Posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008
You can make your second Gig Harbor home more alluring to vacationers by installing one thing, a hot tub. On average rental homes without hot tubs bring in $14,000 less than homes with hot tubs. The start-up cost is significant, but a hot tub will pay for itself several times over.

Additionally, a dirty house is more memorable than a clean house, according to renters. To steer clear of any bad memories, make sure the linens are clean and the floors are spick and span. Clothes and food are the only things a renter should bring to your Gig Harbor home .
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Posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008
So many more people in their 20s are getting a piece of Gig Harbor real estate . Owning a piece of real estate means a greater sense of responsibility and commitment, particularly for twentysomethings. However, the payback is fantastic. Nowadays, individuals in their 20s are much more inclined to buy real estate than they were 20 years ago.

Money might be tight, but the liberty of being self-sufficient is worth so much. So many young homeowners feel that they would rather pay a mortgage, than rent to somebody else. A credit card might have to pay for a leaky roof or a new driveway, but at 25, a Gig Harbor real estate investment is worth so much.
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Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2008
When deciding on a Gig Harbor real estate agent, there are a few things you might need to keep in mind. A crucial thing to search for is experience. Years of practice often mean a competent agent. However, the newer, more eager agents should not be overlooked. They will typically supply the assistance and support that you are looking for. Another essential thing to look over are degrees and certificates. Agents concentrate on specific areas for a reason, to help you better.

Be sure to ask what your communities current circumstances are like. If they can't be honest with you now, how will they behave later down the line? Know exactly when you can get hold of your agent. The moment you come across the house of your dreams, you want to be able to get a hold of your agent. Finally, there's the issue of commission. What does your agent assume, and is it absolute?

Don't forget, we are all here to help at Gig Harbor real estate !
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Posted on Friday, February 22, 2008
The white picket fences enclosing several Gig Harbor homes are getting a new twist. Privacy, as well as security, are increased by a gated fence. At the end of a driveway or onto an existing wall or fence, you can put in a gate controlled by a remote. A computer program, hand-held instrument, or even a BlackBerry or Treo can activate the gate.

These systems are definitely not cheap. A Do-it-yourself model can be purchased for about $1,200 and a professional, more complex system can run anywhere from $18,000 to 130,000. Some feel that these gates are a signal of the boost in fear and paranoia in Americans. Several others think that they are merely the best system of privacy. Either way, business is booming, cited by those selling fences.
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Posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008
The white picket fences enclosing several Gig Harbor homes are getting a new twist. A gated fence not only increases security, but it boosts privacy as well. A remote controlled gate can be installed at the end of a driveway or added onto an existing wall or fence. A computer program, hand-held device, or even a BlackBerry or Treo can trigger the gate.

These models don't come cheap. A professional, more intricate system might run anywhere from $18,000 to $130,000, while a Do-it-yourself system can be bought for about $1,2000. Some people feel that these gates are a signal of the jump in fear and nervousness in Americans. Several others believe that they are merely the easiest way for privacy. Either way, business is booming, based on those marketing fences.
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Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The sale of your Gig Harbor home could be affected by many things. It should not come down to fleas, termites, or bugs. Before you put your home up for sale, bring in an exterminator. Also, you should not let a prospective buyer into your home until all traces of pests are gone.

If you own animals, ensure that fleas won't be a problem by taking preventative steps. Use a fogger and give your pet's flea medication to destroy surviving fleas. If possible, keep Fido outside until your home is sold. Completing these steps now is going to save time and money down the road.
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Posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2008
There was a surge in new home sales last May, according to the United States Commerce Department. For Gig Harbor real estate , this is good news. New, single family home sales soared by 4.6 percent, according to real estate analysts.

This increase shocked economists who have been estimating the market would slow, because of rising mortgage rates. These mortgage rates are expected to continue to rise over the following months, however only a slight slowdown is predicted. Now might be the best time to buy a great Gig Harbor home .
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Posted on Monday, February 18, 2008
The decision for a family to reside in the suburbs or the city is dependent upon the developmental stage of the children. Usually, a family in a Gig Harbor home will live in the suburbs when their children are young. Children have far more freedom to play outdoors and with other children their own age. Parents can collaborate with other parents regarding parenting methods and life is far less structured in the suburbs.

