MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Real Estate Associates is a member of the local Multiple Listing Service where MLS members share their listings with each other. Other offices will have all the information needed on your listing such as: square footage, number of bedrooms, baths, type of roof, siding, location, pictures, etc. This information is immediately given to all the real estate offices in the county.  After your property is listed I will schedule a “realtor tour”. On these tours the realtors from ALL the other offices will have an opportunity to have a thorough look at the home. I will point out to them the special features of the property and other information that is pertinent such as: boundaries, water sources, easements, and so forth. In the event that another real estate office should have the buyer for your property, the commission is shared between their office and ours (50-50) unless otherwise specified.

Selling Your Home  

Helpful Tips For Sellers:
Please remember that marketing your home is a joint effort between yourself and your Realtor. You basically will be living in a “model home” during the marketing period. This can help you achieve the highest and best price. The following tips are useful and proven to help with the sale of your home.

First impressions are the most important. The front door area greets the prospective buyers. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed-looking. In the summertime keep your lawn watered and mowed. Remove snow and ice from the walks during the winter.

Repairs can make the difference! Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, pushed-out screen doors and other minor flaws detract from the value of the home. In some cases, items that would cost $200 to repair could reduce a prospect’s offer by $2,000 or more. When potential buyers see things that need attention, they begin to worry about what they can’t see.

Display the rooms in their best light and let the sun shine in. Prior to the showing, open the draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. Turn on every light in the house, including closet lights. Dark rooms are not appealing. And remember to display the attic, basement, garage and utility space to their full advantage by removing all unnecessary articles. Make rooms appear larger by storing or removing excess furniture. Lightly scented candles or baked goods such as bread or cookies can give that “comfort feeling” and makes clients feel welcome.

PETS! Many people are super-sensitive to pets and pet odors. Therefore, pets should be kept out of the way, preferably out of the house. Cat litter boxes should be changed daily and the yard should be checked daily for dog litter.

Three’s a Crowd. Avoid having too many people present during showings. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Also, remember to be courteous to the prospects, but don’t force conversation with them. Sometimes the most innocent comment can be taken the wrong way or raise concerns. IT IS EVEN BETTER IF THE OWNERS ARE NOT PRESENT DURING THE SHOWING. The prospects will then be more inclined to take their time viewing the home and feel more comfortable about asking questions. Another good tip during showings: do not have the television on. You want the visitors to be interested in your house, not in a ballgame! Low volume classical or soft rock music adds a nice touch.

Showing your property. Showing your property will be set up by appointment. I try to give 24 hours notice, however, many properties are purchased by out-of-town buyers who are in town for a limited time; a potential sale might be lost if the house can’t be shown.

Helpful Receipts! Some of the most common questions asked by prospective buyer deal with specific costs associated with the property. Please have available copies of the following costs for the last 12 months: heating, water, electricity and any improvements such as a new roof, siding, new water heater, etc.

Drop-ins! If a prospect comes to your door unaccompanied by a real estate agent I recommend you not let them in, since you are not aware of their motivations or ability to buy, but call our office and see if myself or another agent from our office can meet with them. I will leave a supply of my business cards with you so you can hand these over to the prospect buyers. They, in turn, can contact me for an appointment.

I hope the enclosed information has been helpful to you. Selling your home/property is a major event in your life and I want you to get the best price possible. It is my responsibility to make the process an easy and pleasant experience for you. Customer service is my main priority. Please always feel free to call me at home or at the office with any questions or concerns you may have. I appreciate your business and I will work closely with you. Thank you!
 
Buying Property
 
It is important who represents you and acts in YOUR best interests.   Real estate is a fulltime profession for me and as a buyer you need an agent who will be there when you need them.  By letting me know the type of property you are looking for I will send you listings that fit your needs, research the property and provide you with the “pros and cons” of the real estate.  I can show comparable sales in the area that help you determine the fair market value.  My main objective is to provide you with my knowledge of real estate to help you make the best purchase.  SERVICE TO YOU is what it’s all about.  After selecting a property writing an earnest money agreement is only the beginning of the process. Next comes negotiating the terms, coordinating inspections, help in selecting a financial institution, the appraisal, and the closing at the escrow office.  I will keep you well informed of these processes.  I work very closely with my clients and I will work hard for your real estate needs.  I hope you will give me the opportunity to work for you.

Please give me a call or an E Mail and let me know what type of property you would like.  I will be happy to send you listings, brochures or other information.  I send a monthly mail out to my clients and would be happy to add you to my list of mailings of the Wallowa County portion of the Real Estate Guide showing listings from all offices in the county.  I can help you with ANY listings in the county regardless which real estate company has the listing.

Wallowa County is a great place to live!  I look forward to hearing from you.