Mental Health Awareness: Tips for Buyers & Sellers

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being. In the world of real estate, the process of buying or selling a home can be incredibly stressful, which is why it is crucial for both buyers and sellers to take care of their mental health throughout the process. Here are some stress-free tips for home buying and selling: For Buyers: 1. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that finding the perfect home may take time, and it's normal to encounter obstacles along the way. Be patient and flexible, and keep an open mind when it comes to different options. 2. Create a Budget: Determine how much you can afford and stick to it. Financial stress can significantly impact mental health, so make sure to factor in all costs, including mortgage payments, taxes, and maintenance expenses. 3. Seek Professional Help: Engage the services of a reputable real estate agent who can guide you through the buying process. They will help you navigate negotiations and paperwork, alleviating some of the stress. 4. Take Breaks: House hunting can be overwhelming. Take breaks from the search to relax and recharge. Engaging in activities that bring you joy and reduce stress can help you stay focused and positive. For Sellers: 1. Organize and Declutter: Before listing your property, take the time to declutter and organize your home. A clean and clutter-free space can help reduce stress and create a positive environment. 2. Price the Property Right: Setting the right price is crucial for a successful sale. Overpricing can lead to frustration and stress, while underpricing can result in financial strain. Consult with a real estate agent to determine the optimal price for your home. 3. Prepare for Showings: Keep your home ready for potential buyers by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness. This will help minimize stress when last-minute showings occur. 4. Practice Self-Care: Selling a home can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. These activities can help reduce stress and maintain your overall well-being. Remember, mental health should always be a priority, regardless of the circumstances. By implementing these stress-free tips, both buyers and sellers can navigate the real estate process with a clearer mind and a healthier outlook. Happy home buying and selling!

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10 Great Things About Moving

  Who Knew? 10 Great Things About Moving Is all the lifting, hauling and packing of your move squashing the thrill of a fresh start? Totally understandable. But there’s a silver lining to every cardboard box. Here are 10 reasons to look forward to moving day.1. You can lose the junk mail. When you fill out your USPS® change-of-address form, it’s easy to check the “do not forward catalogs, etc.” box.2. You might find that lost earring, shoe, cellphone, etc. Though the cellphone may be too old for today’s tech, the satisfaction of finally discovering what happened to a lost item as you’re packing things up is priceless.3. You’ll find out who your true friends are. The ones that show up to help you pack and move are keepers.4. You can pay people to do just about every aspect of moving for you. There are professional services or people on Craigslist looking for odd jobs who will do it all, from cleaning the fridge to boxing your underwear.5. As you pack, you’ll probably come across things that spark vivid memories. It’s a great time to smile, remember and be grateful.6. The promise of having one more box you don’t have to unpack later is a powerful motivator for de-cluttering. And, if you can’t let things go, you’ll at least have a better idea of how serious your hoarding issue is.7. Your new neighbors will have no idea you accidentally backed over your old neighbors’ mailbox.8. The quiver of excitement and satisfaction that comes with taping shut the very last moving box.9. Moving is a very good excuse for a cocktail party to empty all your remaining bottles and finish off those condiments in the fridge. Why risk transporting that bottle of fine bourbon?10. The housewarming party!The best thing about moving, of course, is your new home.

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Floors to finishes: top four renos for highest ROI + RE/MAX Realtors reveal righteous refurbs!

