Info from my friends, Kimberly Terry and Cathy Pizzini of Evergreen Home Loans in Seattle.

 

I want to give all our Associates the heads up that Seattle based Evergreen Bank was shut by regulators this afternoon. This will be in the morning paper.

Evergreen Home Loans is not related to Evergreen Bank. Nor do we have any account or lines of credit with the bank.

Your customers are safe doing their loans with us. We have a message posted at the bottom of our website indicating we are not related to Evergreen Bank. You can refer customers to this if they have questions.

Unfortunately, I know a number of people who were employed at Evergreen Bank. It’s sad to see to see people and businesses in our community impacted by these challenging times.

Kimberly Terry & Cathy Pizzinilender for Renton homes

206-774-7595

I have worked with Cathy and Kimberly since 2002 and we have many satisfied clients together. They are still the tops when it comes to getting a home loan.

The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com My twitter handle @RentonHomeFinde Our facebook page is Gary McNinch on Facebook My Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRain Gary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA. Call us 206-696-2329, email Gary@GaryMcNinch.com Serving Renton, Kent, Auburn, Newcastle, Skyway, Fairwood, Renton Highlands and Kennydale.

 

Please tweet us, text us, or send us a snail mail. We like to hear from our many satisfied clients.

 

 
There are only 100 days left for Renton home buyers to gain the Tax Incentive Stimulus. $8,000 IRS credit or $6500 IRS credit when you buy a home. Are you interested in earning a piece of the stimulus package pie? First-time Renton home buyers across the country are making the dream of homeownership a reality AND receiving an $8,000 tax credit.

Mortgage rates are near their lowest levels in history, affordability is at an all-time high and there is an excellent selection of homes available. If you’re in the market for you’re first home, it’s important to start looking NOW!These three factors make it an extraordinary time to buy – and I can tell you from experience it won’t stay this good forever.

Let’s get together soon to talk about the opportunities I’m seeing right now. In the meantime, I think you will find the $8,000 Closer to Home eBook a great resource. It's free and has great info.

Renton Realtor Gary McNinch Team looks forward to helping you on your path to homeownership.

The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com

My twitter handle @RentonHomeFinde

Our facebook page is Gary McNinch on Facebook

My Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRain

Gary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA. Call us 206-696-2329, email Gary@GaryMcNinch.com Serving Renton, Kent, Auburn, Newcastle, Skyway, Fairwood, Renton Highlands and Kennydale.

Please tweet us, text us, or send us a snail mail. We like to hear from our many satisfied clients.

Thanks!

 

Great post about the funny short sales we are "attempting" to get completed.  Wells and Wells First and Second.  This almost reminds me of "Who's on First".  Nice post Ken, thanks.

Via Ken Crotts (Windermere Real Estate):

Wells FargoWe are currently in the process of completing a short sale with one of the lending industries giants, Wells Fargo. This is a tale of the beauricratic morass that gives rise to the to the question, "Too big to fail or too big to succeed?".

Take a nice one story house in a well known neighborhood that is up side down on the mortgage. The seller can no longer afford to make the payments on the property through a series of events and you are left with a short sale. This one seems to be the perfect candidate for working out a short sale transaction as the first and second mortgage are both with Wells Fargo Bank, reputedly one of the better lenders to deal with. I take the listing and over a reasonable period of time we are able to secure and offer ont he property that represents fair market value. So far so good.

The offer is signed and presented to Wells Fargo along with a complete short sale application and the file eventually moves through the gate keepers and onto a negotiator for both the first and second mortgages. So far so good.

The loan is Freddie Mac backed to their rules state the Wells Fargo 1st can only allow the Wells Fargo 2nd  to get $3,000. This is Fredie Mac's rule. The Wells Fargo 1st offers to approve the deal if Wells Fargo 2nd will sign off. The negotiator for Wells Fargo 1st mortgage admits he is in communication Wells Fargo 2nd mortgage so we are thinking it will work out. Wrong! Wells Fargo 2nd mortgage wants more money. OK... If we come up with more money Wells Fargo 1st will insist on taking a note for 200% of what we come up with for the Wells Fargo 2nd. If we don't come up with the extra money Wells Fargo 2nd will not sign off. The seller is broke, Wells Fargo 2nd is demanding more cash... where's it coming from?

Welcome to short sales!!! Is it any wonder that Freddie Mac is losing billions? When Wells Fargo won't accept a deal proposed by Wells Fargo and then Wells Fargo insists more money in cash from unspecified sources? How much is Wells Fargo paying these people to chase their tales anyway? 

