Make the Most Out of Limited Kitchen Space

Living with a smaller sized kitchen? Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or simply cooking dinner with family, don’t let limited kitchen space inhibit your hosting and dining dreams.

With some ingenuity – and a few storage solutions – you can transform a smaller kitchen into a fully functioning space that lives up to chef’s standards.

Check out these tips for making the most out of a smaller kitchen:

Find gadgets that free up countertops

Minimal counter space can be a challenge for the at-home chef, and storing things like small appliances and produce on your countertops eats away at available working space. Staying organized can help alleviate stress and create the feeling of a larger, more efficient kitchen.

If your countertops feel cluttered, storage solutions like pantry bins, drawer dividers, a rotating spice rack, mountable shelves, and an over-the-sink dish drain can keep items organized – and even out of sight.

Expand your working space

Need more room to chop, dice and mince? Invest in a cutting board that covers the sink. Best of all, any mess will be an easy cleanup when the cooking is done. Or, consider adding a compact, moveable island (or cart) that can add valuable counter space and storage. In smaller kitchens, the addition of a portable island can create the experience of a 360° area.

Make seating versatile

Does the size or layout of your kitchen limit seating options? There are alternatives to a traditional kitchen table that may better fit your unique space.

If your kitchen is outfitted with built-in bar seating, you may not need to add a table. Or, if you have space for an island, consider one that can comfortably fit chairs or bar stools on its perimeter. For a more traditional table, consider a folding style that stores small and can be expanded when needed. Some may consider a table that mounts to the wall and can double as decorative space, storage, or even a home office.

Use the walls

Running out of room? Go vertical! Blank wall space presents abundant opportunity to get creative and generate storage. Consider implementing things like pegboards and floating shelves. Plus, try mounting a magnetic knife holder, adding hooks underneath cabinets to hang coffee mugs, and putting up an overhead rack to hang pots and pans.

Don’t skip out on food prep

Especially when hosting multiple guests, one of the best ways to move fluidly in a smaller space and free up appliances is by prepping some dishes ahead of time. If you have the space to store precooked components of a meal, you’ll save yourself stove and oven space the day of the gathering.

Make use of other spaces for your guests

Ever heard the phrase “too many cooks in the kitchen”? This can feel especially true when cooking and entertaining at the same time.

If you’re hosting an event and don’t have a large kitchen space, avoid gathering your guests in the kitchen so you have room to finish preparing the meal. When possible, draw guests to the table or living room until the food is ready.

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RE/MAX National Housing Report for November 2022

Prices Moderate as New Listings and Home Sales Dip, For-Sale Homes Sit Longer

November begins a stretch of four months with typically the lowest home sales of the year – including December, January and February – and this November followed suit. Seasonality was just one factor contributing to November’s 12% drop in home sales from October in the report’s 53 metro areas as fluctuating interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty weigh on the market.

New listings tumbled 21.4% from October – reaching their lowest point of the year ­­– as home sellers saw the Median Sales Price drop to $394,000. That was 1.3% less than October though still 3.7% higher than November 2021. The average Close-to-List Price Ratio in November was 98%, meaning that homes sold, on average, for 2% less than the asking price. The ratio was 101% a year ago and flat compared to October 2022.  

Other notable metrics include:
• Homes sold in November were on the market for an average of 39 days. That was four more days than in October and a full week more than in November 2021.
• November’s 2.5 months supply of inventory was up from 2.3 in October and more than double the 1.2 of one year ago.
• Though the fourth-highest year-to-date total, November’s 2.5 months supply of inventory was down 5.9% from October following month-to-month inventory increases of 3.9% in September and 2.9% in October.

Read the full article…

Watch the 48 second summary video…

Preparing Your Property For Winter Showings

Listing a home for sale this winter? Check out these tips for creating a comfortable, safe experience for buyers.

If you live in a colder climate, you know that winter presents some challenging weather conditions, like snow and ice. And if you’re selling a home in the winter, prospective buyers won’t be ogling a freshly mowed lawn or vibrant flowers – they’ll likely be eager to get inside and out of the elements.

Clear walkways

Remember Harry and Marv slipping down the McCallisters’ exterior stairs in Home Alone? Don’t let that be your prospective buyers.

Ahead of tours or an open house, make sure agents and buyers alike can access the property. Shovel paths and entrance points, including the driveway, doors and walkways. Then, apply ice melt products, like sand and salt, which can alleviate slipperiness – especially on stairs.

