Real Estate Advice from Seattle Agent David Warren

Warning Signs of Mold and Mildew

March 25, 2020 By David Warren

In areas with high moisture like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, mold and mildew are common issues. If left unaddressed, these small patches can rapidly spread out of control, damaging both your home and your own health. Pay attention to the following warning signs and act quickly to keep these problems under control:

Musty smells: Your nose knows best, and a musty odor is often the first sign of a mold or mildew problem. You may notice this scent in your basement, attic, or crawl space, as well as any rooms where moisture is common.
Water leaks: Damp spots on walls or ceilings can be signs of water leaks that, if left unaddressed, can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew.
Discoloration: Any unplanned changes in color to your walls or ceiling paint jobs should be cause for concern, as it is often a sign of mold and mildew taking hold in that spot.
Dark stains: An early sign of mold and mildew, keep your eyes peeled for dark spots in your bathroom, especially on tiling.
Mold-related health issues: Sudden wheezing, coughing, itching or watery eyes, and unexplained rashes can be signs of mold nearby. Pay attention to your own health and take action as necessary.
Dampness: A damp basement can predispose your home to mold and mildew, which is a particular concern for homes that have experienced flooding in the past. Take steps to check for contamination before things spread out of control.
Standing water: Like general dampness in the home, the presence of standing water can predispose the property to mold and mildew. Research ways to improve drainage and check for puddles after heavy rain.

Like many issues, the sooner mold and mildew is addressed, the easier it will be to fix. If you suspect things are already beyond your control, call a mold remediation expert to find out what your next steps should be.

Seven Functional Updates to Increase Kitchen Efficiency

March 25, 2020 By David Warren

In many ways, kitchens are the center of the home. If your Seattle home could use some updates, consider these upgrades that will make it more efficient as a workspace while also giving it a beautiful new look.

Faucet: When it comes to one of the most-used pieces of the kitchen, it’s important to not settle for basic. Try a faucet with added conveniences like a pullout sprayer, or hands-free on/off functionality. As far as finishes, you’ll have a variety of options like bronze, chrome, or stainless steel to suit your personal aesthetic.
Pot filler: If you’re keen on cooking for groups, nothing beats having a pot-filler faucet right over your range. Consider a finish that matches your sink faucet, or mix-and-match for a bold statement (this is especially trendy right now!).
Handles and knobs: Swapping the hardware on your cabinetry will instantly give your kitchen a new look with little effort. This is another place where you can consider matching finish or go for that variety look.
Pendant lighting: Depending on the size of your kitchen, just a couple of these will give your space a chic, modern look. Consider slender pendants for small kitchens or substantial focal points for larger spaces.
Under-cabinet lighting: Highlight your countertops and give yourself some more visibility with under-cabinet lights. The soft glow these provide will make your kitchen feel warmer while making reading labels and recipes a bit easier on the eyes.
Utensil rack: Having your most-used tools within reach will make cooking substantially faster, so install a utensil rack under a cabinet or above your range to cut down on drawer-sifting.
Pot rack: Not only will hanging your pots free up precious cabinet space, it’s also pleasing on the eyes. Like utensil racks, having all your pots and pans visible will cut down on the time it would normally take to hunt down the right container.

Avoid These Home Equity Loan Risks

March 25, 2020 By David Warren

If you’re a homeowner, you may be eligible for a home equity loan, or HEL. An HEL is a special loan that allows you to borrow 80% of the value of your home, minus your current mortgage balance. In addition to these loans, banks may also offer home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs. Instead of the lump sum an HEL provides, a HELOC creates a set line of credit that homeowners may use over time. Each month, the borrower may pay the monthly minimum or more, as desired. These lines typically have interest rates that change on a monthly or yearly basis, while HELs typically have fixed interest rates.

While having an additional option for your finances is important, there are also risks that come with HELs and HELOCs. If you fail to make your HEL payments on time, you could risk losing your home while still having to pay the remaining balance. Similarly, failure to stay current on HELOC payments can result in home repossession. Unlike HELs, however, your credit limit through a HELOC can be dropped to whatever you currently owe, preventing you from using any more credit. To stay informed when debating a HEL or HELOC, consider the following:

Be Aware of Variable Rates: A low initial interest rate can be tempting at first, but variable rates are notorious for skyrocketing after the first year. Ask your lender about the worst-case scenario of interest rate changes, especially before pulling the trigger on a HELOC.
Understand Tax Breaks: HELs and HELOCs are enticing because the interest you pay may be tax deductible. In fact, if you’re using the money for home improvements, the interest is tax deductible up to $750,000.
Watch Out for Fees: Many lenders charge large initial or ongoing fees when you wish to borrow against your home equity. In some instances, however, these fees can be waived. Always understand the full scope of these fees before deciding if a HEL or HELOC makes sense for you.
Shop Around: Before deciding on a home equity lender, it’s important to know all your options so you can make the best decision for your situation. Contact me if you have any questions, and I am more than happy to help you find the best fit for your needs.

