Looking at the rain pouring down outside my office window, I thought it was more than appropriate to write why I think buying a home in the winter is ideal.
10 Reasons to Buy in the winter
1.Motivated sellers. This doesn’t necesaarrily mean they’re desperate. It means they are just as ready to sell as you are ready to buy. This can bring great results for both parties.
2. Low interest rates. I don't think I need to explain this one.
3. Less buyer competition. Cold temps can scare away some buyers. And the holidays keep people busy with vacations and family get togethers. This can be great news especially if you are looking at competitive areas or inexpensive foreclosures.
4. Specialized attention from your lender. Your lender should always be there to answer questions and make you feel comfortable. However, fewer buyers in the market can free up some of your lender’s time. This can translate into even more specialized attention to your needs.
5. Relaxing in spring and summer. While other buyers are searching and moving, you can be kicking up your feet in your new home.
6. Standing inventory. There is good inventory on the market in the winter.
7. Home for the holidays. You can be in a NEW home for the holidays.
8. Discount on mover. A lot of movers are in their slow season so you'll most likely get a great deal from a moving company.
9. Get your tax deduction! One more huge write off before the end of the year will be great when filing your taxes.
10. Houses are at their 'worst' in the winter. With all the rain, snow, and cold, houses typically are at their worst in the winter. It is smart to see your investment at it's worse before you buy it. Rain in the crawl space? Is the roof leaking? Is the house staying warm?
It really is a great time to invest in real estate. Especially in the Pacific Northwest. I can customize an investment package just for you to get your search going. Call, text, or email me today!
Jessica Chase, City Realty Inc, 360-870-0619, chasejessica@comcast.net, www.jessicachase.com
10.24.2011
Get Ready for Winter
As we get colder nights and mornings, it is a good time to get your home ready for the winter.
One important thing to do is check your insulation in your attic and crawl space. It can save you hundreds on your electricity bill and even give your home an edge when selling it.
You can call your local power and energy company and ask them for a referral. Then you will get a discount on your next bill!
You should also check that your heater and hot water tank is insulated. Directions on how to do this information can be found on the web.
Remember to protect your most valuable investment and take good care of it this winter!
One important thing to do is check your insulation in your attic and crawl space. It can save you hundreds on your electricity bill and even give your home an edge when selling it.
You can call your local power and energy company and ask them for a referral. Then you will get a discount on your next bill!
You should also check that your heater and hot water tank is insulated. Directions on how to do this information can be found on the web.
Remember to protect your most valuable investment and take good care of it this winter!
Picture Time!
It is so important when you go to sell your home to have pictures of your home in all the seasons. So as the leaves start to fall, take an autumn picture of your home! Keep it and when your ready to sell, call me and we'll use them in our marketing.
10.13.2011
Green Remodeling!
6 Green Kitchen Remodeling Tips
Published: November 6, 2010
Turn your kitchen remodel bright green with these six resource-conserving tips.
1. Salvage nontraditional items for new kitchen storage.
Reuse is the gold standard for green remodeling, and a little creativity goes a long way. Banks of old school lockers or lab cabinets, for example, are a hot salvage item for retro-flavored kitchen storage.
2. Reuse stuff from your old kitchen.
Take a hard look to see if there are things you can keep—appliances, cabinets, hardware, faucets, and sinks are all candidates for reuse or refurb rather than replacement. A caveat: Don't keep any faucet purchased before 1997, because it's likely to contain some lead. And dispense with any appliances more than 10 years old. Energy Star appliances are leaps and bounds ahead of their ancestors in terms of energy-efficiency.3. Install an under-the-counter water purifier.
These have about 10 times the filtering capacity of a faucet-mounted purifier. A model with a top-quality activated carbon filter will remove heavy metals, bacteria, and pesticides—not to mention odors and bad tastes. Expect to pay $150 to $200 for an activated charcoal purifier with a replaceable cartridge, which is peanuts compared with the total remodel and easy to do while the project is under way.4. Don't forget energy-efficient lighting.
Fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps use up to 75% less energy than comparable incandescent lamps. In fact, according to EnergyStar.gov, a single CFL bulb will save $30 to $40 during its expected lifespan of 10,000 hours. But make sure you keep task areas well-lit: Consider efficient halogen and LED lighting sources anywhere you're planning to chop veggies or measure ingredients. Or plan a skylight overhead--the sun's still free.5. Make recycling easy.
Most cabinet manufacturers offer options for lower cabinets that include pull-out recycling bins to keep contents organized and out of sight. You can even get surface-mounted bins to go underneath holes in countertops. Just sweep food scraps right in.6. Buy counter-depth Energy Star refrigerator instead of a standard-depth model.
Counter-depth fridges fit flush with cabinet fronts instead of jutting out five or six inches into the kitchen. It's a way to carve out extra floor space, get a sleek built-in look, and save energy, since you’re cooling less space. And an Energy Star option adds efficiency over older models. You likely won't even notice the slight difference in capacity, although you'll pay a few hundred dollars more.Make your decision up front, though, because counter-depth appliances often aren't standard width. You'll need to plan your cabinets accordingly.
And by the way—models featuring the freezer on top use 10% to 25% less energy than a same-sized model with a side-by-side configuration.
Karin Beuerlein contributed to this article.
for more info see our website!
10.10.2011
7.27.2011
Calling all Kids!
Looking for something for your kids to do this summer? VBS at River Ridge Covenant Church is August 1-5, 9-12noon and it’s FREE.
See https://www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/ez/rrcc/gpgs/Home.aspx for more information!
7.19.2011
Why Do People Actually Buy a Home?
It seems that every time we talk about real estate today the conversation immediately goes to the financial aspects of buying a home. Where are prices headed? Where are interest rates headed? Should I wait to try and get a ‘better buy’? Should I wait until I can get a ‘steal’?
The odd thing about all these questions is that survey after survey keeps telling us that price is not the reason families actually buy a home. When money is considered at all, it is in light of not paying rent to a landlord. Let’s look at two recent surveys as examples:
National Housing Survey
The top five reasons given in the survey for buying a home, in order, are:
• It means having a good place to raise children and provide them with a good education
• You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe
• It allows you to have more space for your family
• It gives you control of what you do with your living space (renovations and updates)
• Paying rent is not a good investment
The Myers Research and Strategic Services Survey
The top five reasons given in the survey for buying a home, in order, are:
• Home ownership provides a stable and safe environment for children and other family members
• Home ownership means the money you spend on housing goes towards building equity, rather than to a landlord
• Home ownership creates the opportunity to pay off a mortgage and own your home by the time you retire
• Home ownership creates the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that you enjoy
• Home ownership allows you the right to decorate, modify and renovate your home as you see fit
Bottom Line
Price dominates conversation when we talk about buying a home. However, when it comes down to it, we actually buy for the same reasons our parents and grandparents did – we want a better lifestyle for ourselves and our families.
Thank you,
Chris Johns
Mortgage One NW, LLC
chris@mortgage1nw.com
(360) 870-4253 cell
(360) 878-8126 fax
WA Lic #: 85440
The odd thing about all these questions is that survey after survey keeps telling us that price is not the reason families actually buy a home. When money is considered at all, it is in light of not paying rent to a landlord. Let’s look at two recent surveys as examples:
National Housing Survey
The top five reasons given in the survey for buying a home, in order, are:
• It means having a good place to raise children and provide them with a good education
• You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe
• It allows you to have more space for your family
• It gives you control of what you do with your living space (renovations and updates)
• Paying rent is not a good investment
The Myers Research and Strategic Services Survey
The top five reasons given in the survey for buying a home, in order, are:
• Home ownership provides a stable and safe environment for children and other family members
• Home ownership means the money you spend on housing goes towards building equity, rather than to a landlord
• Home ownership creates the opportunity to pay off a mortgage and own your home by the time you retire
• Home ownership creates the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that you enjoy
• Home ownership allows you the right to decorate, modify and renovate your home as you see fit
Bottom Line
Price dominates conversation when we talk about buying a home. However, when it comes down to it, we actually buy for the same reasons our parents and grandparents did – we want a better lifestyle for ourselves and our families.