Prepare for messy footwear

Many homeowners ask prospective buyers to take off their shoes before exploring the home. But snowy or muddy shoes and boots will still mar the entry way. To prevent mess, pick up a plastic or rubber shoe tray. Some people even opt for a boot brush mat outside the door for visitors to wipe off their shoes before stepping inside.

Stage for the season

Help buyers imagine themselves living in your home by staging appropriately for the season. In the winter, consider adding cozy fixtures like knit throw blankets, refreshed pillows, and a few candles dotted about. If you’re nearing a holiday, try artfully setting the dining table to show what future gatherings could look like.

Prior to a showing or open house – in any season – it’s best to thoroughly clean the home, pare down on personal items like photos, and declutter.

Open shades for natural light

Let’s face it – winter can bring some drab weather. To maximize natural lighting inside the home, open the curtains and blinds throughout.

In addition to embracing natural light, check each room for any burnt out light bulbs and replace them with new ones.

Turn the heat up

Whether you still occupy your home or have already vacated, ensure the heat is set to a comfortable temperature. Especially in the winter, buyers are searching for a home that feels like an inviting haven.

If the home has a fireplace, clean it up (hint: hire a professional!) and follow maintenance protocol depending on whether it’s gas or wood-burning. Plus, clean and stage the mantel. Buyers will likely be more focused on the presentation of the fireplace in the winter than any other season.

Consult a real estate agent

Work with an experienced real estate agent who knows how to best position a house to sell. Not only does a listing agent market the property, conduct open houses, and help facilitate the transaction, but they also can provide the names of trusted local professionals for services like repair, staging, and more.

Washington State NWMLS Market Update for November 2022

Northwest MLS figures show both pending and closed sales fell sharply from a year ago, but median prices system-wide edged up slightly (0.88%), from $570,000 to $575,000. Pending sales across the 26 counties in the report were down 40% (dropping from 8,571 a year ago to 5,106) while closed sales fell 42% (declining from 8,976 to 5,194).

The volume of closed sales, at 5,194, was the lowest level since February (5,147) and January (5,085). Compared to January’s median price of $555,000, last month’s buyers paid 3.6% more ($575,000).

Inventory statistics were mixed. Brokers added 4,890 new listings during November, a decline of 24.2% compared to the same month a year ago when they added 6,455 new listings.

At month end, there were 12,245 total active listings, a whopping increase (about 165%) from the selection of a year ago when there were only 4,621 active listings.

Measured by months of inventory, November’s supply, at 2.36 months, was best since January 2019 when the overall selection reached 2.4 months of inventory. Fifteen of the 26 counties reported price increases from a year ago, with 11 counties having declines. All four counties in the Puget Sound region experienced modest price gains, ranging from about 1.1% in Kitsap County to 2.9% in Snohomish County.

Watch the 1.25 minute market report video…

Source: NWMLS 12/5/2022

6 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

Whether you’re looking for a yard for a pet or bigger closets for storage, buying a home could offer more flexibility than renting – and it can be a long-term investment. Are you ready to be a homeowner?

With the housing market balancing in many places, many people are finding that now is a great time to purchase a property of their own. Renters looking to buy are usually in the pursuit of more living space, creative freedom to decorate, and ownership of an asset that can appreciate in value over time.

Renters, are you tired of spending money each month to pay someone else’s mortgage? It may be time to consider buying a home. Here are the signs to look for:

You need more square footage

Upsizing is a common reason renters venture toward homeownership. With more heads under one roof – from children to aging parents to pets and more – an extra bedroom, in-law suite, or garage space can go from being a want to a need. Whether you find a place that has everything you want or a fixer-upper that can be turned into your dream house, owning property offers the potential of adding more space.

You’re looking for outdoor space

Having access to the outdoors – especially for those renting an apartment – has become an increasingly more important factor to prospective homebuyers. This can be especially true if you welcomed a new pet into your life recently.

The options for your outdoor spaces are much greater when you own the property, whether you want to add a fence around the yard for the dog, put in a swimming pool, or lay out a patio for entertaining guests.

You want the flexibility to customize your home

One of the many luxuries of owning a home is having the freedom to do what you please with your space. Oftentimes when renting, tenants are unable to paint walls, drill holes, upgrade aspects of the kitchen, and more. Each household functions differently, so it can be comforting to live in a space custom-tailored to your needs. If you’re handy with DIY projects or can hire professionals, your options for making a new space feel like home are endless.

