Reba's Blog

Team Reba online newsletter available for November 2009

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:09:57 -0600

Here is a link to my "November Real Estate Update":

This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.

This month's issue includes topics such as:

"Vital Information for First-Time Buyers";
"Relieving the Stress of Packing";
"Making Your Home Age Appropriate Creates Appeal";
"Real Estate Investment Buying Tips";
"Extending Homebuyer Tax Credit Best Tool for Sustaining Housing Recovery";

Plus a roundup of November real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.

I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too!

Charting out the new tax credit rules extension and expansion details...

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:01:35 -0600

Well, a huge and collective sigh of relief for a lot of homeowners and wannabe homeowners has been let out this week with the passage of the tax credit extension. The big bonus is that there is an expanded package available and so to keep you all abreast of the new changes, here is a link to a chart that spells out all the new details.

For those that weren't aware of it, the expansion part includes a new $6500 tax credit for purchasers who are moving into a different property (must be $800,000 or less) and who have lived in their current home for at least 5 consecutive years out of the past 8 years. This means current homeowners who may have been sitting on the sidelines wishing there was more in it for them to sell now and move into a new place (move up or downsizing, or just getting into a new neighborhood), there are some incentives to go along with the lower prices now available. Be sure to read all the provisions and limitations because the tax credits do also have income limitations and phase out rules.

Open House Sun 11/15 1-4pm - Fantastic townhome in Greenwood with 2+ bedrooms, 1.5ba and excellent updates!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:56:47 -0600

$325,000.00 - Not your average townhome!

Location: Greenwood

Not your average townhome! Quiet, north facing territorial views from living area & beautiful master bedroom w/ small deck. Warm living spaces w/ desirable, open layout. Updated, chic modern kitchen w/ stained concrete counters. Fenced, private patio w/ sideyard-bring your outdoor fireplace & pets. Continental bath leads to second bedroom. Wash/Dry sensibly placed upstairs. BONUS lower room; great non-conforming 3rd/guest bedroom or office! Plus, space available for your Vespa and bicycle.

Contact Information

Reba Haas

reba@teamreba.com

425-970-3697

www.TeamReba.com

Pricing

Price: $325,000.00

Additional Pricing Information: The 1st time homebuyer credit has been extended for offers in contract by April 30, 2010!

Financing offer: Use Eric Aasness at Bank of America for your financing and get a 1% closing cost credit! Contact him at 206-915-ERIC or eric@ericismybanker.com.

Property Location

642 NW 85th (Quiet part)Street

Seattle, WA 98117

View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

Features

Bedrooms: 2	Bathrooms: 1.5
Parking Spaces: 1	Year Built: 1997
Attached on: 1 Side	Garage Size: 270
School District: Seattle	Square Footage: 1215
Agent Name: Rebecca Haas	Broker: RE/Max Metro Realty, Inc.
MLS #: 29154388

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

	Hardwood Floors
	Security System
	Vaulted Ceilings
	Concrete counters
	High End Wood Laminate Floors
	Tile
	Vinyl
	Wall-to-wall carpet
	Laundry by bedrooms
	non-conforming 3rd bedroom/office

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Fenced Yard

Secluded setting

Recently painted exterior

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2933453

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

News you can use - extension of 1st time buyer $8,000 tax credit looking good... Senate strongly considering approval

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:19:12 -0600

Everyone has been waiting with baited breath to hear what will happen with the 1st time homebuyer tax credit that currently has a deadline of November 30th for closings in 2009. Congress passed the extension as of last Wednesday and now the Senate is considering it. Today, an article from REALTOR.com notes that key lawmakers have tentatively agreed to not only the extension through April (to get under contract) but to also put a new element in for buyers who have owned and lived in a home for 5 consecutive out of the past 8 years. Tax credit available to these buyers will be $6,500 but does have some maximum income limitations and/or phase out details that you'll need to check out for your own personal situation.

For our listing clients who have perfect starter type homes and now even our "move up" buyers, this is all really great news!!!! We'll continue monitoring the situation and keeping you up to date.

