First Time Home Buyers in Washington State

First Time Home Buyers in Washington State

Do you fit that category? You will want to visit this website, a dedicated page on the Washington Realtor's Web site that will give you great information on the home buying process and a step by step guide to accomplish this.

Here's an sample of what is available to you:

Congratulations! You are thinking of buying your first home. We know this is a big decision for you with a lot of unknowns.Many first time home buyers will contemplate the decision for years before taking any action, even a first step. Our research indicates that once a first time home buyer does take that first step, they purchase their first home within three months.This site helps you take that first step.Once you purchase a home you will soon learn the tax advantages of home ownership and the opportunity to build equity (or wealth) over time. According to the Federal Reserve, the median household wealth accumulation for a homeowner was $184,000; in comparison, the median net worth of a renter was $4,000.You've probably already been using the Internet to search for homes, financing options and home buying information. You will find many of those resource links included in this brochure. We also encourage you to contact a Realtor® at the very beginning of your quest and put that Realtor® to work for you. He or she will help you find what you are looking for in a home, in the area you want, and at a price you can afford. When you find a home that you want to make an offer on, your Realtor® will research the market and let you know if the price is fair. He or she can help you negotiate an offer and advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

A Realtor® can help take the mystery out of the purchase of your new home and show you the ropes. There are hundreds of little details in buying a home and some details that are not so little-like property lines, easements, earnest money and the time allowed for home inspections (to name a few). Don't worry, you will be involved throughout the process and if you have any questions along the way, do not hesitate to ask your Realtor®.

Starting the home search
Determine how much home you can afford
Shop for a loan & research first time home buying programs
Decide on a home & make an offer
Get home inspected
Shop for homeowners insurance
Complete the transaction

The 28 page booklet is downloadable in a pdf format for your use or contact me to send you one at karen@karensvillas.com or 425-308-3669.

Remember to look for the REALTOR® trademark designation when contacting an agent. Not all licensees are REALTORS® and "NO ONE KNOWS WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE LIKE A WASHINGTON REALTOR®.

Tips to Make Your Snohomish County Home Sell Faster

The current buyers market in Snohomish County has caused buyers to be pickier and more demanding in the quality of the home they buy. Sellers need to have their home in tip-top condition to attract ready, willing, and able buyers. Below are some tips to help you prepare your home for sale and insure a timely closing.

1. Curb appeal is everything.

Buyers won't even look at the inside of a home, if they outside is not appealing. Keep the grass and beds neat and trim. Plant flowers for color. Freshen up any faded or peeling paint, especially the front door. Keep the yard and drive free of clutter and debris. A well cared for exterior usually means a well cared for interior.

2. Neutralize and de-clutter.

It is difficult for buyers to visualize themselves in a space when they are looking at someone elses family photos and heirlooms. Pack away all those family pictures and excess knickknacks. Paint the walls a neutral color, such as white or off-white. This makes the rooms appear larger and avoids objections to personal color choices.

3. If its broke, fix it.

Buyers see the value in a home that doesn't need repairs. The little things make a difference. Now is the time to complete the "Honey Do" list you have been putting off. You wouldn't try to sell a car that is broken. Don't sell a home that is broken either.

4. Focus on the kitchens and baths.

The kitchen and baths are the most important rooms in the house. When prioritizing your repair list, start with these rooms. You can't go wrong with an updated kitchen or bath. Even something as minor as new fixtures can make a world of difference.

5. Provide a Home Warranty.

If buyers are debating between two homes they like equally as well, they will go for the one with the Home Warranty most of the time. A Home Warranty costs between $300 and $400 and may be all it takes to tip the scales in your direction. If you take out the warranty when you list the house for sale, repairs that crop up during the listing period will also be covered.

Need some advice on repairs you need to do before selling your Snohomish County home? Give me a call at 425-308-3669. I am glad to help! Be sure to visit my website for all your Snohomish County real estate needs.

Preparing for Daylight Saving in Snohomish County

Daylight Savings starts 2AM this Sunday, March 11,2007, three weeks earlier than past years.

This could affect machines & computer programs that are set to coordinate time/date using Daylight Savings.

The first step is to ensure that your computer is prepared. For Windows XP users, click the below link to download and install the Daylight Savings patch:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=66F1420C-DF2D-400B-A8A9-EF9061A9A3CA&displaylang=en


Scheduling software, such as Microsoft Outlook, could also be affected. If you use the calendar feature in Outlook, and have version 2000, 2002, or 2003, you will want to download and install the Time Zone Data Update Tool by using the below link:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=E343A233-B9C8-4652-9DD8-AE0F1AF62568&displaylang=en

You will also want to ensure that any fax machines that you use are changed to the correct time, as well as your digital phone at home, mobile phone, PDA, portable music player, programmable thermostat, digital camera, DVR, etc.

For other scheduling software, Smartphone's, & PDA's, check with the manufacturer to determine if you need to install updates to prepare for the new Daylight Savings rules.

One thing the change in Daylight Saving does not effect and something you can always count on is the professional and courteous service I provide to Snohomish County home buyers. I am at your service regardless of what time the sun comes up. Give me a call if you are thinking of buying a home, 425-308-3669. You can depend on me!