You’ve saved up for a down payment

Many people start the homebuying process once they have saved up enough money for a down payment. With a budget in mind, check out available financing options (like first-time homebuyer or military housing grants) that may help determine how much you can afford.

The down payment isn’t the only cost associated with buying a home. Don’t forget to save up for additional fees associated with the process, including closing costs, a home inspection and other potential service expenses. When the time comes that you’re ready to put in an offer on a home, you’ll already have these funds set aside.

You’ve saved for maintenance, emergencies and repairs

Owning a home inherently comes with more responsibility than renting. When buying a home, it’s helpful to have money set aside for necessary repairs and unexpected emergencies. Being financially prepared ahead of time will make the inconvenience of a things like a broken appliance or leaky roof more manageable.

You’re looking for an investment (financial and emotional)

If you’re tired of renegotiating terms, paying higher rent, or moving each time your lease expires, then purchasing a home is a great solution. But in addition to peace of mind, owning a home can pose long-term financial benefits, too.

Likely the largest financial transaction a person will make in their lifetime, a home is an an investment that may, potentially, help you create generational wealth. Best of all, the money you pay each month to a landlord can be used instead to pay down your own mortgage.

If you’re done with renting and ready to buy a home, contact me, I’ll be happy to help you through the process!

6 Checklist Items to Make a Home’s Interior Ready for Winter

‘Tis the season for snow boots – and the mess they trail inside. Prepare the interior of your home now for wintry days ahead.

Have you checked the forecast? Winter is almost here – and some places have already received their first snowfall of the season!

For homeowners in chillier climates, now’s the time to prepare for the challenges of winter weather. In addition to turning off outdoor waterlines and stocking up on shovels and sand, it’s important to get the interior of the home ready for frosty temps, too.

Consider these checklist items to help prepare the inside of your home to withstand the colder months – and run smoothly throughout them.

1. Stock the entryway with winter gear

If you live in an area that experiences the harsh weather of the season, it’s officially time to remove summer items from the entryway and replace them with more insulated options. Store away warm weather shoes like sandals and bring out the boots and slippers. In bins or on hooks, find convenient space to store coats, mittens, and hats.

Invest in plastic or rubber shoe trays for each entrance to prevent dragging snow into the house. Some people even opt for a boot brush mat outside the door to wipe off shoes before stepping inside.

2. Make sure nothing is touching the heater

Redecorated recently? Whether the answer is yes or no, furniture can scooch around throughout the year with use. To prevent risk of damage or fire, make sure items like furniture, blankets, or drapes aren’t touching the heating system, including baseboards or a radiator.

The same awareness goes for candles. Lighting a candle is a great way to make a room feel cozy on a winter day, but be cautious when placing them throughout the house. Put them in exposed areas situated far from notoriously flammable items like drapes and curtains, holiday decorations, and more.

3. Switch out linens for warmer options

If your house runs cold, try swapping out lighter bedding for toastier options, including flannel sheets or a more insulated comforter. Also consider adding a few throw blankets in common seating areas to make evenings more comfortable.

4. Organize the garage for indoor parking

Home to yard supplies, sports equipment and outdoor recreation gear, the garage can get messy in the warmer months when people tend to park outdoors more frequently. Take time now to organize the garage, sweep the floor, and make room for a parked car. This could save you from the trouble of windshield scraping when overnight frosts and snowstorms arrive.

5. Reverse ceiling fans

Did you know the direction a ceiling fan’s blades spin determines whether it pulls air up or pushes air down? This little fact can help cut costs on energy bills throughout the year.

In the summer months, it’s best to have the fan run counterclockwise, blowing air down to create a cooling effect. And in the winter months, it’s best to have the fan run clockwise, redistributing hot air throughout the room. Figure out which way you currently have it running by turning off the fan, standing underneath (looking upward) and having someone else switch the fan back on. Pay attention to the first few revolutions.

Then, to change the direction of the blades, turn off the fan (wait for a complete stop!) and then flip the switch that is often found on either the motor housing or the base.

6. Clean up the fireplace

Whether you have a wood-burning or gas fireplace, make sure it’s in good shape prior to using it.

For a gas fireplace, ensure you have a sufficient supply of propane and, while the fireplace is off, clean the vent and glass panel of any dust and buildup. For a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected by a professional chimney inspector and hire a professional chimney sweep. These annual services will help keep your fireplace in pristine condition and safe to use.

Spending the first winter in your new home? Check out tips for preparing the exterior of the property for the snowy season ahead.