Thank you,
Chris Johns
Mortgage One NW, LLC
chris@mortgage1nw.com
(360) 870-4253 cell
(360) 878-8126 fax
WA Lic #: 85440
7.13.2011
Summer Fun in Olympia!
Come join the fun! Capital Lakefair begins today, five days of activity capped by a Sunday night fireworks show. This years theme is "Candyland", focusing on bringing families together in Thurston County!
http://www.lakefair.org/
http://www.lakefair.org/
6.18.2011
Retrofit your home "Green"
FHA, Fannie Mae Launch Energy Efficiency Retrofit Program
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) announced on May 31 its Green Refinance Plus, a program between HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae to boost energy efficiency in older affordable housing. The program will allow owners of existing affordable rental housing properties to refinance into new mortgages that include funding for energy- and water-saving upgrades, along with other needed property renovations.
Under the program, FHA and Fannie Mae will share the risk on loans to refinance existing rent-restricted projects while permitting owners to borrow additional funds to make energy-saving improvements to their properties. Owners of existing multifamily affordable properties typically refinance their mortgages every 10 to 15 years. In older apartment buildings, however, owners are often hard-pressed to find additional financing to maintain or improve the physical condition of their properties, including making energy-efficient upgrades. Soon, Fannie Mae and its participating lenders will begin accepting applications to refinance owners' debt and improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
The initiative is intended to refinance the expiring mortgages of Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties, and other affordable projects, and to lower annual operating costs by reducing energy consumption. Fannie Mae and HUD anticipate approximately $100 million in initial refinance volume with an average loan amount of $3.5 to $5 million. See the HUD press release and a fact sheet about the Green Refinance program.
Compliments,
U.S. Dept of Energy
The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) announced on May 31 its Green Refinance Plus, a program between HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Fannie Mae to boost energy efficiency in older affordable housing. The program will allow owners of existing affordable rental housing properties to refinance into new mortgages that include funding for energy- and water-saving upgrades, along with other needed property renovations.
Under the program, FHA and Fannie Mae will share the risk on loans to refinance existing rent-restricted projects while permitting owners to borrow additional funds to make energy-saving improvements to their properties. Owners of existing multifamily affordable properties typically refinance their mortgages every 10 to 15 years. In older apartment buildings, however, owners are often hard-pressed to find additional financing to maintain or improve the physical condition of their properties, including making energy-efficient upgrades. Soon, Fannie Mae and its participating lenders will begin accepting applications to refinance owners' debt and improve the energy efficiency of their properties.
The initiative is intended to refinance the expiring mortgages of Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties, and other affordable projects, and to lower annual operating costs by reducing energy consumption. Fannie Mae and HUD anticipate approximately $100 million in initial refinance volume with an average loan amount of $3.5 to $5 million. See the HUD press release and a fact sheet about the Green Refinance program.
Compliments,
U.S. Dept of Energy
Investing in a Green Home
Environmentalism Makes a Market for Itself
Take this as a fact for your future: green homes will soon be more valuable than non-green homes of a similar ilk. There are countless reasons why you should invest in a green home today, and an increasing demand for green products has spawned an exponentially expanding “green market.” Green-for-green, if you will. As green homes increase in demand, they will become a profitable investment, and so will the companies that contribute to the construction, design, and research of these homes. Here are some of the many benefits of going green:
Less Maintenance & Higher Resale Value
Green building exceeds basic building code requirements by using premium materials that are more durable and often of a higher quality. Green Building methods (better construction, attention to detail) enhance a home’s performance and reduce maintenance and replacement costs, kicking your home’s value up through quality construction.
Increased Quality of Life
A smart, tight design makes green homes significantly more comfortable and efficient than other homes. Green construction also encourages use of products and materials that reduce or eliminate sources of indoor pollution, keeping the air safe and healthy for everyone. Healthier paints, adhesives, and stricter emission and ventilation requirements help to achieve a healthy home.
