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...

Buying A Home Is Better Way to Produce Wealth Than Renting

According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index homeownership is a better way to produce greater wealth, on average, than renting. The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question: Is it better to rent or buy a home in today’s housing market? The index examines that entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major markets for...

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...

How Much Must You Trust Your Listing Agent?

You and your family have decided to sell your house. It is now time to choose a real estate professional to help with the process. One of the major attributes this agent must possess is trustworthiness. To what degree do you need to trust them? You must have enough trust in them that you feel comfortable they will accomplish all four things below: 1. Sell possibly the largest asset your family...

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...

The Cost of Waiting to Buy a Home

  The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their July edition of the Housing Affordability Index. The index measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home at the national level based on the most recent price and income data. NAR looks at the monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest) which is...

A+ Reasons to Hire An Eastside Real Estate Professional

Some Highlights: Hiring a Real Estate Professional to buy your dream home, or sell your current house is one of the most 'educated' decisions you can make! A Real Estate Professional has the experience needed to help you through the entire process. Make sure that you hire someone who knows current market conditions & can simply & effectively explain them to you & your...

For Sale in Redmond – 3 Bedroom, 1.75 Bath, well maintained Rambler on English Hill

Listed for $500,000 - Click here for more details Backing to a large greenbelt in Coventry on English Hill, sits this Burnstead built, rambler home. The elegant floorplan boasts 1,650 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths plus on a 8,071 s.f. lot! The original owner has meticulously maintained and updated this home - including remodeling the kitchen! Formal living room with a large picture windows...

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...

What Do You Really Need to Qualify for a Mortgage?

A recent survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The study pointed out two major misconceptions that we want to address today. 1. Down Payment The survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the...

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...

15,315 Houses Sold Yesterday! Did Yours?

There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is... If it hasn't sold yet, maybe it's not priced properly. After all 15,315 houses sold yesterday, 15,315 will sell today and 15,315 will sell tomorrow. 15,315! That is the average number of homes that sell each and...