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EvoReal Talks

EvoReal Talks

By Jessica Side

Come explore Spokane's rockin real estate market and master homeownership. We cover topics including what to do in the area, favorite spots to visit, a hint of history and fun stories all from a local perspective. Join Matt and Jessica Side for their weekly podcast, "let's make real estate fun again."
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Home During Inspection

EvoReal TalksOct 26, 2020

00:00
29:42
100K Over Asking!

100K Over Asking!

What’s going on in Spokane? Catch a show! Our upcoming recommendations: Paul McCartney, Wicked, and Shen Yun. Matt discusses three strategies to get more money out of your home even in a seller’s market. 

1. Pricing & Preparation- it pays to be competitive in your pricing (overpricing can bite you in this market), you are still competing against your neighboring homes (even in a seller’s market) and want to stand out. Update fixtures, reduce clutter, paint where needed, and do a lot of cleaning. Promotion: make sure your Realtor® has a well-designed plan for online advertising, photo and video presentation of your home, and in-person marketing strategy such as an open house to aid with showing volume. Negotiation: make sure your agent is 100% ready and available to be active in reviewing offers and negotiating with buyer’s agents once you are listed. 

2. Downside insurance: Will the house appraise? If not, consider your offers with an additional down payment or cash offers. 

3. Active Participation in Evaluation: Actively engage the appraiser, create touchpoints with the appraiser, and include details over the offers that came in, reasons for list price, repairs that may not be factored in without a close eye, and any other requests they may have. Be a resource, personalize yourself and the house in question.

If you are considering listing your home always work with a real estate professional, we would love to help guide you call us or visit us online for more details 509-624-6873 | https://www.evoreal.net/sell.php

Mar 01, 202224:47
Racism in Zoning

Racism in Zoning

It’s Black History month and the dynamic duo reflects on the uncomfortable history of Spokane’s zoning laws. As Spokane grows higher density housing and zoning changes add to NIMBY sentiment. Will we continue to feed into the problem or be a part of the solution?

Book Recommendations:

1. The Color of Law | Richard Rothstein

2. A Raisin in the Sun | Lorraine Hansberry

Feb 24, 202220:50
Sacrificial House Hacks

Sacrificial House Hacks

Multifamily investing, what’s the deal? Did you know you can still get a low-down payment loan on a 2-4 plex? Jessica breaks down the top three reasons to purchase a multi-unit property. #3. The one roof factor, for exterior maintenance you have economies of scale by only having to maintain one roof, that goes for painting and yard work as well. #2. Monthly mortgage money! If you live in one of the units you are supplementing your living expenses. #1 Purchase power plus hack, purchasing a multi-unit building allows you to use the monthly income of a rental unit as income. Matt breaks down the costs and benefits associated with getting into the investment market and how you could supplement your living and build equity.

Feb 15, 202222:16
Perry District Charmer
Feb 01, 202229:40
Spokane's Crystal Ball
Jan 25, 202235:56
The Best Book Guest Book Vacation Rental Journey Part VIII

The Best Book Guest Book Vacation Rental Journey Part VIII

In our final short-term investment series episode: Jessica talks about creating a special guest book to give your property that extra oomph.   

Commit some time and resources into making a quality leatherbound booklet. Visit Etsy.com, search for a guest book template, there you will find great digital templates for download that integrate with Canva.com for design. In the guest book: Start with an inviting photo for your cover page, include a TOC, emergency contacts, WiFi password, house rules, instructions for appliances (and tech), resort amenities, recommendations and special local finds, best modes of transportation (walking routes as well), check out instructions, ask for a review, include your contact information.   

Matt discusses self-management. Make sure you fully understand your maintenance items and create a maintenance schedule. The Top Tech Tools: Get a Google voice number, use a calendar reservation manager (we use Guesty), automate your reminders with a system like Guesty (worth every penny), get a smart door lock that changes code, smart thermostat, motion sensor camera in supply cabinet and exterior.

