Snohomish County Built Green & Real Estate Blog

Senate passes & extends the home buyers credits!

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:45:08 -0600

Highlights:

• $8,000 for first-timers signing contracts through April 30, 2010 and closing by June 30, 2010.

• $6,500 for repeat buyers who have "lived in their current residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight

Individual tax filers making no more than $125,000 and joint filers making no more than $225,000 could take the full credit, a significant increase of the income cap. The credit would decrease in value for people making more than those amounts.

• If the home you're buying is priced over $800,000 sorry, you won't qualify!

If you're a first-timer hoping to take advantage of the higher income limits, keep in mind that the same timeline applies.

Feds reverse rule to assist first-time home buyers - Tax credit ineligible for down payment

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:18:59 -0500

Federal officials on Monday May 18, 2009 reversed an earlier decision to allow first-time home buyers to use an $8,000 tax credit to borrow the down payment on a home.

A week earlier, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan had told the National Association of Home Builders that HUD would let banks and local governments offer short-term "bridge loans" to cover the down payment for first-time buyers eligible for the tax credit. The loans would have been available to applicants for federally insured mortgages such as Federal Housing Administration loans.Lenders, home builders and real- estate agents had reacted favorably to the bridge-loan proposal, saying it would open up the housing market to more first-time buyers. The loans also could have created income-tax issues, according to the IRS officials who shot down HUD's plan.

If you do buy a home this year by Nov, 30 2009 you will be eligible up to $8,000.00 tax credit. Please go to the following link to see all the eligibility requirements.

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206293,00.html

Washington State Turns Tax Credit into a down payment for first time home buyers!

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:11:11 -0500

First time home buyers don't miss out on your tax credit up to $8,000.00

The Washington State legislature has passed a "Tax Credit Advance Loan Program". This program which is intended to help first time home buyers in the State of Washington will be the first of its kind in the nation! The program will give short term loans up to $8,000.00 for first-time home buyers that qualify. The money can then be used to fund first-time home buyers at the close of a home sale for a down payment or closing costs.

These down payment loans would help open the door to home ownership for many hardworking families that want to own their own home. With historically low interest rates and the lower home prices now available, families in Washington that have found it difficult afford a home may now be qualified!

Buyers will pay back their loan when they receive their federal income tax refund. The Tax Credit Advance Loan Program will help up to 9000 first-time homebuyers. The availability of the short term loans will expire at the same time as the federal tax credit, on November 30, 2009.

Don't miss out on the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit the opportunity will only be available for a limited time.

Call (425) 210-6513 for more information and how to qualify!

Susan Waiste Associate Broker, EcoBroker & REALTOR

John L. Scott, Mon

susanwa@johnlscott.com

www.homesitetours.com/1st-time-home-buyer-down-payment-help.html

Need a Home Value for today's Snohomish County housing market

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:17:09 -0500

Want to find out what your home value is in today's market, but don't want to pay for a full appraisal?

Call your real estate agent and ask for a free home value report. You can't use it as an actual appraisal, but it should give a good indication of what your home value is currently. Most real estate agents will do this for free if they have worked with you previously.

If you need the most accurate up to date report you need to contact a reputable Real Estate Appraiser. Most Appraisals cost upwards of $400.00 + but are worth every penny if you really need to accurately pricing on what a bank/lender would appraise your home for refinancing purposes or for a home that is going through a short sale.

Wikipedia definition: Short sale (real estate) - the lender allows a property to be sold for less than the amount owed on a mortgage and takes a loss.

If you need an excellent Real Estate Appraiser contact:

Jack Wall (360) 794-7119 or 888-867-5719 Country Town Appraisal (State Certified) Servering: King, Snohomish, Skagit Counties for 31 Years.

FYI: Jack just informed me that if you have a home with a Snohomish address, the market has actually gone up 7.6% over the last three months.

Call me if you would like a Free Home Market Value on your Snohomish County Home. 425-210-6513

Snohomish County Short Sales and Home Foreclosure Real Estate Attorney Help

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:20:30 -0500

Snohomish County Short Sales and Home Foreclosure Information
Are you one of the many home owners who find themselves worried about losing your home?
Are you worried that what you paid for your home a few short years ago is now lower than what your mortgage is if you needed to sell?
Has your job come into jeopardy of up coming layoffs?
Are you already behind or struggling to make your mortgage payment?

