buyer: A Tale Of Two Houses - Vancouver Washington Real Estate
- 01/23/10 09:58 AM
A Tale Of Two Houses - Vancouver Washington Real EstateThere are two homes that sit in a neighborhood that is probably like yours. The two homes are exactly the same. Same floor plan. Same appliances. Same cabinets and counter tops. They were built by the same builder within weeks of one another. The only difference between the two homes were the owners.The first owner was a nice enough guy. He was working with a real estate agent until he stumbled across a model home. He wandered in and decided to work a "deal" directly with the builder. He stopped returning … (4 comments)
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buyer: $8000 First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit - Vancouver WA Real Estate
- 01/01/10 04:13 AM
$8000 First Time Home Buyer's Tax CreditAs the new year arrives, it should be noted that time is running out to qualify for the $8000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.WHAT?! Isn't for the $8000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit good all the way into April 2010? Yes it is, but let me tell you what happened as we approached the first deadline for the $8000 First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.As we approached the deadline, several things began to happen which made it difficult for people to get a home that they love and to qualify for the tax … (1 comments)
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buyer: Why Do Some Homes Hold Their Value Better Than Others? 3 Simple Reasons
- 10/28/09 01:03 PM
Why Do Some Homes Hold Their Value Better Than Others? 3 Simple ReasonsA few days back I wrote a post about the Homes For Sale in Ashley Heights - Vancouver, WA, and I was surprised to get a few emails regarding home values and what causes some homes and some neighborhoods to maintain the value better than others. Although the reasons can be endless, here are 3 simple things that can affect a home's value:1. Consistent home prices in the area. Many owners mistakenly believe that a small and simple homes in a neighborhood full of mini-mansions will drive their … (3 comments)
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buyer: Homes For Sale in Clark County WA Under $200,000
- 10/24/09 06:21 AM
Homes For Sale in Clark County WA Under $200,000Can you believe that there are homes for sale in Clark County WA under $200,000? Just 2 short years ago it was impossible to find anything in Clark County that fit into that price range.I know what you might be thinking. You are wondering if these are homes for sale in Clark County WA under $200,000 or if they are condos, townhomes, houseboats, or trailers. Good question!Although they are all homes for sale in Clark County WA under $200,000 here is a breakdown of what I found on the MLS this morning.Total Homes … (4 comments)
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buyer: First Time Home Buyers - Everything You Need To Know About Buying Your Washington Home In 5 Short Videos!
- 10/23/09 10:31 AM
First Time Home Buyers - Everything You Need To Know About Buying Your Washington Home In 5 Short Videos!This is an awesome set of videos that will walk you through most of the questions that you might have about buying and owning your first home. They are each about 3 minutes long so you may want to bookmark this page and come back at your convenience. Of course, you should feel free to call us with any questions. Not sure if you should rent or buy? This short video will give you the information to make an informed decision.This video will explain … (0 comments)
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buyer: Buying Your First Home in Washington? 8 Links That You Can't Live Without!
- 10/23/09 04:44 AM
Buying Your First Home in Washington? 8 Links That You Can't Live Without!As you begin your journey into home ownership, you will want to know all of the facts about buying your first home. These links will provide you with all of the information that you will need.Free MLS Home Search: This free MLS Search Tool allows you to see the Homes For Sale in Vancouver Washington and Portland Oregon.Washington State Housing Finance Commission: Low interest loans, down payment assistance, and first-time homebuyer classes
HomeOwnership-WA.org: Another great non-profit resource web site
HomeSightWA.org: Help for low to moderate income families looking to … (0 comments)
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buyer: Renters- The time is now!
- 09/13/09 06:15 AM
Renters- The time is now!In the history of real estate, the time has never been better for renters to become home owners than it is right now. Why? These reasons quickly come to mind:1. Interest rates are some of the lowest in history. Buyers with good credit can still enjoy rates at less than 6%. When I bought my first home in 1989, I bought my rate down to 12 3/8%!2. Loans are easily attainable. YES, you heard me correctly and I said that loans are easily attainable. Despite what you have been seeing on the news, there are loans that … (0 comments)
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buyer: Video Testimonial - Ryan - First Time Home Buyer
- 09/07/09 11:36 AM
Here is a quick message from Ryan. He was referred to us from his girlfriend (and our past client) Erin. Ryan, like most first time home buyers, was very interested in buying his first home this year to qualify for the $8000 first time home buyer's tax credit. Of course, we found him the perfect home and helped him purchase it in time to qualify for his tax credit.
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate needs, you choose a team of realtors® who care about you and your family. Buying or selling a home is always more … (1 comments)
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buyer: Another Happy First Time Home Buyer - Video Testimonial
- 09/07/09 06:18 AM
Todd and Erin were referred to us from another one of our first time home buyers here in Vancouver Washington. Like many of the folks looking to buy their first home, Todd and Erin were very interested in getting their home in time to qualify for the first time home buyer's tax credit.It took about 3 weeks to find their perfect first home but we did it. The best part was they they are now living in their new home in plenty of time to qualify for ther tax credit.
When you choose us to handle your Vancouver Washington real estate … (1 comments)
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buyer: J.D. Power and Associates Rate Keller Williams #1 with Home Buyers For A Second Year!
