Fall 2015 is a great time to sell – 5 Great Reasons to Sell Your House Today


We are often asked “is now a good time to sell my home?” The answer to that question is based on what your family’s personal and investment goals are.  If you have been thinking about selling, now definitely is a good time. Here are five reasons why:

Reason #1: Your House Will Get More Exposure Now in Late Summer and Fall Than the Winter

Housing sales usually are greatest in the spring, level off in the summer and then regain momentum in September and October before slowing down significantly between mid-November to the end of January.

Reason #2: It is a strong Seller’s Market in Seattle

Northwest MLS figures show only about 2.2 months of inventory, well below the 4-to-6 months that many analysts say constitute a balanced market. King County continues to have the tightest supply with less than 1.2 months of inventory. Several neighborhoods have less than a month of supply. Multiple offers are common in the Greater Seattle Area, especially in hot spots like Bellevue, downtown Woodinville, Greenlake, Phinney Ridge, but also suburbs with easy commutes to major employers and good schools, such as Shoreline.

Reason #3: Interest Rates are expected to go up

Small increases in interest rates do not seem to have had any noticeable impact on activity and the area is still experiencing multiple offers in most of our market areas, heavy open house traffic, and moderate to high appreciation in values, however, most analysts expect the Fed to increase rates in the fall of 2015, in conjunction with their September 16 – 17, 2015 committee meeting. If that occurs, we could see higher mortgage borrowing costs toward the end of this year and into 2016. This will reduce affordability and may cool off the market a bit. So, if you have been holding on to your property because you have enjoyed seeing the dramatic increases in values, we’d like to point out that although most analyst predict continued growth, the expected trend is a more moderate growth rate.

Reason #4: It is the Perfect Time to Move-Up

With prices where they are and interest rates at all time lows, there may have never been a better time to move-up into your dream home. If you move into a more desirable home now, you will be in position to gain larger equity as prices continue to appreciate. If you are worried about having to sell your current home first before being able to afford the next time, we are happy to educate you on how to make that transition happen. Rates are expected to go up so buying that new house now makes sense and allows you to locking in a good rate.

Reason #5: You Get to Move On with Your Life

If you have been thinking about selling for a reason, the most important reason to sell is so you can get on with your life. Tired of managing a rental property? Have you been wanting to downsize? Have you been thinking of moving closer to family? Take advantage of this great seller’s market.

Most want to invest when prices are low and sell when prices are high. Timing the exact point of the lowest low and the highest high is impossible. What we do know is that this is a strong seller’s market and prices are high.

We’d love to meet with you for a free, no-obligation consultation and if you are going to sell, we hope you choose to work with us. Feel free to email us with questions any time.

Kerstin G. Brooks
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team
Cell: 206.276.5827
Email: info@propertyinseattle.com
Web: http://www.propertyinseattle.com/listings.html

Summer 2015 Newsletter – Brooks & Heinze Seattle Real Estate Team


Seattle Market Update:  No inventory!

The kids are almost out of school, the temps are up, and the lawns are starting to turn brown. It must be summer (in a few days anyways)!

The Seattle real estate market is suffering from severe inventory shortages (few people list their homes for sale) and motivated buyers are competing with many others, especially in desirable neighborhoods. Being a buyer is very frustrating and stressful right now. We’ve even had buyers take time out from looking because they have become emotionally exhausted with the process.

The Northwest Multiple Listing Service tracks sales stats for the Greater Seattle Area and shows that supply in May has dwindled to about 1.2 months in King County and 1.6 months in Snohomish County. Several neighborhoods near Seattle job centers have less than one month of supply. A six month supply of inventory is considered a balanced market – we are definitely in a seller’s market.

With demand for housing exceeding supply, you would expect prices to continue climbing, however, in King County, the median sales price for single family homes in May was $480,942 nearly the same as in April but 8.8% higher than a year ago. The rate of appreciation in some of the ‘hot’ neighborhoods since a year ago has been tremendous but some areas have only seen a modest change in value. As always, location matters.

