Author Archives: Kerstin

Homeowner’s Insurance: What you need to know


An overview of homeowners insurance: Your Dwelling is covered under your policy and includes your home and structures such as a garages or deck that are attached to your home. Personal Property such as furniture and other contents are typically covered. Other Structures are covered under your policy and include buildings such as a garageContinue reading “Homeowner’s Insurance: What you need to know”

Refinance, Short Sale and Loan Modification


What to do if you are struggling with loan payments or if you want to reduce your payments. What is “Home Loan Assistance”? Home Loan Assistance can come in different forms such as refinance, short sale and loan modification. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for one or more of these programs. Traditional RefinanceContinue reading “Refinance, Short Sale and Loan Modification”

Solar and wind energy gaining popularity in Seattle


The Brooks and Heinze Team recently sold one of a group of brand new townhomes at the corner of Linden Ave N & 85th (just a couple of blocks west of Hwy 99). This group of townhomes were all “pre-wired” for solar and wind energy technology. I hope more and more builders will give newContinue reading “Solar and wind energy gaining popularity in Seattle”

Mortgage Interest Rate Myths


The following blog entry is a guest contribution by Virginia Lawson of Cobalt Mortgage in Kirkland, WA. This may come as a shock to many borrowers, but it’s absolutely true. Mortgage interest rates are not set by the Federal Reserve and, contrary to popular belief, mortgage rates are not directly tied to the yields ofContinue reading “Mortgage Interest Rate Myths”

Three Most Common Ways to Hold Title (in Washington State)


There are many different ways of holding title such as joint tenancy, in a trust, sole, etc.  The three most common ways in Washington are Joint Tenancy with right of survivorship, Tenancy in Common and Community Property: Joint Tenancy: The main distinguishing characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. If one of theContinue reading “Three Most Common Ways to Hold Title (in Washington State)”

Another Home Buyer Tax Credit Extension Granted? Not really, read the fine print …


Congress “extends” First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit deadline to Septemeber 30th – well not really. They extended the CLOSING DEADLINE to the end of September for buyers who went under contract before April 30 but this does not mean it is a true extension.

Federal Way Townhouse for Rent


27924 31 Pl S, Federal Way, WA | Powered by Postlets. Quality built 3bd/2.5bth Craftsman style townhome in great community near Starlake (Federal Way) for rent at $1495/mo. $30 application fee. $1500 deposit (can be financed). First month rent.  Available immediately. 9′ ceilings, hardwood floors, tile floors, maple cabinets & trim, and tile countertops. Spacious living room.Continue reading “Federal Way Townhouse for Rent”

Special one-year Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension for Members of the Military, Foreign Service and Intelligence Service


Home Buyer Tax Credits Have Expired BUT service members who were on official extended duty outside of the United States for at least 90 days between Jan.1, 2009 and May 1, 2010, may qualify for a one-year extension.) Special rules for eligibility also apply for members of the foreign service and the intelligence community. CongressContinue reading “Special one-year Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension for Members of the Military, Foreign Service and Intelligence Service”

Mortgage Credit Certificate


The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program allows qualifying first-time homeowners to claim a federal tax credit of up to 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest paid. Pretty neat! Following is the reprint of the information provided by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission: Federal Income Tax Credit for Homebuyers MCCs are not mortgages… they areContinue reading “Mortgage Credit Certificate”