Dan Jensen
It's finally looking like Summer may coming to Southwest Washington State for a visit.Temperatures are climbing.The rain is drifting away to the North and East, and sunshine greets us this morning, setting a great tone for the weekend.
Better weather and with school out for the children, it could just be a perfect weekend to begin looking for that house you've been longing for...FINALLY! Or perhaps, you're going to complete a couple of long delayed projects to get your house ready to sell. Good weather and dry weekends in the Pacific NW tend to turn our thoughts to such things, and especially knowing that the cooler weather of Fall will soon be upon us.
Our encouragement to add into the mix is this...
Whatever your objectives may be with regard to Real Estate - Buying a house, Selling a house, making an investment or two in property - Be certain to do your Real Estate...ON PURPOSE!
Just a bit of common sense planning before you begin will put you miles ahead of the game as your projects unfold. For example: How will you decide which projects will best "PAY" you and which will only COST you? Which investment properties will yield the strongest returns for each dollar you invest? Where within the community will you find the best combination of schools, commute, pleasant neighborhood settings, and quality construction in that home you're looking for?
Make some notes, talk together with family and friends, and be sure to include your professional advisors in your planning. What will the tax impact of your decisions be? Your CPA or tax person will know. What does it cost to redo the master bath? Your contractor will definitely be able to help with the numbers. How long will it take and what will I be able to sell my house for? Your real estate pro can help here.
Pick up the phone, get some good information, and talk with family and friends. Put your plans together and then GET OUT INTO THAT SUNSHINE!
real estate information, news and resource
Friday, June 28, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Choosing the the Right Lender is Critical
Rod Sager
Many home seekers find themselves overwhelmed when searching for a home in this diverse market.There are many short sales, bank owned and government owned properties mixed in with traditional sellers. I find that often home buyers have really not given enough thought to the financing of the home and who will handle that part of the transaction.
For most buyers, the loan is a critical component to make the purchase possible. There are many lenders, banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, etc. It does not matter much which entity you choose as much as the individual originating that loan. I would estimate that two thirds of failed real estate transactions, fall apart because of financing issues. When a loan crashes, often the would be buyer has spent upwards of $1000 on an inspection and appraisal and that money is non-refundable.
When consulting with a loan officer, whether it be a bank, credit union, or mortgage company, a buyer should interview the loan officer. A buyer should ask how much experience they have originating the type of loan they are applying for. FHA and VA loans are more complex than standard conventional loans. Their are many special loan programs that an experienced loan officer may be able to recommend.
The ability to get the loan closed on time is paramount to a successful real estate transaction and can save hundreds and sometime even thousands of dollars. Loans can often encounter problems during the underwriting process that an experienced and thorough loan officer can anticipate and mitgate with minimal impact on the buyer's transaction.
Buyers should ask their trusted Realtor® who they have had success closing loans with and give strong consideration to the individual. The name of the company is often not as important as the person representing the company and ultimately the buyer.
Many home seekers find themselves overwhelmed when searching for a home in this diverse market.There are many short sales, bank owned and government owned properties mixed in with traditional sellers. I find that often home buyers have really not given enough thought to the financing of the home and who will handle that part of the transaction.
For most buyers, the loan is a critical component to make the purchase possible. There are many lenders, banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, etc. It does not matter much which entity you choose as much as the individual originating that loan. I would estimate that two thirds of failed real estate transactions, fall apart because of financing issues. When a loan crashes, often the would be buyer has spent upwards of $1000 on an inspection and appraisal and that money is non-refundable.
When consulting with a loan officer, whether it be a bank, credit union, or mortgage company, a buyer should interview the loan officer. A buyer should ask how much experience they have originating the type of loan they are applying for. FHA and VA loans are more complex than standard conventional loans. Their are many special loan programs that an experienced loan officer may be able to recommend.
