September 2015

Is Qualifying for a Mortgage in the Seattle Area Getting Easier?

There has been a lot of talk about how difficult it is to get a home mortgage in today’s lending environment. However, three recent reports have revealed that lending standards are beginning to ease. This is great news for both first time buyers and current homeowners looking to move or buy a second vacation/retirement home. Let’s look at the three reports: The MBA’s Mortgage Credit Availability...

Market Appreciation Prompts Sale of Rental Property in Ballard Area of Seattle

Your level of service was outstanding.  We appreciated your experience and honesty.  The home sold in 6 days, I couldn’t be more excited. Getting a pre-sale Inspection was something I had not heard of before, but really helped sell our townhome. I can’t believe how many business cards were placed on the kitchen counter.  Tony really listened to us and understood our situation and his level of...

Over 23% Thinking of Selling. Why the Hesitation?

Last month, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that housing inventory was down 4.7% from the same time last year and that the month’s inventory of homes for sale stood at 4.8 - far below the six months necessary for a normal housing market. Why is there such a shortage of inventory? The recently released Homeowner Sentiment Survey suggests that the American homeowner may not be...

August 2015 NWMLS Market Report: Opinions Vary on Possible Housing Slowdown

KIRKLAND, Washington (September 3, 2015) - Some brokers from Northwest Multiple Listing Service detected a slowdown in housing activity during August, "but nowhere near what is typical," according to one industry veteran. Among MLS leaders who commented on the service's latest report, expectations for the remainder of 2015 ranged from one who predicted "we're on the cusp of a slowdown," to others...

Sold for 11% ABOVE list price – “Wowed” by the results!

The first word that come to mind when I think of our experience with Tony is integrity. My husband and I have tended not to trust real estate agents. But Tony is professional, ethical, honest and an expert negotiator. He seems to love that part of the job and it shows. In addition, he is very experienced, detail-oriented, calm and an excellent photographer. My advice would be to hire Tony as soon as...