It’s a home most people only dream about! Only half block to the beach and close to The Cove and Seaside’s famous Prom. Just some of the features of this home are nice ocean view, living room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen, bonus room, bunk room, large upper deck, patio, new landscaping, and fenced yard. 

With fewer homes available (especially affordable homes), and more well-qualified buyers hunting for homes, it’s tough for a first-timer – but not impossible.

MANAGE YOUR EMOTIONS
After three or four weeks of searching for a home to buy, most first-time buyers come to understand what a “competitive real estate market” really is. And some become so frustrated with the situation that they give up too early.

Persistence is a very important part of the buying process. Be prepared for a long search. Don’t allow yourself to get too emotionally attached to any home until your offer is accepted. And let any lost deals quickly fade from your memory. Believe me, the right home for you is out there.

If you’ve already given up on your search for a home, allow me to suggest a new approach.

BE REALISTIC ABOUT YOUR WISH LIST
Many first-timers set out with an overly optimistic perception of the homes that will be available to them. It’s important to communicate your ideal neighborhood, architectural style and amenities, but consider the alternative neighborhoods your real estate agent suggests, and be willing to tour homes that aren’t a match with your list of wants.

GETTING PRE-APPROVED IS KEY
When it comes to determining how much you can afford, online calculators are helpful. But for a far more accurate assessment of your buying power, I’ll refer you to a mortgage professional who specializes in first-time home loans. That person will educate you about the different types of loans, review your finances, then pre-qualify you for a maximum loan amount. In a hot housing market, it’s very important to get pre-approved because it makes you even more attractive to sellers when competing with other buyers for a home.

START SAVING
This is the time to start cutting your spending, because any money you manage to save between now and the day a seller accepts your offer can be applied in very important ways.
For example:

• A larger home-loan down payment
• A home inspection
• Homeowners insurance
• Attorney’s fees, transfer fees and other closing costs
• Furnishings, repairs and/or home improvements

For more information about any of the above, as well as help getting started before the busy spring selling season, call me at 503-717-2154!

PLEASE JOIN ME FOR AN OPEN HOUSE!

WHERE: 5020 High Ridge Rd, Gearhart, OR

WHEN: Saturday, December 30

TIME: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Please call me for The Highland’s gate code at 503-717-2154.

Fabulous Views

Enjoy estate privacy in a gate guarded community of prestige homes. Custom built with 4 bedrooms, family room, large deck; ocean, mountain, and golf course views. Great vacation rental  history! 

Ocean, Mountain, & Golf Course Views

Surround yourself with quality in this exceptional custom built home in the gated community of Surf Pines. Wall of windows in both living room and family room to enjoy the panoramic 180 degree Pacific Ocean Views! Other features include sunroom, private hot tub, large deck, and shop all situated on 1.31 acres. Adjacent lot is for sale also.

Panoramic Ocean Views

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make  your dining room table a holiday standout. Ideas include:

MINI MENUS – Don’t keep your guests guessing about what will be served. Leave a small menu at each place setting. Those with special food requirements will especially appreciate this extra effort. 

CONVERSATION NAME CARDS – On the opposite side of a standard place-setting name card, include a customized conversation starter (e.g. “Ask me about my vacation”).

DECORATED WINE BOTTLES – Instead of leaving plain bottles of wine on the table, consider decorating them with ribbons, fabric sleeves, gift tags, and more. 

ARTFUL NAPKINS – Folding cloth napkins into fun shapes and figures is not difficult (children love the challenge), but the end result will make your guests feel very special.

Join me for an open house on
Saturday, November 11
1:00 to 3:00
 1520 Beach Drive, Seaside. 

So many possible options for this South Seaside restored beach home. The upstairs, one bedroom owners unit has vaulted ceilings, refinished original wood floors, and lots of natural light and some ocean view. The lower unit has two bedrooms; great for family or long-term rental. All just 1/2 block from the beach. A must see!

1520 Beach Drive, Seaside

Nice single level home in quiet Seaside neighborhood with fenced  yard, private patio, and single car garage. Recently updated in 2016. Close to shopping, restaurants, and downtown Seaside! Call me for more information at 503-717-2154.

CLEANING UP HOLIDAY SPILLS

As careful as your holiday guests may be, there’s a good chance one of them is going to spill some food or drink on your carpet or upholstered piece of furniture. Keep this article handy, and you will know just how to respond.

ACT QUICKLY – The longer the spill sits, the more likely it will turn into a permanent stain.

USE A CLEAN CLOTH – Paper towels don’t work nearly as well.

BLOT – If you rub, the freshly spilled ingredients may penetrate and/or spread more. But it may be okay to rub a stain that’s already dried.

HAVE STAIN TREATMENTS AT THE READY – The products most often called for in do-it-yourself stain-removal solutions include: white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, non-bleach liquid laundry detergent, OxiClean, baking soda, ammonia and nail polish remover