CityofOceanShores.com Newsletter 11.2007

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
October '07 versus October '06 in Ocean Shores
29 homes sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $207,778 or $145 selling price per square foot versus 25 Homes sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $204,818 or $152 selling price per square foot.
23 Lots sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $50,217 versus 17 Lots sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $35,929.
6 Condos sold in October 2006 for an average sales price of $151,575 or $137 selling price per square foot versus 2 Condos sold in October 2007 for an average sales price of $314,000 or $291 selling price per square foot.

Conclusion: In this one-month snap shot, sales are down, values are down and Ocean Shores, like most of the rest of the country, isn't exempt from the recent housing downturn. However, if you take a leisurely drive around Ocean Shores, you'll find over 100 new homes being built, over 700 new condos are being built, hundreds of lots are being cleared and new businesses are steadily opening in the downtown core. Additionally, the City has issued over 171 single family home building permits to date for 2007. That's three more than last year at this time and this year is on track to be the second highest year of permits issued on record. Clearly Ocean Shores is still in the early phase of it's development and even though sales are down, the market here hasn't lost much momentum at all.

Statistics not compiled or published by the NWMLS. Statistics are based upon data provided by the NWML and compiled by Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties.

Seabrook Still on the Rise.
Once again, Seabrook continues to buck the slow down in housing due to strong fundamentals and is on pace to double sales in 2007 over 2006 numbers. Seabrook's incredible beach and breathtaking views are really the icing on the cake of a well designed town where the attention to detail is unlike anything in the Northwest. The limited supply of quality places like this within a short drive from Seattle is the cornerstone of Seabrook. Click "HERE" to see a Seabrook Home Listing.

Hogan's Corner Resort?
A Hogan's Corner resort that would feature a golf course, a hotel with an indoor water park and a condominium complex was given preliminary approval by the Grays Harbor County Commissioners recently. No the developers are in the process of finding a buyer for the $12.75 million dollars project just outside of Ocean Shores. The Planned Unit Development envisions in addition to the golf course, hotel, water park and condos, a residential component that could accommodate as many as 504 residences. Some 50,000 square feet of commercial space is also planned on the 542 acres available for this project.

Upcoming Events
* Winter Fanta-Sea Craft Show - Nov 23-25
Over 70 arts and crafts booths feature thousands of unique handmade items just in time for the holidays at the Convention Center.
* Festival of Trees - Dec 3
Each year, local families, businesses & organizations decorate trees at the Ocean Shores Shilo Inn. Proceeds will benefit the Ocean Shores Food bank and the North Beach Senior Center.
* North Beach Singers Christmas Cantata - Dec 7-8
The North Beach Singers present Yuletide favorites to bring in the holiday season at the Convention Center. Admission is free.
* One Beach of a Sale - Jan 12th
The Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce is planning a brand new city-wide clearance and garage sale at the Convention Center that'll last all day. Shoppers will be searching out new and quality used items from residents and local antique dealers. In addition, there will be a bus available to take shoppers all around downtown for free. To request a booth, contact the Chamber at 360.289.2451. Space is limited to 60 booths.
* Antique & Collectible Show - Feb 9-10
6th annual Antique & Collectible show offers seminars, expert evaluation and over 80 booths at the Convention Center. Huge event!

News
* Election Results
Voters in Ocean Shores recently decided to reorganize under a new form of government. The new strong mayor form of government also means that the city will eventually add two council members. The current council will likely approve a resolution calling for a special primary election in March, followed by a General Election in April electing a new full-time mayor. It appears City Manager Rich McEachin would keep his job until a new mayor is elected. At that point, the City Manager position will likely no longer exist.
* City Manager Puts His House on the Market.
I guess you could put this into the above news brief, but city manager Rich McEachin put his house on the market this past week. I guess this is a sign he won't be running for mayor next spring...

