Sykes Real Estate 541-980-6674

SELLING PARENT’S HOME

David Sykes — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:21:06 +0000

It’s not an easy task to straighten out the affairs of a single parent who has died. Paperwork and forms are one thing, but how do you go about selling the home if it’s located quite a distance away? Once the house is emptied of furniture, you’ll have to be concerned with its security and maintenance. In this situation there is only one logical route to take. List it with a local agency and let them take the problems off your back.

For security and maintenance reasons, time is usually of the essence. You may wish to offer the property at a competitive price to ensure a speedy sale. Still, it does take time to sell a home at any price. A suggestion would be to find an agency who will offer you combined services of “manager” and “marketer.” The agency would be selling the property, and, at the same time, check the house on a regular basis to be sure it is well maintained and secured. I can work out arrangements of this type.

David Sykes
Sykes Real Estate
Office: 541-676-9228
Cell: 541-980-6674
Home: 541-676-9939
188 W. Willow
PO Box 337
Heppner, OR 97836
david@rapidserve.net

YOUR HOME IQ

David Sykes — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:37:28 +0000

How much do you know about your home and appliances?

1. T/F: There is little difference in heat efficiency between a fireplace and a wood-burning stove? Answer: False. Wood-burning stoves generally give off more heat.

2. T/F: You use more water washing your dishes by hand than by running your dishwasher daily. Answer: True.

3. T/F: Frequent vacuuming will eventually wear out fibers in your carpet. Answer: False: Imbedded dirt will wear away at carpet fibers, so frequent vacuuming is essential for long wear.

4. T/F: Aluminum storm windows are more effective than wood-framed ones in keeping out the cold. Answer: False. There is little significant difference in efficiency between wood and aluminum-framed windows.

5. T/F: When remodeling your home, improvements should not exceed 30% of the home’s current value. Answer: True.

Key Selling Points

David Sykes — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 01:15:34 +0000

Just like anything that is sold, the marketing approach can be a key element in how fast and how much your home sells for. Buyers are often looking for one or two key ingredients that grab their attention. You may not be aware of it, but your home may have one of those special selling points. I am keenly aware of it! There are buyers looking for special ingredients such as open space, extra bathrooms, an in-law apartment, attached garage, home office, alarm system, near town but private, and on and on.

Finding the right selling points that fit current market conditions is vital. Creating interest among buyers and injecting excitement into the sales process helps attract buyers, especially those who are looking for homes with special qualities. These elements must be brought to the forefront quickly. I pride myself in doing this. If you want your home to stand out in the marketplace, call me.

WASTING HOT WATER?

David Sykes — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:48:51 +0000

Do you heat hot water you don’t use? One of the simplest ways to save money is to lower the temperature of your hot water heater. If you have it set at 160 degrees, lower it to at least 140 and shoot for between 115 and 106 degrees, For showers and domestic needs, 105 – 110 degrees is as hot as you need. Beyond that you would scald yourself. Trying to conserve hot water by mixing it with cold water is not economical.

If you need 140 degree hot water for your dishwasher, turn your heater up just before dinner so the water will be hot when you need it. After your dishes are done, turn it back down. You don’t need 140 degree water for your morning shower and it’s a waste to have it sitting in your tank all day while you pay to keep it hot.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to put an insulation blanket around the water heater and drain the sediment every six months. A dirty heater is inefficient and more expensive to operate.

DON’T SELL A HOUSE – SELL A HOME

David Sykes — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:27:41 +0000

If you are considering selling your home, remember this: buyers are not looking for a roof to keep the rain out – they’re looking for a new lifestyle. You are not selling a house – you’re selling a HOME!
Set this “home” stage for buyer showings:
Keep your home clean, neat and cozy at all times. You might have to show it on short notice. The kitchen is the focal point of any home. Everything should be spic and span, with dishes washed and excess paraphernalia tucked away. Beds should be made, and kids’ clothes stowed and not left where kids usually leave them.
Decorator touches help a lot: vases or pots of flowers, colorful pillows, mirrors on the walls to make rooms look more spacious. Mow the lawn, touch up any peeling paint. Don’t start major renovations, but do make obviously needed small repairs, such as a leaky faucet, torn screen or peeling paint. Remember, you’re selling a “home”.