Chicken before the Egg – So, if it’s a seller’s market, how come nobody is selling? Some people want to sell, however, they won’t put their house on the market until they can find a new house. BUT they can’t find anything new because there is no inventory. Let’s hope inventory loosens up and everyone who’d like to move can.

Our Listings

Currently all our listings have SOLD!  Did we mention it is a seller’s market? All of our listings this year sold in a matter of a few days. We are ready to list your home – let us know if you are thinking of selling.

Summer Contest

Join our “summer-at-our-house” photo contest. Submit a picture from your house, balcony or yard that shows how you enjoy your summer at home. It can be a scenic shot of your landscaping, food you grilled on your barbie, something wacky or wonderfully weird – surprise us! Rules: Only one picture – must be submitted by July 15, 2015. Submit to us via email or on our facebook page. The winner will get a $30 gift card, the 2nd and 3rd prize will be a $10 gift card to a venue/store of the winner’s choice.

We’d love to hear from you

Any questions, comments, or feedback? Contact us any time, we’d love to hear from you.

We hope you enjoy the longer days and warmer temperatures.

Happy Summer!

 *** Kerstin & Krisanne ***

Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team

Skyline Properties, Inc.

Kerstin Brooks – 206.276.5827

Krisanne Heinze – 206.920.2541

Email: info@propertyinseattle.com

www.propertyinseattle.com

Risks of Overpricing your Home


The news of low inventory and many properties selling above asking price in multiple offers in hot neighborhoods makes many sellers eager to price their home high because they want to make sure they get the highest price possible.

Pricing the home correctly is really, really important.  Of course, you don’t want to underprice the home and give it away and leave any potential funds on the table. In the current market place, where inventory is low, pricing a home slightly under value will create a feeding frenzy as buyers will be excited about a potential deal and the final sales price will actually be bid up to or just above market value. So, underpricing actually poses a relatively low risk of not getting at least market value for your home.

However, overpricing your house in the belief that you can make sure that you do not leave any money on the table and that you can reduce the price back later if you don’t find a buyer at the asking price is a strategy that can backfire terribly.

Most of the traffic to your home, will happen during the first two weeks, particularly the first two weekends on the market. You are most likely to get a full price offer during this time. In the Greater Seattle area, no offers within a 30-day period (10-day period in urban or hot neighborhoods) or little to no traffic at the first open house means the price is too high. Every day the home sits on the market makes it less valuable in the minds of buyers, and today’s buyers are completely value driven. By the time you reduce your price, you have most likely missed out on a surge of interest in properties like yours.

Also, when the price is lowered, buyers may wonder if there’s something wrong with the property that kept other buyers away. So to keep from selling your property at below market value and from wasting valuable time, don’t fall into the overpricing trap.

Not only do overpriced properties not sell at the inflated market price but they often sell well below actual market value when they do sell because most buyers will have lost interest or are afraid of paying full price for a property nobody else wanted.

Ultimately, buyers determine the right price for a property, not sellers. The market price for a home is determined by what an able and willing buyer ultimately pays for it. There are certainly things that homeowners can do to influence buyers’ perceptions of their home’s value and hence increase the price buyers are willing to pay for it. But, ultimately, the buyers will set the price.

A dedicated and experienced real estate agent who is familiar with the market in your area can help you price your home correctly, help you market your property effectively and make suggestions what you can do to get the highest return on your home.

Kerstin Brooks - Web-Res-002

Kerstin G. Brooks
Brooks & Heinze Seattle Real Estate Team
Skyline Properties, Inc.
http://www.propertyinseattle.com/listings.html

Prequalified vs. Preapproved – what’s the difference?


Prequalification vs. Preapproval: These terms are often used interchangeably — but there are big differences between the two.

With a prequalification, the lender is performing a few checks on the prospective borrower’s finances to determine the home loan amount they may qualify for. A prequalification letter tells you how much the client will probably be able to borrow from the lender, if further examination supports the preliminary findings.

