Your Homegrown Real Estate Team Serving Home Buyers & Sellers In Snohomish County, North King County And Eastside Areas Of Our Great Puget Sound Region.
As the leaves start to turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and a crispness fills the air, it’s clear that autumn has arrived! Welcome to October and your newsletter with your eye on the market, a few home tips/tricks PLUS this delightful season comes with a cornucopia of local fall and Halloween activities that are sure to enchant and thrill. So, grab your cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes, because we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting events happening right in our area!
Are you considering downsizing or relocating due to changes in your life, such as retirement, a move to another state, or transitioning to assisted living? Maybe you’re helping an aging parent find the right living situation for their needs, or you’re faced with making decisions after a loved one has passed away. If any of these situations resonate with you, please reach out to me! I am a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) with specialized knowledge in assisting home buyers and sellers aged 50 and above. The SRES® designation is granted to real estate agents who have received additional training in later-in-life real estate transactions. I am well-acquainted with local communty resources and have access to a network of experts including estate planners, CPAs, eldercare lawyers, estate sales professionals, online auction services, move managers, probate assistance, reverse mortgage lenders, contractors to repair the home and so much more!
My mission is to guide seniors and their families through the complexities of financial, legal, and emotional aspects related to selling a home and finding their next place to call home. I’m here to serve as your SRES®. Reach out to me today for your absolutely FREE consultation!
Great question! High interest rates can indeed have an impact on the sale of your home. As a professional Realtor it’s essential for me to help you understand how interest rates can influence the housing market and the potential sale of your property.
Reduced Buyer Demand: High interest rates can lead to reduced buyer demand in the housing market. When interest rates are high, the cost of borrowing money for a mortgage increases. This means that potential homebuyers may be discouraged from entering the market or may have to adjust their budgets, resulting in fewer qualified buyers looking for homes. As a seller, this could mean a smaller pool of potential buyers for your property.
Decreased Affordability: Higher interest rates can also impact the affordability of homes for buyers. With higher mortgage rates, monthly mortgage payments increase, which could make it more challenging for buyers to afford the homes they desire. As a result, some buyers may have to lower their price range, leading to potential downward pressure on home prices.
Extended Time on Market: The combination of reduced buyer demand and decreased affordability can result in homes staying on the market for a longer time. With fewer buyers and potential price adjustments, it may take more time to attract the right buyer at a price that aligns with market conditions.
Impact on Home Prices: In areas where high interest rates are prevalent, we may see a moderation in home price growth or even a potential decline in prices. When demand decreases, sellers may find it necessary to adjust their listing prices to attract buyers, and this could lead to a softening of home prices in the market.
Impact on Refinancing: For potential buyers who already own a home, high interest rates can also affect their ability to refinance their existing mortgages. This may lead to fewer homeowners putting their homes up for sale since they may be hesitant to lose their current low-interest rate by purchasing a new property with a higher mortgage rate.
As your real estate agent, I’ll keep a close eye on interest rate trends and how they impact the local market. If we find ourselves in a high-interest-rate environment, I’ll work closely with you to devise a pricing and marketing strategy that takes these factors into account. My goal is to position your home competitively in the market and attract qualified buyers to ensure a successful sale, regardless of the interest rate climate. Rest assured, my commitment is to help you achieve the best possible outcome in any market conditions
Self-made real estate millionaire Barbara Corcoran says it’s a ‘good time to buy’ because home prices are going to ‘explode’ when mortgage rates drop!
Alena Botros Fri, June 2, 2023 at 2:00 AM PDT·4 min read
Appearing as a guest on Good Morning America this week, Barbara Corcoran answered several questions from viewers, ranging from when the right time to buy a home is to how to win a bidding war. As for the former, Corcoran said now is the time to buy.
“It’s a good time to buy because the minute interest rates go down, everybody’s waiting for them to go down even by a point, and when they do, they’re going to come rushing back in the market,” Corcoran said. “Prices are going to explode, and you’re going to be paying more for the same house. And you can always refinance, remember, when and if interest rates come down.”
It’s not Corcoran’s first time advising against even attempting to time the market. Previously, on the Chicks in the Office podcast, Corcoran said to forget about the timing, again stressing that now is always the time to buy.
The self-proclaimed “NYC Real Estate Queen,” founded the Corcoran Group with a $1,000 loan in 1973, which she famously turned into $66 million, after selling her business in 2001. She’ll always be a powerhouse within the real estate industry, but now most people know her as the spunky, blunt, and well-dressed shark on ABC’s Shark Tank.
Another viewer asked Corcoran how to win bidding wars, saying that he and his fiancee have been looking for a house but have been out bid every time they’ve found one they like. Corcoran said the key is to look like the “best deal in town,” while playing on the seller’s emotions.
“You have to be prequalified for your mortgage so you can go in there as an all cash deal. I’m an all cash deal, it’s not contingent, I already got my mortgage—you want that power behind you,” Corcoran said. “You also want to go in and realize it’s never just a financial deal. Get a nice piece of stationery and handwrite a note to that owner, and tell them how much you love the house. It makes a difference because people like to sell homes to people who love their house.”
