Are Appraisals Costing You The Sale Of Your Property?

A great read if you or your property is on the market!  Have you had a low appraisal and lost the Sale?

Link:
http://www.rubyonemortgage.com/home-loans/reasons-low-appraisals/

What do you know how to do around your house?

Here are some useful ideas for around your home fixer uppers/repairs. What do you know how to do around your house?  Many of us rely on others for minor repairs around the house.




Link:
http://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/30-things-every-homeowner-should-know-how-to-do-46782#.Vx56nvkgvIU

How Many Agents Do You Interview?

Interviewing one agent may be enough if you know and trust them or the person who recommended them!

WASHINGTON STATE "OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND"

This weekend is "Open House Weekend" in the State of Washington.  4/23 - 4/24, 2016 If you are looking to put your house on the Market, call today and you can participate in this great Weekend.

Rental Real Estate Investings

This is a great Market now for investing in Rental Real Estate. The Rental Real Estate inventory is really down.  The Market is really up.  Here are some helpful hints on getting into the Rental Market.




Buying rental property can be an excellent decision and the better informed you are, the more likely you'll have favorable results.  The following suggestions can help you with your decisions.
Real estate is a long term investment affected by supply, demand and the economy.  It isn't an investment that is easily converted to cash.  The costs to acquire and dispose of real estate are sizable and need to be spread over years to minimize their effects on the rate of return.
Invest in average price homes or slightly below average price to appeal to the broadest market not only when you are renting but later on when you sell it.  The average price is relative to the market you are in and those specific prices.
Lower-priced homes will rent for more relative to higher-priced homes.  There is an inverse relationship between rent as a percentage of the price.  As the price increases, the rent as a percentage of the price decreases.  For example, a $200,000 home might rent for $1,750 a month or 0.88% where a $400,000 home might only rent for $2,250 a month or 0.68%.
Choose predominantly owner-occupied neighborhoods because when you sell the home, it will appeal to a homeowner who will most likely pay a higher price for the home.  Homes in predominantly tenant-occupied neighborhoods tend to sell to investors who pay lower prices and will not be emotionally involved with the purchase.
Purchase a property with the idea of selling it in mind.  You may be able to get a property for a bargain price today but if it is due to a functional obsolescence like a bad floorplan or not enough bathrooms, that problem will still be there when you're ready to sell the property.  Identify what the problem is and what solutions are available.  The property may rent fine in that condition but before you sell, it will need to be corrected.
Get the home inspected before you purchase it.  Having the property checked out can save thousands in unanticipated expenses.
Consider getting a home warranty on your rental.  The annual premium can limit the out of pocket expenses for repairs and maintenance.
Risk can be minimized by understanding the investment and what is involved in the acquisition, operation and disposition.  For the typical homeowner, rental property is something that they can relate to because of the similar attributes of the home they live in.

That Time Of The Year Is Upon Us!!

Don't you just love getting out and into the year in the Spring.  Spring has sprung a little early in the Pacific Northwest this year,  I am not complaining as I am loving the flowers and everything looking so beautiful.



Link:
Spring into Summer

Mortgage Rates are GREAT!!!

Whether you are thinking of Buying or Refinancing the Rates are GREAT!!  This may be a great opportunity for you and your family.

Click Here:

Celebrate Mortgage Rates!!

The Rising Costs from Rent to Having a Cup of Coffee..

Where does your money go?  Should I stop and have that cup of coffee or maybe just save my  money?  As everything goes up, a pound of Hamburger costing $5.00.

http://www.cnbc.com/2016/03/30/tired-of-rising-rent-maybe-you-should-consider-becoming-a-landlord.html

The Complex World Of Retirement!!

It’s a matter of analyzing future income and expenses and how it affects your annual cost of housing.

Should Retirees Rent or Own?

Rent or own? For retirees, it’s not an easy question. For baby boomers—especially those with oversize houses and inadequate savings—it is a decision that could have a major impact on how they fare financially in retirement, some experts say.

ON.WSJ.COM/1UDSJSZ|BY JANE HODGES

What does it take to get your Credit Score?

Components of a Credit Score

Credit scores are used by lenders to measure the credit worthiness of borrowers. While there are several different companies that offer scores, the FICO, Fair Isaacson Corporation, is the model that is used most often.

There are five key components that determine the overall score or rating. The most emphasis, 35% of the overall score, is placed on payment history which reflects whether the borrower paid on time and as agreed by the terms of the credit. Being late, missing payments or going into default would have adverse effects on this part of the score.

The second largest component, 30%, is credit utilization or the amount owed in relation to amount available. A person might have a $4,000 outstanding balance on available credit of $20,000. This would be a 20% ratio and would be considered acceptable. Owing $15,000 on $20,000 of available credit would be a 75% ratio and would negatively affect this part of the credit score. FICO says people with the best scores average around 7% credit utilization.

The length of time each account has been open and the account’s activity determines 15% of the total credit score. By having a longer credit history, the credit provider has a better indication of the borrower’s long-term financial behavior. Having an open account without activity doesn’t offer a provider much information.

New credit and types of credit each account for 10% of the total score. New credit can adversely affect a score because it is a new obligation without history of how it will affect the borrower’s ability to repay all of their liabilities. Types of credit include both revolving and installment debt. A good mixture of each can indicate less risk for lenders.

The combination of all five areas make up the total score which lenders use to determine credit worthiness. Another confusing issue is that all credit scores are not mortgage credit scores. This particular score determines not only whether the lender will make a mortgage but at what interest rate.

The best place to get your credit score if you’re planning on purchasing a home is from a trusted mortgage professional. This person will be able to suggest things to improve your score if necessary. Buying a home is one of the largest investments in most people’s lives; it is really not a do-it-yourself activity.yourself activity.

Spring Break In The "Couve"

If you are looking for some fun and frugal things to do during "Spring Break" here are some great suggestions.

Click Link:
http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/mar/31/five-fun-frugal-activities-families-spring-break/