For a preapproval, however, the mortgage lender examines and verifies the client’s debt, income, savings, assets and credit report. The information must satisfy the lender’s underwriters that this client is a low risk and a good prospect for repaying the loan. Preapproval is more vigorous vetting and a lengthier process than prequalification; buyers who submit to the process and are approved are serious buyers. 

As a preapproved home buyer you will know which homes you can actually afford and what your loan options are.

As a home seller you will want to make sure to only accept offers from a buyer who is preapproved vs. just prequalified for a loan.

At the Brooks & Heinze Team, we are happy to work with any lender you choose, however, if you need a referral to one of our trusted lenders we can put you in touch with an exceptional mortgage broker. Finding a good lender can be confusing. There is a ton of information on the web but sifting through it all and understanding it can be overwhelming. Let us help you.

Kerstin G. Brooks – 206.276.5827
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team in Seattle
Skyline Properties, Inc.
www.propertyinseattle.com

What to Consider When Buying Hardwood Flooring – article by guest blogger Ron Anders


There are a lot of reasons to buy hardwood flooring: it’s easy to take care of, it looks nice, and it can increase the value in your home. Hardwood floors are also better for people with allergies than carpet. So, if you are convinced that installing hardwood floors is right for you, here are some guidelines to help you choose the right kind.

Your Style

Think about your design style when choosing hardwood flooring. Are you contemporary or more traditional in your design? Some woods like maple lend themselves to a contemporary design while oak is seen as more traditional.

Part of your style is dependent on your home. Look at how much lighting you have and the other hardwood in your home. Don’t forget the wall colors as well. Each of these is important when choosing a type and color of hardwood. If you have a bright, airy room with a lot of natural light coming in, you can go with dark hardwood on the floor and it will balance the space out. The same is true in the kitchen. White cabinets make a nice contrast with dark floors, but dark cabinets may look better with a lighter hardwood floor.

Consider Maintenance

While hardwood is seen as easier to care for than carpeting, it is not always maintenance free. Harder woods have more durability and don’t show scuff marks and dents as much as a softer hardwood. Look at the sheen on the hardwood, which comes from the type of stain used. A high sheen floor will make any scratches more noticeable than one with a duller appearance.

Appearance

Of course, the most important aspect of choosing a type of hardwood for your floor is how it looks and appeals to you. If you really like dark hardwood, then go with it. Just remember to compensate in other areas. The width of the planks is another thing to consider. While the trend may be on wider planks, you may prefer more narrow ones. Be aware that your choices not only affect you, but the value of your home if you should decide to sell.

A popular hardwood choice is acacia. It is an exotic hardwood that originates from Asia and features a mixture of lighter and darker tones. This is ideal for many homes because it blends with a lot of colors and styles. It also hides scratches and dings better because of the varied pattern.

Types of Treatment

Certain types of treatments alter the look of hardwood. For instance, oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the hardwood than polyurethane. They cost more upfront, but maintenance is reduced because you don’t have to re-stain very often. This type of finish does a better job of hiding marks and wear on a floor.

Some treatments give a new floor a worn look so that you can’t tell when it gets scuffed. These include hand-scraped treatments and wire brushes. They make the hardwood look roughened as if it has been around for a long time. You may want this look if you live in an older home and want the floor to look like it is the original.

All of these options have different price tags associated with them, so you will want to check out cost before making a final decision. Don’t be in a hurry to choose your floor. Instead, take your time and think about everything that goes into that decision so that you make the right one. After all, your floor is something you’re going to look at and hopefully love for a very long time.

This article is a guest blog entry by Ron Anders. For more information call Ron at 1 (800) 263-6363 or find more information online at http://www.hardwoodflooringstore.com

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Has the Seattle Housing Market Gone Nuts? Yes! But why?


The market sure has heated up. Prices are going up and multiple buyers are competing for the few houses available.

