As a real estate agent, I often have people ask me for referrals to mortgage professionals when they want to buy a home, refinance a mortgage, buy a vacation property, or buy an investment property.
Lately, I've been getting more requests for information about "Reverse Mortgages", so I decided to do some research, and see what information I could find to share with all of you.
First of all, the main thing is to do your research first! Don't just decide "this is what I need right now" and rush in.
Learn what questions you need to ask, and learn about the programs available. There are several types of reverse mortgages, and they aren't for everyone. You can even buy a new home using a Reverse Mortgage. When contemplating a Reverse Mortgage for any reason, the first consideration is that the youngest homeowner must be at least 62 years old.
From the Reverse Mortgage Guides website:
Reverse Mortgage Guides is a reverse mortgage education site that explains the pros and cons of FHA reverse mortgages. We publish articles and tools for seniors who are considering a reverse mortgage and want to become fully educated before making a decision.
A reverse mortgage is often used to fully pay off an existing mortgage and thereby cease making monthly payments. The second most common use, according to the AARP's 2006 survey, is to pay for medical and daily living expenses.
The website has many articles explaining reverse mortgages. You will want to spend time reviewing all of them. In addition, they discuss "Six Situations When a Reverse Mortgage Should Not Be Used".
The HUD / FHA program also certifies housing counselors all across the country to give homeowners impartial education about reverse mortgages.
Another informative website is from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).
According to their website: "Established in 1997, NRMLA is the national voice for lenders and investors engaged in the reverse mortgage business. NRMLA fulfills several roles, which include educating consumers about the opportunity to utilize reverse mortgages, training lenders to be sensitive to the needs of older Americans, developing Best Practices and enforcing a Code of Conduct to make sure lenders participating in the program treat seniors respectfully, and promoting reverse mortgages in the media."
Here are some links to some very informative websites.
Reverse Mortgage Guides
Reverse Mortgage Eligibility
FHA/HUD Certified Reverse Mortgage Counseling (FREE)
When Is A Reverse Mortgage a Bad Idea?
If you are thinking that you or a family member has interest in a Reverse Mortgage, or even buying a new home using a Reverse Mortgage, these informative websites should be helpful. I do know several trustworthy mortgage folks who specialize in doing Reverse Mortgages, both for existing residences, or for a new purchase.
Contact me at leannefinlay@gmail.com
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Small Business: Getting Government Contracts
You might think, ‘why is this real estate agent writing this article? As an independent contractor, a real estate agent runs their own ‘small business’. Many of our clients also own small businesses, or are thinking about leaving the safety net of the corporate world, and starting a small business. I’ve done that too.
Today I read an article titled “Getting Government Contracts” in the New York Times.
The first paragraph caught my attention: There are many federal contracting opportunities for small businesses, but to take advantage of them you have to know the ins and outs of the government’s contracting rules and regulations. Of the more than 20 million small businesses in the United States, only about 500,000 are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That’s not because they are the only ones capable of doing the work; it’s because they know how to get the work.
Only 500,000 small businesses out of more than 20 million small businesses are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That means opportunity!
The second paragraph is especially interesting for small businesses: Here’s how big the opportunity is: small companies are eligible to bid on any size contract, but the government is required to reserve all federal purchases between $3,000 and $100,000 for small businesses — unless the contracting officer can’t get offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive on price, quality and delivery.
How can your business capture some of these contracts? Click on the link above, read the article, and notice on the right sidebar there are “Quick Tips”.
Note also the links and information in the main article – the authors spent a lot of time putting this information together, and there are many links to explore, including some training opportunities.
Today I read an article titled “Getting Government Contracts” in the New York Times.
The first paragraph caught my attention: There are many federal contracting opportunities for small businesses, but to take advantage of them you have to know the ins and outs of the government’s contracting rules and regulations. Of the more than 20 million small businesses in the United States, only about 500,000 are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That’s not because they are the only ones capable of doing the work; it’s because they know how to get the work.
Only 500,000 small businesses out of more than 20 million small businesses are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That means opportunity!
The second paragraph is especially interesting for small businesses: Here’s how big the opportunity is: small companies are eligible to bid on any size contract, but the government is required to reserve all federal purchases between $3,000 and $100,000 for small businesses — unless the contracting officer can’t get offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive on price, quality and delivery.
How can your business capture some of these contracts? Click on the link above, read the article, and notice on the right sidebar there are “Quick Tips”.
Note also the links and information in the main article – the authors spent a lot of time putting this information together, and there are many links to explore, including some training opportunities.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
What past clients say about me ...
