<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><title>The Right Home For The Right Price</title><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"><meta name="description" content="Columbia Gorge Real Estate is an independently owned and operated licensed real estate company located in The Dalles, Oregon. We provide very personal and professional service to our clients"><meta name="keywords" content="Real Estate, The Dalles, Oregon, columbia gorge, Realty, Realtor, Gorge, home, house, CRB, GRI, Columbia, Oregon, Hood River, Dufur, Rufus, Mosier, Rowena, Parkdale, Odell, property, historic, Buyer's Agent, Wasco, Sherman, multiple listing service, condo, townhouse, 1031 exchange, prequalification, mortgage, loan, investment, relocation, residential, multi-million dollar, foreclosure, repo, bank repo, for sale, fixer, condominium, single family, view, duplex, ranch, one level, two story, RV parking, pool, golf course, city lights, orchard, vineyard, farm, commercial, FSBO, Broker, HUD"><META NAME="MSSmartTagsPreventParsing" CONTENT="TRUE"><META NAME="rating" CONTENT="General"><META NAME="MS.LOCALE" CONTENT="EN-US"><META NAME="robots" CONTENT="index,follow"><META NAME="URL" CONTENT="http://www.columbiagorge-realestate.com"><META NAME="revisit-after" CONTENT="14 days"><META HTTP-EQUIV="CONTENT-LANGUAGE" CONTENT="EN"><META NAME="Copyright" CONTENT="www.columbiagorge-realestate.com"><META NAME="AUTHOR" CONTENT="www.columbiagorge-realestate.com"><LINK REL="SHORTCUT ICON" HREF="http://www.columbiagorge-realestate.com/favicon.ico" /><meta name="verify-v1" content="BcBSNiHm0DW/YdDf1jEAlIQHCRwiIZTa/0fBW11Nw4c=" /><link href="default.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" /></head><body><div id="page"><div id="sidebar"><div id="logo"><h1> </h1><!-- end header --></h2></h2></div><div id="menu"><ul><li class="first"><a href="index.htm">Home</a></li><li><a href="search_prop.htm">Search Properties</a></li><li><a href="buyers_info.htm">Buyers Info</a></li><li><a href="sellers_info.htm">Sellers Info</a></li><li><a href="area_links.htm">Area Links</a></li><li><a href="mortgage_calc.htm">Mortgage Calculator</a></li><li><a href="about.htm">About Us</a></li><li><a href="contact.htm">Contact Us</a></li></ul></div><!-- end menu --></div><div id="content"><div><img src="Images/img08.jpg" alt="Panoramic Of The Dalles, OR" width="800" height="220" /></div><!-- rsidebar --><div id="rsidebar"><div id=col=two><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><br></p><p align="center"> </p><p align="center"><b>Sisters By Chance<br> Partners By Choice</b></p><p align="center">Columbia Gorge Real Estate <br />Becky Schertenleib, GRI<br />Nanette Wimmers, CRB, CRS<br />714 W 6th<br />The Dalles, OR 97058<br />Office Phone: 541.296.5500</p><p align="center"><img src="Images/crb.gif" width="55" height="40" /><img src="Images/crs.gif" width="34" height="34" /><img src="Images/eho.gif" width="35" height="39" /><img src="Images/realtor.gif" width="35" height="36" /></p><p></p></div></div><!-- end rsidebar --><div class="boxed"><h1 class="title2">Real Estate In The Dalles Area</h1><p align="center"><b><font size="5">Howto get THE home at THE price</font></b></p><p align="center"><a href="../Images/TheRightSellingPrice.pdf" target="_blank">PrintableCopy</a></p><p>Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, the process ofbuying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming venture. Feeling that,in the end, you made the right decision and got a good deal can make allthe difference.<br>As with most major decisions, the amount of work and research you undertakebefore you start shopping can have a dramatic effect on how well you doin the end.</p><p><b>#1 Do you really need that backyard tennis court?</b></p><p> Everyone can picture their ideal home. If you haven’t thoroughlyprepared yourself prior to viewing houses, chances are that you will findwhat you think is your ideal home, and will wind up paying too much forit.<br>It is essential to treat the buying process in a slightly detached manner.Those who fall in love with houses usually pay too much.</p><p>That’s why it’s recommended that you develop a list of needsand one of wants. When looking at houses, make sure that they cover allof your needs – things like adequate space, a good neighborhood,perhaps a garage – and then have fun with items on your wants list.Treating the process in a regimented manner will help you to make a rational,informed decision.