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Friday, October 29, 2010

Do you fit the profile of today's home buyer?

5 Traits of Today's Home Buyers
A survey by American Lives, a consumer research firm in California, conducted a study for the trade magazine Builder to answer that question. Here are their conclusions:

· They are young. Most are under 45. Half said they had annual household incomes of $75,000 or less. Two-thirds are married.
· They are frugal. They consistently told surveyors they were eager to live a simple lifestyle.
· They are concerned about their financial future. About 70 percent said the economy is “not so good” with 27 percent saying it was getting worse and 27 percent saying it was getting better, and two-thirds saying it would get better in a year. Some 55 percent said they were concerned that they might lose their jobs.
· They see themselves as energy efficient but not necessarily “green.” About 32 percent said they’d pay extra for energy-efficient features but only 16 percent said they’d pay extra for recycled or renewable construction materials.
· Neighborhood is important. Ninety-five percent said they thought the community was as important as the home itself. Seventy-nine percent wanted the most square footage they could afford, but 69 percent said they’d consider a smaller home in the right neighborhood.

Source: Inman News, Mary Umberger (10/27/2010)

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-5 Traits of Today's Home Buyers

Thursday, October 28, 2010

DIY Home Energy Audit

If you are looking for ways to lower your home energy costs, here are instructions about how to conduct your own home energy audit. The simple techniques described here can help you discover what you can do to save energy and money.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Should you refinance your loan?

In case you didn't make it to the Savvy Seattle Women workshop, "Should You Remodel, Re-fi or Sell?",  last night, here is some of the information you missed, courtesy of Stephanie Kimball, MetLife Home Loans.
Re-Fi Tips (downloadable PDF file)

What's in Your Home?

It stands to reason that it is a good idea to have a written record of the valuables in your home in case of fire or theft, but how many of us actually have one?

I just read about a free software program you can download that "assists you in taking inventory of your possessions. The easy-to-use, intuitive interface helps you organize your inventory by room and category. You can add multiple pictures of your items, rooms and household as you go along. When you are done you can save a file and print your report." (Above quotation is taken from their website.)

I haven't tried it myself yet, but thought I'd pass along the information. If you try it, let me know what you think. The website address is: www.whatyouown.org

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Should You Remodel, Re-fi or Sell?

That is the topic for tonight's free workshop (Tuesday, Oct. 26th) to be presented from 6:30P-8P at the High Point Branch of Seattle Public Library. The event is sponsored by Savvy Seattle Women: A Homeowners' Network (not sponsored by Seattle Public Library). Mortgage loan officer, Stephanie Kimball from MetLife Home Loans will be co-presenting along with me. Bring your questions and your friends! Pre-registration is not required and plenty of free parking!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

3 bd/1.75 bath Earlington home Open today

Who says you can't afford a view? My new listing in Earlington (just inside Renton city limits) overlooks the valley and mountains and is priced at just $239,000! This modest, 1500 sq. ft. home sits on a sunny, private, 7,145 sq. ft. lot at the corner of S. 130th and Renton Av S. The finished basement is ideally suited for use as a studio apartment, with it's own 3/4 bath, kitchen and separate entrance. Rent it out to help make the mortgage payment or just enjoy the extra space.

I will be holding the home open from 1-4 today  (Oct. 24th), so come take a look.

Meanwhile, here is the link to a Virtual Tour and a flyer. Or click on the title of this blog post to see more information on my website.  MLS #142458