THANKS FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE
A business person's best client is a previous client or a referral from them. If you're reading this information, chances are you already know something about me. I consider it a great compliment that so many of you refer your friends and relatives, as well as come back to me when it is time to move again. Thank you for your trust and confidence. Here is what some of you have said about my service.
REUBEN & JEN (Bothell): We love being there already, even though we haven't finished moving. We have met a few of the neighbors even. Nancy makes great chocolate cake ;). We really enjoyed working with you and trying to absorb the wealth of information you have to offer. Thanks again for everything. We'll be in touch soon.
RACHEL S (Seattle): I am now dealing with another agent in my new town of Tucson, who is competent but not nearly as good as my Windermere agent, Leanne Finlay. I was most impressed with her knowledge, candor and professionalism. I appreciate also that Windermere supports various charities through The Windermere Foundation.
CAROL Mc (Clinton, Whidbey Island): I was so fortunate to work with Leanne Finlay. She was referred to us by someone who attended the estate sale from my mothers home. We lived 2 hours away from the home, and I really do think if it weren't for Leanne, we would still have an unsold house. She did far more for us than we ever could have expected.
NOREEN A (Shoreline): Leanne Finlay did an awesome job. I've had experience several times w/agents. This time was great. She LISTENED -- showed me what I asked for & could afford. I will recommend her to others.
CATHY & GARY N (Seattle): Leanne, this is just a note to let you know quite belatedly that Gary & I appreciate all of your efforts on our behalf in the selling of our home. You did a fabulous job for us, and we appreciate your work very much.
RIK & LEWJEAN H (Eastlake): Efficient, friendly, effective.
STEVE & MELISSA M (Redmond): Excellent. Leanne Finlay is an extremely patient person who had our best interests in mind.
HARRIETTE S (Fall City): I was VERY pleased, as were my family members. Leanne was very professional, she successfully sold our previous home. She was most helpful in negotiating a number of matters for us. I will gladly recommend her to my friends who will very soon be moving to smaller/retirement facilities.
WILL & ALLIE (Seattle, North Beach): Thank you so much for your many hours of driving, emails & enthusiasm. Your professionalism, fantastic insights (we still cannot forget the VERY first home we saw w/you & thought we could "fix it"), and calm assurances made the entire purchase process a dream!
MARCUS & LISA B (Bothell and Kenmore): (buyer and seller) Leanne Finlay was great to work with: responsive, knowlegable, a pleasure.
LAURA D (Clinton and Renton): Leanne helped me find a fantastic home for under $300,000 on South Whidbey Island. I love the setting and the house, and the fact that I see deer in my yard nearly every day. I sold my home in Renton with Leanne several years ago, and was pleased to see that my agent could help find me a new home on Whidbey.
CATHY R (Renton): 2 years ago I listed my Renton home with Leanne and was so impressed with her work on that, that I called her again for my purchase in 2008.
Excellent strategist ...
TOM W. (Seattle): Excellent strategist. Knowledgeable about the transaction.
MAGNUS & HEATHER H(Bellevue and Redmond): Leanne did a great job in both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our old home.
ALISE & LARRY F. (Bellevue): We listed our house with Leanne and it sold right away! When we bought we were in a multiple offer situation & particularly appreciated Leanne's expertise in making our offer competitive against two other offers which enabled us to get the house.
VISHAL & GAYATRI N. (Redmond): Very professional, timely, courteous, educational & guiding. In the midst of a turbulent closing, she stood by us; her support meant a lot.
JIM & CHRISTINE C.(Wallingford and Sunset Hills): Excellent service, she not only helped us get the house we wanted, but helped us not buy the wrong house. Leanne was "the voice of reason".
DEBBIE & KEVIN (Whidbey Island): Our Whidbey place is perfect!
... apparently we have actually sold the house, and the money is in our bank...
RICHARD & MOLLY G. (Edmonds): The paperwork is all in, and the money is in our bank, so apparently we have actually sold the house! Having a real estate agent that worked at selling the house as opposed to waiting for the house to sell, made all the difference. We are glad that you were so enthusiastic, helpful and eager.
AMY & DWIGHT (Greenlake/Seattle): We want to thank you for all your professional expertise and personal warmth you shared with us, as our agent. You did a great job of advising and encouraging us as we readied our home of 30+ years for sale. You did an outstanding job of: staging our home, printing fliers, setting up the computer site, and running the open houses. When we had more than one bid, you expertly assisted us through that process and in all the paperwork that followed. Leanne, we appreciate your job well done, as well as the extra touches. We've already highly recommended you to others and will continue to do so.
MICHAEL R. (Ballard & North Beach): I was referred to Leanne by an independent real estate consultant. Leanne is a great agent!
