Comments for About NW Real Estate

Comment on Green Homes Attracting More Buyers by John @ Vancouver WA Real Estate

John @ Vancouver WA Real Estate — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:53:11 +0000

We agree. One New home we sold in Camas WA turned out to be about 40% more efficient than a similar model built only 2 years before! The builder used a hybrid heat-pump / gas furnace combo that has some excellent advantages.

Comment on Realty Reality by John, Vancouver WA Homes

John, Vancouver WA Homes — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:39:55 +0000

We agree that in the Vancouver WA home market the Average and Median Home indicators have dropped slightly. A partial explanation for that apparent drop is due to the softness and sales in the higher price tiers. When there are fewer closed sales in the higher end then there were previously, then mathematically the Average and Median indicators lose the upward pull of the high-end homes.

Comment on WHY BUY A HOUSE NOW? by John Slocum

John Slocum — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:07:52 +0000

Hello Gary,

As a Realtor on the Vancouver Washington side of the Columbia River our Team echos your comments. The Buyers we are working with today know that there are great deals available in the residential market.

Additionally, the best deals may not be the distressed properties that are showing up; as these properties are sold As-Is — and are often in need of repairs.

Our advice to Buyers: Now IS a Great Time to Buy, and we have been putting folks into some great homes!

John
RE/MAX equity group, inc. Salmon Creek

Comment on Have Buyers Run Out of Financing Options? by Rick Marnon, Howell

Rick Marnon, Howell — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 03:57:02 +0000

I agree with this. There are plenty of good programs out there for borrowers. I like how some banks are getting creative for those with good credit. This is a great post.

Rick Marnon, Howell
http://www.oaklandlivingston.com

Comment on Hard Truths for Sellers – Part 1 by Jane Davies

Jane Davies — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:21:01 +0000

Jim Vargo of WIN Home Inspections (503-922-0405) does a great pre-sale inspection. It is called a No Surprises inspection and he charges only $200!
Having this type of inspection prior to listing helps to more accurately price the home. After this inspection, the seller is not blind-sided with unexpected costs mid-transaction and is a much happier client!

Comment on Small Town Appreciation by Trevor Elliott

Trevor Elliott — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:19:33 +0000

You are right on in Salem. We are the best kept secret in the valley. Traffic is not a problem, schools are good and we have almost everything Portland does.

Comment on Hard Truths for Sellers – Part 1 by Bill Brewer

Bill Brewer — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 01:42:23 +0000

Pre-listing inspections are very seldom done in the Portland markets with the exception of relocation companies.

They are a great idea and should be encouraged.

Their use would probably lower the number of sale fails and make buyers respect sellers more.

Proposing one would definitely separate an agent from the competition.

Agents could work in conjunction with general contractors to take care of any deficiencies and may be able to adjust the list price to compensate for the repairs.

Comment on Small Town Appreciation by Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 20:15:06 +0000

Interesting about Vancouver! I usually lump them into the Portland-Vancouver metro area, and don’t see them as a smaller town. But your comments on their home appreciation will help me to look at your area a little differently!

Comment on Small Town Appreciation by Patty & Scott Carroll

Patty & Scott Carroll — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 01:57:51 +0000

The Vancouver area has continued to appreciate well, also. According to RMLS ‘Market Action’ for the May 2007 Reporting Period, “Comparing the 12 months ending with May 2007 to the 12 months immediately prior, the average sale price rose 6.9% ($306,000 v. $286,000)” in Clark County.

Comment on Green Homes Attracting More Buyers by Patty & Scott Carroll

Patty & Scott Carroll — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:38:46 +0000

There can be tax benefits for taking steps toward having a more green home, too. The IRS web site says:

"A recent tax law change provides a tax credit to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes. The law provides a 10 percent credit for buying qualified energy efficiency improvements. To qualify, a component must meet or exceed the criteria established by the 2000 International Energy Conservation Code (including supplements) and must be installed in the taxpayer’s main home in the United States.

The following items are eligible:

Insulation systems that reduce heat loss/gain
Exterior windows (including skylights)
Exterior doors
Metal roofs (meeting applicable Energy Star requirements)."

Their full article can be found at:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154657,00.html

Before you run out and buy materials, though, check out this link for 10% off qualifying Lowe's purchases up to $5,000