Tips to cut your operating costs

Modern appliances may make life easier, but they also consume energy and water. Here are some tips for cutting appliance operating costs--without sacrificing convenience:
Gas stoves and ranges: If you're thinking of replacing your current range or oven with a new gas model, consider choosing a unit with an electronic ignition. Pilot lights burn gas--and money--24 hours a day. Also, when gas is being burned efficiently, the flames are blue; if they're yellow, call in a professional to have the unit adjusted or repaired.
Refrigerators: If yours is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it. At the very least, replace door seals that no longer fit tightly. If you have more than one refrigerator and a separate freezer, think about replacing them with a single larger refrigerator/freezer unit.
Clothes washer: Pre-1985 models can eat up valuable kilowatts. Upgrading to a newer, front-loading model can cut water consumption by about 25%.
Water heater: The National Association of Home Builders says heating water consumes nearly 13% of the average home's monthly energy bill. If your water heater is 10 or more years old, consider replacing it with a new, high-efficiency model.
Shower heads: The cost of installing low-flow models will be repaid with reduced energy costs to heat the water as well as lower water bills.
Toilets: Unlike early low-flow versions, today's low-flow toilets really work and can cut water use in half or better.

When looking for new appliances, search for those with ENERGY STAR certification to find the most efficient models. The ENERGY STAR website (www.EnergyStar.gov) offers information on certified products in more than 40 categories, along with a wealth of resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.
Tips For The TakingFor tips on saving energy around the home, visit the website of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) at EERE.energy.gov/consumer.
For printed information, call the EERE Information Center toll-free (877) 337 3463 for a copy of these free publications:

• Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy Money at Home
  
• Energy Savers Cool Summer Tips
  
• Energy Savers Hot Winter Tips

Feel like doing some spring cleaning?

The Benson Hill PTA Rummage Sale will be held May 31st from 9am - 4pm.
Donations will be received at the school cafeteria on Friday, May 30th, 3:10p.m. - 7p.m.
Suggested items to donate include: clothes, jewelry, furniture, CDs, DVDs, books, artwork, electronics, toys, bicycles.

WOW Skeleton found at a Renton construction site

Police say there was nothing to indicate a crime.
Skeletal remains found Thursday at a construction site in the Renton Highlands likely belonged to a person who was buried more than 60 years ago on the property, Renton police reported.
Police excavated the property after an adult jawbone was found Tuesday while the developer was digging to connect utilities to new homes at 2209 Edmonds Ave. N.E. In their excavation, police found more remains, along with metal poles and brackets that likely were part of a casket, police spokeswoman Penny Bartley said.

"We believe these remains were no doubt a family member or a loved one of the property owners Typically we don't see crime victims buried in caskets."
The ornate pieces likely were crafted between 1910 and 1940, based on an examination by the state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. The casket likely was wooden and had deteriorated, Bartley said.
Up until 1943, it was legal to bury human remains on one's own property.
The original home was demolished to make way for new construction. The developer recently bought the property through a private trust, police said.

Guess you just never know what your going to find.

Can Small Changes Save You Some Cash

You don't have to spend a dime to noticeably reduce your home's utility bills. Here are some easy lifestyle choices worth adopting:

• If your dishwasher has an energy-saving feature, use it. Don't run the washer until it is completely full, then use the shortest cycle that will get the dishes clean.
  
• Set the refrigerator's temperature to 40 and the freezer to 0. Use the "efficiency" setting if it has one.
  
• Use small appliances whenever possible--toaster ovens, microwaves, pressure cookers.
  
• Turn your electric oven off several minutes before cooking is completed--heat is retained for quite a while after the oven is turned off.
  
• Cook outdoors during summer and consider eating more no-cook dishes such as salads.
  
• Turn your water heater's temperature down to 120 degrees F, even 115 degrees F (the factory setting is often 140 degrees F.). Turn it way down or off when you're away from your home on business trips or vacations.
  
• Take showers instead of baths. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  
• Use your washing machine's cold-wash setting whenever possible. Use the warm or cold setting on your dryer, or hang your clothes on a line to dry.
  