RICK M. & JENNIFER K. (Magnolia/Seattle): Our agent was experienced and knowledgeable foremost. She was able to understand our sometimes changing and hard-to-define desires in order to give us informed and appropriate recommendations for each property considered.
DEBBIE & JEFF D (Seattle): Leanne Finlay was excellent; just soft enough to allow for trusting communication & hard enough that we knew we had a hard-ball professional if that was necessary. She was smooth!
LES A (Seattle building lot): The experience of working with Leanne was very good. She made a difficult situation during difficult times (post 911) go far better than I had hoped. If ever again I need to sell a home, I would go back to Leanne.
SANDRA Z (Seattle): I got to know my sellers well, and they told me several times that even though Leanne was my agent and not theirs, they appreciated the professionalism Leanne brought to the transaction. I was impressed they noticed!
EDIE & BRIAN H (Arboretum/Seattle): Our house felt like home from the first day, thanks!
A business person's best client is a previous client or a referral from them. If you're reading this information, chances are you already know something about me. I consider it a great compliment that so many of you refer your friends and relatives, as well as come back to me when it is time to move again. Thank you for your trust and confidence. Here is what some of you have said about my service.
REUBEN & JEN (Bothell): We love being there already, even though we haven't finished moving. We have met a few of the neighbors even. Nancy makes great chocolate cake ;). We really enjoyed working with you and trying to absorb the wealth of information you have to offer. Thanks again for everything. We'll be in touch soon.
RACHEL S (Seattle): I am now dealing with another agent in my new town of Tucson, who is competent but not nearly as good as my Windermere agent, Leanne Finlay. I was most impressed with her knowledge, candor and professionalism. I appreciate also that Windermere supports various charities through The Windermere Foundation.
CAROL Mc (Clinton, Whidbey Island): I was so fortunate to work with Leanne Finlay. She was referred to us by someone who attended the estate sale from my mothers home. We lived 2 hours away from the home, and I really do think if it weren't for Leanne, we would still have an unsold house. She did far more for us than we ever could have expected.
NOREEN A (Shoreline): Leanne Finlay did an awesome job. I've had experience several times w/agents. This time was great. She LISTENED -- showed me what I asked for & could afford. I will recommend her to others.
CATHY & GARY N (Seattle): Leanne, this is just a note to let you know quite belatedly that Gary & I appreciate all of your efforts on our behalf in the selling of our home. You did a fabulous job for us, and we appreciate your work very much.
RIK & LEWJEAN H (Eastlake): Efficient, friendly, effective.
STEVE & MELISSA M (Redmond): Excellent. Leanne Finlay is an extremely patient person who had our best interests in mind.
HARRIETTE S (Fall City): I was VERY pleased, as were my family members. Leanne was very professional, she successfully sold our previous home. She was most helpful in negotiating a number of matters for us. I will gladly recommend her to my friends who will very soon be moving to smaller/retirement facilities.
WILL & ALLIE (Seattle, North Beach): Thank you so much for your many hours of driving, emails & enthusiasm. Your professionalism, fantastic insights (we still cannot forget the VERY first home we saw w/you & thought we could "fix it"), and calm assurances made the entire purchase process a dream!
MARCUS & LISA B (Bothell and Kenmore): (buyer and seller) Leanne Finlay was great to work with: responsive, knowlegable, a pleasure.
LAURA D (Clinton and Renton): Leanne helped me find a fantastic home for under $300,000 on South Whidbey Island. I love the setting and the house, and the fact that I see deer in my yard nearly every day. I sold my home in Renton with Leanne several years ago, and was pleased to see that my agent could help find me a new home on Whidbey.
CATHY R (Renton): 2 years ago I listed my Renton home with Leanne and was so impressed with her work on that, that I called her again for my purchase in 2008.
Excellent strategist ...
TOM W. (Seattle): Excellent strategist. Knowledgeable about the transaction.
MAGNUS & HEATHER H(Bellevue and Redmond): Leanne did a great job in both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our old home.
ALISE & LARRY F. (Bellevue): We listed our house with Leanne and it sold right away! When we bought we were in a multiple offer situation & particularly appreciated Leanne's expertise in making our offer competitive against two other offers which enabled us to get the house.
VISHAL & GAYATRI N. (Redmond): Very professional, timely, courteous, educational & guiding. In the midst of a turbulent closing, she stood by us; her support meant a lot.
JIM & CHRISTINE C.(Wallingford and Sunset Hills): Excellent service, she not only helped us get the house we wanted, but helped us not buy the wrong house. Leanne was "the voice of reason".
DEBBIE & KEVIN (Whidbey Island): Our Whidbey place is perfect!
... apparently we have actually sold the house, and the money is in our bank...
