Clean and check the gutters: While you are on the roof hanging holiday lights, make sure your gutters are clear of leaves, secured to the house, and in good condition. If you do find problem spots, seal, secure, and make note to fix these in the spring. You want to divert water away from your home.

Insulate external water sources: In cold climates pipes can freeze, which can then lead to cracked pipes and flooding. Bring hoses and sprinklers inside for the winter and use insulation to wrap external faucets. Insulating interior pipes can help prevent disaster. If you don’t have insulation, you can keep a faucet dripping during particularly cold days so water is flowing through the pipes.

Check your water heater: One way to save money during the winter months is to wrap your water heater, so it doesn’t have to use as much energy to keep the water hot in a tank. You should check on your heater to make sure it isn’t leaking and in good repair regularly.

Interior insulation: Keep the heat in and the cold out with increased insulation in your attic and basement. This is an investment, and best done before the winter hits, but can make a big difference in how warm your house feels and how high your heating bill goes.

Check for cracks and leaks: Do you feel a draft? Check the sealing on your windows and doors. You can add weather stripping and silicon to seal these leaks. Foundations can leak as your home settles, so you should also check your basement for water coming through the walls, pipes, and older windows. You will want to seal these appropriately to minimize damage from flooding or mold.

Weatherize your windows: Your windows can be a great source of heat leakage depending on their age and condition. If you have older windows, you can use a clear film to help insulate them during the winter. If you don’t want to film the windows you can install extra thick drapes or curtains to help keep the interior of your home warm.

Check your heating system: What is one thing gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and central air heating systems all have in common? They all need to be cleaned and maintained. Check and clean your indoor heating system thoroughly. If you use an old fashioned wood stove, make sure there are no leaks and that all soot build up or nests are removed. If a furnace is what you have remember to change the filters as recommended or clean out your reusable filters.

Check your chimney with care: Nothing is as cozy as sitting by the fireplace during the winter, but use with care! Have your chimney checked by a professional to ensure that it’s in good condition and clear of critters or nests. You can also use a creosote log at the start of the season to help break down any old residue.

Invest in home security: The holidays are prime times for burglars looking to score some extra gifts so make sure your home is safe and secure at all times. Check your locks to make sure these are secure and consider a home security system with visible cameras to act as a deterrent. Keep evidence of big gifts hidden from view too. And make sure you discreetly get rid of any large boxes that might alert a prowler that you have new big-ticket items in your home.

Deck the halls and be merry: Decorate your home and prepare for guests. If you have a Christmas tree, keep it from drying out (and creating a fire hazard) by watering regularly. Keep decorative candles and menorahs away from children and flammable materials. You may want to consider battery powered candles, these can be a safe alternative to traditional candles.

Wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday!

I learned that China is home to some of the most polluted cities in the world which has a huge impact on their quality of life and life expectancy rates. So those with means are seeking refuge in cleaner Western cities, like Seattle and Vancouver B.C. The difference between these two cities, however, is that Chinese migration to Vancouver B.C. is nothing new, but for Seattle, the rapid growth of this demographic really only started a couple of years ago. In fact, real estate agents estimate that Chinese buyers now represent upwards of 40-50 percent of all real estate activity in the neighborhoods to the east of Seattle, like Bellevue, Medina, and Kirkland. Areas that are also home to some of Seattle’s most expensive real estate.

The keynote speaker at the Pacific Rim Summit was Mauricio Umansky, the CEO of The Agency, and the number three real estate agent in the nation. Mauricio is also a regular on several reality TV shows and cable news networks, and really seems to know his stuff when it comes to Chinese home buyers. He quoted some interesting figures, including one that states that there are 30,000 new millionaires in China every year, and 40 percent are expected to immigrate to Western countries like the U.S. Apparently in 2013, China had 2,378,000 millionaire households, a rise of 82% from the previous year, and the most of any country in the world.

Speaking alongside Mauricio was Windermere agent, Tere Foster, who has been in real estate for more than 30 years and says that the percentage of Asian Pacific buyers in her business has grown by over 90 percent during the past two years. Because of this, Tere made the decision to hire a mandarin-speaking agent-assistant to help with this clientele. Other speakers talked about similar efforts, including hiring translators, partnering with Chinese agents, and taking Mandarin lessons.