</p><p><b>#2 Get pre-approved </b></p><p>Visit your lending institution prior to shopping. Be sure to get a mortgagecommitment in writing. Being pre-approved gives you a solid price range,and lets your Realtor® and potential sellers know that you are seriousand not just a browser.</p><p><b>#3 Get the right people behind you </b></p><p>Buying a home is a complicated process, with many people involved. Havingthe right people on your side can make a big difference. An experienced,dedicated, and knowledgeable Realtor® can put a team of advocates,including lenders, home inspectors and movers, on your side immediately.</p><p><b>#4 Communicate</b> </p><p>The more you share with your Realtor®, the better he or she willbe able to represent you. Letting your representative know exactly whatyou’re looking for, in terms of needs/wants, price range, and location,can eliminate unnecessary trips to unsuitable homes and that focus canhelp ensure that you wind up in the right home. </p><p><b>#5 Location, location, location</b></p><p>It’s still true. The desirability and resale value of your homedepend on location more than any other factor. People want a desirablecommunity that includes character, quality of schools, access to work,major transportation arteries, recreational facilities, etc. </p><p>On your viewing trips, take a careful look and ask the following questions:How does this home compare to others in the neighborhood? Are yards fenced?Are there many children playing in the streets? Are the front and backyards and the exteriors of the homes properly maintained? The less expensivehouses in a better area tend to appreciate faster than the most expensivehouses in a less desirable area.</p><p>Additional factors that affect the property value of a home include traffic,sounds, smells, zoning bylaws, and many others. Be objective. Be sureyou are completely satisfied with the neighborhood. If you choose a neighborhoodwith problems, you likely won’t get as much as you hoped with itcomes time to sell. </p><p><b>#6 Use your Realtor’s® knowledge </b></p><p>Your Realtor® is trained in all aspects of real estate, includingunderstanding supply and demand, economics, and the neighborhoods of thecity in which they practice. A professional Realtor® can do much ofthe work for you, by reviewing your needs, reviewing available properties,and making an informed match. A comprehensive knowledge of the availablehomes in your neighborhood is one of your Realtor’s® strongestassets. With the aid of computerized systems, a Realtor® is notifiedwithin hours when a home becomes available. </p><p><b>#7 Pay attention to red flags </b></p><p>When evaluating a home, be sure you know the difference between acceptableand unacceptable problems. Cosmetic items like peeling paint, worn carpeting,or unattractive wallpaper can be easily remedied, and can be used as negotiationitems, as there will be costs involved in updating the home. </p><p>Major problems, however, are clearly red flags. Look for items such asmajor foundation cracks, water damage, outdated electrical systems, andinadequate plumbing. These items could be too expensive to remedy to makethe home a worthwhile investment. </p><p><b>#8 Hire a home inspector</b><br>A home inspection is an inexpensive way to gain peace of mind, and guardyour pocket book. A proper inspection will cover all areas of the houseincluding foundation, electrical, heating, plumbing, floors, walls, ceilings,attic, roof, siding and trim, porches, patios, decks, garage and drainage.A professional inspector can give you an objective view of the property,with a written report, indicating the present condition and items thatwill need repair. </p><p><b>#9 Be cautious with fixer-uppers</b></p><p>Sometimes, a fixer-upper can be purchased below market value, and oncesufficient repairs are made, can be sold at a significant profit. However,not all fixer-uppers will bring in the profits you might expect. </p><p>Consumers often overestimate their level of dedication to doing extensiverenovation work, and underestimate the costs associated with such work.A wall that needs to be replaced can often lead to the discovery of faultyplumbing, electrical, or other major undertakings. Your Realtor® andhome inspector are your best allies when it comes to cost-benefit analyses.