• Turn off lights when you leave a room. Use lower-wattage bulbs throughout the house or switch from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), which can cut lighting bills by 50% and last 10 times longer.
  
• Set your thermostat to 55 degrees F in winter or 80 degrees F in summer for long absences--work, vacations or business trips.
  Make sure air registers are not blocked by furniture or curtains.
  Close drapes, blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day in summer and the coldest part of the day in winter--or all day long if you're not going to be there.
  

If there is anything else that you can think of please let me know.

Waterfrount Living Concerns.

Waterfront living is among the most desirable of locations in our area. The views and vistas are fantastic, not to mention the ability to walk out one's door to drop a line to fish or untie a line to enjoy boating. However, all this joy is not without some special concerns.

River Rising
The most common fear heard from waterfront homebuyers is their concern that the river may rise and roll into their home. While it is not an impossible scenario, it is truly rare. More often than not, the water that posses the greatest risk to the waterfront home is not from the river, but rather from the water flowing overland toward the river. Always remember that the river is the place that all water flows to. How a particular home is oriented to or obstructs the flow of water moving toward the river determines how dry the house remains. And for many homes in is not just how dry it is in the home, but also under the home.

Surface Water Toward River
The majority of water that affects the home is the surface water flowing toward the river. The volume of water can be in the thousands of gallons per hour during a heavy shower. If the grade of the lot is not proper, this can mean thousands of gallons of water in or under the home. So, when looking at waterfront property, enjoy the view over the water, but be sure to look inland to be sure that your experience with water front living won't be with water in the living room!

What To Do After The Flood
But what should you do after you've experienced a flooded home? There is hope! Your home and its contents may look damaged beyond repair, but many items can be restored. There is a high probability that by acting quickly, your flooded home can be cleaned up, dried out, rebuilt, and reoccupied sooner than you think. After your home has been flooded, play it safe. Always seek professional help. And while in the midst of cleaning and repairing, consider your preparation for the future. The American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests the following steps if your home has been flooded:

Take Care Of Yourself First
Take Care of Yourself First - Protect yourself and your family from stress, fatigue, and health hazards that follow a flood.
· Give Your Home First Aid - Once it is safe to go back in, protect your home and contents from further damage.
· Get Organized - Some things are not worth repairing and some things may be too complicated or expensive for you to do by yourself. A recovery plan can take these things into account and help you make the most of your time and money.
· Dry Out Your Home - Floodwaters damage materials, leave mud, silt and unknown contaminants, and promote the growth of mildew. You need to dry your home to reduce these hazards and the damage they cause.
· Restore the Utilities - The rest of your work will be much easier if you have heat, electricity, clean water, and sewage disposal.
· Clean Up - The walls, floors, closets, shelves, contents and any other flooded parts of your home should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
· Check on Financial Assistance - Voluntary agencies, businesses, insurance, and government disaster programs can help you through recovery.
· Rebuild and Flood-proof - Take your time to rebuild correctly and make improvements that will protect your building from damage by the next flood.
· Prepare for the Next Flood - Protect yourself from the next flood with flood insurance, a flood response plan, and community flood protection programs. This step also includes sources to go to for additional assistance.

For More Information
For more information on repairing your home after a flood, please visit http://www.redcross.org/. Many people highly prize waterfront living, and find it a deeply fulfilling experience. Knowing what to look for when choosing waterfront property will make your life on the water easier and more rewarding. Choose and plan wisely - it's about knowing!

Avoid Getting Hooked By A Foreclosure-Related Scam

Yes it is sad to say but there are lots of people out there willing to victimize people in financial difficulty--especially when their troubles become part of public record. Beware of offers involving signing over your deed to someone else who promises to sell your home for you--whether they do or not, you'll still be responsible for the mortgage.

Also, investigate people who offer to buy your property so you can avoid foreclosure. They may be legitimate but, to be on the safe side, check them out by contacting your state Attorney General, the state Real Estate Commission, or the local District Attorney's consumer fraud unit.

Finally, consider carefully any "counseling agencies" that offer foreclosure-mitigation services for a fee. In many cases, they offer services you can perform yourself, such as negotiating a workout plan with your lender.

