Residential Real Estate in SW Washington State

Residential Real Estate Services with Passion, Integrity, Knowledge

You are here: Home / Blogs

Sold with Multiple Offers in Five Days

by

And for more than the listing price! I love working with clients that understand how important it is to listen to suggestions on preparing their home for the market and stay involved throughout the entire process. Once the home is listed, everything moves fast and cleanly from start to end.

They accomplished their goal quickly and with a minimum of fuss!

Congratulations and thank you to the entire team — escrow, title, the sign folks, the roofer, the appraiser, the bank, the buyer’s broker … and my fabulous clients!

Sold! Amazing Shop, 4 Bedrooms, 1 3/4 Baths, Easy Commuting from Renton to Seattle

by

It’s so exciting for sellers when their carefully prepared home is appreciated by potential buyers and an outstanding offer comes almost immediately!

Congratulations to them! Only TWO days on market to see an amazing offer!

 

11615 SE Petrovitsky Road
Renton, WA 98058

Competitively Marketed at $395,000

If a HUGE shop is important, then this is the house for you! 2200 sq ft to work on cars, metals, woods, etc. Tons of parking plus covered RV stall. Home is beautifully kept; update if you wish. Four bedrooms (one could easily be bonus room), handcrafted yellow pine floors, woodburning fireplace w/heatilator insert to keep you warm & toasty. Like to garden? You need to see the fig, cherry & plum trees! Squash is already planted for fall harvesting! Super location & pride of ownership!

 

MLS #1155788
4 Bedrooms (or 3 plus Bonus or MIL)
1.75 Baths
1,470* Square Feet (Home)
12,565* Sq Ft Lot
Built in 1970
2017 Property Taxes: $4,834
Renton School District		 Forced Air Natural Gas Heat (Bryant Furnace just 2 years old)
Gas Hot Water Heater
Forced Air Gas and Electric Wall Heaters in Master Bedroom
Wood Burning Fireplace With Insert & Fan for Efficiency
Handcrafted Yellow Pine Hardwood Throughout Home
All Appliances Stay With Home		 2,200* Square Foot Shop
Fully Insulated
220V for Equipment
Includes:
* possible RV Parking Bay
* 1 Car Garage Stall
* 2 Car Garage Stall
* Divided Into Multiple Rooms
Exterior Lean-To at Back and Side for Additional Storage

Click here or the following shop photo to visit the complete virtual tour.

Sold! Convenient Country Living — 2-Story Tudor 3/4 acre

by

13421 SE 294th Place
Auburn, WA 98092

Competitively Marketed at $500,000

This custom-built Tudor on ¾ acre is the real deal with its stucco and brick exterior and wonderful curb appeal at end of private road.

The interior was just updated with designer paints, hickory and tile floors, new carpeting, new bathrooms, and some new windows. The home also features classic Tudor styling with solid oak interior doors and cabinets, vaulted ceilings, dormers, and a loft. Room sizes are super generous and the awesome floor plan was built for entertaining.

Outside is dedicated vegetable garden space, green house, chicken coops, RV parking+, lovely landscaping and a fenced back yard. Bonneville Power lines on property behind home means acres and acres where no one can build, providing a wonderful long term buffer and views of the foothills. Tiny peek-a-boo Mt. Rainier view too!

All this easy country living is just minutes away from Hwy 18, Covington, Costco, etc. Beautiful!

Click here or photo below to view virtual tour and additional photos.

 

SOLD! Amazing Shop, 4 Bedrooms, 1 3/4 Baths, Easy Commuting from Renton to Seattle

by

11615 SE Petrovitsky Road
Renton, WA 98058

Competitively Marketed at $395,000

If a HUGE shop is important, then this is the house for you! 2200 sq ft to work on cars, metals, woods, etc. Tons of parking plus covered RV stall. Home is beautifully kept; update if you wish. Four bedrooms (one could easily be bonus room), handcrafted yellow pine floors, woodburning fireplace w/heatilator insert to keep you warm & toasty. Like to garden? You need to see the fig, cherry & plum trees! Squash is already planted for fall harvesting! Super location & pride of ownership!

