How's the market?

I get asked that question a lot, and most people are surprised when I respond positively. True, it's not the hot market it was 2 years ago, but that doesn't make it a "bad" market. The fact is, every market is good for somebody. Right now, it happens to favor first-time buyers, and it's a GREAT market for them ... perhaps the best we've ever seen, due to low interest rates, reduced home prices and government incentives such as the $8K tax credit. I'm not saying that homes are cheap or that it's easy to buy a home, but it is a time of tremendous opportunity for those who are fiscally responsible and well employed. Successfully buying a home should give one a sense of pride and achievement, precisely because it is NOT easy to do. That's why it's called "the American Dream".

Nevertheless, buying your first home (or even your second or third home) can be both scary and stressful. Financial genius, Warren Buffet, was recently quoted as saying, "If you are fearful and confused, you won't get over being fearful until you get over being confused." Part of my job as an agent is to provide you with the straightforward and accurate information you need to remove your confusion and therefore, your fear about buying a home. Take 15 minutes to interview me and I will demonstrate what I'm talking about. Please call me to set up a free, no-pressure, no-obligation consultation. 206-708-9800.

Saturday Open House

Saturday, from 1-4, I will be holding open my "Extreme Fixer" listing at 4147 37th Av SW in the Belvidere neighborhood. It's currently listed at $300,000, but the sellers have assured me they will look at all written offers. It's definitely a diamond in the deep rough, but it might be just right for you!

Remodeled Tudor w/ Outrageous View!

Check out the view from the living room of this exquisite home at the quiet end of Admiral Way! This 4 bedroom, 2.75 bath home has been meticulously updated from top to bottom. Click on the title link above to see a virtual tour. This is my listing and the asking price is $869,000. Call me today to arrange an appointment to see this incredible home for yourself. 206-708-9800.

Current loan rates

Here is this week's update on loan rates/programs, courtesy of Troy Chambers, loan officer for Arboretum Mortgage.

"Rates have remained low! It is a great time to be refinancing or purchasing, as qualifying isn’t nearly as difficult as the news reports are suggesting. It is time to take advantage of the lowest mortgage rates in history! Please contact me if you know of anyone who is looking for anything mortgage related. My cell is 425-418-5103."

Troy Chambers
Arboretum Mortgage
Phone: 206-720-6628
Fax: 206-860-9340
troy@arboretummortgage.com


Table of current loan rates.

"Twilight" Open House this evening

No, this has nothing to do with the "Twilight" book/movie phenomenon. It's simply an Open House held during the early evening hours. Today (Wednesday) & Friday, from 4-7PM I will be holding open my "Extreme Fixer" listing at 4147 37th Av SW in the Belvidere neighborhood. It's currently listed at $300,000, but the sellers have assured me they will look at all written offers. It's definitely a diamond in the deep rough, but it might be just right for you!

"Express" Homebuyer Workshops

Thinking of buying a home but don't know how to get started? Want lots of information in a short amount of time? Want to avoid a sales pitch? Register for my free 2-hr. Express Homebuyer Workshop. Starting Saturday, April 18th I will be offering this FREE class most Saturday mornings from 10-noon at the Prudential Office in Jefferson Square. Class size is limited to 6 individuals and REGISTRATION is on a first-come, first-served basis.

During this streamlined, information-packed session you will learn:
> The pros and cons of owning versus renting a home
> The costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a home
> How to determine the amount of home you can comfortably afford
> How to shop for a loan and choose a lender
> The role of the lender, Title company and Escrow officer
> The differences between appraisals and assessments
> The benefits of home inspections and home warranties
> The pros and cons of hiring a Realtor®
> How to negotiate and close the sale of your new home

This is NOT a sales presentation. Although part of my objective is to introduce myself to you, I guarantee you will feel no pressure or obligation to use my services.

Questions? Give me a call at 206-708-9800 or send me an e-mail: Alice@AliceKuder.com

Sunday Open -- $600K View Home

Looking for a mid-century Fauntleroy view home? Today, from 1-4, I will be holding open a split-level home, built in 1956. It has 3 bedrooms/1.75 baths, a large view deck, stone fireplace in the view living room, and much more. The address is 6733 48th Av SW. Listed by my Prudential colleague, George Butterfield, for $600,000. MLS# 28193886. The home is in great condition, awaiting updates by a loving new owner. Come see for yourself. As usual, I'm giving out gift bags filled with valuable home-service coupons, plus a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Husky Deli!