Stephen Burright and Harley Too

Stephen Burright and Harley Too Backed by experience, integrity, and proven results—plus my sidekick Harley Too 🐾

Award-Winning • Trusted • Results-Driven
Helping buyers and sellers make confident real estate decisions with expert guidance, strong negotiation, and personalized service.

09/07/2026

The playful pieces are each priced under $300.

# 🐾 Harley’s Home Tips #29 # That Beautiful Remodel Might Not Be LegalHey friends, Harley here. 🐶🐾You walk into a hous...
09/07/2026

# 🐾 Harley’s Home Tips #29

# That Beautiful Remodel Might Not Be Legal

Hey friends, Harley here. 🐶🐾

You walk into a house and LOVE it.

Beautiful remodeled kitchen.

Huge new deck.

Converted garage.

Extra bedroom.

Maybe even a big shop out back.

Everything looks amazing.

But Stephen has another question:

**“Were permits required, and were they actually obtained?”**

Because something looking professionally finished doesn't necessarily mean it was properly permitted.

And that's something buyers should investigate **before closing.**

# # 🔨 What Does “Permitted” Mean?

Depending on the location and type of project, certain improvements may require approval from the local building authority.

That can include work involving:

• Electrical

• Plumbing

• Structural changes

• Additions

• Decks

• Garage conversions

• Finished basements

• New bedrooms

• Shops and accessory structures

• Major remodeling

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and project, so buyers shouldn't assume.

# # 🚩 Why Should a Buyer Care?

Because after you buy the property, an old improvement can become **your problem**.

Potential issues could include:

✔ Safety concerns

✔ Code violations

✔ Problems obtaining future permits

✔ Unexpected repair expenses

✔ Insurance complications

✔ Financing or appraisal concerns

✔ Difficulty selling the property later

That gorgeous addition isn't nearly as exciting if you later discover major work needs to be corrected.

# # 📋 Don't Assume the Listing Tells the Whole Story

A listing might advertise:

**4 bedrooms.**

But do public records show four bedrooms?

The home might advertise:

**2,400 square feet.**

Does the available property information support that?

Maybe the garage was converted into living space.

Maybe an addition was built years ago.

Maybe everything was properly approved.

Maybe it wasn't.

**Ask. Verify. Understand.**

# # 🔎 Look for Clues During the Showing

Some things should make you ask additional questions:

• Garage converted into living space

• Recently finished basement

• Enclosed patio

• Large addition

• New bathroom in an unusual location

• Detached shop with power or plumbing

• Major electrical upgrades

• Walls that appear to have been moved

None of these automatically means there's a problem.

They simply may deserve more investigation.

# # 🏛️ Check Available Records

Depending on the property, you may want to investigate available:

✔ Permit history

✔ County property records

✔ Building information

✔ Septic information

✔ Approved plans

✔ Final inspections

And remember:

**No permit found doesn't automatically prove one was required or never existed.**

That's when more questions may be appropriate.

# # 🛠️ Your Home Inspector Is NOT the Permit Department

A home inspector evaluates the property's observable condition.

That doesn't necessarily mean they're verifying the complete permit history or determining whether every improvement complies with every applicable code.

Those are different questions.

Use the right resource for the right job.

# # 🐾 Harley’s Bottom Line

**Don't just ask, “Does the remodel look good?”**

Ask:

# # # “Was it done properly?”

Beautiful finishes can hide expensive problems.

A little investigation before closing can help you understand exactly what you're buying and potentially save you from a very expensive surprise later.

Thinking about buying?

Stephen will help you identify the questions worth asking and make sure you have the opportunity to perform the due diligence that's important to you.

📞 **360-261-2062**

🌐 **stephenburright.com**

Paws up,

**Harley 🐾**

🏡 **DON’T KEEP PUTTING OFF YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.**If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, there’s probably a reaso...
09/05/2026

🏡 **DON’T KEEP PUTTING OFF YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.**

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, there’s probably a reason.