Snohomish County residents are worried about how the down turn in the real estate market is affecting them on a personal level. There are so many scenarios playing out as the market affects each individual differently. Information that the media sends out is confusing even for professionals.

So, what is a confused homeowner to do? If you are already falling behind on your mortgage, contact your lender and a good Real Estate Attorney immediately. I am including an Attorney in Everett that specializes in Real Estate transaction and Home foreclosures and short sales.

Jamie Jensen, Attorney (425) 258-2688

Jelsing, Tri, West and Andrus

2926 Colby Avenue Everett WA, 98207

Tell Jamie that Susan Waiste from John L. Scott referred you and he will give you a free phone consultation. Jamie specializes in Real Estate Law and is an authority with an excellent reputation.

I hope you find this information valuable. Please call if you need any other information or would like to find the current market value on your Snohomish County home.

Having to sell your home short? Check out Short Sale Tips

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 08:52:08 -0500

Short Sale Tips

(Requirements may vary depending on the lender)

•· Cover Letter - prepared by Real Estate Professional

•· Authorization to Release Information - signed by Borrower

•· Seller's Hardship Letter - prepared by Seller

•· Seller's Financial Statement - Form 1126 Borrower's Financial Information http://www.freddiemac.com/sell/forms/pdf/1126.pdf

•· 2 Years W2 Forms - provided by Seller

•· 2 Month's Pay Stubs - provided by Seller

•· 2 Month's Bank Statements - provided by Seller

•· Supporting Hardship Information - provided by Seller
(HOA liens, medical/disability statements, prior income proof, prior tax returns, etc.)

•· Repair Estimate for the property if needed - prepared by Real Estate Professional

•· Comparable Sales - prepared by Real Estate Professional

•· Listing or Purchase Contract - provided by Real Estate Professional

•· Net Sheet - prepared by Escrow Closer with Pre-title & Escrow setup.

•· Payoff amounts from additional mortgages - provided by Seller

•· Preliminary Title Report - obtained from Title within 24 hours. (please specify short sale)

•· Lender Specific Forms - contact Lender for additional forms they require.

Mortgage interest rates to as low as 4.5%! Can it be true?

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 10:42:14 -0600

The Treasury Department is considering a plan to purchase mortgage-backed securities in the hopes of driving mortgage rates to as low as 4.5%. Interest rates at 4.5% would help homeowners and buyers with good credit, but would do little for troubled borrowers.

To read the entire story:

http://money.cnn.com/2008/12/03/news/economy/treasury_mortgage_rates/index.htm?postversion=2008120319

Monroe, WA 98272 market statistical report on real estate market

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:12:22 -0600

What’s going on in our local Real Estate Market?

You have been watching the homes for sale go up, down and up again by a new listing agent. You may know of a home in your neighborhood that has recently gone through foreclosure. Now, you’re concerned for what this will mean for your home value. To sell your home you must Make sure your home is compelling:

STAGING, CURB APPEAL, IMMACULATE, FIX, CLEAN & PRICE 10% BELOW COMPETITION.

Market Analysis Criteria

Property Type Residential School District Monroe
Statuses Active, Contingent, Pending BU Requested (5/28/2008 or after) , Pending Feasibility (5/28/2008 or after) , Pending Inspection (5/28/2008 or after) , Pending (5/28/2008 or after) , Sold (5/28/2008 or after) Price 450,000 or less Bedrooms 3.00 or more Bathrooms 2.00 or more Structure 1100 or + Lot Size .1 ac or excluded 20-Manuf-Single Wide AND 21-Manuf-Double Wide AND 22-Manuf-Triple Wide AND 24-Houseboat AND 32-Townhouse

· Currently in the last 6 months in Monroe School District, there have been 64 SOLD Homes beaks down to 10.6 closings per month.

