Happy New Year!!!
Tag: Real Estate Mill Creek
New Excise Tax Rates
The Home Connection for September
2019 Exciting news!!
Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2019 is starting out, and will be, an amazing year for you and yours.
I am reaching out to you today to share some VERY exciting news. It has been wonderful to help so many families find homes, investment properties, save homes for those that needed it with my short sale and foreclosure knowledge and help others sell as they transition into something more comfortable for their changing lifestyle. I have been blessed by many of you referring me to your friends, family and colleagues. Thank you!
Life IS ever changing and because of the ever-changing nature of the real estate market, it’s imperative that my clients have the most up-to-date information available. My philosophy is that the market waits for nobody, and that’s why I pledge to go beyond the standard level of service even after your home has closed. I always want my clients to feel free, and comfortable, to contact me with questions, referrals for home repairs, or to just say hi!
With change in mind I am excited to announce that I have officially brought on an amazing, buyer’s specialist to assist me in providing the quality of service I want to give my clients and they deserve. Please help me in welcoming Britt Maltos to my team!
I am excited to partner with a Realtor who, like myself, is from Washington. I feel it gives us so much more knowledge of the neighborhoods we are helping families in. Britt grew up in Ballard and lives in Edmonds with her husband and kids. I grew up in Lynnwood and then the north Seattle area. My first apartment was in Ballard before moving to Redmond for many years and finally settling in the Everett/Snohomish area with my family.
I like to say we’re your local homegrown Real Estate team!
When you have Real Estate needs you want someone who knows the prospective area inside and out, someone who will not only find you the best property for your needs, but the best neighborhood as well. A team that can direct you to which loan product works best for you and knows of many that will save you money along the way. A team that now gives CASH back to our local community heroes (firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, teachers, healthcare, and military) when they buy or sell a home with us. A team that is qualified to help seniors with downsizing or lifestyle changes and providing a senior discount (new)!
That’s where we come in: We can provide you with information that will inform your real estate decisions. So, rest assured that as long as you’re in the market, we are committed to be your neighborhood specialists and more.
Even if you are not considering buying or selling a home now, if any of your friends, family or colleagues express an interest and would appreciate the level of service we provide please, feel free, to give out our contact information. We would be happy to chat with them and promise to take great care of them.
Thank you, It is so rewarding to help families make their real estate dreams come true.
Homes For Heroes
I am privileged to announce that I have officially joined the Homes for Heroes organization in their mission to help heroes across the country save thousands of dollars in the process of buying or selling their home.
What is Home for Heroes?
Homes for Heroes is an organization that was formed after the tragic events of 9/11 as a way to say “Thank You” to the heroes of our nation. The Homes for Heroes organization is composed of a network of real estate professionals who are prepared to give real savings to those who serve their communities when they buy, sell, or refinance a home. This program is our way to say, “Thank you!”
Who qualifies as a hero?
Our core group of local heroes includes but is not limited to: Military personnel, Police Officers, Firefighters, First Responders, Educators, and Health Care Workers. If you think you might qualify, please contact me and tell me about what you do for your community. When you are buying, selling or refinancing a home, let us say thank you for all that you do!
How much will I save?
The total amount you save will depend on the final selling or buying price of your home. Homes for Heroes Affiliate Realtors agree to rebate equal to 25% of the gross commission they receive on your transaction. Discounted lender fees are also offered on purchases and refinances with a Homes for Heroes lender. The savings can be thousands of dollars!
Are there a lot of extra applications, forms, and paperwork?
No! Homes for Heroes promises no extra forms, no red tape, no fine print, no hidden fees, and no catch!
Homes for Heroes offers me the chance to help our local community heroes achieve their dreams of home ownership. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please contact me for more info or you can register now at www.snohomishcountyheroes.com to get started.
Snohomish County Statistics July 2016
Active Inventory
Prices are up 5% over last year same time July 2016 vs. July 2015
2141 brand new listings in July that is up 53 from last month. 2141 total active at the end of the month.
Pending Transactions
Up +3% July 2016 vs. July 2015
2079 units went pending last month that is 62 less however than June.
Sold Transactions
+9% July 2016 vs. July 2015.
1673 units +11 more than last month
Days on Market
Snohomish County Active to pending 25 days vs. 36 a year ago. Incredible!
Median home price in Snohomish County $387,000!!
Median home price in King County $523,000. Snohomish county is gaining however the gap between King and Snohomish is growing.
Months of inventory
If no additional homes would be put on the market, there would be no inventory left after 1.25 months in Snohomish County. In King County that figure is 1.2 months. A balanced “normal” market is 3-6 months. Buyers’ market more than 6 and Sellers less than 3 months.
Area price % growth based on last Quarter
Bothell + 14%, Edmonds/Lynnwood +5%. Everett/Mukilteo +11%
Snohomish/Monroe + 11%. Lake Stevens/Granite Falls/Arlington/Darrington +7 %. Marysville +7%
New Construction is included in these percentages.
July 2016 Market Characteristics:
- Sellers: position your home to get premium pricing.
- Buyers: need to be Buyer-Ready, Day-One™ to get a home in today’s market.
- The market continues to be more intense than during the same time in year 2015.
- Sales activity in King and Snohomish County is lower than a year ago but July 2015 was the best July on record. If we had more homes for sale, we would have had more sales activity.
- There’s a severe shortage of homes for sale close to job centers. We are virtually sold out, and each new property on the market is getting instant action and most of the time multiple offers.
- More new listings will lead to a higher level of sales activity.
- Prices are increasing in the price ranges and the market areas where 90 percent of the sales activity is taking place, leading to premium pricing for sellers in those areas.
- Interest rates continue to be in the upper threes.