- 08/28/09 08:40 AM
For the second year standing, JD Power and Associates has rated Keller Williams the #1 real estate company among buyers.Streetinsider.com reports "In the home-buyer segment, Keller Williams ranks highest for a second consecutive year, with a score of 806 on a 1,000-point scale. Keller Williams also performs particularly well in the agent factor." Full post can be found here.Janice and I chose Keller Williams here in Vancouver Washington because of the friendly and encouraging atmosphere within the office. Now it is so obvious to us that a good office environment fosters happy agents and a higher level of customer service.It is great … (0 comments)
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buyer: How To Make $8000 The Easy Way! First Time Home Buyers $8000 Tax Credit
- 08/14/09 11:10 AM
How To Make $8000 The Easy Way! First Time Home Buyers $8000 Tax Credit
Yes, it really is easy. Just find your dream home, buy it, and be sure that it closes and records by December 1. But, as I reported in my post, First Time Home Buyers - Time Is Running Out!, real estate transactions take time. You, as a buyer are in control of some of that time. But the majority of the time needed is beyond your control.
Qualifying for your $8000 tax credit is easy right now but the longer you wait, the more difficult it is … (3 comments)
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buyer: I Have Looked Into My Crystal Ball And The Future Looks Green!
- 07/13/09 04:48 PM
I Have Looked Into My Crystal Ball And The Future Looks Green!I have been very encouraged by some of the questions that we have been getting from clients regarding Eco-Friendly and Green features for their future homes. Most of the questions revolve around energy saving devices but they are questions that no one ever considered just a few short years ago.How can we tell how energy efficient these windows are?
Is that a high efficiency furnace?
Is that a high efficiency water heater?
Can you find us a home with raised vegetable gardens?So what does this mean for the future … (6 comments)
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buyer: First Time Home Buyers - Time Is Running Out!
- 07/13/09 07:48 AM
First Time Home Buyers - Time Is Running Out!The December 1st deadline is quickly approaching for the $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, and our phones have been flooded with calls from buyers wanting information. As I talk to them and set up appointments, I know in my heart that a certain number of them might not be able to take advantage of the tax credit. While there is still time to get a real estate deal through the system and close in plenty of time, there are obstacles that could slow things down. Let's look at a timeline:For this … (2 comments)
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buyer: The Misbegotten Adventures Of A Vancouver Realtor® - The Great Key Mix Up!
- 07/01/09 06:19 PM
The Misbegotten Adventures Of A Vancouver Realtor® - The Great Key Mix Up!
Today was very exciting to say the least. I had a hot client who wanted to see my listing in Heritage Place. He is a local politician and indicated that if the condo was in good condition, he would be willing to write and offer!I show up early in my nicest clothes and wait for my new client. I pull the keys out of the lock box and wait by the door with a smile on my face. He arrives, I greet him, and we walk up to … (0 comments)
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buyer: Would You Like To Live In the Clark County 2009 Parade of Homes?
- 06/17/09 05:43 PM
Would You Like To Live In the Clark County 2009 Parade of Homes?Have you ever been to a Parade Of Homes or Street Of Dreams Show and wondered about what it would be like to actually live in a neighborhood like that? Have you dreamed about being part of a gated community of custom homes but thought that those dreams were just a little bit out of reach?
Dreams can come true!
Janice and I have recently listed all of the lots in the Clark County 2009 Parade of Homes and I am here to tell you that we can … (2 comments)
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buyer: Starter Homes Are Drying Up In Vancouver Washington!
- 05/20/09 05:15 AM
Starter Homes Are Drying Up In Vancouver Washington!We have spent a huge amount of time on the MLS lately searching for those classic first time buyer starter homes. Two months ago a search for homes up to $200,000 would have provided a list of 60 or 70 homes to comb through. We would filter out the junk and pass the remaining 20 to 25 homes to our clients for consideration.Today, that same search is giving us a list of only 40 to 50 with the majority of them being major fixers or short sales which inexperienced agents are clearly under pricing … (2 comments)
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buyer: If You Are Trying To Time The Bottom Of The Market, You Will End Up With The Junk!
- 05/19/09 02:53 AM
If You Are Trying To Time The Bottom Of The Market, You Will End Up With The Junk!
I read an interesting article the other day in the LA Times in which a real estate investor made an interesting comment:
"If you are trying to time the bottom of the market, you will end up with the junk."
I would like to add to his comment by saying that you won't only end up with "the junk," but you will also overpay for it and not get the best mortgage rates that are available.
How can I say this with such … (4 comments)
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buyer: First Time Home Buyers - There Ain't No Nothing Left!
- 05/18/09 03:40 AM
First Time Home Buyers - There Ain't No Nothing Left!We picked up a new client this weekend who came to us out of sheer frustration. He had been searching for a new home in Vancouver Washington via the internet for the past several months. He had been finding homes here and there that peaked his interest. He said that in the past 2 weeks it seemed like the homes in his price range (up to $190,000) had just dried up. Laughing, he said in a fake hick twang, "There ain't no nothing left!"I assured him that we would find him something … (7 comments)
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buyer: Which Of These Homes Would You Choose?
- 05/12/09 10:19 AM
Which Of These Homes Would You Choose?
This has turned into a very interesting experiment. I listed both of these homes at the same time. They are on the same street in Washougal Washington. They are just one door apart. (There is one house that sits between them.) They have similar floor plans and have the same square footage. They both have the same panoramic view of the Columbia River between Washington and Oregon. Originally, they were both listed at the same price. Both have been advertised using the same vehicles.One has received considerably more attention than the other. Can you … (10 comments)
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buyer: Why Would Buyers Not Use An Agent? Lease Option Danger
- 05/06/09 04:03 AM
Why Would Buyers Not Use An Agent? Lease Option DangerI am currently working with a family who needs to buy a new home but they are in bad financial condition. They need a lease option or rent to own situation.These clients are very active on the internet and love driving through neighborhoods looking for homes. Last weekend they were driving by some of the listings that I had given them and one of them happened to be having an open house. They popped in and started chatting with the agent. They made a verbal offer for a lease option which … (1 comments)
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