Dec 20, 202129:47
Cleanliness is Godliness Vacation Rental Journey Part VII

Cleanliness is Godliness Vacation Rental Journey Part VII

We continue the discussion on the physical setup of a short-term rental with specific tips to enhance the experience. Here are a few bites out of this episode: Make cleaning supplies available for guest use (not just MGMT), consider robust and easy cleanup flooring in your unit such as luxury planked vinyl, warm things up with a nice area rug, invest in high-quality rollaway beds if you are providing them (don’t go cheap!), place cameras in storage areas and on the exterior to monitor your guest count and arrival time, invest in a smart thermostat, for shampoos consider a locking dispenser over small plastic bottles, install night lights in hallways, liven things up with nice looking faux plants, have three sets of bedding for each of your beds. Choose your art and design pieces, create design boards, collect your items and get everything together, plan and execute! Use a label maker and signs to help guide guests. Include special instructions for all appliances, WiFi code, tricky light switches, and any reminders.

Dec 13, 202129:43
Defined Experience Vacation Rental Journey Part VI

Defined Experience Vacation Rental Journey Part VI

Jessica talks physical setup of a short-term rental including how you can optimize for better reviews and repeat stays. Become the area expert (parking, walking routes, things to do), create maps, and provide materials that will help your guests form a unique experience. Make things easy for your guests by enhancing your access to power outlets (USB hubs or smart lamps), internet access, TV, and technology. Consider labeling instructions on devices themselves as well as your provided guest books. Get feedback and find out what is most important for your guests and tailor your amenities to meet their needs. Join a Facebook group or community that you can bounce ideas off. 

 Next week we will talk about how to create a really detailed welcome book.

Dec 06, 202129:45
 Setup & Design Vacation Rental Journey Part V

Setup & Design Vacation Rental Journey Part V

Research the community calendars for your draw area, many will have a visit XYZ area website, for instance ‘visitspokane.com’ as an example, set your rates and know your market. Policies: Set your rules and hold people accountable. Cancellations- Don’t be too strict you may turn people away from booking. Instant book- you can limit this down, we chose those that have reviews, ID, phone, and email. Rules: Think of the likely potential damages that could be done and be specific for instance; wet clothes on leather furniture, no pets, hot items on the table, etc…

Roll out the red carpet, Jessica starts the chat about the design and setup of your short-term rental. Determine your ownership style and start there. Ask yourself: What type of property do you have? How many people will stay there? Where will they eat? Where will they watch TV as a group? Measure your rooms so you can make sure to get appropriately sized furniture, be mindful of configuration and open space. Will the item need to be moved? Consider a lighter piece of furniture if so. Cube stools are perfect for adding modular seating and functionality. Will people cook at your place? Think of appliances that can be used in a dual scenario (Instapot instead of a rice cooker). Where will they sleep? Add quick capacity with a rollaway bed or a sofa bed (include instructions).

Catch us next week for more great tips on design choices!

Nov 29, 202129:34
The X Factor! Vacation Rental Journey Part IV

The X Factor! Vacation Rental Journey Part IV

What is the liability of adding special and personal items to your short-term rental? Make sure your manager takes special note of items that may inadvertently get taken or damaged. Try not to be accusatory if something happens, chalk some of it to the cost of doing business, things will happen. Purchase extra items that may wear over time or break easily (dishes, towels, linens). Matt talks about the major platforms and some tips on how to optimize them. Airbnb- Lower fees than most, good protections, flexible scheduling, streamlined platform. VRBO/Find Home Away- Not as many protections, good visibility, well known, more expensive than others, different audience (Gen X or older). Consider using both and be as detailed in your setup, include all the amenities that you have, and check every box that applies! Re-visit the platforms every few weeks to make sure there are no new options or changes to optimize your listing. Get great photos, pay a photographer, it will be one of your best investments. Get some video and show off all the amenities available. Highlight showpieces of your property and focus on lifestyle, what is your ‘X factor’? Get photos of amenities, appliances, special features, details, details, details! Consider adding specifics of your unit title use keywords such as; pool, ground floor, king bed, 10 minutes to the ski resort, etc… Pricing: Know your market, price high for 1–2-night stays, discount for multiple nights stay. Drop pricing, change pricing, and experiment (track the info).

