Kent, WA

Its the 4th of July, its the weekend (this will be one of the very few sunny & dry 4ths we've had since I moved here in 1968). I don't like the fireworks, I'm a transplant from Canada born of English parents. Loud sudden noises scare the you know what out of me. I'd rather be working.

This is one of the slowest times of the year for real estate here in Washington State. Everyone is having a party of some kind. I think we need to celebrate a little. We've all been scrimping, saving, worrying...time to let loose and have some fun. I'd rather be working.

Independence Day, the colonies have separated from England! What does independence mean? No one is every 100% independent. We all depend on something for our survival. Even the brave people who moved to this country in the beginning depended on the locals and the land for their survival so I'd rather be working.

I enjoy a good party, relaxing with friends and family! I help people buy and sell real estate in South King County of Washington State. I depend on this activity for my survival that's why I'd rather be working.

The Kent Keller Williams associates will be cleaning up Clark Lake Park in Kent, WA on Red Day, May 14th. What is Keller Williams Realty RED Day?

RED (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day is a new Keller Williams Realty service initiative dedicated to improving our local communities. On May 14th all Keller Williams Realty associates in the US and Canada are asked to donate their time to renewing and energizing aspects of their local communities. Because of her constant commitment to the culture of our company, this day has been dedicated in honor of our Vice Chairman, Mo Anderson.

The vision for this day is that all Keller Williams associates will participate in a coordinated effort to improve their local community. Keller Williams Eastside Partners, Kent has chosen to give back to their community in Kent by donating their time to clean up Clark Lake Park at the corner of 240th and 120th.

You can come out to support and cheer on for this group on May 14th between 9 am and 2 pm. You will be able to spot them in their Red T- Shirts for RED Day. Renew, Energize, and Donate!

Kent, Washington

For many homeowners, a home is probably the most valuable possession that they have.

In fact, many of the people I serve have only the equity in their property to see them through their retirement years. With this in mind, I know my home sellers are trusting me to help them through the process of staging and selling their home.

HTGV recently reported on the TOP TWO most important things a home seller can do to get their home sold is pricing right and staging the home to appeal to a wide variety of home buyers. These are my top two priorities!

My first goal is to help you set a list price that represents a realistic market value, top dollar... without going so high that it does not sell at all. This can only be accomplished by thoroughly understanding the market. To help you in this regard, you will find a detailed market analysis attached. It has been painstakingly prepared to ensure you that you feel comfortable and confident as we proceed to reach this important first goal.

Secondly, I stage your home, so that it hits the MLS looking great, encouraging foot traffic. Staging also helps buyers have an emotional connection to the home when they visit. I will provide you with a professional and comprehensive staging plan. You will be amazed how "livable" a staged home can be!

Staging helps launch all the other marketing I do for the home. The home has got to look it's very best for all the online exposure it will receive once I "launch" it onto the World Wide Web!

Are you thinking about selling your biggest investment? Do you need a professional who knows how to put you on the road towards success when it comes to marketing your home at its best potential?

I welcome the opportunity to serve you, and insist that you contact me with any questions you may have, should they arise now, or during the marketing process.

Kent Washington is a Great Place to Live!

Julianna Hind, Real Estate and Design Professional

How Does the Real Estate Market Look Overall?

According to Keller Williams Research, affordability, low rates, desire to buy provide hope for the U.S. housing market.

AFFORDABILITY

Housing affordability now stands at its best level since 1971. This greater affordability helped boost home sales in February. Especially strong was the activity attributed to first-time home buyers, who represented half of new home purchasers this month. The $8,000 tax credit helped move many of these first-time buyers out of their rentals and into their own homes.

In light of weakening global economic indicators and a poorly functional financial system, the U.S. government and Federal Reserve remain proactive, with the Federal Reserve alone purchasing and holding up to an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities and $100 billion more in housing agency debt. The Fed moves are designed to provide greater support to mortgage lending and housing markets.

LOW RATES

While economists expect continued softness in the overall housing market, encouraging buyer signs abound given the historically low mortgage rates and the availability of distressed properties. There are localized opportunities for savvy investors and for those buyers who are qualified, willing, and ready to buy on the cheap.

And with rates at historic lows, the question for many borrowers becomes, how long will the good times last? The Fed's actions and mounting federal deficits could weaken the dollar and spur the aforementioned inflationary trend, which could send interest rates back up. In addition, the first-time home buyer tax credit expires at the end of November. Prominent economists maintain that low rates should be available for "at least the next several months." But if fears of inflation cause investors to shun Treasurys, the Fed's impact on long-term interest rates could be short-lived.