If you are a first-time home buyer who has purchased or plans to purchase a home between the dates of April 8, 2008 to July 1, 2009, you are eligible for a tax credit of $7500.  This is a wonderful opportunity.  Essentially, the "tax credit" acts as an interest free loan that will have to be paid back to the government over a span of 15 years, which is $500 a year.  But for those you who are on the edge of wanting to be a homeowner but are afraid to spend all of your savings on a down-payment, this tax credit can really help to make that a reality.    Remember, this is not a tax deduction, it is a tax CREDIT, so if you owe $7500 in taxes for the year 2008, this credit would essentially wipe out that amount and you would pay no taxes for 2008.  Another way to look at it is, if you owe no taxes for 2008, the government will give you $7500. 

When I first heard about the tax credit, I didn't think it was such a big deal because you have to pay it back but who else will lend you money at zero percent interest and not expect you to pay it back for 15 years.  This credit can really help those who need that extra money to comfortably get themselves into a home and pursue their dreams of becoming homeowners.  You can put it in the bank for a rainy day and know you have several months of mortgage payments should the need arise.  You can use it towards repairs and remodeling for the home you just bought.

****One other thing that you should know about is that you may never have to pay back the credit.  Stay tuned as this would make a sweet deal even sweeter!!!

Check out the Internal Revenue Service  or the Federal Housing Tax Credit page to learn more about the tax credit.

Are you a first time home buyer interested in Seattle properties? 

Check out these Seattle homes for sale for under 450k.

I came across a post on Craigslist today that read:

"Now Accepting Credit Card For Down Payment and First Month's Rent!"

Seriously?  I was appalled when I read that and immediately had to email the person who posted it and give them my two cents.  I know that sometimes I react first and then think later but I really feel like these people are doing a disservice to their clients.  The reason I love my job is because at the end of the day, I know I helped someone to build their wealth and realize their dream of being a homeowner.  If I knew that they had to charge their credit cards to do this, I would almost bet that they would probably sink pretty fast.   If they have to charge the downpayment and first month's rent, where will they get the funds to take care of the the big and little fixes that come hand and hand with being a homeowner? 

Please don't buy a home until you know you have the funds to cover all of the things that can happen.  Leave those credit cards alone and use them when you REALLY need them.  I hope this company gets their act together and helps us to clean up this industry rather than being a contributor to the mess.

The Market has slowed down.  We are not as busy as we once were.  What are you doing with your extra time?  Hopefully, you are buckling down and starting to organize your systems into a well-oiled machine, so that when the market picks up, you will be roaring to go.  This is also a great time to start thinking about having a niche?

Think about it...Yes, we sell real estate...but are you a Jack-of-all-Trades and a Master-of-None?

 I believe that each of us has something unique to offer to the real estate community.  We have different personalities, specialties, abilities, attitudes, skills, drive, motivations, etc.  We are not all moved by the same things.  Thank goodness!  So what moves you?

 If you are having a hard time finding your real estate niche, I have compiled a list to help you out.    Most often, you will find that the niche you are drawn to is a reflection of a previous passion and can give strong insight into who you are.  Read through the list.  Do any of them resonate within you?

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Niche Markets for Real Estate Agents

Commercial Real Estate-You enjoy selling office buildings, hotels, apartments, retail, hospitality, shopping centers, and industrial properties.  You probably like punching on the calculator to see if the numbers work out.

FSBO's-You target the For Sale by Owners.  You know that 80-90% will give up and turn to a Realtor so you want to be there to prove your skills and the worth of working with an agent.

BPO's -You know that Broker Price Opinions can bring in a good side income in addition to your commissions and you are hoping that a few turn into REO listings.  You don't mind doing paperwork. 

REO's-You don't mind working with banks to help them sell their inventory.  You understand the challenges of getting real estate owned properties ready to market, the upfront costs involved and the hard work that goes into it.

Expired Listings-I have heard these specialists labeled as bottom feeders but why not think of them as agents who like to help.  They can see that the property has not been marketed to its best potential.  They know those photos of the bed are not going to sell the home.  They step in when they see a problem and fix it.

Foreclosures-You keep your investors in the know about homes going to the Trustee Sales, hoping they will come to you in the future when they are ready to sell.  You like finding good deals and helping your clients make money.

