ComeBuyAHouse.com

4 Reasons to Sell Now

Source: Realtor Magazine Online — [Annotated by Lynette]

Selling a property in this tough market can seem like a challenge. Here are four factors that actually make this a good time to post a For-Sale sign.

1. Sell low and buy low. Because all property values are down, the loss on the property a home owner sells is really only a paper loss because the next property he buys also will be a bargain. If he buys smartly, when prices come back up in a few years, he’ll be in better shape.

 [We will compare many factors, including how much you bought for, what you owe, if this would cause a short sale, etc. Many factors go into these decisions.]

2. Down-payment help is widely available. While nothing-down loans have disappeared, it is easy to find down-payment assistance for lower-income and first-time home buyers. Programs vary all over the country, but one good way to find them is to search online for “down-payment assistance programs” and the name of your region.

[While this may not help you directly, it can help to sell your home. We are associated with a few lenders who have certifications with the House Key program and other down payment assistance programs that can be specific to a city.]

3. Your uncle has money to share. Besides the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the $6,500 move-up credit, there are an array of energy tax credits that can make home improvements pay off in cash.

[These include Federal Tax Credits as well as county specific rebates that run for specified time frames.]

4. Good help is available. Really talented real estate practitioners, contractors, and designers are available and eager for business.

[Us for instance!]
Source: McClatchy Tribune, Kate Forgach (02/07/2010)

Homebuyer Credit Extended

Tax Credit extended and expanded for first time home buyer and existing home owner tax credit through April 30, 2010 

 Friday, November 6th President Obama signed the legislation.   

 The bill passed the house on a 403-0 vote and the senate on a 98-0 vote on Wednesday.

 KEY CHANGES

~   Written binding contract signed by April 30, 2010 / Close by July 1, 2010
~   Income limit increase:  Single $125,000 / Married $225,000
~   Cost of home cannot exceed $800,000

~   Existing homeowner credit eligibility of $6,500 tax credit.  Must have owned principal home for 5 of the last 8 years  (& be purchasing a new home).    

Link to Chart for more detailed information and  FAQ’s .  Great info. 

August 2009 Seattle Area Market Updates

July 2009 Seattle Area Market Updates

June 2009 Seattle Area Market Updates

June 2009 Seattle Area Market Updates

KING COUNTY
In King County, number of sales increased by 20.7% over May which is a strong rise month over month. First time home buyers carry the day, and we are busy busy busy, closing 4 first time home buyer transactions!  We are still seeing multiple offer situations on the lowest price range homes as well as bank owned homes in most price ranges.  From June‘08 to June ‘09 the median price is down 12.16%.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY
In Snohomish County, the number of sales rose 8% from May ‘09.  The average price of a residence is 11.61% lower than June ‘08. The rate of price drops is slowing.

Please remember that these numbers are county wide trends, and that real estate pricing is very localized and can also be affected by the owner’s situation.
Please call us for a closer look at properties that interest you.

Lynette Hensley

Here are downloadable PDF’s:
Real Estate Market updates for King, Snohomish Counties:
King County

Snohomish County

Compiled by our title partner, from MLS statistics.

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker, Realtor
Back to our website

May 2009 Seattle Area Market Updates

KING COUNTY
In King County, number of sales increased by 30.6% over April which is a sharp rise month over month.  First time homebuyers carry the day, and we are experiencing a sharp uptick in activity in our own business as well as hearing the same from other area professionals.  Multiple offer situations are common on the lowest price range homes as well as bank owned homes in most price ranges.  Competition is sharp for bank inventory as it’s released onto the market.  Well maintained move-in ready homes are also at a premium, and competition is fierce in the $150- 350K price ranges with multiple buyers for desirable properties.  From May‘08 to May ‘09 average prices are down 14.77%. 

SNOHOMISH COUNTY
In Snohomish County, the number of sales rose 26.7% from March ‘09.  The average price of a residence is 11.42% lower than May ‘08.  The rate of price drops is slowing.

Please remember that these numbers are county wide trends, and that real estate pricing is very localized and can also be affected by the owner’s situation.
Please call us for a closer look at properties that interest you.

Lynette Hensley

Here are downloadable PDF’s:
Real Estate Market updates for King, Snohomish Counties:
King County

Snohomish County

Compiled by our title partner, from MLS statistics.

