Military Discounts November 11, 2013

2013 Veteran’s Day Discounts and Freebies

PCSlogo-smallwithtagline.jpg
PCS America, The Military Relocation Network

Free Business Listing or 20% off on Preferred Membership for businesses supporting our Military Forces (Active, Retired, Guard & Reserves)Visit www.pcsamerica.net or call 910-527-9300 for more information or to take advantage of this special offer.

Chilis RestaurantChili’s – free meal, Friday, Nov. 11 (2013). Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 6 meals. This offer is available from 11am – 5pm on November 11, 2013 at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included. Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Visit their website to find locations.

Denny's LogoDenny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, Nov. 11. 2013 (2013). Free Grand Slam breakfast to any veteran from. Participating markets include select diners in Maryland, Virginia, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Indiana, Colorado and Washington, DC (from 6:00am – 2:00pm), as well as the following New York locations: Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo areas (from 6:00am – 10:00pm). Call ahead to verify, and check with your local Denny’s if you live in another area. Source.

Fox and Hound Bar and GrillFox & Hound and Bailey’s Sports Bar (2013).Veterans and Active Duty Military will receive a free item from the 7 under $7 menu. Active military ID, retiree card, or other proof of service required. Visit site for location information.

·         ies are franchises and may have different policies. We will do our best to keep this page updated as we find new info.

·         Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 11: The 13th annual Golden Corral Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 11, 2013 from 4 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants nationwide. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. For more information visithttp://www.goldencorral.com/military/.

·         Special thanks to Golden Corral: To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 3.2 million free meals and contributed over $6.1 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. Amazing!

·         Famous Daves Veterans DayFamous Dave’s – Nov. 11th (2013). Free or discounted meals on Veterans Day. Offer varies by location, please check the Famous Dave’s Veteran’s Day page or call your local restaurant for more information.

·         See more Military Discounts.

·         Hooters Veterans DayHooters – Free Meal, Nov. 11 (2013). Hooter’s is serving up a free meal to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel. Get 10 Free Wings – Boneless or Regular, drink purchase required. Offer valid at participating Hooters only; open to all active duty and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. For more information, visit, www.HootersVeteransDay.com.

·         Krispy Kreme Doughnuts logo smallKrispy Kreme – Free doughnut (2013). Available only at participating Krispy Kreme stores. Offer available to all active-duty, retirees & veterans on November 11th. Be sure to call ahead to verify your local Krispy Kreme is participating.

·         Bar Louie AmericaBar Louie, Free meal on Veterans Day (2013). Active duty military members and veterans can receive a free meal, up to $10 in value, and a free non-alcoholic beverage. Available at all locations, military ID or proof of service is required. See FaceBook page for more info.

·         BJs Restaurant and Brewhouse, Nov. 11th (2013). Complimentary lunch entree or a one topping mini pizza for dinner. Offer valid to all active duty military and veterans, with proof of service. More info.

·         Champps AmericanaChampps Americana (2013). We’re celebrating our Veterans with an All American Meal! All Veterans and Active Military will receive a free burger on November 11th! Proof of service required. Offer not valid for the Pepperjack Bacon Stack Burger or Kobe Burger. Dine in only, valid at participating locations. Find a location near you.

 

 

·         Little Caesars PizzaLittle Caesars® Pizza (2013). Little Caesars is honoring the men and women of the United States armed forces this Veterans Day by providing veterans and active military members with a free Crazy Bread® with proof of military status or proof of service at participating stores nationwide. Find a location near you.

·         McCormick and Schmicks Veterans Appreciation DayMcCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants – free lunch or dinner,  Nov 11, 2013 (2013):McCormick & Schmick’s is celebrating their 13th annual Veteran’s Appreciation Event on Sunday, November 13th. Veterans will be able to choose a complimentary lunch or dinner entrée. Veterans must provide proof of military service. Be sure to contact your local McCormick & Schmick’s as this is valid at participating restaurants only. Also, Space is limited and reservations are highly recommended. For more information visit: M&S Veterans Appreciation Event.

·         Outback Steakhouse Veterans DayOutback Steakhouse – A week of Free Bloomin’ Onions and Cokes Nov. 11(2013). Outback Steakhouse is honoring America’s military veterans by offering active duty military and veterans a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola product during the week leading up to Veteran’s Day. This offer is available to Military Personnel who have one of the following forms of identifications: U.S Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), DD form 214 Veterans Organization Card (i.e., American Legion and VFW), Photograph in Uniform, Wearing Uniform. For more information, visit, http://outback.com/companyinfo/veteransday.aspx.

