User20696_18_t Auburn, Kent, Maple Valley, Covington Real Estate and Design Professional (Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty Auburn)
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Maple Valley, WA

The Tahoma School District is gathering cell phones for soliders, continuing a drive which began at Tahoma Junior High. Used, old, and even broken cell phones and chargers acen be dropped of at any Tahoma School.

Tahoma Schools Collect Cell Phones for Soldiers

This is a great way to recycle unused phones and accessories. For more information about the nationally sponsored program, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com . This is a great cause, and proceeds help soliders serving abroad by providing them calling cards and phones.

Let's recycle and help our troups!

Julianna

 

Via The Thom And Ray Team:

Yes, we've got some economic challenges in front of us. And they are changing everything, or so it seems. From the way we live, drive and even, the way be buy real estate. The rules of the game called, "Let's Buy A Home" have changed. The bigger question is, "Are You IN or OUT?"

Thom And Ray TeamI read somewhere in as little as 5 years from now, we will look back to this time and say "Wow, that was the best time for the first-time buyer (or in my opinion, ANY Buyer) to have bought a home." The housing market is not going to put up a big flashy neon sign, or have a newspaper headline!

Economics and statistics will tell us months after we've hit this "bottom" we are all looking for, and it will be well behind us. Take note, did the news, government, whomever just tell us we've been in a recession since LAST December, yet many are just now feeling the pain?

So, as in any game, do you know the rules? In the next few posts, let's talk about some of the "rules" of "Let's Buy a Home" so you, the buyer can be IN!

Let's break this into a few parts:

 

Part One:  How to Choose Your Real Estate Agent

Part Two: Buyer's Brokerage (Agency) or "Who's Working for Who?"

Part Three: Buyer's Check List

Part Four: What to Ask When Buying a Home, and finally

Part Five: The Purchase and Sale Agreement (We'll just touch on parts of this lengthy agreement, but give you a better understanding of what it is.)

So....Let's Jump Right In........

How To Choose Your Real Estate Agent

Do you need a real estate agent? Well, you're asking the wrong person since I'm a Broker, of course I'll say YES! But a better example would be a phone conversation with your auto mechanic as he says "Ok, now remove the top left bolt from the exhaust manifold using a ratchet wrench #9c." Ahhh, would you not feel more comfortable about the safety and reliability of your car with him/her doing that instead of you?

Midtown Atlanta

The first key to selecting your agent is, do they know the area where you want to live? Or better yet, do they know an area you DON'T know about and never would have without their help? If you are looking for a high-rise condominium for example, and the agent is not familiar with the area, or even the building, you might miss out on features important to you, or buy a unit, not knowing what future construction may happen around you. An agent that knows the market (inventory) and is involved in the community will best help you make an informed decision. All agents are NOT created equal!

In our next post, we'll talk about the brokerage agreement and agency.

 

The Thom And Ray Team

Next, spend some time with the agent. AND NO, I don't mean riding around in their car or walking the street to look at homes. Sit down in their office (it may or may not be of concern to you where their office is...) or maybe at a local coffee shop or restaurant in the area where you want to look. (2 Goals here....1) Get to know your agent and they you, and 2) you get to see the neighborhood "in action!"

This time should be spent learning more info about the agent. (NOTE: If the agent you have selected is on top of their game, you should already know MORE about them through their website, blog and other social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIN, Twitter, Delicious and others. If you're not familiar with these sites, be sure to check them out!) But more importantly, the agent should be getting to know.....YOU!! Learning more about what you want in your home and neighborhood, your lifestyle, family, job and more. While you might be hesitant to "open up" to this person, remember, the more they know about you, the better job they can do for you to win "Let's Buy A Home!"

But just in case you haven't learned everything about your agent from the sites above, here are a few other important questions to keep in mind:

  • How long have you been licensed? (Are they new to the game as well?)
  • What percentage of your business is working with buyers? (Many agents work with BOTH buyers and sellers...nothing wrong with that but you don't want a listing agent if you are buying)
  • How familiar are you with the area where I want to purchase (mentioned above)
  • Do you have references of other buyers you've worked with? (You may have found this info on their website, blog or other social media site)
  • Should I consider foreclosures or bank owned properties? What about a For Sale By Owner?
  • How will you communicate with me during the "game?"
  • Do you have other service providers (inspectors, mortgage, moving, etc) to help me?
  • How do you get paid? (Another point will cover later)

In my next post, we'll talk about Agency, what it means, and the Buyer's Brokerage Agreement (as used in Georiga). Important information for you to know how you can, or will be represented in your home purchase!

The Thom And Ray Team

 
 
 
  
24223 232nd Pl SE Maple Valley, WA 98038
$339,950
Front Porch with double-door entry and sidelights offer fantastic curb appeal with a great front yard! This 4 Bedroom Home on culdesac has an open interior. Formal Living room off of entryway includes dining space. The bright kitchen has stainless steel appliances - ALL stay! Open stairway with upstairs nook, extra bedrooms, and Master Bed and Bathroom with walk-in closet. Fenced backyard includes in-ground trampoline, large playset/climbing toy, and plenty of room for play and gardening.
Directions: From HWY 169 in Maple Valley, East on 240th Way SE at entrance to Valley Green. Turn Right at 232nd Place. Home near the end of the culdesac, on the right.
 
 ML#:29001813 Year Built: 1994
  Available, Patio
 Property Type Residential
 Lot Details Cul-de-sac, Curbs, Paved
   
   
 Beds: 4 Baths : 2.50
 Roof Composition
 Approx Square Feet 1820
2 Story  
 Lot Sq Ft (approx) 6752
 Total Covered Prkg 2
 Lot Acres (approx) 0.155
 Parking Type Garage-Attached
 Map Coordinates 718, A2
 Exterior Wood Products
 County King
 Interior Features Bath Off Master, Dble Pane/
 Community Valley Green
  Strm Windw, High Tech Cabling,
 School District Tahoma
  Walk-in Closet,
 Elementary School Rock Creek Elem
  Wired for Generator
 Jr. High/Middle Schl Tahoma Jnr High
 Energy Source(heat) Natural Gas
 Senior High School Tahoma Snr High
 Heating/Cooling Central Air, Forced Air,
 Plat/Subdivn/Project Valley Green Div. 1
  Heat Pump
 Potential Terms Assumable, Cash Out,
 Floor Covering Hardwood, Vinyl, Wall to
  Conventional, FHA, VA
  Wall Carpet
 Lot Topog./Veg. Garden Space, Level
 Appliances That Stay Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal,
 Site Features Cable TV, Fenced-Fully, High
  Range/Oven, Refrigerator
  Speed Internet, Nat. Gas
   
 
Presented By:
 
January 2009
Julianna Hind
Primary: 206-679-4768
Secondary: 253-249-2500
Other: 
 
E-mail: jhind@comcast.net
Web Page: http://www.Tahoma-Homes.com
Keller Williams Realty Auburn
1002 15th St SW #106
Auburn, WA 98001
253-249-2500
Fax: 253-249-2200
 
 
 

 

I have some thoughts on short sales... Are they slick and shady... or smart and savvy? I think in the end, it depends... the thing I can say with a good amount of certainty, is they are not going away in 2009...

 Real Estate Agent who Does Short Sales

Please note: I am not an attorney, and home sellers thinking about selling their home as a short sale should seek professional legal council.

Are agents that price short sales well below market value of other homes in the market slick? Many think so! Especially when that low price is not what is the actual selling price on the home.

It is important for a buyer to understand that making an offer to purchase a short sale is a whole different ballgame than navigating the regular market...and just because a home is listed at 20-50% or less than others does not necessarily mean that is the price they will get. However, short sales are unfortunately a necessary reality, and the strategy of pricing low is in one sense, no different than putting a product on ebay and letting bidders know that "the reserve is not yet met." In most cases, the Real Estate Agent may not know what price the bank will accept, and neither will the bank, until they look at the offers. An Agent with a short sale may want to back up their low price listing with proof, perhaps a CMA to show similar homes that needed severe price reductions in order to sell in a short amount of time, Short sales cannot be priced the same as homes that are taking 6 months to sell...  because a short sale might have a deadline of only a few weeks before the home goes into foreclosure, so it's gotta move fast... get offers in, get lender approval, and then sold. A homeowner faced with a short sale and possibly being responsible for taxes OR foreclosure... may still choose to sell at a lower price...or not... accept the offer... and let it go into foreclosure. In the end, the general consensus is that a homeowners credit will be effected to a lesser degree by a short sale than a foreclosure, the bank has the mortgage loan satisfied in the end without a lengthy and expensive process, and a savvy buyer willing to throw her offer into the bidding has purchased a home. Once again, sellers of distressed homes should always seek legal advise from their attorney.