Short Sales-You have the skill of working with the banks and getting them to take less than what is owed, the extra shuffling of paperwork and the extra time that goes into these deals.  You don't give up and have tenacity.  You are good at getting things done even when it seems no one else cares. 

Personally Investing in RE-You see value in owning and investing in your own properties. 

Developers/Investors/Flippers-You have your finger on the pulse of what is hot and what is not.  You like helping others and in this case, you like helping them to make money.  You are always on the hunt for that special property$$ or land.

Multi-Family Homes-You love when you can show that the rent role plays out with the investor ahead each month.  You have a knack for selling apartment buildings, duplexes, triplexes and such.  You understand numbers and zoning.

Condo Specialist-You know how to guide the client through the Home Owners Association's By-laws, covenants, and such.  You might know all the new high-rise developments coming to your city before they start building.  You may specialize in Penthouse suites.

Relocation-You love to welcome the newbies by telling them all about your great city, showing them around town and introducing them to like-minded individuals. 

Green Real Estate-You have an interest in living green and like to share it with the world.  You understand our resources are depleting and you encourage and educate others on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle.  (This is my niche in case you hadn't gotten that from my previous posts.  I thought I would state the obvious)

First Time Home Buyers-You are a teacher at heart.  You enjoy taking the lead and showing the way, giving sound advice, and educating your buyer's along the seemingly daunting home-buying process. (This is another niche of mine)

Vacation Home Specialist-You love to find that second home for clients, whether or not it is up in the mountains by a great skiing area, on the golf course, or along the beach. 

Retirement Home Specialist-You understand that we all age and like to help those who are ready to downgrade their current living situation or help them to find a great retirement community.  You are probably a very caring person.

Vacant Land Specialist- You probably have a good understanding of zoning laws, perc tests, boundaries, etc. and work well with developers.

Rural Home Specialist- Wells and septic systems are your forte.  You understand there is more to the process than I turn the water on and water comes out.  I flush and the waste is gone.  Often times, buyers have never lived in a home with these systems and need help understanding them.  May have experience with floodlands.

Luxury Home Specialist-You probably have a refined taste and know how to cater to the wealthy.  You probably have connections and/or know how to connect with the elite.

Vintage Home Specialist-You know and love turn-of-the century homes and know how to glorify their attributes.  You probably feel that each home has a story to tell if only the walls could talk.

Leasing/Property Management-You are good at managing things and know how to interview for the best potential tenants.  You have your finger on the rental market's pulse and have an interest in managing your client's assets (even better if they are your own properties).

Waterfront Properties-You love water and understand beach rights and frontage, wetlands, storm water drainage plans, sewer disposal, and other issues that come up with waterfront property.

Foreign Language/Diversity Specialist-You have the ability to connect with others in a way that I may not.  You may speak Spanish or Korean or maybe you connect with the gay and lesbian community.   Buyers and sellers may be attracted to you because you share a special bond, language, etc.

Single Woman Buyers-There are more and more successful, single woman who want to be homebuyers and those who can appeal to this demographic can really be successful.  These women don't want to have to wait for a husband or partner to come along.  They want to fulfill their dreams of being a homeowner and you want to help them reach this goal.

Neighborhood Schools Specialist-You know the best private and public schools in all of the neighborhoods.  You may even know the teachers and the principals.  You pride yourself on helping families move to a neighborhood with schools that meet their needs.  You may also be a parent yourself and you even might be on your favorite districts school board.

Equestrian Property-You understand that horse lovers need that special property.  You have no problem putting on your boots and getting dirty to find them what they are looking for.  You probably have a horse yourself.

Farmland Specialist-You understand the dynamics of a farm and you help connect farmers with the perfect land to produce their goods. 

Real Estate Divorce Specialist- This is for real, I found this website online and got a kick out of it.  They claim "In over 70% of divorce cases, the couple is either selling a house, or buying one, or BOTH!  Wouldn't you like that business?"  I can see how it would be beneficial to have the extra skill and knowledge of how to work with divorcing couples as this can really be a slippery slope.

Neighborhood Farm Agent-You have chosen a neighborhood that you want to be your Farm area.  You may send out calendars, knock on doors for food drives, throw neighborhood parties, or be on your city's council.  You know the area you want to do business in and you are working it.