·         The Outback understands commitment. For the past two years, The Outback, with the help of their patrons, has donated $2 Million to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization providing everyday and emergency support for active troops, wounded warriors and their families.

 

·         Sizzler Restaurant logoSizzler Restaurants, Nov. 11, 2013 (2013). Buy one get one free, 6 oz. Steak Entree with the purchase of a second one. Valid with proof of military service. More info.

·         The Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurant logoSpaghetti Warehouse Once in a Lifetime Veteran’s Day Celebration (2013). In honor of US military veterans and the unique once in a lifetime date: 11-11-11, Spaghetti Warehouse is offering lasagne or any original recipe spaghetti entree for only $0.11, with the purchase of a lasagne or any original recipe spaghetti entree at regular price. This offer is open to everyone, not just veterans. Download the coupon at their website.

·         Subway Restaurants LogoSubway – Free Six Inch Sub, November 11, 2013(2013). Select SUBWAY® Restaurants will offer a FREE six inch sub or flatbread to military veterans on Veteran’s Day. This offer is valid only on November 11, 2013 at participating local SUBWAY® restaurants, Military ID or proof of service required. Note: SUBWAY® Restaurants are franchises, so this offer may not be available everywhere. Please call ahead for participation and times.

·         Texas RoadhouseTexas Roadhouse – free lunch, Nov. 11 (11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) (2013). Every Texas Roadhouse location across the country will participate in the free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required. See the Texas Roadhouse Veterans Day page for more information.

 

·         http://themilitarywallet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/T.G.I.-Fridays-Logo.jpgT.G.I. Friday’s – Buy one get one free Nov 11 (2013).Valid for all US Military personnel and veterans. Must wear uniform (if permitted by your service) or present military ID or other proof of service. Only valid at participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID. More details on TGIFridays.com.

·         The Olive Garden logo, smallThe Olive Garden, Free entrée (2013). Offer good for veterans and active duty military, November 11th during regular business hours. Chose from a special menu; all entrées include freshly baked garlic sticks and choice of soup or salad. Offer good in US and Canada, proof of service required. More info.

·         Twin Peaks Restaurants Veterans DayTwin Peaks, Nov. 11 (2013). Free entrée for service men and women (up to $10). Good for veterans and active service personnel with valid ID or proof of service. Dine in only; gratuity not included. Find a location near you.

·         UNO pizza logoUno Chicago Grill, Nov. 11 (2013). Veteran’s Day Discount: 19.43% discount on their food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages purchases from11/7 through 11/11. Why 19.43%, do you ask? That is the year UNO invented deep dish pizza. Offer good for all military for veterans and active duty military. ID or proof of service required: Show up in uniform (if your service permits), provide military ID, show a picture of yourself in uniform, or have other ID showing proof of service

 

Home Depot and Lowe’s Military Coupon Updates

Update: Home Depot and Lowes 10% Military Discount Available Everyday.

Today Only Savings from The Home Depot! While SuppHome Depot Military Discount: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 and is available at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations. The 10% military discount is available everyday for active duty and retirees, but not all veterans. Home Depot makes this offer available to all veterans on most military holidays. You can alsofind Home Depot discounts online.

Free Shipping On Orders $49 Or MoreLowe’s Military Discount: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards. Like Home Depot, Lowes offers this discount daily to active duty military members, but not to veterans. However, they extend the offer to military veterans on military holidays. You can also find exclusive discounts at Lowe’s.com.

 

Free Park Admissions for Veterans Day

Anheuser Busch Heres to the HeroesAnheuser-Busch Parks. Anheuser-Busch Parks offers Active Duty Service Members free admission for them and up to 3 dependents to any of their parks once a year. Throughout 2013, members of the military and as many as three direct dependents may enter SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place parks with a single-day complimentary admission. The Here’s to the Heroes program is only available to Any active duty, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman. Eligible parks include: Adventure Island, Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay or Williamsburg), SeaWorld (Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio), Sesame Place, and Water Country USA. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. For more information and to register, visit: Free admission summary, and ticket application.

Colonial Williamsburg LogoColonial Williamsburg Free Admission. Colonial Williamsburg offers free weekend-long admission tickets to active-duty military, reservists, retirees, veterans, and their immediate dependents from Nov. 11 . The complimentary ticket includes admission to Colonial Williamsburg exhibition sites, art museums, and most daytime programs, as well as free parking and use of the shuttle bus system. Tickets are only available at on-site ticket sales locations. Tickets are also available to families of deployed service members. Tickets available on the following dates: Nov. 11-13.