When Wells Fargo can't work out a deal with Wells Fargo who are we to think we can? The losers in this kindergarden match? Freddie Mac (your tax dollars and mine), the seller, the buyer, Wells Fargo, the reputaion of the banking industry and pretty much everyone else. Nice going Wells Fargo!

 

Ken CrottsCertified Short Sale Specialist

Broker, Certified Short Sale Specialist

www.KenCrotts.com

Ken@KenCrotts.com

425-432-8600

 

 

1995 Post: Why Web Won't Be Nirvana | Newsweek Technology | Newsweek.com

Here is a Newsweek Magazine article from 1995 discussing WHY THE INTERNET WON'T EVER BE A BIG DEAL.

Clifford Stoll: Why Web Won't Be Nirvana | Newsweek Technology | Newsweek.com



Compare this with my last post showing web 2.0 and where social media is going from here. How we even think of doing business. How would ActiveRain ever exist?Wow did this guy miss the boat. How would we ever sell houses on a worldwide scale?

The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com

My twitter handle @RentonHomeFinde

Our facebook page is Gary McNinch on Facebook

My Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRain


Gary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA. Call us 206-696-2329, email Gary@GaryMcNinch.com Serving Renton, Kent, Auburn, Newcastle, Skyway, Fairwood, Renton Highlands and Kennydale.

Please tweet us, text us, or send us a snail mail.

 

Buying a Renton Home and how to decide what you want from what you need. Great info from my friend and Canadian Realtor Liz Moras.  I do this with every buyer client, so get ahead of the game and do it too.  It may be enlightening.

Via Liz Moras ~Chilliwack Realtor, Chilliwack,Hope,Langley,Abbotsford (Harrison Hot Springs, Cultus Lake):

Buying A Home: Your Needs And Wants and The Ben Franklin Close.

O.k. so you've Decided to it's time to Buy a Home.  Now what?  How do you prioritize?  You know you probably can't have it all - but you Want to!  It can be confusing and frustrating trying to separate your Needs from Your Wants.  Especially when you Need your Wants!

It's important however to distinguish between the two.  Reality dictates that the chances are you won't be able to have "Everything you Want".......but the hope is that we can get you everything you NEED and then some!  But what's the Sum of the Some?

Ever heard of the Ben Franklin Close?  Well this is a variation of it.  Take a piece of paper and divide it into two columns.  On the one side write down - "Must Haves"  - or  "Non-negotiables" and on the Other Side write down "Wants but Not Essential".

Identify features you need and want.  Is the location a non-negotiable?  What about the square footage or bedrooms?  Do you have to have a Garage or a Workshop?  Or do you need to Have one level living?

Now lets flavor it up with the 'Wants'.....What would spice it up for you? What are the things you would like  have if thy were available and you could afford them?  Large lot - workshop? Or Fancy Ensuite or jacuzzi? View?

Remember, the time you take to think about these things now will prove invaluable.   Also remember that if you're purchasing with a Partner - you should both have your own lists - AND - then come together and jointly decide what your priorities are!

Later when you're trying to decide which home to purchase - and if there is more then one that you're considering - you can use the orginal version of the Ben Franklin close.  This time you'll divide the page into two - and do Pro's and Con's.........it's effective this way too.  And not so that a 'salesperson' can close you!  But so you can identify the house for you! :-)

Oh and a Reminder - make sure that you've taken the time to have yourself pre-qualified - you want to know exactly how much you can afford and what it is that you choose to spend.  Otherwise it doesn't really matter what your List says - if you find out later you can't afford it!  

Take your lifestyle into account and the things that could enhance or detract from your daily enjoyment. Then add these preferences to your needs or wants shopping list.

It goes without saying that a Professional Realtor will help you through this process.  If you're serious about buying your dream home call me! It's my business to help you make your home ownership dreams come true! 

                                       

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos taken by Liz Moras and copywritten.  Please do not use without permission.   Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.   

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FED Reserve Final Meeting of 2009 and Renton Mortgage Rates

The Federal Reserve's Relationship To Mortgage Rates and how it relates when you buy a Renton home.

Interest rate spread between the 30-year fixed rate mortgage and Fed Funds Rate (2000-2009)The Federal Open Market Committee meets today for the last time in 2009. It's a 2-day meeting and the Fed is expected to leave the Fed Funds Rate near 0.000 percent.