So what’s going on?

– Seattle Unemployment is Low:

In February the Seattle area’s unemployment rate hit its lowest level since September 2008 at 5.1%. 

– Consumer Confidence is High:

Confidence is now at a new post-Financial Crisis high.

– Mortgage Rates are Still Attractive:

Current interest rates are roughly on par with where they were in August 2011 and still two points below the 6.41% average rate during the height of the housing bubble through 2006

– Limited Supply of Homes Available for Sale:

There is about a 1.8 month supply of homes for sale in King County. A 4-6 month supply is needed for a balanced market between home buyers and sellers. We are NOT in a balanced market – we have a strong seller’s market.

For much more detailed information, specific statistics and sources – see below:

Seattle-Area Unemployment at Late 2008 Levels

Let’s have a look at the jobs data for February and how the Seattle area’s unemployment rate and approximate labor participation rate alongside the national numbers.

In February the Seattle area’s unemployment rate hit its lowest level since September 2008 at 5.1%. The national unemployment rate is still a bit higher at 6.7%, also roughly on-par with late 2008 levels.

The Seattle-area labor participation inched up in February to 70.0%. The national labor force participation rate was steady at 63.0%.

For reference, in 2006 when everyone imagined the economy to be in great health, the local unemployment rate averaged 4.3% and the labor participation rate averaged 69.5%.

Here’s a look at the local and national unemployment rates:

 employment2

employment1

Consumer Confidence at now post-Financial Crisis High

The Latest Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index based on data collected through March 14 is at 82.3 and was 4.0 above the February reading of 78.3. This measure of confidence is now at a new post-Financial Crisis high.

At 81.0, the Present Situation Index increased 0.7% between February and March, and is up 34% from a year earlier. The Present Situation Index is currently up 301% from its December 2009 low point, and sits at its highest level since April 2008. The Expectations Index rose even further in March, increasing 9.2% from February.

 confidence

Mortgage rates still two point below average rate during the height of housing bubble through 2006

As of last week, the 30-year mortgage rate sits at 4.40%, down slightly from the high of 4.58% set back in August, but up more than a point from the low set in May of last year. Current interest rates are roughly on par with where they were in August 2011 and still two points below the 6.41% average rate during the height of the housing bubble through 2006 (source: Federal Reserve).

 Limited Inventory fuels Price Hikes / Multiple Offers

According to the statistics on the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service – all real estate agents are members of this service), there is about a 1.8 month supply in King County and a 2.2 months of supply in Snohomish County.

In general, four-to-six months is the supply needed for a balanced market between home buyers and sellers. We are NOT in a balanced market – we have a strong seller’s market.

There are just about as many pending sales as last year this time but it appears, the only thing holding back more sales is the lack of inventory. It is not unusual to see homes get multiple offers, sometimes as many as 40+ in nice neighborhoods and most popular price ranges.

Happy House Hunting!  Contact us today if you are looking to buy a home or condo in the Greater Seattle Area.

Happy House Selling! Contact us today if you are looking to sell your home or condo in the Greater Seattle Area.  

kerstinweb

Kerstin G. Brooks
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team
Skyline Properties, Inc.
Cell: 206.276.5827
Web: http://www.propertyinseattle.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropertyinSeattle

Homeowners–the primary wood destroying organism (blog written by Charles Buell)


One of the most common wood destroying organisms in the NW is the Moisture Ant.

Like Dampwood Termites and Anobiid Beetles, they are “opportunistic” in the sense that moisture conditions have to be correct (conducive) for them to be present.As a Licensed, Washington State, Home Inspector and a Licensed Structural Pest Inspector, if I found evidence of these critters in your home–either past or present–the following is what you would see in your Inspection Report:

Moisture Ant colonies typically start in already decayed wood and are considered a secondary infestation.  Their nests are designed to promote moisture and further decay of the wood they cover.  Removal of the damaged wood and replacement with sound wood will be required in some cases.  Moisture ants require moisture to thrive, and eliminating the moisture source must be part of control measures. 

