color to your landscape by planting fall flowers.  Some of the best fall flowers include vibrant mums, yellow marigolds, sedum, or goldenrod.  You can also place fall flowers in pots near your front door along with a few pumpkins as accents.

  3. Highlight the front door
    Calling attention to your front door is a good selling tactic no matter what season when you're selling your house.  Your front door is like an invitation to your home. Hang a fall wreath for added color and a festive touch.  A fresh coat of paint in a vivid color can make your entrance stand out.

  4. Tidy up the exterior
    During the fall, your home becomes more exposed making its exterior appearance even more important.  Before listing your home for sale, pressure wash your siding, sidewalks, and walkways.  Clean the windows.  Apply a fresh coat of paint as needed.

  5. Clear out the gutters
    Being diligent about home maintenance tells buyers you care about your home's upkeep.  Keeping your gutters and downspouts clear from leaves and debris protects your home from water damage and ups the ante for curb appeal.

  6. Invest in outdoor lighting
    Days get shorter during the fall.  Exterior light adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your landscape and improves safety. Illuminate your walkways, front door, and important landscaping elements so the home shines no matter when people drive by.

  7. Keep outdoor decorations simple
    A simple fall wreath on the door and seasonal flowers make your home look inviting to potential homebuyers.  However, scarecrows and spooky Halloween decorations may "scare off" homebuyers and distract them from the gorgeous exterior you've worked so hard to otherwise create.

Tags: Spokane, Area Information, New Town, Home Improvement, Landscaping, REALTORS, Local Businesses, Mead, Colbert, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Davenport WA, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Loon Lake WA, Newport WA, Nine Mile Falls WA, Riverside WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Coeur D'Alene ID, Hauser ID, Hayden ID, Post Falls ID, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home, Listing Your Home, home decor, Fall
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Coeur d Alene, Colbert, Davenport, Deer Park, Hauser, Hayden, Liberty Lake, Loon Lake, Mead, Newport, Nine Mile Falls, Post Falls, Riverside, Spokane, Spokane Valley
September
19

September 19th, 2022 by

Should You Get a Home Inspection BEFORE Selling?

Delta Media Group

Selling your home? A recent survey showed more than 85 percent of buyers who applied for financing asked for an inspection of the home they intended to buy. Today's savvy home buyers rarely leave things up to chance — they want to be assured they are getting great value.

Despite this growing trend, many sellers still wait for buyers to take the initiative on inspections. A seller might save a few hundred dollars by waiting until the buyer makes the first move, but this is rarely worthwhile. In fact, there are many benefits to taking the plunge and getting an inspection as soon as you decide you are serious about putting your property on the market.

Let's look at six benefits of pre-listing home inspections:

  1. Attract More Buyers
    Savvy buyers who have purchased a property before will know about the necessity of a home inspection and will appreciate this is one less step (and expense) they need to worry about. New buyers seeking their first home may not be as savvy at first, but they will soon figure it out. All in all, an inspection will reassure and attract more would-be buyers.

  2. Accelerate the Sales Process
    Sooner or later, an inspection will happen — and when it does, it's bound to turn up something. Relatively minor issues might throw a wrench into your hopes of selling your home. When you get proactive, you have the chance to resolve problems that might otherwise add months to the sales process. Plus, in many cases, you can turn those fixes into part of your sales pitch.

  3. Provide a Stronger Negotiating Position
    Most home sales involve some "give and take" over the final price. Buyers will look for anything they can find as a reason to maneuver excess costs onto the seller. With a recent inspection report in hand, you can counter these moves without any sour grapes — you've gone the extra mile to ensure that everything in the home is on the up and up, after all!

  4. Reduce Recurring Repair Bills
    It isn't always easy to determine the true source of a recurring problem in a home, even a newer one. For example, if your toilet drains slowly, you might simply need to snake it... or you may have a major issue with your septic system. Whatever the case, an inspection helps you get to the real root of the problem. It saves money if you don't sell and improves your price if you do.

  5. Take Control of the Process
    Unless you find out something truly appalling, you don't necessarily have to take time to repair whatever an inspection turns up. Instead, you have the option of lowering your price or going "as-is." All in all, an inspection gives you the opportunity to take the steps that are right for you instead of running to catch up to a buyer whose inspection uncovers unwelcome surprises.

  6. If You're Selling Your Home, Start with an Inspection
    In today's real estate market, a seller's pre-inspection of a home is a mark of quality that buyers increasingly expect. If you put your home on the market and don't find interested buyers in a relatively short time, an inspection is one precaution you'll end up taking.

With all that in mind, selling your home should almost always start with an inspection. It's an essential step, just like making basic repairs, listing your home in the right places, staging it for potential buyers, and partnering with a real estate agent you can trust.

