What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d give yourself?

What is the most valuable piece of advice you could give your younger self today regarding building financial wealth? šŸ’ø

For me it’s a no brainer ā€œBUY DIRTā€! Not only do I love that song by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryant the video just speaks to my heart and soul of what life is all about AND I have seen it repeatedly with many of my clients.

šŸ“– STORY TIME: in June of 2020 I sold the pictured home for $639,950. The buyers have since had a change of life plan and are moving out of state. Thankfully they have been in the home for 2 years as their primary residence so it will save them on the capital gains tax. WHEW! This month, April 2023, the home is now pending under contract and will be closing soon for around $900,000. That is a profit of around šŸ’°$260,000šŸ’° in 2.5 years!!!! Do the math if you must and see the šŸ“ˆappreciation they received in this short time. I may be a Realtor and yes, this is my job but it’s a career I love and I believe very strongly the most solid way to build wealth and secure your future is to buy a home. Your own piece of dirt.

Inventory is still low, prices continue to go up, by the time the rate is where you want it, that price home won’t be what you want anymore, so you will have to spend more to get the same house. I always tell my buyers that it’s important to ā€œmarry the house, date the rateā€ Find the home you want in today’s prices and then when rates go down, refinance to save. If you wait for the rate to go down for 12 months or, more, and prices increase 5-10% during that time, what are you really saving? And, the main reason you are moving cannot be achieved if you stay put (need more space, closer to family, etc. )

You are investing in yourself when you purchase a home. We purchased our first home at 7.5% and that was normal!! Over time home values will always continue to rise, homes are a long term investment and let’s face it it’s better than paying the 100% interest you are currently paying on the rental you have.😟

Let me know if you want me to help you build your financial wealth!

WEEKLY DOSE OF Real Estate Awesomness

MORTGAGE & FINANCE news

7 steps to help you navigate the mortgage process

5 tips for unmarried couples buying a house together

Ā 5 tips to help you win a bidding war for your new home

REAL ESTATE news

Ā Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Metro area 3rd fastest-moving housing market in U.S.

Ā Home Tips

So you boldly painted a wall a vibrant red. Now what?

Ā 5 ways to turn that drab deck into a relaxing summer oasis

Ā Tips for cutting down waste while entertaining this summer

Ā Water conservation tips for Seattle and all Puget Sound homeowners

Just for fun! Take a look at this Everett Home listed for Sale.

What a view of the Cascades and the entire Snohomish Valley!Ā  Can you imagine waking up each morning and having coffee on the deck to this? Its one of the very manyĀ scenicĀ views our communityĀ offers and is the reason I call this area home.

Ā View6

Ā #snohomishcountyrealestate

#snohomishcountyhomesforsale

Happy Buyer in Bothell

Appealing home on a quiet cul-de-sac yet convenient to all ameniRyanĀ Ā  Client, Buyer

Jenifer knows how to take care of her clients. My wife and I saw about 15 properties with Jennifer before we found our new house. Throughout the whole process Jenifer was timely in her responses/updates. In the beginning part of the home buying process, the sellers initially agreed to have the HVAC system clean out. Then towards the end the sellers changed their minds and would not have the cleaning done. Jenifer went above and beyond and paid for the cleaning herself since she knew how important it was to our family and Jenifer did not have to do that. Now that we have our new house, Jenifer is selling our condo and I would recommend her to anyone! Thanks Jenifer!

Need Help With Home Projects?

An inspector I use, and highly regard, composed this list for me on tradesman he has used and trusts. If you click on this list it will bring you a ā€œtool boxā€ in alphabetical order of almost every type of service you could need. http://hipspro.com/pda/pda-referral.htm
Below are some more that I and some associates have used


Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  General Contractors Handy ManĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā 

  1. Justin Powell (GA Powell construction) 425-356-9022. www.gapowellconstruction.com
  2. ClassicĀ Remodeling NW, INC- Ward Hampson- 425-224-2004; cell-425-530-6818 www.classic Ā Ā Ā Ā  remodelingnw.com; info@classicremodelingnw.com
  3. Ā www.mrhandyman.com; 1-877-MRHANDYMAN (674-2639)
  4. Jim’llĀ Ā Fix It- Handyman- 425-220-3749. www.Jimllfixit.info


Gutters:Ā 
The Gutter Guys- Steven Alley; 206-595-0771; stevencalley@comcast.net

Plumbing/Heating and Carpet

5.Ā Ā  Solution Plumbing & Heating. Ryan Hurd 425-231-8599; www.solutionplumbingheating.com
6.Ā Ā  Flynn Carpet Cents- Mark- mark@dcarpetcents.com, www.carpetcents.com Ā  425-673-2663
7.Ā Ā  Swanson Carpet Cleaning- 360-659-4700

Pest Control
AA Advantage Pest Control- Stephen Gillis – 360-658-8811- www.aadvantagepest.com

Need a Financial Advisor? My brother is one of the best. AXA Advisors- Aaron Wagner 425-308-1550

Hope this helps and please feel free to ask me any questions.

