Hey Everybody,
According to an article in BusinessWeek and Yahoo! Finance from November 6th, 2009, our great little town of Mount Vernon Washington is expected to top the Nation's job growth in the first three months of 2010.
Wow!
The article says that our "tourism, retail and hospitality will make a comeback as the economy improves." I think that is outstanding and likely to become the reality.
In Real Estate, we're already seeing the recovery. In the latest monthly recap published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Pending Sales in the month of October 2009 were up an amazing 94.44% from the October 2008 Sales in Skagit County.
Simply amazing! The recovery is here and it is real.
Add this to the near historic low interest rates and the $8,000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit, or the $6,500 Tax Credit to people that have owned their home for at least 5 years and you have a fantastic opportunity for buying real estate! If you've been waiting for the right time to buy, wait no longer!
-Bill
I hate to borrow a line from Bill Clinton, but it just seems too appropriate not to.
The DOW has had an average monthly gain of 636 points for the last 4 months. (3/2/09 it closed at 6,626.94 and 8/1/09 it closed at 9,171.61). During trading today, I saw the DOW at 9,490 as the momentum keeps marching on.
Residential Home Sales in Skagit County with transactions "Pending" gained 37.93% comparing June 2008 with June 2009, according the Northwest Multiple Listing Service's Monthly Recap for June 2009. June 2008 had 116 residential homes with transactions "Pending", June 2009 had 160 residential homes with transactions "Pending") The same report shows a 22.77% gain in Pending Sales across the whole NW Multiple Listing Service, which represents the bulk of the State. Way to go Washington State!
The Federal Government's "Cash for Clunkers" program is so wildly successful that they nearly used up the One Billion Dollars in the first week of the program. At the $4,500 maximum per car, this represents over 220,000 "clunkers" traded in on more efficient cars. Wow!
Positive momentum is here! There can be no doubting it anymore!
The economists always say "Buy Low, Sell High." Well, it seems that we have reached the low and are starting to go up again. The "Time to buy" is here. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, or some stock; do it soon.
Make no mistake! The economic recovery is well underway in this country!
From March 2nd, 2009 through April 22nd, 2009 the Dow Jones Industrial Average (the DOW) has gained a whopping 1,395 points. Not bad for less than 8 weeks!
It certainly has been a rough 12 months that has affected the entire nation. Just a year ago, the DOW was around 13,000 points. An incredible amount of wealth in this country has been lost over the last year. I'm not losing sight of that. However; a recovery or rebound is clearly visible.
On March 2nd, 2009 the DOW was at 6,626 points compared with the 8,021 points during today's trading just a few minutes ago.
It is time to get going with the American Dream again! Invest in a house, buy some stock, get yourself or your family a nice car or something. The bargains out there are amazing.
The news reports are still mixed. There are still many good signs as well as bad, but like all of the other recessions America has ever faced, this recession will end.
This is America! It is time for our people to remember that!
Data/Chart Source: MSN Money Central. Click here for the current chart.
Hey Everybody,
Today, the Commerce Department announced that U.S. housing starts jumped a staggering 22.2 percent to an annual rate of 583,000 units last month. That is the biggest percentage rise since 1990.
Housing (banking) led us into this economic mess and it will be housing that leads us out of this mess...
Last week, CitiBank shocked everyone by turning a profit.
This week, home builders shocked everyone by actually building homes again. This announcement comes as the first gain in housing starts since April of last year.
Wall street understood the meaning of this announcement and posted a 178.73 point (2.48%) gain for the Dow, NASDAQ posted a 58.09 point (4.14%) gain, and the S&P 500 gained 24.23 points (3.13%) on the Commerce Department's great announcement.
All last week, I was reading stories by the various so called experts saying that this month's housing news from the Commerce Department will be more bad news... In reality, this day or this week may well mark the turning point in the market. 5 out of the last 6 Wall Street sessions ended the day in the green... The economic recovery has begun!
Here are some of today's stories.....
- Wall Street Journal - Home Building Rebounds While Wholesale Prices Rise
- CNN - Housing Starts Unexpectedly Surge
- Fox Business - Pleasant Surprise: Housing Starts Surge 22%
- Reuters - U.S. Housing Offers Hope For Economy
- Yahoo - Surprise Jump In Housing Starts Ignites Wall St. Rally
Peace,
-Bill
Here's your chance to do some good and have a great time riding!! You can help the children and the families helped by: TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS - October 18, 2008 - Anacortes ELKS
- The Salvation Army of Anacortes,
- Pregnancy Choices of Mount Vernon, and
- Lydia Place of Bellingham (a Domestic Violence Shelter)
YOU are invited to participate in the TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS
being put on by the Anacortes Elks #1204, Anacortes, Washington.