US National Park Service LogoFee Free Day at National Parks. To honor America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the National Park Service would not charge entrance fees for Veteran’s Day weekend – November 11, 2013Over 100 national Parks will be participating in this event.

Historic Jamestowne – Free Admission. The National Park Service commemorates Veterans Day with Fee Free days at Historic Jamestowne November 11-13. Free admission for everyone. See events calendar.

Knots Berry Farm logoKnotts Berry Farm Military Tribute Days – Free Admission. Knott’s Berry Farm has an annual Military Tribute event in which they offer military members past and present by offering free park admission. This year the Military Tribute Days run from November 1 – 24 November (Thanksgiving Day). Veterans or current serving military personnel plus one guest get in FREE with proper ID presented at Knott’s turnstile (DD214, Veterans Administration Hospital ID or Active Military Service ID). Purchase up to six additional tickets for just $17 each. More info.

http://themilitarywallet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Pro-Football-HOF-Annual-Veterans-Day-Salute.jpgPro Football Hall of Fame – Free Admission. Annual Veterans Day Salute, November 07, 2013, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM. Any veteran or member of the armed forces and their spouse or a guest will be admitted free of charge to the Hall of Fame for a day-long recognition of US Military veterans. Members of the Blue and Gold Star Mothers will also be eligible for free admission. There will be a special ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Hall of Fame’s NFL Films Theater. More information.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum (La Porte, TX). November 7-13: Free admission to the theatre, Observation Floor, and the special exhibit to all veterans and their families. More info.

 

Veteran’s Day Discounts – Retail Stores & More

Here are some additional Veteran’s Day Discounts. In all cases, be sure to provide proper ID or proof of service. In addition, some of these stores are franchises, so verify participation before assuming the discount is in place.

·         Veterans Day Honor - Armed Forces BandsAmazon.com – Free MP3 album download“Veterans Day Honor” This free downloadable album includes 12 songs as performed by the military bands and ensembles of the U.S. Armed Forces. Visit Amazon now through Veteran’s Day to download the album for free(album will be full price again starting Nov. 11).

·         Big Lots – 10% off your entire purchase with valid military ID. more info.

·         Cabela’s. Cabela’s is giving their standard employee discount to all US military veterans, active duty military, Guard/Reserves, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel on Nov. 10-11. Discount varies from 5% to 20%, depending on the item.

·         Dollar General. 10% discount on entire purchase on Veteran’s Day. Offer good for all active-duty military, retirees, veterans, Guard/Reserve, & immediate family members. The coupon can be found in the store circular, or by asking an employe. Also good online from Nov 11-13, use Coupon Code VETERANSDAY. More info.

·         Free Business Cards and Checks. Get 25 FREE Checks – Choose from 6 different designs or upgrade to premium checks and choose from many more designs. Bonus Offer – Get 250 Free Business Cards! FREE Checks & Business Cards offer.

·         Free Car wash. Thousands of car washes around the country are offering vets a free car wash on Veterans Day. Find a list at Grace for Veterans, which helped veterans receive 101,537 FREE Washes on Veterans Day in 2010.

·         http://www.lduhtrp.net/image-2365118-10592479Jos. A. Bank Specials: Veterans Day Sale- 1 Day Only! All Suits On Sale- 2nd for $47 Mix ‘n Match. 40% Off All Dress Shirts, Sport shirts, Ties & Sportswear. Free Shipping on Orders $195+. Valid: November 11. JoS. A. Bank Veterans Day Sale Orders.

·         http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_impression?lid=41000613802043248&pubid=21000000000196755K-Mart. Exclusive Early Veterans Day Sale – Nov. 10th! EXTRA 5-10% off Almost Everything with coupon code VETERANSDAY. Friday & Saturday Specials + EXTRA 5-15% off & FREE Shipping orders of $49 with coupon code HOLIDAY.

·         Netflix: Netflix – One Month Free Trial.

·         Seven-Eleven – Free small Slurpee on  Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Offer good to all current and former military members. ID or proof of service required.

·         Sports Authority – 15% off all purchases. All Veterans and Military personnel please stop by your local Sports Authority store to receive 15% OFF YOUR ENTIER PUCHSASE on 11.11.11 ONLY! Please show proper identification or proof of service at check-out to receive this special offer.

·         Sport Clips – Veterans Day National cut-a-thon and Help A Heroprogram. Sport Clips is the official haircutter of the VFW and will donate $1 from every haircut during the National Cut-a-Thon to VFW’s Operation Uplink, which provides free phone time to active-duty military personnel and hospitalized veterans. Sports Clips stores also offer a offer a Heroes discount which includes active and retired military. Find a location near you.

·         Steve Madden. We’d like to salute our heroes by doubling our everyday military discount of 15% to 30% OFF for Veteran’s Day ONLY. Valid with a form of Military identification (past or present) in Steve Madden stores only (not valid online). *Full priced merchandise only. Find a store near you.

·         Tim Hortons – all US locations are offering a free donut to all veterans (check out the Star Spangled donut!).

 

 

Free Hugo® Canes for Veterans.

Hugo Salutes our VeteransSam’s Club® locations nationwide will distribute 36,000 Hugo® canes free of charge on November 9th, 10th, 11th, 2013 to U.S. military veterans in need of mobility assistance. Limited quantities available, while supplies last. Sam’s Club® Membership is not required, but proof of military service may be required. For more information, visit HugoSalutes.com.

 

Applebee’s — All veterans and active-duty military eat free from a limited menu on Veterans Day.

Chilis — Veterans and service members can dine for free from a special six-item menu on Veterans Day.

Golden Corral — Military Appreciation Monday includes a free dinner, Nov. 11, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for military retirees, veterans, and current service members.

Famous Dave's — Offers for free or discounted meals on Veterans Day vary by location.

Hooters — All veterans and service members get 10 free wings with the purchase of a drink.

Krispy Kreme — A free donut is available for all service members, retirees and veterans.

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants — participating McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants are offering a complimentary entree to vets from a special menu on a space-available basis. Online reservations are highly recommended.

Outback Steakhouse — Outback will offer veterans and military a free Bloomin' Onion and beverage

Subway Restaurants — Free six-inch sub or flatbread available to military vets on Veterans Day.

Texas Roadhouse — Free meals available to veterans from opening until 4 p.m. on Veterans Day.

T.G.I. Friday's — Veterans and service members can buy one meal and get another free.

UNO Chicago Grill — UNO is offering a 19.43 percent discount on food and non-alcoholic beverage beverages to vets and military. The chain explains that 1943 was the year UNO invented the deep dish pizza.

Abuelo's Mexican Food — Offers vary by region.

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurants — Special offers for vets on Veterans Day.

RETAIL DEALS

Amazon.com — A free downloadable MP3 album includes 12 songs performed by military bands and ensembles from now through Veterans Day.

The Dollar General — Veterans, service members and their immediate families can receive a 10-percent discount with a Veterans Day coupon.

Home Depot — Offers a 10 percent discount to all veterans on Veterans Day. Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount year-round to active duty military and retirees.

Lowe's — All veterans receive the 10 percent discount for purchases of up to $5,000. A 10 percent discount is available year-round to active-duty military and retirees.

Sam's Club — Sam's Club will give away collapsible Hugo Canes on Veterans Day to military veterans who need them.

Seven-Eleven — On Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., veterans can get a free small Slurpee.

Cabela's Outdoor Store — Employee discounts are being offered to all veterans, active-duty military and reserve-component troops, along with law-enforcement, fire and emergency-management personnel. Discounts vary from 5 percent to 50 percent, depending on item.

Build-a-Bear Workshop — Members of the armed services, including the Coast Guard and ROTC, receive a 20 percent discount on any one transaction at the workshop.

Fashion Bug — Offering 20 percent off all plus-size and misses clothing purchases with a copy of military ID or spouse's military ID.

Sports Clips Haircuts — Offering free haircuts to active-military and veterans.

Home Pricing November 11, 2013

How to Set Your Selling Price

Being overpriced is a bad start

If you're selling your house, one of the first steps you'll take is setting an asking price, a maneuver that requires the ability to find the perfect balance between attracting solid offers and ultimately receiving top dollar.

If you're working with a Realtor or other industry professional, you'll probably hear talk of fair market value, which typically means the highest value an educated buyer will pay. Fair market value is usually not the asking price.
 
Many agents will begin by conducting a competitive market analysis of your house and give you an estimate of the fair market value of your home, which is a range that will fluctuate depending on the housing market in your area and how much similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for.
 
If you're in a hot seller's market, like many communities throughout  much of the West, you'll have the advantage.
 