Added to this statement would be their location and a description of the damage and the possible causes of the leaking.  It might not be possible to determine the extent of damage, because the actual damage might be located much further away from where their visual signs are found.

For example, in this case, the Moisture Ant structure extending from the top of the foundation up to the floor structure.

nest

While there was minor decay present in the wood covered by this structure, the bulk of any damage is likely above the floor structure somewhere else.  In this case, the area of real damage is somewhere in the chase around the insert fireplace.  It will likely be necessary to remove some of the siding to actually figure out how much damage there is and to determine the source of moisture that is, or was, supporting the colony.  In this case, there was no present activity–the nest was only damp.  There is not enough moisture being introduced for the structure to stay wet enough to support the colony.  Given some elevated moisture, this indicates an infestation that is likely seasonal–when long periods of rain allow enough moisture into the area to support their presence.It is not unusual to see Moisture Ants come and go in the home as the moisture conditions come and go.Of all the insects we deal with as Structural Pest Inspectors, I think I am most fascinated with Moisture Ants.  Partly because I know that they are not the “real” problem and the extent of damage is usually not going to ruin the house–like Anobiid Beetles can.You can think of Moisture Ants as sort of a “flag” waving at you.  The flag is saying, “HEY, knucklehead, you have a leak over here!”  When the leak is fixed, the ants go away.  You don’t have to get out your arsenal of non-environmentally safe chemicals and, ATTACK!  They are smart and know when they are not wanted–and simply leave.They build these marvelous structures called “carton” out of the materials they eat.  Take a look at this picture of Moisture Ants carton behind a baseboard electric heater.They have taken the wet cellulose fiber and turned it into some of the coolest carton I have found.

wet cellulose fiber

This wet “nest” now acts like a sponge and keeps surrounding wood structures wet.  This extends the moisture into structures that were previously not wet.  As this wood decays it too becomes food and habitat for the Moisture Ants–and the colony can grow.  It is this ability to expand their nests into previously dry areas and causing decay/rot that gets them classified as a “wood destroying” insect.

In reality, whoever didn’t notice the leak, and fix the leak might also be considered a wood destroying organism.  It is generally human beings that create the conditions that are conducive to many wood destroying insects in our homes.

Blog written by Charles Buell, Real Estate Inspections in Seattle (Licensed Home Inspector #220 & Licensed Structural Pest Inspector  #67488).

Kerstin G. Brooks
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team
Seattle, WA

Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team – Fall Newsletter 2013 (mailed 10/18/13) – State of the Market, Winterizing your Home, When to Short Sell, and more


Dear Clients and Friends, 

What an exciting year 2013 has been for real estate so far.  I am sure you have heard the buzz of multiple offers returning to the market place.  Homes selling in a few days.  Home prices soaring.  But is that the whole story?  What does it all mean?

Please read our newsletter below to learn more about:

–  the State of the Market,

            –  Our New Listings,

            –  Keeping an Underwater Home and Short Sales, and

            –  Winterizing

State of the Market and Home Values:

Multiple offers on many homes are commonplace in the city, especially homes that do not fall into the category of short sales or fixers. Buyers prefer turn-key homes because lending is easier to obtain for these homes. Many buyers shy away from short sale homes because short sales can be difficult to negotiate and take a long time to close.

Buyers are having to compete for homes due to low inventory and increased buyer confidence. The low inventory of homes for sale can mostly be attributed  to the large number of “underwater” homeowners who are discouraged to sell because they owe more on their mortgage than their house is worth.  If prices continue to go up, more current home owners who have held off selling due to negative equity might list their home and offer more inventory and choices to home buyers.

The median home value in Seattle has increased about 15% over the last year (source: Zillow) and currently is at about $433,000. If you are interested in learning about the current value of your home, please feel free to contact us to get a free, no obligation comparative market analysis (CMA).

