Current mortgage loan rates

Don't look now, but interest rates on 30-yr. fixed rate mortgage loans are starting to creep up, as we knew they would. By historical standards, they are still very good, but as a general rule of thumb you can estimate that for every 1% increase in rates, you will qualify for 10% LESS home. In other words, if you qualify for a $330K mortgage at 4.5% interest rate, you will only qualify for a $330K loan if the rates increase to just 5.5%. (I repeat, these are very rough figures with a lot of variables involved, but you get the idea.)

Here, then, is a table of rates as of Thursday, Feb. 10th, 2011. Information courtesy of Troy Chambers, Loan Officer for Arboretum Mortgage. 425-418-5103. http://www.troychambersmortgage.com/

Resources for "Greening" Your Home

I have a new website, sponsored by Seattle-King County Realtors Association, dedicated to all things green. Check it out and I believe you will find lots of valuable information about "greening" your home. Some of the topics: Seattle Energy Audit; Deals, Rebates and Incentives; Designing and Remodeling.

Let me know what you think!

You are invited to The White House!

Identity theft is an increasingly prevalent problem. It can happen to anyone, it can destroy your credit, and it causes a huge disruption to the lives of its victims. Learning how to prevent and detect ID theft -- BEFORE you become a victim -- can save you time, money and aggravation down the line.

On Wed., Feb. 16th, Sgt. Darryl Williams, of the Seattle Police Department, will give a free presentation about how to protect yourself and avoid stolen identity.

Sponsored by Savvy Seattle Women: A Homeowners' Network, the workshop will take place at "The White House", aka Law Offices of Best and de Vrieze, 3909 California Av SW. It is open to the general public for no charge.

The event starts at 6PM with a wine and cheese social, followed by Sgt. Williams presentation from 6:30-7:30.

This gathering is also a business promotion opportunity. Bring your business cards and network with other local business owners before and after the feature presentation.

For more information, go to: www.SavvySeattleWomen.com, 206-708-9800, SavvySeattleWomen@comcast.net

Pre-SuperBowl Open House!

Hey Super Bowl fans (and Super Bowl party fans)! There's plenty of time to tour an Open House or two before the big game begins today! From noon-3, I will be at a terrific 3 bd/1.75 bath daylight Rambler in the desirable Arbor Heights neighborhood of West Seattle. This turn-key home has gleaming oak hardwoods, fresh paint inside and out, a new 20-yr. roof, 5700 sq. ft. landscaped lot, fully finished basement, 1-car attached garage PLUS a 2-car detached garage, accessed by the paved alley, and hated and wired for 220 power. Just half a block from Arbor Heights Elementary School, complete with playground.

List price is just $344,000. The address is 10253 37th Place SW.

Come by today between noon-3 tomorrow. As usual, I will be giving away coupons for free ice cream from West Seattle's own Husky Deli!

Want to know where to find other Open Houses? Here's a link to a complete list.