2012 Ending Real Estate Stats...

The Stats are out for the year ending 12/31/2012.  As we look back we can see through these Statistics from our MLS that we are not as deep into the distressed market in SW Washington as we hear in the Media in general.  In the last quarter of 2012,  73.3% of our Listings and 71.2% of our Sales were Non Distressed Properties.  Our new listings were down a little as were our sales, however, we are looking at a robust First Quarter in 2013.

How to get a "Qualified Mortgage"

New regulations as of January 21 on Mortgage Qualifications.  Attached is an  article with some helpful hints on how to become "Qualified" for your new Mortgage Loan..

"Qualified Mortgages"

 

 

 

Washington State Short Sale Information

It is your home...learn what your rights are in the 

State of Washington

Click Link:

Washington State Short Sale Information

There Is No Place Like Home!!

As they say: There is no place like Home!!
72% think Home Ownership is a good idea!!

While fewer Americans than in the past agree, the overwhelming majority (72 percent) still say that buying a home is a good financial decision. Almost two–thirds (64 percent) say that now is a good time to buy a home.

There is particular concern surrounding calls for a required down payment of 20 percent on home purchases. Seven-in-ten Americans say requiring a down payment of 20 percent on the cost of a home would have a negative impact on the housing market. The survey also shows strong concern about the possible elimination of the home mortgage interest deduction. Two in every three Americans, 67 precent, oppose eliminating the home mortgage interest deduction as part of a plan to reduce the federal deficit. A majority of Americans (51 percent) strongly oppose eliminating it. Americans believe that either action would have severe consequences for the housing market.

Looking for a Porch to Sit on...

as reported in NAR's 2011 Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey

7 Tax Tips if you are not ready to file your taxes!!

Remember that we have until April 18th this year to file our tax returns, however, if you need a little more time, here are some great tips...

Seven Things about Getting More Time to File your Tax Return 

Can’t make the April 18 tax filing deadline and need more time to file your tax return? You can get an automatic six month extension of time to file from the IRS.

Here are seven important things you need to know about filing an extension:

1. File on time even if you can’t pay If your return is completed but you are unable to pay the full amount of tax due, do not request an extension. File your return on time and pay as much as you can. The IRS will send you a bill or notice for the balance due. To apply online for a payment agreement, go to the IRS website at http://www.irs.govand/ click “Apply for an Online Payment Agreement (OPA)” at the left side of the home page under Online Services. If you are unable to make payments, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to discuss your options.
2. Extra time to file An extension will give you extra time to get your paperwork to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due. You will owe interest on any amount not paid by the April 18 deadline, plus you may owe penalties.
3. Form to file Request an extension to file by submitting Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to the IRS by April 18, 2011, or make an extension-related electronic credit card payment. For more information about extension-related credit card payments, see Form 4868.
4. E-file extension You can e-file an extension request using tax preparation software with your own computer or by going to a tax preparer who has the software. The IRS will acknowledge receipt of the extension request if you file by computer.
5. Traditional Free File and Free File Fillable Forms You can use both Free File options to file an extension. Access the Free File page at http://www.irs.gov/.
6. Electronic funds withdrawal If you ask for an extension via computer, you can also choose to pay any expected balance due by authorizing an electronic funds withdrawal from a checking or savings account. You will need the appropriate bank routing and account numbers.  For information about these and other methods of payment, visit the IRS website at http://www.irs.gov/ or call 800-TAX-1040 (800-829-1040).
7. How to get forms Form 4868 is available for download from the IRS website or may be ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).You can also obtain the form at your local IRS office. Telephone requests normally take 7 - 15 days to process and ship.

Wow, we in the Portland Area, are happy to be on the list of Kiplingers Comeback cities...
http://ping.fm/5YrTv

11 Comeback Cities for 2011

Portland, Ore.

Population: 2,241,841

Unemployment rate today: 10.0%

Forecast job growth for 2011: 3.4%

The Portland area is seeing significant growth in the software industry and in clean technology -- energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and batteries and wind power. Vestas, a high-tech producer of wind power systems, recently moved its North American headquarters to Portland. Vestas brought over 400 employees with it, but will also create an additional 200 jobs. ReVolt Technology, a European firm focusing on renewable battery technology, is setting up its headquarters in Portland, bringing 150 jobs to the city.

Plus the Portland Development Commission has awarded approximately $4.4 million in loans and grants to businesses, with the aim of retaining or creating about 1,000 jobs. Portland lost more than 9% of its jobs during the recession. Look for employment growth of about 3.4% this year.

Bunker Sales are up 1000%

Bunker Sales are up 1000% this year...maybe due to the tsunami in Japan and what is happening all around the world..a great place to store supplies and yourself in a time of turmoil..Bunker Sales

2002 Housing Prices/2011 Interest Rates♥

What a love affair!  Combine 2002 home prices with the lowest interest rates ever in 2011 and you have a combination that you cannot pass on...

The National Association of Realtors reported Monday that existing home sales dropped 9.6%, and the median price, $156,100, was the lowest since February 2002.

Buyer's Market

Existing-home sales in February

View Interactive

The silver lining, say economists, is that bargain prices, coupled with low interest rates, might finally spur some buyers off the fence as the real-estate industry prepares for its busiest season. Even without the $8,000 federal tax credit that stoked sales last spring, industry watchers predict a larger number of transactions this year.

"The job market is getting better and that will make people feel more confident about their income-earning prospects," said David Berson of the PMI Group.

