Everett Area Real Estate Blog ---- Discovering All of Snohomish County WA.

Does Your Home’s CCR's Include Bizarre Restrictions?

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:15:47 -0700

One of my clients is buying a home in an older neighborhood off Mukilteo Blvd. in Everett. Her title report records the CCR (also known as CC&R), which stands for Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. CCRs are intended for the home buyer, who reads through the covenants and decides whether to agree to them.

This particular neighborhood covenant was signed, dated, and notarized on February 18, 1944. The CCR states that the covenant is binding through January 1, 1960, and then automatically extended “for successive periods of ten (10) years” unless a majority of the owners vote to change said covenants in whole or in part.

The CCR contains the usual stipulations about residence size, as well as rules pertaining to the construction of “Out Buildings.”

There’s even an item about “Noxious Use of Property,” which designates that “no noxious, illegal, or offensive trade, or use of land shall be carried on… or anything which may be, or become, an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.”

Item 9

But one item really caught the attention of the home buyer. It was Item 9: Racial Restrictions. It states:

“No race or nationality other than the White or Caucasian race shall use or occupy any building on any lot, except that this covenant shall not prevent occupancy by domestic servants of a different race of nationality employed by an owner or tenant.”

The home buyer – a single Caucasian mom of two bi-racial sons – was absolutely shocked. Understandably, she did not want the Racial Restrictions on the title report, so I called the title company and they removed Item 9 from the report.

It’s intriguing and more than a bit disconcerting that these types of restrictions remain on title reports today.

Racially Restrictive Covenants

Prior to the 1960s, many covenants were used for segregationist purposes. However, African Americans openly defied these covenants, and in 1948, the U.S. Supreme court ruled racially restrictive covenants unenforceable, in Shelley v. Kraemer.

However, private contracts kept them alive until The Fair Housing Act of 1968 banned discriminating on the basis of race or color.

What’s in a CCR?

Typically, CCRs cover the following topics:

Exterior paint colors
Required siding
Pet restrictions, including rules about barking dogs, unchained pets, livestock and poultry, and breeding for profit
Road maintenance fees
Easement rights (such as a pathway for power lines)
Storing RVs or dead vehicles on the property
In-home businesses
Clutter
Tree-cutting
Outdoor television antenna (whether they’re allowed, and if so, placement of antenna)
Parking
Garage use (some CCRs specify that garages are to be used only for parking vehicles, not as storage units, home offices, or man caves)
Maintenance of joint property (such as a neighborhood swimming pool or playground)
Fencing (whether fences are allowed, and if so, which type and how high)
Set backs (how far homes must be from streets and interior lot lines)
Home rentals
Common areas (times at which exercise rooms, tennis courts, or pools can be used)
Trash (where trash receptacles must be stored; how soon cans must be taken in from the street after the garbage is collected)

And, of course, there are rules about how to change or void the covenants!

Chime In

Does your home’s CCR contain any unusual rules? Please share them.

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

History of Snohomish County Homes: The Dutch Colonial

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:48:24 -0700

What goes around comes around. There is nothing new under the sun. Been there, done that. Yada, yada, yada.

Housing trends (like most trends) tend to wax and wane over the years, but they often retain something from previous generations. It’s like . . . deja vu all over again. Which is exactly what happened in the 1920s with certain types of housing designs.

More accurately called the Dutch Colonial Revival, this quaint, whimsical style reflects early 19^th century Americans’ tie with their European roots. While homeowners from earlier decades focused on practicality or the demonstration of wealth, home buyers from the 1920s leaned further towards sentiment and romanticism than ever before.

The Dutch Colonial style house was a throwback to the Dutch colonists who settled in the lower parts of New York and New Jersey. This architecture conveys the importance of domesticity, family life, and nostalgia.

Usually built with wood, brick, or stone, with a shingle gambrel roof, the Dutch Colonial saw its heyday between 1910-1928. Easy to identify, the Dutch Colonial typically has a symmetrical two-sided roof with two slopes on each side, curved or flared eaves, and resembles a barn. Depending on the variety, the entryways to these homes are decorated with a hood or type of dormer.

Here are a few different types of Dutch Colonial homes:

Rembrandt

Marlboro

Pacific Ready #194

Sears Verona (which looks like the Fisher Price House to me)

Radford Dover

According to historians, folks in the 20s were less concerned with impractical excess and showing off their social status. Instead they were more content to hunker down and enjoy the security of family life and the convenience of new technology. They had survived the Great War and were enjoying the fruits of the manufacturing boom.

During this decade, cars, radios, refrigerators, washing machines, electric irons and other appliances flooded the markets, much to the delight of grateful consumers.

With the US gross national product skyrocketing at $93 billion in 1924 (up from $69 in 1921), and unemployment at 3.7% by1929, many Americans had the luxury of looking back at their roots with nostalgia while looking towards their future with bright eyed idealism. The care and charm that went into the Dutch Colonial house certainly reflects this.

“We in America today are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than ever before in the history of any land,” declared Herbert Hoover after accepting the Republican presidential nomination in August of 1928.

The unexpected turmoil in the 30s definitely impacted the next stage of home building. Stay tuned while we look into the history behind the Tudor, Cape Cod, and Mid-Century home styles.

I hope you’re enjoying our historical tour of the evolution of housing trends. My name is Joni Kerley, I specialize in Snohomish County real estate. Got your sights set on a Dutch Colonial from the roaring 20s? For more information on these and other styles in our area, give me a call at 425-343-4545.

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

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website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

History of Snohomish County Homes II: The Craftsman Bungalow

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:12:57 -0700

Last week we dabbled in curlicues, asymmetrical porches, and textured shingles. In short, we traveled back in time to the Victorian era of homes in our study of the evolution of style.

This week we’ve shuffled a little bit further into the 1900s and are looking into the back-story of The Craftsman Bungalow, a style of home characterized by low pitched roof lines, exposed rafters under the eaves, thick square columns, double hung windows, and hand-crafted stone/woodwork. Not a curlicue in sight. Or a bustle methinks.