If you decide to conduct a pre-foreclosure sale, give us a call. We'll work with you to make sure your interests are protected in the transaction.

Keep in mind that if you have a loan ensured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers a toll-free number you can call to find a HUD-approved housing counseling agency: (800) 569-4287. For more information about foreclosures provided by HUD, go online to: www.HUD.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/econ/econ.cfm.

Foreclosure Fact The type of foreclosure procedure followed in a state depends on whether real property is purchased there using mortgages or deeds of trust. (Some states use both.) In general, states that use mortgages require a judicial procedure through which the lender must get court approval to initiate foreclosure. Where a deed of trust containing a "power of sale" clause is used to purchase property, the lender can initiate a foreclosure sale without going to court.

Again if you decide to conduct a pre-foreclosure sale or "Short Sale", give us a call. We'll work with you to make sure your interests are protected in the transaction.

Should I Still buy a home?

There's No Need To Panic

You don't have to look hard for news stories about changes in the nation's housing market. The media regularly reports on foreclosure rates being higher, home prices dropping in some areas and sales taking longer than they used to. It's all true, in some sense, but compared to what? A phenomenal housing boom that lasted nearly five years.You don’t have to look hard for news stories about changes in the nation’s housing market. The media regularly reports on foreclosure rates being higher, home prices dropping in some areas and sales taking longer than they used to. It’s all true, in some sense, but compared to what? A phenomenal housing boom that lasted nearly five years. The truth is, booms don’t last forever, and the adjustment to a more-normal market just doesn’t look good by comparison. Consider the following:

• National Realty News says national statistics show that homeowners who purchased in the last two years put a median 10% down payment on their homes and now have a median 13% in equity. Those who purchased five years ago placed a median down payment of 11% and currently have a median 41% equity in their homes.
  
• Today’s interest rates look terrific from an historical standpoint. While interest rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage have been hovering around 6%, according to Freddie Mac, the average interest rate 10 years ago (1998) on a 30-year fixed was 6.94%; 20 years ago, 10.34%; and 30 years ago, 9.64%.
  
• Housing markets vary considerably by location--national statistics mask what’s happening in your particular area. While some regions have been harder hit than others, not all markets are experiencing price declines. Even within markets, some areas and property types are still appreciating in value even though nearby neighborhoods may be seeing price drops.

Simply put, all real estate is local. So give me a call.

Renton Swimming Pools Now Open at Lindbergh & Hazen

Hazen Pool Spring 2008
March 10th to June 20th
1101 Hoquiam Ave. NE. Renton WA 98059
Phone: 425-204-4230
Office Hours: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
(Monday through Friday)
Online: www.renton.wednet.edu

Pool Schedule Monday through Thursday:
Lap Swim: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Competitive Stroke: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Swim Lessons: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Swim: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lap Swim: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Pool Schedule Friday:
Lap Swim: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Competitive Stroke: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
IST: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Swim: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Fees (Open Public Swims):
Youth - Ages 4 through 17 = $2.50
Adult - Ages 18 through 61 = $3.00
Seniors - Ages 62+ = $2.00
Babies - Free if Under Age 3 & Accompanied by Parent

Fees (Lap Swims)
Evening = $3.00 Seniors = $2.00
Noon = $1.50 Seniors = 1.00

=============================================================

Lindbergh Pool Spring 2008
March 10th to June 20th
16740 128th Ave SE, Renton WA 98058
Office Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
(Monday through Friday)

Pool Schedule Monday & Wednesday
Early Riser Lap Swim: 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Shallow Water X: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Lessons M/W: 9:30 - 11:30 AM
Lap Swim: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Open Swim (Shallow End Only): 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lessons M/w: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Competitive Stroke: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Lessons M/w: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Swim: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lap Swim & Shallow Water X: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Pool Schedule Tuesday & Thursday
Early Riser Lap Swim: 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Deep Water X: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Lessons T/TH: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Lap Swim: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Open Swim (Shallow End Only): 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Lessons T/TH: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Competitive Stroke: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Lessons T/TH: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Deep Water X: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Swim: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lap Swim & Adult Lessons: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Pool Schedule Friday
Deep Water X: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Lap Swim: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Open Swim (Shallow End Only): 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Competitive Stroke: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Open Swim (Shallow End): 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Swim: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Fees (Open Public Swims):
Youth - Ages 4 through 17 = $2.50
Adult - Ages 18 through 61 = $3.00
Seniors - Ages 62+ = $2.00
Babies - Free if Under Age 3 & Accompanied by Parent

