Home Ownership • November 4, 2013

Chicken Little is Wrong: Homeownership Still the American Dream

by Steve Hill

After the harrowing challenges experienced by so many homeowners over the last few years, many housing experts had predicted that the belief in homeownership as a major element of the American Dream would soon die. There is now conclusive evidence that these experts were wrong. As we reported back in September, The Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University completed a study which concluded:

“The long term cultural preference for owning seems to have weathered the recent housing crisis.”

Now, a second source recently announced similar results. Fannie Mae just released their National Housing Survey of Delinquent Mortgage Borrowers. The survey asked questions about the value of homeownership to the most sensitive of all groups – those delinquent on their mortgages. Here is what they found:

Of those delinquent borrowers:

74% still see homeownership as better than renting when building up wealth
71% still see homeownership as better than renting when saving for retirement
73% still see homeownership as better than renting for overall financial stability
80% still see homeownership as better than renting as an investment plan
70% still see homeownership as better than renting for creating an overall tax strategy

Bottom Line

Homeownership has always been and will always be a crucial piece of the American Dream.

Are you interested in The American Dream? Give us a call, email or text, we would love to help you fullfill your dream!

-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 Improvement and Decorating • November 3, 2013

Six Tips for Great Window Treatments

by Steve Hill

Spruce up those windows to make your kitchen more attractive with six easy-to-do ideas.

Design by Sue Adams

1. MINIMAL IS IN
Strip away heavy window coverings and replace with simple shades. One path to less fabric is using an upholstered cornice, says Sue Pelley, national spokesperson for Interiors by Decorating Den, or a flap valance like the Ace three-piece set from Swags Galore.

Design by Gail Drury

2. LIGHTEN UP
Natural light in the kitchen is essential. "Pleated shades offer a privacy treatment and still allow plenty of light," says Pelley.

Just one example of an attractive pleated shade is the Smith + Noble version, available in tones ranging from White to Sky Blue, in subtle stripes and a tropical-looking pattern. It even comes in versions suitable for skylights or arched windows.

Design by Beth Haley

3. PICK CURRENT COLORS
If you're using fabric, make sure it's in a contemporary tone.

"The terra cotta shades are very 'in' mixed with greens, blacks and golds," says Pelley. "You can also mix cotton fabric prints, either within a treatment or coordinating a print in the valance or cornice with another print on the cushion seats or place mats."

If your kitchen is particularly tiny, then light, cool colors can make it look larger and brighter, while dark, warm colors can make an oversized kitchen more inviting.

Design by Lin Lee

4. TRY SOME TEXTURE
Another hot trend is Roman shades made of rattan, bamboo or other natural fibers, says Pelley: "They add visual interest with their texture, but still roll up smoothly like the Roman shades of old."

Design by Jill Hertz

5. SOFTEN DIRECT LIGHT
Too much direct sunlight is also an issue in kitchens, says Pelley, since it makes it hot and unpleasant to work in. Simple wood blinds or woven wood shades, like the Provenance sold by Hunter Douglas, will filter the light without looking too heavy.

Design by Phyllis Harbinger

6. CONSIDER SOME CURVES
"There are typically lots of straight lines in the kitchen — the cabinets, the appliances, the counters —everything is straight or square," says Pelley. "It's a good idea to add a window treatment with soft curves to open the space up, especially in a small kitchen."

Arching a valance is a good option, particularly over the sink. Other options include a curved cornice, a box-pleated valance with a curved line along the bottom or a London Shade from Smith + Noble that is nearly flat at the top but falls from inverted pleats to gentle swags along the bottom, with wings at either side.

Resources

Interiors by Decorating Den, www.decoratingden.com

Hunter Douglas, www.hunterdouglas.com

Smith + Noble, www.smithandnoble.com

Swags Galore, www.swagsgalore.com

Thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call, we would love to interview with 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 Sunday Open House • November 3, 2013

North Beach/Blue Ridge Area Home :: Open Sunday 11/03 1PM-4PM :: 2851 NW 94th Street, Seattle

by Steve Hill

2851 NW 94th Street
Seattle WA 98117

Open Sunday 11/03 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 and see us today at this beautiful Seattle view 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

Home Improvement • November 2, 2013

4 Tips to Redo a Small Bathroom

by Steve Hill

by DIY Inspired

Pin It

The bathroom obviously needs to be an efficient, comfortable and functioning unit of your home. And it should be treated that way. By focusing on the right things and by using effective decorating techniques/storage ideas, you can get the most out of your bathroom regardless of how small it is. You can actually have everything you need in there to create a soothing/relaxing spa-like atmosphere by fully effectively utilizing the available space.