RICHARD & MOLLY G. (Edmonds): The paperwork is all in, and the money is in our bank, so apparently we have actually sold the house! Having a real estate agent that worked at selling the house as opposed to waiting for the house to sell, made all the difference. We are glad that you were so enthusiastic, helpful and eager.
AMY & DWIGHT (Greenlake/Seattle): We want to thank you for all your professional expertise and personal warmth you shared with us, as our agent. You did a great job of advising and encouraging us as we readied our home of 30+ years for sale. You did an outstanding job of: staging our home, printing fliers, setting up the computer site, and running the open houses. When we had more than one bid, you expertly assisted us through that process and in all the paperwork that followed. Leanne, we appreciate your job well done, as well as the extra touches. We've already highly recommended you to others and will continue to do so.
MICHAEL R. (Ballard & North Beach): I was referred to Leanne by an independent real estate consultant. Leanne is a great agent!
RICK M. & JENNIFER K. (Magnolia/Seattle): Our agent was experienced and knowledgeable foremost. She was able to understand our sometimes changing and hard-to-define desires in order to give us informed and appropriate recommendations for each property considered.
DEBBIE & JEFF D (Seattle): Leanne Finlay was excellent; just soft enough to allow for trusting communication & hard enough that we knew we had a hard-ball professional if that was necessary. She was smooth!
LES A (Seattle building lot): The experience of working with Leanne was very good. She made a difficult situation during difficult times (post 911) go far better than I had hoped. If ever again I need to sell a home, I would go back to Leanne.
SANDRA Z (Seattle): I got to know my sellers well, and they told me several times that even though Leanne was my agent and not theirs, they appreciated the professionalism Leanne brought to the transaction. I was impressed they noticed!
EDIE & BRIAN H (Arboretum/Seattle): Our house felt like home from the first day, thanks!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Take Your Home Off The Market
I wrote this article about 1 year ago. A year later, the fact remains: prices are lower, and if you're not ready to work with the realities of our current market, you might want to consider "taking your home off the market".
Today, we do have a real estate market coming back to life. Buyers looking to buy today are extremely price conscious, and looking for value, and outright bargains. Interest rates are the lowest they have been in a GENERATION, yes, I really do mean a generation -- more than 25 years. Fuel prices are much lower than they were a year ago, and we've weathered through a long period of recession, but that recession isn't over yet. Mixed news, but at least our current mixed news appears to be a step forward and not a step backwards.
For those who want to get their homes sold, read this March 2008 article, and think about how your property fits into todays' market. The points are still quite valid.
(March 2008) Maybe the time has come to face the facts. Your house/condo isn't selling, and you don't really need to sell it, you just sort of thought it would be nice to sell it, the prices have been climbing, and gosh, honey, let's get a new place. Normally, those are good reasons to want to sell.
Our market is different today than last year, or even six months ago. There has been a national mess not made in heaven, but made in some very big, very important, very stable bank and mortgage companies. They call this mess the "Subprime Mortgage Crisis". Personally, I don't understand how it got this big. I can't quite wrap my mind around the idea that simple 'greed' created this national catastrophe, and that the brains behind the scenes at these major companies simply ignored economic reality: prices cannot escalate forever at the intensity of the past few years. A fifth grader should be able to understand this idea, how could so many sophisticated money managers miss this focus on basics?
It really doesn't matter what I think, or how stupidly the executives behind these banking and mortgage giants behaved. We've got a big problem on our hands, Martha, and it isn't going away easy. Add the high cost of gas/fuel and other uncertainties in our economy, and you've got a mixed bag of problems. Our area is strong, but not immune from the economy, and yesterdays prices are just that: yesterdays prices.
So, if you just sort of, maybe, kind of, want to sell 'if you can get your price' … give it up. Just take your home off the market, and enjoy it. Garden, paint, entertain, have some parties, remodel, maybe watch the kids or grandkids grow, enjoy life. Make more home sweet home memories, they truly are the important things in life!
But, maybe you have a more compelling reason to sell today: you need a bigger home, a smaller home, moving out of area, selling a rental home, handling an estate, can't stand the yard, really want a yard, whatever the reason, you have decided that you do need to sell, and you need to sell now.
Find, interview, and listen to the advice of the best agents you can find. Choose the one you feel will represent you well. After 30 days, reduce that asking price if the property isn't selling. Did your agent ask you to make improvements, such as new carpet, paint or light fixtures? Clean up the yard? For Pete's Sake, get those jobs done, and make your property shine.
Ask yourself this: What are the 3 most important words in real estate?
No gold star for you if you said Location, Location, Location.
Today the 3 most important words are often: Drop Your Price.