According to AREAA, Seattle is currently the sixth most popular destination for Chinese immigrants in the world, behind cities like Los Angeles, which is number one. Seattle is the closest mainland U.S. city to travel to from Beijing and offers things that really appeal to the Chinese, like clean air, quality education, and employment opportunities with several Fortune 500 companies.

One of the most curious things I learned is that an uber-popular Chinese film called “Beijing Meets Seattle” has been another big draw for the Chinese, some of whom are looking to realize the movie’s portrayal of Seattle. I wouldn’t have believed if I hadn’t been surrounded by several Chinese business professionals all nodding their heads in agreement. Ironically enough, the film was actually shot in Vancouver B.C. (here’s a trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFRIFJg_Bzg).

Other interesting facts according to Pacific Rim Summit speakers:

Over the past year, international home buyers have spent more than $92 billion on buying homes in the U.S. – and 60 percent of them have purchased homes with cash.
At least 75 percent of home purchases by Chinese buyers in the Seattle area are cash.
Chinese homebuyers care most about three things: their children’s education, the air quality, and food safety.
Eleven percent of all incoming freshman at the University of Washington are foreign-born Chinese students.
The University of Washington is currently ranked #15 on Shang Hai’s academic ranking of world universities – just behind schools like Cornell and Oxford.
Many Chinese families with means are purchasing homes for their children so that they may attend local schools like the University of Washington. Sometimes well before those children are of college age.
East/West Bank reported that 73% of their mortgages to Chinese buyers were on property located in neighborhood’s on Seattle’s eastside.

All in all, the Pacific Rim Summit was fascinating. I learned so much about this incredibly fast growing demographic that’s buying up homes left and right in Seattle and other West Coast cities. Now I have a better understanding of why they’re choosing to leave China for places like Seattle, and a keen appreciation for their driving desire to find a better quality of life for themselves and their children.

Sort through your stuff

The first step to getting organized is to get rid of clutter and unnecessary things. Start by going through one room or closet at a time, sort everything into three groups: keep, maybe, and toss. Keep items in the “maybe” group in a basket, and then once every few months or so go through it and decide if they are worth keeping. It’s easier to judge if you need to keep something once it has been out of sight for a while. Chances are if you haven’t thought about those items or used them after a few months, you don’t need them anymore. Items you’ve decided to toss can be recycled, thrown away, donated to charity, or sold in a garage sale or online. Items you’ve decided to keep should all have a place in your home where they belong. There are a plethora of great storage solutions available to help you organize these items in a way that makes sense for your home.

Look for unused spaces

Think of spaces that you aren’t making the most of in your home. Chances are there are a lot of hidden areas that you wouldn’t think to store things in. For example: the space next to the refrigerator could be a great pull-out spice rack or canned good storage. In the garage, consider storing things in boxes on the ceiling. Awkward nooks in walls can become desks or shelving units.

Vertical Storage

A great way to add more storage space to your home is “storing up”. There is a lot more wall and air space in your home than floor space, so building up, with high shelves or stacking can get things off your floor and organized. Adding extra shelves to your wall or putting baskets on top of existing cabinets or book cases can also create additional storage space.

Put things on display

When you store things on display you keep things organized and easy to find, while adding decoration to your home. Wrapping paper, ribbon, and other colorful craft supplies mounted on the wall or in the open can create an attractive, space-efficient crafting/work area. Hanging jewelry on display, in a frame or on the wall, makes getting ready easier, and adds to the decor.

Double duty furniture:

Consider buying furniture that doubles as storage. Furniture with storage within it takes up the same amount room as regular furniture, but gives you the ability to store much more. A bed with drawers can house linens, a bench by the mudroom is perfect for shoe storage, and try storing quilts in an ottoman in the living room.

Keeping it clean

Once everything in your home has a place, upkeep is not hard work. Just keep on top of everyday messes and clutter and continue sorting things in your home into keep, toss, or maybe categories. Identify where the clutter in your house comes from, and you can better avoid it in the future.

