As the market changes, so do negotiations..

Attached is a great article about the current and near future in the Real Estate Market in many areas of the Country now...I know that we are noticing this trend in SW Washington/Vancouver, especially in the $150,000 to $200,000 range.

Interest rates are still at a historical low, so it is the time to make a purchase.  We are at the upward swing of the Pendulum...so, waiting can be a double mistake...

Agents Prepare Home Buyers to Compete

Christmas Luminaries - Lowe's Creative Ideas

What a great way to light up your Neighborhood on a cold December evening...get you neighbors together and set out luminaries for an evening, then take a walk through your neighborhood and visit with your neighbors...it is a great way to bring cheer and holiday joy to your community.

Christmas Luminaries - Lowe's Creative Ideas

Realty Times - Holiday Home Safety

As we move closer to the Holidays, here are some tips on how to have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season...Happy Holidays to Your Family from Mine!!

Realty Times - Holiday Home Safety

Home Inventory - the lowest in 3 years

In Clark County/Vancouver, Washington we are experiencing the lowest inventory in homes in the past 3 years.  If these trends continue, prices will rise due to a lack of homes.  Of course there is always the problem of the appraisal should the prices begin to rise. 

I would love to see more inventory, so we can keep a good steady Real Estate Market here and not get into the multiple offer scenario of 2004 and 2005.  We now have a 4.7 month supply of homes on the market..

3.8% Tax Update

There is a lot going on around the additional 3.8% tax on your investments.  Here is a quick link for your files...I hope that if you have any additional questions you inquire with your Tax Consultant or Accountant. 

Foreclosed Home Owners Rebound Faster With FHA Loans

Attached is a good article showing a small light at the end of a very long tunnel.  If you lost your home due to Foreclosure and it was an FHA Loan, you may have some relief earlier than anticipated.


Foreclosed Home Owners Rebound Faster With FHA Loans

Real Estate Statistics for SW Washington

I know that it can be confusing with all of the numbers and statistics that we see on the national level regarding your Real Estate.  I am posting the 3rd Quarter Statistics for Clark Co./SW Washington for your information and review.  While, yes, we do have some Short Sales , Forclosures/Bank Owned, most of our inventory and sales come from the original Buyers...

The market has been very steady here in our region and we have had a slight uptick in pricing...I do mean slight, and this is good...Interest rates have given a lot of assistance to our market, making it easier to afford a loan, not necessarilly easier to obtain a loan.

Closet organization

What to do with all of the shoes...your shoes, my shoes, our shoes, his shoes, her shoes...oh, my...so I thought that I would share this great shoe organizer...possible the answer for all shoes.

We like to leave our shoes at the door, the most common recepticle has been a basket.  They get tossed and retossed into and on eachother.  This would be a great solution to having a drawer for each of us...also toss the keys etc into the top drawer..

Your next new home!!

Of course we love our kids and want the very best for them....however, is it really necessary to provide them their own home at 2 or 3...some may think that it is...take a look at the new homes for your little ones.  Yes that is the Mansion playhouse through the Portico...

New home for your Preschooler

 

 

Appraisals...how have the affected your Purchase/Sale

As we move into the new market with Real Estate, we are finding the prices are inching up a little.  While this is great for the Seller and the Real Estate Market as a whole, it does bring it's own set of problems.
                               

The real estate market is recovering with prices in most regions of the country showing assorted levels of appreciation. In a market where prices are escalating, the appraiser may find it difficult to find appropriate ‘comps’ for your listing. That can cause challenges during your real estate transactions as appraised values may not reflect market conditions such as rising prices, multiple bids, and low inventory.

In a recent survey conducted  by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), it was revealed that:

• 11% of Realtors said a contract was cancelled because an appraised value came in below the price negotiated between the buyer and seller
• 9% reported a contract was delayed
• 15% said a contract was renegotiated to a lower sales price as a result of a low valuation

Ask your Brokers to run a Market Analysis for you on the Home that you are making an offer on to ascertain the probability of this resulting in your experience.  You may loose your original offer, however, you may be in an great position for your backup offer..

I recently prepaired a back up offer for a Client in just this situation and within a couple of weeks they were in first position, as the original offer could not make it happen...So, don't be afraid to be in 2nd position. 

Looking for a new Horse Property

http://www.zingding.com/869457418

If you are looking for a great Horse Property, in SW Washington State, here is a property that may work; if you need a 15,000 sq ft arena, hay barn, circle corral, water, heat, 18 stall barn and much more..



 

Home Autumn Check List

As we head into Fall and Winter here are some great home maintenance tips for your home...this should assist in keeping your home in tip-top shape...

What will the 38% do?

This is a great little blog piece from the Wall Street Journal...take a look and exercise your right to vote...

I find everyday at my Open Houses that the 38% are more likely than not to be looking to move closer to their Grandkids...and would probably move more than once..

What will the 38% do?

 

 

 

National Mortgage Settlement - Washington State

Attached is a video from the State of Washington regarding how you can benefit from the National Mortgage Settlement - Washington State received $600 Million in this settlement and your bank that carries you loan may be able to assit you.

