Real Estate Advice
RE/MAX 2012 Housing Message with Margaret Kelly (RE/MAX CEO)
January 23, 2012 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Margaret Kelly, the Chief Executive Officer at RE/MAX is highly visible in her television commercials, along with being a spokesperson to those of us who are RE/MAX professionals. In this quick video clip, she summarizes what I believe is a reasonable statement of what we might expect to see in the real estate market in [...]
MainVue Homes at The Bridges in Auburn, WA
January 18, 2012 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
New home-building in Auburn, WA continues to increase, as evidenced by a quick drive through the area. One of the most ambitious new developments in Auburn is The Bridges, by MainVue Homes, located just east of 124th, between 304th and 288th. A few years ago I watched as the area was cleared and developed with [...]
A Look at Sales in Lakeland Hills
January 17, 2012 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
I’ve always loved the Lakeland Hills area of Auburn, which technically straddles the King County / Auburn County borders and includes both Auburn and Sumner addresses. Perched above the Auburn valley, there are also some staggering views of the valley, southeast of Mt. Rainier, and east of the Cascade foothills. Much of Lakeland Hills is [...]
You Can Test Drive a Car … But Not a House!
January 14, 2012 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
The last couple of weekends have included a few hours helping our son decide what car to buy. We’ve been to this dealer and that, had him prequalified … and have driven a number of cars, usually with the all-chatty salesman in the backseat telling us exactly why this car is THE one to buy. We’ve [...]
A Great Lender Helps From Start to Finish, Especially in a Short Sale
January 11, 2012 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
One of the very first steps in the home buying process is determining how a Buyer will pay for their new home. Not only must a Buyer determine much they can afford, but how an offer must be structured–whether closing costs must be paid by a Seller, gift funds will be used for a down [...]
Short Sales and 2012
December 30, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
By all indications, it appears that 2012 will be a year with even more short sale listings … and closings than 2011. Some of the major banks have embraced the idea that short sales can be a bit more profitable than letting houses sit for months on end and then ultimately end up in foreclosure. [...]
Okay, Should You Sell … and Buy in 2012?
December 27, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Like many, you may have been sitting impatiently on the fence for the last three years hoping for a miracle that would allow you to sell your existing home without sacrificing too much more equity … and buy at today’s price and interest rate. At least once a week I get a call from a previous [...]
A Special Thank You to Past Clients & Associates
December 22, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
I’m especially honored in 2011 to have been chosen as a Five Star Professional in their real estate category. I’m new to this one, so please forgive me as I carry on for a moment about this special award. It’s my understanding that this award is the result of polling of both the homeowners and [...]
Think Housing Prices Are Too High?
December 16, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
I have a client that loves to send me little jokes and ditties every now and then. He’s just slightly older than I am and loves to pontificate about how prices are outrageous and how he can’t imagine how people can afford to live any more. In some respects, of course, he’s absolutely right. But [...]
Mediation?–Yes, You’re Entitled!!
December 14, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Yesterday I posted information about what to do as soon as you fall behind in your mortgage payments. As a second step in the foreclosure process in Washington State, the Foreclosure Fairness Act stipulates that if your loan is through one of the big banks, after receiving notice that a Notice of Default has been [...]
Just Open the Mail!
December 13, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
In Washington State, folks that get behind on their house payments have options as described in the Foreclosure Fairness Act. The Act prescribes a series of steps to which a homeowner is entitled prior to any auction of their home. One of the first steps a lender must take for a home in Washington is [...]
Congratulations on Your New Home!
December 9, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
Five months in the making … and here it is! Congratulations, Gary! May you enjoy many many years in your new house! And who wouldn’t – all that brand new space just for you, combined with an awesome view of Mt. Rainier and the foothills! Whoo hooo!!! There’s a mountain there … a BIG [...]
Price Reduced — Start the New Year in a New House!
December 9, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
How about starting the New Year in a New House? One that’s beautifully kept, has a fantastic floor plan, sits at the end of a culdesac in a small neighborhood with no through traffic … and that backs to a greenbelt too!? AND was just reduced in price! Good grief, this is a better value than [...]
October 2011 Home Prices Drop, Number of Sales Rise in Auburn, WA
November 14, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
A few days ago, the Seattle Times reported that comparing home prices in King County in October 2011 to October 2010 dropped a”puzzling” 15%. Since I represent very knowledgeable clients in the south King County as well, I thought I’d better be sure I understood those numbers for myself. I’ve had a bit of difficulty [...]
12 Reasons Why That House Might Not Qualify for FHA Financing
October 19, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
In my practice, FHA loans are used for the majority of home purchases. At the moment, without a doubt, an FHA 203(b) is the most logical choice. Credit score qualifications start at about 580 (depending on the lending institution involved), interest rates are awesome, the minimum down payment requirement is only 3 1/2%, closing costs run [...]