In honor of this anniversary, we want to take a moment to reflect on some of the milestones the Windermere Foundation has achieved over the past 25 years. We also want to recognize and thank everyone who has helped us get to where we are today – especially our agents who continually embody the notion that service to others is not something you do, it is who you are.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Windermere Foundation through the years. With your help, we will continue to help make a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

With warmer weather come open windows and extended vacations, so it should come as no surprise that the highest percentage of home burglaries happen during the summer months. With that in mind, now is a good time to start thinking about the security of your home. From old-school security tricks to new digital home monitoring tools, there are many options when it comes to keeping our homes safe. Read on to learn more about how you can modify your home and keep it safe from intruders.

Security bars and gates:

Sometimes the simplest security is just deterring people from trying to get in. While security bars across windows are a great way to keep intruders out of your home, they can be a real eyesore. Luckily, there are now options for decorative security bars that simultaneously protect your home while enhancing its beauty.

Upgrade you locks:

A poorly installed deadbolt can make it easy for an intruder to kick in your door. Start by making sure that your doorframes are in good condition and then look into getting a higher quality deadbolt. You’ll find everything from classic models with keys, or digital options that require passcodes or a fingerprint.

It’s also a good idea check all the locks on your windows. Some older models are easy to jimmy open with a little wiggling. For ground floor windows, you may want to consider double locks. It goes without saying, leaving windows open during the summer is a bad idea – especially those that can be easily accessed.

Exterior and interior home lighting:

Having your exterior lights on timers or motion sensors is a good way to deter nighttime snoopers. Add sensor lights to key entry points on your home, including the front door, back door, and/or basement entries. If you have an unused side yard, consider lighting there too. Keeping your home lit makes unwanted visitors weary of being seen.

If you will be gone from your home for an extended period of time, consider using timed lighting options in your home to make it appear someone is around. You can select timers for bedrooms or living areas. Also, you can program a radio to turn on and off for sound.

Alarm systems:

If you are considering an alarm, you have an array of options that vary from self-install motion detection kits to full-service home security systems. If you choose to do-it-yourself, you will want to install motion detectors on doors and windows – especially those that can be easily accessed on the ground floor. In most cases, these kits also offer a 24 hour call service for an extra fee.

Full-service security systems can include everything from an alarm system and panic buttons to and integration with your smoke detectors/ fire prevention system. These services are expensive up front, but usually have a reasonable monthly rate. And keep in mind, having a home security system installed can also reduce your insurance rates.

If installing an alarm system is cost-prohibitive or does not fit your lifestyle, consider purchasing stickers and a sign that state that your home is monitored by a trusted security system, and place them so they are visible at every entrance.

Security cameras:

Security cameras are readily available for home installation. You can install these in prominently viewed places to deter burglars. There are do-it-yourself install options, and professional systems that come along with monitoring services. There are even options that will work with your smart phone. If the cost for security cameras is too steep for your budget, you can purchase fake cameras to act as a visible deterrent for intruders.

Build your community:

Programs like Neighborhood Watch are very successful in some communities, by creating an environment where everyone is looking out for each other. Building close-knit relationships with your neighbors can go a long way in making you feel safe at home. Whether this is through a formalized program, or a shared agreement with your community, developing relationships with your neighbors is a great way to keep your home safe.

Sometimes the best part of security systems is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected. Many of our personal items can be replaced thanks to homeowners insurance, but you cannot put a price on feeling safe at home. How do you keep your home safe?

Are you fascinated about downsizing? Do you love small places? Does a simple and serene ambiance sound like music to your ears? Then hop on the bandwagon and get yourself a ‘tiny house’ because we all know the best things come in small packages.

What’s a tiny house? Tiny houses have recently hit the real estate market by storm. The to-go models typically range from 100-175 square feet, while the larger, more permanent cottage styles are usually around 250 to 500 square feet. With a multitude of floor plan choices that include full kitchens and bathrooms, heating, AC, and a reasonable range of prices, a tiny house couldn’t be more practical.

