Listing Photos Stir Buyers’ Emotions

Buyers scour the internet looking at listings and hoping for just the right photo to inspire that feeling of home. If you want to attract buyers to your property, here are some suggestions from Realtor.com^®.

Your home’s curbside photo creates that initial spark in a buyer’s mind. Most often the first listing photo buyers view is the front of the house. Be sure your property’s curb appeal includes an inviting front entry and attractive landscaping. The lighting needs to be just right so that the exterior details are not too dark and the sunlight doesn’t wash out the house color.

Some listings lead with a photo of a newly remodeled kitchen or a great room with an impressive fireplace. Interior photos need to be eye-catching, stylish and sparkling clean.

Younger buyers with children and pets may dream of a big backyard with space for outdoor play and entertaining. Highlighting a fire pit or well-maintained garden in the photos may increase a buyer’s interest.

I am a certified staging agent and use a professional photographer to give your house the best opportunity to sell. That way you get the most money in the shortest time possible! Call me today and we can get started on selling your home or buying your dream home!

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

Rachel Sheller

Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker,

MASTERS CIRCLE

CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website.

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

5 Tips On When You Should Buy A Retirement Home!

Have you talked about moving away when you retire? Have you decided on a location? Do you know when you are going to find “the place?”

If you know the “where” part of the equation, have you started taking regular vacations to that place?

If you are planning to retire in the next five to seven years, it’s not too early to start thinking about your retirement residence.

Here are five financial and non-financial reasons why you should consider buying your retirement house before you retire, especially if you are going to have a mortgage:

1. The mortgage

It is easier to qualify for a mortgage if you are still working. For most people your income is higher before you retire so your debt-to-income ratio is more favorable. If you wait until retirement, you may be limited to a smaller mortgage size.

Interest rates are still relatively low are showing signs of moving upward. Locking in a low-interest rate mortgage now could positively impact your retirement budget.

Caution: A mortgage on a second home is more difficult to obtain. In addition to an excellent credit rating, you’ll need a down payment of 20 percent or more. A mortgage for a second home or “vacation” home usually has a better rate than a mortgage that would be used to obtain a rental or “investment” property.

2. DIVERSIFICATION

Any additional real estate could expand and diversify your portfolio. If you can manage an extra mortgage payment, consider buying the house now and possibly renting it out for a few years, or even seasons.

If the house is in a location you can frequently access, consider using a service like vrbo.com(Vacation Rentals By Owner), or Airbnb.com.  If the property is across the country, you might consider a long-term lease, with a local property manager to tend to your renters.

Caution: Carefully read your homeowner’s insurance policy and your mortgage note. Each one of these may have clauses that prevent you from renting the property.

3. CASH FLOW FOR REPAIRS AND UPGRADES

Unless you purchase a brand-new home or one that has been newly remodeled, you’ll probably want to make some upgrades. Your current income combined with the time prior to retirement should give you the opportunity to complete the improvements and repairs. You may be able to rent the house out for a while to accumulated the funds for the upgrades you want.

4. BUDGET PLANNING

Buying the house now will give you very accurate dollar figures for your monthly expenses in retirement.  You will know your monthly housing, utilities, property taxes, and local costs.

5. LOWER STRESS

While you’re working, you might have a nagging item on your to-do list about where you’re going to live in retirement.

If you make your purchase before you quit the workforce, knock one thing off your list for some peace of mind regarding the decision. If after spending vacations at this house you find its’ not the ideal house for retirement, it might be easier for you to sell it and find a replacement while you are still employed.

If retirement means moving to a new location, give some consideration to finding that place before you retire. There is no magic answer, but you need to determine what is important to you.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller,Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES,MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View this ALL available Houses on the market on my website. 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington 

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Length Of Ownership For Recently Sold Homes Has Increased

American home sellers who closed their sale during the first quarter of this year had owned their property for an average of 8.05 years, according to the National Association of Realtors^®. This is a significant increase compared to the average of 4.21 years for properties sold from 2000 to 2007.

ATTOM Data Solutions reported that the five largest metro areas with the longest average years of ownership prior to selling in 2019 were Hartford, CT – 12.52 years; Boston, MA – 12.36 years; Providence, RI – 11.15 years; San Francisco, CA – 10.40 years; and San Jose, CA – 10.27 years.

