Category Archives: Why I love Real Estate

Are Foreign Buyers Taking Our Homes?

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Did you know….

More foreign buyers are seeing attractive opportunities in the U.S. housing market. A National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey revealed that home sales to international buyers were up 24% for the 12 months ending in March. Finally, a Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) survey showed demand for purchase loans was up 13% for the week and up 4% from a year ago. This put it at the highest level in more than six months!

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Do you think it takes away from buyers looking for homes to owner occupy? I am a bit torn on this one. Recently, I have had a few Canadian investors contact me that have cash to buy homes. They want to purchase to rent out. On one hand I welcome the business and realize that for most Bank Owned and HUD homes investors must wait a set amount of time to give owner occupied first preference. On the other hand I worry since our inventory is so low that it will further put a squeeze on the homes available here to first time home buyers and folks relocating here for jobs. I would love to hear your opinion and thoughts?

Did you know us Americans want BIGGER homes??

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Americans are now expanding their vision of how big a home they want to live in. The Census Bureau reports the average size of a newly built home in 2011 was 2480 square feet. That was 3.7% bigger than the average size in 2010 — and the first annual increase since 2007! Record-low interest rates are also allowing buyers to move up in size for virtually the same mortgage payments. The trend helped boost the average new home price in April to $282,600, up more than 5% over a year ago.

Recent Home Stats for Snohomish County

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Everett Waterfront at dawn.

Recently sold Homes in Snohomish County.

This is a great sign of how fast homes are moving right now. Lake Stevens and Snohomish are extremely busy and I think lately I have been in everyone of them. 🙂 On the flip side inventory is still extremely low causing multiple bids on homes and frustration for buyers. Prospective Sellers this is great news for you.

Homes in Everett:
For Sale (624)
Recently Sold (2772)

Homes in Mill Creek:
For Sale (121)
Recently Sold (691)

Homes in Bothell:
For Sale (277)
Recently Sold (1506)

Homes in Edmonds:
For Sale (298)
Recently Sold (1800)

Homes in Lake Stevens:
For Sale (298)
Recently Sold (1106)

Homes in Snohomish:
For Sale (619)
Recently Sold (2140)

Homes in Mukilteo:
For Sale (156)
Recently Sold (861)

Homes in Lynnwood:
For Sale (156)
Recently Sold (886)

Getting to Sold!

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Getting to Sold! Top 5 Elements of ‘Must-See’ Properties

Price, location, and square footage are crucial when selling a property. Beyond that, however, you can focus on these top 5 listing elements to turn your listing into a “must-see” property.

#1: Digitally Friendly Listing

Plenty of quality photos and a complete description that focus on the popular aspects of your listing are required. The Internet is your real 24/7 Open House opportunity. Use it wisely.

#2: Drop the Hysterics

It’s not the “MOST INCREDIBLE ALL-STAINLESS-STEEL kitchen!!!” It’s a “warm, modern kitchen perfect for family celebrations.” Lead with believable emotional benefits and descriptions, not hyperbole.

#3 Well-Maintained From Curb to Kitchen

Curb appeal starts the process and the kitchen seals the deal. Modernize flooring, update countertops, and liven up the entry foyer. Make sure the little repairs get done.

#4 World-Class Staging

Tasteful staging helps set the mood and lets buyers easily see themselves in the home. Having buyers imagine themselves there is a sure-fire closing move.

#5 Move-In Ready

Doesn’t move-in ready with fresh paint inside and out sound wonderful? It does to buyers too. Avoid over-updating, but paint can work miracles, so paint!

The Real Work Happens Before They Visit. You must make a great first impression. It starts online, follows to the curb appeal, and ends in the kitchen.

Try following these tips so you are posting that “Sold!” sign on your “must-see” property sooner.

www.snohomishcountyhomes4u.com

This article was shared from Vicki Flaugher  who is a former real estate agent now specializing in digital marketing and social media strategy. She was listed on Forbes.com in 2011 as a Top 50 Social Media Influencer and is a self-described Twitter freak.

