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These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that compares this week with last week. MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90) Single Family Homes Average Days on Market: 103 Days (No change from 103 last period) Inventory of Active Listings: 576 (Down from 579 last period) Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 219 (Down from 223 last period) 73 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 74 last period) 12% of acti... Read Full Post

If you are buying a house in Renton, Kent or greater Seattle area, You should have a home warranty. What is a home warranty? The standard home warranty is a one-year service contract that protects a resale home buyer or current homeowner against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement of major systems and appliances that break down due to normal usage. Coverage is also available to home sellers during the listing and escrow period to help them keep unforeseen breakdowns from potentially... Read Full Post

A new addition to your family So you're expecting a new addition to your family? Congratulations! Adding a new family member brings excitement, stress, and fun all wrapped up in one. Whether you're expecting or adopting, you might be considering whether you need to upsize your living quarters. First determine how soon you'll need more space. If you are bringing home an infant or toddler, your needs will be different than if you are adding an older child to the family. Newborns don't take up m... Read Full Post

Increasingly, senior assisted living and retirement communities are meeting the needs of a broader range of seniors, including active seniors. If you are researching and considering senior assisted living and retirement communities, consider the following tips: *Start a notebook, which you will use to compile notes and other information about the assisted living and retirement communities you consider. *In the notebook, list the qualities you want (or if you are assisting an elder, ask them a... Read Full Post

Points are one type of fee paid at closing by you to your mortgage lender. There are two types of points: Origination Points and Discount Points. Each point equals 1% of your loan amount. For example, 1 point on a $100,000 loan would cost $1,000. What is the difference between Origination Points and Discount Points? They differ in where they are applied. Origination points are charged to recover some costs of the loan origination process. Typically, your Loan Officer's compensation is based o... Read Full Post

Just Listed. WOW 3 Bed 2 Full Bath Condo for $215,000 975 Aberdeen Ave NE C-303 Renton WA. 98056 Directions: Go East off exit 5 of I-405. Turn R onto Sunset Blvd. NE. Make a sharp R. onto Aberdeen Ave NE (At blinking yellow light) Renton Ridge is in 1/2 mile on the left. Take 2nd Renton Ridge entrance. go R. Beautiful top floor condo recently remodeled. Features include new flooring, designer paint, light fixtures and stainless steel appliances. You will love the open kitchen; large master be... Read Full Post

Note: NWMLS implemented some Area Designation and Boundary changes in the Newcastle/Renton area to more accurately reflect the true market areas in this section of Bellevue/Renton. The boundary changes took effect on June 24th, 2008. To view a map that shows the old and new boundaries, click here: http://www.nwmls.com/discover/library/monday_update/MonUpdates/MU2008/Jun08/KC_SW_350_500.pdf. These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that compares this week with last week. ML... Read Full Post

You know you are ready to buy a home when owning is cheaper than renting and a home purchase is a natural fit for your lifestyle and financial needs, goals and obligations. Instead of making the home-buying decision based on income alone, consider it in a more holistic context that includes your complete financial picture. Viewing home buying in a vacuum is a common misstep first-time homebuyers should avoid. Other potential slip-ups include: Not knowing the market In a buyer's market, buyers... Read Full Post

1. Put fresh or silk flowers in principal rooms for a touch of color. 2. Add a new shower curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath. 3. Set out potpourri or fresh baked goods for a homey smell. 4. Set the table with pretty dishes and candles. 5. Buy a fresh doormat with a clever saying. 6. Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense of spaciousness. 7. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter ... Read Full Post

If you find yourself stumbling over weird acronyms in a real estate listing, don't be alarmed. There is method to the madness of this shorthand (which is mostly adopted by sellers to save money in advertising charges). Here are some abbreviations and the meaning of each, taken from a recent newspaper classified section: *assum. fin. -- assumable financing *dk -- deck *gar -- garage (garden is usually abbreviated "gard") *expansion pot'l -- may be extra space on the lot, or possibly vertical p... Read Full Post