Free 2-Hr. Homebuyer Ed Workshop

Tomorrow, Feb. 21, from 10-noon, I am presenting a free, 2-hour seminar designed for first-time buyers. This is a condensed version of the 5-hr. workshop I offer as part of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission program. Tomorrow's program will include information concerning:

· How to get started in the home buying process
· How to address credit issues & develop a budget
· How to find the right home & agent for you
· How to apply for downpayment assistance
· How to purchase & maintain a home

This is NOT a sales presentation, and you will NOT be asked to buy anything or use any particular services. I offer this information as a public service, and as a way to meet potential clients. The class will be held at the West Seattle Prudential office in Jefferson Square at 42nd & Alaska.

If you'd like to attend, give me a call at 206-708-9800.

Loan rates fall again

More good news for potential buyers and home owners looking to refinance ... mortgage rates fell across the board this week. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.04 percent this week, a drop from last week's 5.16 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year rate averaged 6.04 percent, according to Freddie Mac.

Lower loan rates can save you even more than lower home prices. Give me a call and I can help you do the math! 206-708-9800.

Seattle real estate & the stimulus package

An e-mail from the Association of Washington State Realtors reports:
"The $790 billion stimulus package signed by President Obama today increases the home buyer tax credit to $8,000, drops the repayment feature, reinstates last year's 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans, and provides $2 billion in additional funding for states and localities to be used to purchase, manage, repair and resell foreclosed and abandoned properties. Many elements included in HR 1 "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," were supported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) as well as the many REALTORS® who sent call to action messages to Congress urging their support!"

So how does this affect us here in Seattle? Although the real estate market in each area is unique unto itself, "stimulus" is a need we all have in common. Many buyers have been sitting on the fence waiting for reassurance, lower prices, lower interest rates (which can't get much lower), etc. This legislation is designed to put buyers into homes.

Is it time for you to buy?

If you are a first-time buyer, with good credit a good job and a source for a downpayment, times don't get much better than this.

Give me a call to talk about your particular situation and let's talk about how I can help you achieve the American Dream. 206-708-9800.

Congratulations to Josh & Lindsay!

Congratulations to my clients Josh and Lindsay Burell who closed on the purchase of their new home on Thursday. This will be a Valentine's Day weekend they won't forget! Working together, we found and closed on the perfect Beacon Hill home for Josh, Linsday and their daughters Maddie and Violet, in just under 6 weeks.

Are you ready to buy your dream home? Give me a call at 206-708-9800 to get started.

Real Estate Resources for Singles

Are you a single adult, looking for a real estate agent who understands your particular needs and circumstances? I can provide you with the resources and services you need to make your home search/purchase easy and enjoyable! I specialize in working with single adults and first-time buyers. Click on the link below to fill out a questionnaire that will get us started on the road to helping you navigate the course to your new home. Single Homebuyer Preferences Survey Or, if you prefer, give me a call for a free, no-obligation, no-hassle consultation. Hire me as your exclusive agent and discover how stress-free the homebuying process can be. Text or call me at 206-708-9800.

Sunday Open House - Free Ice Cream!

Today, Sunday from 1-4, I will be holding open my new listing in the Puget Ridge neighborhood which is near South Seattle Community College. This 1 & 1/2 story home, built in 1943 also has a full, unfinished basement and sits on a double lot of over 10,000 sq. ft. This lesser-known area of West Seattle is unique in that it abuts a greenbelt, which makes it seem secluded, but is also close to both the college and freeways.

This home is a semi-fixer, meaning that it needs some work and TLC, but is immediately livable, so you can move right in and then renovate as you have the time and money available. The address is 5632 18th Av SW and the list price is $250,000. Priced to sell, this is a lot of house for the money. Come see for yourself. Click here for more details about this property.

EVERYONE WHO VISITS ME AT MY OPEN HOUSE WILL RECEIVE A "THANK YOU" GIFT consisting of a variety of valuable coupons and special offers related to home ownership. For example, $50 off carpet cleaning services by Preferred Carpet Care; a free color consultation (valued at $250) and 10% off interior and exterior painting services by Aurea Painters; $50 off a home inspection by Home Inspections of Puget Sound; and many more! The total value of all the coupons combined is over $1000! These are coupons and offers that I have negotiated with local vendors and are AVAILABLE ONLY TO MY CLIENTS. I will be offering these gift packs at all my Open Houses for the foreseeable future, but I reserve the right to discontinue without notice, so don't delay! And this week, they also include a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Husky Deli!