A child is more likely to be in man-made structures when they hit middle school or adolescence, as opposed to a natural setting. Movie theaters and shopping malls become popular hangouts. Children are likely to move to urban neighborhoods once they enter adulthood where there are more social activities and job opportunities.

A child often times heads back to the suburbs when they marry and have children of their own, starting the process over again. For info on any Gig Harbor home, contact Gig Harbor real estate today!
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Posted on Sunday, February 17, 2008
Don't distress, you have not missed out on the chance to purchase a fabulous Gig Harbor vacation home . While the market may not be what it was, there are benefits to owning a vacation home. Buying to invest is not always a smart idea. Second home sales are dropping in price. Nevertheless, it is a great idea to buy for personal ownership. A shrinking bubble means a lower price for the home you love.

To get the vibe of an area, spend a couple of weeks in the possible city. Shop around and buy something you love, not the best deal. If you do your homework, purchasing a piece of Gig Harbor real estate as a vacation home might be the smartest decision you will ever make.
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Posted on Friday, February 15, 2008
Summer is on its way and Gig Harbor homeowners are getting ready. Many Gig Harbor residents spend time in their yard come summertime. A garden abundant in bugs isn't quite as desirable as a garden rich in summer veggies. Use products found in your house rather than abrasive chemicals which might cause cancer.

In a spray bottle, blend dishwashing soap and water to eradicate pesky aphids. The aphids ought to move on after spraying the leaves and stems of tainted plants every few days. You can also use this on slugs. For mites, spray noxious spots with a saltwater solution. A good way to battle ants and caterpillars is to use a chili powder and water paste on their trails.

If all else fails, try using the food chain. Ladybugs feed on aphids, scales, and mites and praying mantis eat all kinds of bugs. Spiders, wasps, and bees might be scary, but will eliminate unwanted pests and are a part of a typical food chain. Using alternative products on your garden is good for you and your Gig Harbor home .
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Posted on Friday, February 15, 2008
Interior decorating has moved from light to dark. A lot of Gig Harbor homeowners would rather see shades of black, brown, and grey as opposed to pale woods. From floors to doors, several things are taking on a darker shade. To many, these darker colors balance the stresses of daily life and create a comforting ambiance.

Like any trend, dark decor may one day seem passe. The formica of the 50s and green shag of the 70s certainly date a room. Although, if done correctly, your Gig Harbor home could be transformed from ordinary to warm and cozy.
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Posted on Wednesday, February 13, 2008
In-home recording studios are typical for any serious Gig Harbor musician. The number of home studios is increasing, particularly around Nashville and Los Angeles, based on Billboard reports.

Regular visits to privately owned studios are much more expensive than putting in an in-home studio. You should think about installing a recording studio in your Gig Harbor home if you are a serious musician with extra space.
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Posted on Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Nearly 25 percent to 40 percent of condo conversions have switched back to rentals, nationwide. This might have an affect on Gig Harbor real estate . Individuals were unable to sell these converted condos and are welcoming back tenants. At this moment, rental rates have grown by 12-15 percent, but that price is predicted to level as additional conversions occur. Keep an eye out for Gig Harbor changes.
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Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008
A families choice to reside in the suburbs or the city is based on the childrens developmental phase. Usually, a family in a Gig Harbor home will live in the suburbs when their children are little. Kids are much more likely to play with children their own age and experience the freedom of playing outside. Life is far less methodized in the suburbs and parents can collaborate with other parents about child rearing systems.

A child is more likely to be near man-made structures when they hit jr. high or adolescence, instead of a natural setting. Movie theaters and shopping malls start to be popular hangouts. Urban areas, with so many social activities and job opportunities, are where children tend to move to once they come into adulthood.

When a child marries and has children of his or her own, they frequently move back to the burbs and the process starts over . For info on any Gig Harbor home, contact Gig Harbor real estate today!
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Posted on Monday, February 11, 2008
There is a brand new trend in buying Gig Harbor real estate . Young singles, particularly women, are among the majority of new homeowners. In fact, there has been a 6 percent increase in female homeowners between 2001 and 2005.