A Solid Investment and a Better Mortgage
Green homes are more energy efficient and can result in utility bills being up to 65% lower. Green building promotes sustainable communities, a diverse economy and reduces our impact on the environment. Not only are green homes a solid investment, but going green can also snag you an Energy Efficient Mortgage or EEM, which makes it easier for borrowers to qualify for loans to purchase homes with specific energy-efficiency improvements.
EcoBrokers
EcoBrokers deal specifically with green homes, and organizations like the AEEREP (www.aeerep.org) are uniting to stimulate the green market through education and exposure of green principles throughout the world. After all, the benefits are tangible when you live in a green home: energy costs are lower, homes are more comfortable, and a smaller carbon footprint is left by your home.
Take this as a fact for your future: green homes will soon be more valuable than non-green homes of a similar ilk. There are countless reasons why you should invest in a green home today, and an increasing demand for green products has spawned an exponentially expanding “green market.” Green-for-green, if you will. As green homes increase in demand, they will become a profitable investment, and so will the companies that contribute to the construction, design, and research of these homes. Here are some of the many benefits of going green:
Less Maintenance & Higher Resale Value
Green building exceeds basic building code requirements by using premium materials that are more durable and often of a higher quality. Green Building methods (better construction, attention to detail) enhance a home’s performance and reduce maintenance and replacement costs, kicking your home’s value up through quality construction.
Increased Quality of Life
A smart, tight design makes green homes significantly more comfortable and efficient than other homes. Green construction also encourages use of products and materials that reduce or eliminate sources of indoor pollution, keeping the air safe and healthy for everyone. Healthier paints, adhesives, and stricter emission and ventilation requirements help to achieve a healthy home.
A Solid Investment and a Better Mortgage
Green homes are more energy efficient and can result in utility bills being up to 65% lower. Green building promotes sustainable communities, a diverse economy and reduces our impact on the environment. Not only are green homes a solid investment, but going green can also snag you an Energy Efficient Mortgage or EEM, which makes it easier for borrowers to qualify for loans to purchase homes with specific energy-efficiency improvements.
EcoBrokers
EcoBrokers deal specifically with green homes, and organizations like the AEEREP (www.aeerep.org) are uniting to stimulate the green market through education and exposure of green principles throughout the world. After all, the benefits are tangible when you live in a green home: energy costs are lower, homes are more comfortable, and a smaller carbon footprint is left by your home.
5.18.2011
Time to Buy...Low Rates!
I get these daily updates from Brandy Legault and couldn't help but share how low rates are! Time to buy!
Today’s Rates
Conv 4.375%
FHA 4.25%
VA 4.25%
Conv 15 yr 3.75%
USDA 4.625%
Jumbo 5.75%
Investment 4.875%
3-4 investment 5.125%
Conv 5/1 arm 3.125%
FHA-VA 5/1 arm 3.75%
Compliments of:
Brandy LeGault
Loan Originator
Ironwood Mortgage
9333 Martin Way E, Ste 210
Lacey, WA 98516
360.280.1467 direct
360.489.1792 fax
BrandyLeGault@comcast.net
www.Ironwoodmtg.com
For more information visit: http://www.jessicachase.org/Time+to+Buy...Rates+are+LOW
Today’s Rates
Conv 4.375%
FHA 4.25%
VA 4.25%
Conv 15 yr 3.75%
USDA 4.625%
Jumbo 5.75%
Investment 4.875%
3-4 investment 5.125%
Conv 5/1 arm 3.125%
FHA-VA 5/1 arm 3.75%
Compliments of:
Brandy LeGault
Loan Originator
Ironwood Mortgage
9333 Martin Way E, Ste 210
Lacey, WA 98516
360.280.1467 direct
360.489.1792 fax
BrandyLeGault@comcast.net
www.Ironwoodmtg.com
For more information visit: http://www.jessicachase.org/Time+to+Buy...Rates+are+LOW
3.07.2011
2.18.2011
1.21.2011
LIVE BIG!
