Pristine is what best describes this complete remodel! The 3 bedroom, 1.75 bath, 1250 plus square foot rambler has new everything- wood laminate flooring, carpet, paint, light fixtures, cabinets, appliances, gas fireplace, bathrooms, plumbing, wiring, and much more. The striking living room that is extensive has new windows that capture all the natural light. Your completely remodeled kitchen has all the modern appliances, cabinets, and function of a contemporary kitchen. Did I mention the .20 acre lot with a fully fenced backyard has all been re-landscaped!!

Home loan rates went up this week due to strong economic news, looks like the trend could continue for next.

Weekly mortgage update for January 29, 2007

This is a question that will get you different answers according to you who you ask. For example, you ask a seller is their home priced too high and you will 99% of the time get a NO. Ask a buyer the same question about the same home you will often times get a YES. So how do you determine if a homes value in unreasonable? The value of the home is in the eye of the beholder or future beholder. For example, I just read an article in the Seattle times about a 77 square foot former storage room going for $335,000. That's $4,350 a per square foot and this former storage room as already received three offers. The location of this 77 square foot storage room is where the value is seen to those who want to live with-in walking distance to tony stores like Harrods, parks and be in the Knightsbridge neighborhood. Now for those who have a need of a 3,000 square foot home in the country this "storage room" is overpriced. Yes, there are accurate ways of establishing the price for a home. Real estate agents and appraisers do this everyday but the final value will come down to this, is a buyer will pay such and such a price for this property? The buyers are the actual one that will determine the value of real estate in the greater Seattle area. The value is in the eye of the beholder or future beholder.

How did the strong economic news affect interest rates this week? Did bonds go up or down? Take a look!  You will also get a sneak peak on next weeks news that could affect interest rates.

Weekly mortgage update for January 22, 2007.

In this weeks mortgage update you see how the performances of bonds are affecting home loan rates.

Weekly mortgage update for January 16th, 2007.

 “What on earth” you ask yourself, “does the weather in Seattle have in common with the Seahawks?” Let me answer that for you - they both affect the Seattle real estate market. “How’s that?” you ask. By slowing down buyer traffic and new listings.

When the weather is as unpredictable and severe as we have experienced in past month, many casual buyers and agents become hesitant to get out to view homes. Poor road conditions and the inability to see the whole property – due to snow or flooding, for example – are two of the biggest reasons. Sellers will often delay putting their home on the market until the snow or flooding is gone or until the power is restored.

When the Seahawks are playing, buyer traffic is affected – especially when the Seahawks are in the playoffs. Weekends are often the busiest time in real estate in the winter months, as most people’s works schedules don’t afford them the time to view properties during daylight hours. When the Seahawks have a big game on the weekend, the casual buyers stay home for the game. 

There’s a flip side to all of this – if you want to get a DEAL, this could be your opportunity! Many sellers need to sell their home quickly, and when buyer traffic is reduced, they may become more open to lowering the asking price or other concessions.

So if you’re more than just a casual buyer, take advantage of the unusual weather and the playoffs – it might payoff big for you this year!

See how the December job numbers affected interest rates in this weeks mortgage update.

Weekly mortgage update for January 8, 2007.

Location! This spacious 2003 townhouse style duplex with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a .33 acre lot is located close to all amenities, schools, and access to freeways. Large master bedroom with private bath and two closets, vaulted ceilings in living room, gas fireplace, laundry room, and a two car garage. This is a great turn key investment with new paint, vinyl siding, gas heat, gas water, washer/dryer included and easy lot maintenance. Both units are rented with leases active through 2007. Great opportunity!!

Snohomish County Stat Comparison	December	November	October	September
Residential Home Sales	729	720	836	907
Residential Homes Pending Sale	1,134*	1,408	1,589	1,670
Active Residential Listings	2,817	3,425	3,525	3,546

*455 went pending in the month of December

December is the last month in the calendar year, but it did not end up as the worst month in real estate. Even with the weather, power outages, and holidays, December ended the year strong. There was a considerable drop in “active” listings, but this typically occurs around the holidays as many sellers take their homes off the market to re-list again in January. I would expect a surge of listings to come to the market in early January.

Interest rates remain for a 30-year fixed with no points is around or below 6.00%.

In this weeks mortgage update learn the importance of establishing a good credit score for your business.

Weekly mortgage update.