 

MLS #1155788
4 Bedrooms (or 3 plus Bonus or MIL)
1.75 Baths
1,470* Square Feet (Home)
12,565* Sq Ft Lot
Built in 1970
2017 Property Taxes: $4,834
Renton School District		 Forced Air Natural Gas Heat (Bryant Furnace just 2 years old)
Gas Hot Water Heater
Forced Air Gas and Electric Wall Heaters in Master Bedroom
Wood Burning Fireplace With Insert & Fan for Efficiency
Handcrafted Yellow Pine Hardwood Throughout Home
All Appliances Stay With Home		 2,200* Square Foot Shop
Fully Insulated
220V for Equipment
Includes:
* possible RV Parking Bay
* 1 Car Garage Stall
* 2 Car Garage Stall
* Divided Into Multiple Rooms
Exterior Lean-To at Back and Side for Additional Storage

Click here or the following shop photo to visit the complete virtual tour.

Get Out of the Rental Rat Race and Into Your Own Home!

by

Rents are truly skyrocketing right now and they just keep rising. And it’s tough to get out of the rental market sometimes. I get it.

While house prices are rising as well, once you’ve purchased, you’ll probably be locked into your payment rate for 30 years. Of course taxes and insurance seem to rise most years, and there are costs of ownership. I get that too.

The point here is that no matter whether you’re renting or buying, you’re paying a mortgage. It might as well be your own.

If you are even thinking of buying a home, give me a call so that I can route you through to my preferred lender. There ARE ways to buy with only a 1% downpayment (or even zero sometimes).

As an aside, the Infographic included shows just how much less expensive it is for you to own your own home rather than renting.

Get Out of the Rental Rat Race and Into Your Own Home!

Sold! Kenmore Beauty – 4 Bedrooms & Impeccably Maintained!

by

8015 NE 182nd Place
Kenmore, WA 98028

Competitively Marketed at $625,000

Maximized by streaming sunlight, this impeccable home boasts a warm and welcoming covered front porch followed immediately by its soaring entry. The formal living and dining rooms pay tribute to special occasions, flowing seamlessly into the thoughtful open kitchen and family room, which in turn is accented by a floor-to-ceiling stone-faced gas fireplace. Move upstairs to three generous bedrooms plus a huge master bedroom with five-piece ensuite and deep walk-in closet.

Attention to detail throughout with hardwood flooring, tile counters, and wood-wrapped windows, plus a heat pump for efficient heating and central air for summer comfort.

Beautifully landscaped with a fully-fenced back yard, the corner cul-de-sac lot provides ample outdoor spaces as well. Even the garage is organized!

MLS #1142740
4 Bedrooms
2.5 Baths
2,200* Square Feet
5,219* Sq Ft Lot
Built in 2003
2017 Property Taxes: $6,139
$50/Month HOA

 Northshore School District
Gas Heat, H2O, Fireplace, Kitchen Cooktop
Heat Pump for Efficiency & Air Conditioning
All Appliances Stay With Home
Fully Fenced Culdesac Lot
Community Playground

Click here or the following photo to visit the virtual tour.

 

Bonney Lake – 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths – UNDER $300k!!

by

 

Surrounded by cedars, this immaculate home feels like living in a tree house. Great sun in back yard, big deck, super patio, & awesome floor plan make this home the perfect space for entertaining and just … living!

Great room concept upstairs with living room, dining and kitchen all open and centered by a gorgeous stone-faced fireplace with architectural details. The home features three bedrooms with a fourth finished room with closet on the lower level, plus three full baths. In addition, there’s a bonus/family room on the lower level.

Extras like fresh paint, new bamboo floors, generator wiring, video security with exterior cameras, and outstanding owner attention to detail means you can move right in!

Click here or on the following image to view virtual tour

 

How to Get the Most Money When Selling Your Home

by

Every homeowner wants to make sure they get the best price when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensuring you get the highest price possible.

1. Price it a LITTLE LOW 

This may seem counterintuitive. However, let’s look at this concept for a moment. Many homeowners think that pricing their home a little OVER market value will leave them room for negotiation. In reality, this just dramatically lessens the demand for their house (see chart below).

Instead of the seller trying to ‘win’ the negotiation with one buyer, they should price it so that demand for the home is maximized. By doing this, the seller will not be fighting with a buyer over the price, but will instead have multiple buyers fighting with each other over the house.