My opinion, my WISH... is that there would be a way to conduct short sales, foreclosures and REO's so that they do not impact the regular market. Take them OUT of the regular MLS. I am heartsick for sellers who have struggled to make payments and need to sell, and are up against a deluge of shortsales and foreclosures affecting their asking price. I have wondered if this ALSO contributes to the slow market, as buyers chase after short sales, do not get the purchase, and then continue to pursue other homes on the market. Buyers are told it is their market, but need to realize it is a complex one. It comes down to education in the end... about whether or not a short sale is a good opportunity and the possible risk involved. One thing I tell my buyers... NEVER fall in love with a short sale!

Best wishes in 2009... may we see less shorts and more homes sold with manageable financing so people can indeed live their dreams!

Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty Auburn

http://www.tahoma-home.com

 

Presented by Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty (Selling Agent)
Just Sold in Maple Valley! 
Welcome New Homeowners...Relocating from Utah Valley to Maple Valley, Washington!
  
 Maple Valley, WA 98038
 
Almost 2300 sq. ft. 2 story with 4 bedroom and 2.5 baths. Living room and dining room with vaulted ceilings. Island kitchen with eating nook and hardwood floors. Family room with cozy gas fireplace. Master bedroom with 5 piece bath and walk in closet. Bonus room. 3 car garage.Air conditioning. Walk to golf course and 2 new shopping centers. Great Tahoma schools. Builder - Pacific Huts and Castles.
 
 
It's always great to welcome new folks into our community! These buyers came all the way from Provo,Utah... and Seattle Weather made a good effort at competing with Utah's "Best Snow on Earth!"
 
Where did the former owners go? UPSIZED to another beautiful new home in Maple Valley... because that is how great it is here!
 Don't worry Utah, I also currently have a listing and the owners are looking to relocate in your great state... which I can say without reservation DOES in fact have the greatest snow on earth!
 
Selling Agent:
 
January 2009
Julianna Hind
Primary: 206-679-4768
Secondary: 253-249-2500
Other: 
 
E-mail: jhind@comcast.net
Web Page: http://www.Tahoma-Homes.com
Keller Williams Realty Auburn
1002 15th St SW #106
Auburn, WA 98001
253-249-2500
Fax: 253-249-2200
 

 

Maple Valley 5 Bedroom Home - Now accepting offers. Seller Review of offers on Tuesday, January 6, 2009. Please fax offers to Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty - Fax Number 206-774-0404. This is a short sale. Offers subject to bank approval.
 
See Additional Pictures
  
22916 SE 271st Pl Maple Valley, WA 98038
$298,950
Beautiful and Spacious Home on the end of a quiet dead end street. Wonderful entryway and living room/dining area. Wood floors through hall and kitchen. Eat in kitchen area and plenty of counter and storage. Family room has adjacent den for an office or play room. Master Bed and Bath suite features a luxurious fireplace Walk-in Closet and Sunken Tub. 5 total bedrooms upstairs. Lots of living space.
Directions: From Kent Kangley/Hwy516: Turn North onto 228TH AVE SE. Turn slight Right onto SE 269TH ST. Turn Right onto 229TH PL S. Turn Left onto SE 271st ST. House at the end of street on Left.
 