The ability to get the loan closed on time is paramount to a successful real estate transaction and can save hundreds and sometime even thousands of dollars. Loans can often encounter problems during the underwriting process that an experienced and thorough loan officer can anticipate and mitgate with minimal impact on the buyer's transaction.
Buyers should ask their trusted Realtor® who they have had success closing loans with and give strong consideration to the individual. The name of the company is often not as important as the person representing the company and ultimately the buyer.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Tight Inventory Puts Big Pressure on Prices
Rod Sager
The headline says it all. Here in Vancouver USA we have some areas with inventory tighter than a submarine three miles deep. I took a listing recently in Cascade Park and checked out the "competition" There was only ONE available house (in the 250k-300k price range) in all of Cascade Park. That area covers some 40,000 in population. ONE active listing!This may not be the case in every neighborhood but if you are seeking a home in an area with few listings, you have to be prepared for multiple offers in excess of full list price. This is a hard pill to swallow for some after several years of a buyer's market.
In general prices are on the upswing but they are still relatively low and many areas have yet to return to pre-crash prices. Lending rates are on the move up as well but still remain very low. there is plenty of opportunity for a great house at a great price with a low payment. The window is closing however, so don't miss out.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Builders are Back
Rod Sager
We are seeing a flurry of activity in the new housing market locally. Builders have been dormant since the market downturn in 2009, but now we are seeing a return to a more robust effort to bring new housing to the market. Inventory in the resale market is tight right now, builders can feel confident they will sell out their subdivision quickly.
Several home builders are showing more enthusiasm and most importantly bringing much needed inventory to market. Most new homes in Clark County are listed on the MLS. This means you can use your favorite Realtor® to help you find your dream home in a new development.
Having your Realtor® represent your best interests in a new home is just as important as it is for a resale home. Handling a transaction with a builder is different in many ways than with a resale home. I strongly encourage you to look at some of the great new subdivisions coming to market as you seek to find that perfect home for you.
Monday, June 3, 2013
Real Estate Info & Trends... What's ACTUALLY Going On?
Dan Jensen
We've spent the past 6 years digging our way out of a severe downturn in RE markets across the Country. Since October last year, we've seen growing strength in both Owned homes and New Construction here in Southwest WA State. (check out recent trends for listings in Clark County, WA - May 13 post) Sales have grown every month, and continue to show genuine strength for the first Year End 2012/New Year 2013 in...well, 6 years!
Do we DARE think that home values might Rise again? Is it possible that we could be experiencing Stability in the Real Estate market place? Have we climbed back out of Alice's Rabbit Hole back into a Real World of growing values and NOT short sale SALES of homes? Oh Goodness...Let it Be So!!!
In the days ahead, be sure to pop in to check out updates and articles. We'll keep you aware and prepared whether considering Selling, Buying, or Investing. We're here to help, and timely market information is just one of the ways we can steer you in the direction YOU want to go!
The Equity NW Team
We've spent the past 6 years digging our way out of a severe downturn in RE markets across the Country. Since October last year, we've seen growing strength in both Owned homes and New Construction here in Southwest WA State. (check out recent trends for listings in Clark County, WA - May 13 post) Sales have grown every month, and continue to show genuine strength for the first Year End 2012/New Year 2013 in...well, 6 years!
Do we DARE think that home values might Rise again? Is it possible that we could be experiencing Stability in the Real Estate market place? Have we climbed back out of Alice's Rabbit Hole back into a Real World of growing values and NOT short sale SALES of homes? Oh Goodness...Let it Be So!!!
In the days ahead, be sure to pop in to check out updates and articles. We'll keep you aware and prepared whether considering Selling, Buying, or Investing. We're here to help, and timely market information is just one of the ways we can steer you in the direction YOU want to go!
The Equity NW Team
Coming Soon !
We will be up and running very soon with a company wide real estate information and resource site here on Google Blogger. Our agents will have a presence here as well. Please check back real soon for our official company blog launch.
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