Briggs Village Townhomes are breaking all the rules! Just over a week left of Zero Closing Costs! 
1.12.2011
Last Home Available in Briggs Village!
Don't miss out on this home! Take advantage of the Zero Closing Costs for this month! 
1.07.2011
New Home, New You!
OakRidge Homes is offering Zero Closing Costs for all standing inventory!
Get in on this great deal while you can! 
12.15.2010
10.22.2010
5 Reasons You Should Sell Your House TODAY!
Selling your house in today’s market can be extremely difficult. It is for that reason that every seller should take advantage of each and every opportunity that appears. Each fall, such an opportunity presents itself. This fall, that opportunity may be just too good to pass up.
Below are five reasons you should consider when pricing your house to sell in the next 90 days. Meet with your real estate agent and mortgage professional today and see whether it is the right move for you and your family.
1. Entering this time of year, the buyers are more serious.
We all realize that buyers are not quick to pull the trigger on the purchase of a home today. There is no sense of urgency with the supply of eligible properties at all time highs. However, at this time of year, the ‘lookers’ are at the stores doing their holiday shopping. The home buyers left in the market are serious and are more apt to make a purchasing decision. Less showings – but to more motivated purchasers.
2. If you are moving up, you can save thousands.
The Chicago Tribune stated in an article last week that sellers who want to ‘trade up’ should act now:
It could be a bigger house, different neighborhood or a better school district, but it comes with a higher price tag. Do the math; this might be the right time.
A home that was once worth $300,000 may now be worth $240,000 in a market where prices have fallen 20 percent. Wow, you think, the seller is taking a bath. But that seller may also be a prospective buyer who wants a house that once was valued at $400,000. With an equivalent market drop and a realistic listing price, that house may now sell for $320,000. So, in effect, the person is losing $60,000 on the sale of one home but coming out ahead $20,000 on the purchase of another.
Keep in mind the spread may be even greater. There’s a smaller pool of potential buyers for more expensive homes, so sellers may be more willing to cut their price to get a deal done.
3. Interest rates just fell again – to 4.19%.
Professor Karl E. Case, the founder of the Case Shiller Pricing Index in an article in the New York Times last month actually did the math for us:
Four years ago, the monthly payment on a $300,000 house with 20 percent down and a mortgage rate of about 6.6 percent was $1,533. Today that $300,000 house would sell for $213,000 and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20 percent down would carry a rate of about 4.2 percent and a monthly payment of $833 … housing has perhaps never been a better bargain.
4. You beat the rush of inventory that is coming next year.
Every year there is an increase of inventory which comes to market from January through April as homeowners put their houses up for sale in preparation for the spring market. As an example, here is the number of listings available for sale in each of those months in 2010.
- January – 3,277,000
- February – 3,531,000
- March – 3,626,000
- April – 4,029,000
You won’t have to worry about this increasing competition if you sell now.
5. You have less ‘discounted’ inventory with which to compete.
This year, sellers of non-distressed properties have been given an early holiday present. With banks declaring a suspension on the sale of many distressed properties (foreclosures), there has been a large supply of discounted properties removed from competition. No one knows how long this self imposed moratorium will last. However, while it does, every homeowner has a better chance of selling their property.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to sell in the near future, there may not be a more opportune time than this fall. Serious buyers, great move-up deals and less competition from foreclosures creates the perfect selling situation. Don’t miss it!
10.13.2010
Foreclosure Freeze
Just wanted to pass along information that might be helpful in educating you on our real estate market. The foreclosure freeze is going to have a big impact...we are not sure what exactly it will do. There are many different predictions and opinions, but it is best to educate yourself if you are thinking about buying. ...Here's one of many articles out there. I would love to hear what your thoughts are and if you have any questions!My goal is to keep you informed as much as possible with the latest real estate news.
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/10/13/navigating-the-foreclosure-freeze-a-buyers-guide/
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/10/13/navigating-the-foreclosure-freeze-a-buyers-guide/
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