Home Value
Should You Save For A Larger Down Payment?
Some experts are advising that first time and move-up buyers wait until they save up 20% before they move forward with their decision to purchase a home. One of the main reasons they suggest waiting is that a buyer must purchase…
Real Estate Mythbusting: Fact or Fiction
There are many myths in the world of real estate. However, believing something is a fact rather than the myth it is could hurt you when you are trying to buy or sell. Below are some of the most common…
2015 Building and Remodeling Trends
As we head into peak building and remodeling season, there are new construction and remodeling trends to consider as you are looking for a new home, buying a home with an eye for a remodel, or even considering a remodel…
Interest Rates and Buyer Buying Power
I have fielded calls from buyers who had wanted to buy in the last year but felt they were priced out of the market. After a break, they are back, wondering what their next move should be. They want to…
Seattle Rent Up 21.5% in 5 Years
If you’re feeling the pinch there is good reason- rent has increased in Seattle by 21.5% in the last 5 years. Seattlelite’s income has only increased 10.4% in the same amount of time. This increase has started to push renters…
Where Are Home Prices Headed??
Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts…
Home Improvements
At the end of May, 2014 NAHB released the estimates of improvements made to owner-occupied housing in 2014. This information was created using the following data: Number of homes in the area The share built in the ’60s Share built…
What is changing around you can affect your home value
Our world is constantly changing. One day traffic flows through our town one way and the next it can flow through different thoroughfares, depending on how our town managers plan out our transportation options. You may not think about this…
I’ve received a few questions lately about Zillow. Some of the features by Zillow can be confusing. First of all you have “Zestimates”- Zillow estimates of market value are displayed next to list prices. And the accuracy of Zesitmates can vary…
I need to increase curb appeal, but I don’t have much money. What should I do?
I was asked the following question recently: “I know I need to increase the curb appeal of my home before putting it on the market, but I have little to no budget. What should I do?” Great question! I have…