For Buyers

With so many urban centers being classified as "declining markets," it is now more important than ever to be as familiar with every possible option for obtaining affordable financing for our borrowers and buyers. Because of the new requirements issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the private mortgage insurers, every loan officer and realtor needs to know what it takes to get FHA financing for a borrower buying a condominium unit. Loan officers: it's your business. Selling agents: knowing wi... Read Full Post

Well-located homes in need of tender loving care can be a terrific value. If you're interested in building "sweat equity" fixing up a home, hire a professional inspector to ensure the home won't cost you a fortune to refurbish. A worthy handyman's special will be structurally sound with all major systems in good working order--heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical, roof. Those are the most costly items to repair or replace. Your time and effort will be better spent painting, making minor repa... Read Full Post

Do you look for the best deal? Do you wait for your favorite item to go on sale? Are you thinking about buying a home with current prices dropping to a 3 year low? Here are 5 questions that you can ask yourself to see where you stand. Is our rent equal to a loan payment? If you can afford to buy, it can give you one bonus that renting cannot—the lucrative tax breaks that come with owning a home: Deductions for payments of mortgage interest, loan discount points and real estate taxes. Home-o... Read Full Post

Whether you see the housing market "glass" as half-empty or you see it as half-full, industry experts agree that homeownership is still one of the safest, most secure ways to build long-term wealth. On a national level, home appreciation has historically increased 5% to 6% annually, according to economists at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Doesn't sound like much? Consider the return on your original investment, not the home price alone. Here's an example that puts it into ... Read Full Post

A big part of my job is matching sellers with buyers. Be sure to call me if you're looking to buy a short-sale home! Short-Sale Process Requires Professional Help Conducting a short sale is not a simple process, as it requires negotiations with the lender (often more than one lender is involved) as well as the buyer, who may not understand the unique intricacies of the process. That's where my expertise becomes essential. We understand the complexities and critical timing of short-sale proced... Read Full Post

With so much media attention on the housing market and mortgage industry recently, you may be hearing and reading some unfamiliar terms. Here's a glossary to help: Deed in lieu -- when a lender agrees to accept a property's deed (rather than foreclose on the property) to settle the borrower's obligation. Jingle mail -- when a borrower mails the home's keys to the lender to transfer control of the "collateral" behind the loan. Liar loans -- no-document, stated-income loans. Lis pendens -- Lati... Read Full Post

Now truly is a great time to buy a home. If you--or someone you know--is ready to move up or become a first-time owner, if you plan to stay a few years and you've been waiting for the perfect time to buy--now is that time. Here's why. Housing cycles cure themselves. Prices soften, inventories rise, savvy buyers snap up bargains, demand increases, and the market returns to normal. As buyers return that demand pushes home prices up and mortgage rates higher, according to housing economists and ... Read Full Post

There's something for everyone in Renton. And here at the Renton Real Estate Blog it is our effort to keep you up to date, informed not only what is happening in Renton Real Estate but also in the community. To see the latest news and announcements about exciting events and Real Estate opportunities in the City, have a look here If you search Google for Renton Real Estate you will find many blog and other web sites that bring out the interesting facts, not only about Renton Real Estate blog, ... Read Full Post

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