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Seattle’s Best Real Estate Agents
Thank you to another client for their raving review!
Steve and Sandra were truly a delight to work with. We moved to the area from Indiana and really needed someone that was knowledgeable about the specific areas and neighborhoods. They were just that. We found it to be very easy and convenient to have two agents to work with. We ended up finding our perfect house thanks to Steve and Sandra!
Check out our other reviews here:
http://www.zillow.com/profile/Brenner-Hill-Team/Reviews/
We love our career and it shows. Let us help you with your next home sale or search! We would love to make another one of our satisfied clients!
-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
Negative equity falls at fastest rate on record!
The number of underwater homeowners fell at the fastest rate on record in the third quarter, but a recent slowdown in price appreciation means the pace of improvement will likely fade, Zillow reported.
Approximately 1.4 million homeowners who previously owed more on their homes than they were worth threw off the shackles of negative equity in the third quarter from the previous quarter. The share of homeowners with mortgages that have negative equity has fallen by about one-third since its peak in the first quarter of 2012 of 31.4 percent, or 15.7 million homeowners.
In the third quarter, 21 percent of all homeowners with a mortgage, or 10.8 million homeowners, were underwater, according to Zillow.
“Rising home prices and a greater willingness among lenders to engage in short sales have both contributed substantially to the significant decline in negative equity this quarter,” said Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries in a statement. ”We should feel good that we’re moving in the right direction and at a fast clip.”
Still, the pace of improvement is likely to decelerate due to slowing price gains, and negative equity is sure to continue to contribute to inventory shortages, Zillow said.
“… Negative equity will remain a factor for years to come, and must be considered part of the new normal in the housing market,” Humphries said. “Short sales will remain a persistent feature of the market as many homeowners remain too far underwater for reasonable price appreciation alone to help.”
– See more at: http://www.inman.com/wire/negative-equity-falls-at-fastest-rate-on-record/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reindustrynews+%28Inman+News+Industry+News%29#sthash.C4vo177I.dpuf
The number of underwater homeowners fell at the fastest rate on record in the third quarter, but a recent slowdown in price appreciation means the pace of improvement will likely fade, Zillow reported.
Approximately 1.4 million homeowners who previously owed more on their homes than they were worth threw off the shackles of negative equity in the third quarter from the previous quarter. The share of homeowners with mortgages that have negative equity has fallen by about one-third since its peak in the first quarter of 2012 of 31.4 percent, or 15.7 million homeowners.
In the third quarter, 21 percent of all homeowners with a mortgage, or 10.8 million homeowners, were underwater, according to Zillow.
“Rising home prices and a greater willingness among lenders to engage in short sales have both contributed substantially to the significant decline in negative equity this quarter,” said Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries in a statement. ”We should feel good that we’re moving in the right direction and at a fast clip.”
Still, the pace of improvement is likely to decelerate due to slowing price gains, and negative equity is sure to continue to contribute to inventory shortages, Zillow said.
“… Negative equity will remain a factor for years to come, and must be considered part of the new normal in the housing market,” Humphries said. “Short sales will remain a persistent feature of the market as many homeowners remain too far underwater for reasonable price appreciation alone to help.”
– See more at: http://www.inman.com/wire/negative-equity-falls-at-fastest-rate-on-record/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+reindustrynews+%28Inman+News+Industry+News%29#sthash.C4vo177I.dpuf
The number of underwater homeowners fell at the fastest rate on record in the third quarter, but a recent slowdown in price appreciation means the pace of improvement will likely fade, Zillow reported.
Approximately 1.4 million homeowners who previously owed more on their homes than they were worth threw off the shackles of negative equity in the third quarter from the previous quarter. The share of homeowners with mortgages that have negative equity has fallen by about one-third since its peak in the first quarter of 2012 of 31.4 percent, or 15.7 million homeowners.
In the third quarter, 21 percent of all homeowners with a mortgage, or 10.8 million homeowners, were underwater, according to Zillow.