Recently, Bernard Bernanke startled many by announcing that the Fed will not wind down their bond buying program at this time. The program is part of an overall stimulus package geared at bringing back the national economy. The Fed’s purchase of these bonds over the last few years has driven mortgage rates to historic lows. The fear by many that there would be a reduction in bond purchases has caused mortgage rates to go upward briefly for a few months but for now, further rate increases seem less likely at least in the immediate future. This should continue to help keep housing affordable and aid the overall upward trend in the real estate market.

Our New Listings

Updated Mid-Century on large, private lot in Lynnwood.  $335,000. 3 bed/2 bath home on .31 acre lot! Large living room and dining room offer lots of space for play or entertainment.  French doors lead to large, private patio. Large master bedroom with beautifully updated bathroom. Don’t miss the soaking tub perfect for cooler fall and winter days. Plumbing has been updated.  Interior: 1608sqft / Lot 13,000sqft. + outbuilding for additional storage. Close to Interurban Trail, South Lynnwood Neighborhood Park. Easy access to I5, Hwy 99 & Transit Center. 6121 211th St SW.

Spacious Capitol Hill Condo.  $375,000.  1bd/1bth. Don’t miss this. Units are rarely available in Three19, a well-managed, newer building. This bright & spacious SE corner unit has tons of windows, hardwood floors& two decks. It offers custom blinds, closets & light fixtures as well as a gas FP, gas range, common garage parking & full-sized washer/dryer. You will have enough storage space with a walk-in closet, coat closet, pantry (yes!), laundry closet and a large storage unit. It shouts sophistication and style with its tasteful finishes. HO Dues $389/month, 819 SQF. 319 E. Summit Ave.

Shoreline Townhouse-Style Condo. $299, 950. A amazing amount of space and lives like a house. Three bedrooms, each with their own bath (1 full, one 3/4 & one 1/2 bath). Hard surface flooring, deck off master, new concrete patio & good sized private yard area. Close to Interurban Trail, shopping & Shoreline Community College. Low dues. New roof in 2013. Vinyl siding & low maintenance landscaping. Plenty of parking. Dead end street. Terrific unit and convenient to all. HO Dues $50/month. 812 N 145th Ct.

As always, more information and pictures of all our listings are available at  http://www.propertyinseattle.com/listings.html

Should you keep an underwater house? Is a short sale right for you? Three questions to ask:

Short sales are still commonplace as many homeowners still struggle with making payments or make the decision to sell an underwater home. When does it make sense to sell an underwater home?

‘Home’ for most of us evokes warm and fuzzy feelings about family, security, belonging and community. To some, suggesting they walk away from their home may produce some anxiety.

However, when housing is the biggest single expense in a family’s budget and is ‘breaking your back’ you,  it’s worth untangling emotions and look at financial facts.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines provide for thirty-one percent of gross monthly income to be allocated to housing. That includes property taxes and insurance. In the great housing boom, the stampede to buy before the price of housing got further out of reach enticed many buyers to greatly exceed those limits.

Overpaying for houses was justified by telling ourselves that the equity in our house was also our retirement nest egg. Then housing values plummeted. So, what to do? What questions should you consider in making a decision on selling your house as a ‘short sale’?

First question:  Could you decrease your housing costs if you rented? If current housing expenditures are close to the cost of renting, then it makes little economic sense to change.

Second question: Is real estate the best use of the investment component? The answer will depend on how far underwater the house is in today’s market. How much needs to be paid down before the investment is worth as much as the debt? When weighing alternative investments it’s important to evaluate other holdings. If there is a defined benefit retirement plan or significant stock holdings, perhaps holding an underwater house for a decade may make sense.

Third question: Can you make the current house payment in retirement? The closer you are to retirement, the harder you need to think about whether a retirement income can fund the wait for housing values to improve.

Conclusion/further actions: If the status quo is unsustainable or inadvisable in keeping an underwater house, you should consult with an attorney and real estate agent on next steps, including analyzing other option such as loan modification, HARP refinance, bankruptcy and strategic foreclosure.

