Thursday, April 29, 2010

5 Spring Projects

The National Association of Realtors has 5 great ideas for spring projects.

Here's the list, and a quick description. Check out the full article here.
  1. Gutter Repairs - no one likes to do it, but it has to be done. They suggest using barbecue tongs to try and clean out clogged downspouts.
  2. Concrete Cracks - a little concrete caulk can take care of little cracks (less than 1/4 inch across). Maintaining your concrete patio or driveway is critical for keeping moisture from getting beneath and causing even more damage.
  3. Sticking windows and doors - find where the trouble spot is, then carefully remove the window or door and use a hand plane to remove excess material. You can use a power plane, but be careful not to remove too much.
  4. Paint over water damage - this only works if you use a good primer before applying paint. For best results, use a primer-sealer like Kilz or Zinsser.
  5. Painting and repairing rusty fixtures - new types of additives for paint allow you to paint directly over rust without getting rid of the rust first. These products prevent further corrosion as well.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Move-up/Luxury Market Shows Signs of Life

Over the past several years, first-time buyers made up about 42 percent of the market. As a result of home buyer tax credits, those first timers represent close to 50 percent of buyers. However, increasing activity in the upper price ranges shows that buyers in the move-up/luxury market are sparking the housing recovery as well.

In the Clark County, pending sales* of entry/first-time/move-up homes (those priced $299,999 or less) were up 60 percent over last March. In the move-up/luxury market ($300,000+), pending sales were up 32 percent over last year. This is clear evidence that the move-up/luxury market is doing comparably well to the broader first-time segment, especially when you consider that this market has not directly benefited from home buyer tax credits like the lower price ranges have.

Why is the move-up/luxury market improving?

• Buyers who are hoping to "time" the bottom of the market
• Low interest rates
• The increased affordability of jumbo loans

At this time last year, interest rates on a jumbo loan were in excess of 8 percent due to a large number of lenders exiting the jumbo market. Today, many of those lenders are returning, which has helped bring interest rates on jumbo loans more in line with conforming loan rates: near 5.5 percent. In addition, Clark County FHA loan limits are up to $418,750, which means that a buyer can purchase a home with as little as 3.5 percent down payment as long as the loan does not exceed $418,750.

With increasing optimism in employment numbers and consumer confidence, as well as the increasing availability of financing products, the housing market recovery should continue at a steady pace. And as we are already seeing, the recovery appears to be taking place throughout the price points, not just in the markets that have been bolstered by tax credits.

*Condos/Single Family. Resale Only. Numbers provided by Trendgraphix.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Website Online

Its been awhile since I posted anything new, and here's why: I am happy to announce that http://www.vancouverrealestatepro.com is now online! The site is still under construction, but the bare bones are up and going. Check it out today!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Open Today -- 2 PM to 5 PM

Vintage tri-level backs to peaceful park.

  • Gorgeous oak flooring
  • Maple cabinets
  • Fresh decor
  • Brick fireplace in living room
  • Updated vinyl windows
  • Eating space with slider to patio
  • Back door in laundry room and garage
  • Large family room
  • 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath
  • $195,000

Open Saturday, 2 to 5 PM

Call or text John at (360) 977-8329 for more details







Open House 11 AM to 1 PM

$25,000 price drop this week!!! Not a short sale. Well built, 3 bedroom/1.5 bath home on over 10,000 square foot lot. Motivated sellers...bring an offer.

Open Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM.



Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Price Reduction

$25,000 Price Reduction on 3900 NE 60th Ave

This well-built home sits an an enormous lot (over 10,000 square feet) in a quiet neighborhood, convenient located near I-205, SR-500 and the Vancouver Mall. The three bedrooms all have hardwood floors. The kitchen and one-and-a-half bathrooms need some updating, but this house has great bones.


Call John Blom to schedule your showing (360) 977-8329







Saturday, April 3, 2010

Open House -- Saturday 4/3 -- 1 to 4 PM

This home has the character of rich hardwood floors & the warmth of a wood-burning fireplace. The kitchen has been updated with new counter tops, and the huge family room can be multi-purpose: the perfect place to kick off your shoes, read a book, or watch TV. Large home office in addition to the two bedrooms! Beautifully landscaped yard with east facing deck for morning sun and afternoon shade. Close to SW Washington Medical Center.

Hosted by John Blom
(360) 977-8329