Pullman WA Real Estate - Lori Cofer's Blog

It is beautiful here in Pullman Washington, but the night time temperatures are beginning to drop a bit.  I know last night we dipped into the 40's and I believe last week into the 30's.  Most of my listings this year have SOLD, or we have temporary month to month tenants in them. But it is important to keep in mind the cooler weather is just around the corner.

This is the time to have your furnace checked to make sure it is running in tip top order.  A well maintained furnace will last longer and run more efficiently, thus saving you money.  And don't forget to have plenty of filters on hand.  They do need to be changed regularly.  In fact, for those listings of mine that have tenants, I often encourage them to provide them for their tenant and send reminders to change them monthly when they send a receipt for their monthly rent received.  It is a low cost way to ensure those filters are indeed being changed.  And much more cost effective than a service call for a dirty furnace.  

It is also a good idea to remind your tenant that if they should leave for an extended period of time, not to shut OFF the furnace.  But instead keep it at a minimum 52 degrees to avoid freezing pipes.

I also highly recommend contacting the local utility company, in our case here in Pullman Washington, Avista Utilities and let them know you want to be notified if the service is disconnected due to non-payment. Freezing pipes often lead to a bursting pipe that can a lot of damage and expense.  

May I also suggest enlisting a neighbor's help.  Find a neighbor that you can leave a key with in case of emergency.  I find this especially important in the case where you are away from your home and there is a power outage.  A neighbor will be alerted to the fact that power has gone off as they live in the neighborhood. Then once it is restored can go and check to be sure everything is up working again, especially the furnace.

For more information about Lori see her profiles at: Lori Cofer's Businessweek profile; Lori Cofer's Google profile; Lori Cofer's Lookup Page and Lori Cofer's Naymz profile.  Feel free to read her helpful articles on New Construction in Pullman WA; Info about Pullman WA; More Helpful Info about Pullman WA; Info About the Pullman WA schools Info About the Pullman-Moscow Bill Chipman Trail; Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal For Sellers; Five Tips on Buying Your New Pullman Home; More Tips for Buyers; and Tips on Building Your New Custom Pullman WA Home.

If you enjoyed my post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

 

About Lori Cofer Find my Pullman dream home What is my home worth? Help me relocate! Contact Lori Cofer

 

 

Showing Off Your Pullman WA Home!

The time for those buyers looking for a new home in Pullman is here!  With the snow all melted and the longer days upon us, you want to put your best foot forward for the buyer.  The subject of this blog is to provide a quick checklist of things you should do before that all important showing.

1. Welcome!  Make sure your front door is free of debris, clean and welcoming.  Primroses are out and would provide a nice splash of color after a long winter here in Pullman.

2.  Turn The Lights On!   It costs so little to turn on the lights, but so many just don't do it.  I don't know about you, but I have gone into a lot of homes that the lights are turned off.  I get a sense of feeling uncomfortable...maybe your buyer does to.  Not to mention the gloomy feel.  Ever see a picture of a house in the dark, the lights glowing from inside give a nice warm feeling.  And do open the curtains to let the natural light take center stage!

3.  Adjust The Temperature!  If it is still cool outside, for heaven's sake turn up the heat.  We are looking for a warm and cozy feeling, remember?  When we are shivering we are not feeling too comfortable, are we?

4.  Air It Out!  Weather permitting some fresh air goes a long way.  We have all been cooped up with winter.  Remember t

he phrase, like a breath of fresh air.  Fresh air will beat out stale air and odors every time.

5.  Get It Clean!  I am assuming your home is show ready if you are on the market, but please remember to take some time to get the dishes out of  sight, beds made,  the kitchen counters clean, and wipe down the bathroom.  And above all, please put the lid down on the toilet....

6.  Pet Advice!  I love animals, and if you have one, you probably do too.  But your buyer may not.  Many folks are afraid of dogs, or allergic to pet hair.  Please take your pet with you and remove all bit of evidence you can.  Doggie dishes, kitty dishes and kitty boxes should be picked up or hidden if at all possible.  And put your nose to the test.  Does it smell like an animal lives there?  If it does, your buyer probably won't.