* Second Razor Clam Dig of the Season is Near.
The second razor clam dig of the fall season will open Friday on evening tides at four beaches. Evening digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks on Friday and Saturday. Twin Harbors will stay open Sunday and Monday. Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said he expects plenty of diggers to hit the beaches this weekend. "Holidays are a popular time for people to go clam digging," he said. "We do expect a larger crowd than might normally come out in November. And the weather report is looking favorable, so that will also mean more diggers." The next dig is scheduled for Friday, December 21st & Saturday, December 22nd.
* New Grocery Store Moves Forward in Ocean Shores
Sources tell me that the current ownership of the IGA has exercised their option to build a new grocery store in the downtown area bumping up against the Post Office, bordered by the liquor store and Alec's Restaurant. The new location is not fare from where the current IGA sits. The new building will more than double the total square footage from 18,000 sq ft to 40,000 sq ft which will provide many opportunities for growth and expanded areas in the meat, produce and deli departments as well as a in-store bank and the possibility of a new pharmacy. The store is currently waiting for an anticipated start date. Construction should take approximately 8 months.
* City Approves new Fire Station
The city council approved an $8 million, 25-year loan to finance the construction of a new fire station in Ocean Shores. The new building will be built on the Point Brown Avenue site next to the police station.
* Possible Shipwreck washes up in Ocean Shores
A mystery has washed up on the beaches of Ocean Shores - a possible shipwreck. Ocean Shores' Museum and Interpretive Center will take over the find, protect it, and try and find out just what ship the piece came from. The Museum's director says he'll consult with marine historians and naval architects. Historic drawings and how the piece was put together should be able to narrow down the time frame as to just how old this ship is, if it is in fact, a ship.
* Blog Crazy
I like blogs. They're easy to make. Here's a few of mine. Check them out sometime by clicking on the title below:
My Kayak Surfing Blog
My Ocean Shores Real Estate Blog
My Active Rain Blog
My Windows Spaces Blog

Did You Know
* Tourism Fact
Ocean Shores is the second most visited destination in Washington State? Boasting miles and miles of beaches, a golf course, casino, 23 miles of freshwater to explore and a marina, Ocean Shores is truly one of Washington's best getaways. Over 4 million people visit every year.

http://cityofoceanshores.com/default.htm has been updated and includes all of 2008's official events.

Check it out!

Jeff Daniel

Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 985691.

360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)

PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/
AGENT INFO: http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/jeffdaniel

BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com/
BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel
BLOG: http://cityofoceanshores.spaces.live.com/

Stormy Day at Damon Point in Ocean Shores

Damon Point is one of my favorite areas in Ocean Shores. Today is the reminent from last nights storm. Here are some pictures I took today. Notice all the driftwood (or logs) hitting the beach. Jeff

Real Estate 101: Top Tips to Improving Your Home

If you are trying to sell your home, you will want to take a few steps to improve it in order to get the best price possible. By following these simple tips, you will be able to get a great price and to sell your home as quickly as possible.

Tip 1: Getting Natural
One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the look of your home and to improve its value is to add a few flowers. Even if you are not an avid gardener, you can add a few flowers to make your home more appealing when homebuyers visit your property. Flowers are relatively inexpensive, easy to add and provide immediate results.
If you don't want to dig up your yard, you can simply place some flowers inside planter boxes. You can then place them on the porch, on the patio, in windowsills or anywhere else a little color would be a good idea. Some flowers that are quite attractive and easy to care for include:
Alyssum Marigolds Pansies Petunias Snapdragons These flowers are also pretty inexpensive and can be bought in trays. In fact, you can create an entire planter box - including the planter, soil and the flowers for less than $20. What's even better is you can take the planter boxes with you when you move, so you can dress up your new home right away!

Tip 2: Create a Grand Entrance
The entryway will be the first thing most people notice, as this is what leads them into your house. Therefore, you should give this area a bit of attention when improving your home. Your landscaping and outdoor design should make it clear where your front door is located and should help encourage visitors to move in this direction. Sometimes, simply painting the front door a different color is enough to boost its appeal. Many designers prefer to paint the front door a bright color and to place a large welcome mat in front of the door to help it stand out a little more. Creating an "outdoor foyer" of sorts can also help draw attention to the entryway. A strategically placed bench or potted plants can do wonders where this is concerned.