Converting skills in merchandising experience into "staging" for clients has proved fruitful...

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:06:52 -0500

At the early part of my career, I used to manage 3 stores and a warehouse for a locally owned children's furniture store called Kid's Quarters. A big part of my job was to work with my staff and to make sure that the displays were kept up with current inventory/styles and to rotate vignettes into the display windows and on the sales floor. While the store is no longer in business in the Seattle area, the experience I gained in merchandising has stayed with me and for the past 6 years has been useful in my real estate business but now re-titled "staging".

We've had a philosophy of providing Concierge Services ever since Team Reba decided to put a focus on listing properties and one of the services we provide to all of our clients, no matter the price point, is staging. We also provide professional photography on each listing as well so that our online and print advertising of any home is top notch.

A good case in point would be a recent 1bd/1ba house in South Park that my colleague, Robin Tomazic, just put on market. The house by itself was not much to look at as the owner made it overly beige and bland. But we added a few things to give it depth, color and a hint as to what a new owner could do with it and we've had strong activity in showings and buyer activity - enough to get a cash offer submitted as of today. This house is listed just under $150,000 in Seattle so you can see that price point is not high (for our area at least).

We've got another redesign of our own coming up soon in the Ballard/Phinney Ridge area soon so I hope to post some "before" and "after" photos of that when it's done.

Georgetown's 5th annual Haunted History Tour is back for Oct 23rd/24th run!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:16:29 -0500

We love to post information about upcoming events and fun happenings in various Seattle and surrounding areas of Puget Sound. See below for info on the Haunted History Tour that's going on in Georgetown (South Seattle)... come for the tour and stay for some of the great local pubs, clubs and restaurants like Smarty Pants, 9lb Hammer, or Slim's Last Chance Chili Shack.

Still not sure what you are doing next weekend? Why not join the Friends of Georgetown History as we present the 5th Annual Haunted History Tour.... meet some ghosts, learn more about Georgetown, and have a fun night out. October 23rd and 24th

Tours will depart from the Coliman Restaurant on E Marginal Way - first one leaves at 6pm.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85916

Kent Ridge Estates, 4bd/2.5ba home, $289,500 temporary price reduction for 1st time buyers seeking $8000 tax credit!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:31:50 -0500

$299,500.00 - Kent Ridge Estates 4bed/2.5ba home $299,500 - In Private Cul-de-Sac

Location: Kentridge

Updated kitchen with Corian counters, newer appliances: dishwasher, refigerator, & stove. Convenient breakfast bar area, & built in home office. New roof installed 10/09. New Vinyl Clad windows, new furnace, and central air with a new heat pump to heat/cool efficiently. 10 min to Microsoft Connector.

Contact Information

Reba Haas

425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $299,500.00

Property Location

27900 123rd Pl SE

Kent, WA 98030

View Map

Links

Virtual Tour - All photos

Features

Bedrooms: 4	Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: 2	Year Built: 1988
Subdivision: Kent Ridge Estates	Lot Size: 5797
Garage Size: 2	School District: Kent
Square Footage: 1890	Agent Name: Rebecca Haas
Broker: Remax Metro Realty, Inc.	MLS #: 29143318

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

	Fireplace
	Hardwood Floors
	Security System
	Vaulted Ceilings
	Breakfast Bar
	Heat Pump for heating & cooling

Exterior Amenities

Fenced Yard

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Tool Shed

Play Set/Fun Center

New Roof

New Windows

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2883786

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

More tips for 1st time homebuyer tax credit as we're in the last stretch for late November closings! Be in close contact with your lender.

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:01:59 -0500

A couple of days ago, I wrote an article that highlighted issues in King County, WA regarding closings in November 2009 that could impact a buyer's ability to get the $8,000 tax credit for 1st time buyers. More news is coming out that impacts this as well and buyers should be prepared that lenders are wary of the volume that will hit at the end of this month as well and they're putting up barriers for any legal action that may come from a rush of paperwork and deadlines culminating at the end of the month during one of our Nation's biggest holidays.