If there are 5 houses/condos very similar to yours for sale today, you need to be the best priced, best conditioned one to gain a buyer. Best is best, not second best and most certainly not third, or fourth or fifth. If your home isn't selling in a timely fashion, think of it this way: The buyers are telling you it is time for you to consider keeping your home, and enjoy it.
So, either price your home competitively + and prep it to be the best condition you possibly can, or take it off the market, and enjoy it. Price + condition matter immensely.
The cost to move forward to a new home may be a smart move on your part, or it may be more comfortable for you to take a second look at the home you fell in love with the day you bought it, and plan to stay for awhile longer. Take a look at the market we have today, and analyze your strategy.
Fast forward to April 2009: We've got a real estate market with a large supply of homes, plus the best interest rates in decades. Buyers are tentatively taking steps towards buying, and that good news means that sellers who are realistically priced will find a buyer. Take a look at the market we have today, and analyze your strategy.
Today, we do have a real estate market coming back to life. Buyers looking to buy today are extremely price conscious, and looking for value, and outright bargains. Interest rates are the lowest they have been in a GENERATION, yes, I really do mean a generation -- more than 25 years. Fuel prices are much lower than they were a year ago, and we've weathered through a long period of recession, but that recession isn't over yet. Mixed news, but at least our current mixed news appears to be a step forward and not a step backwards.
For those who want to get their homes sold, read this March 2008 article, and think about how your property fits into todays' market. The points are still quite valid.
(March 2008) Maybe the time has come to face the facts. Your house/condo isn't selling, and you don't really need to sell it, you just sort of thought it would be nice to sell it, the prices have been climbing, and gosh, honey, let's get a new place. Normally, those are good reasons to want to sell.
Our market is different today than last year, or even six months ago. There has been a national mess not made in heaven, but made in some very big, very important, very stable bank and mortgage companies. They call this mess the "Subprime Mortgage Crisis". Personally, I don't understand how it got this big. I can't quite wrap my mind around the idea that simple 'greed' created this national catastrophe, and that the brains behind the scenes at these major companies simply ignored economic reality: prices cannot escalate forever at the intensity of the past few years. A fifth grader should be able to understand this idea, how could so many sophisticated money managers miss this focus on basics?
It really doesn't matter what I think, or how stupidly the executives behind these banking and mortgage giants behaved. We've got a big problem on our hands, Martha, and it isn't going away easy. Add the high cost of gas/fuel and other uncertainties in our economy, and you've got a mixed bag of problems. Our area is strong, but not immune from the economy, and yesterdays prices are just that: yesterdays prices.
So, if you just sort of, maybe, kind of, want to sell 'if you can get your price' … give it up. Just take your home off the market, and enjoy it. Garden, paint, entertain, have some parties, remodel, maybe watch the kids or grandkids grow, enjoy life. Make more home sweet home memories, they truly are the important things in life!
But, maybe you have a more compelling reason to sell today: you need a bigger home, a smaller home, moving out of area, selling a rental home, handling an estate, can't stand the yard, really want a yard, whatever the reason, you have decided that you do need to sell, and you need to sell now.
Find, interview, and listen to the advice of the best agents you can find. Choose the one you feel will represent you well. After 30 days, reduce that asking price if the property isn't selling. Did your agent ask you to make improvements, such as new carpet, paint or light fixtures? Clean up the yard? For Pete's Sake, get those jobs done, and make your property shine.
Ask yourself this: What are the 3 most important words in real estate?
No gold star for you if you said Location, Location, Location.
Today the 3 most important words are often: Drop Your Price.
If there are 5 houses/condos very similar to yours for sale today, you need to be the best priced, best conditioned one to gain a buyer. Best is best, not second best and most certainly not third, or fourth or fifth. If your home isn't selling in a timely fashion, think of it this way: The buyers are telling you it is time for you to consider keeping your home, and enjoy it.
So, either price your home competitively + and prep it to be the best condition you possibly can, or take it off the market, and enjoy it. Price + condition matter immensely.
The cost to move forward to a new home may be a smart move on your part, or it may be more comfortable for you to take a second look at the home you fell in love with the day you bought it, and plan to stay for awhile longer. Take a look at the market we have today, and analyze your strategy.
Fast forward to April 2009: We've got a real estate market with a large supply of homes, plus the best interest rates in decades. Buyers are tentatively taking steps towards buying, and that good news means that sellers who are realistically priced will find a buyer. Take a look at the market we have today, and analyze your strategy.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Interest Rates & Market Update
Despite what you may have been hearing, mortgages are widely available, with some basic rule changes: "back to the basics".