Maybe you need more room.
Maybe the house is too much now.
Maybe life changed.
Maybe you’re simply ready for something different.

The truth is, waiting doesn’t always make the decision easier.

Sometimes you just need someone to sit down with you, tell you what your home is really worth, explain your options, and help you build a plan.

That’s what I do.

I’m looking for **new clients who are ready to sell, list, or simply find out what their next move could look like.**

No pressure. No games. No BS.

Just straight answers, hard work, strong representation, and someone in your corner from beginning to end.

🐾 Harley and I would love the opportunity to earn your business.

**If selling has been on your mind, message me. One conversation could be the start of your next chapter.**

🔑 Stephen Burright and Harley Too
Century 21 Northstar
**Harley Knows the Way Home.**

09/05/2026

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, no matter how many thi...

🐾 HARLEY’S HOME SELLING TIPS #12THE SMELL OF YOUR HOME CAN HELP OR HURT A SALEHey humans, Harley here.Today we're talki...
09/03/2026

🐾 HARLEY’S HOME SELLING TIPS #12
THE SMELL OF YOUR HOME CAN HELP OR HURT A SALE

Hey humans, Harley here.

Today we're talking about something I happen to be VERY qualified to discuss...

Smells. 🐾👃

When buyers walk into your home, they aren't just looking.

They're experiencing it.

And one unpleasant smell can change the entire showing.

🏡 YOU MAY NOT SMELL WHAT BUYERS SMELL

Here's the tricky part.

When you live somewhere every day, you can become used to certain odors.

Pets.

Cooking.

Smoke.

Garbage.

Musty basements.

Carpet.

Laundry.

Even strong air fresheners.

You might not notice them anymore.

A buyer walking through the door probably will.

👃 SMELL CREATES AN IMMEDIATE REACTION

Imagine opening the door to a beautiful home...

Great kitchen.

Beautiful floors.

Perfect backyard.

But something smells wrong.

Suddenly the buyer isn't thinking about the kitchen.

They're thinking:

"What's causing that smell?"

"Is there moisture somewhere?"

"Is it in the carpet?"

"How much will this cost to fix?"

Now we've created a problem that may have nothing to do with the actual condition of the house.

🐕 YES... THAT INCLUDES US PETS

I know.

This is uncomfortable.

I'm a dog telling you your dog might smell.

But homes with pets sometimes need extra attention before showings.

Wash pet bedding.

Vacuum furniture.

Clean carpets when necessary.

Empty litter boxes.

Clean pet areas.

Pick up the backyard.

And during showings, take us with you when possible.

I recommend a car ride and a pup cup.

Just saying.

🌸 DON'T TRY TO COVER ODORS WITH MORE ODORS

Here's another mistake.

If something smells bad, don't attack it with five plug-in air fresheners and three candles.

Buyers notice that too.

And sometimes they start wondering what you're trying to hide.

The goal isn't for buyers to walk in and think:

"Wow, this house smells like vanilla!"

The goal is for them to walk in and not think about the smell at all.

Clean and neutral usually wins.

🧼 FIND THE SOURCE

If there's an odor, deal with what's causing it.

That might mean:

✔ Cleaning carpets

✔ Washing curtains or fabrics

✔ Cleaning garbage disposals

✔ Changing HVAC filters

✔ Addressing pet areas

✔ Cleaning refrigerators and garbage cans

✔ Checking for moisture or mildew

✔ Bringing in fresh air

Don't just cover up the problem.

Solve it.

🏡 THE BEST SMELL?

Clean.

Fresh.

Neutral.

Let the house be what buyers remember.

Not the air freshener.

🐾 HARLEY'S FINAL THOUGHT

Buyers may forget the color of a bedroom.

They may forget which countertops you had.

But if something smelled bad?

Trust me...

They'll remember.

Before you list, have someone who doesn't live in your home walk through and give you an honest sniff test.

Because when you're selling your home...

Even the nose gets a vote.

That's dog logic.