See below for a warning sent out by one of my lending contacts with regard to news they're being given of banks trying to reduce liability for missing the deadline. Be sure to be talking to your lender about their policies and volume that is expected for this month. The last day of the month is a Monday:

One major lender has reminded us that, for the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs and the title to the property transfers to the homeowner. This must take place before December 1, 2009. This lender is also suggesting that a disclaimer be signed absolving them of any liability should the mortgage loan not get closed in time for the credit. There is a movement to extend the deadline at least 6 months, and even to drop the first time buyer requirement. Who knows what the future of that is. Good Luck Jerry Rutherford Professional Mortgage, Inc.
22659 Pacific Hwy So Suite 101
Des Moines, WA 98198
Phone: (206) 870-5050 Cell: (206) 356-1711
Toll Free: 1-800 764-5626 Fax: (206) 870-5051
Email: jrutherford@pmiloans.com
www.pmiloans.com
WA Lic. # 510-LO-35158

Kenmore lease takeover opportunity thru July/Aug 2010

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:56:59 -0500

A friend of mine emailed me today asking if I might be able to help her out in a situation. She's in a lease in a property in the Kenmore area and needs to move - quickly - but the lease has a provision saying that she's responsible for the full rent unless she assists in finding a new tenant. She's in her final year of medical school and hasn't the first clue about how to find a renter, having only been one herself for many years.

Anyhooo... here's where I step in. Might be a great opportunity for someone who needs shorter term rental than a year but wants more time to get to know the area (can you say "relocation?") before purchasing.

Details of the property that she's given me so far are below. I've asked her to forward some photos when she can as well. Rent is $1000 a month.

The place is in Kenmore at 6150 NE 184th St. zip is 98028

It is a MIL apt above a garage/studio apt. 2 bd, 2 ba, w/d, hardwood floors, skylight in the kitchen, new windows and screens. there is a small patio in back, I landscaped a little and there is potential to do more if someone is interested. It's a nice space, good amount of light, quiet. The landlords are actually pretty nice and laid back. They even let us use their wireless internet for free.

King County Recorder's Office puts a snag in 1st-time home buyer contracts for November closings. Watch your contracts closely!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:37:43 -0500

Many people know that local governments and municipalities have been cash strapped and have implemented budget cuts in various departments as of late, but not everyone who is in the process of home shopping realizes that this could impact them directly. In King County, there were forced furlough days implemented throughout the 2009 calendar year so all cities lying within this county area will be affected. See the note below that I received from a local title & escrow firm to know which dates in November and December are affected. The 28th and 29th of November are on a weekend, when NO closings can occur anyway so don't schedule yours for the 30th thinking that there will be plenty of time. As a first time home buyer you might find yourself out of luck with the $8,000 tax credit if you miss the timing and have your sale bumped past the November 30th cut-off date for that benefit.

Many people are expecting a last minute rush of activity this week for those that are hoping to utilize the tax credit as it usually takes 30-45 days to get through the underwriting process for lending so most contracts are written to close within that period of time. The next week or two will be interesting for everyone involved in the real estate and lending industry as we wait to see what buyers will do. If you're in that camp of people trying to take advantage of the credit, then you better get crackin' this weekend and narrow down your choices fast.

We also wanted to provide you a reminder that the King County Courthouse has scheduled the following furlough days and holidays between now and the end of the year. These courthouse closures will impact your closing date selection as well.

King County Furlough Days and Holidays

November 11th, 25th, 26th and 27th.

December 24th and 25th

10/10/2009 Renton Tech College class on Short Sales & Foreclosures sign up deadline is this Thursday, Oct 8th.

