Advice

To our community:

We are all adjusting right now to social distancing and hearing rather alarming news of the pandemic. Many of you may be homeowners, or want to be, and wonder how this issue is affecting real estate. Here are some things we're noticing at the present:

1. NWMLS CHANGES: The Northwest Multiple Listing Service is a coop that most firms in Western Washington counties belong to for sharing listings, legal forms, watching statistics, and continuing education. One of the biggest changes is that they've removed the open house field for listing input - those are not advertised through the NWMLS until further notice, in order to help avoid gatherings. So NOW what do we do?

2. OPEN HOUSES: So far, we're finding that we can still keep in line with

Seniors can be very vulnerable with housing needs and finances. Just recently, we heard stories from people in both real estate and law about seniors being taken advantage of even by family members. It often involves their estate, home, will and money but can also be about their general care. Knowing an effective attorney specializing in elder law is crucial if you have a loved one you are concerned about. We heard Sanders Law Group present at the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce. They impressed us! They go to bat for seniors. They say this on their website:

Every day for the next 19 years 10,000 Americans will reach age 65. We started out as Baby Boomers, now suddenly, we are the “Silver Tsunami”. It’s clear that, as we face some of the difficult

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE JUNE 2019 NWMLS PRESS RELEASE:

KIRKLAND, Washington (June 6, 2019) - The housing market in western Washington may not be as hot as it was last spring, but it is heating up, suggested one industry leader in commenting on the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Northwest MLS figures show last month's 12,006 pending sales across its 23 county service area nearly matched the year-ago total of 12,168 mutually accepted offers. Nine counties notched increases.

Two other indicators of activity - the volume of new listings, and the number of closed sales - both showed slight gains from a year ago. MLS member brokers added 14,689 new listings to inventory during May, up 165 units from twelve months ago.

Efficiently using space is a current design trend we love! Take a look at some of these space saving furniture pieces.

1. This couch turned bunk bed by Bonbon Compact Living Solutions would be great for a family in an apartment or anyone living in a studio:

2. What a perfect reading nook chair by Judson Beaumont!

3. Puur Design & Interieur made a chair that resembles Russian nesting dolls.

Aren't these novel space saving designs fun to look at? Check out even more here.

One of the main gripes that people have with real estate agents is their commission. Many homeowners (mistakenly) think, “Why should I pay a real estate agent to do something I’m perfectly capable of doing myself?”

The reason people avoid working with agents is because they think it’s going to cost them money. But in reality, working with a qualified real estate agent is worth far more than what you’ll pay in commission. In fact, working with a real estate agent can actually make the process of selling your home less stressful, less time consuming, and less expensive.

Here are three ways real estate agents more than earn their commission — and can actually save you money — during your home sale:

1. They know the right people

As the old real

We are very excited about this program - you'd be surprised who can qualify! A lender sent us this helpful information on January 8, 2019. Check it out!

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM INFO

HOW MUCH IS IT?
The program is free. It requires the client take a one day class through the WSHFC to be eligible. But first contact us for a free consultation we'll arrange with a qualified lender who can give you some quick tips!  

WHO CAN QUALIFY?
A credit score of 620 or above is required and ratios must be under 50% DTI. Have no clue what that means? Ross Palmer of CrossCountry Mortgage, who provided the info on this page, can easily explain this to you. Contact us to set up a meeting!

HOW MUCH IS THE LIMIT
The Down Payment Assistance programs vary for

Knowing the market will keep you ahead of the game, if you are only just thinking of selling or buying. We meet with people months in advance to talk about their plans. Here are some key updates we are currently seeing:

1. SELLERS BE PREPARED. The Seattle area market took a turn last summer. It has remained pretty stable after the turn. Winter often has a lull so that is expected. The spring will be very telling about where the market will land after it's shift. But overall, we have experienced more price drops in recent months than we have had in many years! Sellers, don't be surprised if you don't get your original asking price or expect to sit much longer on the market at your list price. We show you the statistics based on your neighborhood so you

Wintertime is one of the best times to get organized in the home and keep you moving on those dreary days when you're tempted to just sit! We found some great articles for dealing with your garage, prepping to move, and just getting organized...including a storage unit because most people have to contend with those. Many people move in the spring but that is not the time to get ready. Winter is the time to get ready for your spring move! You will alleviate so much stress if you chip away at this all through the winter months. 

GARAGE: https://www.familyhandyman.com/storage-organization/brilliant-ways-to-organize-your-garage/view-all/ 

TOP 50 MOVING HACKS: https://www.updater.com/moving-tips/top-50-moving-hacks-of-all-time?rq=hacks 

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