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

FHA 203K Loan

 

It may not work in all situations, however it may be just the loan that you need to get you that dream home. In today's market of prices on the rise, you can still get a good buy, and having the opportunity to turn this home into your dream home can help you in your decision.

 

 

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"

 

 

 

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

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

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. 

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

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.