I was over in Clinton, WA (on Whidbey Island) yesterday to do a market analysis. I finished my property reviews just in time for lunch. I stopped somewhere I hadn't been before and to my delight found Pickles Deli. One word: Phenomonal!
Pickles is located in a strip mall shopping center with the anchor being a grocery store. From the outside it looks like every other storefront. Inside however, it is warm and inviting. It makes you feel like sitting for a leisurely lunch - and how good does it smell! I knew I was in for a treat.
At first all the options were a bit overwhelming, but I soon spotted exactly what I wanted - something custom. I ordered a Panini with peppered turkey breast, creamy havarti cheese, bacon, tomato and field greens.
To say my sandwich was delicious would be an understatement. I savored every bit and took extra time to enjoy my sandwich. The ingredients were fresh, it was made to order and the service was fantastic.
I will be going back over to Whidbey Island - no doubt for business and pleasure, but I am even willing to take the ferry ride just for another 'Tina Created' Panini.
Click Here for address information.
If you go to Pickles Deli, I'd love to hear about your experience... comment here!
Tina Faust
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
www.TinaFaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
F.S.B.O.
Stands for For Sale By Owner. Also known as 'fizz-bo'. Are you considering selling a property on your own? Here are some things to consider:
Complete an extensive research of local market conditions, including:
- the listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six months,
- the listing price of houses currently on the market, and
- the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.
TIPS: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow-up by visiting the county tax records office to determine the selling prices of houses.
Put together a marketing plan:
- How will you market your house to real estate agents? Most buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential. At a minimum, you'll want to send a letter and sales flyer to all real estate agents within a 30 mile radius.
- How much money can you afford to devote to advertising? Call the local newspapers to determine how much it will cost for advertisements. You'll want to fun frequent ads.
- Who will create your sales flyers? Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
- Where will you place signage? In addition to your front yard, are there areas leading in to your neighborhood where signage would be appropriate?
- How will potential buyers find information about your house on the internet? You'll want potential buyers who begin their house shopping on the Internet to find your house. Be sure to build a web site to help sell your house.
- Who will be available to open the house up for showings? You'll want to schedule showings as quickly as possible - even the same day.
TIPS: Ask newspapers for a discounted advertising rate for multiple placements. Be sure to check with local officials to determine if there are any restrictions on where you place signs. Find some way to pre-qualify buyers before letting them into your home.
Confirm the potential buyer has pre-qualified for a mortgage loan:
- If the buyer is paying with cash, confirm they have the necessary resources
- If the purchase is contingent on the buyer selling their own house, confirm that the buyer's house is on the market. (You may also want to determine how long the buyer's house has been on the market.)
- If the buyer is getting a loan, be sure they have applied for the loan and have been approved.
Negotiations, Contracts and Closings:
- Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
- Are you prepared to monitor the terms of the contract through to closing?
- Do you know what the legal responsibilities of the seller are in your area?
- Who will write the contract? Will you need to hire an attorney? If so, what are those fees?
TIPS: In addition to the sales, you may need to complete a Seller's Disclosure and Lead Based Paint Disclosure.
If you are ready to take this challenge on yourself, please be prepared for the good, bad and the ugly. Consult legal, tax, accounting and state counsel to ensure you have everything needed to complete the sale.
Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com
Friday, January 11, 2008
Sellers: Capital Gains
The IRS permits a maximum exclusion on capital gain of $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples filing a joint return who sell their home, but of course some conditions apply.
For the five-year timeframe prior to the date of the sale of your primary residence, you must meet the Ownership and Use Tests the IRS provides in Publication 523, Selling Your Home - 2007. These rules ensure you have owned the home for at least two years, and lived in the home for at least 24 months out of the last five years. Additionally, you may not have excluded a gain on your taxes from the sale of a different home within the last two years. Note that if you sell your property for less than your original purchase price, you cannot claim a capital loss.
A 'reduced maximum exclusion' can apply to those who must sell their home due to a change in their place of employment, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances that affect qualified individuals. In all cases, it is best to consult your tax professional or IRS guidelines if you have any questions about the taxes you may be responsible for if you sell your home.
Thanks to Mike Kang of Countrywide Bank for providing this article. For mortgage related questions, Mike can be reached at 425-744-5738 or by email: mike_kang@countrywide.com
Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com
For the five-year timeframe prior to the date of the sale of your primary residence, you must meet the Ownership and Use Tests the IRS provides in Publication 523, Selling Your Home - 2007. These rules ensure you have owned the home for at least two years, and lived in the home for at least 24 months out of the last five years. Additionally, you may not have excluded a gain on your taxes from the sale of a different home within the last two years. Note that if you sell your property for less than your original purchase price, you cannot claim a capital loss.
A 'reduced maximum exclusion' can apply to those who must sell their home due to a change in their place of employment, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances that affect qualified individuals. In all cases, it is best to consult your tax professional or IRS guidelines if you have any questions about the taxes you may be responsible for if you sell your home.
Thanks to Mike Kang of Countrywide Bank for providing this article. For mortgage related questions, Mike can be reached at 425-744-5738 or by email: mike_kang@countrywide.com
Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Pre-Screened Offers
If your mailbox is anything like mine, it's filled every day with offers of credit ranging from home equity loans to personal lines of credit to credit cards and more. If you are anything like me, it drives you crazy!
These offers are usually made to you after a company reviews basic information available from your credit report to see that you meet certain criteria. If you accept the offer, they will take a deeper look at your credit report along with information you provide to ensure you qualify. The pre-screened offers are generally not guaranteed offers.
Did you know there is a way to opt of these offers? Simply call 1-888-567-8688 or visit OptOutPreScreen.com.
Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com/
Tina@TinaFaust.com
These offers are usually made to you after a company reviews basic information available from your credit report to see that you meet certain criteria. If you accept the offer, they will take a deeper look at your credit report along with information you provide to ensure you qualify. The pre-screened offers are generally not guaranteed offers.
Did you know there is a way to opt of these offers? Simply call 1-888-567-8688 or visit OptOutPreScreen.com.
Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com/
Tina@TinaFaust.com
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