“Rising home prices and a greater willingness among lenders to engage in short sales have both contributed substantially to the significant decline in negative equity this quarter,” said Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries in a statement. ”We should feel good that we’re moving in the right direction and at a fast clip.”
Still, the pace of improvement is likely to decelerate due to slowing price gains, and negative equity is sure to continue to contribute to inventory shortages, Zillow said.
“… Negative equity will remain a factor for years to come, and must be considered part of the new normal in the housing market,” Humphries said. “Short sales will remain a persistent feature of the market as many homeowners remain too far underwater for reasonable price appreciation alone to help.”
Zillow forecasts that the negative equity rate will fall to 18.8 percent by the third quarter of next year thanks to a predicted home value gain of 3.8 percent in 2014
Curious about your home's value? Give us a call, email or text, we would love to chat!
?-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
5 Reasons to Buy A Home Now Instead of Spring
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:
Supply Is Shrinking
With inventory declining in many regions, finding a home of your dreams may become more difficult going forward. There are buyers in more and more markets surprised that there is no longer a large assortment of houses to choose from. The best homes in the best locations sell first. Don’t miss the opportunity to get that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ buy.
Price Increases Are on the Horizon
Prices are projected to appreciate by over 25% from now to 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.
Owning a Home Helps Create Family Wealth
Whether you are rent or you own the home you are leaving in, you are paying a mortgage. Either you are paying your mortgage or your landlord’s. The Fed, in a recent study, revealed that the net worth of the average homeowner is 30 times greater than that of a renter.
Interest Rates Are Projected to Rise
Interest Rates Are Projected to RiseThe 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 end of 2014. That is an increase of almost one full point over current rates.
Buy Low, Sell High
We 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.
Are you thinking about buyer? We would love to talk with you about your wants and needs. Why not take advantage of less competition and more motivated sellers! Give us a call, email or text today!
?-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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 Buying for Unmarried Couples
by guest blogger Mark Sheets
Throughout the home buying process there can be various hurdles to jump over to make sure everything goes smoothly. In today’s culture, we are finding more often unmarried couples are purchasing their first homes together. Although this sounds like a great plan, there are precautions that need to be taken in order to make sure the process is done right. Doing your research beforehand can alleviate any headaches. From a financial sense it is more difficult to break the co-ownership of a house, than it is to get a divorce, if things turn sour.
When making the decision to purchase a home with your significant other, you and partner must know that just like with marriage, a property agreement is a legal contract. One of the more important aspects of purchasing a home together is knowing how the investment will be split. In many cases, one partner may initially invest more money into the home than the other. This may cause issues in the future if things don’t work out due to the fact that legally one person may end up owning more of the house than the other.
Plan Now
If the relationship were to end, a dividing of the assets needs to take place. Although everyone in a relationship hopes for the best, preparing for the worst-case scenario will alleviate any hassle in the future. The best way to protect yourself is to come to an agreement as soon as possible while you both are still happy. If there were to be any future issues, it could get real ugly resolving things if steps were not taken care of from the start.
Credit Scores
As an unmarried couple looking to purchase a home together, there are a few concerns you need to be aware of. When the time comes to apply for a mortgage, the lender needs to run both of your credit scores. This can backfire if one of you has a great credit score and one has a terrible score. If this is the case, then you may not get the loan.
Legality
You will also want to check your individual state’s laws regarding an unmarried couple purchasing a home together, as some states don’t allow it. You as the homebuyer need to know this because if you are planning on going through with the purchase and can’t legally, you will be extremely disappointed.
Protect Yourself
Having the right paperwork filed is another important step to take, because without it you could find yourself in trouble in the future. One thing to do early in the home buying process is to file for a Joint Tenancy With Rights Of Survivorship (JTWROS). A JTWROS allows for the home and assets to be passed to the surviving partner if the other were to pass away. This lets the partner avoid inheritance taxes, as the home won’t go through an estate. Married couples are automatically granted JTWROS whereas unmarried couples are not. By doing this you can save yourself a great deal of potential stress in the future.