· Average Days on Market for SOLD homes:

o 15 homes sold in less than 30 days

o 17 homes sold in 31-60 days

o 11 homes sold in 61-90 days

o 8 homes sold in 91-120 days

o 13 homes sold in 120 days or more

· Average Price per square foot is selling at $184.00

· The average selling price of a medium priced home is: $331,213

· 112 Active listings Priced between 0 – $450,000

· 64 Homes have sold in the last 6 months, Priced between 0 – $450,000

· 16 Homes are currently Pending Sales

Quick Stats - Averages

Average List Price /Sell Price	Listing $	Sq Ft	Listing Price/Sq Ft	CDOM	Sale $	Selling Price/Sq Ft
Residential (192)	$343,412	2019	$177	153	$331,213	$184

Active: 112

Pending: 16

Sold: 64

Other: 0

Total: 192

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days On Market
Minimum	3	1.00	1,104	$224,950	$237,200	0
Average	3	2.00	2,019	$343,412	$331,213	94
Median	3	2.50	1,862	$335,000	$316,200	74
Maximum	6	0.00	4,028	$450,000	$449,950	328

Average Days on Market Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:

	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	15	17	11	8	13
Breakdown %	23.44	26.56	17.19	12.50	20.31
Avg SP % LP	100.28	98.45	98.61	97.43	99.01

Monroe, WA 98272 $249,900 This home is Zero Down Qualified! Gov loan program

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:55:40 -0600

Iimmaculate rambler with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths attached garage with driveway parking. Oak kitchen cabinets with breakfast bar counter, also a great pantry. Informal dining room with slider access to fully fenced backyard. Enjoy your own BBQ's and privacy.

Your own gas fireplace makes this well lit living room warm and cozy! The great master Suite has its own full bath off of it. There are two other bedrooms that share the second full bath. Don't for get to check out laundry room, also, the studio office has its own exterior access and was the original owners hair salon. (was professional built) **Bonus across the street is a Community Park & walking trails. Close to 522 & Hwy 2 with easy commute to eastside or Everett!

Price $249,900

Bedrm: 3

Bath: 2

1260 sf, w/ office and attached garage

MLS# 28183278

TO View More Photos go to: http://www.johnlscott.com/61127

Schedule a home viewing: Contact: Susan Waiste John L. Scott, Mon 425.210.6513

http://www.homesitetours.com/15530-esther-ave-monroe-WA-98272.htm

Snohomish County Green Facts: Who build the first Green Building?

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:24:54 -0500

Green Home Fact

When was the first green building built?

Anasazi Indians who lived in the Four Corners region of the USA, built apartment style housing villages. Their buildings included multi-room dwellings of stone masonry. Why were these considered green?

Anasazi oriented their dwellings to the light, were heated using passive solar heating and their buildings featuring natural ventilation for cooling.
Rainwater was captured for irrigation and personal use.
Natural stone, mud, and wood were the only materials used.
The buildings were completely non-toxic and healthy.
Anasazi village concept in how they built created close community interaction.

Snohomish, WA : Interest Rates Overnight Averages 3/19/08 verses LAST WEEK

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:10:46 -0500

Interest Rates Overnight Averages

TODAY

+/-

LAST WEEK

30 yr fixed mtg	5.66%	6.08%
15 yr fixed mtg	5.04%	5.50%
5/1 ARM	5.80%	5.61%
30 yr fixed jumbo mtg	7.05%	7.10%
5/1 jumbo ARM	6.25%	6.14%

Interest Rates are down by a fraction over last weeks rates.

Snohomish County: Monroe, WA 98272 : Housing Market Active, Pending, Sold

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:07:22 -0500

PROPERTIES CRITERIA:

Property Type Residential School District Monroe
Statuses Active, Active - STI, Pending (9/20/2007 or after), Sold (1/1/2008 or after)
Price 1 to $300,000

Active: 34

Pending: 5

Sold: 11

Other: 0

Total: 50

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	1	0.75	640	$175,000	$215,000	2
Average	3	1.67	1,531	$269,934	$264,427	66
Median	3	1.75	1,230	$281,975	$272,000	40
Maximum	5	2.75	10,890	$299,999	$292,500	297


Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:

Days on Market	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	5	0	3	1	2
Breakdown %	45.45	0.00	27.27	9.09	18.18
Avg % SP/LP	97.08	0.00	99.74	100.00	98.43

PROPERTIES CRITERIA:

Property Type Residential School District Monroe
Statuses Active, Active - STI, Pending (9/20/2007 or after), Sold (1/1/2008 or after)
Price $300,001 to $400,000

Active: 81

Pending: 16

Sold: 17

Other: 0

Total: 114

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	2	1.00	1,080	$280,000	$304,000	1
Average	3	2.34	1,861	$350,078	$348,552	77
Median	3	2.50	1,847	$349,250	$344,900	54
Maximum	5	3.00	2,886	$400,000	$399,950	297


Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:

Days on Market	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	2	4	4	4	3
Breakdown %	11.76	23.53	23.53	23.53	17.65
Avg % SP/LP	100.66	99.37	99.38	99.79	99.71

PROPERTIES CRITERIA:

Property Type Residential School District Monroe
Statuses Active, Active - STI, Pending (9/20/2007 or after), Sold (1/1/2008 or after)
Price $400,001 to $500,000

Active: 51

Pending: 6

Sold: 2

Other: 0

Total: 59

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	2	1.00	1,400	$409,950	$450,000	1
Average	4	2.47	2,459	$452,638	$470,000	81
Median	3	2.50	2,324	$441,000	$470,000	55
Maximum	6	4.25	4,028	$509,950	$490,000	252


Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:

Days on Market	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	0	0	0	0	2
Breakdown %	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	100.00
Avg % SP/LP	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	96.92

PROPERTIES CRITERIA:

Property Type Residential School District Monroe
Statuses Active, Active - STI, Pending (9/20/2007 or after), Sold (1/1/2008 or after)
Price $500,001 to $600,000

Active: 56

Pending: 7

Sold: 7

Other: 0

Total: 70

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	3	1.00	1,002	$509,950	$502,000	0
Average	4	2.61	2,871	$554,705	$544,893	96
Median	4	2.50	2,940	$559,250	$550,000	57
Maximum	5	4.00	4,217	$600,000	$587,000	371


Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:

Days on Market	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	2	2	0	0	3
Breakdown %	28.57	28.57	0.00	0.00	42.86
Avg % SP/LP	98.85	97.52	0.00	0.00	97.39

PROPERTIES CRITERIA:

Property Type Residential School District Monroe
Statuses Active, Active - STI, Pending (9/20/2007 or after), Sold (1/1/2008 or after)
Price $600,001 to $1,000,000

Active: 60

Pending: 2

Sold: 13

Other: 0

Total: 75

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	1	1.50	1,472	$610,000	$620,000	0
Average	4	2.81	3,380	$746,372	$723,371	134
Median	4	2.50	3,289	$695,000	$701,540	106
Maximum	8	5.00	5,443	$1,000,000	$862,500	396


Average DOM Breakdown and Average % of List Price received on Solds by Market time:

Days on Market	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	5	0	2	2	4
Breakdown %	38.46	0.00	15.38	15.38	30.77
Avg % SP/LP	99.32	0.00	93.85	99.25	91.47

NEW UPDATE: Home Forclosures

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:37:25 -0500

Washington State Homestead Act House Bill 1805

This act relates to increasing the homestead exemption amount from $40,000 to $125,000.

This bill is very important, especially for low income or older persons, and people who have unforeseen medical problems that lead to medical bankruptcies. Because of the inadequate homestead exemption, these people will lose their homes in the bankruptcy. It is a requirement of the Washington State Constitution that we have a reasonable homestead. The purpose of the homestead is to protect families and children from losing the benefit of home ownership in hard times.

Click below for further information on how to protect your equity in your home.

Legal Link for more information on the Homestead Exemption

What to do if you can't pay your Mortgage payment

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:06:10 -0600

Can't pay your Mortgage payment? Don't Panic...Do the following:

Foreclosure is overwhelming, be careful of getting advise from friends, family or the Internet. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Call your lender first!

Call your lender: The sooner you contact your lender, the more options will be available to you. Ask for the loan mitigation department. Check your monthly statement for a toll free #
Call a reputable credit counseling agency: Call: 888-995-HOPE or google: zipcode/or your local county HUD-approved counseling agency or call toll-free 800-569-4287 or visit: www.hud.gov/
Read your Mortgage contract: find out what your loan modification options are. Depending on how quickly you call your lender, ask if any of the following loan modification options are available to you:
Forbearance: an agreement to temporarily let you pay less or nothing while you get back on your feet
Reinstatement: pay the total amount you're behind in a lump sum by a certain date;
Repayment plan: you'll be given a fixed amount of time to repay the amount you're behind by combining a portion of what's past due with your current payment
Loan modifications: a written agreement between you and the lender that permanently changes one or more of the original terms of your loan to make it more affordable, such as extending the loan term or lowering the interest rate.