Tags: Spokane, Home Improvement, Mead, Colbert, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Davenport WA, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Loon Lake WA, Newport WA, Nine Mile Falls WA, Riverside WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Coeur D'Alene ID, Hauser ID, Hayden ID, Post Falls ID, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home, Listing Your Home
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Coeur d Alene, Colbert, Davenport, Deer Park, Hauser, Hayden, Liberty Lake, Loon Lake, Mead, Newport, Nine Mile Falls, Post Falls, Riverside, Spokane, Spokane Valley
November
8

November 8th, 2021 by

Holiday Home Staging

Does selling your home during the holidays mean that you're doomed to spend the season with no decorations?

Fortunately, our real estate agents know that the answer is "no." Holiday decorations are encouraged when you're selling your home, but it's important to treat them as part of your home's staging. Here's what you need to know about staging your home during the holiday season. 

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Spokane, Moving Tips, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Davenport WA, Deer Park WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home, staging, holidays, home decor
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Davenport, Deer Park, Spokane, Spokane Valley
September
20

September 20th, 2021 by

Selling your home while shopping for a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner––especially when the competition for housing is so high. That doesn't mean, though, that you should just throw up your hands and give up on moving altogether. In fact, as a current homeowner, you could be in a better position than most to capitalize on a seller's market and make a smooth transition from your old home to a new one.

We can help you prepare for the road ahead. Here are some of the most frequent concerns we hear from clients who are trying to buy and sell at the same time.

"What will I do if I sell my house before I can buy a new one?"

While it may be an inconvenience, this is a common scenario that can usually be handled with a little creativity and compromise. Here are some options to consider:

1: Flex your muscles as a seller.

In some cases, a buyer may agree to a rent-back clause that allows the seller to continue living in the home after closing for a set period of time and negotiated fee. We can discuss the benefits and risks involved and whether it's a good option for you.

2: Open your mind to short-term housing options.

If you're lucky enough to have family or friends who offer to take you in, that may be ideal. If not, check out furnished apartments, vacation rentals and month-to-month leases. If space is an issue, consider putting some of your furniture and possessions in storage.

3: Embrace the idea of selling now and buying later.

With cash on hand from the sale of your current home, you'll be in a better position to budget for and buy your next home. And by focusing on one step at a time, you can alleviate some of the pressure and uncertainty involved.

"What if I get stuck with two mortgages at the same time?"

If you can't afford to carry both mortgages, then selling before you buy may be best. (See Tip #3.) But if you have flexibility in your budget for some overlap, it is possible to manage a home sale and purchase simultaneously. Here are some steps to help streamline the process:

4: As you get ready to sell, simplify.

You can condense your sales timeline if you only focus on the renovations and tasks that matter most. We can advise you on the repairs and upgrades that are worth your time and investment.

5: Prep your paperwork.

If you'll need a mortgage for your next home purchase, get pre-approved in advance. And start pulling together relevant records for your current home, such as appliance warranties and renovation permits. That way, you'll be ready to provide quick answers to buyers' questions should they arise.

6: Ask about other contingencies that can be included in your contracts.

For example, it's possible to add a clause to your purchase offer that lets you cancel the contract if you haven't sold your previous home. This tactic could backfire, though, if you're competing with other buyers. We can discuss the pros and cons of contingencies and what's realistic given current market dynamics.

"What if I mess up my timing or burn out from all the stress?"

To make sure you're in the right headspace, take the time to slow down, breathe and delegate as much as possible. In addition:

7: Relax and accept that compromise is inevitable.

Rather than worry about getting every detail right with your housing search and home sale, trust that things will work out eventually––even if it doesn't look like your Plan A or even your Plan B or Plan C. Luckily, if you've got a good team of professionals, you can relax knowing that others have your back and are monitoring the details behind the scenes.

8: Don't worry too much if your path is straying from convention.

Remember that rules-of-thumb and home-buying trends are just that: they are estimates, not facts. So if your home search or sale isn't going exactly like your neighbor's, it doesn't mean that you are doomed to fail.

9: Enlist help early.

Which leads us to our final tip: If possible, call us early in the process. We'll not only provide you with key guidance on what you should do to prep your current property for sale, we'll also help you narrow down the parameters for your next one. That way, you'll be prepared to act quickly and confidently when it comes time to list your home and make an offer on a new one.

Call today for tailored advice that works for you

Buying and selling a home at the same time is challenging. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare, and it can even be fun. Click here for a free consultation so that we can help you review your options and decide the best way forward - or visit our site for listing of homes for sale.
Tags: Things to Do, Spokane, Area Information, Moving Tips, New Home , New Town, REALTORS, Mead, Colbert, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Davenport WA, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Loon Lake WA, Newport WA, Nine Mile Falls WA, Riverside WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Coeur D'Alene ID, Hauser ID, Hayden ID, Post Falls ID, Garden, Spring, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home, Listing Your Home, Buying a Home
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Coeur d Alene, Colbert, Davenport, Deer Park, Hauser, Hayden, Liberty Lake, Loon Lake, Mead, Newport, Nine Mile Falls, Post Falls, Riverside, Spokane, Spokane Valley
August
23

August 23rd, 2021 by

Neighbor List

There's a lot you can learn from homes selling in your neighborhood, especially if that home is right next to yours. If you spotted a sign in your neighbor's yard, you might want to do some investigating.

Keeping tabs on the outcome of your neighbor's home sale can prove extremely beneficial when it comes time to list your own property. Details about your neighbor's home and the transaction can provide key information about your local real estate market. Luckily, it's fairly easy to find out important pieces of information. Below are four things we encourage consumers to watch out for when a neighbor puts their home on the market:

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Spokane, Area Information, REALTORS, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Spokane, Spokane Valley
May
21

May 21st, 2021 by

Finding a New Home for Your Next Stage of Life

For most of us, our housing needs are cyclical. A newly independent adult can find freedom and flexibility in even a tiny apartment. That same space, to a growing family, would feel stifling. For empty nesters, a large home with several unused bedrooms can become impractical. It's no surprise that life transitions often trigger a home purchase.

While your home-buying journey may not look like your neighbor's or friend's, broad trends can help you understand what to keep in mind as you house hunt. After all, taking the time now to think about exactly what you need can save a lot of heartache later.

THE NEWLY MARRIED OR PARTNERED COUPLE

The financial and legal commitment of marriage has provided a springboard to homeownership for centuries, though these days more couples are buying homes without exchanging rings. But no matter your status, there are some key factors you should consider as you enter into your first home purchase together.

  • Affordability: While many buyers are holding out for their dream home, embracing the concept of a starter home can open a lot of doors. If you focus on buying a home you can afford now with strong potential for appreciation, you can build equity alongside your savings, positioning you to trade up to a larger home in the future if your needs change.
  • Mortgage rates: Mortgage rates are at historic lows, but they still require solid credit. If one partner's score is keeping you from getting a mortgage, consider taking out a loan in only the other partner's name. The downside is that applying for a mortgage with a single income will reduce your qualification amount. And if you take that route, make sure you understand the legal and financial implications for both parties should the relationship end.
  • Location: A successful relationship takes compromise, so it's important to consider both of your commutes and interests when choosing a neighborhood. Need some help identifying the ideal location that fits within your budget? We can match you with some great communities that offer the perfect mix of amenities and affordability.

THE GROWING FAMILY

Having kids changes everything. Whether you've just had your first child or are getting to the point where your kids can't comfortably share a bedroom any longer, there's plenty to consider when you're ready to size up to a home that will fit your growing family.

  • Schools: 53% of buyers with children under 18 say that school districts are a major factor in their home buying decision.But when you're moving to a new community, it can be tough to figure out what the schools are actually like. That's why talking to a local real estate agent can be a gamechanger.
  • Lifestyle: How will the home you purchase affect your family's lifestyle? Features like a pool, a finished basement, or an open floor plan can help you enjoy time together.
  • Functionality: Consider your day-to-day needs. Will a walk-in pantry or a well-designed laundry room make life easier? Chances are, you won't find every nice-to-have in one home. But we can help you assess your options and give you a sense of what is realistic within your budget.

THE EMPTY NESTERS

When we talk about empty nesters, we usually think about downsizing. With kids out of the house, extra rooms can quickly become more trouble than they're worth. But there's plenty for empty nesters to think about besides square footage.

  • Maintenance: Ready to relax or travel now that the kids are gone? Keep in mind that newer homes tend to require fewer repairs, and smaller homes have less space to clean. And if you don't love yard work, a condo or townhouse might be preferable to a single-family home.

  • Lifestyle: If you're retired (or nearing it), consider how you'd like to spend your days. For some, that might mean living near a golf course or a beach. For others, being able to walk downtown for a nice dinner out is the priority. And with more time to spend as you wish, proximity to a supportive community of friends and family is priceless.

  • Ability to age in place: We can't escape aging, so it's wise to think ahead. This may mean choosing a single-story home with a walk-in tub or shower. Location matters, too—if your family will be providing support, are they close by? Can you easily reach necessities like grocery stores and healthcare? A few careful considerations now can make staying in your home long-term much more feasible.

FINDING THE RIGHT HOME FOR RIGHT NOW

Whatever stage you're embarking on next, insight into local neighborhoods, prices, and housing stock will help you hone in on exactly where you want to live and what kind of home is right for you. Buying a home—whether it's your first or your fifth—is a big decision, but we're here to support you every step of the way.