On a national average, the most profitable home sales occurred in these four California metros: San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oxnard. Honolulu, HI, was fifth on the list.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller,Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES,MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View this ALL available Houses on the market on my website. 

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington 

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Why Some People Want To “unlawn” America

Lush, green and freshly mowed, well-maintained lawns may be as American as democracy itself. Many homeowners view managing pristine yards as a way to respect their property and neighbors. However, due to droughts in recent years plus a growing interest in sustainable living, more people are looking to “unlawn” America. Here are a few reasons why:

1.     Lawns use large amounts of resources and chemicals. There are 40 million acres of manicured turf in the U.S. (more than any irrigated farm crop), and upkeep requires massive amounts of water, fertilizers, pesticides, and gasoline.

2.     Lawns alter natural landscapes and ecosystems. Most lawn grasses aren’t native to American soil, and yard maintenance requires killing off existing plants and limiting habitats for wildlife.

3.     Lawns can represent a decades-old tradition. According to BusinessInsider.com, Americans spend about $30 billion on lawn care each year. TheAtlantic.com puts it this way, “We spend our money and our resources and our time cultivating our carpets of green not just because we want to, but because we are expected to.”

Unlawning advocates promote non-traditional yards that are as attractive as they are eco-friendly. Some commercial and residential landscaping now features native plants, cultivated gardens or mowed paths through wild grasses, hoping to maintain properties that respect both nature and the neighbors.

Five Star award Winner 2011- 2019 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, Earth Advantage Broker, MASTERS CIRCLE, CSA-Certified Staging Agent, Oregon First, Washington First 

Direct 503.380.9634, Email- rachel@rachelsheller.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon and Washington

My business is referral based.
If you’ve enjoyed my service, please refer me!

Modern Or Contemporary: What’s The Difference?

Your friends may describe a home as “modern” or “contemporary,” but what do they really mean? According to REALTOR^® Magazine, here’s how these two styles differ.

Modern: This style of house focuses on straight lines and limited details. Honesty and simplicity are characteristics of modern architecture. Here are some other traits:
• rectangular exteriors with flat roofs
• open floor plans
• changes in elevation (such as split levels)
• monochromatic color palettes
• limited decorations

Contemporary: This style of house may combine traits from several design styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Contemporary architecture is constantly evolving, characterized by the following:
• curves or sweeping lines
• asymmetrical shapes
• mixed materials – wood, stone and brick
• a combination of indoor-outdoor spaces
• large windows and skylights

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

How To Prevent Mold In Your New Home

As the seasons change, spring cleaning is an excellent time to address any places in your home that could be breeding grounds for mold. It’s important to keep potential problem-areas dry, eliminate anything that blocks airflow, and keep exterior doors and windows shut when running the air conditioner.

Mold thrives in humidity, so thoroughly check for dampness near sump pumps, basement doors, windows, and hot water tanks. Moving furniture away from registers allows air to circulate and helps eliminate condensation. Standing water is a major offender, so be sure to check drip pans under your refrigerator and your AC unit, and dry up any puddles before they become a problem.

If your home is prone to high humidity, consider investing in a dehumidifier. You can purchase a whole-house dehumidifier or portable ones for specific rooms. If possible, vent bathrooms to the outside to reduce humidity from hot showers. If you suspect mold in your home but haven’t found the source or need help removing it, contact a qualified professional to help you solve the problem.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Home Staging: Buyers Want To See Your Home At Its Best

A 2018 survey from Home Staging Resource found that 85 percent of staged homes sold for 6-25 percent more than homes in the same market that weren’t staged. According to the National Association of Realtors^®, the three most commonly staged areas are the living room (83 percent), kitchen (76 percent) and master bedroom (69 percent).

Consider these home-staging tips.

Living room: To eliminate dark shadows and enhance the decor, brighten up the room with chic lamps. Remove oversized furniture and arrange the rest in conversational groupings. When it comes to accessories, go for symmetry, which is most pleasing to the eye.

Kitchen: Clear everything off the countertops except for a pretty bowl of fruit or another decorative item. Pare down the dishes, utensils and appliances in your cabinets and drawers to make these storage areas look bigger. Scrub dirt, grime and stains from walls, cabinets, backsplashes, and floors. Clean and organize the pantry. Store trash cans in the garage.