RE/MAX National Housing Report for October 2022

More Inventory, Fewer Homes Selling
As Sale Prices Slowly Dip

October revealed a vastly different housing market from one year ago, with 30.7% fewer closings, 36.8% more homes for sale, and the average home taking nearly a week longer to sell, at 35 days on market. As a result, the Median Sales Price was pushed down 0.3% to $399,000 from September’s $400,000 – the third straight month of decline.

Across the report’s 53 metro markets, all 10 months of 2022 thus far have posted lower home sales compared to 2021. October was the sixth consecutive month with more for-sale signs than the same month last year.

Compared to September, home sales in October were down 13.5% while inventory grew 2.9%. Homes were on the market one day longer.

Read the full article…

Watch the 48 second summary video…

Washington State NWMLS Market Update for October 2022

The latest Northwest MLS stats show 6,435 pending sales last month, and about the same volume (6,464) of closed sales. Both figures were down from the year-ago totals, with pending sales dropping about 39% and closings declining around 35%.

Median sales prices still rose year-over-year in most of the 26 counties on the report. Area-wide, the median price on last month’s completed sales of single family homes and condominiums was $595,000. That was an increase of about 3.5% from twelve months ago, but a decline of approximately 9% from May when prices peaked at $660,000.

Last month’s closings in King County had a median price of $811,000, up more than 8% from the year-ago figure of $750,000.

Brokers added 7,260 new listings during October, down about 21% from the same month a year ago. At month end, the selection included 14,214 active listings of single family homes and condos system-wide. That was more than double the year-ago inventory of 6,588.

The uptick in supply boosted the months of inventory figure to 2.2. That is the highest level, based on this metric, since January 2019.

“Even with more choice on the market than we’ve seen in several years, pending sales fell last month,” remarked Matthew Gardner, chief economist at Windermere Real Estate. “The cause is almost certainly rising mortgage rates, which rose from 6.65% early in the month and ended above 7.1%; this is clearly having an impact on buyers,” he added.

Gardner believes many buyers may remain sidelined until mortgage rates stabilize, but added he had “bad news for those buyers who are sitting on the fence waiting for home prices to implode.” He expects regional home values will turn modestly negative in 2023, but said, “those who hope to pick up a home ‘on the cheap’ are likely in for a long wait.”

Also commenting on interest rates was the National Association of REALTORS®, which noted the slight dip in mortgage rates this week despite the Federal Reserve approving another 0.75% rate hike for the fourth time this year.

NAR cited Freddie Mac’s 30-year fixed mortgage rate that fell to 6.95%, down from 7.08% the previous week. “It seems that rates have already priced in some of the effect of the Fed’s higher interest rates. It is also promising that this was likely the last rate hike of this magnitude, as indicated by the Fed,” wrote Nadia Evangelou, NAR’s senior economist and director of forecasting.

Evangelou also speculated “a return to the sky-high interest rates of the 1980s isn’t likely in today’s economy” and drew comparisons to payments now with those of 40 years ago in today’s money. “In real terms, after adjusting the median home price for inflation, the monthly mortgage payment was about $450 higher in 1982 than it is now,” she wrote in a blog, adding, “If mortgage rates were currently 9% the monthly mortgage payment would be comparable to 1982 rates. Thus, in real values, current buyers pay less for their home purchase than buyers who purchased their home 40 years ago, although home prices are significantly higher now.”

Watch the 1.5 minute market report video…

Source: NWMLS 11/7/2022

4 Ways to Prepare for the First Winter in Your Home

Have you recently moved to a colder climate with harsh weather? Plan ahead to get your new home ready for winter.

The winter months are right around the corner – and in some locales, winter weather is already here. It’s time to make sure your home is ready to stand up to the freezing temperatures on the way.

Will this be the first winter spent in your new home? If so, consider these steps to ensure the property is protected and prepared for the upcoming season.

1. Hire a professional to conduct an in-home energy audit

Conducting an energy audit may save you a few dollars off your electric bill in the winter months. Hire a professional to locate air leaks in windows and doors and identify other places to save on energy costs.

If you’re already aware of drafts in your home, applying weather stripping or caulk – or even putting a draft-stopping pillow in place – are relatively easy DIY fixes. As a bonus, you’ll likely notice a difference in the summer months, too, when better sealed areas trap air-conditioning.

2. Prep the fireplace for use

If your home has a fireplace, whether gas-powered or wood-burning, make sure it’s ready to use so you can safely enjoy its toasty benefits on cold days.