What tiny house are you? The best part about tiny homes is that you get to pick whichever one compliments your lifestyle and needs the most. Are you more of a beach house or cabin in the woods type of person? What about a pool house for your backyard or an art or yoga studio? Or maybe you’re guilty of always wishing there was somewhere else for your mother-in-law to stay while she’s in town. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something less permanent, then a to-go model might be more your speed. You can grab your house whenever you are feeling an itch of wanderlust and head out on the open road. You can park it near the coast or somewhere concealed for a relaxing and quiet weekend. If being on the water is more your thing, there are even tiny floating homes.

Who owns one? The small, but rapidly growing number of tiny house homeowners can be found all over the country. People are shedding their square footage and downsizing from coast to coast. In 2013, the tiny home movement saw 2,600 residents, while 2014 currently has about 4,000 residents and growing. People are joining the tiny house movement for various reasons. Some want to downsize due to environmental or financial concerns, others are looking for more time and freedom in their lives. Having tiny homes encourages people to live beyond their own walls and spend more time in the outdoors and their community. Tiny homes have redefined the American dream by promoting quality over quantity.

If you think you might want a tiny house as your primary home, the only sacrifice is space; the gains however, are countless. Tiny homes come in all shapes and sizes and can be modern, minimal, or luxurious. These tiny homes are a fun and exciting endeavor to which you can easily add your own flavor. And because you can get a prefab tiny home delivered right to your door, the home buying process is as simple as the homes themselves.

If you want to check out more house styles you can visit our Tiny House page on Pinterest.

According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) study, the average life expectancy of some home components has decreased over the past few decades. (This might explain why you’re on your third washing machine while Grandma still has the same indestructible model you remember from childhood.) But the good news is the life span of many other items has actually increased in recent years.

Here’s a look at the average life spans of some common home components (courtesy of NAHB).

Appliances. Of all home components, appliances have the widest variation in life spans. These are averages for all brands and models, and may represent the point which replacing is more cost-effective than repairing. Among major appliances, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy, at about 15 years. Electric ranges, standard-size refrigerators, and clothes dryers last about 13 years, while garbage disposals grind away for about 10 years. Dishwashers, microwave ovens, and mini-refrigerators can all be expected to last about nine years. For furnaces, expect a life span of about 15 years for electric, 18 for gas, and 20 for oil-burning models. Central air-conditioning systems generally beat the heat for 10 to 15 years.

Kitchen & Bath. Countertops of wood, tile, and natural stone will last a lifetime, while cultured marble will last about 20 years. The life span of laminate countertops depends greatly on use and can be 20 years or longer. Kitchen faucets generally last about 15 years. An enamel-coated steel sink will last five to 10 years; stainless will last at least 30 years; and slate, granite, soapstone, and copper should endure 100 years or longer. Toilets, on average, can serve at least 50 years (parts such as the flush assembly and seat will likely need replacing), and bathroom faucets tend to last about 20 years.

Flooring. Natural flooring materials provide longevity as well as beauty: Wood, marble, slate, and granite should all last 100 years or longer, and tile, 74 to 100 years. Laminate products will survive 15 to 25 years, linoleum about 25 years, and vinyl should endure for about 50 years. Carpet will last eight to 10 years on average, depending on use and maintenance.

Siding, Roofing, Windows. Brick siding normally lasts 100 years or longer, aluminum siding about 80 years, and stucco about 25 years. The life span of wood siding varies dramatically – anywhere from 10 to 100 years – depending on the climate and level of maintenance. For roofs, slate or tile will last about 50 years, wood shingles can endure 25 to 30 years, metal will last about 25 years, and asphalts got you covered for about 20 years. Unclad wood windows will last 30 years or longer, aluminum will last 15 to 20 years, and vinyl windows should keep their seals for 15 to 20 years.

Of course, none of these averages matter if you have a roof that was improperly installed or a dishwasher that was a lemon right off the assembly line. In these cases, early replacement may be the best choice. Conversely, many household components will last longer than you need them to, as we often replace fully functional items for cosmetic reasons, out of a desire for more modern features, or as a part of a quest to be more energy efficient.

Are extended warranties warranted?

Extended warranties, also known as service contracts or service agreements, are sold for all types of household items, from appliances to electronics. They cover service calls and repairs for a specified time beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty. Essentially, warranty providers (manufacturers, retailers, and outside companies) are betting that a product will be problem-free in the first years of operation, while the consumer who purchases a warranty is betting against reliability.