Take Care

Jenifer Murrweiss www.snohomishcountyhomes4u.com

Pure Craziness in Snohomish County!

Ā Ā Bothell Home For SaleĀ Ā Bothell Home For Sale 2Ā Ā Ā Kirkland Home For Sale
These three houses you see I toured with a client on Saturday. Two are in Bothell and one in Kirkland on Finn Hill. They just went on the market last week listed in the low to mid 300K range and are all now pending as of Sunday. What I would like to share with you is how crazy it was to get in and see these homes.
The first one looked like an Open House on steroids but it wasn’t.Ā  We had an appointment to view at 3:00 and there were at least 10 couples inside! We barely had room to squeeze around and see the home.The owners were there and actually showing the home, describing features and speaking with all the prospective buyers. They said the home had been on the market one day and they already had 5 offers. Originally they were going to look at any offers on Monday but changed their mind to review on Sunday due to the amount of traffic and flooding of offers.
The second home we toured was just around the corner and when we got there it looked like a mob standing outside. An agent standing there with a client said there were some folks inside and they did not want a ton of people in their with them. So, out of respect, we were all lined up to take our turn; We were 5th to get in. After 20 minutes we finally got to view the home and there were more in line behind us. My clients said ā€œthis is insane and its starting to rain we should just let everyone in.ā€ I agreed and told everyone that they could tour along with us.Ā  Some went down while others went up and I waited to lock up until everyone was out. Wow!
Then off we went to the last home in Kirkland up on Finn Hill.Ā  My clients told me they wanted to make a Starbucks run and would meet me there. I got there and it was an Open House.Ā  I went in and introduced myself to the other agent thinking we could chat while I waited.Ā  No way! She said that when she got there to open the home there were 7 couples in-line and so far at least 50 have been through! As I was waiting for my clients I counted 8 more families on tour. Unbelivable!

So what the heck is going on? Well recently I reported on current statistics from the Northwest Multiples, that states Snohomish County is down to 1.3 months inventory of current homes for sale. With interest rates so slow and prices starting to climb families are starting to realize they better make a move or lose out. A year ago I could find good homes available for around 250K. Now that is getting very difficult. I work all around Snohomish County and in a few new home developments in Lake Stevens and Silver Lake area and I can assure you builders are raising prices. More price hikes are set to go into effect this spring when its suppose to get busy.Ā  From what I saw last weekend I don’t know how it could get any busier but if this is an indication there is going to be a lot of competition.

So how do we balance out? We need more homes on the market-period. Prices are rising but are they enough for those that have been under water for so long? My answer to that is, it really depends. What area are you in and how much under water are you? Every situation is different but I can tell you for example the first home above was a short sale and after all offers were in there was 9.Ā  I always tell my clients you need to go in with your strongest offer you can. No low bidding it’s just not an option. So we did- and offered $17,500 over asking price. We did not get it! My clients were sad, of course, but, we had pulled out all the stops and I told them you did your best and can feel confident that you could do no more. Now lets get hopping as fast as we can onto the next one!
Prospective sellers are you seeing this?

You might be happily surprised that finally you can upgrade your home, make that move to give you more room for the kids toys, or if its time, maybe change to something smaller. We really need you right now to balance out, keep up with the demand, and return to a healthy market. Just remember when interest rates go up it lowers a buyer’s purchasing power. Rates have never been historically this low!

If you’re selling FSBO (For Sale By Owner) you are cutting off 99% of the market to try and save a few bucks at the beginning. In the long term you will end up losing money I am afraid. I have asked clients why they do not pursue FSBO, either alone, or, with their agent. Their number one answer was ā€œI don’t feel safe doing soā€. ā€œWith my agent I am covered and protected and would my lender even let me do one of thoseā€?Ā  This is the attitude that I have found. If a buyer is approved for 350K and can hire an agent to find a home for them for free what incentive do they have? The only one I can think of is to beat a FSBO down in price. This in turn makes you lose money. Now I have seen some pretty great FSBO’s out there and have reached out to several that I thought my buyers would like but, so far, my buyers just don’t want to go and see them. Agents want to support the sellers that are listed with other agents so do not take clients to FSBO’s. Investors seem to be the only ones that want in that sector as they think a FSBO is desperate and will go way down in price. Again losing them money.

For Buyers: I use to get 3-4 inquires a week on homes in the area for sale now I am getting 3-4 a day. Why is this important? If you are currently looking, or going to be searching for a home, sure you can start on-line deciding on areas you like and even driving by some. Go to a few Open Houses and start getting a feel for the market. I would, however, strongly suggest you get yourself a good agent quickly. One that will search for you constantly, tell you at 4:oo p.m that a listing just came on the market and you need to go see now! I tell my clients right now we need to be the hare in the race as the tortoise’s are being left at the starting line. You must also put your strongest offer in up front. No wishy washy low offers will even get you in the door.