Tip 3: Update the Kitchen and Bathrooms
You don't have to completely gut your kitchen and bathrooms in order to get a great look. But, you should take steps to make sure they are both updated, because these rooms are the two biggest selling points to a home.
One way to quickly update a kitchen is to reface the cabinets. This is less expensive than installing completely new cabinetry and can provide great results. If your budget allows, you might install more up-to-date appliances as well. Changing the cabinetry or installing interesting lighting in a bathroom can go a long way toward improving the look of this room as well.
Making a few simple steps to improve your home can go a long way toward improving the value of your real estate. Even better, by making a few smart choices, these improvements do not have to cost you a great deal of money. Yet, they can help you dramatically increase the amount of money you receive when you do sell your home.-by Kinan Beck

Go Fly A Kite!

The American Kiteflyers Association is in town this weekend. There's over a 1,000 people down on the beach. Here are some pictures I took.

cityofoceanshores.com Update 09.2007

Real Estate Update
Hey everyone. It's a strange time in real estate out here on the beach. Some days the phone won't ring, unless it's a seller wanting to know why nothing's going on and then another day the phone won't stop and buyers are tripping over each other trying to find something. Such is real estate on the beach. Now that summer is over, however, it does feel like things are picking up and that's most likely because buyers who aren't out here on vacation are generally serious about buying something. Other than that, the entire North Beach area is still booming with new construction be it homes, condos or major developments.

* The Penthouse is underway!
Looking for some class down here at the beach? This developer from the Seattle area is putting together the finest condo project in Ocean Shores. Only drawback? He's only building a total of four units. The marketing comments are as follows: "It took a lot of bubble wrap but we found four of the Ritziest Manhattan Penthouses and shipped them out of the smog and onto the heavenly Washington Coast (the doorman was union so he stayed). Placed seaside along the Pacific Ocean, the Penthouses are like no other vacation home. Breathtaking views and luxury amenities make The Penthouses your escape from reality. Exceptional design and unprecedented attention to detail in every aspect & square inch! Live & entertain in STYLE!" Click HERE to see the listing info.

* Strong Summer Sales Lead Seabrook To $50 Million Mark!

Proud new Seabrook homeowners have discovered what many beach loving folks are quickly finding out... Seabrook is a truly unique and special place, unlike any other beach destination on the Washington coast! As summer gives way to spectacular fall colors, Seabrook is enjoying a record year of sales and growth with total sales nearing $50 million dollars! Progress continues on Seabrook's first retail establishment, Café Tashtego as well as the beautiful amphitheater which boasts stunning views of the ocean! To arrange a tour of Seabrook, send me an email and come see for yourself why Seabrook will be the most admired destination on the Washington Coast. Click HERE to see a Seabrook Home.

Upcoming Events
* Whale of a Quilt Show - October 12-14
Sea-Gals Quilters show offers vendors, handmade quilts, demonstrations and quilted items. The show is judged and prizes awarded. Free admission at the Convention Center...

* Grays Harbor Idol VII
Auditions start Friday, October 5th at 9 p.m. and again on Tuesday, October 9th at 8 p.m. at the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino (78 St. Rt. 115). Twenty contestants will be chosen to compete every Friday at 9 p.m. from October 12th through November 16th. Contestants must be 21 years old.

News
* Ocean Shores Clam Population is up! "Overall razor clam populations are down from last year, and the news is mixed," said Dan Ayres, the head state Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish biologist. "Some beaches are up and some are down. Kalaloch has had a real decrease, and we won't be offering any harvest there." Marine toxin levels on all beaches were virtually non-existent. State Fish & Wildlife is currently conducting public meetings for input on the upcoming razor clam season. As soon as the season is announced, it will be published on http://www.cityofoceanshores.com/.