Realtor.com gives this advice:

“Aim to price your property at or just slightly below the going rate. Today’s buyers are highly informed, so if they sense they’re getting a deal, they’re likely to bid up a property that’s slightly underpriced, especially in areas with low inventory.”

2. Use a Real Estate Professional

This, too, may seem counterintuitive, as the seller likely believes that he or she will net more money if they don’t have to pay a real estate commission. With that being said, studies have shown that homes typically sell for more money when handled by a real estate professional.

Research posted by the National Association of Realtors revealed that:

“The median selling price for all FSBO homes was $185,000 last year. When the buyer knew the seller in FSBO sales, the number sinks to the median selling price of $163,800. However, homes that were sold with the assistance of an agent had a median selling price of $245,000 – nearly $60,000 more for the typical home sale.”

Bottom Line

Price your house at or slightly below the current market value and hire a professional. This will guarantee that you maximize the price you get for your house.

It’s a Seller’s Market! Should I Downsize Now?

by

A study by Edelman Berland reveals that 33% of homeowners who are contemplating selling their houses in the near future are planning to scale down. Let’s look at a few reasons why this might make sense for many homeowners, as the majority of the country is currently experiencing a seller’s market.

In a blog, Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, highlighted the advantages of selling your current house and downsizing into a smaller home that better serves your current needs. Ramsey explains three potential financial advantages to downsizing:

  1. A smaller home means less space, but it also means less time, stress and money spent on upkeep.
  2. Let’s assume you save $500 a month on your mortgage payment. In 30 years, you could have an additional $1–1.6 million in the bank to get you through your golden years.
  3. Use the proceeds from selling your current home to pay cash for a smaller one. Just imagine what you could do with no mortgage holding you down! If you can’t pay cash, aim for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage and put at least 10–20% down on your new home. Apply the $500 you saved from downsizing to your new monthly payment. At 3% interest, you could pay off a $200,000 mortgage in less than 10.5 years, saving almost $16,000 in the process.

Realtor.com also addressed downsizing in an article. They suggest that you ask yourself some questions before deciding if downsizing is right for you and your family. Here are two of their questions followed by their answers (in italics) and some additional information that could help.

Q: What kind of lifestyle do I want after I downsize?

A: “For some folks, it’s a matter of living a simpler life focused on family. Some might want to cross off travel destinations on their bucket lists. Some might want a low-maintenance community with high-end upgrades and social events. Decide what you want to achieve from your move first, and you’ll be able to better narrow down your housing options.”

Comments: Many homeowners are taking the profits from the sales of their current homes and splitting it in order to put down payments on smaller homes in their current locations, as well as on vacation/retirement homes where they plan to live when they retire.

This allows them to lock in the home price and mortgage interest rate at today’s values which makes sense financially as both home prices and interest rates are projected to rise.

Q: Have I built up enough equity in my current home to make a profit?

A: “For most homeowners, the answer is yes. This is if they’ve held on to their properties long enough to have positive equity that will be sizable enough to put a large down payment on their next home.”

Comments: A study by Fannie Mae revealed that only 37% of Americans believe that they have significant equity (> 20%) in their current home. In actuality, CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 78.9% have greater than 20% equity. That equity could enable you to build the life you’ve always dreamt about.

Bottom Line

If you are debating downsizing your home and want to evaluate the options you currently have, let’s meet up to help guide you through the process.

Don’t Let Your Luck Run Out

by

With rates climbing and the promise of two or three additional federal rate hikes this calendar year, it’s important to be prepared. Even if you don’t feel you’re ready to buy this year, take a look at the infographic below to see what happens to a potential purchase with a rate of 4.8%.What you want to look at is whether you can save enough money fast enough to keep up with both the raise in interest rates and the 1% a month (or more) increase in prices.

As an aside, my favorite loan officer tells me that rates for very well qualified buyers this week was about 4.375%, already higher than this example.

Some Highlights:

  • The “Cost of Waiting to Buy” is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
  • Freddie Mac predicts that interest rates will increase to 4.8% by this time next year, while home prices are predicted to appreciate by 4.8% according to CoreLogic.
  • Waiting until next year to buy could cost you thousands of dollars a year for the life of your mortgage!