DATE: October 18, 2008
TIME: For Anacortes - Breakfast 8 am. Leave on Poker run 9-11 am. Return by 4pm for Poker Run results, Raffle and Chili / Spaghette (yum!). If leaving from Mount Vernon Elks or Bellingham Elks, leave time is still to be determined.
COST: Rider Registration - $25 per bike / per rider (bike with passenger = $50.00), includes BBQ. Breakfast $5.00 - All you can eat!
PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU PREREGISTER AT THE OYSTER RUN, IT ONLY COSTS $20 Per rider/per passenger!!!
WHO THIS BENEFITS: The children and families of Skagit and Whatcom Counties served by the Salvation Army (Anacortes, WA), Pregnancy Choices (Mount Vernon, WA), and Lydia Place (Bellingham WA - a domestic violence shelter)
PREREGISTRATION: We would like everyone to preregister at the Oyster Run (September 28, 2008 - Anacortes, WA). You can do this at the Elks Lodge, 1009-7th Street, just off Commercial
- OR -
MAIL IN REGISTRATION: Mail your check with your contact info, including complete name, address and phone number to:
TOY RUN BEFORE THE RAINS COMMITTEE
Anacortes Elks #1204
1009 - 7th Street
Anacortes, WA 98221-4105
See the Official Toy Run Before the Rains web-site for more details!
I serve primarily Skagit County - Mount Vernon, Burlington, Sedro Woolley, Anacortes, La Conner, etc. I also serve Island County - Oak Harbor, Whatcom County - Glenhaven & Bellingham. Seattle too..
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My Certifications
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Real Estate Terminology
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Acre - A unit of measure used in real estate. One acre equals 43,560 square feet of land.
ARM - Adjustable Rate Mortgage - A loan that allows the interest rate to be changed periodically.
Agency - A legal relationship in which an owner-principal engages a broker-agent in the sale of property or buyer-principal engages a broker-agent in the purchase of a property. See The Law of Real Estate Agency Pamphlet
APR - Annual Percentage Rate - The total finance charge (interest, loan fees, points) expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
Amortization - The gradual repayment of a mortgage by periodic installments.
Application Fee - The amount that a lender charges for processing a borrower's application for a loan.
Appraisal - An estimate of the value of a property.
Appreciation - an increase in property value.
Assessed Value - The valuation placed on a property by a public tax assessor as the basis of property taxes.
Assumption of Mortgage - Agreement by the buyer to assume responsibility for a mortgage owned by the seller; the seller remains liable to the lender unless the lender agrees to release him or her.
Balloon Loan - A mortgage that has a substantial amount of the principal due at the maturity of the note.
Broker - A person licensed by a state real estate commission to act independently in conducting a real estate brokerage business. Although the requirements for a broker's license vary from state to state, an individual usually must have one or more years of experience in the industry and pass an examination.
Building Codes - Local safety codes regulating the construction of buildings. They include design, materials, and many other related aspects of construction.
Buydown - A payment to the lender from the seller, buyer or third party, causing the lender to reduce the interest rate during the early years of the loan.
Cap - A maximum amount of interest that can be charged.
Capital Gains - The taxable "profit" made from the sale of real estate. This can be either recognized (and taxes paid), or deferred.
Capital Loss - The loss derived from the sale of a capital asset..
Certificate of Title - A document stating that a seller has an insurable title to a property. It must be signed by a title examiner to be valid.
Closing - The final step in transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer.
Closing Costs - Fees and expenses, not including the price of the home, payable by the seller and the buyer at the time of closing (e.g. brokerage commissions, title insurance premiums, inspection and appraisal fees).
Comparables - Recently sold properties that are similar in size and location to the property being purchased.
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) - A survey of attributes and the sales history of comparable homes as well as current homes on the market used to help determine the current market value of a property.
Commission - A fee paid to an agent or broker for services performed. This is usually based on a percentage of the total transaction.
Community Property - Property acquired and jointly owned by husband and wife in which each has equal interest.
Contingency - A condition that must be satisfied before a contract is binding.
Contract - A binding legal agreement between two or more parties the conditions for the exchange of value.
Conventional Loan - A fixed-rate, fixed-term loan that is made without government insurance.
Convertible ARM - Loans that give you the opportunity to convert to a fixed-rate mortgage, usually between the 13th to 60th month of the loan.
Convey - To transfer property or title from one person to another.
Cooperatives (co-ops) - A buyer purchases shares in a co-op corporation, made up of the residents in the co-op property. The buyer owns the shares rather than owning the real property. In exchange, the buyer has the right to occupy a co-op unit.
