Real Estate March 23, 2014

Seattle Home for Sale – 11715 N Park Ave N Seattle WA

11715 N Park Ave N
Seattle WA 98133

OPEN SUNDAY 1PM-4PM

You will love this sunny home in the heart of Broadview. This sweet 1925 Farmhouse is a gardener's dream. The home is surrounded by easy to care for shrubs and perennials which are just now starting to bloom. The main level features two bedrooms and a full bath. The living room and dining room are open to each other and feature large picture windows and a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen enjoys easy access and views to the back yard. The sun room off of the kitchen will be a favorite place.

On-line at AtHomeInBroadview.com

For a private tour of this great Seattle Home, give us a call or text at 206-769-9577

-Steve and Sandra

Real Estate March 22, 2014

Seattle Home for Sale

11715 North Park Ave N
Seattle 98133-8240

Open Saturday and Sunday
March 22nd and 23rd 1PM-4PM

You will love this sunny home in the heart of Broadview. This sweet 1925 Farmhouse is a gardener's dream. The home is surrounded by easy to care for shrubs and perennials which are just now starting to bloom. The main level features two bedrooms and a full bath. The living room and dining room are open to each other and feature large picture windows and a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen enjoys easy access and views to the back yard. The sun room off of the kitchen will be a favorite place.

On line at AtHomeInBroadview.com

For more information about this Seattle home for sale, give us a call or text!

-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

 

Real Estate March 18, 2014

5 REASONS TO SELL NOW

Many sellers are still hesitant about putting their house up for sale. Where are prices headed? Where are interest rates headed? Can buyers qualify for a mortgage?  These are all valid questions. However, there are several reasons to sell your home sooner rather than later. Here are five of those reasons.

1. The Most Serious Buyers Are Out Now

Most people realize that the housing market is hottest from April through June. The most serious buyers are well aware of this and, for that reason, come out in early spring in order to beat the heavy competition. These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the market right now!

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing supply always grows from the spring through the early summer. The choices buyers have will continue to increase over the next few months. Don’t wait until all the other potential sellers in your market put their homes up for sale.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest challenges of the 2014 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage. As the market heats up, banks will be inundated with loan inquiries causing closing timelines to lengthen.  Selling now will make the process quicker and simpler.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 19% from now to 2018. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with an interest rate at about 4.5% right now. Rates are projected to be well over 5% by this time next year.

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

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money 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 the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

If you are considering a home sale, give us a call, text or email, we are ready to get to work for you!

?-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577 | stevehill@windermere.com

 

 

Real Estate March 17, 2014

5 REASONS TO BUY A HOME NOW

Based on prices, mortgage rates and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time in real estate history to purchase a home than right now. Here are five major reasons purchasers should consider buying.

1. Competition is about to Increase

Every spring a surge of prospective purchasers enter the housing market. Like you, they will want the best home available in the best location at the best price. They will be competing with you for the ‘steals’ in the market. Don’t miss the opportunity to get that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ buy available today that no longer be available as the market heats up..

2. Price Increases Are on the Horizon

Nationally, home prices are projected to appreciate by 4.5% in 2014 and by over 19% from now until 2018. First home buyers will probably pay more both in price and interest rate if they wait until the spring. Even if you are a move-up buyer, it will wind-up costing you more in net dollars as the home you will buy will appreciate at approximately the same rate as the house you are in now.

3. Owning a Home Helps Create Family Wealth

Whether you rent or you own the home you are living in, you are paying a mortgage. Either you are paying your mortgage or your landlord’s. The Federal Reserve, in a recent study, revealed that the net worth of the average homeowner is 30 times greater than that of a renter.

4. Interest Rates Are Projected to Rise

The Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have all projected that the 30-year mortgage interest rate will be over 5% by the spring of 2015. That is an increase of almost 3/4 of a point over current rates.

5. Buy Low, Sell High

Most would all agree that, when investing, we want to buy at the lowest price possible and hope to sell at the highest price. Housing can create family wealth as long as we follow this simple principle. Today, real estate is selling ‘low’ compared to where it will be next year. It’s time to buy.