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:56:28 -0500

Short Sales & Foreclosure - Demystifying the Process Saturday, October 10^th , 10am - Noon

The financing and housing crisis has hit Washington residents with 1 in 10 homeowners owing more than their home is worth. What does this mean to you as a homeowner, seller, or potential investor buyer? Learn what a Short Sale is (it isn't a fast process) and how it relates to and differs from a foreclosure. How do Short Sales work and who are the best candidates for doing them? What are the timelines for each process? And more importantly, if you're involved in one what can you expect? This class will demystify the process and give you the knowledge you need to navigate one, as a buyer or seller.

Mail in registration at RTC is closed for this course so if you want to attend this class you MUST send email RSVP'ing to Info@TeamReba.com no later than Thursday, Oct 8th. Course cost is $10 payable the day of the class. Only cash or checks will be accepted.

Other class info and sign up is available at this link page 63 of the booklet. Sign up for future classes is available via this link at Renton Tech.

Team Reba online newsletter available for October 2009

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:00:26 -0500

Here is a link to my "October Real Estate Update":

This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.

This month's issue includes topics such as:

"Home Buyer's Tax Credit Changes Possible";
"Don't Let An Over-priced Home Be a Humbling Lesson";
"Job-hunting Strategies For Trailing Spouses";
"Home Staging Helps Bring Top Dollar Sale";
"How to Stay on Top of Mortgage Payments During a Short-Term Financial Crisis";

Plus a roundup of September real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.

I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too!

$8,000 buyer bonus now offered! Beautiful new construction home in southern Beacon Hill area for $499,500, 2920 sqft 4+bd/3ba! Near light rail and close to I-5 for easy commuting.

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:31:29 -0500

$499,500.00 - Gorgeous new construction 4+BD/3BA home on Beacon Hill!

Location: Beacon Hill

Beautiful new construction home with simple yet stylish finishes in a private setting to make you feel warm and welcome. Partial views from many rooms out to Lake WA and Cascade Mtn range, including Mt. Rainier. Stainless steel appliances sparkle in the open kitchen & great room. Loft on 2nd floor is a great TV room option. Extra den/office can easily be guest room with adjacent full bath. Low maintenance landscaping and a Trex deck in front yard. A few blocks easy walking to light rail for easy commute to either downtown Seattle or to SeaTac airport.

Contact Information

Reba Haas info@teamreba.com 425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $499,500.00 Additional Pricing Information: Contact Eric Aasness from Bank of America for your financing and receive a 1% closing cost credit.

Property Location

6524 33rd Ave S Seattle, WA 98118 View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

Features

Bedrooms: 4	Bathrooms: 3
Parking Spaces: 2+	Year Built: 2008
Lot Size: 6106	School District: Seattle
Square Footage: 2920	Agent Name: Rebecca Haas & Robin Tomazic
Broker: RE/MAX Metro Realty	MLS #: 29137045
Uncovered parking: available

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Vaulted Ceilings

Attic

Pantry

Office/Den/Guest Room

Exterior Amenities

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Deck

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2846657

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Is your city "hot" for the up and coming younger generation?

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:22:19 -0500

Ok, maybe not, but it's interesting to see that the Wall Street Journal has a tied race between Washington DC and Seattle as top places for a real estate recovery as noted in this quick blurb on Realtor.com. The actual article is The Next Youth Magnet Cities, where they rate cities on technology, launching a career, singles scene, high-quality and high-paying jobs, etc.

Read it and rate it for yourself. Do we in the Seattle metro area belong on this list? I think so... but I'm a little bit biased. ;)

City of Renton begins recommending its citizens look at getting flood insurance for this winter

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:02:32 -0500

As a person who resides in Renton I am on the mailing list of the local city government. With the past couple of year's having had some big rains and flooding in the area, it seems that there is some long term damage to a local dam that is going to take a while for the Corps of Engineers to repair. If you haven't looked at your homeowner's insurance policy lately, now would be a good time. The city says that with potential flooding in the Green River Valley area it could cause sewer back ups and other issues. If a sewer back up originates from outside your home, your policy may not cover it. Flood insurance is available to anyone who wants it, you don't have to live directly in a flood zone to get it despite popular opinion.

I called my local guy, Gerald Grinter, of G2 Insurance and immediately got a quote. The coverage takes 30 days typically to go into effect so it's important to do it now before the bigger rains of winter begin.

Great new new construction home in Beacon Hill area of Seattle. Open house this coming Sunday, 10/4 from 1-4pm.

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:55:11 -0500

$499,500.00 - Gorgeous new construction 4+BD/3BA home on Beacon Hill!

Location: Beacon Hill

Contact Information

Reba Haas

info@teamreba.com

425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $499,500.00

Additional Pricing Information: Contact Eric Aasness from Bank of America for your financing and receive a 1% closing cost credit.

Property Location

6524 33rd Ave S

Seattle, WA 98118

View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

Features

Bedrooms: 4	Bathrooms: 3
Parking Spaces: 2+	Year Built: 2008
Lot Size: 6106	School District: Seattle
Square Footage: 2920	Agent Name: Rebecca Haas & Robin Tomazic
Broker: RE/MAX Metro Realty	MLS #: 29137045
Uncovered parking: available

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Vaulted Ceilings

Attic

Pantry

Office/Den/Guest Room

Exterior Amenities

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Deck

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2846657

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Eastside listings continue moving along... Redmond and Issaquah

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:19:04 -0500

We've been staying very active and part of the work we've been doing lately has been on many townhome listings. Happily for one of our clients we got mutual acceptance on his RiverTrail listing in Redmond's downtown area near Bella Bottega as of this weekend.

We've got a new listing that will come on next week in Redmond at the very European feeling development of Taluswood townhome condominiums out off of Avondale Road. This complex was built back in 2002 and at the time a very good friend of mine was buying a new unit there. Well, now one of his neighbors will be selling her ADA compliant unit in one of the more uncommon layouts there of a 2-story (rather than 3) unit with one large parking garage and an extra assigned space next to the unit. With 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, this end unit opens up to the lovely park grounds of the development. Tall ceilings in the living, dining and kitchen. Ceilings fans are in each of the bedrooms, including the Master bedroom on the main floor. One of the upper bedrooms has access via continential style bath so is like a 2nd master in the home.

Fresh paint, new carpets, and brand new Corian style counters in the kitchen plus many updated and beautifully ornate light fixtures. Close to Microsoft and commuting via 520 or 405. Easy access up to Woodinville wine country.

Other action continues for us in Issaquah where we got some good viewing activity at a newer listing in The Heights condo/townhome development where an open house was done today from 1-4pm.

What most people/buyers need to be looking for when purchasing in a condo development of an assortment of items such as legal action, financial reserves, if an engineering reserve study is done as well as funded for repairs, and much more. It's really important to know that, especially in today's financial lending market, that anything that throws a red flag for the lender could kill your deal. FHA loans also have maximum numbers of properties they'll lend on in any development (30%) to limit their risk exposure.

Price drop on Lynnwood townhome listing to even better price of $179,950!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:38:07 -0500

$179,950.00 - Fantastic price on a 2 bed/2.5 bath updated townhome in Lynnwood!

Location: Lynnwood, WA

Cute 2 bed/2.5 bath unit in a well-run complex of nine townhomes. Kitchen & 1/2 bath updated with slab granite counters and good looking wood laminate flooring on the main level. Bedroom suites each have own full bath. Tile entry, living room with gas fireplace, and extra outdoor living space via the large 8' X 15' wood deck with lace leaf maple trees. Full size GE Profile washer dryer. Garage w/ remote & lots of shelving + extra uncovered parking space. Low Home Owner Dues & great, low price. Come see for yourself! Notice to buyers and agents, this is a short sale property so plan closing timeline expectations accordingly.

Wondering what your home is worth? Contact Team Reba for a FREE market analysis!!