 ML#:28198956 Year Built: 2006
 Lot Details Dead End Street, Paved Street,
 Property Type Residential
  Sidewalk
 Tax ID 542295024
 Roof Composition
 Beds: 5 Baths : 2.50
 Style Code 12-2 Story
 Approx Square Feet 3370
 Total Covered Prkg 2
 Lot Sq Ft (approx) 5000
 Parking Type Garage-Attached
 Lot Acres (approx) 0.115
 Exterior Cement Planked
 Map Coordinates 718, A5
 Interior Features Bath Off Master, Dining Room,
 County King
  Dble Pane/Strm Windw,
 Community Maple Valley
  Fireplace in Mstr BR, Jetted/
 School District Tahoma
  Soaking Tub, Walk-in Closet,
 Elementary School Lake Wilderness Elem
  Walk In Pantry
 Jr. High/Middle Schl Cedar River Mid
 Energy Source(heat) Natural Gas
 Senior High School Tahoma Snr High
 Heating/Cooling Forced Air
 Potential Terms Cash Out, Conventional, FHA,
 Floor Covering Hardwood, Vinyl, Wall to
  VA
  Wall Carpet
 Lot Topog./Veg. Level
 Appliances That Stay Dishwasher, Garbage Disposal,
 Site Features Cable TV, High Speed Internet,
  Microwave, Range/Oven,
  Nat. Gas Available, Patio
  Refrigerator
 
Presented By:
 
January 2009
Julianna Hind
Primary: 206-679-4768
Secondary: 253-249-2500
Other: 
 
E-mail: jhind@comcast.net
Web Page: http://www.tahoma-homes.com
Keller Williams Realty Auburn
1002 15th St SW #106
Auburn, WA 98001
253-249-2500
Fax: 253-249-2200
 
 
 
 

 

First time home buyers looking for a home in Maple Valley, Auburn, Kent or Covington, Washington may want to take note of what my friend Jeff has to say about financing that first home!

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

 

Tax Credit

 

The government is handing out money as a long term loan.  Take advantage of this!!!

 

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 produced the tax credit for First Time Homebuyers. In this case, to be eligible for the tax credit, a first time homebuyer is defined as : someone who had not owned a home from July 2, 2005, through July 1, 2008. In order to become eligible, you have to buy your home after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009. I will go over some of the other guidelines later.

 

 

gift

When it comes to buying a home, you can't borrower money to use as a down payment or for closing costs. And you can get county or state assistance under certain programs or grants, to use for your new home purchase. But when it comes to FHA loans, you can actually get 100% gift monies from a relative. It's called a gift because HUD doesn't want the burden of you having to pay back a loan after buying back a loan. Hypothetically, it doesn't mean that you can't tell your parents or a relative that you will pay them back later. Hence why this tax credit is still a great way to help you get into a new home prior to July 1, 2009.  And you can still get up to 6% seller help even if you were to get a 100% gift from a family member.

 

 

So, how does this tax credit work?  Please read below for some details :

 

  • The maximum tax credit is $7,500 for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing jointly. It is 10% of the purchase price. So in order to get the maximum credit, the purchase price must be $75,000 or more.
  • This credit is an interest free loan and the credit must be repaid over a 15 year period. This loan must be paid back by including one-fifteenth of the amount credited, or $500, as an additional tax on their 2010 return.
  • There are income restrictions which can range from $150,000 to $170,000 for a joint return or from $75,000 to $95,000 for a single return. There are other factors involved when determining the actual income restrictions.
  • This credit can't be used if you are buying a home from a close relative, which is to include a spouse, a grandparent, child, or even a grandchild.
  • You can only use this tax credit for your primary home, not for a second home or an investment property.

 

There are some other restrictions, examples, and explanations to how this tax credit can work. For more information, please read : Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers

 

 

An example of how this tax credit could work :

If you were to receive a $2,000 refund when filing your return, and you were eligible for an additional $7,500 if you choose to receive this credit, this means that your refund will now be $9,500 instead. On the flip side of things, if you were to owe $2,000, you would actually get back $5,500 instead of owing money.

 

 

One thing to keep in mind.... you can use this money for anything. How could you use this money?

  • You could use it to repay other loans or debts.
  • To invest in the market or CD's.
  • To buy another property such as an investment property. But you would need to understand the seasoning requirements when putting this kind of money into your bank account.
  • Use the money to fix up your new home that you just bought.
  • To start a business.... to help a business grow.
  • And as mentioned, FHA loans allow for 100% gift monies from a relative. Maybe you could thank them later on and give them the money back down the road. I know I wouldn't want this hanging over my head. As of January 1st, 2009, when buying a home with a FHA mortgage, you now need 3 1/2 percent down of your own money (gift monies allowed).