But that doesn't mean mortgage rates won't change. This is a simple (I hope) explanation of how this system works.


See, a major misperception among the public is that the Federal Reserve sets mortgage rates. That's false. Mortgage rates are based on the price of mortgage-backed bonds.



As an example, since 2000, the Fed Funds Rate and the 30-year fixed rate mortgage have been within 1 percent of each other at times, and as far apart as 5 percent at others.


If there was a direct relationship between the two, such a spread would be impossible.


The Federal Reserve doesn't set mortgage rates. Wall Street does. However, whenever the Fed adjourns from its meetings, mortgage rates are susceptible to change.


For home buyers and rate shoppers, this week's Fed meeting takes on added significance.


Over the last half-year, the Fed has used its post-meeting press releases to acknowledge an improving economy in which growth is tempered by job loss and tepid spending. In November, though, net job gains nearly went positive and Retail Sales data proved strong.


If the Fed gets more positive in its message tomorrow, mortgage rates will suffer. This is because Wall Street will use the Fed's position on the economy as a reason to buy stocks. Some of the cash to fuel those buys will come from the mortgage bond market.



As extra bond supply hits Wall Street, mortgage rates go up.


Similarly, if the Fed's message goes negative on the economy, investors are expected to sell their stock positions in favor of buying bonds. This makes rates go down.


So, the Federal Reserve doesn't make mortgage rates, but it does exert an influence on them. In other words, rate shoppers would be wise to watch for the FOMC's 2:15 PM adjournment. Even though the Fed Funds Rate is expected to remain unchanged, mortgage rates certainly are not.

The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com

My twitter handle @RentonHomeFinde

Our facebook page is Gary McNinch on Facebook

My Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRain


Gary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA. Call us 206-696-2329, email Gary@GaryMcNinch.com Serving Renton, Kent, Auburn, Newcastle, Skyway, Fairwood, Renton Highlands and Kennydale.

Please tweet us, text us, or send us a snail mail. We like to hear from our many satisfied clients.

 

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Takes Off and the Era of "Green" Flight Begins

Today, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew for the first time. Test flight was smooth, pilots reported it flew smooth and responded easily. Congratulations to all my friends and clients who helped design and build this great new aircraft.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Pictures, Images and Photos



In this day of environmentally friendly movement or "Green" everything, this aircraft is top of the list. Due to the composite structure it weighs much less than any other commercial airplane. In fact it should get 20% better fuel mileage. Fuel mileage is huge to airlines, because of the major cost of fuel. So besides being more enviromentally than other aircraft, it will save the airlines huge dollars per flight. Now, I don't want to be cynical, but it is the $$$$$$$$$$$$ cost savings that will drive the sales of this aircraft. There are 870 presales and will be more soon.

Boeing has been and remains to be a major economic force in Renton and the Puget Sound region around Seattle. The 787 Dreamliner is not only good for the environment and the local economy but it will mean steady employment and great quality of life (including wonderful family homes) for the people who build and support this aircraft. And quality of life is the most important feature of this new aircraft.

Congrats Boeing Aircraft and every person with a mouse click, hand or tool that build this state of the art aircraft and who stand proud today! Lots of my friends are smiling hugely today.The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com

My twitter handle @RentonHomeFinde

Our facebook page is Gary McNinch on Facebook

My Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRain


Gary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA. Call us 206-696-2329, email Gary@GaryMcNinch.com Serving Renton, Kent, Auburn, Newcastle, Skyway, Fairwood, Renton Highlands and Kennydale.

Please tweet us, text us, or send us a snail mail

 

Latest info on Newcastle homes.  

Via René Fabre Internet Marketing (Ticor Title Company):
 
Residential Transaction Study 10/28/2009
Newcastle, WA 98056 & 59... non-waterfront homes
 
monthly market Most recent transaction: 10/20/2009 Market (homes): 3002
month year sales mrkt% $/sqft avg price median
Oct 2009 9 0.3% $205 $652,611 $550,000
Sep 2009 14 0.5% $202 $793,696 $645,000
Aug 2009 8 0.3% $204 $531,949 $460,796
Jul 2009 13 0.4% $212 $677,663 $630,250
Jun 2009 18 0.6% $198 $718,068 $618,750
May 2009 13 0.4% $202 $628,628 $500,000
 
property characteristics
1 story 1007 w/ bsmt 1,024 platted 2,919
1.5 story 47 avg bsmt sqft 1,158 avg lot sqft1 13,084
2 story 1917 w/ garage 2,588 unplatted 83
3+ story 9 avg garage sqft 594 avg lot sqft2 72,823
avg % imprvd 62% avg year built 1986 avg bldg sqft 2,819
avg # beds 4 avg # baths 3    
  1avg lot sqft of all platted properties 2avg lot sqft of all unplatted properties
 
 
Ticor Title ITMr2 The data used in this report is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Ticor Title cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.
© 2004-2009 Ticor Title Renton WA 98057
 

Life well lived.