If you can no longer afford to keep your house, your mortgage company may offer you one of the following options to temporarily stall the foreclosure process:

Loan assumption: If your mortgage isn't assumable, your lender may still allow someone else to take over the payments and bring the loan current. This may allow you to sell your home.
Short sale: This allows you to sell your house for less than the amount that is owed on the mortgage. Recent, but temporary, changes to the IRS tax code mean that the difference between what you owe and the amount you're selling for may no longer be taxable as income.
Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure: You may be able to transfer title to your property to the mortgage company in exchange for the complete cancellation of your mortgage debt. Your lender may require you to try to sell the house for 90 days before a deed-in-lieu will be considered.

Snohomish County : Built Green REsource update: Green counter top options

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:43:50 -0600

Wow, glass countertops offer a sleek, modern style! You can find various colors and different textures to give it some distinction. Glass countertops are sturdy, but you'll still want to be sure you avoid dropping large, heavy objects on top of it. Eco-Friendly: made from recycled glass

Concrete countertops may be a good alternative, if you have a counter in an unusual shape as it's often cast right in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it comes with a high price tag, so this is not the budget conscious. Make sure to have the concrete surface sealed with low-VOC sealers. Concrete is heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative. Be careful cracking is possible; it also can look somewhat industrial. Green: The aggregate mixed with cement and water should be recycled for concrete to count as green.

What is VOC?

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) - Low-VOC sealers: Any organic compound which evaporates readily to the atmosphere. VOC's contribute significantly to photochemical smog production and certain health problems. LOW IS BETTER!

Western Washington Home prices have increased slightly!

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:21:20 -0600

Western Washington homes that sold in January had their prices go up slightly from a year ago. Home inventory is still plentiful, but has reached its lowest level since April 2007. Pending home sales are still lagging compared to a year-ago. Listings are up around 35 % from January 2007. There has been a significant increase in open house traffic, higher volumes of inquiries from first-time buyers. Financing has become once again obtainable and inexpensive. Buyers, have the best opportunity right know for getting the house of their dreams for the best possible terms.

Monroe, WA : Townhouse 1260 sf, 3 bedrooms & 2.5 baths $239,950

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:09:16 -0600

Welcome home to this wonderful 2-story immaculate town home! 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths attached one- car garage with driveway parking. Oak kitchen cabinets with four person breakfast bar counter, also a great pantry. Informal dining room with slider access to partially fenced backyard. Enjoy your own BBQ's!

Your own gas fireplace makes this well lit living room warm and cozy! The great master Suite has its own full bath off of it and a enormous walk-in closet. There are two other bedrooms with mountain views and that share the second full bath. On the main floor there is a ½ bath powder and laundry room combined, access to one car garage. ** Bonus Cascade Mountains, Community Park & walking trails. Close to 522 and easy commute to eastside or Everett!

Price $239,950

Bedrm: 3

Bath: 2.5

1260 sf, 1 car garage

MLS# 28019134
http://www.johnlscott.com/46256

Schedule a home viewing: Contact: Susan Waiste John L. Scott, Mon 425.210.6513 http://www.homesitetours.com/

Snohomish, WA : Historical Neighborhoods in Snohomish County

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:55:46 -0600

Historical Neighborhoods: The following are some great resource if your looking for a historic neighborhood to live in, or travel through. Enjoy the majestic, homes on Everett's Grand & Rucker Avenue. If you like to Victorian, Tudor or Craftsman style homes, look no further than Snohomish WA. Stanwood's its own special historical recognized homes and buildings.

The "Neighborhood Conservation Guidelines and Historic Zoning Overlay Standards for Historic Neighborhoods" apply to the following areas:

• Rucker and Grand Avenues between 10th and 24th Streets

• Norton and Grand Avenues between Pacific Ave. and 35th Street Click here for: Everett Historic Preservation

City of Snohomish Historical Society
City of Stanwood Historical Society

Purpose of this King and Snohomish County Real Estate Blog

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:57:53 -0600

The purpose of this blog is to inform my clients and the local public on how our housing market is doing in north king and Snohomish Counties of Washington State. I will also include information on current stats on the housing market, marketing trends, and tips for home owners, sellers and buyers. I will give links to great information concerning the current real estate trend for built green homes.