While overpricing to some degree can be beneficial, you'll still want to be careful and avoid pricing your home too high, which almost always is nonproductive.
As you work with your agent and set your price, you'll want to recognize the factors that may prompt you to raise your asking price too much when it isn't warranted. Some of those factors include:
 
  • Upgrades have been added. While many home improvements will help you recoup a good chunk of your investment, it won't give you 100 percent of what you paid. Also, the more personal the improvement—a swimming pool, a sunroom, purple floors—the less likely it will be viewed favorably by potential buyers.
  • The need for money.
  • You're moving to a higher-priced area.
  • The original purchase price was too high.
  • The seller lacks factual comparable sales to prove what the market value is.
  • The seller wants bargaining room (listing more than 1-3 percent above market value actually reduces bargaining power).
  • An unnecessary move, so you're not motivated.
 

On the other hand, if you're in a neutral or buyer's market, like in Minneapolis, you'll really need to be cautious in setting your price.
 
"While a few select neighborhoods are experiencing good activity, the market generally is favoring buyers," said Mary Jo Oren, a Realtor in Minneapolis, Minn. "Price reductions are becoming more common and sellers are having a tough time adjusting to fewer offers, fewer multiple offers and increased market time to sell. Buyers are less emotional and not afraid to offer significantly less than list price plus ask for additional seller participation."
 
Generally, the asking price—the price advertised when it goes on the market—is set slightly higher than market value, usually 1 to 3 percent above market value.
You should assume that negotiation will be necessary to reach an agreement with the buyer. If you price your home too much above market value, you'll get fewer showings and offers in which the potential buyer is fishing to determine how low you'll go.
 
You'll want to establish your priority list: Are you more concerned with selling quickly or getting the most money possible? You'll also want to contemplate whether you think the agent's suggested price is reasonable and whether you'd pay that amount if you were a buyer.
 
Your agent, as well as friends, relatives, and neighbors, will help you point out your house's advantages and disadvantages that you may not have thought about because you're too close to the house and not as objective as others.
 
A third party will help you think of your house as a commodity—something with positive and negative selling points. At that point you can decide on a price that you deem competitive and in line what other houses in your area have sold for.
 
If you are considering selling and would like our expert opinion of your homes value, give us a call, text or email, we would love to help you out!
 
?-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
Seattle – Northwest
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Inline image 2

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

Real Estate Negotiating November 10, 2013

FSBO’s Must Be Ready to Negotiate

In a recovering market, some sellers might be tempted to try and sell their home on their own (FSBO) without using the services of a real estate professional. The real estate agent is a trained and experienced negotiator. In most cases, the seller is not. The seller must realize the ability to negotiate will determine whether they get the best deal for themselves and their family.

Here is a list of some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate if they decide to FSBO:

  • The buyer who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
  • The buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)
  • The home inspection companies which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the house.
  • The termite company if there are challenges
  • The buyer’s lender if the structure of the mortgage requires the sellers’ participation
  • The appraiser if there is a question of value
  • The title company if there are challenges with certificates of occupancy (CO) or other permits
  • The town or municipality if you need to get the Cos permits mentioned above
  • The buyer’s buyer in case there are challenges on the house your buyer is selling.
  • Your bank in the case of a short sale

If you are looking for a skilled negotiator to help you purchase or sell a home, give us a call, text or email; we would love to put our experience to work for you!

?-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

Seattle Homes for Sale November 8, 2013

Seattle View Home Sale

Beautiful Seattle contmporary home for sale in Seattle's coveted North Beach neighborhood.

Open Saturday
November 9th
1PM-4PM

Custom built home is tucked away in North Beach w/ modern lines, perfectly situated on a private lot w/ sound views. High end materials & quality craftsmanship throughout. Light filled & open floor plan w/ a seamless flow to outdoor living. Two story entry. Top of the line kitchen w/ slab granite counters, ss package, gas cooking & a huge island w/ sit-up eating. Spa-like master bedroom w/ palatial bath. Work out room. Wine cellar. Custom built-ins + lots of thoughtful extras at every turn.

Stop by Saturday to see this great home.

If you are looking for something different, let us know. We are experts for North Seattle view neighborhoods. Give us a call, text or email. and put our experieince and negotiating skills to work for you!

?-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Inline image 2

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834?