#1: Go for the Right Colors

Photo Credit: freshome.com

One of the things that you can work on is the current colors of your bathroom. It’s a fact that light colors help in creating the illusion of more space in a small bathroom. By using soft pastels such as blue, green and pink you’ll not only make the bathroom look/appear larger than it is, but you’ll also be able to create more soothing atmosphere since such colors are relaxing.

In case you want to go for the contemporary look, go for neutral colors for your bathroom walls. Besides that, you can also add some color with “decorative touches” such as counter accessories and towels.

#2: Focus on De-cluttering

Most of us try to de-clutter our homes during the spring break. But what when you want to do it specifically for your small bathroom? The purpose of de-cluttering is to make the most out of the space by taking the regular approach and by using innovative, creative ways to get results. For example, by removing some of that clutter from the bathroom counters it can help you get rid of the “cramped feeling” from the room.

You can also consider eliminating shelves from your bathroom walls and storing any of your extra towels in your hall linen closet in order to make more space in the small bathroom. Although the pedestal vanity for your bathroom sink could be taking lesser space, it still fails to offer you the storage needed to keep the bathroom free from clutter. So go for one of those bathroom vanities that have an under-sink storage area where cleaning supplies and extra toilet tissue rolls can be stored.

Photo Credit: houzz.com

#3: Work on the Shower Stalls

An easy and effective method for producing the “illusion of space” in your small, compact bathroom is to get rid of the bathtub and instead create a nice stand up shower stall. By removing the bathtub, you get more space for standing when showering.

Try and use glass doors that are clear enough to allow the eye to look in the direction of the shower stall so that it gives out an illusion of a larger bathroom. Avoid using solid type shower stall doors as they tend to break up the space, invariably making the bathroom feel smaller. Another good way to create this same illusion is to use one of those clear shower doors/curtains if your bathroom has a bathtub.

Photo Credit: countryliving.com

#4: Use Large Mirrors

In order to enhance the appearance of size of your bathroom, have a large mirror over the sink. Also, the reflection in this large mirror can and will capture some of the bathroom’s decorative elements, enhancing the illusion of space. In case your bathroom has a low ceiling, it would make sense to use vertical mirrors in order to create an effective illusion of height. The more smartly you make use of mirrors in a bathroom, the better it is.

Curious about what home improvment projects provide the biggest bang for the buck? Give us a call, text or email; we would love to point you in the right direction.

-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

Mrtgage Rates • November 1, 2013

Mortgage Rates Fly Holding Pattern Just Over 4 Percent

by Steve Hill

by Matthew Graham

Mortgage rates continued flying their recent holding pattern just over 4 percent. Most lenders' rate sheets were essentially unchanged compared to yesterday's latest. Additionally, we never saw enough bond market movement during the course of the day to justify any mid-day changes. The most prevalent Conforming (best-execution) has been pinned to 4.125% with very little change in associated closing costs for a week now.

Because most lenders adjust rates in 1/8th (0.125%) increments, the next time the best-execution quote moves lower, 30yr fixed rates will be back at 4.0%. Some lenders are offering that now, but it's not the norm, and may involve additional closing costs.

So is it possible that we'll see a more broad-based move down into the high 3's? In a word, yes, but caveats apply. The concept of a "holding pattern" is carefully chosen because rates are indeed circling the runway, waiting for permission to land.

That permission can only be granted by economic developments that are "negative enough." Specifically, markets would need to see more evidence that the labor market is weak enough to unequivocally delay the Fed's timeline for reducing its bond buying program–one major factor in lower rates overall.

