Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Pullman Washington Real Estate -- Selling Your Home (Part 2)

Pullman WA Real Estate -- Selling Your Home (Part 2)

Lori Cofer, "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"

Lori Cofer Realtor Pullman WA

You and your REALTOR® are a team with a common goal...selling your home! Your REALTOR® spends time each day marketing your property, analyzing your competition, previewing properties and showing properties such as yours to potential buyers. They use this knowledge to benefit you, their client, from the time you entrust the listing of your home to them to the day of closing! I know I do!

Selling Your PullmanWA Home


You, as the seller, have a very important role in the process. You set the stage with a great first impression!!! If you stop to think about it, your buyer will most likely spend anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes in your home before moving on to see another home. That is not very long time. So you want to WOW your buyers, so they linger in your home and want to come back for another look!

Selling Your PullmanWA Home

Previously we looked at ways to get the outside of your house in tip top market shape! We all want to be proud of our home when we pull in the drive, right? This is your first chance to impress your buyer and get them to WANT to come inside! And you won't sell your house if they don't!

Living Room PullmanWA Home


So now lets move inside! Start at the front door and take a good hard look at your house. As you do, ask yourself, "If I were buying this house, what would my impression be?" Put yourself in your buyer's shoes! START THINKING LIKE A BUYER! With that in mind, go to work and get your home ready to tell your buyer ..."Yes, Mr or Mrs. Buyer...I have a great home and I want to SELL my home to YOU!" The next few parts of this series will provide tips to help you do just that!

Selling Your PullmanWA HomeGet it Repaired! - Neglected repairs give a bad impression. They tell a story that doesn't have a good outcome. If minor repairs such as doors that stick and switches that don't work are neglected, how about the big stuff? So get those repairs done!

Get rid of clutter! We all acquire way too much stuff! Now is the time to make a fresh start. You are moving anyway, right? So think in terms of, do I want to move this? If not, get rid of it! And pack everything you can and put it in storage! Not only will you be that much closer to moving, but ready to move quickly if need be!

Remove excess furniture! Remember, less is better! When a REALTOR® brings a clients to tour your home, they are moving in large groups of people all at once. Buyer's want to appreciate the spaces your house has to offer. And they want to feel the flow of the rooms too! You want a free and spacious feeling as you move through the home. And don't be afraid to be creative and move furniture around a bit! And try different angels as well! Have some fun!

De-personalize! Ask yourself, "Is my personality reflected in this room"? If so, take it down! You want the buyer to SEE THEMSELVES living in the home, not how you lived in the home! They aren't looking for a home for you, but a home for THEM!

Think Neutral! Ask yourself, "How does the paint look? Is it neutral? Or has it seen better days?" Paint provides amazing bang for the buck! Roll up your sleeves and put a fresh, neutral color on the walls. You will be amazed!

These are just a few ideas that I hope you find helpful. Feel free to email me or call me and I would be happy to provide you with a personal evaluation.

Lori Cofer Realtor Pullman Wa Real Estate

Lori Cofer Pullman Wa Real Estate

About the Author: The above piece was provided by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman WA Real Estate and Moscow ID Real Estate needs.


Pullman WA & Moscow ID: Home and Garden Show

Spring + Palouse Empire Home and Garden Show = Inspiration For Your Pullman WA or Moscow ID Home!

By Lori Cofer, REALTOR ~ Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection

Flower Bed Pullman WA


Spring is around the corner and so is the time to get your home in shape! In today's market it is more important than ever to spruce up your home in preparation to put your home on the market. Buyer's are looking for good buys and homes that say "Buy Me."


Here is a great idea for you! On March 14th&15th the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome will host the 10th annual Palouse Empire Home and Garden Expo. What a great way to get lots of ideas all under one roof!


University of Idaho Kibbie DomeApproximately 100 area businesses will set up their wares, and many of these exhibitors will be giving away thousands of dollars of services and goods! You gotta like that! Local restaurants and caters will also be there to provide food and refreshment for the weary! So you can grab a bite to each and shop till you drop!

Admission is free for children under 12 when with a parent and $2.00 for adults. What a bargain! For additional information check out their website at www.PalouseExpo.com. The EXPO is producted by local radio stations KHTR Border 104 and KQQQ NewsTalk 1150 in conjunction with the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome.

There are so many different booths and so many knowledgeable folks to provide information for everything to do with home and garden. Ah, the garden! My personal favorite, especially at this time of the year when my fingers are just itching to get down and dirty in the garden! For me, there is nothing like watching the spring flowers bloom!!! It is so uplifting! I guess until the garden show these pictures of spring pictures will have to do!

THINK SPRING! THINK SPRING! THINK SPRING! THINK SPRING! THINK SPRING!