Co-Signer - A person who signs a note and thereby becomes liable for repayment of that note with the borrower.
Debt-To-Income Ratio - A lender's calculation of a borrower's income represented by a borrower's housing payments plus all other revolving debt payments.
Deed - A legal document conveying title to a property.
Deed Restrictions - Any provisions in a deed restricting ownership or use of the property. Limitations on rights-of-way, or easements granted to other parties are examples of deed restrictions.
Deposit - A percentage of the purchase price paid when the Purchase and Sale Agreement is signed. It is typically held in escrow until the transaction is completed.
Depreciation - Refers to when a property's value decreases.
Down Payment - A percentage of the purchase price that the buyer must pay in cash and may not borrow from the lender.
Earnest Money - A payment given to the seller by a potential buyer indicating the buyer's intent to complete the purchase of the property.
Equity - The owner's value or interest in a property.
Encumbrance - A legal right or interest in lang that affects a clear or marketable title and diminishes the land's value. This can be in the form of zoning ordinances, easement rights, claims, mortgages, liens, un-pait taxes, a pending legal action, or restrictive covenants.
Escrow - The placement of money or documents with a third party for safekeeping pending the fulfillment or performance of a specific act or condition.
FHA Mortgage - A mortgage loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration, permitting lenders to offer better terms.
Fixed Rate Mortgage - A loan that has only one stated interest rate.
Fixture - A recognizeable entity that is permanently attached to the property and belongs to the property when it is sold. (Such as a sink or light fixture)
Good Faith Estimate - The owner's value or interest in a property.
Hazard Insurance - An insurance policy that compensates for property damage from specific hazards such as fire and wind.
Home Inspection - A professional review of a home to assess its overall condition and identify existing or potential structural and/or mechanical problems.
Hybrid Loans - An approximation of closing costs that a lender is required to give to a prospective mortgage borrower within three days of applying for a loan.
HUD - Housing and Urban Development - A U.S. government agency established to implement certain federal housing and community development programs.
Interest - The cost of borrowing money. This is usually expressed as a percentage rate.
Lien - A legal claim against a property that must be paid when property is sold.
Listing Contract - An agreement whereby a property owner hires a real estate company for a specified period of time to sell a property. Upon the sale, the real estate company receives a commission usually in the form of a percentage of the sales price.
Loan Origination Fee - The charge you must pay to the lender for processing your mortgage.
Loan-To-Value Ratio (LTV) - The relationship between a mortgage on a property and its value. For example, if there is an $80,000 mortgage on a property worth $100,000, then the loan-to-value ratio is 80 percent..
Market Price - The actual price a property is sold for.
Market Value - The highest price a ready, willing and able buyer will pay and the lowest price a seller will accept.
Mortgage - A lien on real estate given by the buyer as security for money borrowed from a lender.
Mortgage Commitment - A written notice from the bank or other lending institution stating that it will advance mortgage funds in the specified amount to enable a buyer to purchase a property.
Mortgage Insurance - A policy that provides protection for the lender in case of default and guarantees repayment of the loan in the event of death or disability of the borrower. This is generally imposed with a loan-to-value ratio of more than 80% of the market price
MLS - Multiple Listing Service.
Origination Fee - An fee or fees for processing a proposed mortgage loan.
P & I - A periodic (usually monthly) payment that includes the interest charges for the period plus an amount applied to amortization of the principal balance.
PITI - Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance Payment - The periodic payment that includes the principal and interest payment plus a contribution to the escrow account set up by the lender to pay insurance premiums and property taxes on the mortgage property.
Plat - A map or diagram of a lot, sub-division or community drawn by a surveyor showing boundary lines, buildings, improvements to the land (buildings, etc), and easements.
Points - A dollar amount, expressed as a percentage of the mortgage amount, which is paid to a lender as a consideration for making a loan. A point is 1% of the amount of the mortgage loan; also called discount points.
Power Of Attorney - A written document giving authorization to one person to act on behalf of another person.
Pre-Approval - Preliminary approval for a mortgage loan before an application is complete. It may or may not be a formal commitment by a lender to make a loan. It will usually outline conditions to be met before final loan approval.
Prepayment - Payment of part or all of a mortgage loan before it is due.
Prepayment Penalty - A fee paid by a borrower who pays off the loan before it is due. (This does NOT apply to all loans.)
Pre-Qualification - An informal estimate of the maximum mortgage loan amount that a borrower could obtain. This is based on a calculation of available income and existing debt.
Principal - The amount borrowed upon which interest is paid. (distinguished from interest, taxes and mortgage insurance)
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) - See Mortgage Insurance.
Promissory Note - A written agreement primising to repay a loan.