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker, Realtor
Back to our website

Seattle Public Utilities Refund

It’s all about fire hydrants.  Washington Supreme Court ruled that the city of Seattle must reimburse SPU for the cost of fire hydrants from 3/1/2002 to 12/31/2004. Seattle Public Utilities in turn must reimburse the costs to the customers who had active accounts during that time.

If you had an account and still do, it appears you will simply receive a credit on your bill.  If you don’t have an account anymore, you will need to apply for the refund.  Of course there will be a surcharge added to everyone’s water bill for 1.75 years.

Check out the notice at Seattle Public Utilities for details.

Water saving measures you can take:

• soaker hoses instead of sprinklers
• don’t pre-rinse dishes
• do laundry only with full loads
• shower instead of taking baths
• turn off the faucet when brushing teeth or shaving
• change to an efficient shower head
• check for leaks at sinks and toilets
• Save the water that runs while waiting for hot water. Use to wash produce, cleaning, watering plants.
• for warm water, turn hot water on first, then add cold water as needed.
• don’t use the garbage disposal, compost.

This info compiled from SavingWater.org

Lynette Hensley
Associate Broker

April 2009 Seattle Market Updates

KING COUNTY
In King County, number of sales increased by 3.7% over March showing a seasonal rise, and also favorable market changes with some tax help for first time homebuyers.  From April ‘08 to April ‘09 average prices are down 15.27%.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY
In Snohomish County, the number of sales rose 13.6% from March ‘09.  The average price of a residence is 14.29% lower than April ‘08.

Please remember that these numbers are county wide trends, and that real estate pricing is very localized and can also be affected by the owner’s situation.
Please call us for a closer look at properties that interest you.

Lynette Hensley

Here are downloadable PDF’s:
Real Estate Market updates for King, Snohomish Counties:
King County

Snohomish County

Compiled by our title partner, from MLS statistics.

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker, Realtor
Back to our website

March 2009 Seattle Market Updates

In King County, the number of residential sales increased in March by 30% over February 09, which shows a continuing seasonal rise as well as low rates and the first time home buyer tax credit coming into play.

From March ‘08 to March ‘09 average prices were down 12%.

Again this month, the most active price range for resale homes is $300,000-$350,000. Second most active is $350,000 to $400,000.

The most active price range for new construction homes is $600,000 to $750,000, and the second most active is $500,000 to $600,000.

In Snohomish county, the number of sales rose 55% from February ‘09.

The average price of a residence is 13% lower than March ‘08.

The most active price range for resale homes is $300,000 to $350,000. Second most active price range is $225,000 to $250,000.

In the new construction arena, the most active price range is $300,000 to $350,000. In second place, $225,000 to $250,000.

Please remember that these numbers are county wide trends, and that real estate pricing is very localized and can also be affected by the owner’s situation. Please call us for a closer look at properties that interest you.

Lynette Hensley

Here are the March 2009 Real Estate Market updates for King, Snohomish Counties:
King County

Snohomish County

And statistics by neighborhood:
King County Neighborhoods

Snohomish County Neighborhoods

Compiled by our title partner, from MLS statistics.

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker, Realtor
Back to our website

February 2009 Seattle Market Updates

In King County,  number of sales increased by 8% over January showing a seasonal rise, and also favorable market changes with some tax help for first time homebuyers.

From February ’08 to February ’09 average prices are down 9%.

Not surprisingly, the most active price range for resale homes is $300,000-$350,000.  Second most active is $350,000 to $400,000.

The most active price range for new construction homes is $600,000 to $750,000, and the second most active is $750,000 to $1,000,000.

In Snohomish county, the number of sales rose 68% from January ’09.

The average price of a residence is 15% lower than February ’08.

The most active price range for resale homes is $300,000 to $350,000.  Second most active price range is $225,000 to $250,000.

In the new construction arena, the most active price range is $300,000 to $350,000.  In second place, $400,000 to $450,000.

Please remember that these numbers are county wide trends, and that real estate pricing is very localized and can also be affected by the owner’s situation.  Please call us for a closer look at properties that interest you.

Here are the February 2009 Real Estate Market updates for King, Snohomish Counties:
King County

Snohomish County

And statistics by neighborhood:
King County Neighborhoods

Snohomish County Neighborhoods

Compiled by our title partner, from MLS statistics.

Lynette Hensley, Associate Broker, Realtor
Back to our website