Home Security for the Holidays...

In the Winter 2009 USAA Magazine edition, the following tips are offered to protect your home if you are planning on traveling during the holidays.

Your Home, Alone.

Don't let crooks steal your holiday cheer.

1. Ask a neighbor you trust to check on your home while away.
2. Stop newspaper and mail services. Or, ask neighbor to get.
3. Lock all windows & doors, including those in garage & basement.
4. Ask someone to shovel snow, if needed, while you are away.
5. Use timers on exterior & interior lights & radios to make your home appear occupied.
6. Put away tools & ladders.
7. Advise your security company of your plans.
8. Don't "tweet" that you are traveling.

*source: USAA Magazine

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter * Realtor * 253-222-6000 * www.treysellshouses.com * treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Best Housing Market in 2 1/2 years Sparks Stocks

Thomson Reuters article "Stocks rise as home sales feed optimism," reports U.S. stocks snapped a three day skid as stronger-than-expected data on home sales sparked optimism.

Read entire article 

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Additional Real Estate Information

Associated Press Reports Home Sales are Surging

 Mortgage Rate Update (11/23/2009) ATTENTION HOME BUYERS!

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Recovery

Associated Press reports home sales have surged to highest level in 2.5 years. "October home sales rose 10.1 percent, beating expectations, as tax credit spurred sales."

Read entire article at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34105403/ns/business-real_estate

Real Estate is local, be sure to consult with a Realtor® to understand your market.

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Bonus Article

 Mortgage Rate Update (11/23/2009) ATTENTION HOME BUYERS!

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Great Interest Rates of Tacoma Real Estate area Home Buyers

Check out the current Home Mortgage Rates:

• FHA 5/1 ARM 4% 4.453%A.P.R.
• FHA 30 YEAR FIXED 4.875% 5.365% A.P.R.
• CONVENTIONAL 30 YEAR FIXED 4.5% 4.640% A.P.R.  

*Interest rates are subject to change at any time with market conditions.  Subject to credit worthiness and program guidelines of eligibility.

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Home Buyer News - Tacoma / Pierce County WA Real Estate

Considering buying a home in the Tacoma - Pierce County WA area? Here are some news updates:

• Pierce County Down Payment Assistance - Pierce County has started to accept applications for the Down Payment Assistance Program for those who meet the requirements.
• VA Military Home Buyers - FTHB Tax Credit Extended for VA Home Buyers. Last week the House passed a bill extending the First Time $8k Home Buyer Tax Credit by one year to all service personnel deployed outside the U.S. for at least 90 days in 2009. The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate soon.
• $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - There are two bills in the House Ways & Means Committee. The first would extend the $8k First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit until June 1, 2010. The second is titled "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009." This bill would increase the maximum credit to $15,000 from $8,000 (still a maximum 10 of purchase price), and extend the existing Tax Credit up to the date the new credit takes affect.

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

First Time Home Buyers, Buy Now...

Are you thinking of buying your first home but aren't sure if it's right for you?

Consider these factors:

1. Inventory - There is an abundant supply of houses on the market to choose from.
2. Prices - Because there is a high supply of homes, prices are low. As supply & demand come back into balance, prices will eventually start to go up.
3. Low Mortgage Interest Rates - Rates are at near 40 year lows.
4. Tax Benefits - Home owners enjoy additional tax benefits.
5. $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Hurry, expires December 1, 2009.

source: Harborstone

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Interest Rates hit near 40 Year Lows - Tacoma Real Estate

Interest Rates have been a major factor in fueling the Real Estate market. Read through this brief report offered by Keller Williams International.

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According to Freddie Mac, 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage average fell further to 4.87 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending Oct. 8 from 4.94 percent last week. "Such low rates are spurring mortgage demand," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, in a statement.

"Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate loans were the lowest since mid-May; 15-year FRMs were at a record low since data were first collected in 1991 and 5-year ARMs also hit an all-time record starting in 2005. Compared to a year ago, consumers could shave almost $134 off their monthly mortgage payments on a 30-year fixed-rate loan for $200,000 by refinancing.

In addition to spurring mortgage demand, applications were up to a 19-week high over the week ending in Oct. 2, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association - applications to purchase a home were at the strongest pace since the beginning of 2009.

source: Keller Williams

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Market Update thru September... 

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE  At the end of September, the supply of homes for sale was reported down 1.8% from the previous month in 27 major metropolitan areas. We all know the factors. Home prices are very affordable, mortgage rates and very favorable and first-time homebuyers are taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set to expire at the end of November, now just seven weeks away.

Source: Inside Lending Newsletter from Peter and Dawn James 

For Information about the local Real Estate Market in and around Tacoma, contact Trey Affolter.

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

City of Tacoma Service Resources 

 source: www.cityoftacoma.org

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Homeowners: Time to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Early fall is the time to prepare your home for winter & the colder weather it brings. Following these 9 simple steps offered by Puget Sound Energy can help manage your home's energy costs & save in heating expenses.

1. Check doors & windows for leaks & drafts.Make sure doors seal properly, and add weather-stripping to keep heat from escaping.
2. Examine heating ducts for leaks. Repair or replace damaged ducts.
3. Add insulation to your attic, and weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent air from escaping.
4. Close the fireplace damper when it's not in use.
5. Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
6. Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season. The furnace will run more effectively and use less energy.
7. Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable.
8. Lower the thermostat at bedtime or while away during the day.
9. Make sure all heating vents are opened and not blocked by furniture or other items.

source: Puget Sound Energy

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional