Which Cities Will See Biggest Real Estate Rebound?

Reprinted from Daily Real Estate News October 2, 2009

Seattle Ties for First Place!

Which cities are likely to be the hottest post-economic downturn destinations for young, brilliant, and highly mobile workers?The Wall Street Journal surveyed six trend-spotting experts and they chose cities based on economic diversity, lifestyle and their own personal prejudices.
Here’s the top-10 list:
1. Washington, D.C. (tie)1. Seattle
2. New York
3. Portland, Ore.
4. Austin, Texas
5. San Jose, Calif.
6. Denver
7. Durham, N.C.
8. Dallas
9. Chicago
10. Boston

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger (09/30/2009)

Are you a single homebuyer?

31% of homebuyers are single. Are you? Visit my Prudential website to find a variety of resources to help you get started with your home search. Click on the "Single Buyers" tab at the top of the page for information on topics such as: home security; home styles; steps to home ownership; renting vs. buying; pet owners as home owners; and, free homebuyer seminars.

Alki Open House today

Admit it, you've always wanted to live on Alki. This little charmer is priced at just $399,900.

Stroll down to the beach today (and/or tomorrow) between 1-4 and visit me at 2626 Marine Av SW, a Spanish-style duplex right across from Whale Tale Park. I will be giving coupons for free ice cream cones from W. Seattle's own Husky Deli.

MLS# 29094087

Homebuyers: Is smaller, better?

I keep reading reports that today's homebuyers are shying away from McMansions in favor of smaller homes. Here's a link to one such article: http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1925511,00.html.

Most "experts" believe that the reasons have to do mostly with economics (no surprise there). Not only do smaller homes cost less initially, but maintenance and energy costs are less for the life of the home.

What are your preferences? If you were/are buying a home today, how much square footage do you require?

Will you miss out on the $8K tax credit?

Did you know that anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years qualifies as a first-time homebuyer? And first-time homebuyers who earn less than $75K/yr. ($150K for married couples) and close the purchase of a home by Nov. 30, 2009 will receive an $8K tax credit/refund from the Federal Government.

It takes the average homebuyer 45-60 days to find and close the purchase of a new home. That means you need to start looking by the first of October. What are you waiting for?

Need more info? Give me a call at 206-708-9800 or visit my Prudential website www.AliceKuder.pnwRealty.com and start searching for your new home!