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To Stage or Not to Stage, That is the Question.

Most People assume that staging a home prior to marketing it is always better and creates an inviting setting for prospective buyers. Remember, however, to consider if the home is a long term resale or a fixer/flipper type home. In the case of appealing to investors it may be best to leave it as clean… Read More »

Average Sales Prices

Average Sales Prices (all types, all areas) in the Willamette Valley have increased for the first time since 2007. (Source WVMLS) It will be interesting to see how the year finishes up with the Government shut down and fluctuations in inventory. It is uplifting to be able to tell both buyers and sellers that positive… Read More »

What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

Comparative Market Analysis is used to help evaluate what your home is worth. How your home compares to the competition? It looks at both homes that are currently listed and also those recently sold. The purpose is to find the best and highest price that will make your home competitive on the open market. A… Read More »

A Leveling Market in Willamette Valley

Did you know that throughout the past 8 months the market has slowly been leveling out from a buyer’s market (increased inventory and empowered buyers) to a more level playingfield for both buyers and sellers? This means that there is no more reason to wait to list your home for the market to turn, and… Read More »

Live Work Play Explore

Searching for homes in Salem couldn’t be more simple, with the help of a HomeStar Brokers Real Estate Agent. As a matter of fact, we have agents in our office that have areas of expertise that span the entire Willamette Valley. If this is your first home purchase, or even your fifteenth, we can help you. Salem,… Read More »

Searching for Foreclosure Homes

There are many variables to consider when shopping for foreclosure homes, is it a bank owned home or is it a short sale. Are there any special incentives or restrictions if it is bank owned. Who is the loan servicer and how many lien holders if it is a short sale. These are questions that… Read More »

Be Ready For Your Open House

Open houses are a great way to show off your property! As the weather gets nicer, more people attend the open houses. Fresh paint and cute decor can make all the difference for a potential buyer. Not only does the buyer look at the layout of the home, they also like to get ideas on… Read More »

10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income. 2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list. 3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to… Read More »

Welcome Changes to the Salem Real Estate Market!

After several years of falling prices, the Salem real estate market is beginning to see a shift. Average residential sales prices are beginning to improve, with moderate increases in all areas. It is also important to note that the available inventory of homes for sale is lower. Because of this, homes are selling faster. All of this… Read More »

Who Pays Realtor Commissions

It’s a question a lot of people don’t know the answer too…I remember being that first time home buyer and being fearful to call the agent who had that propety listed that we were so interested in because we couldn’t afford to pay an agent. Little did I know that the Buyer pays NO Realtor… Read More »

Simple Home Staging Tips

Here are some interesting ideas to consider when getting your home ready to sell: 1. Update outdated bathrooms and kitchens. Often the key area buyers are looking at. Consider having outdated tile re-glazed. It it generally less expensive than retiling. 2. De-clutter your home! Your home will appear more spacious if you reorganize and de-clutter.… Read More »

Home Price Growth as Six-Year High

According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, data through January 2013 shows average home prices increased 7.3% for the 10-city composite, and 8.1% for the 20-city composite in the prior 12 months. Additionally, single-family home building permits and housing starts posted double-digit year-over-year increases in February 2013. With mortgage interest rates below 4% for a… Read More »