Resources for Single Homebuyers: Safety Tips for Power Outages

Much as I'd like to deny it, our local weather has taken a marked change in just the past few days. It's time to start preparing for potential power outages.

Click here to download a PDF file with information about what to do before, during and after a power outage.

Alki Open House

Open today (Sat. 10/24) until 4PM and again tomorrow from 1-4. Vintage, Spanish-style duplex just one block from the beach and steps from Whale Tail Park. 2626 Marine Av. SW. $349K for both units on a 3,220 sq. ft. lot! MLS# 29129787

Resources for Single Homebuyers: Pet Ownership

Click here to visit my Prudential website for a list of resources concerning pet ownership.

Resources for Single Homebuyers: What is your lifestyle?

Single homebuyers often have different lifestyles than those who are couples (with or without children). Here is a questionnaire that may help you identify some of your particular needs and wants in relation to buying a home. I invite you to print out this PDF file, answer the questions and then call me for an appoinment so we can discuss them. This will enable me to be even more effective in helping you find the right home. You can call or text me at 206-708-9800.

Incredible deal: Alki duplex just $349K!

Here's your chance to own a home one block from Alki beach and have someone else (a tenant) pay (at least) $695/mo. toward your mortgage payment! Located at 2626 Marine Av SW, this fun and funky little Spanish-style duplex is just steps from Whale Tail Park in one direction and the beach in the other direction.

I will be holding it open this Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 each day, so come by and take a look. Or if you'd prefer a private showing, give me a call at 206-708-9800.

Current mortgage loan rates

Low interest rates continue to be a bright spot in the real estate landscape. Although low home prices are something we can all understand, the hugely positive affect of a low interest rate isn't as easily discernable. Even a quarter percentage point can save you many thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Ask your lender to show you the amortization rate for loans at two different rates and you will see what I mean.

That said, here is a recap of interest rate activity for the past week, courtesy of Troy Chambers, loan officer for Arboretum Mortgage.

"Rates are back down a bit. Not quite to the level of a few weeks ago, but we are back down under 5%. I am providing these rates today, as I will be on a plane all day tomorrow. However; I will still be available all weekend, so please let me know if you need anything regarding new purchase financing or a refinance. Simply call my cell at any time at 425-418-5103, for anything you may need."

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

Click here to see a chart of current loan types and rates.

Resources for Single Homebuyers: What Style Home Should You Buy?

Townhome, condo, co-op, single-family residence ... which style of home is best suited to you? Price is not the only differentiating factor. Here is a chart which compares and contrasts your various options.

Note: this is provided as a PDF file because charts/tables do not transfer well into Blogger (the formatting gets lost).

Visit my Prudential website for more Resources for Single Homebuyers. Click the "Single Homebuyers" tab at the top of the home page. Or call/text me for an appointment to discuss your options in person. 206708-9800.

Resources for Single Homebuyers: Rent vs. Own

Portions of this article are formatted as a table, which does not translate well in Blogger, so please click here to download the information as a PDF.



The Pros and Cons of Renting versus Owning a Home

Visit my Prudential website for more Resources for Single Homebuyers. Click the "Single Homebuyers" tab at the top of the home page.

Resources for Single Homebuyers: 10 Steps to Home Ownership

10 Steps to Home Ownership

1. Consider advantages & disadvantages:
Do you really want to own a home?
2. Consider the market conditions:
Is this the right time for you?
3. Assess your credit standing:
Do you need to repair or improve?
4. Assess your finances:
Do you have cash for a downpayment, closing costs, etc?
5. Create a budget:
What monthly payment can you afford?
6. Contact a lender:
What amount of loan do you qualify for?
7. Compile your wish list of home features:
Prioritize wants vs. needs
8. Interview & choose an agent
How do you find the right agent for you?
9. Search for a home
How do you find the right home for you?
10. Make an offer and close the sale

Visit my Prudential website for more Resources for Single Homebuyers. Click the "Single Homebuyers" tab at the top of the home page.

Resources for Single Homebuyers: Home Security Tips

Home security covers a broad scope of topics from door locks to smoke alarms to neighborhood watch programs.

The time to begin assessing the safety of any home is before you buy it. Once you find a house you like and want to purchase, take the time to visit the local police station to research local crime statistics and see if they meet your expectations. You may find that the actual crime rate in any given neighborhood may be significantly higher or lower than its reputation would lead you to believe.

Once you move into your new home, be sure to either re-key or change all the locks. Otherwise, it is impossible to who among all past occupants, neighbors, landlords, etc. might have a key to your home.

Here are some other websites with helpful tips:

Home Safety Council:
http://homesafetycouncil.org/mysafehome/index.aspx

Crime Doctor Advice:
Home Security/Burglary Prevention
http://www.crimedoctor.com/home-security.htm