National Mortgage Settlement Update- Washington State

Always use your Realtor

For the very best and latest updates on your Property, always use your Realtor...Your Realtor knows your Community and can get your the latest in information. Read this article from Inman News, if you have any questions regarding the best source for your Real Estate Updates...

http://t.co/6Z3kOn8G

Your Realtor for "The Couve"

 

Your Realtor from First Nest to Empty Nest in SW Washington...

 

 

 

 

 

Get the Facts regarding the 3.8% Real Estate Tax...

Let's get to the truth about the 3.8% tax on real estate...How if will affect you and who it will affect...

Facts Regarding the 3.8% Real Estate Tax!!

Are you still THINKING of Buying or Selling??

What will it take to make you cross the threshold into that new home...sell you existing home and move on or purchase that investment property. 

Home prices are beginning to inch up, inventory in our market is down.  We currently have a 5 month supply of homes, and the Portland, Oregon market is down to 3.9 months. 

Interest Rates are: 
 30 Yr Fixed 3.5%,
 FHA & VA 3.25%
 and USDA down to 3.25%

It is officially Summer in "The Couve"

Summer is officially here, this means that we are expecting some great sunshine and an evening or two at the park.  This is out for the fun for this week.  So if you are coming to The Couve for the weekend or week, make plans to have some fun!!

Weekend in The Couve

Why are you waiting for your new home?

Time is of the essence for the purchase of your new home...Inventories are low, we are experiencing multiple offers and this is and will drive up the prices.  So, while rates are down and the price is great for a purchase, it may be time to contact your favorite Realtor and get moving with this decision.

 Sellers, it is a great time to get on the market and be involved in this very active time for Buyers!!  I know that it can be very frustrating getting to the right price and have all things being equal...don't wait to sell thinking that prices are going up, as the interest rates may, and probably will, change and drive away the ready, willing and able Buyers.

Interest Rates and Inventory

The time has passed for waiting, we are on the edge of prices rising in SW Washinton/Vancouver and the greater Portland Area.

Interest Rates and Low Inventory show that this is the time to purchase before we are out of inventory and the market begins to push up the price on homes.

We have already begun to see multiple offers becoming more the norm as we are getting very low on available homes in our community and those of our surrounding communities.

Nationwide Open House Weekend, April 28th - 29th

It's Nationwide Open House Weekend this Weekend...

April 28 - 29th..

Find a House, Call, Text or EMail  and I can assist you with your move...

50+ in Vancouver, Wa this weekend...

Vancouver, Wa is offering a great day for those 50+ this weekend...music, food, prizes, 120+ exhibits...see what the community has to offer at this great Expo...

If you are hitting the road this weekend looking for great bargains ...

If you are hitting the road this weekend looking for great bargains this may be a useful tool to discover first...


Book Review: I Brake for Yard Sales

Time line for a New Loan after Forclosure, Short Sale or Bankruptcy..

Check with your Lender, however, this is a good rule of thumb for a new loan if you have suffered with a Forclosure, Bankruptcy or Short Sale.  Keeping in mind that every situation is not weighted the same, and you must show that you have been keeping up with your bills and other debt payments, if any.

March Payroll Jobs Data

March Payroll Jobs Data

Carbon Monoxide Rules in the State of Washington

In the State of Washington we are having a major change in our Law as it relates to the sale of residential and commercial property.  We are as of the lst of April required to have installed in all homes Carbon Monoxide Detectors...attached is a copy of the Video from the Washington Association of Realtors..

Carbon Monoxide

Keeping you informed as you Buy or Sell Homes in the State of Washington.

FHA Guidelines are changing a bit..

Attached is a brochure that explains just how the new FHA guidelines could affect your Monthly Payment on the  purchase of a new home after April 9, 2012.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me and I will work on getting you to the right person for  an updated answer.

Have a great day in the Pacific Northwest!!

April Newletter

Can you believe that we are already heading into April, 2012...I am looking forward to the April Showers that are promising Spring Flowers..It has been a very wet Winter in the Pacific Northwest and we are all looking forward to a few dry days to play in the dirt.  We love our yards and the opportunity to get out and dig around, plant a few flowers and mow a little grass.

Please enjoy my April Newsletter...and have a great day!!

April Newsletter

Tree House

Looking for a new house...here are a few suggestions for your entertainment...

Tree House   Click to View

Spring Forward

Spring Forward   Link

March 11, 2012

What Warren Buffett thinks about buying a home!!

When Warren Buffett speaks many in the investment world listen...for your entertainment here is a little video to watch regarding the Real Estate Market today...Whether you are an investor or someone looking for a nest for your family, this is a good time to purchase real estate.

Link:    Warren says,...Think Big...  The time is NOW!!!

Vancouver, Washington is Alive and Well

I love it when I get to see great articles like this about the City in which I Live, Play and Work. 

We are having a great year as you will see and we are very optimistic about the future of our great City on the banks of the Columbia River.  We have sat on these banks for many years, we have seen the likes of Lewis and Clark, John McLoughlin, fur traders, our ports opening up to trade, ie the largest port for Subaru on the West Coast.  We house HP, UL, Sharp, Peace Health, Legacy Emannuel Hospital, for starters.