Lenders require more documentation of your income and expenses than you might have found in recent years, but you should have everything you need right in your household files. Interest rates are historically low, and soon there may even be a program for those who wish to refinance to a lower rate, but don’t have much or any equity.
If you need a referral to an excellent lender, let me know - you know I work with the best!
How is our market doing? Despite what you are hearing, well priced properties in good condition are selling well, often in less than a month. Overpriced properties? Not selling well at all! Prices are adjusting, but probably not as badly as what you've been reading or perhaps thinking.
Give me a call anytime, or send me an email, and let’s talk. I always enjoy hearing from you.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
I'm Here to Help
March 2009
It would be nice to have a little good economic news, wouldn’t it? I received a letter today from Charles Schwab & Co. that said in part, “As we enter March, poor economic news is resulting in continued market turmoil. While the most natural instinct is to react emotionally, I would ask that you step back and take full advantage of Schwab’s numerous resources to help you through these difficult times.” Just as they can help you make important financial decisions regarding your investments, I can help you with your real estate questions.
Of course we all know the beating the stock market has taken these past few weeks and months. The housing market has also had its’ share of disappointing news; although here in Washington, we’re not seeing such dismal numbers as other parts of the country. First and foremost, please remember that I’m always available to you, or to help someone you know who isn’t sure what to do regarding a home they own, or a mortgage they are concerned about. Today we now have a program for millions of homeowners who owe more than their property is worth to be able to refinance to a lower interest rate. There is also a new tax credit for first time purchasers, up to $8000. This tax credit also works if you haven't owned a home for at least 3 years.
I stay current with all the latest developments so please don’t hesitate to call or email me.
I think you already know that you can call or email me anytime. I’m glad to not only hear from you, but to help answer any questions you may have. If you’d like me to come review your property, let’s schedule a personal consultation for more specific advice about your situation. It’s easy to arrange and part of the long-term service you receive as a client.
Your trust in me is appreciated.
Leanne Finlay
Associate Broker, Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc.
It would be nice to have a little good economic news, wouldn’t it? I received a letter today from Charles Schwab & Co. that said in part, “As we enter March, poor economic news is resulting in continued market turmoil. While the most natural instinct is to react emotionally, I would ask that you step back and take full advantage of Schwab’s numerous resources to help you through these difficult times.” Just as they can help you make important financial decisions regarding your investments, I can help you with your real estate questions.
Of course we all know the beating the stock market has taken these past few weeks and months. The housing market has also had its’ share of disappointing news; although here in Washington, we’re not seeing such dismal numbers as other parts of the country. First and foremost, please remember that I’m always available to you, or to help someone you know who isn’t sure what to do regarding a home they own, or a mortgage they are concerned about. Today we now have a program for millions of homeowners who owe more than their property is worth to be able to refinance to a lower interest rate. There is also a new tax credit for first time purchasers, up to $8000. This tax credit also works if you haven't owned a home for at least 3 years.
I stay current with all the latest developments so please don’t hesitate to call or email me.
I think you already know that you can call or email me anytime. I’m glad to not only hear from you, but to help answer any questions you may have. If you’d like me to come review your property, let’s schedule a personal consultation for more specific advice about your situation. It’s easy to arrange and part of the long-term service you receive as a client.
Your trust in me is appreciated.
Leanne Finlay
Associate Broker, Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Power of Handwriting
Today I got a Thank You card from clients that I helped sell a home, and find a new home. They are delightful people, and our transactions both went very smoothly. It was fun spending time with them, and their two daughters. The house we found met all of their "must have" criteria, and even most of their "wish list" criteria, with the most important criteria of a sunny, level backyard.
The house we found backed up to a cemetary, and other than that, it was perfect! They spent quite a long time reflecting on living next to the cemetery, and finally decided to go with this property.
Reading their card, I was happy to hear that they love this house, and "actually really like living next to the cemetary (as long as we don't think about it too much :-)"!
More and more in this internet age, we see hello, goodbye, thank you, happy birthday, congratulations being made via email, and there is nothing wrong with that, except that it just isn't the same as opening an envelope and seeing the familiar handwriting of someone you know.
I have boxes of cards I have saved over the years from friends, family and clients. Every once in awhile, it's nice to open those boxes and read again the messages, and see the handwriting. It's the handwriting that carries as much weight as the message, at least for me, since it is the handwriting itself that makes me "see" the person in my minds eye, and it is the handwriting that makes me keep these cards. I've never printed and kept an email in my storage boxes ... do you?
So, Dave and Laura, thanks for taking the time to write a card and mail it to me! I appreciate it, and I'll appreciate it again some years from now too.
The house we found backed up to a cemetary, and other than that, it was perfect! They spent quite a long time reflecting on living next to the cemetery, and finally decided to go with this property.