Originating in the British Arts and Crafts Movement, this type of housing style emphasized simple forms and centrality of living space. Enter the Middle Class. So long domestic servants, butlers’ pantries, and a division between the kitchen and the rest of the house. It was during this time in history the breakfast nook came into being, offering a place for family to gather in the midst of food preparation and cleanup.

Several factors influenced the introduction of the American Middle Class and the demand for practicality, efficiency, and affordability:

People: The massive influx of immigration pushed the American population from 76 million in 1900 to 92 million in 1910. Major cities mushroomed in size; factories grew, jobs increased; women’s rights, labor unions, and the cry for equality railed against upper class dominance; social change was in the air.

Economics: Under the leadership of President Taft, citizens were encouraged to use savings accounts in federally regulated banks, a move that served to reduce the distinction between the upper and lower class.

Style: Formal was on the way out, making way for casual dress, art, entertainment, and architecture. The growing unrest overseas prior to the Great War influenced consumers to save both money and materials on clothing and housing.

Thankfully, a smattering of Craftsman Bungalows still stand in Snohomish County today, offering a welcome glimpse into a fabulously rich architectural era.

My name is Joni Kerley, specializing in Snohomish County real estate. Have a hankering for a Craftsman Bungalow era home? For more information on these and other styles in our area, give me a call at 425-343-4545.

Reference: Twenty-First Century Books, America in the 1910s, by Marlene Targ Brill, Minneapolis, MN, 2010.

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

History of Snohomish County Homes: The Victorian

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:05:30 -0700

Last week we discussed housing trends, how they evolve and are influenced by culture and economy. The financial atmosphere today greatly impacts home trends of tomorrow.

For example, in response to the current recession, we should expect to see more architectural practicality than extravagance in the next five years. Fewer “McMansions” and “Hummer Houses.” Master bedrooms will most likely shrink and great rooms will get . . . well, greater.

But what’s the story behind the Victorian ages of homes? What’s the deal with all the elaborate woodwork, turrets, scallops, and massive covered porches? Prior to the Victorian era (we’re talking late 1875-1900), homeowners could only dream about luxuries such as central heating, indoor running water, and artificial lighting. The comforts of home enjoyed in the late 1800s, early 1900s were brought about by a few key elements.

Money: Many Americans in the Victorian era had money—lots of it. The explosion of businesses, factories, and overseas trade created a world-wide demand for products such as wheat, cotton, iron, and steel.

Technology: Industrialization, sawmills, railroads, and factories. The availability of cheap, machine-produced nails, banisters, cornices, and pre-mixed paint opened the door to more lavish housing options. Historians also believe the scallops and finery of the Victorian age were a backlash to the plain, simple, practicalities of previous generations.

Pride: Not necessarily a bad thing, per se. On more than one front, Americans of 1899 led the world into the next century. The victory against Spain in the Spanish-American War in 1898 rendered the US a world-class powerhouse, a political force to be reckoned with. Led by the aggressive and outspoken President Teddy Roosevelt, the Victorian-era Americans embarked on projects such as the Panama Canal and exploration of the North Pole. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie opened public libraries all across the United States. National pride became the national pastime and was reflected in hobbies, arts, and architecture.

Unfortunately, many of these Victorian houses became obsolete in the ensuing decades. They were costly to maintain, difficult to repair, and they lacked ever-changing technological upgrades such as better insulation and electricity. Today, we can still see a smattering of Victorian gingerbread houses throughout Snohomish County, especially in downtown Everett, Snohomish, and Stanwood. With a little extra homeowner TLC, these 100 year old beauties add a unique element of charm and old-time nostalgia to any community.

My name is Joni Kerley, I specialize in real estate located in Snohomish County, Washington State. Are you a fan of all the foo foo finery of the Victorian era? For more information on Victorian houses for sale in our area, give me a call at 425-343-4545.

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

(Snohomish County) area please visit

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Snohomish County Homes: The Evolution of Style

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:59:42 -0700

Do we influence culture or does culture influence us?

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

How much wood would a wood chuck chuck. . . er, never mind.

While I doubt we’ll truly answer these questions, it’s interesting to look into the sociology of home building over the last 100 years and trace the journey of architecture, Northwest style. The key is: trend, fad, fashion. The “in-thing.” Housing is a lot like teen-wear; what’s in today might be completely out tomorrow.

Think: olive green countertops, reflective foil wallpaper of the late 1970s, and black metal railings. All of which I have a soft spot for in my heart since they remind me of my youth.

Trends work a lot like erosion, eventually rendering obsolete things such as indoor brick planters, popcorn ceilings, and hanging macramé planters (Or not, maybe the macramé thing is just me). But what’s the story behind the change? How did we come from log houses to modular homes? At what point in our history did we decide to enclose garages and make the shift away from the traditionally gabled carport?

In part, we are influenced by the media, by the housing cool factor we see on television. Like Leave it to Beaver, the Brady Bunch, and The Munsters. Okay, maybe not the Munsters, but you know what I mean.

We are also impacted by the financial climate in which we find ourselves. For example, researchers at HousingEconomics.com just released a study suggesting the housing trends we may expect in the next 5-10 years. Here are the results of likely characteristics we’ll see in average, new single-family detached homes in 2015:

The average, new single-family home will be smaller and have more green features
The living room will either vanish or merge with other spaces in the home
The “Great Room” is the likeliest room to be included in the average new home
Low-e windows and engineered wood products are the likeliest green features
A double sink, recessed lighting, and table space for eating are very likely in kitchen

Not surprisingly, many of these minor shifts are the result of the current financial woes felt across the country. We’ll have to prioritize and make a few changes in our architectural expectations. We’ll be focused on efficiency and practicality more than luxury.

Next week we’re going to take a look at Victorian architecture from the late 1800s in the northwest. What made it popular at the time? What were the key features? More than likely, the cultural climate played a big part in the decisions made by builders and home-buyers. Bring on the corsets, parasols, bustles, and top hats!

My name is Joni Kerley, I specialize in real estate located in Snohomish County, Washington State. If you are interested in buying or selling, please contact me at 425-343-4545.