Snohomish, WA :Interst Rates Overnight Averages 1/29/07 verses LAST WEEK

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:05:42 -0600

Interest Rates Overnight Averages

TODAY

+/-

LAST WEEK

30 yr fixed mtg	5.45%	5.42%
15 yr fixed mtg	4.94%	4.93%
5/1 ARM	5.05%	5.12%
30 yr fixed jumbo mtg	6.56%	6.46%
5/1 jumbo ARM	5.59%	5.62%

Interest Rates are up by a fraction over last weeks rates.

Snohomish, WA: Sellers must be patient in this market!

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:53:31 -0600

Sellers must be patient in this market!

Our market has changed, it is taking longer to sell a home today verses six months ago.

Pricing your home correctly is a must!
Get a professional opinion from a realtor, or pay for an appraisal. Remember: you can't price your home on what others have their homes listed for; you must go by recent sales of comparable properties.
Get a pre-listing inspection, so that you can repair before listing. This can save you thousand of dollars when a buyer gets their inspection.
Making sure your home is in superb show condition.
Clean and remove all nick-knacks and personal photographs.
Paint rooms that have too much color, keep things a bit more neutral. Color on wall is better than on all four.
Have your carpets cleaned professionally.
Wash your windows inside and out.
Fix, paint and upgrade where needed in bathrooms and kitchens.
Replacing outdated light fixtures, door knobs and sink fixtures & mirrors are inexpensive, yet will net you more for your home.
Clean out closets and cupboards, cabinets. People will look and clutter always makes any space look smaller.
Remember the exterior including yard, flowerbeds and driveway!
Sellers must be patient; the time on the market can be anything from 30 days up to over 90 days for more expensive homes.
Don't drop your price immediately, unless you were too high to begin with.

Be prepared, don't list too quickly. You will be dollars ahead by preparing your home first.

Washington State has a healthy economy, be patient; interest rates are trending downward, buyers are beginning to step back into the market. The buyers are looking for the best home for the best price in the neighborhood where they want to live. Don't forget to check out your competition!

Call for your Free Home Market Valuation: Susan Waiste 425.210.6513

Snohomish, WA :Home Sales Stats for Homes on the Market in Snohomish

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:42:05 -0600

Stats for Homes on the Market in Snohomish WA (12/01/07 - 01/28/08)

QUIK STATS	Listing $	Sq Ft	Listing Pr/Sq Ft	CDOM	Sale $	Selling Pr/Sq Ft
Residential (226 Listings)	$391,062	2110	$193	136	$376,953	$185

Active: 125

Pending: 16

Sold: 39

Other: 46

Total: 226

Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	3	2.00	924	$185,000	$230,000	0
Average	4	2.46	2,110	$391,062	$376,953	85
Median	3	2.50	2,028	$374,925	$357,500	73
Maximum	6	4.25	3,940	$595,000	$550,000	366

(DOM = Days on Market)

Average DOM Breakdown & Average % of List Price received on Sold(s) by Market time:

0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	4	10	11	5	9
Breakdown %	10.26	25.64	28.21	12.82	23.08
Avg % SP/LP	100.98	99.70	97.48	99.58	97.43

SP = Sold Price LP = List Price DOM = Days on Market

Search Criteria
Property Type Residential School District Monroe Statuses Date: 10/28/2007 – 01/28/2008, Active, Contingent, Active - STI, Expired, Pending, Sold Price $550,000 or less Bedrooms 3.00 or more Bathrooms 2.00 or more
Listings per Status

Minimum, Average & Maximum

Days On Market Analysis

Listing Price\Selling Price

Monroe, WA :Sales Stats for Homes on the Market in Monroe WA

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:01:32 -0600

Stats for Homes on the Market in Monroe WA (10/28/07 - 01/28/08)

QUIK STATS	Listing $	Sq Ft	Listing Pr/Sq Ft	CDOM	Sale $	Selling Pr/Sq Ft
Residential (226 Listings)	$391,062	2110	$193	136	$376,953	$185

Active: 125

Pending: 16

Sold: 39

Other: 46

Total: 226

	Bedrooms	Bathrooms	Square Feet	List Price	Selling Price	Days on Market
Minimum	3	2.00	924	$185,000	$230,000	0
Average	4	2.46	2,110	$391,062	$376,953	85
Median	3	2.50	2,028	$374,925	$357,500	73
Maximum	6	4.25	3,940	$595,000	$550,000	366

(DOM = Days on Market)

