Life In North Idaho

Simple Fixes to Make Your Home Sparkle for Buyers

2013-04-20T18:08:22Z

Ready for Home Buyers

This is the time of year where my sellers get overwhelmed thinking that they need to put a lot of money into their home to get the highest selling price. Here are simple fixes that put your homes best foot forward, and make buyers feel more at home!

MAKE MINOR REPAIRS:
- Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
- Patch holes in walls.
- Fix leaky faucets.
- Fix doors that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
- Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
  (Don’t give buyers any reason to remember your home as “the house with the orange bathroom.”)
- Replace burned-out light bulbs.
- If you’ve considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!
DE-CLUTTER!
People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it.
- If you don’t need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
- Remove all books from bookcases.
- Pack up those knickknacks.
- Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
- Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
- Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway.
MAKE THE HOUSE SPARKLE!
- Wash windows inside and out.
- Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
- Clean out cobwebs.
- Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
- Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
- Clean out the refrigerator.
- Vacuum daily.
- Wax floors.
- Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
- Bleach dingy grout.
- Replace worn rugs.
- Hang up fresh towels.
- Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.
It’s that simple, and not expensive! Get the most money for your home with little money out of your pocket! Why not search homes for sale and see which homes show well in pictures and which don’t? SEARCH THE COEUR D’ALENE MLS HERE, LIVE TIME!

Understanding ‘Obama Care’, and How it Will Affect You

2013-04-05T19:29:56Z

Thanks to my weekly email update from the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, I am passing on some upcoming informational meetings regarding ‘Obama Care’ (The Affordable Care Act) and how it will directly affect you and your family.

Choice of 3 Meetings: Tues. & Wed. April 23-24

The Executive Round Table of the CDA Chamber in cooperation with the Post Falls and Hayden Chambers presents “Understanding ObamaCare”

The implementation date is fast approaching for The Affordable Care Act

(ObamaCare). Our country is about to implement its most massive social program in history and employers must be ready…

Every American will be mandated to purchase health insurance by January 1, 2014 or pay a penalty. Enrollment starts October 1, 2013.

Attend this informational seminar and learn:

Insurance and reporting requirements for your business
Mandated requirements for your employees
Penalties for non-compliance
Tax credits and subsidies available and much more!

For meeting option 1 call the CDA Chamber to reserve your seat!
1) FREE: Tuesday, April 23, at the Garden Plaza in Post Falls

10:00am, includes brunch, limit 100 persons, RESERVATION
REQUIRED! Brenda@CdAChamber.com, 208-415-0110

2) FREE: Wednesday, April 24, at the KROC Center Auditorium,

8:00am, limited to 400 guests. Just show up, no reservation needed!

3) $12 – Lunch & Learn with the Hayden Chamber: (RSVP required)
Wednesday, April 24, at the Copa Restaurant, 9265 N. Government
Way in Hayden. RSVP info@haydenchamber.com or call Cat
208-762-4123. Reserve your seat now!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Top 10 Real Estate Tax Deductions for Homeowners

2013-04-04T22:52:21Z

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, here are the top 10 deductions for homeowners – grab them while you can!!

Mortgage Interest Deduction - One of the best benefits of being a homeowner!
Home improvement Loan Interest Deduction - The interest on home equity loans used for Capital improvements (not items like carpet or paint) can be a deduction up to a loan balance of $100,000.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Deduction - If you put less that 20% down on your home, most likely you are paying some sort of PMI. The extension of this tax deduction in 2013 was one of the many last second saves by real estate industry advocates.
Mortgage Points/Origination Deduction - On a home purchase, taxpayers can deduct all of the points that they paid in the same year. On a refinance loan, the points must be deducted as an amortization over the life of the loan.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades/Repairs Deduction - You can deduct the cost of the building materials used for energy efficiency upgrades to their home. It is actually a tax credit, not just a reduction in your taxable income.
Profit on Sale of Real Estate Deduction - Individuals can claim up to $250,000 of profit from the sale tax-free, and married couples can claim up to $500,000 tax-free. The home must be your primary residence.
Real Estate Selling Cost Deduction - Add up all of the fees paid at closing, capital improvements made to the home while you owned it, and marketing costs necessary to sell the home. Adding those numbers to the prices you originally paid for the home creates a new cost basis and reduces your potentially-taxable profit on the home.
Home Office Deduction - Homeowners with a home office can deduct a percentage of their mortgage, utilities and repair bills in direct proportion to the amount of the home that is dedicated office space.
Property Tax Deduction - Homeowners don’t pay income tax on money that was spent on property taxes.
Loan Forgiveness Deduction - Another last minute save, this deduction was created in 2007 to help taxpayers having to ‘short sale’ their home. No tax is due on the difference between what the homeowner owed on their mortgage and what the bank accepted in the short sale transaction.

Ask your tax expert how these tips can help with your 2013 tax returns!

Upcoming Coeur d’Alene Events – Don’t Miss Out!