The surest bets when it comes to such data are the once-a-month Employment Situation Reports, such as last Tuesday's. Due to shutdown rescheduling, the next report is coming up next Friday! Even tomorrow, we'll get several pieces of data that will help decide the fate of the "circling plane," including the ADP Employment numbers which attempt to forecast next Friday's numbers. The FOMC releases a policy announcement in the afternoon, and although traders agree we're not likely to see any policy change that hurts rates, it could still make for an afternoon where rates are actually higher or lower than the past afternoons.

Loan Originator Perspectives

"Still within a confined range, safe to say tomorrow will bring a bit more to the table however the recent trend prevails. Floating appears to be safe, however with rates at multi-month lows, locking must be considered. Tomorrow's FOMC is key to any volatility, not expecting anything groundbreaking. Float on!" –Constantine Floropoulos, Quontic Bank

"Consumer confidence readings released today were the lowest since April, likely not a surprise given recent DC dysfunction. The 5 year Treasury auction came in as expected. Net result was a range bound, but slightly higher day for MBS. Tomorrow's Fed Minutes should provide interesting details on their perspective on shutdown's impact on the economy. Any pro/con tapering hints will certainly impact rates' future direction." –Ted Rood, Senior Originator, Wintrust Mortgage

"Rates remain the the low 4% range (check with your Loan Originator on your specific scenario). Lock if you like. You can not lose by locking a rate you are comfortable with." –Bob Van Gilder, Finance One Mortgage

"I think the big question is will rates dip below 4%. I feel they will and possibly next week. We'll have to see, but the economic data I believe will confirm a slowing economy which should push rates down. Home sales numbers continue to disappoint. That's the last thing the FED wants." –Mike Owens, Partner, Horizon Financial Inc.

Curious about current mortgage rates? Give us a call, text or email. We would love to talk with you about your mortgage rate questions!

-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

Curb Appeal • November 1, 2013

Curb Appeal, The First Impression Counts!

by Steve Hill

Selling a home can be very rewarding (and profitable) if the right steps are taken to make sure that the home for sale shows its best to potential buyers, or as Sandra and I like to say, Parade Ready. When a home owner is thinking about selling their house, extra care and focus should be directed towards the property's curb appeal. Making sure that a house looks great as soon as the prospective buyer pulls up to it can make a difference of thousands of dollars in your pocket.

Check out the useful infographic below for improving your home's curb appeal.

If you are considering a home sale, give us a call, we would love to help you address those items, inside and out, that will provide you with the best return (profit) on your investment.

-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

Halloween, Safety • October 31, 2013

Top tips to keep your kids safe on Halloween

by Steve Hill

by Dale Johnson

For parents and children:

Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.

Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.

For drivers:

Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.

Remember that costumes can limit children’s visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Costumes and Treats:

Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and choose light colored costumes to improve visibility.

Choose face paint and make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. Look for non-toxic designations when choosing Halloween makeup.

Avoid carrying sticks, swords, or other sharp objects.

Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights in order to see better, as well as to be seen by drivers.

Liquid in glow sticks is hazardous, so parents should remind children not to chew on or break them.

Check treats for signs of tampering before children are allowed to eat them. Candy should be thrown away if the wrapper is faded or torn, or if the candy is unwrapped.

Happy Halloween!

-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 Inspection • October 31, 2013

Home Inspection

by Steve Hill

Question:
Using the home inspection contingency, must a buyer hire a licensed inspector or can the buyer have a friend or relative, who is a contractor, perform the inspection for the buyer? Aren't there some exemptions to this licensing requirement? If not, what should the broker do when the buyer announces that the buyer intends to bring an unlicensed person to conduct the whole home inspection?

Answer:

A buyer can personally conduct their own inspection of the home and property. If the buyer personally conducts the buyer's inspection, then the buyer is not required to have a license.
Any other person who conducts a home inspection, other than the buyer personally, must have a home inspector's license. A buyer's friend or relative who has a contractor's license or who used to be an inspector or who has "done a lot of buying and selling" is prohibited, by law, from inspecting the seller's home. There are no exceptions in the law that allow a person of this general type, to conduct the inspection for the buyer. The referenced law is RCW 18.280.010(6) and .020.