*photo courtesty of stock.xchng

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

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website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Sustainable Housing: It’s Not Your Mother’s Mobile Home

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 12:02:18 -0800

It seems everyone’s going green these days; let’s acknowledge our Seattle roots (pun intended) and take a look at today’s version of the prefab home and their emphasis on sustainable living.

Prefabricated homes aren’t new – they’ve been around since the early 1900s, thanks to Mr. Richard W. Sears and his handy mail-order Modern Homes program.

The buzz word in the early 20^th century was “convenience;” today it’s “energy efficient” (I think convenience is an assumption – few of us want to revert back to the days of outhouses and kerosene lamps).

Then there were those crazy dome-shaped Dymaxion houses of the early 40s, which thankfully, never took off. The late 40s, early 50s ushered in the short-lived Lustron homes, followed by the successful venture of mobile homes.

The key to a prefab home is that it is constructed in factories and rebuilt on-site. They are considered more economical than traditional homes and can be moved offsite if needed.

Ah but today, there’s a new kid in town, namely the “modular” home, by companies such as GreenFab, founded in 2008, who focus on the sustainability of homeownership.

Let’s take a moment for a VOCABULARY BREAK:

Sustainability is providing for the best for people and the environment both now and in the indefinite future. Another way to put it: Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Per GreenFab, some of the benefits to building a modular home are:

Shorter construction time frame
Cost efficient construction process
Use of healthy materials in a safe working environment
Higher quality construction with regular quality control checks
50-70% less waste
Reduction of carbon footprint
More responsible to natural resources
Makes homes more affordable

So who knows? Maybe the GreenFab folks are on to something. Perhaps we’re heading towards a workable, feasible, trend in housing. For more information about GreenFab’s current project in the works check the Everett Herald.

You may be asking, “But Joni, where do you come in?”

I thought you’d never ask.

I am a real estate agent; I specialize in connecting homeowners with their future homes. Since every home needs a piece of land, I’ve got experience in making that happen. If you’ve got the modular home bug and want to talk about land, feel free to contact me, Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545.

Photo compliments of stock.xchng, photo credit An P

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

(Snohomish County) area please visit

website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Looking Back: Housing 2010 Reflections

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:48:46 -0800

With the calendar turning over to a new year, it’s an excellent time to step back and reflect on 2010. Lest you think I want to know about your diet successes (or failures), let me clarify by pointing you in the direction of the U.S. housing market. Because in order to move forward with our housing aspirations, it’s helpful to look backwards and learn a thing or two from our successes (and failures).

On the upside, the National Association of REALTORS® provides the following data from 2010:

Pending home sales rose again in November, with the broad trend over the past five months indicating a gradual recovery into 2011.
Existing home sales got back on an upward path in November, resuming a growth trend since bottoming in July.
Existing home sales in the West jumped 11.7 percent to an annual level of 1.15 million in November but are 19.0 percent below the sales peak in November 2009. The median price in the West was $212,500, up 0.4 percent from a year ago.
Homeownership: According to a survey conducted earlier in the year by Bankrate.com, 90 percent of respondents said they had no regrets buying their current home. And just this month, a Fannie Mae survey found that most Americans – both those who currently own their homes and those who rent – strongly aspire to own a home and to maintain home ownership.
According to the Wall Street Journal, The Fed reports a likelihood of job growth in 2011, despite a floundering housing market.
The Seattle Times reported an unexpected boost to King County home sales in December 2010.

On the flip side of the coin (we have to look at the flip side, in the interest of being responsible and mature):

Clear Capital reports via their Home Data Index™ (HDI) Market Report: There was a national house price change of -4.1 percent in 2010. Experts are predicting another -3.7 percent year-over-year change in 2011.
The unemployment rate in the United States fell by 0.4 perc`entage point to 9.4 percent in December 2010.
In the United States, consumer confidence dropped to 52.5 in December of 2010 from 54.3 in November of 2010. In the United States, the consumer confidence survey measures the level of optimism that consumers have about the performance of the economy.

In the overall general housing market arena, things are still a bit dicey. However, based on reports by several experts and studies, we are on the upswing and on the way to a healthier economy. Be encouraged, homeowner, we’re making a comeback. Baby steps, it’s all about baby steps.

For more information on buying or selling a home in 2011, feel free to contact me, Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545.

*Image used courtesy of stock.xchng.

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

(Snohomish County) area please visit

website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Tax Tips for Homeowners

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:54:53 -0800

As we begin a new year, it’s time to take a look at taxes—particularly the impact on homeowners. You’ve probably heard the old adage: In order to make money, you have to spend money. Looking at it from a homeowner’s perspective, we’ll tweak it a bit: If you’re planning on spending money on a house, be prepared for some tax benefits along the way.

I know, it’s cool.

Here are three main tax benefits to homeownership:

1. Deductibility of mortgage interest

2. Deductibility of real estate taxes, also called property taxes

3. Capital gain tax exclusion

Here they are again, broken down into digestible parts:

Deductibility of mortgage interest: Homeowners who itemize their federal income tax deductions may reduce their taxable income by the annual amount of mortgage interest paid on a first (and second) home, up to $1 million in total home mortgage debt.
Deductibility of real estate taxes: Itemizing homeowners may also deduct state and local real estate taxes. Check your monthly mortgage payments for real estate taxes to deduct; for new homeowners, check your closing costs for real estate taxes you paid during settlement.
Capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences: If you’re planning on selling your home, this one’s for you. Taxpayers may exclude from capital gains taxation the proceeds from the sale of a principal residence with the following limitations: $500,000 of gain for married homeowners and $250,000 for single homeowners.

*An important note to service members in the military:

If you are a qualified service member who served on official extended duty outside of the United States for 90 days or more at any time between January 1, 2009, to April 30, 2010, you have an extra year to buy a home and take advantage of the tax credit of 2009-2010. Specifically, you have until April 30, 2011, to sign a sales contract, and until June 30, 2011, to settle and close on the home.

Both the $8,000 first-time and $6,500 repeat home buyer tax credits are included in the rule.

