NWMLS Market Snapshot December 2017
This represents activity for the entire NWMLS region.
Benefits of Home Ownership go Beyond Financial
Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. As evidence of that, 91% of Americans believe that owning a home is either essential (43%) or important (48%) to achieving that “dream.” In a market where some people may be unsure about the benefits and possibilities of buying a home, it is important that we remember this. Homeownership is … Continue reading Benefits of Home Ownership go Beyond Financial
Why Getting PreApproved is the First Step to Buying
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved … Continue reading Why Getting PreApproved is the First Step to Buying
3 Reasons the Housing Market is Not in a Bubble
With housing prices appreciating at levels that far exceed historical norms, some are fearful that the market is heading for another bubble. To alleviate that fear, we just need to look back at the reasons that caused the bubble ten years ago. Last decade, demand for housing was artificially propped up because mortgage lending … Continue reading 3 Reasons the Housing Market is Not in a Bubble
Facts about PMI
When it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase a home with a down payment below 20%, you can never have too much information about Private Mortgage Insurance … Continue reading Facts about PMI
Consumer Confidence in Housing is Soaring
The success of the housing market is strongly tied to the consumer’s confidence in the overall economy. For that reason, we believe 2017 will be a great year for real estate. Here is just a touch of the news coverage on the subject. HousingWire: “Consumers’ faith in the housing market is stronger than it’s … Continue reading Consumer Confidence in Housing is Soaring
Do You Need to Have 20% Down to Buy a Home This Spring?
Do You Need to Have 20% Down to Buy a Home This Spring? Great article today in the KCM Blog thought I’d share! A survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is required to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. There are two major misconceptions that … Continue reading Do You Need to Have 20% Down to Buy a Home This Spring?
Is it OK to Use the Bathroom When You’re Touring a House? (and 4 Other Questions You’re Afraid to Ask
Is It OK to Use the Bathroom When You’re Touring a House? (and 4 Other Questions You’re Afraid to Ask) By: Stacey Freed It’s a marathon house-hunting day. As you check out listing No. 5’s brand new windows, it suddenly hits you: “Oh man, I have to go to the bathroom.” Should you, or shouldn’t … Continue reading Is it OK to Use the Bathroom When You’re Touring a House? (and 4 Other Questions You’re Afraid to Ask
Selling the Homestead | Another Home Story
Whether you’ve been following my #homesalestories series, or if this is your first one, you’ll understand why this one was so special to me. A young couple buys a few acres early in their marriage. They build a solid single level home, … Continue reading Selling the Homestead | Another Home Story
Guy Does Good
When I turned 30, I told my husband, “I’m a grown woman, I’ve been waiting for my own horse since I was 12! I can do this if I want to….” And that’s how we came to own “Sunny” our 6 year old Quarter Horse mare in 1993. We women have a way of getting … Continue reading Guy Does Good
Every Home Sale Has a Story
Long ago, I realized I love houses. I mean…. I REALLY love houses! If I had the resources and ability to buy any house (without my husband’s consent), I think I might own over 200 homes. I love their quirks and unique characteristics. They have history and the influence of those who have lived there before, … Continue reading Every Home Sale Has a Story
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy Your First Home?
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy Your First Home? This is a question I’m asked, usually pretty early in the process, when someone is just beginning to think about buying real estate. My answer is always the same: “It depends” And this is why. There are three areas, for lack of a better phrase, where … Continue reading How Much Money Do You Need to Buy Your First Home?
July 4th Reflections
I’m a history buff. There’s a name for that, I just have no idea which “phile” category it technically falls within so I still say “buff”, although that, in today’s terminology … definitely doesn’t apply to moi. July 4th is one of my favorite holidays for the aforementioned reason. I was lucky to have spent … Continue reading July 4th Reflections
What’s Old is New Again
Ok, so this post is going to date me a bit, but it’s not like I don’t look my age so…here goes. My husband and I bought our first home in 1984. It was a small, all brick story and a half in Cincinnati. We paid $47,500 but upped it to $49,000 the reason for … Continue reading What’s Old is New Again
Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI
Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon File these six upgrades under wish fulfillment, not value investment. Life is a balancing act, and upgrading your home is no different. Some upgrades, like akitchen remodel or an additional bathroom, typically add value to your home. Others, … Continue reading Home Upgrades with the Lowest ROI
Almost 2 years ago my husband and I decided to purchase a vacation home in Chelan, WA. I don’t include him in the decision to buy because, well…when it comes to my husband he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t like change of any kind. But we both liked Chelan alot and I was “into” … Continue reading
Do You Have to Patch Nails Holes in Your Sold House before You Move?
Do I have to patch the nail holes in your sold house before you move? It’s a common question asked by home sellers as they transition from marketing their homes to taking down pictures and packing….you know, the fun part of selling…not! According to a report by the National Association of Home Builders, Buyers, on average … Continue reading Do You Have to Patch Nails Holes in Your Sold House before You Move?
HOA Rules What You Need to Know
HOAs: What You Need to Know About Rules By: Blanche Evans Lobbying for change in your homeowners association’s rules requires procedure, compromise, and perhaps joining the board. If you live in a newer suburban community or planned unit development, you — like some 63 million other Americans, according to the Community Associations Institute — are … Continue reading HOA Rules What You Need to Know
Log Homes in South King County
Longing for a Log Home? Log Homes have long appealed to a small group of Home Buyers in nearly every market. Here in South King County, where properties are more conducive to the rustic aesthetic of a Log Home; breathtaking mountain views, waterfront or private acreage, I find when someone has their heart set on … Continue reading Log Homes in South King County
What’s Ahead for NW Rental Prices?
Per a recent bulletin published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Rents in the greater Seattle area may rise by as much as 4 percent this year. Nearly 4,000 single family units rented through NWMLS in 2013, however it’s expected shrinking inventory and increased demand from marginal buyers will continue to put pressure on values. Many homeowners were forced into … Continue reading What’s Ahead for NW Rental Prices?
How do You Live?
One of the more important parts of my job is to bring super excited buyers back to earth by reminding them of their original goals while looking for a new home. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the emotion of a really gorgeous house or a screamingly hot deal, but as with anything new, … Continue reading How do You Live?
5 Points to Keep in Mind when Considering Muliple Offers on Your Home
Low inventory and attractive interest rates are fueling multiple offer scenarios for many Home Sellers today. Well priced listings attract buyers, even during the holiday season. So, assuming all offers are similar in price, how do you decide which offer to accept? I counsel clients to keep the big picture and closing process in mind … Continue reading 5 Points to Keep in Mind when Considering Muliple Offers on Your Home
The Slightest Adjustment
I took my very first “real” golf lesson last week. The instructor, Jodi, at Renton’s MapleWood Golf Course couldn’t have been nicer or more patient with me. Like any good instructor, she didn’t talk too much, only stopping me when she had suggestions and constructive criticism. That works well for me…I’m a give me the … Continue reading The Slightest Adjustment
I Did a Bad Bad Thing
In my book of real estate rules… there are rules that can be stretched, some that can be overlooked (given the right set of circumstances) and others I have kept inviolate for two decades. I’m not talking about MLS, State or Board rules & regs, I’m talking about my personal business standards. Example of a stretched rule? Taking the cutest dog … Continue reading I Did a Bad Bad Thing
Feeling 10 Feet Tall
It was a gorgeous day weather-wise here in Seattle yesterday. On the first day of Spring 2010, we had temperatures near 70 degrees and sunshine all day long. My morning consisted of reviewing an offer, presenting another offer and reaching mutual acceptance on a listing I’ve been marketing on and off for about 18 months. … Continue reading Feeling 10 Feet Tall