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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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Why You Should Sell Your House Now
Many now realize that it is a great time to buy a home. It might also be an opportune time to sell your house. Here are the five reasons we believe now may be a perfect time to put your house on the market.
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
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
Chicken Little is Wrong: Homeownership Still the American Dream
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
Six Tips for Great Window Treatments
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
4 Tips to Redo a Small Bathroom
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
Mortgage Rates Fly Holding Pattern Just Over 4 Percent
by 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, The First Impression Counts!
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
Top tips to keep your kids safe on Halloween
by
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
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