New HOT Listing in Mukilteo!

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Pristine resale located in Mukilteo at the end of a private drive. First time this home has been offered for sale since new!! Large 2237 sqf 4 bedroom W/open floor plan that includes 2.5 baths, formal living and dinning room! Open floor plan with real hardwood floors, spacious kitchen with all new SS Appliances. Large master bedroom with 5 piece bath. Custom craft room with built in work area. Highly sought after Mukilteo School and close to all amenities. Large 3-car garage,with a manicured lot that includes gardens and water lot that includes gardens and water features. Ample space on the rear deck for BBQ or enjoy the hot tub year around with inclosed cabana! 

Come and See this beauty Saturday June 2,2012 from 12-3!

National Armed Forces Day

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National Armed Forces Day. May 19, 2012

The President has proclaimed that today is “National Armed Forces Day” Please tell a someone you know or, even dont know, that has served our county “Thank You.”

To pay tribute to the people of our country who serve and safeguard our freedom the Joining Forces Initiative would like to encourage Americans to find ways to honor, recognize and support veterans and military families all year round, the Joining Forces Initiative is offering all men and women currently serving in one of the branches of the military free annual passes to all public land sites. More than 2,000 sites across the country, including National Parks, will grant free access for all active duty service members and their dependents.

The passes will allow free access to all public land sites charging entrance fees or standard amenity fees such as lands managed by the:

  • National Park Service
  • U.S Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • U.S Army Corps

The passes will also allow entrance for service members and their families in grateful acknowledgement of the daily sacrifices made by spouses and children of active duty personnel.

For more information about the Joining Forces Initiative and the Annual pass program please visit the Whitehouse website.

Here in the Northwest it is a beautiful day today. Go and enjoy a Park!

Gorgeous NEW Rambler in Lake Stevens

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GREAT Location, beautiful new construction home in Lake Stevens, nextdoor to a greenbelt!! Spacious 1800 ASF rambler, 4 bedroom 2 bath; fireplace in family room ~ hardwoods, painted millwork, granite counters… Quality throughout, you will definitely appreciate this builder’s attention to detail!! 2-10 Warranty included for buyer!

 

CALL ME FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR!

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GOD BLESS AMERICA, AND THIS GUY TOO!!!!

This guy was told by his Homeowners Association that he couldn’t fly the American flag in his yard.
This is his response.

National Open House This Weekend Dont Miss This Oppourtunity!

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The National Association of Realtors’ Nationwide Open House begins this weekend, April 28 and 29, 2012.   I will be here   http://www.trulia.com/property/3069582176-10021-30th-St-NE-Lake-Stevens-WA-98258 Saturday 1-4 and Sunday 12-2 among 3 beatiful new homes from a builder who’s attention to detail is far above most I …have seen. Hardwood floors, granite counter tops and all the mill work at no upgrade cost~  And dont miss the 1800 ASF Rambler that is unlike all others I have seen in the area with a unique bonus that will surprise and delight the most pickiest buyers. Plus a 2-10 year warranty! These homes start at 289K dont miss them!

Military Personal you deserve to be honored!

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Are you Military personal and looking to purchase a home?

One of my favorite home builders is honoring you not only with their innovative features, timeless design, desirable locations and phenomenal pricing Plus take a look at this!

  • ·$100 in Earnest Money – Refundable!
  • ·$0 Down VA Loan
  • Seller Paid Closing Costs!*

Plus, every new home comes with the Triple Service Program giving you 3 full years of service and 10 years warranty coverage.That’s a worry-free home!

And I can even do better than that! Check out the Dreammakers program Giving Military up to $5K towards the purchase of a home. Combine these 2 programs and you could get money back!

 

Now is definitely the time to buy Contact me and I will help you navigate the process and take you to see these beautiful homes.