Fees Water Exercise - $6.00 / Seniors $4.00

Fees (Lap Swims)
Evening = $3.00 Seniors = $2.00

Today's Market May Opens Doors For Many Buyers

During the booming nationwide housing market of the early 2000s, lots of home buyers bought what they could get in their price range--not necessarily what they hoped for. Limited selection and competitive bidding forced many people to "settle" for properties that didn't really meet their particular needs or tastes.

Today's market offers a terrific opportunity to correct those somewhat-forced decisions. It's no secret that in many markets there are significantly more homes for sale now than were available three or so years ago. That means buyers now can pick and choose among available properties to find a home that more closely matches their needs. If you are looking for your next better home, consider your options. While some homeowners will need to sell their current home in order to purchase their next one, you may not need to sell before buying. A bridge loan could help you span the gap in the event your old home doesn't sell prior to settlement, or closing, on the new one.

Another option: Rent out your old home, making it an investment property. Depending on the market, rent payments may cover most or all of your ownership costs--you might even make money--while you find a great deal on a home more suitable to your tastes and lifestyle.

Remember, even if you can't sell your home for as much as you might have a year or two ago, neither can the other sellers in your area--it's still a "level playing field." The upside today is that you have more homes to choose from, and you can still take advantage of today's low mortgage interest rates. Of course, both those great advantages are also available to current renters and first-time buyers.

Is A Condo Right For You?

Some condominiums have the look and feel of an apartment, while others can look just like townhouses, duplexes or single-family homes. The difference is the form of ownership-what you actually hold title to and your responsibilities/liabilities with regard to the condominium association.
In many areas, condominiums are competitively priced and have achieved appreciation rates comparable to-in some cases better than-single-family homes. Condos tend to be a great value for first-time home buyers and people who prefer to forego the hassles and expenses associated with outdoor maintenance of their home and its surrounding area.
If you are considering buying a condo as a home or investment property, be sure to become thoroughly familiar with the association's rules, fees and financial status. We'll be happy to help you-just give me a call!

Go Nascar

Ok, off the topic but we got to have fun also.
Looking forward to Nascar starting up again.

Can we get a house with no money down?

Well with all the trouble that the lending market is having there are still a few thing that your real estate agent can help you with to lower your cost of getting you into your home.
Some buyers reduce the cash needed at settlement by scheduling closing at the end of the month. But there are several other ways to save on closing costs that may work better in the long run.

We’re a little tight on cash. How can we shift some settlement costs to reduce out of pocket expenses?

Skip late-month settlement
Since interest on the loan is paid to the end of the month at settlement, the interest payment gets lower as you get closer to the end of the month. But another approach is to wait a few days until the beginning of the next month. That way, you'll need to pay more up front at settlement, but you'll gain a whole month's delay before the first full mortgage payment is due, because mortgage interest is paid in arrears, after the month has passed.

Reduce out-of-pocket cash
Another way to reduce the cash needed at settlement takes some advance planning. By negotiating with the seller, the buyer may be able to pay more for the home and finance it, while the seller puts an equal amount toward out-of-pocket settlement costs.

Finance closing costs
A third option is to find a lender who will finance closing costs by wrapping them into the mortgage. This method may, however, cost more over the long run, as lenders often will then charge a higher interest rate for a "no closing costs" loan.

You cant get away from paying nothing but there are things you can do to help you into your new home.

Do you have a favorite trades person or service provider?

Tell us about them and we will include them in our latest Referral Directory.

How to make your home sell quickly.

Including Advice From Your Local Real Estate Guru

Lonnie Snyder

Here are 8 hot tips to help you out.