 

 

Happy house hunting. For a creative way to help you finance your new home, please don't hesitate to contact me. There are so many options out there and you need a creative loan officer that knows more than just the basics.

 

 

 

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - Conventional Loans - VA Loans -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. : The FHA Expert

For more information on how you can obtain your dream home, please click here : Mortgage Financing Options

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags

 

Copyright © 2008 by Jeff Belonger

 

Did you catch the Rose Parade? It has long been a tradition of mine to watch the parade every year. As a girl growing up in California, I loved touring the parade grounds and seeing the beautifully colored floats, with designs and creativity in abundance ... the fragance was glorious. I really loved the NAR's float this year (As Seen on TV) which featured the "Swiss Family Robinson's" quest for home ownership!

 

 

Home ownership brings pride, togetherness, and common goal. This is demonstrated in the original book, by Johann David Wyss, and by this fabulous float!

Congratulations to my fellow NAR members for creating such a beautiful celebration!

Julianna Hind, Real Estate and Design Professional

www.juliannahind.com

 

 

 

Maple Valley, WA: Lake Wilderness December 19, 2008...

Need some holiday cheer? The best place to be this Friday night in Maple Valley is touring the Lake Wilderness Neighborhood and treating yourself to the holiday lights. This is a benefit for the Maple Valley food bank, and everyone is encouraged to bring canned goods and even unwrapped gifts. there is nothing like the spirit of giving and holiday lights against a blanket of beautiful snow to get you feeling like Christmas is here!

As reported in the Maple Valley Reporter: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/cmv/news/36350164.html

Julianna Hind, Realtor®, IRIS®

Real Estate and Design Specialist

Keller Williams Auburn

1002 15th ST SW Suite 106

Auburn, WA 98092

 

Office: 253-249-2500

Mobile: 206-679-4768

Fax: 206-774-0404

 

julianna@kw.com

http://www.juliannahind.com

 
Thanks for viewing and feel free to call if you have any questions. Julianna Hind, Realtor, 206-679-4768

Open House - For Sale in Kent WA 285K
Main Photo
Location: Glencarin
Sunday December 14th at 1 - 4 PM.... Public Open House....Home for Sale....Tudor style home with private backyard with lots of foliage and garden area. This home feels spacious with cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and a brick fireplace with brickwork all the way to the vaulted ceiling. The dining room opens up to an outside deck area, overlooking the yard and greenbelt. Master Bedroom has a private 3/4 bath. Bright and Cozy downstairs family room has second fireplace. Extra big utility/laundry room. Fresh paint, new laminate, and updated lighting. Not to be missed!
Information
Pricing
Price: $285,000.00
Property Location
21501 125th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98031
View Map
Features
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.50
Year Built: 1974
Subdivision: Glencarin
Garage Size: 2
School District: Kent
Square Footage: 1770
Agent Name: Julianna Hind
Broker: Keller Williams Auburn
MLS #: 28192964
Attributes
Appliances
Range/Oven
Full Refrigerator
Sink Disposal
Microwave
Large Deep Freeze
Interior Amenities
Fireplace
Vaulted Ceilings
New Laminate Flooring
Exposed Beams
2nd Fireplace
Exterior Amenities
Fenced Yard
Grass Lawn
Secluded setting
Greenbelt
Deck
Photo Gallery
 
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Real Estate Agent: Auburn, Kent, Maple Valley, Covington Real Estate and Design Professional  (Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty Auburn)
Auburn, Kent, Maple Valley, Covington Real Estate and Design Professional
Maple Valley , WA
More about me…
Julianna Hind, Keller Williams Realty Auburn

Office Phone: (425) 277-5100
Cell Phone: (206) 679-4768
Email Me
www.Tahoma-Homes.com

Julianna Hind is a Real Estate and Design Professional in King and Pierce County. She is a Realtor who also stages the homes she sells. Julianna is a member of the NAR (National Association of Realtors)IRIS (Interior Redesign Industry Specialists) and RESA (Real Estate Staging Association)
206-679-4768





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