How Real Estate Professionals Can Help Sell Your Home

March 25, 2020 By David Warren

It has been statistically proven time and again that homeowners selling their houses through professional real estate agents get a higher price than if they try to sell on their own. If you’re considering listing your house, consider these five ways real estate agents can maximize your profit:

Marketing Power: Most home buyers begin their search by checking online listings. When sellers use a real estate agent, their house will be automatically listed on multiple services, casting the net wide for potential buyers. Agents also share listings with other agents, allowing your house to be marketed among clients of those agents as well.
Proper Pricing: There’s no easy way to determine the correct sale price for a home, but an experienced real estate agent will know how to find the sweet spot: not too high to dissuade buyers, but not too low to leave you without your proper profits.
Improvement Intuition: Remodeled homes appeal to broader audiences, but it can be challenging knowing how much to spend on improvements and what to focus on. An experienced agent will have the eye for detail necessary to determine what’s worth fixing up and what isn’t. Making only the essential improvements, be it a coat of paint or selective renovation, will ensure the most profit when the home eventually sells.
Informative Showings: Real estate agents will take care of all the details of showing your house, including scheduling houses and talking with potential buyers. They can also collect feedback from the buyers who decide to pass on your home but would be uncomfortable telling you, the owner, why. Taking note of these reasons will provide invaluable information that will allow you to make listing tweaks and get the house moving.
Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork: The actual closing of a home sale requires dozens of pages of complex documentation that the inexperienced seller may find daunting. A real estate agent can guide you through the legalities of the transaction and take care of large amounts of the paperwork, ensuring you don’t become overwhelmed in the final stages of the sale.

Six Life Changes to Avoid When Closing a Home Purchase

March 16, 2020 By David Warren

Finally, after months of searching, making offers, and waiting for approval, you’ve found your perfect home and are well into the escrow process of closing the purchase. From here on out, it should be smooth sailing, and you’re free to start thinking about the next chapter of your life. Right? Unfortunately, that isn’t quite the case. Until the sale has officially closed, there are still things you can do that, while they seem smart, may actually derail the purchase. Here are six life changes to hold out on until you’re totally settled in your new home.

Changing jobs: No matter how attractive that new position or company may be, any occupation switch counts as a major change in status which could invalidate your mortgage approval. It’s best to wait until the keys are in your hand before making a leap like this.
Changing banks: While bank switching can often be beneficial for your personal funds, doing so can add some serious murkiness to your financial situation, resulting in your lender having to start their verification process over from the very beginning.
Applying for new credit: Remember that your mortgage approval was based on your existing credit availability. Any small changes you make in the credit realm can have huge consequences, especially if your situation was borderline.
Paying off debt: Similar to applying for new credit, paying off debt can change your credit status enough to start an eligibility reevaluation. While getting rid of debt is a smart idea overall, it’s best to hold off that extra bit until you’re sure your home loan situation is set in stone.
Changing marital status: It may seem like buying a home together is the perfect moment to solidify your commitment to your partner, but marriage also means a change in how each of your credit is evaluated. While a couple with similar credit may not experience much change, it’s important to avoid any disruption until you’ve totally closed on your home.
Making large purchases: As tempting as getting that new bed, couch, or table may be as you anticipate move-in, it’s best to hold off on any significant changes to your financial situation until your mortgage is delivered and rock-solid

Closing is an exciting time in every home buyer’s life, but don’t let the heightened emotions get the better of you. Have patience with your life and finances during this period, and you’ll find that things will work out smoothly.

Explore the Hygge Decorating Trend This Season

March 6, 2020 By David Warren

The Danish hygge tradition celebrates a break from life’s manny stresses and instead focuses on all things calm and cozy. Borrow a few of these hygge-approved tips and incorporate them into your own interior decorating:

Neutral colors: Hygge-style decorating begins with simplicity, so stick to subdued colors for your walls, flooring, and furniture to help your mind relax
Storage baskets: The natural look of a woven basket is ideal for bringing a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere to your home. Small baskets can be used to keep remotes and coasters wrangled in, while large ones can hold blankets, board games, and more.
Blanket piles: The more blankets you have on hand (neutral, of course), the more snuggly your room will feel. Consider copious throws at the end of the sofa or draped over chair backs.
Natural materials: Wood, stone, and rustic metals are common choices for accenting a space and keeping it free from the stresses of modern life.
String lights: The soft white glow of string lighting will help create a peaceful, relaxing environment, especially as the sun goes down.
Candles: Even when they aren’t lit, candles bring a sense of warmth to a room. Lighting a few scented candles can also set the desired relaxing mood.
Focus on texture: Hygge isn’t just about things looking cozy, but feeling that way as well. Fabrics like velvet, herringbone, and wool can add complexity to your decor while still promoting a relaxing atmosphere.
Fire: If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, make it the focus of your living area. The warmth and gentle light it provides will create an immensely cozy space. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider an alternative like a wood stove or electric faux version