Jen Sarge Realty

04/01/2024

✨This stat rocked me…
According to the Federal Reserve, a homeowner's net worth is a staggering 40 times greater than that of a renter.

Let's also acknowledge:
Conditions have NOT been the friendliest for first time buyers.
But here’s some really good news →

🏠Jerome Powell has alluded to 2 or 3 interest rate cuts in 2024
🏠The average age of a first time buyer is 36

In our market, we’ve had luck finding options for buyers that are on par with rental prices.

I had a client who was curious about her buying options. We found a home on par with her rent. It checked all the boxes for this phase of her life.

Her plan is to live there for 4-6 years and then use it as a rental and move along to her next home.

A few reasons this client chose to buy:

🏠Homeownership is a form of "forced savings" that will lay the groundwork for her next move.
🏠She saw this home as a piggy bank that grows from her contributions AND appreciates over time.

DM me your current rental price and I will send over some options that match it!

03/29/2024

🤷‍♀️How do you know it's the right time? The right time to move on?

Spending many hours with sellers over the years, I’ve learned the telltale signs that it’s time for a change.

Here are a few questions to help you determine where you stand...

Has my home started to feel either too spacious or too snug? It's like a little kid outgrowing their favorite outfit – your needs might have outgrown your home.

How is my home equity? If it's standing strong, selling now could open the doors to a handsome profit, providing a solid foundation for your next purchase.

Is home maintenance starting to resemble a never-ending marathon I didn't sign up for? If the chores outweigh the joys, it might be high time to find a home that demands less of your attention.

Have I recently been through a major life event? Be it diplomas, diapers, diamonds, divorce, or death, these major life shifts often call for a change in address.

If these questions have put your mind in motion, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you decipher your next steps. 🏠

03/27/2024

"That's a write off!"

It's a phrase I commonly hear thrown around. But, not so fast... it turns out not all home improvements are treated equally from a tax perspective.

Let's break it down:

Home Office Deduction:
To claim a deduction, you must have a dedicated and exclusive workspace. Using your dining table unfortunately doesn’t qualify here.

Rental Properties:
When updating rental properties, you won’t be able to deduct the renovation costs. But, expenses like mortgage interest, property tax, operating costs, depreciation, and repairs are usually eligible deductions to take. Keep a running tally of these expenses.

Residential Medical Upgrades:
Expenses related to improving medical accessibility are deductible. This includes constructing entrance or exit ramps, widening doorways, installing railings or support bars, and making bathroom modifications.

Energy-Efficient Improvements:
Consider energy-efficient upgrades. Things like installing solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy turbines, geothermal heat pumps, fuel cells, and biomass fuel stoves qualify for various tax benefits.

Home Sellers Deduction:
If you make improvements to your home before selling it, they can increase your home's basis (purchase price + improvements), reducing capital gains and, in turn, lowering the taxes you'll owe. Keep a running spreadsheet of those improvements!

Make sure to collab with a tax pro to maximize your deductions. What did I miss? Comment below!

03/25/2024

🔒What is the “Lock in effect”??

An unwillingness on the part of homeowners to trade in their lower-rate mortgages for higher ones.

Here’s where this trend stands today:
In Q3 2023, fewer Americans had mortgages below 6% than in 2022 due to moving. And what causes people to move regardless of interest rates? Major life events, including the 5 D's: diapers, diplomas, diamonds, divorce, & death

• Between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, more homeowners chose to move, accepting higher mortgage rates.

•The lock-in effects still contributes to inventory shortages, but listings have started to rise due to slightly lower rates (under the 8% peak of 2023).

• Homeowners with historically lower mortgage rates (between 3% and 4%) are more likely to “suffer from” the lock-in effect than those with rates between 5% and 6%.

Rather than focusing on the rate, I’m telling buyers to focus on the affordability of the monthly payment.

If you want to talk about buying this spring — and what it would take to get you in a home of your own, please reach out to me. I'd love to connect!

03/22/2024

✨CONFESSION✨

I need help!

You know the saying, "It takes a village?" Turns out it's true for real estate, too. 2024 comes with ambitious goals and a steadfast commitment to serving my clients. (Now, here is where I want you to come into the picture!)

You may know someone who has been contemplating buying or selling their home. Maybe they've been avidly searching for the perfect property or have meticulously prepared their own for the market. These are the very people I need your help connecting with.

