Julie Fugate

Dean,

If you are in Willamina, as your profile shows, then you have a bit of a hurdle. Willamina is a tough sell right now - even more so than the rest of Yamhill county. If you are updating just for yourself, then by all means, do the one thing that will make the home more comfortable for you. If resale is your primary concern, then best return is always on kitchens and bathrooms. A second bath and a new kitchen would likely give you the best return on your $$.

Julie Fugate
Principal Broker
Keller Williams Realty SW Portland
503-522-1900 - Thu Jul 3 2008, 18:47

Penelope,

You will need to have an agent (or two or three!) do a market analysis for you. Be sure to ask them if they work in the area, specialize in country property, and understand the quirks of selling a home in the country.
If you hire an agent to list it, make sure they really know what they're doing! An agent who typically sells subdivision homes isn't going to have the expertise to know the pitfalls of selling a country property and how to prevent problems. If you decided to try to sell yourself, make sure to do some target marketing. I'd be happy to explain further.

Julie Fugate
Principal Broker
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Portland
(503)522-1900 - Tue Jun 10 2008, 14:53

You know Dg, this really comes down to finances. You can keep it on the market as long as you can afford the carrying costs. If you don't want to be out of pocket, turn it over to a property manager and rent it out. As a principal broker and a property manager, I help my clients make that decision based on several factors: rentability, potential income, long term goals, costs vs. income, etc. The Orenco area is very rentable - also saleable. Weigh your options!

Julie Fugate
The Fugate Group, Inc.
Principal Broker
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Portland
(503)522-1900 - Sat Jun 7 2008, 18:54

My team and I manage properties such as yours. We specialize in single family home rentals and other small properties (less than 4-plex). Feel free to contact me.

Julie Fugate
Principal Broker
The Fugate Group, Inc.
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Portland (Lake Oswego)
(503)522-1900 - Fri Jun 6 2008, 19:19

When we list property, we look for two things - top 20% in condition and bottom 20% in price. You need to know who your direct competition is and be priced in that lower 20% area. Then, you need to make sure that condition is top notch - no "credits" for the buyer for new carpet, etc. You say the home is in top condition - has it been staged? Is your agent really getting it out there for everyone to see - major internet presence, marketing, going after other areas? We are having good success right now tapping into our Canadian offices and getting buyers there who want to invest in the US market.
Go online and try to find your home on Trulia, Google, AOL, Connect2Homes, Hotpads, etc. If you're not finding it on all those sites, your agent needs to get it out there!

Julie Fugate
Principal Broker
The Fugate Group, Inc.
Keller Williams Realty Southwest Portland
(503)522-1900 - Mon May 26 2008, 10:31