Real Estate Advice
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 [...]
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 [...]
Fix the Housing Market = Fix the Economy
October 7, 2011 by Gabrielle · 4 Comments
I know … I’m often considered naive in my “political” opinions. Probably rightly so most of the time. After all, I’m just a hard-workin’ self-employed real estate broker out here in south King County, home of the working folks. Most of us go to work every day doing whatever it is that needs to be [...]
Facing a Foreclosure or Short Sale?
October 6, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
The Washington State attorney general’s office recently released three videos that explain your rights and options should you be facing a foreclosure or short sale of your home. As an active Realtor®, I frequently receive phone calls from people that are already behind on their payments, or feel as though they will soon be in trouble [...]
Houses are Affordable in Maple Valley, WA!
September 2, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Seattle is a gorgeous area, full of lakes, mountains, and lots of green spaces. Just to the east of Seattle, directly across Lake Washington, are Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and other communities, commonly referred to as Washington’s high-tech corridor. Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and a batch of other big tech name companies make their home in our Seattle [...]
Quick Move-In; Culdesac Home on Greenbelt
July 29, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
PRICE REDUCED! This home is SO ready for a new owner! NOT a short sale or bank property; this newly lonely home is begging for new owners to fill its spaces with fun and laughter! Located at the end of a culdesac and backing to a greenbelt, you’ll love listening to the frogs sing behind your new home [...]
The Value of Photos: It’s Good Seller Representation
June 13, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Buyers are hooked on photos. I mean REALLY hooked on what they see when searching online for a home. They read a home’s description in the marketing remarks, then expect to see a visual confirmation of all of the features mentioned. From there they go to Google maps, or Bing, or wherever and pull up aerial [...]
Keeping Transactions on Course is a Bit Like Herding Chickens
June 9, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Being a Buyer’s Agent Requires Amazing Knowledge
June 8, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Being a Buyer’s Agent … that broker who assists buyers find their dream house and guides them through to closing of their purchase … requires an amazing amount of knowledge in today’s market. Just a few years ago, being a buyer’s agent essentially involved locating and assisting a buyer in writing an offer, carrying it [...]
Foxy Townhouse in Kent!
May 24, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
[gallery link="file"]New Carpet, New Roof, New Paint = New House for You!
March 25, 2011 by Gabrielle · 1 Comment
Look out over the neighborhood and into the distance from this corner-culdesac in the Kentridge/Glencarin area of Kent. Freshly painted with brand new carpeting and roof (to be completed prior to closing) = a clean, tidy, and move-in ready home just for you. Along with the kitchen (complete with eating bar), the main [...]
New Construction IS Selling in Auburn, Washington!
March 24, 2011 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment
Sigh. The national newspapers are shouting from the rooftops about how crappy terrible new construction is selling. Another sensationalism report blowing things totally out of proportion. According to an Associated Press article quoted in my local Seattle Times, new home sales so far this year across the nation accounted for just 5% of all sales. [...]