The truth is: Referrals from friends and family are often the most reliable way to find a trusted real estate agent. Your recommendation could be the link to someone's dream home or a seamless sale.

If you've got someone in mind, don't hesitate to send me a message. I’d love to be a resource to them! 💞

03/20/2024

It's time to go "Boujie on a Budget".

In all my time real-estating, I've seen some impactful upgrades that give the homes a fresh look AND are easy on the wallet.

These are a few of my favorites:

• Replace faucets and cabinet hardware. Estimated cost: $150-$400 for a kitchen faucet and $5-$25 per cabinet pull.

• Upgrade door k***s and hardware. Estimated cost: $28 per passage door and $31 per privacy lock.

• Swap builder-grade switch plates for decorative ones. Estimated cost: $5-25 per plate, depending on style.

• Refresh rugs. Check out Rugs USA or Loloi on Amazon. Both sites partner with designers, like Rifle Paper Co and Arvin Olano for elevated looks. Estimated cost: $189 for a 5x8 rug.

I'm a huge proponent of making small changed that go a looonng way.

Want more tips about small projects with big impact? Reach out - I’ll share what I’m seeing local DIYers take on these days.

03/19/2024

Here's what you need to know about the recent NAR settlement:
→ Going forward (from mid-July 2024) buyer broker compensation can’t be listed on the MLS.
→ Sellers and their agents could still make offers of buyer broker compensation via off-MLS negotiations and consults (meaning seller-paid buyer agent commissions are still an option).
→ NAR also agreed to a new rule that would require MLS participants—specifically those working with buyers—to enter into written representation agreements with their buyers.

What this means if you're a buyer:
Buyers would benefit from buyer broker agreements, increased clarity regarding the services their agent provides, and more variable commission structures.

What this means if you're a seller:
Sellers may enjoy more control over commission negotiations, potentially leading to cost savings and more personalized service agreements.

What this means if you're a real estate agent:
Agents have an opportunity to showcase their value more transparently, potentially leading to stronger client relationships and a more tailored service approach.

Have questions? Comment below or send me a message – I’m here to help!

03/13/2024

Hi, friends! Did you know that 19% of all homebuyers consider their pets' needs when choosing a neighborhood.

There's no denying it—our furry friends bring warmth and love into our homes. If you're planning to buy a home that caters to you and your pet's needs, let's connect and find that puuurfect space for you both!

05/31/2023

https://mile-high-productions-llc.aryeo.com/sites/387-jasmine-ln-n-enumclaw-wa-98022-4617130/branded

This beauty is still on the market and awaiting its new inhabitants!

Fantastic neighborhood, glorious views from several spots on and in the property of Mt. Rainier (when she's not hiding 😅); BRAND new roof that has a lifetime warranty and is transferable to new buyer, new irrigation system, master ensuite and walk-in closet to die for plus LOW HOA's. Come have a look!

MLS #2065119

📍387 Jasmine Lane North
Enumclaw, WA 98022

Call to schedule a showing!
☎️ Jen @ 425.223.9822 or Andy @ 425.223.8512

View this amazing property, images, and listing information.

05/30/2023

I LOVE THIS ANALOGY:

You are holding a cup of coffee when someone comes along and bumps into you or shakes your arm, making you spill your coffee everywhere.

Why did you spill the coffee?

"Because someone bumped into me!!!"

Wrong answer.

You spilled the coffee because there was coffee in your cup.

Had there been tea in the cup, you would have spilled tea.

Whatever is inside the cup is what will spill out.

Therefore, when life comes along and shakes you (which WILL happen), whatever is inside you will come out. It's easy to fake it, until you get rattled.

So we have to ask ourselves... “what's in my cup?"

When life gets tough, what spills over?

Joy, gratitude, peace and humility?

Anger, bitterness, victim mentality and quitting-tendencies?

Life provides the cup, YOU choose how to fill it.

Today let's work towards filling our cups with gratitude, forgiveness, joy, words of affirmation, resilience, positivity; and kindness, gentleness and love for others.

*Original Author Unknown

05/14/2023

Check out this beauty!

Thank you to Grit City Staging for the awesome stage! Mile High Productions the the incredible pictures and video. Grace Sarginson with Amazing Grace Cleaning Services for the sparkly clean! Cameron Sarginson with Sarge & Sons General Contracting for the dump runs and my amazing client for working hard to get this baby on the market.

If you want more info, text me at 425.223.9822. It won’t last long! 

View this video of this amazing property.