The law will allow certain other licensed professionals to participate in the home inspection process within the limitations of their professional license. (RCW 18.280.170) For example, licensed engineers, architects, electricians, plumbers, structural pest inspectors and certified real estate appraisers can each participate within the home inspection process as limited by their own license. An electrician may inspect the electrical panel but would be prohibited from inspecting the roof. A plumber may be able to inspect the water and waste lines but be prohibited from determining whether a home is properly ventilated.

Simply put, there are no categorical exemptions to the requirement that any third party who conducts a home inspection must have a Washington State Home Inspector's license. Said differently, any person who conducts a whole home inspection, other than the buyer personally, must have a Home Inspector's License.

In most cases, the buyer cannot gain access to the seller's home for an inspection except with the assistance of either the buyer or seller's broker. If the buyer announces an intention to bring an unlicensed inspector through the seller's home, the broker should not provide access to the buyer for that unlicensed inspection. Brokers should not assist unlicensed inspectors to violate the law by providing access to those unlicensed inspectors. Brokers should simply have a policy, across the board, refusing to allow access to "inspectors" unless the inspector satisfies the licensing law requirements discussed in this answer.

Do you have more questions about home inspections? Give us a call, text or email. We would be happy to answer any of your home purchase or sale related questions!

-Steve and Sandra

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

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 Foreclosed Homes • October 31, 2013

Taking the Spooky Feeling Out of Foreclosures

by Steve Hill

Buying a Foreclosure isn’t as Risky as You May Think, with the Proper Know-How

Last week, when Amanda Kostina laid out her 10 Hidden Hazards When Buying Foreclosure, it hit close to home. My husband and I relocated to Florida in the midst of the credit crunch, and what awaited me in my new home state was a depressed real estate market. Even though foreclosures had always been part of my repertoire, nothing could prepare me for the crash course I was about to get in the owned-asset market.

At my five years at Michael Saunders and Company, we have managed and sold an extremely high volume of properties for financial institutions and government sponsored entities (GSEs). And I have found that despite the inherent stigma that comes with purchasing a foreclosure, REO properties are a great opportunity for buyers, especially first time buyers.

That’s because there are built-in incentives to revitalize the area. All GSEs, and most banks, offer programs called First Look Initiatives. These programs allow for owner occupants to have first crack at their listings over buyers who are looking to purchase a listing as an investment. The hope is to pass the property to stable, caring owners. In fact, Freddie Mac has a policy to repair at least 65% of their inventory, seeking to rejuvenate the neighborhoods where their properties are listed.

With those improvements comes some assurances of a relatively-smooth transaction. My foreclosure sellers provide disclosures of anything they are aware of, or have been made aware of, with the property, as well as ensure all liens are satisfied and code issues are rectified, and pass clear title.

Now, while the hazards Amanda listed are present, I don’t know if they’re necessarily hidden. After all, if there are holes in the walls or the electric is off, you’ll know. But there are some precautions you can take to navigate some of the unseen, volatile waters of owned-assets.

Find an Agent Familiar with Foreclosures: An agent who doesn't know the process and/or the seller's contracts and policies could slow or derail an otherwise sound transaction. A trusted, experienced Realtor® can steer foreclosure buyers clear of unspoken pitfalls, and ensure an expedited process.

Get a Home Inspection: Many buyers feel that, because they are buying "as is" property, a home inspection is a waste of time and money. Not so. Having the home inspected will uncover problems within the inspection period. That’s important, because should you want to cancel the contract and it’s outside the timeline, some REO sellers will keep the earnest money deposit.

Consult with an Attorney on Your Contract: Many buyers don't have an attorney review their contract because they've been told that REO sellers won't allow any changes to it. That is definitely true: changes aren’t allowed, but, if you sign without fully understanding the contract, you (and your selling agent) might be surprised by what you've bound yourself to. For example, 99% of the sellers of properties we list have a policy to turn on the water and electric if possible. It is not guaranteed that it will be. Not even for inspections. So, if the plumbing is cut out, don't expect the house to be re-plumbed because you have to have utilities on for inspections. No, you don't, and the contract addendum you signed probably says so.

In any real estate transaction the buyer should beware, and that rings particularly true when purchasing an REO. But working with a Realtor® who is well versed in the REO market can allow buyers to see the benefits of purchasing a property that has been foreclosed on, and many times, those benefits can outweigh any potential “hazards”.