Reading their card, I was happy to hear that they love this house, and "actually really like living next to the cemetary (as long as we don't think about it too much :-)"!
More and more in this internet age, we see hello, goodbye, thank you, happy birthday, congratulations being made via email, and there is nothing wrong with that, except that it just isn't the same as opening an envelope and seeing the familiar handwriting of someone you know.
I have boxes of cards I have saved over the years from friends, family and clients. Every once in awhile, it's nice to open those boxes and read again the messages, and see the handwriting. It's the handwriting that carries as much weight as the message, at least for me, since it is the handwriting itself that makes me "see" the person in my minds eye, and it is the handwriting that makes me keep these cards. I've never printed and kept an email in my storage boxes ... do you?
So, Dave and Laura, thanks for taking the time to write a card and mail it to me! I appreciate it, and I'll appreciate it again some years from now too.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Who Is Buying Today?
For the first time in years, the demographics of 'who' is buying homes is changing. We're seeing a majority of sales featuring larger than 20% down payments, and not because lenders are requiring that. Quite frankly, a lot of conservative people have owned homes for many years, and have strong equity to use towards their next home. These people are a high percentage of the buyers of today. Being conservative and sensible pays off.
People buy and sell for many reasons. Today we're seeing a 'back to basics' trend, where most people buy for lifestyle reasons, not speculation. Yes, there are still speculators out there, looking for outright bargains, but what I'm discussing here, are the bread & butter transactions that make homeownership one of the strengths our society was built on. We have always been a country dedicated to the freedom of speech, and the freedom to own property.
Today is back to vanilla if you will. The stable, vanilla folks are leading the market today, because they are able to afford where they have been, as well as realistic about affording where they will go next.
People buy and sell for many reasons. Today we're seeing a 'back to basics' trend, where most people buy for lifestyle reasons, not speculation. Yes, there are still speculators out there, looking for outright bargains, but what I'm discussing here, are the bread & butter transactions that make homeownership one of the strengths our society was built on. We have always been a country dedicated to the freedom of speech, and the freedom to own property.
Today is back to vanilla if you will. The stable, vanilla folks are leading the market today, because they are able to afford where they have been, as well as realistic about affording where they will go next.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Apparently We Have Actually Sold the House ...
... sometimes my clients make me laugh out loud! RICHARD & MOLLY G.: The paperwork is all in, and the money is in our bank, so apparently we have actually sold the house! Having a real estate agent that worked at selling the house as opposed to waiting for the house to sell, made all the difference. We are glad that you were so enthusiastic, helpful and eager.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Growth & Planning for Our Puget Sound Region
As we move through some extremely difficult economic challenges, we sometimes get away from the focus of planning for the long term growth of our Puget Sound region.
I've just read a 70- page report put together by ULI, Urban Land Use Institute and the Quality Growth Alliance regarding an event calledReality Check 2008.
It's about an unusual collaboration of 250 key leaders from important groups in four Counties:
-- business
-- political
-- environmental
-- community
-- non-profit
The four Counties are King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap.
The first sentence of this report crystallizes the purpose of the collaboration: Change is coming to the Puget Sound region. We all are part of these groups in one way or another, and we certainly know that these groups have often been at loggerheads over goals and planning. This report indicates some good participation from each group in working towards the mutual goals of thinking together, and working together (successfully).
The purpose of this collaboration was to have all 250 participants work together to frame a vision for how to accommodate the addition of 1.7 million new residents, and 1.2 million new jobs in our Puget Sound region by 2040.
Yes, I said 1.7 MILLION new residents, and 1.2 MILLION new jobs. Want a visualization of that?
Think the entire metro area of Portland, Oregon. And they all moved to the Puget Sound area.
This collaboration has resulted in the Quality Growth Alliance: A Framework for Sound Action to:
-- Raise greater awareness of land use, transportation and climate change
-- Provide expertise to key communities
-- Research compact development policy and best practices
-- Highlight regional successes
To see the Quality Growth Alliance video, click here: When this opens, you'll need to click the arrow on the left side of the screen, it will take awhile to load, and it's initially going to look like the page is missing content, just click the arrow on the left and be patient.
Here are some quotes by some of the participants.