Contact Information

Reba Haas

info@teamreba.com

425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $179,950.00

Additional Pricing Information: short sale

Property Location

3315 133rd St SW #104

Lynnwood, WA 98087

View Map

Links

Team Reba Blog

Team Reba Site

Features

Bedrooms: 2	Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: 2	Year Built: 1994
Subdivision: Ashley Court	Garage Size: 1
Square Footage: 937	Agent Name: Reba Haas
Broker: REMAX Metro Realty	MLS #: 29095317
Uncovered parking: 1	HOA Dues: 168.00
Dues cover: water, sewer, garbage

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Bath off master bedroom

Wood laminate floors

Wall-to-Wall carpet

Vinyl flooring

Tile flooring

Gas fireplace

Exterior Amenities

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Private

Territorial view

deck(s)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2217902

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

upcoming Eastside REBarCamp happening on October 6th in Bellevue

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:02:10 -0500

If you haven't already attended a REBarCamp, then you should consider it this coming October 6th at Bellevue's Medenbauer Center. It's a half day camp which makes it easier for busy agents to squeeze this into a schedule.

Here is a link to the site that gives more detail on this great peer-to-peer networking/educational event:

http://rebarcamp.com/bellevue/

It's a great way to learn from your colleagues and to help increase the overall professionalism and knowledge of our industry and the tools we use to do our jobs each day.

Sponsors for the event are still being welcomed too and are low rates of $175 per sponsor.

Date: October 6, 2009

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

Location: Meydenbauer Center

Twitter Hashtag: #rebcbell

Please RSVP: By clicking here.

Open house at gorgeous townhome listing in Issaquah, Sun 9/20 from 1-4pm, only $339,500!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:45:49 -0500

$339,500.00 - Open House 9/20 1:00-4:00pm Excellent townhome condo resale in Issaquah with mountain views and plenty of style!

Location: Issaquah, WA

The Heights townhome condominium development built in 2000 is just up the hill from shopping areas and downtown Issaquah, and only a couple of minutes from a Park & Ride that has express service to downtown Seattle. Tandem garage with space for 2 vehicles and plenty of storage. Interior of unit is in immaculate condition with a wonderfully open layout in the main living areas and a spacious master upstairs. Additional bedrooms have plenty of privacy backing up to a greenbelt. Outdoor living areas on south side (deck) and north (private patio) of home allows for plenty of options in entertaining and relaxing. Upstairs laundry is convenient to all bedrooms. Pantry and half bath off of kitchen area.

Contact Information

Reba Haas

425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $339,500.00

Additional Pricing Information: 1% credit at closing if using Eric Aasness from Bank of America. Call him at 206-915-ERIC to get pre-approved.

Property Location

23300 SE Black Nugget Rd #G2

Issaquah, WA 98029

View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

Features

Bedrooms: 3	Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: 2	Year Built: 2000
Subdivision: Trillium Heights	Attached on: 2 Sides
School District: Issaquah	Square Footage: 1430
Agent Name: Reba Haas	Broker: RE/MAX Metro Realty
MLS #: 29126598

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Vaulted Ceilings

Master suite

pantry

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2809210

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Hiring for a part-time real estate assistant position in Renton area

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:18:40 -0500

Despite what some news reports say about the industry, it's quite busy in our real estate team and we're looking to fill our assistant position. We'd been looking for someone licensed but haven't been able to make that happen with just a commissionable position, so we're opening this up a bit and looking for a part-time paid hourly position with the potential for commission bonuses if a person is, or gets, licensed. Licensing will be required at some point in the near future.

Let me know if you or someone you know might be up for a position with us. We have a home office and there is a separate office space for the assistant. Right now we need someone who can commit to around 20 hours per week, and it may be possible to add more later depending on volume of business closings. We have several pets in our home and are open to allowing a pet to accompany an assistant to work if they can get along with ours.

Skillsets needed: creative writing (flyers), good communication skills (phone, email, verbal), Windows Office products including Publisher and PowerPoint, familiarity with CRM tools (can train on specific ones we have), good time management, ability to follow plans but also be flexible with client/team requirements as they unfold. Must be comfortable with continually learning new skills and be able to work with a variety of social media tools, plus have the ability to multi-task several projects at a time. Must have a strong interest in continually improving and providing client satisfaction, along with a strong work ethic.