The majority of young singles are looking for a safe neighborhood, closeness to entertainment, and affordability. Much more of the buying market is made up of recent immigrants and minorities. Some are buying condos to build equity so that one day, they can buy a larger home. Finally, retirees and empty-nesters are downsizing and moving to active adult communities. They would rather live in smaller homes, nearby friends and entertainment.
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Posted on Sunday, February 10, 2008
Interior design has gone to dark from light. So many Gig Harbor homeowners are switching pale woods and bleached floors for shades of black, brown, and grey. From floors to faucets, everything is taking on a darker hue. To some, these darker colors balance the daily stresses of life and create a pleasant ambiance.

The downside to dark decor is that like any fad, it will pass. The pink bathtubs from the 60s and forest greens of the 80s definitely date a room. However, if done properly, your Gig Harbor home can be changed from ordinary to warm and cozy.
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Posted on Friday, February 08, 2008
Several urban residents are bidding farewell to the city life. Owners of Gig Harbor homes are searching for more than the city has to offer. Anybody trying to get away from city troubles are allured to rural living.

City dwellers who have decided to relocate to the countryside, make for the majority of small-town development. Many choose to transform their lifestyles completely and move to acreage with horses, goats, and roosters while some choose to travel to surrounding cities for employment .

Shopping centers, movie theaters, and other forms of entertainment are difficult to come by in small communities, but in most cases, a bigger city is just a short drive away. If you are interested in selling your Gig Harbor home and heading towards the country, please let us know.
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Posted on Thursday, February 07, 2008
The sale of your Gig Harbor home could be affected by many things. The deal breaker should never be fleas, termites, or bugs. Bring in an exterminator before you even put your home on the market. Also, do not let a potential buyer into your home until all traces of pests are gone.

If you own animals, make sure fleas won't be problematic by taking preventative steps. Use a fogger and give your pet's flea medication to destroy surviving fleas. Make sure Fido stays outdoors until after your home is sold. Completing these steps now is going to save time and money in the end.
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Posted on Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Your dog or cat isn't merely a pet; it is a part of the family. Fortunately, more and more agents involved in Gig Harbor real estate are accepting this. At times, a family will bring their pets with them to an agent's office and to all of the houses they check out. A pet has got to be as content in a new home as the family will.

To make sure Fido has a secure place to live, many Gig Harbor real estate agents will go one step further. For instance, one agent called up a "invisible dog fence" company when a "real" fence wasn't allowed.

Pet treats or a Petco gift card are added in closing gift baskets by some agents. Others sponsor animals in the names of past customers or give money to resuce shelters. Considering that homeowners often own pets, agents are becommnig more pet-focused.
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Posted on Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Gig Harbor real estate has changed directions to create electronic transactions. A paperless system promises to make buying or selling a pieces of property much easier and also save money and accelerate closings. Going paperless is not as simple as it sounds since we have used paper for many years.

Making sure agreements are protected is one of the hardest parts about switching to an electronic system. There is always the danger of fraud although electronic signatures were made legal in 2000. Nevertheless, electronic transactions are safer with new laws.

As this happens, we will see a better, more efficient approach.
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Posted on Sunday, February 03, 2008
You may not be a Hollywood star, but don't give up on your Gig Harbor home just yet. Film or TV shoots have caused some homeowners to turn over their home for days, even weeks. To use the perfect home, film producers are willing to pay big.

The glamour and money is more than worth it for some. For others, the idea of a repair person entering their house causes apprehension. Even for fame, a hundred crewmembers can be too much. Seeing your Gig Harbor home on the big screen should be fun.
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Posted on Saturday, February 02, 2008
You ought to bring in the specialists if your Gig Harbor home is on the market . Staging your home is a great way to make a noteworthy first impression on prospective buyers. Rearranging or taking out furniture to create a tasteful look is how you stage a house. An added cost is unappealing, but staging will pay for itself.

On average, a non-staged house will stay on the market 1.5 months longer than its staged counterpart. The owner needs to be as removed as possible to sell a home since staging is all about depersonalization. When a prospective buyer can imagine themselves in your Gig Harbor home , you have the sale.
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Heidi Rowntree, ABR
Windermere Puyallup/CR

hrowntree@windermere.com
253.227.4975 cell
253.564.0467 fax

 


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