Flower Garden Pullman WA

Flowers Pullman WA







Lori Cofer Realtor Pullman WA Real Estate

About the Author: The above piece was provided by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman WA Real Estate and Moscow Real Estate needs

Spring Break For Washington State University- Pullman WA

Spring Break For Washington State University- Pullman WA

By Lori Cofer REALTOR -- "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"

Snow Pullman WA


Spring is around the corner, but the weather sure feels far from Spring for us today in Pullman Washington. On Monday the 9th we had quite the storm! Approximately 6 inches of snow fell followed by a plunge in the temperatures. It got pretty cold last night. I woke up to 6 degrees! BRRR....It is still only 24 degrees and it is 1:00.

Ivy and Ice Pullman WA

As I looked out my kitchen window this morning I saw a robin on a vine all surrounded with snow. It was a beautiful sight and somehow so fitting of our straddle between Winter and Spring. I tried to take a picture, but the little robin saw me and took flight.


So you are probably wondering, what does this all have to do with Spring? Well, Washington State University Feet on water pullman waSpring Break begins on March 16th through the 20th! And kind of fitting this year with March 20th being the official beginning of Spring! All the students are madly getting those final assignments done and get packed for Spring Break! Spring Break is a time for the students to head off to tropical destinations or head home for some well earned down time with family and friends. My family has a student based salon in the heart of WSU and they have been packed with students getting those last minute highlights, cuts and tans. I know of a few students who are heading to warm destinations...and Mexico seems to be one of the favorites. Oh, how I envy them!

For the rest of us "locals" in Pullman, we are just hoping the snow will melt and we can enjoy some spring time activities, whether some early gardening, a nice walk outside or maybe a little get away. I know I am looking forward to a day of shopping and my husband is looking forward to some fishing. Let's just hope the weather channel is right and we enjoy some beautiful fifty degree days. It will seem like the tropics compared to last night! So please, THINK SPRING! THINK WARM!


About the Author: The above piece was provided as a community service by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman WA Real Estate and Moscow ID Real Estate needs

Pullman WA -- What's For Lunch This Week In Our Schools? (Mar.9-13, 2009)

Pullman Washington ~ What's For Lunch This Week In Our Schools? (Mar.9-13, 2009)

Courtesy of Lori Cofer, REALTOR ~ "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"



Pullman School District LunchMONDAY ~ March 9, 2009

Elementary: Pepperoni Pizza, Veggies, Fruit, Pudding, Milk, LMS: Little Caesar's Pizza


LMS: Pepperoni Pizza, Veggies, Fruit, Pudding, Milk, LMS: Little Caesar's Pizza


TUESDAY ~ March 10, 2009

Elementary: Chicken Slugger (drumstick), Macaroni&Cheese, Veggies, Fruit, Milk

LMS: Chicken Slugger (drumstick), Macaroni & Cheese, Veggies, Fruit, Milk


WEDNESDAY ~ March 11, 2009


Elementary : French Toast Sticks, Pork Link Sausage, Asst. Fruit Juices, Strawberries, Fruit, Milk

LMS : French Toast Sticks, Pork Link Sausage, Asst. Fruit Juices, Strawberries, Fruit, Milk



Elementary: Spaghetti, Breadstick, Veggies, Fruit, Milk

LMS: Spaghetti, Breadstick, Veggies, Fruit, Milk


FRIDAY ~ March 13, 2009


Elementary: Deli Sandwich (turkey ham, turkey, cheese on steak roll) Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips, Veggies, Fruit, Milk

LHS: Deli Sandwich (turkey ham, turkey, cheese on steak roll) Harvest Cheddar Sun Chips, Veggies, Fruit, Milk


About the Author: The above piece was provided as a community service by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman real estate and Moscow Real Estate needs




THURSDAY ~ March 12, 2009Pullman School District

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Pullman Washington Real Estate -- Selling Your Home (1)

Realtor

Pullman Real Estate -- Tips on Selling Your Home (1)

By Lori Cofer "Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"

Selling your home is a team effort between your REALTOR and yourself. There can be no doubt that pricing your home and marketing your home is essential to achieving your goal of getting your home SOLD! And this is where your REALTOR is invaluable in getting your home ready to market!




client Pullman WA



But YOU also play an essential role in marketing your home. Your role is to make your home stand out from all the rest! As they say, you only get one chance to make a good first impression! Here is the first part of a series designed to help you do just that!




The first step in marketing your home is to break the emotional tie that you have with your home. You have to step back and recognize that in order to effectively sell your home, you have to come to grips with the fact that your home must be marketable. To do so, your home has to appeal to the broadest spectrum of buyers it possibly can. When you no longer see "you" in the home, you are that much closer to getting your home sold! We will talk more about this when we look at de-cluttering and de-personalizing your home next time.