As for the different types of mortgage loans that buyers can choose from, Corcoran said it depends on how long you’re going to live in that home. If you’re going to live there a long time, or at least except you are, Corcoran said a conventional rate mortgage at the shortest term you can afford, is the best option. On the other hand, if you’re only going to be living there for a short period of time, likely under five years, she said you’ll want to get an adjustable rate mortgage because it’s cheaper.
When Corcoran was then asked if there’s any way to get relief as someone who’s “house poor,” a term used to describe someone that’s spending more than 30% of their income on housing, she answered: “you don’t get relief from that.” In coastal cities, Corcoran said, people are spending more than 40% of their income on housing. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, in her view—people are forced to save by paying off their mortgage.
“When it comes time to retire, for most of us, it’s the only money we have to retire on,” Corcoran said.
Now if you want to make the most out of your home purchase, she said you’ll always get the best return in a high-traffic area. And if you want to make a killing, buy a home in an up and coming area. Corcoran’s formula for doing so? Follow the creative community and see where they’re living, and check out the nightlife.
And of course, a Corcoran Q&A couldn’t be complete without touching on rentals and renting. As for rent prices, Corcoran said they’re going to continue to go up, and there won’t be any relief. When interest rates go up and chase people into the rental market, rents generally go up. But when interest rates go down, that doesn’t mean rent follows. Corcoran said she’s never met a landlord that brings down their rent, ever. And, most of us know how she feels about renting—that it’s a “no-win game.”
Remember~ date the rate, marry the home. As the famous Will Rogers said ” Don’t wait to buy real estate, by real estate and wait. Good advice everyone and I am just the gal to help you so reach out with all your real esate questions and needs in the Puget Sound region.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you could give your younger self today regarding building financial wealth?
For me it’s a no brainer “BUY DIRT”! 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.
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 $260,000 in 2.5 years!!!! Do the math if you must and see the appreciation 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 “marry the house, date the rate” 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!
This is an oldie but a goodie handout. I like to give to my clients as they are going through paperwork when they are decluttering for us to sell their current home or home buyers when packing up for their move. We all have it lots and lots of paperwork! This time of year you may be done with taxes and have all the documents still sitting around or, you may be feeling like spring cleaning and wondering what documents you really need to keep and for how long. I hope this helps.
It’s Springtime! If you are considering selling your home or, just want to spruce it up here are my top tips to add value.
Simple upgrades to increase your home’s value You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to add value to your home. Here are some easy and “financially” easy on the pocketbook tips.
Change fixtures and hardware. This adds appeal and newness quite easily. If you’re selling your home a new mirror in the bathroom and new fixtures can make a huge difference. Upgrade sinks, showerheads and faucets to newer water conserving models in sleek finishes. Sorry folks but brass is dated and out! If wanting a remodel on a larger scale replace cabinets, windows and doors. New molding that’s been painting also really pops out.
Declutter. Clean and organize storage areas including the attic and garage. Believe it or not organization adds tremendous value. Keep kitchen and bathroom counters clear.
Spiff up landscaping. Ever hear of curb appeal? An ugly front yard can torpedo your homes value. Add flowers to add color. A study was done on homes for sale in which red flowers were used on the front door step. These homes sold faster and were more appealing to the client. You can also add path lighting for style and safety. Dust off the exterior. Gutters, siding and windows are often forgotten. Clean them! Crud cutter is wonderful for cleaning off gutters and getting the grime off. Also make sure everything is properly sealed and is good shape. It looks better and helps conserve energy.
Replace appliances. From the refrigerator to the washer and dryer upgrade appliance to new energy efficient models to add instant value and convenience not to mention Earth friendly.
Unless you live under a rock (I can say that as I’ve been known to camp out under a pebble now and then) There’s no doubt you’ve been hearing about the housing market, right? In many experts’ opinions the feeling is we are settling back into the same speed of travel as in 2019. I agree and am hearing from several agents that they are getting increased traffic at open houses; some are still getting multiple offers and we are still low on inventory! Predictions are that in the mid second quarter rates will settle in the 5% range which, is historically a good rate. Buyer’s may have a higher rate; however, inspections are back to protect yourself, negotiations are back to have items on an inspection addressed and some sellers are giving incentives with closing cost credits. I even have some great lenders that have 2 -1 buy down programs to offset some of that payment in the first year or two. A more stabilized market for all really is a good thing! Thoughts? Feedback? I am here to help!
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There are so many good reasons for home improvement — even in a tough economy. You may want to boost your home’s future sales value, add livable space, refresh an aging room or feature. Or you may just want to enjoy your home more, especially if you wanted to move but the market didn’t cooperate. Find out which projects could bring you joy — and some cash back!
Is the kitchen the biggest project that will pay you back or the bathroom?
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 
$260,000
appreciation 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. 
If you are considering selling your home 
or, just want to spruce it up here are my top tips to add value.
Jen Murrweiss RE/MAX Elite 