Some of the job will entail driving to check on listings so a reliable vehicle is imperative. Mileage will be reimbursed.

Personality types that should not apply: Introverts or megalomaniacs. This is a very client and team focused position and therefore requires a lot of face or phone time and getting along with other people. For anyone that knows me, you know that we are very much in front of our clients and we need someone who can assist with continuing good communications throughout a client's contact with us.

Anyone who is interested may contact me using the details below or by emailing a resume (preferred) along with a cover letter/email stating why you are interested in the position and what skills you have to offer a growing team like ours. If you have a friend who you think would be a good fit, please feel free to forward this email.

This position is perfect for anyone who wants a somewhat flexible schedule during the work week. We can be flexible to a degree on the start and end times each day but do prefer to either have 4-5 days a week coverage. Pay is DOE.

Thanks!

Cheers,

Rebecca "Reba" Haas

CDPE, ABR, AHS, SRES

Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Realty

425-970-3697 office

206-910-3429 cell/text

425-970-3631 fax

http://www.TeamReba.com/blog- for articles on real estate and related topics

http://www.TeamReba.com - for our company website with info, our listings, and property searches

http://www.twitter.com/teamreba - for mobile updates

Beautiful Issaquah townhome condo; 3bd/2.5ba, open layout all at $349,500 (dues $274 mo)

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:02:18 -0500

$349,500 - Excellent townhome condo resale in Issaquah with mountain views and plenty of style!

Location: Issaquah, WA

Contact Information

Reba Haas

425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $349,500

Additional Pricing Information: 1% credit at closing if using Eric Aasness from Bank of America. Call him at 206-915-ERIC to get pre-approved.

Property Location

23300 SE Black Nugget Rd #G2

Issaquah, WA 98029

View Map

Links

Virtual Tour

Features

Bedrooms: 3	Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: 2	Year Built: 2000
Subdivision: Trillium Heights	Attached on: 2 Sides
School District: Issaquah	Square Footage: 1430
Agent Name: Reba Haas	Broker: RE/MAX Metro Realty
MLS #: 29126598

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Vaulted Ceilings

Master suite

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2809210

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

Open House Sunday 8/23 1-4pm at Lynnwood townhome, $189950 for 2bd/2.5ba!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:56:57 -0500

$189,950.00 - Fantastic price on a 2 bed/2.5 bath updated townhome in Lynnwood!

Location: Lynnwood, WA

Contact Information

Reba Haas

info@teamreba.com

425-970-3697

Pricing

Price: $189,950.00

Additional Pricing Information: short sale

Property Location

3315 133rd St SW #104

Lynnwood, WA 98087

View Map

Links

Team Reba Blog

Team Reba Site

Features

Bedrooms: 2	Bathrooms: 2.5
Parking Spaces: 2	Year Built: 1994
Subdivision: Ashley Court	Garage Size: 1
Square Footage: 937	Agent Name: Reba Haas
Broker: REMAX Metro Realty	MLS #: 29095317
Uncovered parking: 1	HOA Dues: 168.00
Dues cover: water, sewer, garbage

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Bath off master bedroom

Wood laminate floors

Wall-to-Wall carpet

Vinyl flooring

Tile flooring

Gas fireplace

Exterior Amenities

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Private

Territorial view

deck(s)

Equal Housing Opportunity

VFLYER ID: 2217902

Photo Gallery

All information in this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and is subject to change

FHA/VA loan requirements for homes served by septic may leave sellers feeling crappy...

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:07:48 -0500

"Agents:
If you have a listing where the property is hooked up to septic, but sewer is now available then the following rule applies for FHA/Va financing: The connection must be made to a public water/sewer system or a community water/sewer system, if connection costs to the public or community system are reasonable. Reasonable is defined by 3% or less of the estimated value of the property. If the connection costs exceed 3%, then the existing on-site systems will be acceptable provided they are functioning properly and meet the requirements of the local health department.

On Coventional loans, there is no requirement to hook up to the community sewer system."