1. Make certain that everything is spotless, clean and fresh . . . Windows are particularly important.

2. Clear out any clutter and personal items. Making certain that the kitchen counters and table tops look sparse and inviting.

3. Replace light bulbs with high wattage. Prune back plants that block light and keep drapes and any blinds open at all times.

4. Create open spaces and draw attention to the strongest selling point in every room.

5. Choose light, neutral shades of paint to brighten walls and make rooms appear larger.

6. Freshen the yard, filling in bare spots with annuals and shrubs. Add fresh bark and keep the lawn green and mowed.

7. Create a stylish entrance always keeping in mind that first impression are lasting ones.

8. Look at your home through a buyer’s eyes. Making certain it is inviting and open enough so that future residents can visually place their furniture and belongings.

Making a Move?

When you're thinking about making a move, consider:
__ how much money you want to spend.
__ what type of home you would like.
__ where you would like to live.
__ when you want to move.
__ how much you qualify for and what financing works best.

Getting pre-qualified by a lender is a good idea in the beginning stage. This will help you determine your choices of homes and neighborhoods and keep your expectations realistic. When you start your search, get pre-approved for a loan as soon as possible. This will involve a credit check and employment verification, and once this is done all that needs to be done is for the lender to appraise the home.

Why is pre-approval so important? Pre-approval strengthens your position. A seller typically chooses an offer that is pre-approved over someone whose financial picture is still in question. If you or someone you know is looking to buy or has a real estate need or question, visit me at for buying and selling tips, MLS property searches, town and community information and more, or call me at .
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Lonnie Snyder 206-406-2710

Practicing good seller's etiquette

Let's face it: When your house goes on the market, you're not only opening the door to prospective buyers, but also sometimes to unknown vendors and naïve or unqualified buyers. As with any business transaction, there is an expected protocol to how sellers, buyers and their respective agents interact. Should you find yourself in a sticky situation, alert your agent so he or she can address and remedy the problem.
The aggressive agent.
When your agent puts your house on the market, typically all promotional materials state clearly that your agent is the primary contact for buyers and buyers' agents. However, sometimes a buyer's agent will contact a seller directly to try to either win over their business or cut the seller's agent out of the deal. This is not reputable behavior and you should report it to your agent immediately if it happens to you.
The unscrupulous vendor.
Have you ever started a business or moved into a new house and suddenly found your mailbox full of junk mail? Unfortunately, this also can happen when you put your house on the market. When you sell your home, it necessitates all kinds of new purchasing decisions and less-than-ethical vendors are keenly aware of this. Though MLS organizations enforce rules on how posted information is used, some companies have found ways to cull information from various sources to produce mass mailing lists. If you find yourself regularly emptying your mailbox of junk, let your agent know. He or she can tap the appropriate sources to prompt an investigation into the matter.
The naïve buyer.
Yard signs, Internet listings and other advertisements can generate a lot of buzz for your home. Some prospective buyers - particularly first-timers - will be so buzzed to see your home that they'll simply drop by. If this happens, no matter how nice these unexpected visitors are, it's best not to humor their enthusiasm by discussing your home or giving an impromptu tour. Instead, politely let them know that your real estate agent is in charge of scheduling tours and provide them with the agent's contact information. If you attempt to handle these surprise visits on your own, you might inadvertently disclose information that could hurt you during negotiations down the road.

Rental Properties - 10 Cash Flow Tips

What if you want better cash flow from your rental properties? You can't just raise the rents arbitrarily. If tenants leave, income goes down, not up. There are other ways, though, including the ones listed below.

1. Install coin-operated washing machines. Even if you don't have the money to do this yourself, you can find a company that will do it for you, and share the income with you.

2. Rent extra parking space. When I got tired of a renter's extra car, I just started charging a weekly fee. Then I didn't mind so much.

3. Raise the rent. Okay, we did dismiss ARBITRARY rent hikes as a cash-flow solution, but check on the rates for similar units. Are you renting at below-market rates?

4. Rent storage sheds. Especially if your apartments are small, your renters may need a place to store their things. Don't let them spend their money elsewhere. Put a few sheds on the property.

5. Enforce late fees. It is perfectly fair to have a fee for late payment of rent, and guess what? Those who are chronically late usually don't even mind - they just don't look at these things the same way as others.