And on this subject, I'm definitely the expert.

🐾 Harley Knows The Way Home

Stephen Burright & Harley Too
Century 21 Northstar

09/03/2026

This week’s worth-it New York City apartment listings.

09/01/2026

Keep enjoying 90's week on HGTV with this throwback episode of Hous...

# 🐾 Harley’s Home Tips #28 # Love the House? Better Check the HOA Before You Buy!Hey friends, Harley here. 🐶🐾Beautiful...
08/31/2026

# 🐾 Harley’s Home Tips #28

# Love the House? Better Check the HOA Before You Buy!

Hey friends, Harley here. 🐶🐾

Beautiful house.

Perfect kitchen.

Great backyard.

Plenty of room for my treats.

You’re ready to write the offer.

But then Stephen asks:

**“Have you looked at the HOA?”**

If the home belongs to a homeowners association, you’re not only buying the property.

You may also be agreeing to **rules, fees, restrictions, and financial obligations** that can affect how you use your new home.

Here’s what smart buyers should investigate.

# # 💰 1. Know What the HOA Actually Costs

Start with the regular HOA dues.

Ask:

• How much are they?

• How often are they paid?

• What do they cover?

• When were they last increased?

• Are increases expected?

A $400 monthly HOA payment adds **$4,800 per year** to your housing expenses.

That needs to be part of your budget before you buy.

# # ⚠️ 2. Ask About Special Assessments

This one can surprise buyers.

If an HOA needs money for a major expense and doesn’t have enough reserves, owners may face a **special assessment**.

That could involve expenses such as:

• Roof replacement

• Road repairs

• Exterior work

• Community plumbing

• Clubhouse or pool repairs

• Major landscaping projects

A beautiful community doesn’t automatically mean the association is financially healthy.

# # 📊 3. Look at the HOA’s Financial Health

Don't just look at the monthly dues.

Look deeper.

Depending on what's available, buyers may want to review:

✔ Budget information

✔ Reserve information

✔ Upcoming projects

✔ Delinquencies

✔ Pending assessments

✔ Recent financial statements

If expensive repairs are coming and the reserves are thin, that deserves attention.

# # 📚 4. READ THE RULES

Yes, actually read them.

An HOA may have restrictions involving:

• RVs

• Boats

• Motorcycles

• Commercial vehicles

• Exterior paint colors

• Fences

• Landscaping

• Pets

• Parking

• Rentals

• Home businesses

You don't want to discover AFTER closing that something important to your lifestyle isn't allowed.

# # 🏘️ 5. Planning to Rent the Property Someday?

Pay close attention.

Some associations restrict:

• Short-term rentals

• Long-term rentals

• The percentage of homes that may be rented

• Minimum lease periods

• Tenant requirements

Even if you're buying the property as your primary residence today, those restrictions could affect your options later.

# # 📝 6. Review the HOA Documents Before You Commit

Don't assume:

**“Everybody else lives there, so it must be fine.”**

Read the documents available to you.

Ask questions.

Understand the costs.

Understand the restrictions.

And pay attention to the deadlines in your purchase agreement for reviewing HOA information.

# # 🐾 Harley’s Bottom Line

**Don't fall in love with the house and forget about the HOA.**

You're buying both.

The right HOA can help maintain a community and protect shared amenities.

The wrong fit can leave you frustrated with rules you never expected or expenses you didn't budget for.

Know what you're agreeing to **before you get the keys.**

Thinking about buying?

Stephen will help you ask the right questions, understand the documents you're receiving, and make a more informed decision before you commit.

📞 **360-261-2062**

🌐 **stephenburright.com**

Paws up,

**Harley 🐾**

Stephen Burright and Harley Too

08/30/2026

The temporary support beam and old kitchen walls are removed. Old w...

08/28/2026

Follow these suggestions from pros to manage your time well and deliver stress-free, high-quality projects

Address

1234 Commerce Avenue
Longview, WA
98632

Telephone

+13602612062

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