Warranty providers make a lot of money on extended warranties, and Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, advises against purchasing them. You will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to you; for some, it brings a much needed peace of mind when making such a large purchase. Also, consider if it the cost outweighs the value of the item; in some cases it may be less expensive to just replace a broken appliance than pay for insurance or a warranty.

Online home search:

With access to more data, real estate companies like Windermere can provide you with many ways to find your dream home. Beyond price, square footage, bedrooms, and zip code, you can now refine your search even further. For example, you can search for a home listing based on specific criteria, such as your commute time, access to good schools, neighborhood walkability, and more.

myWindermere tools & social share:

Windermere offers a tool called myWindermere, which lets you create an account in which you can save favorite searches and homes, communicate with your real estate agent, and more. You can also share any of our online listings with your social networks, including Facebook, Pinterest, twitter and google+.

Mobile & Apps:

Studies suggest that more and more people are using mobile to search for homes with as many as 68 percent of buyers using mobile applications at some point in their search. As a result, many real estate companies have optimized their websites for mobile usage. In fact, 36 percent of people using mobile for home search are simultaneously multitasking, such as while watching television.

Real-time search: If you are using a tablet for real-time searching while driving around, Zillow and Trulia both have comparable location based searches that might be helpful. But remember, Zillow and Trulia do not have access to the complete inventory of homes for sale, so you should also consult your favorite real estate company’s website along the way.

Note-taking: Keeping track of the details on multiple houses can get difficult. We recommend using a tool like Homing In to capture photos and notes of the places you have visited.

Interior design apps: If you are trying to visualize what a space would look like with you living in it, here’s a great app to use.

Mortgage Calculator: Get a realistic estimate of how much your monthly mortgage payments would be while searching for homes.

Sex offender tracker: Check the proximity of sex offenders to your potential home with this app.

Communities & Social Networks:

Community blogs: Before choosing a community, seek out more information through local blogs. Many neighborhoods now feature online news sources and local bloggers to talk about regional events, civic news, crime information, local shops, restaurants, and more.

Social Networks: Once you have chosen a community, join a private social network like nextdoor.com to connect with neighbors, keep updated on your neighborhood news, and share and receive recommendations for local shops and restaurants.

Meet-up: Make new friends and try new things in real-time by using tools like meetup.com to get together with likeminded folks.

Comparative Market Analysis:

If you are selling your home, make sure your agent performs a comparative market analysis which compares your home to others that have sold in your area.

Online signature tools:

Once you have found your dream home, technology can make closing easier. Tools like Docusign allow you to sign your final contracts easily online or with mobile.

Insurance & moving:

Many insurance providers offer online and mobile tools that make taking your home inventory, scanning bar codes, uploading photos, and other important documentation easier. Taking inventory of your home will also help you pack for your move, plan where your possessions should go in your future home, and insure your items throughout the move process.

Add your home to your list of New Year’s resolutions with some of these helpful tips:

Buying:

Familiarize yourself with the home-buying process
Learn about the tax benefits that come along with your home purchase
Check your credit ratings
Increase your savings for down payment
Decide how much you need for a down payment
Get pre-approved for a mortgage
Decide how much you can spend on a home
Start your home search online
Find an architectural style for your dream home
Search for home with your commute in mind
Consider downsizing to condo
Learn the difference between a condo and a town home
Consider purchasing an investment property
Choose the right home for your family
Consider a short sale
Is a foreclosure right for you?
Decide if you want an older home or new construction
Create a moving plan
Keep new home costs low
Choose a mortgage
Consider buying with cash?
Ask your loan officer these important questions
Avoid common mistakes
Win a bidding war
Perform a mini pre-inspection while touring homes

Selling:

Decide if your should sell or remodel your home
Make sure you are ready to sell your home
Choose your next home with a shorter commute
Learn more about what a seller’s market means for you
Familiarize yourself with the home-selling process
Avoid common mistakes
Estimate your home’s value
Make improvements to increase your home’s value
More tips on adding value to your home
Consider selling before spring
Get your home ready for sale
Find a selling agent you trust
Schedule a home inspection
Increase your home’s curb appeal
Price your home to sell
How to prepare your home for open houses
Learn the home staging basics
Where to store your stuff while showing your home
Feng Shui tips for preparing your home to sell
Protect your pets while showing your home
Get professional photos for your home listing
Buy your next home while selling your current home?
In a hurry? Sell your home quickly
Help your parents make transitional housing choices
Relocating? Get help from a professional

Home improvements:

Make your house a home
Get the best return on your investment for your home renovations
Access your home energy costs
Improve energy efficiency (and reduce your energy bills)
Inspect, repair and increase your home insulation
Decorate with the new color of the year
Choose the right paint color for your home
Redecorate to fit your dream design style
Paint an accent wall
Create a healthier home environment for you and your family
Make your fireplace and chimney safe for use
Develop disaster preparedness plan & upgrade your emergency kit
Rid your home of pests
Upgrade your garden
Cultivate an indoor garden
Plant trees for better privacy and increased home value
Check your home insurance policy
Do a home inventory
Protect your home from burglars
Protect yourself from contractor scams
Extend your entertaining outside
If you have little ones, childproof your home!
Hang some art on the walls
Pre-pay your mortgage or refinance for extra savings?
Refinance even if you have poor credit

To determine if investing in a rental property is the right choice for you, here are a few things to consider.

Figuring out the dollars and sense

The first step is to calculate the potential cash flow; this is the amount of money a property brings in and the amount you need to pay out to cover expenses. It’s not uncommon for rental properties to start out having a negative cash flow which means that the amount you collect for rent does not cover the mortgage payment. If that is the case, you need to determine whether you feel comfortable making this additional cash outlay each month. Here’s how to estimate what your monthly cash flow will be.

1.Estimate your income

The first step is to determine the amount of rent you can charge for the property. Look at what comparable homes (same size, location, amenities) are renting for in your area. You can get a good idea by browsing craigslist, Zillow or Trulia for rental properties. When estimating your income, allow for the amount of time that your property may be vacant. Most landlords factor in about five percent per year; however, figures vary depending on the current rental market in your area.

2.Tally up your expenses

Your monthly mortgage payment and property taxes are your largest expenses. You may also end up picking up the tab for utilities, such as garbage, water, or gas. Again, check what comparable rental properties are offering in your market. If you do plan on paying utilities, use your own usage as a ballpark estimate.

Property insurance is another cost. Your insurance company can tell you what the premium will be if you utilize the property as a rental.

Rental properties need repairs and maintenance just like any other home. Appliances break, plumbing leaks, fixtures wear out. Figure on spending about one percent of the property’s value per year on maintenance, repairs, and cleaning.

Finding a good tenant always pays in the long run, but it does take time and money to conduct and effective search. If you use a property management company or rental broker, include those fees. If you are conducting the tenant search yourself, add in any advertising expenses and a nominal cost, about $30, for running credit checks on prospective tenants.

The good news about all these operating and maintenance expenses is that they may be deducted from your rental income on your taxes. If you’re thinking about upgrading the property, keep in mind that expenses related to improvements to the property must be depreciated over time, rather than deducted in the year paid. Improvements are designed as actions that add to the value of the property or substantially prolong its life. Examples include adding a new bathroom, remodeling a kitchen, installing insulation or building a deck.

3.Calculate the cash flow

Now total all the monthly expenses and subtract that number from your estimated monthly income to determine your cash flow. To fully evaluate the investment, you also want to factor in the tax write-off benefits of depreciation. Depreciation is an accounting deduction that the IRS allows you to take for the overall wear and tear that occurs on the home over time. Only the building can be depreciated, not that land. The value of a residential structure is depreciated over 27 ½ years at a rate of 3.64 percent of the building value per year. For example, if you buy a residential rental property for $300,000, and the building is worth $200,000, you can take $7,280 each year as a depreciation deduction ($200,000 x .0364)

In addition, if your rental property shows a loss for the year, you may be able to deduct the loss on your tax return. It’s a good idea to consult with your tax advisor to help determine which deductions you qualify for and other tax implications for your situation.