Tiny Houses

by

I certainly don’t have to tell you how intriguing and just downright cute so many tiny houses are. Every now and then one catches my eye and I think … wow, maybe we should add this to our backyard! I mean, after all, that would’ve solved the “how do we share our space with a grown child?” and the “my aging best friend is running out of money and needs a place to live!” quandries.

Every locale has rules about what you can build where and this post doesn’t begin to address that issue. Be sure to check out what zoning, permitting, rights and restrictions you have in your area before attempting to install one of these on your property. In the meantime, here are links to couple of tiny houses that I think are absolutely amazing!

The first two are Ana White videos. If you’ve not seen her work and videos before, be sure to subscribe to her feed on YouTube, or visit her website at Ana-White.com. There are plans for furniture, how to build a Tiny House, and so on!

Country Living also has quite a number of Tiny House posts. This is one of my favorites:

One more, then I’ll let you do your own Google search for Tiny Houses. There are pages and pages of plans, ideas, considerations, etc.

Here’s a cutie posted by TreeHugger:

Enjoy!

Where Did Americans Move in 2016?

by

This is a fascinating chart and oh so very true! Last year I assisted three out-of-state buyers in their move to our area. Although, come to think of it, there were two more that moved cross-country to the east coast as well. We’re a mobile sort of society, that’s for sure!

 

Some Highlights:

  • For the 5th year in a row, the Northeast saw a concentration of “High Outbound” activity.
  • For the first time ever, South Dakota held the top spot for “High Inbound” states.
  • Much of America’s outbound activity can be attributed to Boomers relocating to warmer climates after retiring.

SOLD! — Affordable Country Living

by

SOLD! Full price, one day! This one took some time to bring to market, but the seller did all the prep work I suggested and then, once it was ready, it SOLD FAST! Thanks for letting me help!

18204 SE 346th Street
Auburn, WA 98092

It’s unusual to find a home of this size on land that’s affordable and conveniently located near golf courses, shopping, and commuting. Just 20 minutes to Costco & Covington shopping, 5 minutes or so to Lake Holm & Washington National golf courses, you’ll love coming home to your own little slice of the country.

With its outstanding floor plan, the home features living, dining & family rooms, along with three huge bedrooms and two full baths. The home has been recently refreshed for sale including new paint, carpets, counters, furnace, heat pump and more.

Bisected by a gully with seasonal creek, the front portion of the property includes all of the living spaces, patio, deck, pergola, oversized garage with office, RV parking. The back section is large enough for animals — truly a beautiful piece of property!

Click following photo to activate Virtual Tour:

 

Do You Know the Real Cost of Renting vs. Buying?

by

 

Some Highlights:

  • Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a close decision.
  • Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (30%), vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15%), the choice becomes obvious.
  • Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you could use your housing costs to own a home of your own!

The Great News About Rising Prices for Homeowners

by

Recently there has been a lot of talk about home prices and if they are accelerating too quickly. In some areas of the country, seller supply (homes for sale) cannot keep up with the number of buyers out looking for a home, which has caused prices to rise.

The great news about rising prices, however, is that according to CoreLogic’s US Economic Outlook, the average American household gained over $11,000 in equity over the course of the last year, largely due to home value increases.

The map below was created using the same report from CoreLogic and shows the average equity gain per mortgaged home from June 2015 to June 2016 (the latest data available).

The Great News About Rising Prices for Homeowners | Simplifying The Market

 

For those who are worried that we are doomed to repeat 2006 all over again, it is important to note that homeowners are investing their new-found equity in their homes and themselves, not in depreciating assets.

The added equity is helping families put their children through college, invest in starting small businesses, allowing them to pay off their mortgage sooner or move up to the home that will better suit their needs now.

Bottom Line

CoreLogic predicts that home prices will appreciate by another 5% by this time next year. If you are a homeowner looking to take advantage of your home equity by moving up to your dream home, let’s get together to discuss your options!

SOLD! Meticulous Starter Home in Close-In Puyallup

by

15509 120th Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98374

15509 120th Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98374

I was so thrilled to help this couple sell their home so that they could get onto the next goal in their life — seeing their grandchildren! Thank you!