“Qualified service members” are defined as a member of the uniformed services of the United States military, a member of the Foreign Service of the United States, or an employee of the intelligence community. The rule that requires buyers to repay the credit if they move out of their home within three years has also been waived for qualified service members if they have to sell their home due to receiving government orders for extended duty service.

Okay, enough tax talk for now. It makes my head hurt. I need chocolate.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in 2011, feel free to contact me , Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545.

*Image used courtesy of stock.xchng

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

(Snohomish County) area please visit

website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Improving Your Credit Score

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 10:30:56 -0800

As we learned in my previous post, “Understanding Your Credit Score,“ your credit score reflects how well you borrow and pay back money. It’s essentially your debt reputation in the world of finance.

Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers couldn’t care less about the nitty gritty details of your financial reputation (unless they’re… well, nosey in a creepy kind of way). The peeps who truly care about this type of reputation are folks such as credit card companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, utility companies, potential landlords, and employers.

Thus the difference between personal and financial reputations. Using a real life example, you have probably realized that you can’t wipe out the unfortunate macramé episode of your life; it’s a permanent fixture in how people will forever judge you. Sad, but true.

Ah – but with a financial reputation, you can take action and directly impact your credit score. All without blackmailing your younger brother.

So how is a credit score computed?

Looking at the FICO scoring system, here’s the breakdown:

35% of your score is based on your payment history.
30% is based on your revolving debt level, credit card balances.
15% is based on the length of time you’ve been in debt.
10% is based on types of credit (installment, revolving, consumer finance, mortgage).
10% is based on recent credit searches (credit inquiries anyone other than you, your employer, or by companies “initiating prescreened offers of credit or insurance).

Your first course of action should be checking your credit report for accuracy. Other tangible steps towards improving your borrowing history:

Minimize your inquiries for new credit
Pay your credit card bills and all other loans on time
Pay off small loans as soon as possible
Keep all your credit card balances low
Stay within your limits – do not ask for increased limits on current credit cards
Clear up all issues relating to identity theft

After taking these steps, wait 30-60 days for the changes/corrections to kick in. For future financial decisions, be wise in your borrowing habits, avoid debt, and pay your bills on time.

On another note, and to avoid further recriminations on your already sullied personal reputation (remember the macramé?), contrary to what you may have heard around the water cooler, DISCO is definitely not coming back.

Improving your credit score is only one aspect of the home-buying journey. For more information, contact me, Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545.

*Image used courtesy of stock.xchng. Photo credit Christian Ferrari.

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

(Snohomish County) area please visit

website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Understanding Your Credit Score

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:03:31 -0800

When it comes to this topic, the volume of industry lingo abounds. For example, you’ve probably heard terms bandied about such as: credit history, credit report, credit score, credit rating, FICO score. For the most part, these mean the same thing:

“A statistically derived numeric expression of a person’s creditworthiness that is used by lenders to access the likelihood that a person will repay his or her debts. A credit score is based on, among other things, a person’s past credit history. It is a number between 300 and 850 - the higher the number, the more creditworthy the person is deemed to be.”

Many thanks to Investopedia for the definition. Still confused? Here’s an easier breakdown–let’s compare credit rating terms with the high school grading system. If you bombed in high school, don’t freak out, this is merely hypothetical:

Credit Score = GPA; the averaged number used to access your borrowing credibility.

Credit Report = Overall Transcript detailing your borrowing habits.

Credit History = Progress Reports highlighting your borrowing behavior and includes risk factors such as bankruptcy and late payments.

Essentially, when you set out to borrow money to purchase a house, the banks want to know how reliable you will be with their money; the higher your number, the more willing they are to hand over the house keys. They also use the information to determine interest rate and any credit limits.

It’s important to check your credit score—even if you’re not buying a home—every year. You can get a free copy once a year from the three credit agencies:

TransUnion

Experian

Equifax

The overachievers out there have already figured out the possibility of getting your credit report three times a year if you space things out properly. In order to obtain a free copy of your credit report and avoid scam sites and/or hidden fees, go to go annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228. *You have to specifically request a copy of the credit report.

Within the Credit Report:

Personal Information – Always check for accuracy.
Credit History – List of credit accounts, late payments, loans, again—check for accuracy!
Public Records- Records of bankruptcy, liens, judgments.
Inquiries – List of anyone who requests your credit report.

Your credit score is only one piece of the home-buying adventure. For more information on purchasing your own piece of the American Dream, contact me, Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545.

*Image courtesy of stock.xchng.

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere?

Subscribe to my Blog Here!

See More Videos Here

If you are looking for a home in the Everett

(Snohomish County) area please visit

website www.EverettAreaRealEstate.com

Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Home Ownership – It Matters to Kids

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 11:55:05 -0800

This week’s post is for all you parents—and future parents—out there.

A half century ago, the American Dream included homeownership, 2.5 kids, a dog, and apple pie. But how far have we come in 50 years?

After taking inventory in my neighborhood and observing the plethora of canine accessories available at the local Target, I’m pretty sure dogs are still part of the equation. According to the Gallup Poll of 2007, 2.5 kids (Really? 2.5? how do you have half a kid?) is still the “ideal family size.” Pretty safe to assume apple pie has nothing to fear, we just tend to head to Costco for our pie fix rather than Betty Crocker these days.

Which brings us to homeownership.

Since 1968, the percentage of homeowners across the United States has varied between 63.6% in 1968 up to 69.2% in 2004, with a slight dip in 1985 to 63.5%. The latest data suggests home ownership currently at 66.9%. It seems the dream of owning our own home is still alive and well.

But what does this have to do with kids?

I’m glad you asked.

The National Associations of Realtors published a report in October 2010 indicating the positive effects of homeownership on children:

Better health
Fewer behavioral problems
Greater achievement in math and reading
Lower high school dropout rates
Fewer teen births
More years of schooling by age 25
Higher high school graduation rates

Although it’s difficult to attribute direct cause and effect here, the NAR study acknowledges the impact of positive behavioral characteristics of homeowners, life management skills, stability, and the reduced financial stress involved with homeownership that also contribute to children’s success.

