Real Estate Advice for the Auburn, Kent, Maple Valley, Puyallup, Renton & Tacoma Areas
First Time Buyer

Will Short Sales FINALLY Become Reasonable?

Will Short Sales FINALLY Become Reasonable?

December 3, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

As a busy agent in the south King County area and down into the Tacoma/Puyallup Pierce County areas, I both list properties for Sellers and assist Buyers in finding their “dream home,” whether it be a first time purchase or a repeat purchase.
While definitely not unique to these geographic areas, price points and demographics of buyers and homeowners [...]

8 Requirements for the New Homebuyer Tax Credit, Effective NOW!

8 Requirements for the New Homebuyer Tax Credit, Effective NOW!

November 8, 2009 by Gabrielle · 2 Comments 

Okay all you first time homebuyers, you’ve been given a second chance! The Homebuyer Tax Credit passed and was signed into effect on Friday, November 6th! What GREAT news!
And it gets even better! Not only do first time homebuyers benefit from the tax credit … to the tune of $8,000! … any homebuyer could potentially [...]

Not Buying? You’ll Still Benefit From the Home Buyer Tax Credit!

Not Buying? You’ll Still Benefit From the Home Buyer Tax Credit!

October 30, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

Since the beginning of 2009, first time homebuyers have benefited from an $8,000 gift directly from Uncle Sam. Qualifying for the gift was easy and thousands of people benefited.
As I write this, plans are in place to extend and modify the tax credit into next Spring (thank heavens), which will continue to help economic recovery [...]

Homebuyer’s Tax Credit Has NOT Yet Passed — Not Quite!

October 28, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

As I write this at 4:45 PDT, our local news station, along with several lenders and title companies are reporting that the Homebuyer’s Tax Credit has passed and will be extended to April 2010.
While that’s GREAT news, it’s not quite right yet, from what I can see.
Looks like the Senate has agreed to pass a [...]

Senate Activity on Extending the $8k Tax Credit

Senate Activity on Extending the $8k Tax Credit

October 27, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

Like almost everyone I know that works in the housing industry, I’ve been chasing myself around for the last few weeks trying to get all of the First Time Homebuyers in my client list qualified and under contract so that they were eligible for the $8,000 tax credit … due to expire on November 30th. It’s [...]

Don’t Move Money Around

Don’t Move Money Around

October 22, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

I sometimes hear frustration from buyers who are being asked to produce the papertrail that supports the source of the  money being used for the downpayment and closing costs. The underwriter (the person that issues final approval for your loan) requires this information as one method of eliminating the possiblity of fraud, to meet the requirements of investors with whom [...]

Impact of King County Furlough Days on First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Impact of King County Furlough Days on First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

October 12, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

I received a message late last week from one of my helpful resource folks, Garrett Huffman of the Master Builder’s Association, regarding real estate closings and King County furlough days.
Earlier this year I posted a blog entry listing the days various King County offices would be closed in an effort to help minimize budget overruns. [...]

Still on the Fence? — 10 Reasons to Get Moving!

Still on the Fence? — 10 Reasons to Get Moving!

September 28, 2009 by Gabrielle · Leave a Comment 

I know, I’m a broken record. Buy now. Don’t wait. Get going. Don’t look back on 2009 as the year you “should have” bought and didn’t. Here are 10 reasons why you may not want to wait any longer to buy a new home:

1.   The number of houses available from which you can choose is [...]

Real Estate Advice for the Auburn, Kent, Maple Valley, Puyallup, Renton & Tacoma Areas