Mistakes Home Sellers Make

Orange County Realtors, Drew and Linda Hartanov, have a great post on their Blog... 4 Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make and How To Avoid Them.

Take a look and then contact me, 425-308-3669 with any questions you might have about how these mistakes relate to the Snohomish & King County housing markets.

You can receive a Market Valuation of your home by visiting: www.WashingtonHomeValues.com

5 Powerful Buying Strategies

A post on Hampton Roads Real Estate Blog by Realtor and friend, Dave Macklin in Virginia Beach, Virginia gives 5 Powerful Buying Strategies for today’s buyers. These strategies include:

1. Don't Get "Pre-Qualified!" Get "Pre-Approved"

2. Sell First, Then Buy

3. Play the Game of Nines

4. Don't Be Pushed Into Any House

5. Stop Calling Ads!

Read this important post and put yourself in the best possible position to buy a home. Then contact me, or visit my website, so I can represent your best interests when buying your Washington home. I will take care of you just like family.

Northwest Housing Market Is In Bloom

April statistics for King and Snohomish Counties reflect a real estate market that is in full bloom. The gloom and doom forecasts of last fall have been replaced with predictions of the 3rd strongest real estate market in history.

April sales prices in King County are up 18% or $39,424 over April 2005. Even though the number of sales are down from April a year ago by 15%. The average market time remains steady.



April statistics for Snohomish County show the same blossoming appreciation with sales prices up 17% or $50,037. Market times here are relatively unchanged, also, even though the number of homes that sold in April is down by 111.






These numbers reflect a leveling off in the Northwest market. Buyers and sellers are now on a more equal playing field. This level playing field requires sellers to be realistically priced and in good condition as buyers have more homes to choose from. Buyers have an eye on price and are not willing to overpay for a property like they might have been last year.

Buyers and sellers will want to be represented by the best. An agent who has their thumb on the pulse of what is happening today...an experienced professional. Why would you settle for less? I am an Accredited Buyer Representative and a CRS, Certified Residential Specialist. These two designations are the top in our industry. So, give me a call. Let me put my experience to work for you.
__________________________________________

Want to buy or sell a home in King or Snohomish County? Please visit my website. All the property listings are there.

Everett Residents Against 16 Foot Wall

Riverside neighbors protest a 16-foot concrete noise wall proposed along Summit Ave. This wall has been talked about since 2004, but it was never disclosed to residents,who formerly were in favor of the wall, the exact dimensions and what the consequences would be.

Many neighbors are concerned that a 16-foot wall will not only block panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, but lower property values. Nearly 40 residents have signed a petition for a shorter wall. Let's see how much influence the little guy has!

Click here for the full story.
__________________________________________________

Interested in buying or selling a home. Visit my website for a current market value of your home and to view all real estate listings.

7 Reasons To Own Your Own Home

1. Tax Breaks – The interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes and some of your closing costs are all tax deductible.

2. Gains – Between 1998 and 2002, national home prices have increased an average of 5.4% annually. While no one can guarantee appreciation rates, the National Association of Realtors found a typical homeowner has approximately $50,000 of unrealized gain in their home.

3. Equity – Rent money is money that is thrown away while mortgage payments build equity. In 2003, the average renter was worth $5,000. the average homeowner was worth $175,000.

4. Savings – building equity in your home is a ready made savings plan. When you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 as gain without paying federal income tax.

5. Predictability – Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don’t increase. Your housing costs may actually decline as you own your home longer. Keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs may rise, however.

6. Freedom – The home is yours. You may decorate and make improvements as you wish, as well as, benefit from the improvements you make.

7. Stability – Being members of a community allows you to participate in community activities, establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

If you are considering buying your first home, contact me. I will be assist you in determining if renting or buying is the right decision for you.