We support the Fair Housing Act and equal opportunity housing.
Tags: Things to Do, Spokane, Area Information, Moving Tips, New Home , New Town, Landscaping, Market Report, REALTORS, Local Businesses, Mead, Colbert, Kitchen, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Davenport WA, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Loon Lake WA, Newport WA, Nine Mile Falls WA, Riverside WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Coeur D'Alene ID, Hauser ID, Hayden ID, Post Falls ID, Spring, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home, Listing Your Home
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Coeur d Alene, Colbert, Davenport, Deer Park, Hauser, Hayden, Liberty Lake, Loon Lake, Mead, Newport, Nine Mile Falls, Post Falls, Riverside, Spokane, Spokane Valley
March
22

March 22nd, 2021 by

List home for sale

Whether you have lived in your home for several years or several decades, there may come a time when you decide to put your home up for sale. To tackle the challenge, our real estate agents will guide you through the process to make sure your home makes a big impression on potential buyers looking for Spokane homes for sale.

Putting your home on the market can be a stressful event, but you can eliminate stress by knowing what to do before listing your home. Prepare you home for the busy spring market by following these tips. 

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Spokane, New Home , Home Improvement, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Newport WA, Nine Mile Falls WA, Riverside WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Post Falls ID, Spring, Sell a Home, Selling Your Home, Listing Your Home
Related Markets: Deer Park, Liberty Lake, Newport, Nine Mile Falls, Post Falls, Riverside, Spokane, Spokane Valley
January
25

January 25th, 2021 by

Kitchen Upgrade Tips

Many people call the kitchen the heart of the home, and it's easy to see why. It's used by multiple family members throughout the day and becomes a gathering spot for family and friends. And as people spend more time at home, this year is the perfect time to make your kitchen more appealing to yourself and your family as well as to prospective buyers if you're selling your home.

If your kitchen is outdated, an upgrade can improve its appearance and make it easier for you to complete your food preparation tasks. Our real estate agents suggest the following ways to upgrade your kitchen this year:

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Spokane, Home Improvement, REALTORS, Kitchen, Kitchen Remodel, Chattaroy WA, Cheney WA, Chewelah WA, Davenport WA, Deer Park WA, Liberty Lake WA, Newport WA, Nine Mile Falls WA, Riverside WA, Spokane WA, Spokane Valley WA, Coeur D'Alene ID, Hauser ID, Hayden ID, Post Falls ID
Related Markets: Chattaroy, Cheney, Chewelah, Coeur d Alene, Davenport, Deer Park, Hauser, Hayden, Liberty Lake, Newport, Nine Mile Falls, Post Falls, Riverside, Spokane, Spokane Valley
February
17

February 17th, 2020 by

Staging with Kids

Are you thinking about adding your house to the list of Spokane homes for sale? If so, you've probably done some research and heard how important it is to make your home look as perfect as possible before your photoshoot and showings.

However, if you have children living in your home, you also know that it's virtually impossible to keep your house sparkling clean and clutter-free for more than an hour or two. So how can parents successfully stage and sell their homes without losing their minds? Start with these five tips!  

  1. Tame Toy Clutter
    When our real estate agents talk to sellers with kids, the first thing they recommend is taking control of their massive toy collections. Start by allowing each child to choose a few "must-have" toys that will remain in the home until it's sold. Then, clear out the rest. Pack up the ones they still play with and put them in storage, and give the rest away. Before showings, place the remaining toys in a bin that you can store out of sight in the closet.
  1. Use Bins and Baskets
    Even after the toys have been handled, you'll still have plenty of little things to deal with. This might include broken crayons, small toys, and other trinkets. Instead of throwing everything away and risking a meltdown, use storage bins and baskets to corral them. This makes clean-up easy and allows you to stash them neatly away before potential buyers arrive. 

    Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Moving Tips
January
20

January 20th, 2020 by

When to List

For many individuals, deciding to purchase a home is one of the most important decisions they will make. However, another equally critical decision is deciding when to sell your home. Though our real estate agents can give market insight to assist with your decision, you must also weigh your financial situation and individual needs. Here are a few things to consider as you decide when to sell your home.

The Amount of Equity You Have in Your Home

The amount of equity you have in your home is an important factor in your decision to sell. If you're upside down in your mortgage (you owe more on the loan that your home is worth), it's likely best to wait to sell your home. When you're upside down on your home, you'll either need to bring cash to the table to cover the difference or get your lender to agree to a short sale. Both options are costly, and a short sale will damage your credit. 

Your Local Real Estate Market

Your local real estate market is another important item to research when deciding when you want to sell your home. When possible, wait and sell your home when property values are on the rise. This will help you obtain the highest price you can for your home. Even though no one knows exactly when Spokane homes for sale will secure the most money, your real estate agent can offer valuable insight into the current and future state of your real estate market. 

Click Here to Read More...

Tags: Spokane, New Home , New Town
Related Markets: Spokane

Login to My Homefinder

Login to My Homefinder