 

Fixer Home to Flip November 8, 2013

Five things to know about buying a fixer-upper

So you’re buying a fixer-upper? The house looks good, needs some work and is in a desirable neighborhood. But what might seem like a great fixer-upper property could actually be a money pit. Let’s look at some common potential issues with a home that could easily derail an appraisal and your mortgage.

Here are some common red flags that could halt your loan – and they come up more frequently than one might think. And just a note: It’s all about the appraisal and contract. If the problem isn’t listed in the appraisal or listed as a condition of sale within the purchase contract, it shouldn’t delay or deny your loan.

Roof

Many resale homes have worn-out roofs that must be replaced at some point down the road, some much sooner than others. In this situation, your real estate agent is bound to identify it right upfront. Get at least a couple of quotes to determine how much shelf life the roof actually has, and the costs associated with repairing or replacing the roof if need be. If the roof is shot (or worse — has a leak), and it’s identified in the appraisalas “subject to condition,” it will have to be fixed in accordance with the appraiser’s comments. It will also mean a second visit from the appraiser to sign off on the completion of the repair.

Open Subfloor

This one is biggie. Open and exposed subflooring is an automatic red flag because it presents a potential health and safety concern for the buyer of the property. As such, this is guaranteed to stop the loan, and the appraiser will be mandated to notate it in the appraisal as a condition that needs to be satisfied to make the property lendable

Exposed Wiring

This seems obvious, right? Well, in many cases homes have exposed wiring either on the exterior or the interior of the home, which poses — you guessed it — another health and safety concern. It would be best to repair any exposed wiring prior to the appraiser visiting the property for the first time.

Dry Rot

Whether or not a rotten area is viewed as a condition of hazard depends on the individual appraiser. In most cases, appraisers simply want a rotted area repaired to make an appraisal clean — and also to cover their backside, so to speak.

Pest Damage

If there is large-scale pest damage — for example, if any average Joe can see obvious termite or pest damage when viewing the home — then yes, it’s probably going to be need to be fixed. However, it’s more common to see it identified as a condition of sale in the real estate purchase contract — at which point it must be fixed.

Who Pays for the Repairs When Buying a Fixer-Upper?

Such repairs could be paid for by buyer, seller, listing agent or buyer’s agent. More commonly, the buyer typically pays for such repairs to the property, but this is always negotiable. It can be paid by any one of these parties, even be split multiple ways.

As an informed home buyer, you’d want to make sure your loan is approved with the lender prior to making any repairs. The last thing you want to deal with is fixing repairs on a property you don’t own yet when you’re loan hasn’t been signed off.

There are other repairs that inevitably come up when looking at properties, including the property needing a CO2 detector (which is a law in many states), obvious repairs such as broken windows or an unstable deck are all examples of health and safety concerns. It’s not the lender that delays the loan in these situations. Rather, it’s the scope of the repairs as notated by the appraiser, as well at the time it takes to have those items repaired, that can slow down the lending process.

Whatever the case may be, proactively communicating with your mortgage lender and real estate agent about any repairs that need to be done is the best course of action to take to ensure the financing for your purchase comes through.

Have other questions about investing in a home? Give us a call, text or email, we would love to answer any questions you may have.

?-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com

First Time Hme Buyers November 8, 2013

Millennials: Your Time Is Now

Our guest blogger today is Justin DeCesare.  Justin is the CEO of Middleton & Associates Real Estate and has some great advice for the Millennial generation in today's post.
 

There will likely be no other time in the lifespan of the Millennial generation that is filled with more opportunity than right now.

I understand that the preceding sentence may seem overly optimistic, but when we look at modern history, all generations flourished more in the decade following an economic downturn than any other.

This, coupled with exponential growth in technology, is currently paving the way for a wave of young entrepreneurs and successful business people unparalleled in our Millennial Timeline.

Generally, I write these blogs to help instill the importance of our generation to Real Estate Agents and Brokers, but today, my message is directly to you, the young Millennial Yourself.

If you have not already grasped the importance that the next five years are going to have on your life, do so today.

Get Pumped Up.

This isn’t high school anymore, and our teenage-angst should have been thrown by the wayside along with every other burdensome baggage we have carried along the way.

Prices are at their lowest, NOW

Economists around the country agree that housing prices have fallen to their true lows, corrected, and should now be back on track for the steady growth necessary to maintain a healthy market.

New housing inventory is minimal, and EVENTUALLY the government will be forced to curtail bond buying programs, and as monetary policy is contracted the price of borrowing will increase.

By far the greatest reason you have to buy a home NOW and not 2 years from now is that money is cheap… cheaper than it has ever been and cheaper than it will ever be.