* Ocean Shores is winning the Weed Battle! After only four months of treatment, the city's freshwater weed eradication program is getting rave reviews from city officials and residents. Miles of canals that were previously inaccessible are now open for boat traffic. Fishing conditions throughout the 23 miles of fresh waterways are improving, and more tourists are renting boats for afternoon cruises. The city's trademark canals fell victim to invasive weeds such as Brazilian elodea and Eurasian milfoil after years of failed maintenance programs. Last spring, the City Council authorized a $400,000 herbicidal treatment program that has killed more than 95 percent of the problem weeds, according to Public Works Director Ken Lanfear. "The result has been more than pleasing," he said. "This canal system we've got here is unique for the Pacific Northwest, and it's a resource that we want to maintain and protect."-the Daily World

* Don't Do This! A couple drove their RV "way, way out onto the beach at low tide and got stuck," according to Gary Murdoch, the chief at Fire District 8, which covers the Pacific Beach area. The couple parked their motor home Monday night to go for a walk with their dog. When the motor home didn't start up again, they went to bed only to be awoken to the home being rocked by the surf. A Coast Guard swimmer from the Astoria-based helicopter rescued the couple and their dog at around 2 a.m., Scott said. There wasn't much concern about the RV being sucked out to sea because the backend became bogged down in the surf as a result of the tidal action. The couple later had the RV towed away.

Jeff Daniel

Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties

Ocean Shores winning weed battle

After only four months of treatment, the city’s freshwater weed eradication program is getting rave reviews from city officials and residents.

Miles of canals that were previously inaccessible are now open for boat traffic. Fishing conditions throughout the 23 miles of fresh waterways are improving, and more tourists are renting boats for afternoon cruises.

The city’s trademark canals fell victim to invasive weeds such as Brazilian elodea and Eurasian milfoil after years of failed maintenance programs. Last spring, the City Council authorized a $400,000 herbicidal treatment program that has killed more than 95 percent of the problem weeds, according to Public Works Director Ken Lanfear.

“The result has been more than pleasing,” he said. “This canal system we’ve got here is unique for the Pacific Northwest, and it’s a resource that we want to maintain and protect.”

450 acres treated
Beginning in April, Northwest Aquatic Eco-Systems Inc. treated parts of the canals with diquat, a fast-acting herbicide. Duck Lake was treated with fluoridone, an herbicide that works more slowly, ensuring that all the weeds didn’t sink to the bottom, creating an oxygen-starved zone as they decay.

The treatments continued throughout the summer, and one last application is scheduled for October to take care of some expected fall growth.

With more than 450 surface acres of treated water, the Ocean Shores project is the largest freshwater treatment program in the state this year, Lanfear said.

“Now we’ll have to talk to the council about finding some money to maintain the program ... and that might be difficult,” Lanfear said. Since the canals are part of the city’s storm drain system, maintenance funds would come from the city’s storm drain utility fund, which is already strapped for cash.

With more room to roam, motorized boats have been exploring the uncharted territory of the Grand Canal’s offshoots, known as the Bell Canal and the Bass Canal.

Nancy Kimzey of the Ocean Sores Electric Boat Co. said her business is much improved.

“People are renting more boats, but they spend less time on the water because they don’t have to stop and put the engine in reverse to spin off the weeds,” she said. “It’s just so much nicer to be out on the water now. We’ve been in the Bell Canal two or three times now, and it’s in great shape.”

Without weeds to snag lines and cloud the water, fishing in the waterways has improved.

“There’s been a real improvement in fishing, especially on the waterways of the Grand Canal,” according to Bob Rhoades, president of the Ocean Shores Fresh Waterway Corp., an all-volunteer group dedicated to protecting the fresh waterways.

“This should have been done a long time ago, and we can’t hit it once and forget about it for another 10 years,” he added.

Even the state Department of Fish & Wildlife has noticed the improvement, and has pledged to plant more fish next spring.

“They’ve looked at what we did here, and the result is a commitment to at least double trout plantings,” Lanfear said. “I think we’re going to develop a first-class year-round fishery here.”