With a gas fireplace, start the winter with a sufficient supply of propane. And, make sure to clean the vent and glass panel of any debris (while the fireplace is off, of course).

With a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney inspected by a professional chimney inspector to prevent the possibility of a house fire or carbon monoxide buildup in the home. Hire a professional chimney sweep, too, to spruce up a charred firebox and remove creosote buildup. Take advantage of still-temperate days to start chopping or purchasing wood and storing it in a cool, dry place.

Now is also a great time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside the home and replace batteries where necessary.

3. Drain and cap outdoor water pipes

When below-freezing temperatures are on the horizon, it’s time to drain any outdoor water lines (like a hose or sprinkler system) and turn them off for the season. If leftover water freezes inside pipes, you run the risk of pipes bursting and causing catastrophic plumbing issues and damage.

4. Gather the right tools for snow removal

If you live in an area where winter storms are common, make sure you own a sturdy snow shovel to help clear the driveway and surrounding sidewalks. A bag of sidewalk salt or sand are seasonal staples to keep on hand to melt ice.

If you recently moved to a new climate – or just need a refresher – check out local snow removal regulations that vary town by town and state by state.

While preparing for snow maintenance outside the home, pick up necessary tools for the car too, including a windshield scraper, freeze-proof windshield wiper fluid, and essential supplies in case of emergency, such as a blanket and flashlight.

Don’t Scare Away Buyers: Four Spaces to Stage for Fall

Getting ready to list your home for sale? Consider these tips for staging with seasonal flair.

In the season of Halloween, homeowners might have a haunting desire to get into the spirit of things when decorating. But when listing a home for sale in the fall, consider leaving the dark and macabre for the costumes, not the decor.

A recent poll of RE/MAX agents showed 90% of responders opted for sellers to decorate with gourds and garland over ghosts and goblins. Shannon Murree, an agent with RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty in Ontario, Canada, suggests sellers stick with a neutral harvest theme when decorating their home for the season – and preparing to hit the market.

“The harvest theme has more longevity and is easier to keep with staging advice, which is ‘neutral is best.’ Neutral allows buyers to imagine themselves in their potential new home,” she says.

For those preparing to sell a house, but still looking to capture the seasonal spirit, here are four spaces to spruce up without scaring away potential buyers.

1. Front Porch

Focus on the entrance of the home by freshening up the front porch. First, be sure to remove all summer blooms and clean up any withered plants in window boxes, gardens or planters. Then, add some seasonal spice. Consider using ferns, mums, ornamental grasses, or pumpkin vines for a festive feel. For a pop of color, a fresh coat of paint on the front door always helps, as does a seasonal wreath.

Pumpkins and gourds are tried-and-true décor – for inside or outside a home – that still rule the fall season. Whether they’re real or reusable, try placing an arrangement of cucurbits big and small on the front porch or steps.

2. Outdoor Areas

A patio can be an extension of a homeowner’s living space, so it’s best to treat it like one. Clean up any outdoor furniture with a good power washing and sweep away any debris.

Then, bring the focal point to a gathering space. Whether it’s a sitting area around a firepit or an outdoor table, consider draping a cozy plaid blanket across the back of a chair and adding throw pillows to seating areas. Plus, add a pumpkin or two on a side table or as a centerpiece for an eating table.

3. Fireplace

For any home that has a fireplace, the mantle is a mainstay for fall decor. Especially if it’s a wood-burning fireplace, hone in on the hearth and clean the fireplace first. Hiring a professional chimney sweep is a great way to ensure it’s done safely.

Then, make it inviting by subbing in some fall objects, while avoiding a look of clutter. Items like a heartwarming sign or an assortment of tapered candles, dried wheat stalks or bittersweet branches are a subtle way to pay homage to autumn. Add some birch logs to a wicker basket for a finishing touch.

4. Dining Table

With holidays fast approaching, buyers may be scoping out the dining area as the centerpiece of the home. Swap the summer bouquet for a bountiful centerpiece. And while flowers like mums and sunflowers are welcome, small gourds, dried seed pods, or apples can add some fall color with contrast. If staging with place settings, consider mixing materials and use a woven or wooden charger under colorful glass plates to show a traditional setting with a touch of modern flare.

When extending the harvest theme throughout the home, also keep in mind the colors and materials being used. While red, orange and yellow are traditional autumn hues, decorating primarily in neutrals is often a versatile choice. Consider using neutral paint colors, natural textures like wood, and timeless fabric – like buffalo plaid.

Looking for home staging advice – or, ready to sell? Contact me today!