To get a little more personal, when asked why homeownership matters, the following people answered:

“It gives you a sense of belonging. I belong here, in this house, my house. God has given me this gift and I’m going to make beautiful memories in it. I want my grandchildren to visit me here.” – Chelsy, Everett, WA

“It gives my family — particularly my kids — a sense of being grounded. There’s a sense of security in knowing that this little corner of the world belongs to us.” – Laura, Snohomish, WA

“You invest your money in an asset, rather than building another person’s asset with your hard-earned dollars.” – Suzie, Muskogee, Oklahoma

Perhaps you’re considering homeownership as part of YOUR American Dream. As a real estate agent specializing in Snohomish County, I’d like to help answer any questions you may have about buying a home. Remember, interest rates and home prices are at all time lows. Feel free to contact me , Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545. Oh ya, and pass the pie.

*Image used courtesy of stock.xchng. [http://www.sxc.hu/] Photo credit Simona Balint.

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

How to Instantly Calculate Your Mortgage Payment When Buying or Refinancing a Home

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 11:45:34 -0800

So how much house can you truly afford? The road to self-discovery is unique to each homeowner, but there are a couple common denominators. Besides re-evaluating your monthly budget on a regular basis, another handy tool is the mortgage calculator. Worry not, those of you whose last math class was during the Carter administration; this is a safe place, so go ahead and check your math angst at the door.

The main elements to the mortgage calculation equation are as follows:

Amount of the loan
Time of the loan (in months or years)
Interest rate
Monthly payment

Although not an equation per se, the steps are basically: enter 1, 2, 3 and your handy dandy mortgage calculator projects number 4.

There are a few variations in the uses of mortgage calculators:

Mortgage Payment Calculator – Especially useful for buying a new home or refinancing your current home. Find out what your monthly payment will be and the potential consequence of adding extra payments.

Mortgage Amortization Calculator – Allows you to track how much interest you will pay each month vs. how much principal balance you will pay, essentially giving you a birdseye view of the entire duration of the loan.

Interest-Only Mortgage Calculator - Like the name implies, an interest-only loan constitutes the buyer paying only interest on the principal balance for a set period of time. Initial payments are low, eventually rising when the borrower begins paying on the principal. An interest-only calculator helps you determine if you can realistically afford this type of loan in the long run.

You may not have mad math skills, but you do have access to these and other handy calculating devices that give you a better opportunity to make informed choices regarding your mortgage decisions. For more online mortgage calculating resources, check out more free, easy to use, online resources such as: mortgage101.com, mortgage-calc.com, and Century 21.

If you have any questions about purchasing a home, feel free to contact me, Joni Kerley, at 425-343-4545.

*photo courtesy of stock.xchng

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Joni Kerley

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425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Age-Restricted Communities and Baby Boomers in Snohomish County

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:16:37 -0800

Baby Boomers. There are approximately 79 million of ‘em living in the United States. The name alone invokes a cornucopia of images: The Beatles, Watergate, Vietnam War, JFK, Elvis, Mr. Potato Head, Barbie, and Beaver Cleaver.

In 2011, the first Baby Boomers will turn 65 years old. The hippies of yesterday have moved to the yuppies of today and hover as the largest retirement generation in U.S. history. That’s a lot of Betsy Wetsy dolls and Rock’em Sock’em Robots.

According to Del Webb research:

36 percent of Boomers will move or plan to move when they become Empty Nesters.
When they retire, 55 percent say they will move.
26 percent of Baby Boomers will consider purchasing a home in an age-qualified Active Adult Community.

Furthermore, Boomers who moved or will consider moving from their old Empty Nest cite wanting a smaller house (44 percent) and one that requires less maintenance as their top reasons for moving. Upon retirement, they say maintenance will be the paramount issue in choosing a home (62 percent), but they also will want a smaller home (23 percent).

So what is an age-qualified active adult community?

Typically created for individuals over 55, these communities are built to accommodate home owners looking for low maintenance housing with amenities such as swimming pools, golf courses, clubhouses, craft rooms, and activity centers. And to address the elephant in the room head on: there are no kids allowed. Although this may cause prickles for some, a significant segment of the population sees the benefits to living among peers only.

Locally speaking, Birch Creek in Marysville, Washington is part of the age-restricted real estate movement offering single family dwellings. This type of living arrangement may see a leap in popularity in the next couple decades. In the U.S. alone, the number of people 50-69 is expected to increase by 87% over the next 15 years. The really good news for baby boomers? Polyester pantsuits are coming back in style. . . .Far out, man.

I’m Joni Kerley; I specialize in real estate located in Snohomish County. You can reach me at 425-343-4545 or you can e-mail me at: jonikerley@yahoo.com.

*Photo courtesy of stock.xchng, photo credit Sue Pizarro.

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425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

What’s So Great about Zero Lot Line Homes?

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 10:24:22 -0800

First of all, let’s get to the definition:

A zero lot line home exists when one boundary wall of the structure is built right on the property line or so close to the boundary that there is very little yard space between the building and the adjacent structure.

You may be a skeptic, so hear me out. If you’ve lived in the country or in a basically rural neighborhood for most of your life, you might have turned your nose up at those “teeny lots” popping up in neighborhoods across the country.

Admit it. You may have even talked about it around the proverbial water cooler: Yards seem to be getting smaller, these days, I tell ya. Music is louder, teens are more disrespectful, hemlines are getting shorter. . . yada, yada, yada. . . .

We’ll leave the discussion about music and teens for another blog post. However, housing lots in many ways are getting smaller these days. But times, as they say, are a-changin’. And many people have found these smaller lots to be a boon to their homeownership.

Here are some reasons why people prefer Zero Lot Line Homes:

Create more usable space on the lot and maximize potential indoor space.

Eliminate the need for landscaping and minimize yard work.

Are generally more cost effective than regular homes.

Utilize land more efficiently in neighborhoods by providing an opportunity to pool the open space together and create common-use parks and/or nature habitats.