Via Liz Moras ~ Realtor, Landmark Realty Chilliwack (Hope, Abbotsford, Langley & the Fraser Valley):

I was watching the morning show the other day ~ and there was a segment on Susie Mann  jumping out of an airplane and feeling the thrill of skydiving for the first time. What makes her experience different from other inspirational stories is that Mann, 79, was diagnosed with terminal intestinal cancer last spring.

What's Susie doing with her diagnosis? She's taking the opportunity to live her life to the fullest!  It made me think of that Tim McGraw song - Live Like You Were Dying...

The skydiving adventure is just one of a series of adventures to be checked off of this grandmother's "Bucket list." Check out HER  blog.

The first adventure she completed from the list was hang gliding in Middletown, New York, in early August. Swimming with dolphins and riding a donkey through the Grand Canyon are next on the agenda...

Mann says she looks at her diagnosis as an opportunity. "I don't think I've ever been scared of the unknown. I think I take it as a challenge," she said.

"Dying is just another page of life, just a different journey in a different place," she added.

Recently I was at Active Rain's  Gary Mcninch's wife Jesse Joy's Celebration of Life...and such a beautiful Celebration it was! It was an inspiration to hear Jesse's story and how she lived both her life and through her diagnosis......So much faith, spirit and courage ....It was a privilege to be privy to and pariticipate hearing of the Love Story - that was Gary & Jesse's....and of a Love that Never Ends.

                                        Jessie-Joy McNinch enjoying her grandkids

These past 2 years I've been to many Celebrations, Funerals & Memorials.....and they've done much to have me pause and think about this life that I am living.

To be  afraid and not let it stop us...in light of circumstances beyond our control - to not let it stop us from experiencing life to its fullest.  Being brave is not so much about not feeling fear but being comfortable facing it because you have Faith...and Joy.

 

 

If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.     

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos by Liz Moras(except the one of Claire). All information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive.  It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd..   

                               

 

 

 

 

Renton Wa Housing market statistics   98058 houses

The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com  

My twitter handle  @RentonHomeFinde

Our facebook page is Gary McNinch on Facebook

My Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRain


Gary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA.   Call us 206-696-2329,   email   Gary@GaryMcNinch.com    Serving Renton, Kent, Auburn, Newcastle, Skyway, Fairwood, Renton Highlands and Kennydale.

Please tweet us, text us, or send us a snail mail.  We like to hear from our many satisfied clients.


 

Via René Fabre Internet Marketing (Ticor Title Company):
 
Residential Transaction Study 10/18/2009
Renton, WA 98058 (non-waterfront) homes...
 
monthly market Most recent transaction: 10/8/2009 Market (homes): 10989
month year sales mrkt% $/sqft avg price median
Oct 2009 9 0.1% $145 $352,712 $342,000
Sep 2009 37 0.3% $145 $313,596 $279,000
Aug 2009 25 0.2% $140 $311,140 $300,000
Jul 2009 39 0.4% $189 $407,993 $315,000
Jun 2009 32 0.3% $151 $331,008 $328,975
May 2009 30 0.3% $153 $359,533 $330,000
 
property characteristics
1 story 6992 w/ bsmt 3,842 platted 10,052
1.5 story 386 avg bsmt sqft 1,061 avg lot sqft1 11,373
2 story 3589 w/ garage 8,052 unplatted 937
3+ story 2 avg garage sqft 456 avg lot sqft2 97,074
avg % imprvd 60% avg year built 1977 avg bldg sqft 2,148
avg # beds 3 avg # baths 2    
  1avg lot sqft of all platted properties 2avg lot sqft of all unplatted properties
 
 
Ticor Title ITMr2 The data used in this report is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
© 2009 Ticor Title, Renton WA 98057
 
 
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Gary McNinch Realtor Renton WA Real Estate

Renton, WA

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