- Multiple offer everything
- More new listings come on market from March through October than November through February.
- More selection but also more intense.
30 Offers on one house???
Yep I am not kidding! See this house?
What a day yesturday! Put in an offer on a home in a HOT neighborhood for one of my investor clients and we were one of 30 offers! Yes, 30 I could not believe it!
I have been really rocking lately on getting homes for my clients in multiple offer situations but today I was humbled and reminded sometimes you can do everything possible and still not be the winning bid. I dont know exactly as of yet but, was told the winning offer was WAY over asking! It must have been because ours was too.
Sometimes this market is so crazy and just goes to show you what I have been saying lately there are more people looking earlier this year than I have seen in the last few years. So if you are in the market get out there soon because the best deals go very fast.
Or if your considering selling give me a call for a FREE Price Analysis anytime!
Here are some recent listings from my office and more coming. Its getting busy!
Top Housing Predictions for 2014
The market is heating up and even though I don’t always agree with Zillows “Zestimates” I do believe they are very accurate about the predictions for 2014 Housing Market. Rates are going up! My advice to those that are waiting to buy a home? If you are seriously thinking this year as they year~ start looking sooner than later. If you also take a look here in the Puget Sound Region we are #2 for the hottest market areas. All over its HOT and especially in Snohomish County. In the last week I have put in a total of 6 offers for clients and all were multiple offer situations. Knowing the tricks to secure the home you want over all the other offers take an experienced agent that will due their due diligence. If you need help please feel free to contact me!
Christmas Fun!
Countdown to Christmas Day 19
Saturday, December 7
“Santa’s Coming to Mill Creek” Parade followed by Tree Lighting at City Hall Mark your calendars for Saturday, Dec 7, 2013 and please join Rotary of Mill Creek, Mill Creek Town Center & Mill Creek Parks & Recreation for the annual Parade/Tree Lighting at City Hall & Town Center Celebration.
This Saturday, December 7th, Santa is coming to the Mill Creek Town Center!
And dont forget after to check out the Tree lighting Event
Mark your calendar and please join Rotary of Mill Creek and Mill Creek Parks & Recreation for the annual Parade & Tree Lighting in Town Center. Parade begins at 3:30 pm on Main Street followed by the annual Tree Lighting at City Hall. A few highlights from the event include live music, performances by Jackson High School Drumline, Dickens Carolers, Cookie Decorating, Carriage & Wagon Rides, Train Rides, Santa & his Elves and even live Reindeer. Photo opportunities with Santa in Town Center following the Parade & Tree Lighting event – bring your cameras and add to your family memories.
Then come to our office (Remax Town Center) We will host a gingerbread house coloring contest from 4-7pm. Children can come in and Gingerbread Houses and join the contest! We will help them place their pictures in the window for display. A hot chocolate station and coffee station will be set up for refreshments.
Hope to See you there!
Location: North end of Main Street and end at Mill Creek City Hall
For more information, please visit: the City”s website at www.cityofmillcreek.com
6 financial steps that you should consider taking after buying your home
Congratulations you have finally closed on your home and are moving in! You thought the day would never come after all those little issues that may have come up. Finally you did it and you cant wait to make this house a home.
Enjoy and I am so excited for you. Hopefully I was your agent. ( wink, wink)
There are however 6 financial steps that you should consider taking after buying your home and of course once you get settled in.
1- Consider setting some goals. This means budgeting. Think about what you want to do to your new home. New windows? Backyard need a face-lift? Putting a few dollars away here and there really adds up and come next summer you could be laying in a hammock admiring your handiwork and saying… Ahhhhhh.
2. Maintenance– It is true houses do cost money and you need to maintain your investment The average costs are 1% of the purchase price per year. For example a $250,000 house you should plan on saving and spending $2500 per year. Repairing or replacing items in your home is just a fact and the more you ignore needed repair items the more it will cost you in the long run.
By the way, change your furnace filters folks! I have seen way to many lately and it amazes me how people don’t realize they should change them every few months. Your breathing that dirty air.. Yuck. Not only that it could cause expensive repairs to the furnace.
3. Understand your policies– Once your settled in review that policy that you just accepted real quick to get the loan done. It may be a great one but most folks do not pay attention to all the details and now is a good time to go over. For example if a tree falls during a storm and takes out the shed is it covered? Also, now is the time to make sure you have enough life insurance. We don’t like to think about it but what happens if your spouse is in a accident and passes away? Can you afford making the monthly house payment by yourself?
4. Set up auto payments– Life is so crazy busy and even though I fought this for years thinking I would always remember to pay the bills on time I finally gave in and set up automatic payment for household bills. It really has been great for my family and I don’t stress anymore if I paid the light bill. Some even might give a discount for paying automatically. Doesn’t hurt to ask.
5. Emergency Fund- Always something isn’t it? Prepare for the unexpected. They say to have 8 months to a year worth of living expenses in savings. This is to include what you pay for your mortgage, utilities, cable, phone bills and other regular bills. I don’t honestly know that many people that have, or can, do this. After all those of us who have kids rarely have any left for savings. Seriously! Start by setting aside a small amount each month. You will be surprised how fast it does add up and you will be thankful for the extra cushion of cash down the road. Just in case you notice the roof leaking.
6. Take your time in Decorating. Now for the funnest one. Don’t rush and decorate the house. You might regret it. Take time and live in the house; how you use things day to day and get a feel for everything. Then have a decorating budget, watch for sales and slowly buy things that you know you will keep around. I know its hard to wait but you will make smarter purchases that you will enjoy years down the road instead of it ending up in next years garage sale and someone offering you a $1 of it.
Although I inserted my own flare and added on to these tips there from the Costco Connection so you know their great tips…must give credit where credit is due.