 

This is the perfect starter or downsizer home near Sunrise in Puyallup. It’s been meticulously maintained and is definitely MOVE-IN READY!

The huge fenced yard with a lovely partially covered deck combined with a country kitchen and family room (or dining room) make entertaining a pleasure. There’s a private 3/4 bath for the master bedroom along with another full bath for the other two bedrooms.

If few stairs are important, note that there’s only one step up to the front door and a second one to enter the home. One step in the garage as well, and then three steps from the deck to the back yard. Oh so easy on aching knees!

Finally, there’s no HOA in this tidy neighborhood, so you can park your RV or boat next to the long driveway. Be sure to visit this home quickly. Homes in this great condition have been selling quickly!

(Note that while this home is on a septic system and has three bedrooms, the septic “As-Built” shows approval for only two bedrooms. This is a Springfield Community septic system with the tanks on your own property and then community drainfields.)

Click the following photo to visit the virtual tour and see additional photos:

 

SOLD! Covington-4 Bedrooms, Large Lot, Culdesac, One Owner

by

 

09-10-34_00005

The original owners of this lovely home helped design every detail, have lovingly maintained it, and are pleased to offer it to you for your purchase consideration.

Tucked gracefully into the end of the culdesac, the woods behind this classically designed home provide a peaceful backdrop at the end of your long day. You’ll enjoy life sitting in your own spa/hot tub or enjoying a BBQ, or glass of wine on your stamped concrete patio.

The home is perfectly designed for a both a  busy lifestyle or for those who love to entertain. With very generous room sizes, formal and private spaces, you’ll find plenty of room to grow, live, and stay!

Conveniently located just minutes from major Covington shopping: Costco, Kohls, Home Depot, along with easy fast commuting access to Highway 18.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

  • MLS # 959861
  • 2,840 Sq Ft
  • Built in 1990
  • 2016 Taxes: $4,792
  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2.5 bath
  • 2 car garage
  • Formal Living & Dining Rooms
  • Family Room
  • Bonus Room
  • Updates:
    * 2011 – 50 year roof
    * 2007 – Furnace
    * 2010 – Water Heater
    * 2008 & 2010 – Windows
  • Hardwood, Tile & Carpeted Floors
  • Stamped Concrete Patio
  • Partially Fenced
  • Backs to greenbelt
  • HOA Inactive

 

Virtual Tour: Click HERE to link to full screen view or click image below for smaller view
View the Tour

 

 

SOLD! Affordable, No Stairs, Lakeland Hills!!

by

Ground floor corner unit

This wonderful one-level condo in Heatherwood at Lakeland Hills shows pride of ownership while providing affordable living. Enter from either the front or back door—just a few feet from your own garage!

The U-shaped kitchen features loads of modern storage with ample counters and a convenient planning desk all just steps away from your covered patio. The dining and living room with tiled fireplace are perfect gathering places for activities. Two large bedrooms share the well-appointed bath.

Unit is handicap accessible with possible wheelchair access throughout the home — there are no stairs anywhere and the unit features wide doorways, an open bath vanity and accessible fixtures.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

  • MLS # 943074
  • 885 Sq Ft
  • Built in 2003
  • 2016 Taxes: $1,741
  • 2 bedrooms
  • 1 bath
  • 1 car detached garage
  • Dues: $271 per month
  • HOA Dues include Water/Sewer; Common area maintenance; Snow removal; Lawn Maintenance

 
  • 9-foot ceilings
  • Easy-care hardwood/laminate floors in main area
  • Bedrooms are carpeted
  • Back entrance just steps from garage

 

Virtual Tour: Click HERE to link to full screen view or click image below for smaller view

SOLD!–Affordable Lake Washington View!

by

stitched

This Lakeridge area home (near Skyway) sold within 7 days after original listing, although the buyer’s offer arrived at the end of day 2. There were multiple offers. The seller is thrilled to see wonderful new owners now living in the home!

Homes sell FAST when they’re well prepared and priced right!

 

xxxxx 66th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178

Affordable views are rare anywhere in the greater Seattle area, especially when located in such a neat & tidy neighborhood! Even in our early Spring downpour, the view of Mercer Island and Kennydale shines through! On a clear day, the Cascade foothills are visible as well.

