SEATTLE LIVING

Looking for a charming Cape Cod-style home in Seattle?

Seattle Real Estate Agent — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:53:16 +0000

My featured listing is a beautiful Cape Cod style home in West Seattle. It’s move-in ready, with warm designer colors, newly refinished hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplace, and new tile in bath. The backyard is fully fenced (wow!) and comes with a hot tub. The front yard has an easy to manage sprinkler system.

My favorite: The kitchen is spacious and fills with light in the daytime…

The kitchen also boasts a great supply of cabinet space. The large garage comes with an electric opener and includes an extra room for a workshop/hobby/storage room. Inside and out, you won’t be disappointed!

Would you like to view this home? Just click here to contact me to set up a time or ask any questions.

New Seattle Real Estate Resources Online

Seattle Real Estate Agent — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:21:29 +0000

Hi! I’ve posted some new sections on Plotscout.com that are pretty cool…like where to find Seattle parks, descriptions of Seattle neighborhoods, real estate and mortgage news updated daily, and a place to become or refer a friend of Plotscout. Take a look (and bookmark!) when you have a chance:

Enjoy!

First Time Home Buyers - Not Sure If You Qualify To Buy a Home?

Seattle Real Estate Agent — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 06:50:22 +0000

So you want to buy a home, but you’re not sure if you qualify. Perhaps every year you make yourself the same promise: that next year, you’re going to buy a home. Is the dialogue in your head saying something more like, “I don’t make enough,” or “I don’t have any money saved up,” or “my credit score is too low”? The reality is, you’ll never know if you can until you make that visit to get pre-approved. For me, the thought of visiting a mortgage broker was right up there with going to the dentist. I was pretty nervous about initiating that first visit. Fortunately, and contrary to my expectations, it was a pleasant and positive experience. In hindsight, I regretted that I hadn’t scheduled the visit years prior. It was an eye opening experience to find out where I stood financially. Suppose a worst case scenario; if your credit score is suffering, you’ll be able to find out what’s bringing your score down and understand the steps to fix it. If you start the process now, you may just be able to purchase that home in a matter of months or possibly even weeks.

Step One: Meet with your Mortgage Broker (Need a mortgage broker referral?)
Step Two: Select a Real Estate Agent
Step Three: You’re on your way to making your dreams a reality!

The most important thing is taking the first step. Once you know where you stand, you can map out your plan, take action, and make your dream of owning a home come true.

My mantra, “time is going to pass no matter what, so make the best use of your time now, and reap the rewards for your future”.

More info: http://www.plotscout.com

First Time Home Buyers - Don’t Be Discouraged!

Seattle Real Estate Agent — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 05:34:37 +0000

A lot of fear has proliferated through the nation about home mortgages. The media seems to have done a very good job of providing a lot of bad news. While home buying has slowed down a little, it doesn’t need to come to a screeching halt. There are a lot of great lenders out there who want to give you a loan that works best for you. Home ownership is still a positive thing, and you can still gain appreciation in your Seattle home. Don’t be discouraged! Check out this article about some of the benefits of home ownership.

First Time Home Buyers - Tips to Help Make The Search Easier

Seattle Real Estate Agent — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 04:59:28 +0000

Sometimes the home search can be a bit daunting for first time home buyers. Looking at several homes can get tiring if you’re not sure about what you want. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, and hopefully make it a fun and pleasant experience.

Bring a digital camera. Pictures can help you remember each property.
Try not to look at more than four homes in one day, otherwise you can start to lose track.
Location, location, location! Pay attention to what’s nearby. There might be a school across the street that seems favorable at first. However, after classes are out, will the school busses clog up those otherwise quiet streets? Could there be Friday night football games that result in crowding cars and boisterous fans?
Bring a note pad and jot down the specifics of your likes and dislikes of each home. It’s easier to remember and make decisions when you write it down.
If you love the home but hate the paint colors or carpet, will it be a deal breaker? Or are those changes you are willing to do on your own?
Make sure you ask about Association Due’s with condomimiums or private residences. Dues can also offset the price of what your monthly payments will be.
Work with an agent that you trust and feel comfortable with. A good agent will listen closely and pay attention to your desires.
If you see homes for sale that you like, write down the address and ask your agent to research it for you.

Most important, don’t let the home search overwhelm you. Know what you want and communicate that clearly to your agent. Together you have the opportunity to find the home of your dreams.

Find more info at: http://www.plotscout.com

Looking at the Bright Side: Qualifying for a Mortgage in Today’s Market

Seattle Real Estate Agent — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 05:42:12 +0000

In the past few years, getting a home loan has been easier for so many that wouldn’t have been able to otherwise own a home. I’ve heard this comment more than once, “If you could fog a mirror, you could get a home loan”. It was a happy time for so many first time home buyers. Unfortunately, a lot of those same homeowners are now paying a steep price: foreclosure. Where did we go wrong? The “old school” way used to require money down, good credit and a steady income. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing that we’re required to be more prepared in the home buying process. The current state of lending requires us all to make sure we’re financially ready to purchase our home, (for real this time) and more importantly, afford to stay there. Lenders generally use the same basic guidelines to approve you for a mortgage: Income, credit history, savings, and property/collateral. Make sure you’re primed (no pun intended), and you’ll be a happy homeowner for the long haul.

Another Bright Side: Buyers are in a better position now than the last three years. There is higher inventory, therefore more sellers who are willing to negotiate!

See more info at: http://www.plotscout.com.