May 2020
The Real Estate Industry was announced as an essential business in March, and that has allowed market activity to continue, although reduced due to social distancing restrictions. Technology has played an important role in helping everyone come together to safely work within the restrictions.

With the Summer season approaching us we included some great tips in preparing your home, keeping the little ones busy, & home improvement projects you can do with the family.
Special message by our Team Lead Cheryl Dennis
1. Service Your Air Conditioner
Change the system's filter. Clogged and dirty filters make air conditioning systems work harder, stay on longer, and cost more to run.

2. Inspect Outdoor Plumbing
Spring is the time to check that your outdoor spigots and irrigation system made it through the winter intact.

3. Clean Gutters & Downspouts
Winter can be tough on them, and damage can lead to leaks that let water in your basement or crawl space, or cause wood rot around the gutters.

4. Tidy Your Yard
To get it ready for the kids and adults. Inspect all outdoor play equipment, bring your lawn and patio furniture out, and get your gas grill ready to go by checking burners for clogs.
With summer coming around the corner, this is a popular time for moving. Here are some points to consider when Renting vs. Buying! Are you ready for the change?
When Should you Rent?
  • When you are working on paying off any debt you may have.
  • If your job requires you to move around frequently.
  • If you still need time to make a long-term plan.

Pros of Renting:
  • Easier to get out of a lease than a mortgage. Easier to relocate.
  • Greater short-term flexibility.
  • Any maintenance and repairs are taken care of for you.
  • Opportunities to invest in other places.

Cons of Renting:
  • Rent rates will go up year after year.
  • You have no financial incentives.
  • You have less freedom to renovate.
Things to Consider When Buying:
  • Do you currently carry any debt?
  • Do you have a full emergency fund saved?
  • Do you have enough cash for a 10–20% down payment?
  • Will your house payment be 25% or less of your monthly take-home pay?
  • Do you plan to stay in the same location for more than three years?

Pros of Buying:
  • Every payment brings you closer to fully owning your house.
  • You have the freedom to renovate your house. 
  • If your home creates greater value, you can sell it for profit.

Cons of Buying:
  • You are responsible for all repairs.
  • You will have multiple expenses.
  • It’s more difficult to travel and relocate place to place.
Auburn, WA - $489,950
4 Beds
2 1/2 Baths
2,360 Sq. Feet

Pacific, WA - $579,950
4 Beds
2 1/2 Baths
2,557 Sq. Feet

Des Moines - $609,500
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,310 Sq. Feet

With the occurrence of COVID-19 it has left kids to have an extra long Summer season until the Fall school year comes around. What are some ways to keep them busy?

  • Create a daily schedule together.
  • Make a comic book.
  • Make origami animals and objects.
  • Take a hike at a nearby park or forest.
  • Go tent camping in your backyard. 
  • Put on a family play.
  • Start a home garden (indoor or outdoor). 
  • Learn a new language.
  • Make a pen pal and send letters.
  • Learn a new musical instrument.
Work on that green thumb!
Map out the layout of your garden to allow for maximum output all through the growing season.
Build an outdoor fire pit for summer.
If you have a bag of cement or pavers and wall blocks lying around, you can make a simple and inexpensive fire pit.
Useful woodworking projects.
If you have a shed or a garage filled with all types of woodworking tools, perhaps it’s time to put those to good use. Start off with an easier project like a toolbox, bench, or wall shelves.

info@mypugetsoundhomes.com

(855) 640-HOME