Style - What's yours? In Houses that is...

There are many home styles, and some of the styles are regional..as in SW Washington State, you will see a number of Bungalows, Prairie, National, in the South you would probably see more Colonial, Regency, Georgian with the SW having more Pueblo...what is your favorite and what do you see in your area?

Link to Housing Styles:
http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/guide-residential-styles#.UQQu7Xdr898.facebook

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.

7 Ways to Save On Energy Costs this Winter

As we move into Winter, we feel the colder weather coming our way...here are some great tips for saving some of that energy that we don't necessarily need to be using...Just a little thought and a flick of the switch could save you hundreds over the year...

Click Link:
7 Ways to Save On Energy Costs this Winter

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. 

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

Your Realtor for "The Couve"

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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

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!!!