Moral of this story is: I strongly believe that we have crossed the line to more of a sellers’ market. Time will tell of course but, based on what I have been seeing and especially last weekend we might already be there.

www.snohomishcountyhomes4u.com

What’s Up For The Weekend??

home_slide8

It Friday and Sunshine what could be better? How about taking in the Seattle Home Show this weekend? Starts tomorrow and runs through 2/24. Or Next week starts the NW Flower and Garden Show 2/20-2/24 at the Convention Center. Up in Stanwood till the 24th is the Great NW Glass Quest. And dont forget the Harlem Globtrotters are in town! Love them!

Whatever you decide to do have a wonderful weekend!

 

http://www.snohomishcountyhomes4u.com

 

 

What Do I Keep For Taxes Again?

With tax season in full gear, you may have questions about what you have to keep and for how long? Here’s a list to get you started!

Tax ReturnsĀ Ā Ā  7 years
Keep tax returns and all supporting tax documents including W-2s, 1099 forms, property tax info, bank statements, mortgage interest statements, cancelled checks, receipts, home purchase, home improvement information.

Paycheck StubsĀ Ā Ā  1 year
Shred after confirming info matches your W-2

Home Ownership
Mortgage docsĀ Ā Ā Ā  10 years
After property has soldĀ Ā Ā Ā  7 years
Mortgage statementsĀ Ā Ā Ā  7 years
After property has soldĀ Ā Ā  10 years
Repair bills/contracts 10 years

Insurances
HomeĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  5 years
LifeĀ Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Life of policy + 3 years
MedicalĀ Ā Ā  5 years
Investment/Retirement Accounts
IRA contributionsĀ Ā Ā  permanently
401K annual summaries- Keep until you close the account
Investment statementsĀ Ā Ā  7 years
After last account is sold

Permanently- Never Shred
Adoption/Guardianship Papers
Birth Certificates
Citizen/Naturalization Papers
Health/Immunization Records
Lawsuits
Marriage Certificates/Divorce Decree
Pension Plan Documents
Veteran Papers

Wow! That’s a long list but a good one to keep around for a reminder.

Whats up this weekend??

Looking for something to do this weekend? Well the Seattle Boat www.seattleboatshow.com

starts tomorrow and if that floats your boat head on down to Century-link & Lake Union from Jan 25th to February 3.

Getting Married? Everett – Wedding Expo at Comcast Arena Everett.
1/26/2013 – 1/27/2013

The Washington Sportsmen Show is happening at the Puyallup Fairgrounds- January 23-27th.

Down South the 30th Annual Tacoma Home & Garden Show is happening through the weekend.

And if none of those appeal to you here is something that might.

Friday, January 26th is National Peanut Brittle day and the 28th is Bubble wrap appreciation day. So I guess that means wrap yourself up in bubble wrap and eat some peanut brittle!

It makes me wonder who comes up with this stuff?? .

Have a wonderful weekend.

http://www.snohomishcountyhomes4u.com

Weigh The Options. For Sale By Owner VS. Realtor

th_templatemo_big_1Do you know how to prepare your home for sale?

An agent can make educated suggestions based on past experience that will aid in a professional presentation of your home.

Are you knowledgeable in setting the right price for your home?
An agent has specialized training and the ability to formulate a comparative market analysis to price your home competitively. A Realtor is aware of changing market conditions and will price your home accordingly with optimum value in mind.

Do You Know The Most Effective Way To Advertise?
Choosing and agent will gain exposure to a network of over 5,000 agents, many with prospective buyers in waiting. This is the most important reason to have an agent on your side who knows all the best marketing platforms to gain you the most exposure. In addition, advertising including signs and multimedia will be managed by your real estate professional and is included with your listing.

Are you prepared to qualify a legitimate buyer? Or waste your time with lookey-loos.
1. Are they financially able to purchase your home?
2. Are they truly interested or on a sight-seeing tour?
Do you have the ability to negotiate the sale?
An agent has no emotional ties with the property and can handle objections on a more neutral basis. Fielding objections on price, terms, and amenities and handling them effectively is part of the training agents receive. You are emotionally vested in your home and that is normal. A prospective buyer is not and this can be the hardest part.
Are you prepared to field all the calls and make time to set and keep all appointments?
An agent will receive most of the calls and will schedule appointments accordingly. Unless you like knocks on your door out of the blue?

Do you understand the steps that take place after an agreement has been reached?
An agent will prepare a sales agreement that’s enforceable with forms that were written by lawyers. Why pay a lawyer separate to do the same thing? An agent understands closing costs and the process of title and escrow. We monitor the escrow process and follow the title exchange, recording and funding to transfer the home to the new buyer.

Before choosing to sell your home on your own, please weigh these questions and answers.

I take pride in my chosen career and my sellers and buyers are important to me. I make sure they are satisfied and always go the extra mile with solutions not promises.Ā  With my proven techniques, great team and the ā€œeasy exit listingā€ why would you do it on your own.
So sit back and relax and leave the process to me!

www.snohomishcountyhomes4u.com