If you are looking for an experienced team who will guide you through the entire home purchase process, start to finish, give us a call, text or email, we would love to work with you! 206-769-9577, stevehill@windermere.com

​-Steve and Sandra
BrennerHill.com

 

Real Estate March 16, 2014

Geotech Inspection

With any home purchase, professional inspections are a critical part of the home purchase process. As a buyer, you will want to ensure that major systems are in good working condition and have an acceptable remaining life span.

Standard real estate inspections include a whole home inspection, sewer scope and sometimes separate inspections of specific house systems such as roofing, electrical, pest and on-site septic systems. Less common inspections include radon testing, indoor air quality testing, asbestos testing, soil analysis, property line surveying and arborist assessments.

In the Pacific Northwest, some properties warrant a geotechnical inspection to determine soil stability, erosive undermining and potential for building slippage. As we work together we can provide you with recommendations from our extensive contacts for all of these types of inspection professionals.

?-Steve and Sandra
BrennerHill.com

Real Estate March 15, 2014

Buying a Home Less Expensive than Renting — by 38%25!

Trulia released their Rent vs. Buy Report last week. The report explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting in all of the 100 largest metro areas by an average of 38%!

The other interesting findings in the report include:

  • Even though prices increased sharply in many markets over the past year, low mortgage rates have kept homeownership from becoming more expensive than renting.
  • Some markets might tip in favor of renting this year as prices continue to rise faster than rents and if – as most economists expect – mortgage rates rise, due both to the strengthening economy and Fed tapering.
  • Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying – and rates haven’t been that high since 1989.

Buying a home now makes sense. You can lock in a mortgage payment before home prices and mortgage rates rise as experts expect they will. If you rent, your housing expense will only continue to increase.

Tired of paying someone else's mortgage? Call, text or email us today to get into your own home or condominium. 206-769-9577, stevehill@windermere.com

?-Steve and Sandra
BrennerHill.com
Real Estate March 15, 2014

Homesnap Fantastic Home Search App

Homesnap

Check out this great new app for your home search!

Real estate listings are pulled directly from your local MLS so you get the most accurate and reliable information possible. Use Homesnap’s property search to discover condo, townhouse and single family home valuations for over 90+ million homes in the USA.

Homesnap is an amazing real estate app that works on iPhone, iPad and Android devices. Using Homesnap, you can snap a photo of any home to find out all about it. Homesnap draws on a massive homes database to show you how much the home might be worth, when it last sold, interior features details, local school ratings, similar listings, nearby sales and more.

Get your Homesnap app here!

If you need professional assistance or want to schedule a tour, contact Steve Hill. Call or text 206-769-9577.

Real Estate March 14, 2014

Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner – Windermere Real Estate Agents and REALTORS®

We are thankful for all of our clients who take the time to write a good word about our real estate services. If you are seeking brokers who will take you personally from the beginning to the end of a real estate transaction, give us a call, text or email. We would love to assist you with the sale or purchase of a home or condominium. 206-769-9577, stevehill@windermere.com

?-Steve and Sandra
BrennerHill.com

Real Estate March 14, 2014

Skip the Gym and do the 7 Minute Workout at Home!

The Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout helps you make every minute count. Designed with ease, effectiveness, and fun in mind, you can do this workout anywhere with confidence that it is safe and beneficial to your health. The workout was created by exercise physiology specialist Chris Jordan of the Human Performance Institute, Division of Wellness & Prevention, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company who takes you through each move step-by-step, ensuring you get the most out of every minute.

Considering an expensive home gym? Consider your return on investment before you spend the money.

Get the app here: https://7minuteworkout.jnj.com/

​-Steve and Sandra

BrennerHillReviews.com

 

Real Estate March 13, 2014

Stunning Seattle Cottage

12051 3rd Ave NW
Seattle WA 98177

Live in your own glamorous cottage surrounded by magical gardens. This delightful home features designer colors and stylish hardwood floors. The spacious living room features a wood burning fireplace and period elements. Entertain in style in the formal dining room that adjoins the living spaces. The light filled and spacious family room enjoys views of the front and back gardens. Detached garage off alley offers additional storage and studio space. Close to major routes, bus line and shopping.

For a private tour of this home, call Steve Hill at 206-769-9577