This cute little 2 bedroom, 1 bath home is entirely livable but perhaps you’ll want to finish the basement or rearrange the interior to better fit your lifestyle. Recently updated with a newer furnace and water heater plus fresh paint and carpeting will allow you to move right in. Pride of ownership also shows in beautiful landscaping!

By the way, I’m told that the Blue Angels fly over sometimes too!

Scan the QR code below for additional photos and links to the virtual tour, then call me or your own broker for a private tour.

Visit the VIRTUAL TOUR, then call me or your own broker for a private tour.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

 

1650 Sq Ft Total including: 2016 Taxes: $2,728 2 Bedrooms
680 Sq Ft Unfinished Basement Forced Air Gas Heat 1 Bath
Built in 1918 No HOA or CCRs Off Street Parking in Alley
MLS #906789

 

 

SOLD!!–Remodeled 4-Bedroom Des Moines Rambler

by

002_7241

Another quick sale! The first offer arrived the night of the listing (Thursday). By the time the sellers were able to review offers (Monday evening), there were 11 offers with calls coming quick and fast to see the home and write up even more. Needless to say, the home sold for well above list price.

Well prepared homes sell quickly in this HOT market.

***** 13th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198

The amazing remodel and thoughtful design of this impeccable rambler reflects the loving care of its owners. You’ll enjoy its blend of warm and comfortable interior spaces all filled with abundant natural light.

Living and entertaining is a pleasure in this home from the charming formal dining room with fireplace, capacious open kitchen filled with updated cabinetry, to the great room anchored with a second gas fireplace and framed with large windows.

Attention to detail is evident throughout. The home includes expanded storage closets, roomy window seats, private master courtyard, skylights, ceiling fans, newer roof, French doors to the patio, and a spacious fenced back yard. Energy efficient as well, the home features a tankless hot water heater, high efficiency furnace, and triple-paned windows.

Not specifically designed for wheelchair access, however there are no stairs throughout the home and one bath includes walk-in shower with handrails.

Visit the VIRTUAL TOUR, then call me or your own broker for a private tour.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

 

MLS #898374 Remodeled 2008 1 full & 2 3/4 baths
2020 Sq Ft 2016 Taxes: $4150 Formal Dining Room
7500 Sq Ft Lot No HOA or CCRs Great Room
Built in 1977 4 Bedrooms 1.5 Car Garage

 

 

 

 

SOLD!!–Exquisite 3686 4+ Bedroom Edgewood Home on .4 Acres

by

Front of Home

This amazing Edgewood home sold in 22 days, which is a fantastic timeframe for big houses in this price range. For help selling your own home, please contact me and we’ll get busy making your home shine in the real estate market!

**** 115th Ave Ct E, Edgewood WA 98372

Chaffey-built craftsmanship and exquisite care surround this luxurious home, which features a spacious and flexible open floor plan designed for entertaining while providing a peaceful lifestyle.

Backing to a dedicated greenbelt and surrounded by a manicured shy half-acre, you can listen to the birds sing while enjoying morning coffee on the expansive deck and patio.

With both walk-in and butler’s pantries, the well-designed kitchen opens to the great room and is completed with stainless appliances, rich cabinetry and gleaming hardwood floors.

Thoughtfully sited upstairs at the back of the home is the corner loft and well-appointed master suite, both overlooking the greenbelt view. Two additional bedrooms and bath complete this level. The home’s daylight lower level provides casual playroom flexibility plus room for a home gym, guest bedroom and additional bath.

Professional landscaping and exterior lighting enhance the home’s exterior. Welcome Home!

 

¨ MLS# 894806

¨ 3,686 sq ft

¨ .42 acre lot

¨ Built in 2006 by Chaffey Homes

¨ $7,256 2015 property tax

¨ 3-Car Garage

¨ Septic System

 ¨ Natural Gas

¨ Air Conditioning

¨ 4 Bedrooms

¨ 3½ Bathrooms

¨ Loft

¨ Bonus Room

¨ Den

 ¨ Extra Finished Room on lower level

¨ Formal Dining Room

¨ Great Room layout

¨ Stainless Appliances

¨ All Appliances Remain with Home

¨ Professional Landscaping

¨ Landscape Lighting

 

 

SOLD!-Uber Affordable Lake Tapps 3+ Bedroom Home on .34 Acres

by

front corner

Why Rent?? Affordable, no HOA dues, your own land, 3+ bedrooms and loads of space inside and out! Recently refreshed with new in/out paint, carpet & kitchen counters, this spacious home is ready to go. Well-designed interior space–big rooms, vaulted ceilings, split bedroom locations (master on one end w/huge walk-in, guest rooms on the other). Kitchen is open to a huge dining space; living room opens to double-door den with closet. Massive Front Deck!! Dieringer Schools & near Lake Tapps too!