Both Lanfear and Rhoades said the city must now look for more public access to the canals and lakes.

The city restored a fishing dock at the south end of the Grand Canal, and built a new access point on Lake Minard. Lanfear said he’s looking at both sides of the Weatherwax property, which straddles Duck Lake, for more public access.

“If we can develop a trail system in the Weatherwax to give us access to the bank of Duck Lake, we could have prime spots for people to fish off the bank,” the Public Works director said.

By Jordan Kline - Daily World writer

What Green Building Means

What Green Building Means
by Kimbrough Gray

There's a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a little vague. Here's a guide to understanding a few key terms, so you can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly eco-friendly.

Insulation and Building: Many new buildings are insulated with recycled materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-stores" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically vintage.

Appliances: Look for low flow showerheads and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tank-less, water heaters.

Flooring: Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materials) and cork (also easily replenished). Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alternative, as can old-fashioned linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials: Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-based paints (which upon application smell like milk instead of harsh chemicals, and which don't have any carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is being made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are being made with recycled materials that look even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy: Solar energy doesn't just mean expensive panels that sit on your roof (though that's one kind, called active solar energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in thick-paned, glazed windows or in more photovoltaic cells that are complicated. Though solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in your energy bills.

Landscaping: Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell them through their water and energy programs) or converting your outdoor water system to "graywater" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or wash your car). Looks for trees, native to your area, and plant them so they shield your windows from too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood:While a lot of green building means being aware of what is going into your home, you might also want to check out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there shops and restaurants close to you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, our global climate and community with thank you later. (Oh, and don't forget the federal tax deductions.)

A new selling tactic: the pre-listing inspection

Owners hope to head off trouble and speed sales by hiring their own inspectors.
By Frank Nelson
Lost Angeles Times August 26, 2007

JUDY MELLO wasn't looking forward to buying a new place to live, imagining a lengthy, complicated and perhaps stressful experience. "I figured it was going to drag on for months and months," she says. "But it wasn't like that at all." In fact, it took Mello, a retired registered nurse, a total of only 3 1/2 weeks to buy a $500,000 condominium in Carpinteria, a small coastal town a few miles south of Santa Barbara. Although a number of factors smoothed the process, Mello says an inspection report commissioned in advance by the sellers played a large part in her decision to buy and helped speed the sale.

As housing sales continue to bog down -- last month Southern California sales were the slowest for any July since 1995, according to DataQuick Information Systems -- property owners are turning to new strategies. One tactic increasingly bringing buyers and sellers closer together is a property inspection obtained by the seller before the home is even listed. A seller's inspection report is not in lieu of one commissioned by the buyer, but it often accomplishes the goal of signaling openness and good faith while at the same time unearthing any unpleasant surprises. In some cases, a preemptive seller's inspection means repairs, such as leaks or faulty electrical wiring, will likely be completed in advance on the buyer's behalf; less pressing matters may be flagged and the asking price adjusted down accordingly. "To me, the report meant they were definitely interested in selling and cared about selling to somebody who was going to be satisfied," Mello says. "I felt comfortable that they were thinking of my interests."

Colleen Badagliacco, president of the California Assn. of Realtors, says not so long ago, when sellers were being bombarded with multiple offers, they didn't have to worry that much about the shape of the home. "Now, the seller has to go the extra mile," she says.

For some, the downside means making sure the house is priced right, taking disclosure to the next level -- the more they know, the more they legally have to disclose -- and offering to fix things. But on the upside, a pre-listing inspection that gives buyers a better idea of where they stand and what, if any, additional work is needed, can also help sellers fend off demands for unrealistic price reductions to cover repairs.

According to Dan Steward, president of Pillar to Post, a nationwide home inspection company, buyers typically expect a $2 to $3 price discount for every $1 worth of defects turned up by their inspector. With their own report, sellers can choose, for example, to spend a few hundred dollars fixing a plumbing problem that might otherwise mushroom into a claim for more than $1,000 off the price and, in the process, spark further potentially prickly negotiations.