Some folks go even a step further with a plate of cookies welcoming their guests, or a welcome note on the counter.  These may be simple gestures, but often providing a great way to set their home apart, and let their buyer know that they appreciate them coming to look, and that they would love to see an offer!

For more information about Lori see her profiles at: Lori Cofer's Businessweek profile; Lori Cofer's Google profile; Lori Cofer's Lookup Page and Lori Cofer's Naymz profile.  Feel free to read her helpful articles on New Construction in Pullman WA; Info about Pullman WA; More Helpful Info about Pullman WA; Info About the Pullman WA schools Info About the Pullman-Moscow Bill Chipman Trail; Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal For Sellers; Five Tips on Buying Your New Pullman Home; More Tips for Buyers; and Tips on Building Your New Custom Pullman WA Home.

If you enjoyed my post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

 

About Lori Cofer Find my Pullman dream home What is my home worth? Help me relocate! Contact Lori Cofer

 

 

Spring is in the Air  ~ Does Your Curb Appeal Show?

You really only have one chance at a first impression!  Our Pullman Washington Real Estate Market has been very active with buyers looking! The early Spring weather has really helped!  And I know I have had many first time and existing buyers looking at homes.

Some of my buyers are relocating buyers.  They come into town and I schedule out a few days for them and then we work diligently to narrow down their potential prospects in a few days.  Others are buyers who live in the surrounding Pullman area who like to drive by a home before they schedule a showing with me.  What is your home saying to them when they drive up?  

Here are a few tips that might help you make sure you put your best foot forward! They tell your buyer that you care about your home!  The best part?   They just take a few bucks and a little bit of elbow grease!  

1.  Wash down the exterior siding including under the eaves.  Dirt and spider webs just don't say welcome to any one unless, of course you are a spider!

2. Tidy up the landscaping. Keep bushes in proportion to your home. Overgrown bushes make a house look small or hide the great features of a home!   Make sure bushes are neatly trimmed and in proportion to your home.  Don't be afraid to get rid of  some of those old tired bushes.  Some fresh bark and a new bush or pot of flowers may just add some sparkle!

3.  Water and fertilize the grass so your lawn is green.  And when it begins to grow, keep it neatly trimmed and mowed. 

4.  Keep flower beds looking their best.  Put in some new annual flowers which grow quickly and provide lots of color.  Don't forget to sprinkle a fresh layer of bark or mulch to provide a wonderful backdrop to those new flowers.  It will make them pop!

5.  Give your yard interest.  Tuck in a few garden accents to cause buyers to linger and set your home apart from others.  That little signature element can imprint your house on their memory!  

6.  Make sure your walk way is swept clean and in good repair.  And don't forget to hide unsightly hoses.  And please hide those garbage cans!

7.  Revamp your entry way.   Shine up or repaint that door.  Do look at the hardware too!  Are your house numbers and door knob ready to be replaced?  Clean or repaint your entry way.  A few nice touches like a new mat or point of interest will really set the stage for a great showing!

Click Here For Pullman Properties ~

About the Author: The above piece was provided as a community service by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman Washington Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman real estate and Moscow Idaho Real Estate needs. Lori is "Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection

Google Me!

For more information about Lori see her profiles at: Lori Cofer's Businessweek profile; Lori Cofer's Google profile; Lori Cofer's Lookup Page and Lori Cofer's Naymz profile.  Feel free to read her helpful articles on New Construction in Pullman WA; Info about Pullman WA; More Helpful Info about Pullman WA; Info About the Pullman WA schools Info About the Pullman-Moscow Bill Chipman Trail; Ten Easy Ways to Improve Your Curb Appeal For Sellers; Five Tips on Buying Your New Pullman Home; More Tips for Buyers; and Tips on Building Your New Custom Pullman WA Home.

If you enjoyed my post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

 

About Lori Cofer Find my Pullman dream home What is my home worth? Help me relocate! Contact Lori Cofer