2013-03-29T00:24:07Z

Downtown Street Fair and Art on the Green

I’m so excited that the weather is cooperating and spring is here! Downtown Coeur d’Alene is a hive of activity from now until the end of summer, and I love every event. I thought that I would pass on a list so that you can add some of your favorites to your calendar!

Calendar of events for Kootenai County and downtown Coeur d’Alene

New Listing in Dalton Gardens on 2.5 Private Acres!

2013-02-16T20:39:38Z

Great new Listing in Dalton Gardens on Private, fenced and gated 2.5 acres! Beautiful views of Canfield Mountain from all of the Living Spaces in this custom built home. Over 3100 Square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths with very private Master Suite located on the upper level. Gourmet Kitchen with granite counters, double oven, new 5 burner gas range, granite counters and plenty of cabinet space. Downstairs is an oversized rec room with half bath, could be used as a 4th bedroom. The property features a 40×50 shop with office and oversized RV/Boat door. Could you call this your home? Give me a call or email any questions to Kathleen@KathleenTillman.com!

Newly Launched App – NORTH IDAHO HOMES

2013-02-15T21:08:12Z

I took the big step last week and launched my own app for Android, IPad and IPhone – NORTH IDAHO HOMES! This free app is available in the app store, and directly links buyers and sellers to the Coeur d’Alene MLS for up to the minute home searches. No need to use the third party apps that are frequently out of date and frustrating to use. The app just launched today, so I will be working on adding more details and uses. Currently, you can download my personal app to search the MLS, use the mortgage calculator, connect with me on Facebook and Twitter, and connect with me immediately by phone or email. Download the app and give me some feedback!

New App – North Idaho Homes

Foreclosure Trends in North Idaho

2013-01-28T19:12:28Z

I spent some time this morning looking at the statistics for all foreclosures in our MLS from 2008 to this date, and found an interesting trend that is great for local homeowners.

Foreclosure - Bank Owned Home

When I started in Real Estate in 2000, bank owned properties were rare and buyers were hesitant to deal with a bank. The other trend that we are familiar with, Short Sales, wasn’t even a term taught in Real Estate School! Over the past 5 years, real estate professionals have had to educate themselves regularily on the daily changing distressed market. Luckily, I see the change going in the right direction! Here are the bank owned sales that have occurred in Kootenai County over the past 5 years:

2008 – 124
2009 – 314
2010 – 751
2011 – 969
2012 – 719

Last year, we finally saw a signifigant drop in bank owned sales. As of todays date, there are 143 bank owned properties listed in MLS compared to 251 listed on this date last year. I predict that the trend will continue for 2013, that we will see less bank owned properties for sale in the Coeur d’Alene MLS. This is a great trend for local homeowners wanting to sell their properties – less distressed competition means a more stable market!

Great deal on Condo in The Villages!

2012-12-16T22:04:55Z

[youtube width="425" height="344"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYXsQtbua3A[/youtube]

I just listed this wonderful one owner condo in The Villages, centrally located in Coeur d’Alene. The home is spotless, with over 1400 square feet. Main floor Master Suite with double vanities, walk in closet and shower. Upstairs is another bedroom, bath, and a large loft/office area. The living room features a gas fireplace, and a glass slider out to a private, fenced terrace. The development offers an indoor swimming pool, tennis court, and is walking distance to shopping and dining. Great value at $135,000, priced under comparable sales!

Christmas is in full swing at the Resort Shops!

2012-12-01T23:11:42Z

: All Decorated for Christmans in Coeur d’Alene

I spent my afternoon working the Coldwell Banker Kiosk at the Coeur d’Alene Resort shops, and loved seeing the excitment from everyone over the Christmas decorations! As usual, the Resort went out of their way to make the season special with lights and decor everywhere. I have watched couples and families sit in Santas sleigh to take pictures, and young kids just stand and stare in amazement! The variety of shops in downtown Coeur d’Alene is diverse – from art gallerys, clothing boutiques, and jewlery stores to gift shops and the best toy store ever, Figpickles! I really believe in shopping locally, supporting our local businesses and families helps all of us. Plus, I like that most of the businesses wrap my presents for me! Everyone should take the time this holiday season to visit downtown, and enjoy everything that our area has to offer during the Christmas season. Love this time of year!

Home Sales and Prices Rise in North Idaho

2012-11-30T22:58:25Z

Coeur d'Alene MLS Sold Year to Date

Well, I haven’t seen this headline in a few years! The front page of the Coeur d’Alene Press laid out the optimistic outlook for the housing market in Kootenai County for 2013. Overall, Year-to-Date single-family sales for all of the county were up 6 percent through the end of October compared to last year. The average price was up 4 percent countywide, with the median price up 5%. Driving through our new developments, we can see a flurry of construction happening! New construction has accounted for 12 percent of the single-family sales countywide this year compared to 10 percent a year ago. Good news for our local builders and the construction trade.

How do you tell when the real estate market hits bottom? It’s when the prices start going up… we really hit the bottom last winter and spring, and are seeing a slow rebound. I feel this is positive news for our local market! With interest rates still hovering around 3%, it is still a fabulous time to purchase commercial and residential real estate in Kootenai County.