Thanks to a contact of ours at Golf Savings Bank for sending out this notice.

We received this message regarding properties on septic being REQUIRED to connect to local sewer systems, if a system is available. There are certain areas of King, Snohomish, and Pierce County where this may affect your sale. I can think offhand of areas in or near Kirkland's Rose Hill, Bridle Trails, and Juanita neighborhoods that would likely fit this description and requirement - see notes below for more info.

So, why is this requirement a big deal? A few reasons...

1. Hooking up to sewer usually means higher fees for the homeowner because there is a connection fee.

2. Besides the initial fee, King County has a 15 year assessment worth a few thousand bucks for any new home connecting to the Metro sewer system. It would need to be researched to confirm if the 15 year fee applies, but I'm guessing it would be. I'll check with Michelle Britt the gal that works at King County in this department and report back later with a confirmation.

3. Sewage fees typically run much higher in cost than septic, plus they are ongoing monthly utility fees while septic has most of its costs associated with occasional inspections, pumping, and repairs. If you're not a heavy water user, and especially if you have a gravity system rather than a pump system in your septic design then it's pretty low cost overall.

Other considerations...

1. If you're a seller who is house rich and cash poor - this could mean anyone in financial hardship, going through a costly divorce, or elderly on fixed incomes, you may not have the money to make the connection.

2. That may mean that a buyer has to take on this risk in a transaction which may be unlikely unless they feel they're getting a "deal" on the home itself (ie, lower sale price).

3. If you need to try and sell quickly because of a job change (or loss), or you didn't know about this in advance of trying to sell and move out of area, it could derail or complicate your plans because of the time needed to get it completed.

When you think about the fact that home sales aren't always done because of good circumstances, having this be a requirement when selling can make it a hardship on some. The fact that FHA is a strong percentage of the loans being financed today means it will also affect some sales negatively. Anyone with less than 20% down is currently getting directed toward FHA loans, and VA loans are picking up with more and more people going to, and coming back from, military action overseas.

Finally, when you think of 3% as property value - consider the housing prices we have here in the Seattle/Bellevue metro area. Just in those Kirkland neighborhoods alone these are the sales stats on 184 properties that met septic and sewer available notation in the NWMLS since January 2007 using the following parameters:

Property Type  Residential    City  Kirkland
Statuses  Active, Contingent, Pending BU Requested (2/21/2009 or after) , Pending Inspection (2/21/2009 or after) , Pending (2/21/2009 or after) , Sold (1/1/2007 or after)
Sewer  Sewer Available OR Septic

Quick Stats - Averages

Listing $

SqFt

Listing Pr/SqFt

CDOM

Sale $

Selling Pr/SqFt

If 3% is the "reasonable" test for requiring the change, then the cost be upwards of $20,000 based on the average sale price and a seller would be required to pay for it. Ouch!

If you are a seller who will be impacted by this lending requirement, then be sure to discuss it with your agent and do your homework in advance of going on market. FHA max JUMBO loan guidelines have $567,500 as their top loan value so if you're priced under $709,375 this could apply to you.

Golf Savings expands their 3% credit at closing for approved builder projects through end of September 2009!

Reba Haas (Team Reba of RE/MAX Metro Eastside www.TeamReba.com) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:20:50 -0500

I'm working on a couple of newer contracts for some clients who are buying new construction within the City of Seattle limits. Each of these properties/clients is reaping the benefit of a credit program that Golf Savings has been extending to several builder projects where their parent company, Sterling Savings Bank, was the originator of the construction loans.

If you're looking for a new construction home in Seattle, it would be worth finding out if this builder has access to this program. It had been running since March with little activity, but the summer months have ramped up sales since June so the program was only recently extended for sales closing with a deadline of September 30th. We've been able to include this credit along with some other builder concessions and it's making for some pretty sweet deals for our Team Reba clients. We've been working with Matt Johnson at Golf Savings so it might be worth contacting him to find out how many builders this program covers.

So, what are you waiting for!?!?