If you had filed for JTWROS with your partner and something went wrong with the relationship, you would need to fix your agreement. If you don’t adjust past agreements, then your soon to be ex is still entitled to the house and potentially your assets if you were to die. On paper if you had left everything all to your partner but intended to change that and never did, they are still legally getting everything. This also goes for if one partner were to pass away and if you didn’t file for JTWROS, the family of the deceased partner may try to sell the house. If the partner had made a will to leave everything to their family, it would not matter if the surviving partner wished to remain in the home.
What to Adjust After Getting Married
If down the line you and your partner decide to get married, there will be more papers that would need to be altered. The biggest adjustment would need to be the title to the house. After the title is adjusted, creditors cannot single out one of you for bad credit. This is good due to the fact that they cannot add extra interest to that partners share. If you and your soon to be married partner both have good credit, this can work out great if you were looking to refinance once everything is fixed.
As stated, there are precautions that need to be taken when purchasing a home as an unmarried couple. As we all know, getting married is one of the biggest decisions we will make. Planning to buy a home together is a great decision as long as you are cautious about how you go about it.
Let us answer any of your real estate questions, call text or email us anytime!
?-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
From White Picket to Upcycled Pallet Fences: Millennials and Housing
by Jim Harney
Critiques and defenses about Millennials abound. However, I think an overlooked aspect of the kerfuffle over Generation Y is the question “Why?” Although it is great to spur the generation on to great heights, it is crucial we understand some of the hurdles they are facing, economically and socially in order to anticipate how the market will have to change and adjust to accommodate a new generation’s capabilities and values.
Educational Debt & Credit
No big newsflash here: millennials are facing unprecedented levels of debt, between the various recessions, housing bubbles, and explosion of educational debt. New legislation in the works is attempting to help set up a more stable higher education financing system as well as relieve the staggering debt loads. Although debt forgiveness is the big buzzword these days, most students will still face shouldering a majority of their debt. Fortunately for the economic outlook, the legislation focuses on creating more income-based repayment plans that won’t put millennials on the street. However, the big question that remains is how will this affect their credit?
Public vs. Private Sector
With the specter of the 2008 housing bubble burst looming over everyone’s head, the situation is no longer about whether or not millennials are willing to take on more debt or have the income to cover minimum payments, it is about if lenders are willing to take on the risk. President Obama has rolled out plans that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be gradually diminished, leaving the private sector to provide the backbone of risk management. With first-time buyers being edged out of the market due to new credit requirements, we could see a short-term slowdown in home-buying.
Uncertainty
Surprisingly, the instability recently exhibited by the U.S. government shutdown and continued clamor over the debt ceiling may actually work in the market’s advantage. Millennials, wary of being overly reliant on vacillating government promises, might become increasingly inclined to use their savvy to explore home equity loans and carefully consider newly-revised reverse mortgages as part of their retirement plans. Having front-row seating for the recent economic meltdowns, the newest generation will be more inclined to do their research and not bite off more than they can chew, meaning they might, actually, leave a positive legacy for the housing industry.
American Dream
Homeownership is still an important idea to many Americans. If the government and the private sector work together to slowly adjust the system and increase stability, which is already the direction we are driving in, we can expect to see homeownership continue to increase with this generation. However, we should expect to hold the memory of Desi and Lucy fondly in our hearts, and leave them there as the face of home buyers will be forever changed.
It is a pervasive misconception that millennials are thoroughly disenchanted with the concept of settling down. The revitalized home-making movement—as evidenced on social media platforms like Pinterest–within more progressive millennial circles would indicate that although it might take a bit longer for the birds to return from their explorations, they will inevitably nest.