For many home buyers, a zero lot line home is preferable to a condominium or apartment living, especially as the baby boomer population moves further into its golden years of retirement. And, rather than spending their free time mowing and weeding acres of land, a growing number of homeowners are investing their time in their families, new hobbies, and monitoring those pesky shrinking hemlines.

My name is Joni Kerley, with Century 21 Real Estate, I specialize in homes in Snohomish County – you can reach me at 425-343-4545.

*photo courtesy of stock.xchng

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425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Homeowners Associations Part Three: 5 Questions When Buying into a Home Owners Association

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 11:57:45 -0800

In the broad spectrum of home ownership, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) often play the role of the villain you love to hate. For many homeowners, it’s not without reason—horror stories abound. People have lost friendships, their life savings, their homes, and their sanity over some of the shenanigans of the more dastardly players in the HOA universe.

If you’ve decided you’re a good fit for a homeowners association, you need to put on your Joe Friday and ascertain the facts—just the facts—before jumping onboard. Here are FIVE questions to ask before signing on.

What are the rules? (aka: by-laws; covenants, conditions, & restrictions; CC&Rs) Ask to see a copy of the governing documents of the HOA, then read the fine print. Read the big print. Read all the print. Ask about recreational vehicles, pets, parking space limits,and everything else you can think of.
What are the consequences? For breaking the rules, do they issue fines, lawsuits, public snubbing and/or really mean letters left on your front door?
What exactly are the annual fees, also called assessments? Ask about their reserve fund, and their history of using special assessments.
What is the financial condition of the HOA? Washingtonians are in luck, here. According to the Revised Code of Washington, Chapter 64.38 RCW regarding Homeowners’ Associations: “The association or its managing agent shall keep financial and other records sufficiently detailed to enable the association to fully declare to each owner the true statement of its financial status. All financial and other records of the association, including but not limited to checks, bank records, and invoices, in whatever form they are kept, are the property of the association.”
How is the association managed? Are they self-managed, do they have a contract with a management company, or is it managed by the builder? Is there an onsite employee?

Hopefully you’ve learned a little more about the HOA world throughout these last three posts. Investigating the underlying history of an existing HOA may take some time, but in the long run, it’s well worth the legwork.

This is Washington State. I work here . . . I’m a real estate agent. And as a homebuyer, you got rights–dig? (sorry, can’t seem to shake my Jack Webb impersonation . . . ).

Also in this series:

*Photo courtesy of http://www.sxc.hu/

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Homeowners Associations Part 2: Are YOU a Good Fit?

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:55:01 -0800

Contrary to what some may think, Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) were not created to represent the forces of evil. Most of them, anyway. Rather, they were intended to protect the value of a community and to offer a platform for homeowners to brainstorm and share ideas with one another.

Honest.

That being said, there is risk of encountering a clipboard-wielding fanatic anytime you sign on the proverbial HOA dotted line. The question remains: is the risk worth it to you?

Although HOAs vary significantly, there are a few basic consistencies in their limitations, otherwise called CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions):

Colors – rules regarding external house color (usually muted tones), and possibly the colors of curtains or blinds seen from the road.

Landscaping – this could range from shrubbery choices to how often you mow your lawn.

Misc. Nitty Gritty – cleanliness of garages seen from the street, elimination of hanging laundry outside, restrictions on driveway basketball hoops, as well as prohibitions regarding RVs, boats, and other recreational units.

To find out where you fit on the spectrum, rate the following statements on a scale of 1-5:

1 = Strongly Disagree

2 = Disagree

3 = Neutral

4 = Agree

5 = Strongly Agree

It is very important that neighborhoods share landscape continuity.
Animals should be indoor and/or unobserved by surrounding homes.
Homeowners should always have input regarding outbuildings adjacent to their property.
Unused vehicles should never be parked on the street.
Recreational vehicles should be hidden from view at all times.
I should have the freedom to run a small business from my home, without any input from my neighbors.
Homeowners should be able to choose their own house color. Period.
Holiday decorations should always be the decision of the homeowner, not the neighborhood.
Trash disposal is the responsibility of the homeowner, not the neighborhood.
Homeowners should be able to have swingsets, basketball hoops, and other playground toys anywhere on their property.

Now for the results. Add up your answers from questions 1-5 to see if you lean PRO HOA. Add up your answers from questions 6-10 to see if you lean ANTI HOA.

Drum roll please. Which number is higher? Are you surprised? Troubled? Maybe you’re a future clipboard wielder and just discovered your purpose in life. . . . .if so, congratulations.

For more reading on HOAs, CC&Rs and the like, you can visit Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act online and there’s always good ole Wikipedia.

For those of you leaning towards HOA/clipboard nirvana, stick with me. Next week, we’ll tackle 5 things to ask when buying a home with an HOA.

I’m Joni Kerley, real estate agent with Century 21. Thanks for playing.

Also in this series:

Homeowners Associations Part 1: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

MLS # 150630 Four Bedroom Home For Sale- 9914 53rd Dr. NE #B Marysville, WA $212,500

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:48:06 -0700

Not a short sale. Private location for this nice four bedroom home with a huge fenced backyard. Kitchen with lots of storage and eating bar. All new interior paint. All appliances stay. Gas fireplace, Gas heat. Close to schools and shopping. 1800 sq.ft. RV parking in the back. Seller to install new carpet before closing in the living, dining, hallway and stairs. Move in ready! $212,500

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Homeowners Associations Part 1: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:59:12 -0700

We Americans are an opinionated bunch. Doesn’t take much to split us down the middle. We fiercely protect our God-given right (or not God-given if you’re on that side of the fence) to draw a line in the sand:

Pro Choice vs. Pro Life?
Homeschool vs. Public School?
Free Speech vs. Censorship?
Ginger vs. Mary Ann?

Okay, so the last one isn’t exactly on the radar of national importance. Still. Ask anyone over 35 years old that question and I guarantee you’ll get a definitive answer. Heck, I’ll even give you an opportunity to weigh in right now: (An interactive real estate blog! Really doesn’t get any better than that!)

Ginger or Mary Ann?

Mary Ann
Ginger

View Results

Loading ...

