Get in on all the tax incentives!

Don't say I never did anything for you. Here is a link to the site that will help you find which tax plans and programs could be saving you some big bucks!

http://www.commerce.wa.gov/site/974/default.aspx

Happy Tax Dollar Savings!

John Lough

Home Sales Up! Yay!

The $8,000.00 government tax credit for first time buyers has helped the housing slump start to pick up and keep moving even in these challenging economic times.

Here is a link to the complete story of the day: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32505389/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

If you fit the criteria for the credit you have until December 1st to take advantage of it as so many others have!

Good luck, and happy house hunting.

John Lough

Things To Do Along With House Hunting!

One of the important thIngs in looking for just the right home to purchase is knowing when to take a break and do something else for awhile!

There are a lot of fun things to do around Seattle this time of year and I'm including this link for you to investigate and take a breather. House hunting can be kind of stressful at times.

http://thingstodo.msn.com/

I hope you're enjoying your summer so far. Have fun and please let us know if you or someone you know can use our Real Estate services.

John Lough
REALTOR
http://www.johnlough.com/

The Homebuyer Tax Credit for 2009

Here is a link to the site that will provide information about the tax credit for buyers that you may have heard about.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/index.html

Things have been picking up a bit with the first time buyers activity that I've been a part of in the last few months.

Another helpful site is REALTOR 101 that covers all the basics to get started. http://www.realtor.com/basics/index.asp

Have fun and enjoy your Real Estate experience.

John Lough, REALTOR

If you're going to sell...STAGE THE HOUSE!!!

If you're getting ready to sell your home, consider some of these staging tips from local stagers and real-estate professionals:

× Clean the home from top to bottom.

× Pack away knick-knacks, collectibles and clutter. Declutter, and then go through and declutter again. Too many items on display distract potential buyers, and make a room feel smaller than it is.

×Depersonalize your home with neutral colors and design. It allows other people to go in and mentally move their stuff in, versus feeling like a guest in your home.

×Take care of the details. We tell everybody when you get your home ready, all of those things that you wanted to do, everything that bothered you like that squeaky door or that trim, needs fixed.

×Create curb appeal. Power-wash the sidewalks and driveway. Clean gutters and give the door a fresh coat of paint, if it needs one. Concentrate on the yard. A well-maintained garden can get them into a home.

Real-estate professionals and sellers turn to staging as a way to give their properties a competitive edge.

It's a service that can cost hundreds to several thousands of dollars, depending on the size and condition of a home. Some of the biggest trends in the home-staging industry include:
1. Agents covering the costs.
2. Innovation on a budget.
3. Makeovers for lower priced, occupied homes.
4. Staging the outside of a home.

Once a potential buyer has found a listing on the Internet, chances are he or she will drive by the house before scheduling an appointment with a real-estate agent.
And that's why stagers have begun tackling a home's yard and exterior, too.
It all starts at the curb.
These days, sellers need to remember that buyers can afford to be selective.
In this market, you better be the best of the best, or the best value. Your yard better be nice. You better not need paint.

If you would like some help to sell or buy please contact us and we'll discuss the options!

John Lough