Animal Lover Agent-You appeal to other dog lovers (cats, birds, etc) and market yourself this way.  I see it all the time...people love to pose with their animals for their real estate photos...it obviously appeals to the client that shares their passion.  Example: Jim Hubal

I know that this list is by no means complete.  Did I leave your niche out?  Leave a comment and tell me about your specialty.  Did I already list it?  Tell me why that niche appealed to you.  Still don't have one and don't like any on this list.  Well, then I suggest you dig in deep and ask yourself what makes you tick.  What drives you?  Then go out and make yourself a niche that relates to those expertise.  Remember we all are unique and each have something to offer.

Your niche can say a lot about you.  What is it saying?

Get em while they're hot!  Seattle's Chinook Book 2009 is filled with coupons, maps and resources for living green here in the Puget Sound.  I am usually not one for coupons and in fact get a kick out of people who cut them out from various stores, then drive around to each store thinking they are saving so much ....but what about the gas money?  Ok, I am getting off track...

My daughter's school is having a fundraiser in which half of each book we sell goes to her preschool.  The book sells for $20 (ten goes to the school) and, in my honest opinion, is well worth it.  There are over 400 coupons and you can basically redeem your money back just by using one coupon:

Need snowboarding gear for the upcoming season?  Use the generous Evo coupon for $20 off of a $50 purchase.

Need food?  Kind of a given.  Use the $25 off coupon from Spud local and organic delivery or a total of $25 off at Central Co-op's Madison Market.  How about $15 dollars off at PCC....or another $15 off at Whole Foods?

As you can see you can easily make your money back with this awesome coupon book.  Plus, it has great resources and will connect you with businesses in the Seattle area that support a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. 

Other coupons in the book:  Four free bus passes, many grocery coupons, many dining coupons, entertainment coupons (2  tickets for the price of  1 at Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma's Art Museums, the Seattle Aquarium, and the Seattle Green Festival coming up in March).  There are coupons for apparel, dance classes, children's shops, for your yard and garden, and much more.  Check out the Chinook Book link to see a complete list of the valuable coupons.

If you would like a book, please contact me aberg@briorealty.com and we can figure out the best way to get it to you (I will probably just drive it over if you're in the greater Seattle area).   

Check out my website as well for other resources for living green or to search for Green Homes in the Seattle area:  LiveGreenNW.com

Calling all Seattle residents!!  Come and volunteer at one of 19 parks across the city.  The Green Seattle Partnership is dedicated to restoring 2500 acres of its cities forested parklands by the year 2025.  They need your help to meet this goal.

On November 8, 2008, choose a Seattle park and check for the work parties meetup time:

: SEWARD PARK- MAIN SITE      Burke-Gilman Trail     Camp Long     Carkeek Park

Colman Park   Cheasty Greenspace Mt. View           Discovery Park

East Duwamish Greenbelt      Frink Park       Hitt's Hill        Licton Springs

Longfellow Creek       Maple School Ravine      Orchard Street Ravine        Ravenna Park

South Portage Bay      St. Mark's Greenbelt   Yesler Creek   West Duwamish Greenbelt 

•Bring a water bottle, wear sturdy work boots, and work clothes. Gloves and Instruction will be provided.

VOLUNTEERING=FREE MUSIC SHOW AT KING COBRA

The Twisted Green Seattle Day After Party is featuring:

Pearl Jam's Stone Gossard and the Roy K Trio, the Saturday Nights, DJ Bean One, DJ Kippy, the Maldives, Scribes, Sam the Human Beat Box and many more

Volunteers only reception at 6:00. Doors at 7:00 pm, Show at 8:00 pm) Show is 21+. Show will open to the public @ 9:00PM so get there early to save your spot.

The Essential Baking Company in Seattle is one of my favorite places to patron.   The company occupies a large brick building near Gasworks Park in the Wallingford area just North of Lake Union.  This area is a great place to live as you have easy access to the Burke-Gilman trail, there are many shops & restaurants, it's near Fremont, has EZ access to downtown, as well as the University of Washington, yet is considered a quiet and coveted Seattle neighborhood. 

Using organic ingredients, the Essential Baking Company, makes fresh artisan breads, European pastries, and luscious desserts, as well as serving sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, teas and more. 

There is always a buzz and lots of activity going on at the café. There is often a full house, making it sometimes difficult to find seating, especially on the weekends.  But if you are looking for a piece of rustic bread, a hot soup of the day, and a latte, then this is the place.

Wallingford
1604 North 34th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 545-0444
(206) 545-0333 fax
Hours
6am-6pm Monday-Saturday
7am-6pm Sunday

 Love the Wallingford area?  Want to live nearby?

