Category Archives: first-time homebuyer

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.

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 foundContinue reading “Homeowners–the primary wood destroying organism (blog written by Charles Buell)”

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 realContinue reading “How to get Preapproved for a Home Loan”

Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team – First Quarter Newsletter 2013


As we are well into 2013, we are thankful for all of our past clients, current clients and the opportunities we have living in this wonderful area.  Now to the market update… State of the Market and Home Values: After years of grave losses, home values finally started to increase in the latter part ofContinue reading “Brooks & Heinze Real Estate Team – First Quarter Newsletter 2013”

HOLY SMOKING DISHWASHER BATMAN!!!!


This is a guest entry by Charles Buell – Licensed Home Inspector & Licensed Structural Pest Inspector Were any of your household appliances recalled? It seems like every day some household appliance is recalled. Usually it is for minor issues, but sometimes it is for serious fire hazards. If you are concerned about whether youContinue reading “HOLY SMOKING DISHWASHER BATMAN!!!!”

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.

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”

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”