Author Archives: Kerstin

Struggling to make your mortgage payments?


The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program includes opportunities to modify or refinance your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable. If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments you should watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/makinghomeaffordable#p/u/1/wieAk15SE3c After watching the video, contact your lender to see if a mortgage refinance or modification is right forContinue reading “Struggling to make your mortgage payments?”

Under water? Can’t afford your mortgage payments anymore? Short Sale as Foreclosure Avoidance Tool best for some Homeowners


According to yesterday’s issue of the Puget Sound Business Journal, about 16 percent of all residential properties with mortgages were in negative equity at the end of the year in Washington State. Negative equity means the homeowner owes more on the home than the home is worth.  This  can occur because of a decline inContinue reading “Under water? Can’t afford your mortgage payments anymore? Short Sale as Foreclosure Avoidance Tool best for some Homeowners”

Houses for Pennies on the Dollar? Really?


 Many buyers have heard that Seattle real estate is more affordable than ever. Yes, prices have dropped quite substantially but when I hear people saying or I read articles about “Houses for Pennies on the Dollar” I get a little perturbed.  We have had a few people contact us with unrealistic expectations about what theyContinue reading “Houses for Pennies on the Dollar? Really?”

My house was sold at a short sale – do I owe taxes for the forgiven debt?


Homeowners who sold their house in a short sale are often cautioned by their lender, escrow officer, real estate agent or other professionals involved in the sale that they may owe taxes on the forgiven debt. Usually, a homeowner who resided in the home (as their primary residence) sold at a short sale will notContinue reading “My house was sold at a short sale – do I owe taxes for the forgiven debt?”

Tax Time – A joyful time for homeowners


It is tax time. Yes, I know most people dread this time but for home owners this can be a joyful time. There are some really nice deductions and credits homeowners can take advantage of. Have fun with your 2009 tax filing and save some dough! – tax credit for first time home buyers– taxContinue reading “Tax Time – A joyful time for homeowners”

Smart Homebuyers are focusing on taking advantage of favorable rates along with the Tax Credit


Smart home buyers are focusing on taking advantage of the present, very favorable rate situation along with the still available tax credit. Rates are likely to go up: Please note that the main reason interest rates are so low is because the government is buying mortgage backed securities, or you may have heard the termContinue reading “Smart Homebuyers are focusing on taking advantage of favorable rates along with the Tax Credit”

Kerstin Brooks – Seattle – Real Estate Sales – Biznik


Kerstin Brooks – Seattle – Real Estate Sales – BiznikFirst Time Homebuyer Workshop Topics covered: Loan Application ProcessFirst-time Homebuyer Tax CreditMarket ConditionsOwn vs. Rent IllustrationHome Buying ProcessFor Sale by Owner (FSBO), bank-owned, short-sale properties.Q & A Presenters: Micah Cade of Choice Home Finance Broker #510-MB-29714 Phone: 253.732.1432 Email: micah@choicehomefin.com Kerstin G. Brooks (Brooks & HeinzeContinue reading “Kerstin Brooks – Seattle – Real Estate Sales – Biznik”