Furthermore, the creativity and frugality of Generation Y will provide them fresh incentives to invest in housing as home ownership opens up new avenues hosting friends and international travelers. As this new group of home-buyers realizes that a mortgage doesn’t necessarily clip their wings, we should be able to anticipate a new, stronger, and invigorated market of responsible borrowers. These iPod-wearing, tweeting, bicycle-riding youngsters just might be the market we’ve been looking for.
Please contact us with any of your real estate related questions, we would love to help you out in any way we can!
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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
5 Reasons to Sell Before Spring
Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand increases at that time of year. However, the fall and winter have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to sell now.
Only Serious Buyers Are Out
At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere 'lookers'. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.
There Is Far Less Competition
Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. The choices for buyers will be limited. Don't wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale.
The Process Will Be Quicker
One of the biggest challenges of the 2013 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers.
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 25% 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 historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come.
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.
Are you considering selling? Give us a call, text or email. We would love to provide you with a complinetary Fall Seller's Guide, no obligation, we just like to share.
?-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
Windermere, Real Estate, Northwest, Seattle, Mill Creek, Greenwood, Ballard, Ballard, Broadview, Home, Purchase, Sell
Seattle Homes Continue to Sell at a Rapid Pace
Over half of all home listed in Seattle sell in a month. It continues to be a seller's market. Check out the graphic below to see inventory and sales statistics.
Check out ALL the real estate statistics for the greater Seattle area HERE.
If you are considering a move, give us a call, text or email. We would love to help you sell your home for top dollar in rapid time.
-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
Santa Claus & Santa Paws :: A Special Photo Event
Please join us for Santa Paws this year, it is fun, fast and most of all, free!
Saturday, December 7th from 10-2 pm
WHERE: The Windermere Northwest office, 12250 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA
R.S.V.P Call 206-367-4720 to make your reservation
Come and get your professional holiday photos taken in a more relaxed atmosphere.
We know the holidays can be some busy times with lots of long lines so back by popular demand we’ve arranged for Santa to come to the Windermere Northwest office to take holiday pictures. All you need to do is call our office to make an appointment, dress your kids & pooch in holiday attire (not required) and we will do the rest! No kids? o pets? No problem! Everyone one is invited and welcome to this event.
Please call to make your reservation today!
FOOD DRIVE: FOR PEOPLE AND PETS IN NEED
Also, in the spirit of the holiday season, we will be collecting people and pet food for the local shelters. If you would like to participate, please bring canned or dry food and we’ll add it to the donation box!
Happy Holiday Season Wishes!
-Steve and Sandra
The Importance of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is the attractiveness of your home's exterior when viewed from the street. Studies show that a majority of buyers will not get out their car if they do not find your home's curb appeal visually attractive–that is, if they visit your property at all. With more and more people shopping for homes online, potential buyers could be turned off from viewing your property, just based on the listing photo alone. Addressing your home's curb appeal is a critical component in marketing and selling your home.
Why is curb appeal so important in selling your home? It forms potential buyers’ first impressions of your home. Curb appeal sets the tone for your entire home. Buyers associate the condition of the exterior and landscape with the condition of the interior. Your home's curb appeal must invite buyers to view the rest of the property. In a buyer's market, curb appeal can mean the difference between a home that sells quickly for the asking price and a home that sells after months of sitting on the market for below the asking price.
Considering selling your home? Give us a call, text or email. We would love to provide you with good advice to improve your homes' curb appeal.
?-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
Buying a Home? Consider COST not just Price
We have often talked about the difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As a buyer, you must be concerned not about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain.
Last month, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by about one full percentage over the next twelve months. We also know that many experts are calling for home prices to also increase over the next year.
What Does This Mean to a Buyer?
Here is a simple demonstration of what impact an interest rate increase would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $250,000 even if home prices don’t increase:
Considering a home purchase, give us a call, text or email, we would love to help you find your new home, whether it's your first or your tenth!
?-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
Check out these useful links:
BrennerHill.com
Best In Client Satisfaction
Seattle Real Estate Statistics
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