6. Offer improvements for rent increases. If it's worth $25 more monthly rent to a tenant, install that dishwasher. Even on a credit card you'll pay less than that per month for it.

7. Install vending machines. If your rental properties are large enough, others will do this for you for free, and give you a share of the income.

8. Rent by the room. A four-bedroom house might make more money if you include all the utilities and rent by the bedroom. This has made a lot of fortunes for investors in college towns. It does mean a lot of management, however.

9. Rent-to-own sale. Usually there's a non-refundable deposit, and higher than market rents in these deals. When renters change their minds, as they often do, you got the deposit and better cash flow. This is great when poor cash flow makes you want to sell. You either sell or get the better cash flow as you repeat the process.

10. Reduce expenses. Every dollar of expense you cut goes straight to the bottom line. List every expense of your rental properties, and look at them one at a time. How can you reduce them?

How to protect your plumbing from the cold

To avoid frozen pipes, let water trickle overnight from indoor faucets served by exposed pipes.
Keep the heat set on at least 55 degrees. If your water pipes are not insulated, install pipe sleeves.
Outdoors, disconnect garden hoses. Drain and cover faucets.
Open cupboard doors under sinks on outside walls so pipes are exposed to inside heat.
If your pipes do freeze, it is best to call a licensed plumber.
If you try to thaw the frozen pipe yourself, be sure to take the following precautions:
• Do not use an open flame. You risk setting the home on fire, and overheating one area can cause the pipe to burst.
• Place a warm towel or rag around the pipe.
• Shut off the water valve to the frozen pipe.
• Keep the faucet of the frozen pipe open so water can flow out as it melts.
• Make sure you know the location of your master shut-off valve. The frozen pipe may already be broken and, when the water is thawed, it will leak. In this case, you will need to shut off the water in your home until the leaky pipe is fixed.

Is it better to replace the carpet or offer a carpeting allowance to buyers?

Replacing the carpet to help the house sell faster is a favorite with real estate agents. And there's a good reason. Taking a shortcut by offering a carpeting allowance doesn't have the visual impression – or sales impact – of new carpet. Here are some guidelines to be sure the new carpet has the maximum effect:

Select neutral colors. The color should be neutral or a dull color tone to help the room look bigger. When carpeting several adjoining rooms, the same carpet should be used, if possible – again to make the house seem larger and more unified.

Select high quality pad. The pad under the carpet is important, and not a place to cut corners. A good pad is dense and resilient, and gives an expensive feel to almost any carpet. Pads come in a variety of materials including rubber, foam, felt, and jute.

Select fiber carefully. Choose a fiber that suits the area where the carpet will be installed. Carpets are made of a variety of man-made and natural fibers, and often are comprised of popular combinations of fibers. Nylon is durable and resilient, and suitable for high-traffic areas. Olefin is economical and stain-resistant, good for active families. Polyester is soft and elegant, and appropriate for a higher-style area. Wool is a warm natural fiber, luxurious and expensive.

Select loop to match use. The type of loop should depend on the use. A sheared loop like plush works in more formal areas; a continuous loop, such as Berber, is suitable for children's play areas.

We’re in a competitive market. What can I do to make my offer look better than another buyer’s offer?

It takes more than good luck to get the right home at the right price. One advantage you can have on your side is a conditional loan pre-approval. When you are pre-approved your offer is more attractive because the seller doesn't have to wonder if you can afford to buy. The seller will know in advance that your offer is as good as money in the bank.

Pre-approval versus pre-qualification
A pre-approval is a conditional loan approval from a lender based on your application. Pre-approval differs from pre-qualification, which is a verbal exchange with a lender about how much you can probably afford. Pre-qualification does not obligate the bank to make the loan, whereas a pre-approval is a conditional loan commitment. Final approval is made when both your finances and the property pass review.
Close the deal faster
Lining up your mortgage loan before you start house hunting could make buying your new home quicker and easier. A pre-approval can speed closing because most of the paperwork is already in place for the loan. You have already started to learn about the financing process, and any problems will have been resolved.