Let's start by first taking a notebook and pen and taking a constructive walk up to your house and through each room. Start by noting the things that are must be taken care of. Look for things that need to be repaired. Neglected repairs signals a lack of overall care of the property, so if something is broken or not working properly, get it fixed! In fact, some seller's consider a pre-inspection report from a qualified inspector helpful. That way, they have the confidence to know that there are no big surprises that will surface later on!


Next, let's consider the "curb appeal" of the house. Go to your curb and try to take an objective look at your house. As you do, ask yourself:


Pullman Wa Real EstateDoes my front door make a great first impression?

Is the entry way well lit?

Can I read the street numbers?

Is the outside of the house clean? How about the windows?

Are under the eaves swept and clean, and does the paint and trim look good?

Is the walkway and driveway in good repair, clean and tidy?

Are hoses neatly coiled and tucked away?

Are garbage receptacles out of sight?

pot of flowers Pullman WA


How does the landscaping look? Is everything well trimmed, mowed and weeded?

What points of interest could I use to draw buyer's in to want to see the rest of my home?

How about some colorful pots of flowers, a door wreath or garden objects tucked in garden beds?



Remember, you aren't going to sell your home if the buyer's won't come in to take a look!! You want to make sure your home says WELCOME from the curb to the front door and beyond! In the next part of this series, we will take a look at what you can do to help make your buyers love what they see inside!

About the Author: The above piece was provided by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman real estate and Moscow Real Estate needs.




Thursday, February 12, 2009

Pullman WA -- Custom Homes

Pullman WA Real Estate -- Building Your New Custom Home

By Lori Cofer, REALTOR® ~ "Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"

Custom Home Pullman WAYou are about to embark on building a custom home. There are few things in life as rewarding as watching your new home emerge before your very eyes. But where do you begin?

The first step in building your new custom home is choosing a lot that meets your needs. No doubt, there are many lots from which to choose. But how do you find a lot that suits you and your plans for that new home?

Realtor Pullman WA

This is where a REALTOR® can help ease the building process for you. This is because a REALTOR® can provide a local knowledge of the area and lots available in the various neighborhoods that you might be considering.

For example, you might want a location based on it's curb appeal, or maybe its location in relation to work, shopping, schools etc. Furthermore, they also understand the dynamics and typical values in a given neighborhood. This is important because you want your new home situated among homes of a similar value.

Also, REALTORS® tour many homes on a regular basis. As they do, they get a better understanding of the work of the builders in their local area. They can be a great source to help you select a few quality builders for you to interview prior to beginning the process of building your new home. Your REALTOR® can also co-ordinate for you to tour some examples of their work.

Building Plan Pullman WA

Another benefit of using a REALTOR® is they have a good feel for the various floor plans you might be considering, and show you some homes that would provide you a better understanding as well. There is a great deal to consider as you look at various floor plans such as the layout of the floor plan, the flow of the plan, the feel for the size of the rooms, etc. They also might be able to help you see potential changes that could be made in the plans that would fit your lifestyle.

Door Pullman WA

Also, a REALTOR®, with their understanding of their local market, can be most helpful when it comes to keeping an eye on the possibility of re-sale. It is nice to know that you have brought your REALTOR® on board of your team of experts early on in the process with an eye toward the future!!!

If you are thinking of building in Pullman Washington, I would love to help you begin the process of making your new custom home a reality. Building may not be as expensive or as time consuming as you think. I would love to help you explore the possibility of making your dream home a reality!

About the Author:The above piece was provided by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman real estate and Moscow Real Estate needs.

Pullman WA Parks -- Part Three: Reaney Park

Pullman WA Parks ~ Part Three: Reaney Park

By Lori Cofer "Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection"

Reaney Park Pullman WA


Reaney Park is located in downtown Pullman. It is one of Pullman's oldest parks and was established in 1914. The mature trees that grace this wonderful gathering place were planted in 1915.

Reaney Park is also the home of our outdoor swimming pool. It also has an extensive play area for children.


Photo Of Reaney Park Courtesy of City of Pullman

Lentil Pullman WA


Reaney Park is host to the Reaney Park Concert Series on Summer evenings. What a great way to enjoy a warm summer evening!

Reaney Park is also home to our National Lentil Festival which takes place in the Fall, usually the weekend after our students come back for Fall Semester at Washington State University (WSU). Friday night kicks off the festivities with our giant pot of Lentil Chili and booths set up with a wide range of activities and vendors in downtown Pullman.

The highlight of Saturday for the children has to be the Lentil Parade which, fortunate for us at Beasley Realty, comes right in front of our office. I love watching the Parade and watching the little ones taking it all in. The parade ends at Reaney Park where again we have vendors and booths that provide a good time for all. Seeing friends, family and neighbors at Reaney Park is part of what makes Pullman such a special place to live.

Reaney Park is located at 690 Reaney Way, Pullman WA

About the Author:The above piece was provided by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman real estate and Moscow Real Estate needs.