I recently discovered yet another touchy topic: Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While doing some “on the street” research I discovered a bevy of conflicting opinions:

Teresa from Virginia says, “I like to describe [our Homeowner’s Association] as ‘Nazi Daycare.’”

Kristy from Lake Stevens, Washington describes HOA board members as “ . . . uptight and anal people who don’t have a life. . . .who want to control other people’s lives.”

Jon from Machias, Washington, on the other side of the issue, reflects thusly, “I like that we can get together once a year and brainstorm ideas on how to make our community better . . . . keeping people accountable by setting standards for upkeep which is vitally important for everybody’s resale value.”

HOA Board Member David from Silver Lake, Washington shares these nuggets: “Some negative points of an HOA is that everyone has to follow rules that not everyone adheres to. And being a board member opens you up to more personal information of your neighbors that you ever wanted to know about.”

Washington State HOAs

In the state of Washington HOAs are created and registered under the laws of the state, and are licensed as not-for-profit corporations when articles of formation or incorporation are filed with the state. The articles are the formality of creating the corporation—also commonly referred to as the CC&Rs or the Declarations.

By-laws comprise a document spelling out how each HOA operates. HOAs have board members and officers. The by-laws, board members, and officers are unique to the community they represent.

And as we’ve seen, some folks love them and some hate them.

On the positive end of the spectrum, Board Member David reflects,

“Most people that have an Association find the most important reason is to have harmonious and consistency in the community that protects the value of the residence and community. In fact, our Declarations spell out the specific reason when it comes to architectural controls (painting, expanding, fencing, etc.). Serving on a board can be rewarding and enriching . . . since we work as a team, everyone gets to be heard. As well, it can have many challenges and drive you insane over what people decide to do or not do.”

So who’s right? Everyone? No one? Are HOAs the arch enemy of freedom as we know it? It seems that like most things, there really isn’t a definitive answer to this.

The real question, one we’ll tackle next week, is this: Are YOU a good fit for an HOA?

My name is Joni Kerley; as a a real estate agent with Century 21 I specialize in Snohomish County. You can contact me any time at 425-343-4545. Thanks for joining in the discussion!

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If you are looking for a home in the Everett

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

We’re Back . . . . The Return of Multi-Generational Home Life

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:06:39 -0700

In 1940, 32 million people lived together in “Multi-generational homes.” Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Pa, Mary Ellen, and Jim Bob too. By the 1970s, independence was in, and the multi-generational family household dropped to 26 million. However, in 2008 that number shot up to 49 million, according to the Pew Research Center. Junior may be moving home more often these days; then again, so is Grandpa and Aunt Mabel.

With the rising cost of living, the increase in unemployment, and the real estate slump, families are getting creative and learning from their elders by pooling their paychecks and grocery budget. Rather than looking for homes with a Mother-in-Law apartment, homebuyers today are on the market for a home suitable for Grandparents, adult children, grandchildren, and the occasional cousin thrown in.

While this trend may be the result of job losses and personal sacrifice, vestiges of the proverbial silver lining remain. I mean, The Waltons did it, and for 9 television seasons, no less! Perhaps you’re considering a shift in home demographics as drastic as the Waltons. If so, and you’re in the market for a home for the whole family, keep these 5 simple tips in mind:

Be clear about your needs: Make a detailed plan of living arrangements, including bathrooms, kitchens, handicap accessibility, and garage space. Don’t assume—communicate with each other before calling your real estate agent.
Be clear about your wants: Create a wish list (ie: granite countertops, hardwood floors), keeping in mind they are wishes and not needs. Which leads us to #3. . . .
Be prepared to compromise: If this multi-generational thing is going to work, cooperation has to be the number one priority.
Be clear about expenses and individual responsibilities: Clarify ahead of time who is in charge of taking out the trash, scrubbing toilets, and paying the water bill. Then enjoy sharing the load!
Become familiar with the concept “Universal Design”: Universal Design involves creating buildings with the needs of all ages/abilities in mind with an emphasis on flexibility, simplicity, and low physical effort.

The return of the multi-generational home is brought to you in part by financial tough times, it’s true—but many families choose this route as a way to help one another with the burden of health care issues and as a way to incorporate family bonding in their way of life. Either way you slice it, it’s people helping people and learning from one another.

I feel a need for a group hug.

G’night John-boy.

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Title Insurance - what is it good for?

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:15:26 -0700

According to the folks at Wikipedia, TITLE INSURANCE is: “Indemnity insurance against financial loss from defects in title to real property and from the invalidity or unenforceability of mortgage liens.”

Hmmm. Ya. Try saying that five times fast. Kind of a mouthful. In the continuing interest of expanding our Real Estate knowledge base, let’s unpack some of that gibberish—er I mean terminology.

Indemnity Insurance = A pre-existing condition of compensation.

Financial loss = [We all know what that is these days]

Defects in title = Any inconsistencies or discrepancies in previous transactions with previous owners

Real property = A piece of land (and its buildings) that has been legally verified and identified by describing physical limits using either natural or manmade boundaries.

Invalidity = Worthless, null and void, useless . . . you get the picture.

Unenforceability = Impossible to implement or execute.

Mortgage liens = A legal claim against a mortgaged property which must be paid when the property is sold.

To sum up: Title insurance lends validity to your title deed, offers proof of ownership, and protects the buyer’s ownership of the property against any nefarious schemes and/or legal inaccuracies made by previous owners. (Okay, so the use of nefarious is a bit over the top, but it all sounds so noble it was either use the word nefarious or put on a cape). If there’s any legal discrepancy from previous transactions, the title company steps in and pays any outstanding costs.

***The following is a dramatization of the benefits of having title insurance . . .it’s not really a dramatization, but by saying so, I have hopefully made you think to yourself, “Wow, this title insurance is pretty important. Dramatization? Gee . . .” Then again, maybe not. Still, I urge you to read on.

