May 2021

How Misunderstandings about Affordability Could Cost You

There’s a lot of discussion about affordability as home prices continue to appreciate rapidly. Even though the most recent index on affordability from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows homes are more affordable today than the historical average, some still have concerns about whether or not it’s truly affordable to buy a home right now. When addressing this topic,...

Buying a Home Is Still Affordable

The last year has put emphasis on the importance of one’s home. As a result, some renters are making the jump into homeownership while some homeowners are re-evaluating their current house and considering a move to one that better fits their current lifestyle. Understanding how housing affordability works and the main market factors that impact it may help those who are ready to buy a home narrow...

“I appreciated Tony’s practical, conservative approach…”

I was really happy with the research Tony had done in advance all the way through the transaction.  I especially appreciated the great communication you guys provided throughout the process. And I appreciated Tony's practical, conservative approach (as opposed to an overly-optimistic approach which might have left me feeling like I didn't get what I was expecting). It was great working with Tony and...

3 Things To Prioritize When Selling Your House

Today’s housing market is full of unprecedented opportunities. High buyer demand paired with record-low housing inventory is creating the ultimate sellers’ market, which means it’s a fantastic time to sell your house. However, that doesn’t mean sellers are guaranteed success no matter what. There are still some key things to know so you can avoid costly mistakes and win big when...

Should I Move or Refinance?

The level of equity homeowners have is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census, over 38% of owner-occupied homes are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a mortgage. Those with a mortgage are seeing their equity skyrocket too. Every time real estate values increase, homeowners get a dollar-for-dollar gain in their home equity. According to the...

Don’t Forget to Budget for Closing Costs

When buying a home, it’s important to have a budget and make sure you plan ahead for certain homebuying expenses. Saving for a down payment is the main cost that comes to mind for many, but budgeting for the closing costs required to get a mortgage is just as important. What Are Closing Costs? According to Trulia: “When you close on a home, a number of fees are due. They...

It’s Not Too Late To Apply For Forbearance

Over the past year, the pandemic made it challenging for some homeowners to make their mortgage payments. Thankfully, the government initiated a forbearance program to provide much-needed support. Unless they’re extended once again, some of these plans and the corresponding mortgage payment deferral options will expire soon. That said, there’s still time to request assistance. If your...

3 Graphs Showing Why You Should Sell Your House Now

There’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving to better suit your changing needs, now is the perfect time to do so. Low mortgage rates are in your favor when you’re ready to purchase your dream home, and high buyer demand may give you the leverage you need to negotiate the best...

“It’s a total white glove experience from beginning to end…”

The experience and the service were absolutely top notch. For us, it was super critical to hear that we needed to upgrade our guest bathroom and the money spent was going to be recouped easily. Along with that, the letter for things you will do, plan to do and would negotiate on was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it I think. Timely communication is a huge priority for us and Tony is on top of that...

Brokers Detect Good News For Home Buyers, Citing Gains in Listings and Moderating Prices

KIRKLAND, Washington (May 5, 2021) - Finally, some good news for home buyers! Sizeable increases in new listings compared to a year ago and reports of moderating prices "might mean we are seeing some relief for buyers," suggested John Deely, a board member at Northwest Multiple Listing Service. In commenting on the latest statistics from Northwest MLS summarizing April activity, Deely said the market...

Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You a Small Fortune

Many people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home. Some are renters who have a strong desire to become homeowners but are unsure if buying right now makes sense. Others may be homeowners who are realizing that their current home no longer fits their changing needs. To determine if they should buy now or wait another year, they both need to ask two simple...

Sold 13% Above List Price With 4 Offers! Beautiful Buchan Resale in Coveted Neighborhood of Langtree Estates in Redmond

Listed at $1,475,000 Click Here For Full Details Elegant and captivating, John Buchan resale in the coveted neighborhood of Langtree Estates on English Hill. The light filled 3,580 s.f. floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 3.25 baths, den and bonus room on a lush, flat 24,739 s.f. lot. Special features include: Remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, white millwork and a fabulous covered outdoor entertainment...

4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell Now

The housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that there were 410,000 fewer single-family homes for sale this March than in March of 2020. The key to continued success in the residential housing market is for more listings to come on the market. However,...

Americans Find the Nonfinancial Benefits of Homeownership Most Valuable

Homeownership is a foundational part of the American Dream. As we look back on more than a year of sheltering in our homes, having a place of our own is more important than ever. While financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, today, homeowners rank the nonfinancial and personal benefits with even higher value. Recently, two national surveys revealed the reasons...