Average DOM Breakdown & Average % of List Price received on Sold(s) by Market time:

	0-30 Days	31-60 Days	61-90 Days	91-120 Days	120+ Days
No. of Listings	4	10	11	5	9
Breakdown %	10.26	25.64	28.21	12.82	23.08
Avg % SP/LP	100.98	99.70	97.48	99.58	97.43

SP = Sold Price LP = List Price DOM = Days on Market

Search Criteria
Property Type Residential School District Monroe Statuses Date: 10/28/2007 – 01/28/2008, Active, Contingent, Active - STI, Expired, Pending, Sold Price $550,000 or less Bedrooms 3.00 or more Bathrooms 2.00 or more
Listings per Status

Minimum, Average & Maximum

Days On Market Analysis

Listing Price\Selling Price

Monroe, WA :Lake Cochran Home 90 feet on lake frontage 2.61 acres $689,000

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:22:42 -0600

This beautiful waterfront home is 2,196 square feet and sits on 2.61 acres with 90 feet of Lake Frontage. On the main floor, there is huge master "suite" with full bath, sliding glass doors to deck with a gorgeous lake view. The second extra-large bedroom, also has sliding doors with deck access and lake-view. The 3/4 bath has a built in sauna. Click HERE for a Virtual Tour

Enjoy the high-end custom kitchen which includes; slab granite counters, eating bar, under mount sink, Wolf range and hood, Viking oven and a new Bosch dishwasher. There is a huge pantry and laundry area right off the kitchen. Laundry room has lots of cabinets for storage. There is a view of the lake from every room except the den and bathrooms. Home also equipped with high speed internet (Comcast).

Officially this home is a 2 bedroom home, but up the winding staircase there is a 10’x30’ bonus room which could easily be a third bedroom.

Outside there is a professionally installed golf putting green and three tee-offs. Other property amenities include: a greenhouse, dock, floating gazebo and an additional floating dock with electric motor (no gas motors allowed). There is a 700 square foot deck off the back of the house, half of which is covered. Hot tub included (covered) off the second bedroom. Enjoy the in-deck fountain just outside of the kitchen and dining. Two tax parcels for a total of 2.61 acres including 90 feet of waterfront.

Never be cold or hungry if the power goes out, with the built-in generator that stays! The generator runs; well pump, most of the kitchen, and several lights run with a flip of a switch. The home is heated by a high efficiency water based radiant heating system and high end high efficiency wall heaters. Need a workshop? Enjoy this truly huge two car garage with extra shop space.

Owner’s comments: “What I like best: A warm day floating out on the dock reading a book while Dan is fishing for trout (stocked yearly) and bass. A day spent working and relaxing in my beautiful garden. Golfers will love the putting green and tee offs”.

Bring your horses and put them on the 2.10 across the street, and build your own barn, ride your horses around the lake or on the nearby trails. Enjoy your own lakefront paradise.

Woodinville, WA :Beautiful Hollywood Hill Home Price: $574,900 MLS# 27143318

Susan Waiste : Associate Broker Snohomish Co. (John L. Scott, Mon) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:09:07 -0600

Beautiful Hollywood Hill Home in Woodinville! Priced: $574,900 2740 sq ft on .71 acre (next Hollywood Hill Ele)

http://www.swaiste.com/vt/rutzen.htm Click HERE for a Virtual Tour

Exceptionally remodeled daylight rambler, location across from Hollywood Hill Elementary, in the Award winning Northshore School District. Impress your guests newly remodeled gourmet kitchen, stainless appliances, granite tile counters, wood parquet flooring, throughout upstairs. Enjoy the wonderful brick fireplace in formal dining-room. Enormous entertainment sized deck off large formal living room. 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Extra room downstairs is being used as 4th bedroom, with full bath off it. Home has a finished walk-out basement, huge family room/ bonus room, large 3rd bath, 2nd kitchen/Mother-In-Law potential downstairs, enormous laundry with tons of storage cabinets.

This home is much, much larger than its initial appearance would suggest (2740 sq.ft.) on .71 acre lot. Don't street appraise, this home has been completely updated inside. Interior is lovely, updated and completely remodeled, outside has a quaint cottage appearance.

For more detailed information, directions and photos: http://www.johnlscott.com/29913

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For more information please call Susan Waiste at 425.210.6513. John L. Scott, Mon</strong>