Clark Kent and his new wife, Lois, (speaking of capes) decide to buy a house. They’ve just finished the process with their delightful Real Estate agent named . . . Joni Kerley (ahem) who found an adorable split level with waterfront view at rock bottom price. Because Lois and Clark are such law-abiding citizens, they happily pay for Title Insurance, sign on each and every dotted line, and start measuring the windows for new drapes. Enter the previous owner, we’ll call him . . . . Lex Luthor, who claims (duhn, duhn, duhn) his foreclosure is still in process, a messy business this. Which means Clark and Lois could be outta luck and outta their new home . . . . .except . . .(cue Superman theme song). . . . Title Insurance to the rescue! Thanks to the quick-thinking of our dynamic duo and their agent, the ownership dispute is now in the capable hands of the judge (who should also wear a cape).

Go ahead, readers, breathe a sigh of relief for our hero and his bride. More importantly, learn from their experience and always, always protect yourself with TITLE INSURANCE. And if you are in the market for a foreclosed home and plan to pay cash, insist on title insurance. I am Joni Kerley and I’m here to help defend you against the forces of evil . . . no wait, I’m just a friendly neighborhood Real Estate Agent. I wish I had a cape. And ya, I stole the title idea from Seinfeld.

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Wordless Wednesday.....Zoe the French Bull Dog is 12 weeks old now!

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 10:14:01 -0700

It has been a couple of weeks since I have posted new pictures of Zoe so here are a few new ones. Zoe has learned to go up and DOWN the stairs and has figured out she likes sleeping in front of the fireplace! Enjoy the pictures. Zoe even has her own Facebook page if you would like to become friends with her.

This is me asleep in the closet.

Here is Zoe just looking real cute!

It's fall in the Northwest and every puppy needs a little fleece jacket.....Zoe didn't look to happy about it.!

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Lease Options: Pros and Cons

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:09:10 -0700

With apologies to Shakespeare, our topic today is: lease or not to lease. Quick reminder for those new to the Lease Purchase Option chat:

A Lease with An Option to Purchase is a legally binding agreement between a property owner and a renter with the exclusive option to later purchase the home with an agreed upon specified time frame.

So far, we’ve discussed What, and How, now it’s time to talk about Why (or Why Not, as the case may be).

In other words, the PROS and CONS to the BUYER.

PROS:

There is typically no need for qualification from a lender until the actual sale; your previous credit won’t impact a lease purchase since financing is between you and the seller.
You have the opportunity to “test drive” the house before signing on the dotted line.
You have the luxury of living in the home while saving up for the down payment
The seller is responsible for the property and building upkeep, as well as taxes and insurance.

CONS:

On top of rent, you will pay an extra monthly fee towards the final purchase which is nonrefundable if you opt out.
The option money is also nonrefundable if you pass up the option to buy.
If you’re paying rent plus the extra fee (see number 1), it’s potentially more difficult to save up for the down payment.
If you miss a payment or are late on a payment (check your contract!), landlords may cancel your lease agreement and keep the money.
The price you agree on today may be considerably higher than fair market prices in a year or two, leaving you with the option to buy a home for more than it’s worth.

While balancing the weight of both PROS and CONS, these days I encourage caution with lease to own purchase agreements, especially considering the pendulum swings of today’s market.

With everything involving investments, however, it’s best to proceed after thorough research, investigating all the options. Do your legwork so you can make an informed decision.

Or as Shakespeare once wrote:

“I say there is no darkness but ignorance.”

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Mt. Baker View Home - 6605 49th Pl. NE, Marysville WA, MLS # 138858

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 10:08:18 -0700

Great open floor plan with Views of Mt. Baker! Four bedrooms, 3 baths. 2565 square feet, Designer touches throughout. Large kitchen with Maple cabinets, Granite Slab counter tops and full 18" granite backsplash. Nice size deck just off the dining area. Master bedroom with 5 pc bath with a extra long bathtub. Family room downstairs with a gas fireplace. New fence in the backyard. 3 car garage. New exterior paint. $338,000 Located 6605 49th Pl. NE Marysville, WA. 98270 in Snohomish County.

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com

Wordless Wednesday.....To Be So Relaxed!

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:07:27 -0700

Puppy Zoe (10 weeks old) the French Bulldog was so tired after playing all afternoon with her sister she went and crawled into her bed and this is how I found her sleeping! What was even more funny was as she was breathing it made her arm move like she was "waving" at me.

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Joni Kerley

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425-343-4545

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Think Outside the Box: Lease Options for Home Buying

Joni Kerley (CENTURY21 Real Estate Center) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:43:50 -0700

Think outside the box. We’ve all heard that phrase before—we’ve all said it before. Today’s savvy home-buyers are putting it in action. Thinking outside the real estate box definitely has its advantages, provided you research your options.

The current front runner in the world of home-buying alternatives is a Lease to Purchase Contract. There are two parts to the Lease to Purchase Contract:

A Lease Contract
An Option to Purchase Contract

A Lease Contract is a legally binding agreement between a property owner and a renter regarding temporary possession of the property.

An Option to Purchase Contract is a legally binding agreement between a property owner and a renter with the exclusive option to later purchase the home with an agreed upon specified time frame. Typically with the option to purchase, the buyer pays an option fee (1%-5% of the price) which is credited to the purchase price. However, option fees are forfeit if the buyer decides to opt out of purchase.

One difference between what is called a Lease Purchase and a Lease Option is that the contract is either:

Unilateral (one-sided): A Lease Purchase, where only the seller is bound by the agreement; the potential buyer may opt out any time before the offer expires. The buyer simply has the option to purchase at a later date.

Bilateral (joint): A Lease Option, where both seller and buyer are bound by the agreement. In this type of contract, the buyer is allowed to delay locking into a specific price, but is still bound by law to purchase the property.

Thinking outside the box can be a bit tricky, so always be sure to read the fine print, and consult Real Estate Professionals you trust. My name is Joni Kerley and I'd love to help you maneuver through the details of Options to Purchase. Feel free to call me at Century21 Real Estate Center (425-343-4545).

Coming up next week . . . . . How to Buy a Home with a Lease to Purchase Contract.

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Joni Kerley

CENTURY21 Real Estate Center

425-343-4545

jonikerley@yahoo.com