Follow us on the socials by searching the tag @EvoReal or visit us online at www.EvoReal.com


Nov 22, 202129:48
Vacation Rental Journey Part III
Nov 15, 202129:47
Vacation Rental Journey Part II
Nov 08, 202129:47
Vacation Rental Journey Part I
Nov 01, 202129:45
Theatrical Price Drops
Oct 25, 202129:46
Das Nice VRBO
Oct 04, 202129:47
Date Your City
Sep 27, 202129:47
Barndominum, Shouse & Conthouse
Sep 20, 202129:33
Is Spokane Overpriced?
Sep 13, 202129:51
Spokane Italicized
Aug 24, 202129:47
Dine and Design
Aug 16, 202129:47
Designers in a Spokane Market

Designers in a Spokane Market

Matt and Jessica talk about the market and how buyers may have an opportunity in August to catch a deal, at the very least avoid multiple offers. Jessica gives us the rundown on designer styles and how you may want to incorporate a mix to meet your lifestyle. 

Follow our pages for more fun real estate chats. @EvoReal on the socials

Aug 13, 202129:47
Designer Glam Fam
Aug 06, 202132:45
To Each Their Loan
Jun 28, 202146:48
Are We in a Bubble?
Jun 21, 202129:48
Shadle Starter Homes
Jun 14, 202129:36
Bye Bye PMI
Jun 08, 202129:27
Arboretum Gems
May 24, 202129:40
Steampunk Patio Party
May 17, 202129:45
Greenstone Rocks Part II of II
May 10, 202130:10
Greenstone Rocks Part I of II
May 03, 202128:03
Momentum '87 Y'all!
Apr 19, 202129:37
Cannon Hill Lifestyle
Apr 12, 202129:47
The Zag Maniac
Apr 02, 202129:47
Excited in My Own Town U-District Special Episode
Mar 22, 202101:02:33
Creative Realtors Win
Mar 15, 202128:14
Pho Spring
Mar 11, 202132:40
Frick'n Amazing POW!

Frick'n Amazing POW!

Jessica starts off with some black history celebrations talking about the accomplishments of Eleanor Barrow Chase, the first woman of color appointed to the board of trustees for both EWU and Whitworth college. Matt brushes on Washington House Bill 1084, a climate initiative aimed at reducing carbon footprint by moving to high-efficiency electric hot water and HVAC. Spokane Market update! Active listings increase, fast inventory is the new term, not low inventory, more homes expected to appear in March/April. Jessica covers tips on filling out form 17 (required by all sellers) and how to best protect sellers; 1. Check a box on every line, feel free to use the box “I don’t know”, 2. If there is an asterisk, you must explain, 3. Add extra paper for longer responses if needed, 4. Disclose all that you know, do not hide anything, include the good, the bad, and the ugly. Snow hits Spokane and Matt talks about his favorite XC and DH skiing areas. Nordic: Mt Spokane trails are phenomenal, Schweitzer, 4th of July Pass, and Lookout Pass also have great Nordic options. Downhill: Mt Spokane, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, and Schweitzer Mountain. Get that POW!

Skiing resources;

Downhill Slopes: https://www.visitspokane.com/things-to-do/recreation/ski-snowboard/

Mt Spokane Nordic; https://www.spokanenordic.org/

Feb 22, 202129:44
Cold Weather Intel
Feb 17, 202129:43
Trails to Flying Goat
Feb 08, 202129:40
A Lot to Offer
Feb 01, 202129:47
Plucky Pioneer Poets
Jan 25, 202128:52
Spokane is on Fire!
Jan 11, 202129:50
Christmas Hygge
Dec 21, 202029:21
West Central or Bust!
Dec 14, 202029:10
Pandemic Victory Gardens
Dec 07, 202029:44
Virtual Games & Turkeys
Nov 23, 202029:42
Investment Unicorns
Nov 16, 202029:47
The Hesitant Partner
Nov 09, 202029:47
Spookane Zone
Nov 03, 202029:28
Home During Inspection
Oct 26, 202029:42