by Tara Gilligan Reimer BELLINGHAM and ANACORTES, WA—SEPTEMBER 14, 2022 Is there such a thing as renovator’s remorse, in the best sense possible? Carmen Andrew identified the phenomenon. On walk-throughs before listing properties, this RE/MAX Whatcom County broker has seen the dynamic over and over. The seller does beautiful updates: built-in window seats with storage, new cabinet facing, or laminate flooring that looks like hardwood. “Now, the sellers don’t want to leave the home they’re going to sell,” laughs Carmen. “Happens every time a client does a refresh. Naturally, clients ask, ‘Why didn’t I do this sooner?’” Carmen, co-owner of the top-producer Weitzel Home Team, recommends renovations whenever you can. Renos are always worthwhile investments, she points out. “If you’re staying, you’re feathering your nest, the place you make your life,” she says. “And if you’re looking to sell? (Call your RE/MAX broker!) And know that you’re renovating to make significantly more on your sale.” ... Here are four renovations, to create the highest returns on investment (ROI). A favorite RE/MAX broker offers expertise on each! 1 - Kitchen remodels are top choice—but kitchen tweaks work, too Taysia Seiler personally has done two kitchen renovations. “Whether or not you cook a lot, the kitchen can be the selling point of your home,” says the buyer broker for top-producer Best Bellingham Homes of RE/MAX Whatcom County. “This is the place where family shares meals, friends gather, and school homework gets done.” While a total renovation may not be possible, Taysia ticks off lower-cost options. “You can paint your cabinets, swap dated countertops for quartz or granite, or change hardware.” A refresh is always worthwhile, she assures. “My motto is ‘you cannot go wrong with a fresh coat of paint,’” smiles Taysia. ... 2 - Flooring can mean a sale or NOT Brokers know that flooring can make or break a sale. Removing worn wall-to-wall carpet, refinishing hardwoods, or installing comparable flooring can transform your dwelling. Twenty & Oak presents a comprehensive portfolio of flooring choices. Experienced agent Karen Petersen, at RE/MAX Gateway, realizes hardwood floors present the biggest wow. “My suggestion to sellers is take time to evaluate how much time you want to take, to refinish or install flooring over the top.” She just installed new, waterproof vinyl over her original, hard-to-maintain fir floors. “The installation took less than two weeks, and we didn’t have to move out. This was a project that raised the value of our home!” ... 3 - Don’t just paint your interior—create a color flow In contrast to renovating a kitchen or installing flooring, brightening your interior with fresh paint requires fewer dollars yet delivers instant polish. Experts at Homelight predict that adding a fresh coat could boost your sale price 1-3%. Most brokers suggest painting with a fresh, neutral palette. But if you possess designer discern, don’t be afraid to designate a powder room or entry to offer up smart style. RE/MAX Whatcom County broker, Amy Bowhay, did just that, transforming her owner suite into a sophisticated retreat with mainly... paint. “I chose Sherwin Williams Iron Ore. It’s the perfect shade of a dark, warm grey. The depth of color creates a cozy and relaxing space that I absolutely love!” She added a layer of patina—brass fixtures and glass lamps—that is a lovely envelope for night. Amy thoughtfully selected this one dramatic room to be the color-reverse of the rest of her home: modern, neutral, and bright, to showcase the Pacific northwest light that comes from living on the salt water. ... 4 - Landscaping creates a natural welcome Finally, let’s go to Lynden for landscaping inspiration! The town’s storybook main street displays flower baskets the size of small clouds. On the town’s parkways, crocuses, spring’s first signs, give way to tulips, daffodils, daisies, and dahlias. RE/MAX Whatcom County broker Cherie Kukhahn proudly points to the immaculately kept yards, to show how landscaping matters. “It’s about making a first impression,” says Cherie. This Lynden-based agent points out that it really doesn’t take much (inspired by the Dutch, who founded the town): “weed, mow, mulch, plant a row of annuals.” Don’t forget about creating outdoor rooms, either. Cherie adds, “Even the smallest front porch benefits from a simple rattan chair, café table, and flower basket.” ... Whether you’re nesting or selling, you can turn to a RE/MAX broker for guidance on the value of major renovations or weekend projects. Want to elevate comfort and equity? Connect with a RE/MAX broker: we’re with you every step—and paint brush-stroke—of the way! About us. Thirty years ago, a local girl (Sehome High School, Washington State University, and Western Washington University grad) launched a small start-up with a big dream. Little did RE/MAX Whatcom County founder and CEO Lori Reece know that her company, 90+ Realtors strong, would become not only the most successful brokerage but also respected nationally and across industries. Lori also owns RE/MAX Gateway, named for its breathtaking Anacortes entrance to the San Juan Islands of the Pacific Northwest. Led by branch manager Laura Bird, this full-service brokerage is known for its 40+ Realtors, who specialize in residential and commercial real estate.

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