If you are interested in purchasing a foreclosed property, give us a call, email or text. We have the experience you need to purchase a foreclosed property.

-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 Ownership and The American Dream • October 30, 2013

Why Do We Buy Real Estate?

by Steve Hill

Why do you own your home? Why do you want to buy a home? According to Fannie Mae the top five reasons people buy a home or aspire to buy a home are: To have a better place to raise their children; A place where their family can feel safe; To have more space; Freedom to renovate to their own taste; and Owning is a better investment. Does this hold true for you? How about for a friend or family member you are close to? I know that all five reasons were a factor in my personal decision to own a home rather than rent. While I do think that sometimes for some people it is better to rent than own (or possibly it is the only option), the vast majority of the time there is no question it is better to own than rent.

The reasons we buy a home have stayed constant throughout the recovery of our real estate market and are strengthening all the while.

Freedom

People have to live somewhere and at least in the United States, people want to own where they live. It has a lot to do with freedom. We are a free nation with citizens who strive for financial freedom, enjoy their religious freedom, freedom to say what we want, etc. Something about owning your home gives you freedom.

Every day I work with people who are buying a home and they all have their own unique set of circumstances. Some are newly married and are ready to start their life together. Some need more space. Some have the means to buy a home in a special location to enjoy the beauty of the oceans or mountains. Either way the drive to own is strong.

Recovery

Let’s face it; we have been through tough economic times in the past several years. Many of us have been caught in the midst of short sales, foreclosures and even bankruptcies. The first question I’m asked by someone who has been through a tough time is “how long do I have to wait before I can buy another house?”

The American Dream

In 1931 the phrase “The American Dream” was defined by James Truslow Adams, historian and author, in his book Epic of America- “…life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement”. Homeownership is a very strong part of the American Dream.

We have all read books, seen movies and heard stories about immigrants who have come to America in pursuit of a better life in a society that allowed them to better themselves based on their own ability and achievement. Most of these people were coming to America from a society that was without opportunity because the class structure did not allow for significant achievement…you pretty much stayed in the class in which you were born.

In America that is not the case, every day we have the freedom to make better choices, work smarter, work harder, take risks, etc. all in pursuit getting to a better place than we came from.

Financial Strength

Owning a home is one of the best ways to better yourself as judged in financial AND non- financial terms. For example, according to the Federal Reserve (2012), on average, Homeowners have a total net worth over thirty times greater than those who rent their home. For most of us the equity in our home is the biggest asset on our balance sheet.

Other Factors

Some of the non-financial related ways we are better off owning a home versus renting include having more room for our growing family by way of buying a bigger house or adding on to our current house… if you rent, your landlord is not likely to allow you to knock down walls and add on to your apartment.

Another way we are better is by having the ability to choose where we want to live. Location is the single most important variable that affects the value of real estate, there is good reason for this…if the location is unsafe, polluted, noisy, high-traffic, prone to flooding, etc. then it less valuable than a location which is safe, quiet, convenient, dry, etc.

Achieving the American Dream is a noble pursuit. I would argue that owning your own home is one of the very best ways to live that Dream. It isn’t the only way but it is so important psychologically and financially that it helped make the USA the wonderfully free and prosperous nation it is and will be.

Why do you own your home? Why do you want to buy a home? Go out and achieve the American Dream!

If you are considering the American dream, give a call, text or email. We would love to show you how easy it is to live the dream!

-Steve and Sandra

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

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

Chicken Little is Wrong: Homeownership Still the American Dream

Six Tips for Great Window Treatments

North Beach/Blue Ridge Area Home :: Open Sunday 11/03 1PM-4PM :: 2851 NW 94th Street, Seattle

4 Tips to Redo a Small Bathroom

Mortgage Rates Fly Holding Pattern Just Over 4 Percent

Curb Appeal, The First Impression Counts!

Top tips to keep your kids safe on Halloween

For parents and children:

For drivers:

Costumes and Treats:

Home Inspection

Taking the Spooky Feeling Out of Foreclosures

Why Do We Buy Real Estate?

Freedom

Recovery

The American Dream

Financial Strength

Other Factors

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