Time to Winterize and Protect your Home:

After an incredible summer here in Seattle, fall was eager to start with gusto. How about all the rain, wind and cool temperatures we’ve had already. Is your house ready for the change in season? In addition to having rain coats, sweaters, hats and mittens in your coat closet as you prepare for the cold months ahead, it is vital to winterize your home.

Clean your gutters. Remove leaves and other debris from your gutters by hand, scraper or spatula then rinse them out to allow freezing rain and melting snow to drain. Make sure that your pipes are not leaking or misaligned. Also, your gutters should drain water 10 feet away from the foundation of your house.

Check the furnace. Turn your furnace on now to make sure that it is working. Have it inspected and cleaned by a professional. Your furnace should be cleaned and tuned annually. Replace filters. Keep your ducts in good condition; your ducts should be vacuumed once every few years.

Caulk and change your windows. Put up storm windows in order to provide an extra layer of warmth. Caulk around the windows to prevent water intrusion and drafts.

Inspect  the chimney. Sweep out your chimney if necessary. Ideally, it should be inspected before it is turned on the first time in the winter. Cover your chimney with a protective cap that comes with a screen. Have a professional chimney sweep conduct an inspection/cleaning. If you own a wood stove, sweep it more than once a year, install a glass door on it and keep it closed when your stove is turned off. Close your chimney damper when the fireplace is not in use.

Reverse the direction your ceiling fan blows.  By reversing the direction your ceiling fan blows during the winter, it will push warm air downward.

Insulate those pipes. Freezing temperatures can lead to a burst pipe. Insulate your pipes by wrapping them with foam rubber sleeves or heating tape. You can also use fiberglass insulation.

Questions? Looking to buy/sell?

Have questions about anything real estate related? Ask us, we are happy to be your resource when it comes to real estate.

We would love to help sell your home if you are ready to make a move. We also appreciate your referrals to friends and family if they are looking to buy or sell.

Happy Fall,

Kerstin & Krisanne

Kerstin G. Brooks & Krisanne Heinze
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team
Skyline Properties, Inc.
Kerstin:  206.276.5827
Krisanne: 206.920.2541
Web: http://www.propertyinseattle.com

How to get Preapproved for a Home Loan


One of the first steps you will do when you think about buying a home is talk with a mortgage broker to get preapproved for a home loan. As a real estate agent, I am often the first contact for home buyers and I am often asked how to get preapproved for a home loan. Your real estate agent can refer you to a trusted lender but you can choose your own lender. Most mortgage brokers will ask you for the following information to get your preapproval started.

You will need to do or provide the following: 

  1. Complete a credit card authorization to pull credit
  2. Most recent 2 months bank statements
  3. Most recent quarterly statement of mutual funds,  stocks, etc., if you will be using these funds for down payment or closing costs
  4. Most recent 30 days’ pay stubs, showing year to date income
  5. Last 2 years W2’s and tax returns, all pages and schedules
  6. Copy of Driver License
  7. Contact information for homeowner’s insurance agent
  8. Depending on your unique situation, your lender may ask for additional documentation

If you have any questions or would like a referral to a mortgage broker in the Greater Seattle Area, please contact us.

Kerstin G. Brooks
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team
Email: info@propertyinseattle.com

Competition is Fierce – Hot Seattle Housing Market


Multiple offers – Rising Property Prices – Rising Interest Rates – Low Inventory – Preinspections – Cash Offers, …. this is what my clients are dealing with everyday now. Yes the market is hot. It’s exciting and exhausting. The video below, recently aired on King 5, describes what buyers are going through well.

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Working with an experienced agent who knows how to make your offer competitive is key in this market. To learn more about what sellers like to see in an offer, feel free to contact the Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team.

Kerstin G. Brooks
Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team
Skyline Properties, Inc.
www.propertyinseattle.com