  • Located at 16709 27th St Ct E, Lake Tapps
  • MLS# 895273
  • 3+ Bedrooms (one room could be den or bedroom)
  • 2 full baths
  • Kitchen with eating space (eating bar + space for table)
  • Formal Dining
  • Split Bedrooms — Master at one end, 2 bedrooms at opposite end
  • Title Eliminated
  • $160,000

Mortgage Pre-Approval for Buyers “and” Sellers!

by

Financing Ad
Photo credit: Everyspoon via Flicker

Some time ago, I received a link to a Forbes article that  pretty much debunks what most people think about obtaining mortgage preapproval: “The Mortgage Pre-Approval Con” The article explains how mortgage preapproval works, what information is requested and evaluated by a mortgage officer, and so on. It’s a good article and pretty much says it as it is.

However, one critical fact missing is that most experienced Broker/Agents (that’d be me!) also work with mortgage professionals we trust. That’s because we have experience with them; we know that when they issue a preapproval, they have the level of knowledge and experience to perform. They also meet deadlines — one of the most difficult challenges facing purchases at the moment.

When working with Sellers, I may ask the Buyer presenting an offer to also be preapproved through a lender I trust. Of course that buyer can work with whomever they want … I just want to assure my client, the seller, that by accepting an offer there’s a good chance the sale will actually be completed.

Working with loan officers that have been vetted through experience, minimizes the “con” in mortgage pre-approval! 

For a list of loan officers I trust and work with, visit my Lender Resource page.

Short Sale Documentation

by

Perhaps the most significant part of handling short sale listings is gathering the appropriate documention from the Seller. While each lender / loan type tends to have slightly different requirements, overall the list is similar and must be presented to the Lender at the time short sale negotiations are begun.

Short sale documentation almost always includes at least:

  1. Authorization from the Seller(s) allowing the negotiator to contact lender(s) on their behalf.
  2. Hardship letter. This letter, written by the Seller, describes exactly why the Seller is in need of a short sale and why the lender should consider their request. Not a time for sugar coating, the letter should be heartfelt (I actually like handwritten letters the best).
  3. Financial Documents (duration varies by lender)
  • Pay Stubs (two months)
  • Bank Statements (last three months)
  • Tax Returns (last two years)
  • Financial worksheets (income and expense report for the past three months, and projecting forward for the next three months, or if self-employed, a profit & loss statement will be needed)

As a short sale listing agent, I like to have this documentation in my file at the time a listing is begun. Waiting to gather this all-important short sale document until an offer is received typically delays submission to the bank and the beginning of negotiation services.

For help listing your home and a more comprehensive list of the short sale documentation needed, be sure to consult with your lender, your attorney, and, of course, your trust real estate brokers.

 

15 Things Your Buyer’s Agent Should (Will!!) Do For You

by

My daughter is currently shopping for a house outside of Washington State, where I’m licensed and practice. Although I cautioned her and her husband against making sign calls and suggesting (strongly!) that she work with a Realtor I interviewed on her behalf and recommend, they decided to make a sign call and then moved forward with that agent. And not happily so. When I spoke with her by phone yesterday, her comment to me was

“Oh Mom, the agent just opens the doors. We’re perfectly capable of finding houses on our own and we don’t need any other help.”

Yikes! Now this young lady, of whom I am very proud by the way, has been raised to think for herself. However, she’s also seen me work and, gee I would have thought, understood exactly how much work I really do on behalf of my clients. Needless to say, I was terribly disappointed with her assumption that all I do is “open doors!” For Pete’s Sake!