Stop Renting!

Plus, when you are renting, you are throwing your money away in taxes, especially those single professionals who have no other write-offs.

I am a Millennial. I am 30. I bought my first home when I was 21 while I was enlisted in the Navy.  My mindset has changed over the last 10 years, but I can say this: Youthful optimism may be the best asset we have. At 21, fear of failing and needing to start over with kids’ college funds to worry about do not weigh as heavily as they will 10 years from now.

Your jobs are starting to come back. With every tepid job report comes the chance for new jobs to be found that pay in line with what you are worth.

Take advantage of this time and don’t look back in 25 years saying, “It really was the best opportunity of my life.”

This is your opportunity for freedom, your opportunity to own something that gives back, and doesn’t merely suck the value out of your debit card.

Are you ready to invest in your future? Let us help you find the investment  that works best for you. Give us a call, text or email today.

?-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Inline image 2

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

Real Estate Referral Network November 7, 2013

Five Evergreen State cities placed in the top-100 best places to live in the U.S

Bellevue, Bellingham, Tacoma, Redmond, Everett and Vancouver WA were all named in the top 500 best places to live in the US. Check out the article HERE

If you are considering a move to any of these top 500 cities, give us a call, we have an exceptional referral network of brokers and agents throught the Untied States.

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

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Home Selling November 6, 2013

Why You Should Sell Your House Now

1. Demand Is High

The most recent Existing Home Sales Reports by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) show a double digit percent increase in sales year-over year; sales have remained above last year’s levels for over 25 months.  There are buyers out there right now and they are serious about purchasing.

2. Supply Is Beginning to Increase

Total housing inventory is again approaching historic norms of a 5 month supply compared with 4.3 months in January.  Many expect inventory to continue to rise as 3.2 million homeowners escaped the shackles of negative equity in the last 12 months and an additional 1.9 million are expected to enter positive equity in the next 12 months.  Selling now while demand is high and before supply increases may garner you your best price.

3. New Construction Is Coming Back

Over the last several years, most homeowners selling their home did not have to compete with a new construction project around the block.  As the market is recovering, more and more builders are jumping back in.  These ‘shiny’ new homes will again become competition as they are an attractive alternative for many purchasers.

4. Interest Rates Will Again Rise

Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise later this year.  The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year.

Whether you are moving up or moving down, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you are thinking about selling and decide whether it is worth waiting.  Is the possibility of a few extra dollars more important than being with family; more important than your health; more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

You already know the answers to the questions we just asked.  You have the power to take back control of your situation by putting the house on the market today.  The time may have come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.  That is what is truly important.

Are you condisering selling your home? Give us a call, we would love to help you home to obtain top dollar for your home in today's marketplace.

?-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

Home Purchase November 5, 2013

Tips for Buying a Home in the Fall

So, you're finally off the fence and ready to buy a home before prices — and mortgage rates — rise any further. Here's what you need to know about jumping into the market at this time of year.

Selection is limited

Many frustrated sellers who weren't able to unload their properties during the busy peak spring/summer buying season may take their homes off the market, particularly as the holidays approach and the action comes to a screeching halt. This means you can expect the selection to be even more limited than it currently

There's room to negotiate

Was there a home you saw and loved a few months ago? Is it still on the market? If it hasn't sold after one of the hottest real estate summers since the economic downturn, you likely have room to negotiate. While some buyers will pull their homes off the market, others who have been holding out for the best possible price may now be ready to come down. While some homeowners are determined to get a set price, others may simply want out at this juncture.

Check maintenance areas

Fall is the ideal time to check things such as gutter drainage and the general upkeep of the yard. How does everything look? Does anything need repair? Visit the home on a rainy day and see for yourself. Then go inside and check out the furnace, looking for drafts, leakage issues and other possible structural/maintenance problems. If they're apparent, determine how much money it's going to take to get everything up to snuff and factor that into your offer, adjusting your price accordingly.

Looking for a broker to help you find your new home this Fall? Give us a call, text or email, we would love to help you find the perfect home!

-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834

 

Uncategorized November 4, 2013

Taking ownership: Millennials consider buying to escape rising rents

With the rent-versus-own momentum shifting, many local Gen Y’s are caught in an emotional and financial tug of war.

Special to NWhomes

Ready to find a home?

Renters who are ready to purchase a home are encourages by the National Association of Realtors to consider these steps first.

