Elaine A. Cook's Savvy Blog

Yes, 100% Financing is still available!   Through the USDA Rural Housing Program!The USDA sets aside funds to guarantee 100% financing on homes that are in "rural" America!  The term "rural" usually makes one think of a country home on acreage. That is not the case.  Most homes that qualify for t...

Title & EscrowWhether you are buying or selling, you will be going through the escrow process. Title search is done on the property, assuring that the deed can legally be conveyed to another person. Also during this search all encumbrances on the property are revealed. Such as liens, easements, m...

Lending:When buying a home the very first step you must take is with a lender...unless you are paying all cash! I have has two recent experiences where the buyers lenders (Big National Lenders) could not do the loans...and these were very qualified folks!  So I asked them to check with our local ...

Thanksgiving Thanks by David Cook, yes that is my hubby!!!  He is soooo great with words!   The candles are burning on the tables with flare                      While 26 people slobber over the fare Two turkeys, a ham, with stuffing and dressings But Jason can't wait for us to say blessings   Th...

Selling your Property.First...find that savvy agent!Your agent will take a tour of your home. Offer suggestions for home improvement items that will help you get top dollar for your property. They will then provide you with a CMA, and help you determine your listing price. Your agent should provi...

Real Estate Process.  This one in a series of blogs discussing the process of buying or selling real estate in Bellingham, WA. Purchasing a home.First, get pre-qualified. (See "Lending" blog.)Next find yourself a Savvy agent...yes, I just had to throw that in there!Once you have found your agent,...

What is a Savvy Client? Savvy Sav-eeWell informed.Experienced.Knowledgeable.Shrewdly aware. The only way to become Savvy is to learn! A Savvy client knows their way around the internet, understands the escrow process, lending process and knows how many hours their agent is working for them behind...

Thinking of Selling Your Home?Selling decisions usually come down to a few specific things.   Why do you want or need to sell?The answer to this varies in each household. Financial, personal, moving up, sizing down...everyone has a different situation. It my job to not judge your motivation, just...

So, having attended the Connect Realty workshop regarding "the mess"...I am now on a mission. The real fix...drum roll please....   IS FOR BUYERS TO BUY HOMES!!!!  Using any and ALL of the programs out there.  USDA, First Time homebuyer programs, FHA, and a few strong banks still making loans.  T...

I know this is long...but it is true... Those of you who have/had animals will probably appreciate it more. Itis a story that is hilarious in itself and the person that wrote it is agood writer and made  the story even better.  Enjoy...We  have a fox terrier by the name of Jasper.  He came to us ...