With that in mind, I set out this morning to create a list of what I typically do for most buyer transactions. Certainly not every buyer requires each item, and certainly these are done with an eye to the specific house, experience of the buyer, and so on. I know there’s more, but this is a good stepping off point.

1.    Find Houses

  • Help you identify areas, neighborhoods, commute options
  • Set up searches that narrow the list of “everything out there” into homes that more precisely fit your requirements
  • Keep an ear to the ground, coupled with hard research, to find homes that are just coming on the market, price reductions, those that have offers that may not have been reported in the MLS, and so on
  • Help you narrow down your choices
  • What about For Sale By Owner properties?

2.    Open Doors

  • Yes, there’s that elusive MLS keybox. And for that, you need me.
  • Help you assess any/every house you see with regard to its condition
  • Help you assess any/every house you see with regard to how it may fit your lifestyle / needs
  • Evaluate the Competition — research and assess your “choice” with regard to asking price, condition, availability, and issues

3.    Financing

  • Recommend proven lenders
  • Review and help you understand your Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
  • Review and help you understand your HUD Statement
  • Keep you up-to-date on financing options
  • Help you understand/evaluate those you’ve been offered; i.e., does FHA make more sense than Conventional loans … or how about a USDA option, etc.?
  • Help you understand how your financing choices may affect a home you are considering

4.    Write Your Offer

  • Believe it or not, there’s a lot of legal knowledge that goes behind writing a strong and safe offer for you … and a bit of an art, too. After all, what if you need to back out? Is your earnest money protected, or did you just give it away? And heavens, what if you change your mind?
  • Help you put together an offer that’s as strong as possible, identifying any strengths and/or sticking points and presenting them in the offer in the most favorable way.
  • What if the house is in a distressed situation? What if it’s a Short Sale? What if it’s Bank Owned?
  • Be sure your paperwork is complete and top notch at every step

5.    Open Escrow

  • Help you understand forms that escrow may send to you
  • Stay on top of the escrow process to be sure your everything is complete so that your home purchase will close on time

6.    Legal Documents

  • Be sure that you have copies of all legal paperwork regarding your home
  • Be sure that you have a complete copy of the title report
  • Read the title report with you to identify any tricky spots
  • Be sure that you have a copy of and have read and understand any CC&Rs
  • Be sure that you have access to and have read homeowner association documents, including minutes from meetings that might identify future issues with your purchase

7.    Recommend other proven professionals:

  • Inspectors
  • Roofers, electricians, painters, plumbers, landscapers, etc.
  • Attorneys, accountants, tax professionals
  • Testing services for wells, septics

8.    Help you identify, locate, and understand specific jurisdictional requirements

  • County septics, wells, etc.
  • Setbacks
  • Permits, etc.

9.    Be your representative

  • Present and negotiate on your behalf in a positive and professional manner
  • Present you in the best possible light
  • Be there for you at every event: all showings, inspections, repair trips, signings, builder meetings, septic inspections, well inspections, etc.

10.    Be the intermediary between yourself … and everyone else! (The listing agent, the seller, title reps, escrow officers, etc.)

  • Clarify and draft responses to all communications, being sure that each item is presented in a clear, precise, concise and professional manner
  • Schedule appointments to meet everyone’s schedules
  • Field endless phone calls and e-mail messages regarding the transaction

11.    Counsel

  • Help you remain objective throughout the homebuyer process
  • Appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm for the house you find … and help you evaluate that choice as a business decision
  • Offer suggestions when faced with difficult or complex decisions
  • Act as your sounding board when things just aren’t going smoothly

12.    Offer skillful & professional guidance

  • Suggest research you may want to undertake — what is the permit process, what about wetlands, property corners, schools, bus routes, etc.
  • Help you identify issues that could cause difficulty down the road, i.e., “lawsuits waiting to happen”

13.    Communicate, communicate, communicate

  • Do you know what’s going on?
  • Do you know when answers are due?
  • Do you know your deadlines?
  • Did you get it done?

14.    Be there for you after the purchase

  • Answer questions
  • Suggest solutions (how do I adjust the hot tub? — or … I love this one … “The alarm keeps going off, could you please call the Seller and see if this is normal?”)

and finally …

15.   Get it done!

  • Things fall apart at the most inopportune moments. We’re here to be sure your transaction stays on track and to help when things go sideways!