"It definitely makes sense," says Chuck Miller, a 16-year veteran of the real estate business and now associate manager and sales agent with Coldwell Banker in Studio City. In his own and other real estate companies, he's seen a marked uptick in the number of pre-listing inspections, perhaps a rise of 10% to 15% in the last year, and believes the ploy is helping sales move faster and more smoothly. "Most people want to turn the key and walk in," he says. "They don't want repairs, and they certainly don't want surprises. If they know they have to do some work, they can at least prepare for that."

The National Assn. of Certified Home Inspectors, based in Boulder, Colo., also has noted a rise in the number of inspections carried out for sellers, though founder Nick Gromicko says they do not have national statistics. However, on a local level, Gromicko does have some figures: "Our Denver chapter went from doing less than 2% of their inspections for sellers last year to doing 28% for sellers in 2007."

When Jack Lucarelli and his wife, Jeannie Wilson, decided to put their Toluca Lake home on the market for $3.75 million, they followed agent Miller's suggestion and first had an inspection. The way it turned out, they need hardly have bothered. As Bob Wood, senior inspector with Sunland-based LaRocca Inspection Associates, combed through their 3,700-square-foot, two-story home, he was hard-pressed to find anything wrong. A little dry rot in one post in the backyard, two faulty sink stoppers, a loose faucet and a cracked tile in the driveway. "It cost us about $18 for repairs," Lucarelli says, adding that the clean bill of health did not surprise him.

He says that he and his wife -- both of whom work in the entertainment industry -- have done a lot to the 1936 Spanish Mediterranean-style home and always kept the place in top shape. "But we thought the inspection and termite inspection were important to alleviate any fears or anxieties about any internal, hidden problems," he says. "It's an added convenience to the purchaser." Chris Wrightsman, co-owner of LaRocca Inspection, sees these types of inspections becoming more prevalent and estimates that the number of homeowners choosing this option has risen about 5% in the last year. He says the practice is much more common in Northern California, especially in the Bay Area, and he expects the trend to continue to grow. "When homeowners know the condition of their property, they can avoid a lot of problems and price accordingly."

Lisa Endza, director of communications for the Boulder-based national home inspectors group, says the cost of inspections ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the size and age of the property. Tom Valinote of Thousand Oaks, who inspected Mello's Carpinteria condo for the sellers, runs Pillar to Post franchise offices in Camarillo and Goleta. Armed with a digital camera, laptop and a 1,600-point checklist, he typically spends two to three hours working through a house for an average cost of $425. Inspections give sellers options, he says. "They can say to the buyer: 'We found these problems. But we wanted to make sure we sold the house in the best condition possible. So, we fixed things, here are the receipts and now you don't need to deal with this.' "

That approach certainly appealed to Robert and Judy Parkinson. Longtime Los Angeles residents before moving to Oregon two years ago, they are in the process of selling a Montrose house they've owned as a rental for about five years. Robert Parkinson says it was because they had never lived in the property, which is almost 90 years old, that they opted for the pre-listing inspection. "We wanted to do the due diligence and know the condition of the house before we put it on the market," he says. "We didn't want to get into escrow and have someone do their own report and have a bunch of surprises. We mostly wanted to know that the price we're asking, $615,000, is a good, fair, solid price. We wanted to have a real clear idea of the condition of the house and do any work that needed doing. We felt that put us in a stronger position." The inspection brought to light a number of issues, he says, the main ones being some plumbing, electrical and roof caulking work.

They have now fixed most things and feel that having the inspection and spending about $7,500 on repairs were good moves. The Parkinsons' agent, Gena Pinkerton, with Richard Keilholtz Realtors in La Cañada Flintridge, says the feedback from potential buyers to the roughly 30-page pre-listing inspection report has been very positive. People assume because the house is old that it must need a lot of work, she says. "But the report shows that it doesn't. It's a huge relief for people to know that."

Sellers wanting to have their home pre-sale inspected should visit: http://www.moveincertified.com/