A third of transactions were all-cash sales, and investors accounted for 19% of February sales activity, down from 23% in January. Low prices in many markets also reflect a new reality as sellers finally give in and reduce the asking prices on their homes in hopes of a fast deal.

How are Gas Prices in your State?

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: A

February 28, 2011

Average gas prices--February 28, 2011

Gasoline prices are up by double digits in all areas around the country compared to the week before. The national gasoline average is $.68 above the price this time last year. Diesel fuel is about $.86 above this time last year.

National regular gasoline prices	Price	Change from last week
Regular gasoline/gallon	$3.38	↑ .19
Diesel fuel/gallon	$3.72	↑ .14
Regional regular gasoline prices
East Coast	$3.36	↑ .18
—New England	$3.39	↑ .16
—Central Atlantic	$3.37	↑ .16
—Lower Atlantic	$3.34	↑ .21
Midwest	$3.37	↑ .23
Gulf Coast	$3.25	↑ .22
Rocky Mountain	$3.18	↑ .11
West Coast	$3.62	↑ .14
—California	$3.72	↑ .16

Source: Energy Information Administration, 2/28/11. Figures rounded to the nearest cent.

verage gas prices--February 28, 2011

Is there new Paint in your future...

Maybe it is time to shake up the colors in your home...is a new paint brush in your future?

Hot new colors...well maybe not so HOT!!

Ways to increase your Savings Return...

Wow, 1% on savings...how is this working for you...here are some investment tips..of course I think that Real Estate is your best investment...

Ways to increase your savings return..

Is your 401k what you thought it would be?

The 401(k) generation is beginning to retire, and it isn't a pretty sight.

The retirement savings plans that many baby boomers thought would see them through old age are falling short in many cases.

The median household headed by a person aged 60 to 62 with a 401(k) account has less than one-quarter of what is needed in that account to maintain its standard of living in retirement, according to data compiled by the Federal Reserve and analyzed by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College for The Wall Street Journal. Even counting Social Security and any pensions or other savings, most 401(k) participants appear to have insufficient savings. Data from other sources also show big gaps between savings and what people need, and the financial crisis has made things worse.

This analysis uses estimates of 401(k) balances from the end of 2010 and of salaries from 2009. It assumes people need 85% of their working income after they retire in order to maintain their standard of living, a common yardstick.

Facing shortfalls, many people are postponing retirement, moving to cheaper housing, buying less-expensive food, cutting back on travel, taking bigger risks with their investments and making other sacrifices they never imagined.

First Time Homebuyers..

If you are a first-time Homebuyer we know that:

• You had a median household income of $59,900, in 2009
• You are typically 30 years old.
• 84% of you us an Agent to purchase your first home.
• 53% of you purchased a home because you desire to own your own home.
• 3/4 of you purchase a single family residence

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New Medical High School in Vancouver, Washington

If you are looking for a Real Estate Opportunity in SW Washington, this may be the time and place to look TODAY!!!...This is a very exciting project coming on line for the Vancouver/Evergreen School district and the Medical Center that it is attached to...call, text, Email, tweet, facebook me today for a list of homes that may work for you, your family or your investment opportunity.

Evergreen school district’s $23.7 million magnet Health and BioScience High School

50 Plus in "The Couve"

If you are 50 Plus and living in Vancouver, Washington this is a great resource for you.  Click on the Link for the December Catalog.

.http://www.cityofvancouver.us/seniormessenger.asp?issueID=79085

Happy Thanksgiving



A House is First a Home..

These new numbers came out of the National Association of Realtors Convention this AM.  These latest figures show that it will take over 10 years to get back to the 2005 - 2007 price, if ever.  It may be time to just move forward...it continues to be a great time to buy.  Interest rates are expected to jump into the 5% range going into the Spring market of 2011.  Mortgage Rates rising to 5.0% in 2011 and 5.9% in 2012


Economists Expect Price Increases in Upcoming Years

Macromarkets, a firm associated with Professor Robert Shiller, surveys about 100 economists about home price outlook.

The consensus forecast as of August 2010 (which can be found from Macromarkets or from news media stories such as Wall Street Journal) are for

0.78% price increase in 2011

2.43% price increase in 2012

3.20% price increase in 2013

3.69% price increase in 2014

No forecast for 2015 and beyond

Why Buy a Home?

You're a Homeowner, what now...

Homeownership provides a sense of stability and security. Instead of wondering when the landlord might decide to sell the home, you are in control of that decision. Additionally, homeownership provides immeasurable values of belonging to a social community. Also, as a homeowner, you'll have a greater influence on community affairs. Renters, being usually more transient, have less influence on policymakers.




What it comes down to is how long you plan on staying in a particular home and area and what you can afford. Owning your home weds you to a property which some people feel limits them. However, many others see a home as their life and the legacy they'll leave behind... a place where they raise children, enjoy company, experience life's ups and downs, and eventually pass on their home to loved ones.

School Days in Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver Public Schools just posted their Report for the Community...take a look at what we have to offer your little and big ones...





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Mortgage Rate Chart from 1971...

The Mortgage Rates have never been so Great!!!  attached is a chard that show the rates going back to 1971..Housing prices are down...what are we waiting for...If you went out and someone offered you 4% on your money, would this make you happy...Well the Banks are offering you their money for 4%...this is incredible...Time to Buy!!!




Mortgage Rates