"There are two very special characteristics of the Puget Sound region. One, it's just beautiful. It's absolutely beautiful, and we all have a responsibility to maintain that beauty. Number two, the economic engine in the Puget Sound Region is truly extraordinary. We've outpaced job growth for 30 years over national averages. So we can have both. We can have prosperity and we can have beauty, but we can't keep them both without planning effectively." --Patrick Callahan, Reality Check Co-Chair, CEO of Urban Renaissance Group
"Transportation, open space, affordable housing, climate change – all those things really boil down to land use. It's the common thread." -- Greg Johnson, President, Wright Runstad & Company, ULI Seattle Chair, Reality Check Partner
"To meet the region's long-term need for housing and environmental responsibility, we must ensure that our essential workforce has innovative and affordable housing choices near where they work." --Sam Anderson, President, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Reality Check Partner
"Over the last couple of decades we have made remarkable progress in coming together to think as one region. We have powerful tools to achieve our growth management, environmental, economic, and transportation goals. But it will take a lot of hard work and committed leadership at all levels -- public and private--to make it happen. --Bob Drewel, Executive Director, Puget Sound Regional Council, Reality Check Partner
"Every day we come to work and mark our time hour by hour, day by day, week by week. This is a time to mark it decade by decade, to confront reality as we know it, and truly predict it, and adjust for it. Too often we let it happen to us. This is our chance to take control of reality." --Emory Thomas, Publisher, Puget Sound Business Journal
"It's worth taking a day . . . to think, to debate, and to dream a little bit." --Doris Koo, President and CEO, Enterprise Community Partners, Reality Check Partner
"This region is incredibly beautiful. But it is also incredibly fragile. And the actual buildable land is very constrained." --Stephen Norman, Director, King County Housing Authority
"The people are here, but the jobs are over there. We don't have enough transportation available, either roads or rail or ferry or whatever. So you really get a clear picture of where the bottlenecks are." --Tom Kilbane, Member, Kitsap Community Foundation
"Many of the issues we are confronting are usually considered in isolation, in their own separate planning initiatives. By combining climate change with land use decisions, zoning and transportation infrastructure and looking at it together, that allows us to solve things in a more effective manner." --Patrick Callahan, Reality Check Co-Chair, CEO of Urban Renaissance Group
"What comes out of this will be a big second wave and possibly a new approach to how we look at growth management in the region." --Jay Kipp, Graduate Student, UW College of Architecture and Urban Planning
"Our goals must include the creation of highly livable, compact, complete, connected urban neighborhoods--beautiful ones--that will help us grow cooler." --Bert Gregory, President and CEO, Mithun
"The elected officials in the room and others who we all vote for and support have got one heck of a burden on their shoulders. They are going to have to reinvent zoning. They are going to have to reinvent processes. They are going to have to speed the works because we've got until 2040 when the equivalent of the metropolitan Portland population is here in our region." --Bill Kreager, Reality Check Co-Chair, Principal, Mithun
"From today we're starting to see the beginning of a consensus that we can build on to fundamentally improve this region. --Gene Duvernoy, Reality Check Co-Chair, President, Cascade Land Conservancy
"RealityCheck today, April 30, is the start of two years of implementation work. We have to take all of the great ideas that come out of today--all of the energy, all of the vision, all of the inspiration and excitement, and this time we have to make it work. We have to take our principles and achieve quality growth." --John Hempelmann, Reality Check Co-Chair, Chairman, Cairncross And Hempelmann, P.S.
"Where these 1.7 million new residents live and work will affect everyone and have a dramatic impact on quality of life throughout the region," said Greg Johnson, chairman of the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) Seattle District Council. "Residents will either live in walkable, thriving transit-oriented communities near job centers, or in spread-out, auto-centric areas that many of our current planning policies encourage. We can take a new approach to address today's problems, or we can continue responding with decades-old strategies. The choice is ours and now is the time to decide."
For the 87 page final report, click here. Change is coming to the Puget Sound Region.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
My Years of Experience
OVER 25 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE.
In-City, Eastside, or even Whidbey Island! I've been selling homes in King & Snohomish County since 1983, and added Island County in 2001. I've enjoyed every mile of this business; whether you're new to the Northwest, or just moving across town, my broad scope of knowledge will help your move be right. In addition to my Seattle/Eastside, I have helped several friends and clients relocate to Whidbey Island, some permanently, and some with a second home. Feel free to contact me anytime.
In today's market you need experience. Let's talk, and discover how I can help you. I also work with other real estate agents, either as a partner, or as an advisor. leannefinlay at gmail.com
In-City, Eastside, or even Whidbey Island! I've been selling homes in King & Snohomish County since 1983, and added Island County in 2001. I've enjoyed every mile of this business; whether you're new to the Northwest, or just moving across town, my broad scope of knowledge will help your move be right. In addition to my Seattle/Eastside, I have helped several friends and clients relocate to Whidbey Island, some permanently, and some with a second home. Feel free to contact me anytime.
In today's market you need experience. Let's talk, and discover how I can help you. I also work with other real estate agents, either as a partner, or as an advisor. leannefinlay at gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