Master bedroom: Consider replacing a king bed with a queen or full size to increase the available floor space. Pack up more than half of the clothes in the closets and then place remaining items on matching hangers. Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe spot. Be sure an attractive, neutral-colored comforter is the focal point of the room.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

Transform Your Yard Into An Edible Landscape

Lawns take up three times as much space as cornfields in the U.S., according to a study from NASA. All that real estate, plus the water and fertilizer required to maintain pristine yards, means that Americans spend a massive amount of resources on a “crop” that no one eats.

Over the past decade, “edible landscapes” have grown in popularity as some designers and homeowners are looking to transform “sterile lawns” into spaces that are both beautiful and productive. These re-imagined landscapes can range from small raised beds to full-yard takeovers, and they often include native perennials, fruit trees, herbs, and other food-producing plants.

It has been said that edible landscapes can have many benefits including producing fresh food for your family and community, increasing biodiversity, saving natural resources, and using less fertilizer.

Companies that offer edible landscaping often provide design, installation and maintenance services, plus many offer workshops or one-on-one mentoring so you can learn how to care for your new yard. These organizations often work with homeowners associations to make sure lawns are both productive and aesthetically pleasing.

If you’re interested in creating your own edible landscape, here are some of the best plants to consider:

·         Perennial herbs: Try sage, lavender, rosemary, oregano, mint, or thyme, which tend to attract fewer animals than annuals and biennials such as parsley, basil and cilantro.

·         Peppers and beans: Animals are most interested in the leaves of these plants, and taking a few precautions can limit any damage to the produce itself.

·         Edible flowers: While a fun, surprising addition to any salad, make sure you’re careful about what products you use to feed and spray your edible flowers.

·         Eggplant and artichokes: These are both beautiful and nutritious additions to your landscape and most animals will leave them alone thanks to their prickly leaves.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

How To Prevent Mold In Your Home

As the seasons change, spring cleaning is an excellent time to address any places in your home that could be breeding grounds for mold. It’s important to keep potential problem-areas dry, eliminate anything that blocks airflow, and keep exterior doors and windows shut when running the air conditioner.

Mold thrives in humidity, so thoroughly check for dampness near sump pumps, basement doors, windows, and hot water tanks. Moving furniture away from registers allows air to circulate and helps eliminate condensation. Standing water is a major offender, so be sure to check drip pans under your refrigerator and your AC unit, and dry up any puddles before they become a problem.

If your home is prone to high humidity, consider investing in a dehumidifier. You can purchase a whole-house dehumidifier or portable ones for specific rooms. If possible, vent bathrooms to the outside to reduce humidity from hot showers. If you suspect mold in your home but haven’t found the source or need help removing it, contact a qualified professional to help you solve the problem.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email- Homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***

5 Ways to use Pantone’s Color of the Year

For the past 20 years, Pantone’s Color of the Year has influenced interior design, fashion and other creative industries. This year’s color is called Living Coral, an orange-pink hue that symbolizes optimism and lightheartedness.

Try one of these ideas for using Living Coral in your home:

Paint your front door. Experts say a colorful door boosts curb appeal, plus it’s a chic, inviting way to welcome your friends and family.

Style a nursery. Bright but calming, Living Coral makes a cheery addition to a nursery. Try pairing it with light pink, deep blue or eucalyptus green.

Use it as an accent. Energize your living room with a throw blanket or a few decorative pillows, or make your entryway pop with a new piece of art.

Warm up the kitchen. The director of design at Master Brand Cabinets says this hue “breathes life” into kitchens. Try painting the kitchen island, an accent wall or the inside of glass-front cabinetry in Living Coral.

Go bold. Living Coral can be the “star of the room,” says House Beautiful. Try painting built-in shelves, or make a coral couch or chair the focal point. Tone it down by adding neutral colors and pieces made of wood, brass or marble.

Five Star award recipient 2011-2018 honoring the top 7% of real estate professionals in Oregon.

IT’S A GOOD LIFE!!

Rachel Sheller, Principal Broker, Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, MASTERS CIRCLE, Earth Advantage Broker, Diversity Specialist-HOWNW, CSA-Certified Staging Agent

Oregon First, Realtors

Direct 503.380.9634

Email-    homesforyou@frontier.com

View ALL available Houses on the market on my website

Licensed in the State of Oregon

***I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO HELP YOU AND YOUR REFERRALS***