Here are a couple of homes for sale just blocks away:

2 BR/1 BA Bungalow for $499,000

3 BR/2.75 BA Built Green Remodel for $1,189,950

Interested in other Seattle Homes For Sale?

385 Seattle residential homes sold in Seattle in October 2008. 

Of these homes, 25 of them were Green Homes, meaning they were...

 Built Green®, Energy Star®, LEED®, or other third-party certified.

    SOLD FOR $299,950                     SOLD LEED HOME                SOLD FOR $1,050,000

These homes ranged in price from $299,950-$1,050,000, with a median price of $361,000.  The homes sold had an average of 75 CDOM (cumulative days on the market) and sold for an average of 98.86% of their listing price.  The average square footage of the green homes sold was 1510, selling for an average of $265.24 per square foot.  22 of the 25 sold green homes were certified Built Green (12 of these homes were also certified by Energy Star).  One home was LEED and Energy Star certified.

Interested in touring Green Homes in Seattle?  Want more information on Seattle's Market/Trends?

http://www.LiveGreenNW.com
Direct: 206.854.0074
aberg@briorealty.com
 

Ok, sometimes I might take it a bit overboard in my attempts to lure people to live more green. If you found offense in my post If it's Yellow, Let it Mellow.  If it's Brown, Flush it Down, I hope this reading can convince you not to run away yet.  Below you will find some manageable suggestions to lighten the environment's load of just a bit of our holiday-consuming-ways:

•·         Buy a Recycled Costume-I mean really?  Is it necessary to be the first one to wear it?  Value Village has loads of used goods (although they are starting to sell more and more of those new costumes that come in the plastic bags...overlook those...there is a used section) or check out a Goodwill or your local thrift store. 

•·         Rent a Recycled Costume- Looking for something really unique and afraid you won't be able to find the necessary accessories at a thrift store?  Check out for Champion Party Supply in Seattle for costumes that can be rented by the day.

•·         Trade a Recycled Costume-I just pulled out my costume box from storage and low and behold, there are at least three different costumes there.  Have a get together with a bunch of friends and trade costumes.

•·         Dim the Lights: Isn't the point of Halloween to get spooked?  Dim those lights and set the mood or just light candles.

•·         Offer Healthy Candy Alternatives: How about offering snacks that actually do a body good? A box of organic raisins, an organic fruit bar, a granola bar, nuts, a trinket or a treasure, or an organic juice box. 

•·         Use a Pillow Sheet for a Candy Bag:  No need to go out and buy one of those plastic pumpkins that will end up in a landfill.  Pull off one of your pillow's sheets or use one of the reusable bags you use when you grocery shop (you do use those right?)

I am sure this list is just the tip of the ice-burg...

•¬  Please feel free to leave me comments with other ways we can GREEN HALLOWEEN.  Everyone, please, BE SAFE  and watch the streets for little ones.           

Have a HAPPY HALLO-GREEN!            

For more Green Living Tips or Green Real Estate in Seattle, check out LiveGreenNW.com                                                                  

If you have eaten at Vios Cafe up on Capital Hill in Seattle, you know the food is good and you will be quite excited to know that there will be a second location for you to patron.  Unfortunately, a well know café called the Honey Bear, once located in the Ravenna Third Place bookstore, will be giving up its spot to make room for the new eatery.  For those of you who may have picked up a muffin addiction, you can still go up to the Honey Bear Bakery up North, which is located in Lake Forest Park's Third Place Books (there are two locations).

 Vios Greek restaurant is sure to be a great dining replacement for the cozy, well-liked bookstore in Ravenna.  The Greek sandwiches, grilled skewered lamb and chicken, hommus, tzatziki , babaganouze, rustic breads, wines,  and an assortment of other food, will entice you back for more.  Don't forget to finish your meal with a taste of Baklava, the true Greek dessert!  Vios Cafe is a great place to bring the family with its communal type seating (at least that's how it is at their Capital Hill location) and a kid's area stocked with books and toys.

I am looking forward to experiencing the new soon-to-open Vios Café in Ravenna and I will report back when I do.

Are you interested in living in the Ravenna area? Or other Seattle Real Estate? 

Contact Ashley Berg, Realty Executives BRIO,

 206-854-0074, aberg@briorealty.com,  your Seattle Realtor® and Ecobroker®.