Pick a location. How far are you willing to commute to your place of employment? How good are the local schools, shopping centers, public transportation, senior services and other public amenities? Will your new home be next to a vacant lot or a commercial property?

Make a list. Zero in on the features you must have, would like to have, definitely don’t want and would prefer not to have. Tip: Start compiling your wish list by thinking about what you like and dislike about your current residence.

Do your homework. Recent home-sale prices, market trends, homes on the market, neighborhood statistics and information about the homebuying process is available online.

Get educated. Become empowered. Get preapproved for a mortgage. Rather than guessing or estimating how much you can afford to spend, ask a lender or mortgage broker to give you a full assessment and a letter stating how much you’re qualified to borrow. The true amount may be much more or much less than you think.

NWhomes staff

Time to buy? asks Gen Y.

It’s a vexing question for many younger adults — aka millennials, born between the early 1980s and early 2000s. Mostly 20-somethings, they’re watching rents surge and wondering whether today’s still-attractive interest rates might begin to climb out of their reach, too.

At the same time, this crowd came of age watching the housing market in 2007. In some cases, their friends and family lost homes.

“It was brutalizing,” says Windermere Real Estate/Seattle-Lakeview broker Michael Doyle. For many, he says, those memories carry painful scars about buying a home.

Now, with the rent-versus-own momentum shifting, many local Gen Y’s are caught in an emotional and financial tug of war. Millennial-age renters Christine and Tyler Opp, of Kirkland, say they feel a clock ticking.

Any sense of urgency for the Opps is fueled by the couple’s instincts that “interest rates are going to increase at a faster rate than home prices will decrease, so our monthly payment will go up incrementally by waiting,” says Christine, an associate at a local investment-advisory firm. “Over the lifetime of our [eventual] home, that’s hundreds of thousands of dollars more [we’d have to pay].”

Dean Jones, president of Seattle-based Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, agrees with their prediction. “The market has recovered to favor homeownership again,” he says. “Rents, interest rates and median home prices are all on the rise, which is adding to a sense of urgency for consumers.”

The Seattle area’s median home sales price in August, the most current figure available, was $430,800. That’s up 15 percent from this time last year, according to online real estate database Zillow. And 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are between 4.3 and 4.5 percent, the highest in nearly two years. With some variations in tenths of an interest rate, the average/median mortgage payment based on the 30-year fixed loan is about $1,160 monthly, according to Zillow.

Seattle rents, meanwhile, were averaging $1,150 this summer, up 6 percent over last year. It makes this area’s rents the fastest growing in the country, according to New York-based real estate tracker Reis.

That’s a lot of factors for millennial-age renters to consider, says Svenja Gudell, Zillow’s director of economic research. “Obviously, people are scared,” she says. “It feels as if you’re on a roller coaster.”

She says it’s smart to look beyond general numbers in the Seattle-Metro area — made up of King, Pierce and Snohomish counties — where home values are up 16 percent and rents are up 3.8 percent over a year ago.

Instead, Gudell advises looking at Zillow’s “Breakeven Horizon” chart based on using a 30-year mortgage. It shows that Seattle metro consumers “would need to live in their home for 3.7 years before owning a home becomes financially advantageous over renting the same home.”

Gudell suggests “drilling down to different neighborhoods” by using ZIP codes for greater details. Break-even patterns tend to be high in neighborhoods near strong job bases. For example, Redmond, Seattle and Bellevue — with pockets in Bothell, Kirkland and Ballard — favor buying now over renting.

The Opps say it’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” they buy their next home, and they remain determined.

“We’re in an apartment in Juanita that’s a little less than 700 square feet,” says Christine. “[The complex] has a hot tub, a swimming pool, pretty good amenities. It’s easy. We are able to save a ton of cash to be ready to put a down payment on [an Eastside] house.

“Buying your own home is the quintessential American dream,” she says. “It’s one of those steppingstones — for every person, a dream for every child — to purchase a home.”

Are you considering a home purchase? Give us a call, text or email, we would love to help you find that perfect first home!

​-Steve and Sandra

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
Windermere Real Estate/FN
122502 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle WA 98133
call/text: 206-769-9577
email: stevehill@windermere.com

Check out these useful links:

BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Windermere Housing Trends Newsletter

Our Preferred Lenders

George Runnels
Washington First Mortgage
WaFirstMortgage.com
call/text: 206-604-4545

Jackie Murphy
Cobalt Mortgage
CobaltMortgage.com
call/text: 425-260-6834