We are close to hiking, skiing, boating, fishing, Portland, Seattle, Oregon and Washington Coast, and of course some of the most scenic vistas in, I think, the World.

Here is a link to more:  Vancouver, Washington

Sellers, are you thinking of changing your nest?



Moving Your Nest!!

                  

      Thoughts for Sellers Review:

 Forecasters say the volume of unsold homes will probably push prices down in 2012. That means, sellers have to be particularly careful when trying to sell in what remains a highly competitive market.
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when it comes time to sell:
Go the extra mile in making your home look its best
Make sure your home looks pristine when it comes time to sell. No matter how big or beautiful or property is, if it’s not well maintained inside and out, a homeowner may assume there are other problems with the house.
That means making sure the lawn is well-groomed, the pool is cleaned, and the inside of the house is thoroughly cleaned. Get rid of clutter. It doesn’t hurt, too, to light a candle or to fire up a fresh pot of coffee. A home that smells good gives prospective buyers a sense that they’re already home.
And don’t forget about the garage. Too often, sellers will store their extra junk in the garage to hide it from the rest of the house. The problem, though, is that you’re making your garage look smaller – and more cluttered.   
Time for an open house – now get lost!
When holding an open house, leave the selling to your Realtor. In other words, don’t stick around. Prospective buyers need to picture themselves living in your home. That’s hard to do if you’re hovering around them. Realtors caution against holding too many open houses, too, because it loses its allure when you hold too many. After the initial open house – when your house first comes on the market – you should strongly consider holding another one if/when you significantly lower your asking price.
Be flexible for showings
It may be an inconvenience, but sellers should make their homes available for showings as often as possible. Would you turn down a sale at work, just because a customer came in 5 minutes before closing time? Of course not. The same goes for selling your home. Whether it’s a night or midweek afternoon showing, you never know when the next owner is going to walk through your door.
Consider every offer
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when it comes time to sell: not considering every offer. No matter what the offer is, make a counter-offer. And try to avoid language such as “firm,” as in, “the price is firm.” This may convey that you’re not willing to negotiate. Finally, don’t assume the first offer will be the first of many. Sometimes, the first offer you get will be the best one, too.
About The Author: Kevin Hughes is a Boise Idaho real estate agent servicing buyers and sellers in Idaho. If you’re looking for a great home in Idaho, you can visit Kevin’s website where you can search great cities like Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Eagle.

Interest Rate History - 30 Years

We have not seen interest this good in the history of keep records.  If you look back in history you will see this great decline in interest rates.  Along with the decline in the price of housing, January 2012 over 2011 Stats for SW Washington...You are waiting, why?

Call your Realtor today, or is you are in SW Washington please feel free to call on me or visit my web site.  www.kathyamorin.com

Happy Valentines Day from my House to Yours♥♥

 Happy Valentines click to view

Washington homeowners to receive $648 million in benefits

Washington State to receiver $648 Million in funds to assist homeowners with their mortgages, Short Sales, underwater Loans..

If you are in one of these categories you may be eligible for some money, or if you have already lost your home you may be eligible for a one time payment.

Here is a link to the rules for the State of Washington for our Attorney General, Rob McKenna.

Washington State Homeowners Relief Fund..

Portland Classical Chinese Gardens

I attended a class today on Feng Shui at the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens...what a great way to spend the afternoon on a sunny January afternoon..If you have not visited the gardens, please that the time to stop in and visit, you will not be disappointed.

Happy Chinese New Year

Year of the Dragon

Get your QR Reader out...

This is too fun...I developed this to send out in a card...Welcome to the fun of Vancouver, Washington...

Vancouver, WA Food Coop

Vancouver Food Coop...what a great newsletter and full of fun and interesting ideas...share with your family and friends...visit, and sign up...

Vancouver Food Coop

Climbing Gym in Vancouver, Washington

Wow, great gym in Vancouver...folks that live in the PNW, love the out of doors...climbing is a very popular activity in our community...now you can learn in a safe environment...

Christmas at Fort Vancouver, Washington

Taking a moment to share with you some of what makes Vancouver, Washington such a historical and fun place to be and to visit...

If you are thinking about moving to our great City, please don't hesitate to give me a call, EMail or Text and I will be happy to give you an update on all the homes that are currently available.

Winter in the Pacific NW

Welcome to the Pacific NW..we are so blessed with this spectacular scenery...Mt. Hood and the Columbia River, on a beautiful Winters Day..

Driving to an Appt. this morning with my Co-Broker this is the view that we saw.  We are so blessed that we have the beautiful backdrop for our day.  William Amorin, Broker, Realty Pro and I were driving out to a clients property today to meet up with inspectors and we were blessed with spectacular views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River.  What a wonderful way to begin the New Year and Winter Season but with this majestic scene.

If you are looking to make a move in the near future, please feel free to call on us.  We would the opportunity to speak with you regarding your move from First Nest to Empty Nest..