</p><p><b>#10 Consider your future needs</b></p><p>A move can be a major undertaking. Take a good look at your current lifestyleand consider the future. Will you need extra space for a home office,a child, or perhaps a child moving back home? Perhaps it may be easierand less expensive if you purchase a home that can meet these needs now,rather than moving up to a larger home a few years down the road. </p><p><b>#11 Proceed quickly</b></p><p>When you’re ready to buy, act. Good properties sell. This is especiallytrue given the current state of most real estate markets. However, whenyou work with a Realtor®, you have access to the latest technology.As part of the MLS and Agent Handshake networks, a Realtor® has accessto properties within hours of when they are listed. </p><p>Technology works to your advantage. Many Realtors® now have personalizedwebsites which allow you to sign on as a client, and receive notificationof new listings via email. You save time and effort, and you can viewonly those homes that come closest to meeting your needs. </p><p><b>#12 Clarify relationships</b></p><p>In any real estate transaction, be very clear about who is working forwhom, and what the relationship represents. </p><p><b>#13 Ask for a written CMA</b> </p><p>A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an analysis of comparable homesin a given neighborhood. It shows you the sale prices of comparable homesin the neighborhood, along with asking prices of other homes in the areacurrently on the market. A Realtor® can request this report for anyhome and neighborhood. Ask for this report in writing. With this valuabledocument, you’ll have solid, reliable information about how fairlya home is priced compared to its real market value. </p><p><b>#14 Know the seller </b></p><p>Understanding a seller’s reasons for moving could work to youradvantage during negotiations. For instance, a seller who has been transferredto another city may be more motivated to sell than someone who is stillshopping for a new home. A vacant house, or a house that has been on themarket for several months and has been reduced in price, could also providethe opportunity for lucrative negotiations. </p><p><b>#15 Keep it impersonal </b></p><p>Conversely, information could be used to your detriment. Informationabout your mortgage, size of down payment, move-in deadline, or circumstancesfor buying could be used to the seller’s benefit in negotiations.While you want your Realtor® to know these details, maintain yourpoker face and keep your cards hidden with the sellers and their agents.</p><p><b>#16 Measure twice, sign once</b> </p><p>While you definitely want to move quickly once you’ve made thedecision to purchase, you don’t want to cave in to pressure fora quick close. Someone who is trying to pressure you into buying a homeis likely doing so for a reason. Make sure the reasons for you to buya home are your reasons, not theirs.</p><p><b>#17 Exercise your negotiating skills</b> </p><p>Even if you prefer not to haggle, it’s worth it, especially whenit’s your home and one of your biggest investments. Most peopleexpect to haggle over the price. There is always room for negotiation,and your Realtor® should be a professional negotiator. </p><p><b>#18 Avoid bidding wars </b></p><p>In some cases, the seller’s Realtor® may use scare tacticsto rush the sale or increase the price. Falling for this trap could costyou money. If there is another buyer, or some other reason this pressureis being applied, whoever wins also loses because they tend to overpay.Let reason be your guide, not passion.</p><p><b>#19 Get it in writing </b></p><p>Legally, sellers must disclose all known material defects of a property.Ask for this in writing. Also be sure to consider the ramifications ofthese defects. Will they be costly down the road? Are they “serious”defects? </p><p><b>#20 Be aware of hidden costs </b></p><p>While Realtors® often tempt first-time buyers with rent/mortgagecomparisons, there is more to a home than simply the mortgage. You willbe responsible for other items including mortgage insurance, appraisalfees, legal fees, inspection fees, transfer taxes, title insurance, inspections,property tax, increased bills, etc. Your Realtor® can give you a goodidea of the costs associated with buying a home that are beyond its finalnegotiated price.</p></div></div><!-- end content --><div style="clear: both;"> </div></div><!-- end page --><div id="footer"><div align="center"><p> </p><p>An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.</p><p>Columbia Gorge Real Estate, 714 w 6th. Street, The Dalles OR 97058 </p><p>Copyright © 2008 Columbia Gorge Real Estate. All Rights Reserved.</p><p>Designed by <a href="http://www.computersinthedalles.com" target="_blank">ComputersIn Dalles</a> using <a href="http://www.freecsstemplates.org/" target="_blank">FreeCSS Templates</a>.</p></div></div></body></html>