Prorate - To divide or assess proportionally.
REALTOR® and REALTOR ASSOCIATE® - Registered collective membership marks that identify real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS and subscribe to its Code of Ethics.
Settlement - All final transactions required to make a contract final.
Survey - A plat or map made by a licensed surveyor showing the results of measuring the land with its improvements, boundaries and its relationship to surrounding lands.
Title - A document that is evidence of ownership.
Title Insurance - Protection for lenders and homeowners against financial loss resulting from legal defects in the title.
Title Search - A check of title records to identify liens, encumbrances and ownership rights to the property.
VA Mortgage - A mortgage loan guaranteed by the Veterans Administration, an agency of the federal government that provides services for eligible veterans.
Variance - A limited exception from local zoning requirements.
Warranty - A written or implied guarantee that property is in the condition described and will perform as promised. This includes met mechanical systems, plumbing, and appliances. Century 21 has a Home Warranty Program available through AON that can be purchased by either the buyer or the seller.
Zoning Ordinances - The acts of an authorized local government establishing building codes, and setting forth regulations for land usage.
If you're considering selling your home, you'll want a Realtor who is there for you 24 hours a day... A Realtor who markets your home well on the Internet, in Print, with a Toll Free hotline, and a Talking House radio transmitter broadcasting information about your home all day long. You deserve nothing less!
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My Personalized
Marketing Services
- This Web Site: www.Sauneuf.com
- Realtor.com: www.Realtor.com
- The Real Estate Book: www.RealEstateBook.com
- Harmon Homes: www.HarmonHomes.com
- Pacific Northwest Homes: www.PNWWHomes.com
- Northwest MLS: www.NWrealestate.com
- Real Estate.com: www.RealEstate.com
- Lycos Search: www.Lycos.com
- Bob Vila's Site: www.BobVila.com
Inexpensive Improvements to Help the Property Show Better
and Closing Documents Prior to Signing
"Bill Listed and Sold my condo in less than one week! He advised me on the best Buyer to choose in a bidding war, and we made more profit than we had planned on receiving! Thanks Bill"
-- Jennifer P.
Shoreline, Washington
Happy Condo Seller
"Bill took the time to identify our complicated wants and requirements & worked to match these with a unique property. This required him to find a property that was not presently listed. He presented all the information and connections to complete a complicated transaction & was involved from selection to closing."
-- John & Georgia M.
Burlington, Washington
Happy Home Buyers
"Thanks for selling our house so quick and being so aggressive in your marketing. We feel the Large Sign, Flyer Box, Radio Transmitter and the Home Warranty all played a major part in our sale. We enjoyed working with you. Thanks again."
-- Brian & Debi
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy Home Sellers
"Bill made me feel like I was a priority. He goes out of his way to make sure you know whats going on."
-- Steve S.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Happy Navy First-Time Home Buyer
"Bill was right there for us at every stage - from the tedious search for our next home to finalizing the sale and purchase process. We felt confident enough that we could concentrate on the move itself."
-- Ray & Allie J.
Mount Vernon, Washington to Concrete, Washington
Happy Home Sellers & Buyers
"With the Housing Market so crazy and demanding, Bill still was willing and able to tend to our needs of finding our perfect home - And he accomplished that for us! Thank you Bill & Century 21"
-- Bryan & Cindy T.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"We appreciate Bill's patience throughout our experience. He was very clear in explaining each step throuhout the process."
-- John & Shari M.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"Bill had great recommendations and suggestions for preparing my home for the real estate market. He uses successful marketing techniques and got immediate results!"
-- Adrienne S.
Mount Vernon, Washington to Burlington, Washington
Happy Home Seller & Buyer
"Bill will go the extra mile, through this whole process, even off hours. I was stressed, one phone call, he'd set our minds at ease. We love our home! Thanks Bill.."
-- Jan & Leslie J.
Burlington, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"What I appreciated was the honest critical opinion of our home, changes we could make to make the home more salable. Tactics that I am sure that lead to the quick sale of our home. Very prompt, reliable service. Every detail was covered. We have bought and sold several homes and never had more professional treatment. Above and beyond the call of duty!!!"
-- Paul & Evelyn R.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy Home Sellers
"I thought buying a home would have been a huge pain, but Bill explained everything in detail. He even found us a lender that got us a Very low rate mortgage! I don't think it could have been easier for a first time home owner. Thanks."
-- Paula & Jason M.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy First-Time Home Buyers
"Bill helped us find a home and kept us well informed through-out the entire process. He stayed with us all the way including the signing. We couldn't have gotten here without him."
-- Joe & Judy S.
Mount Vernon, Washington
Happy Homeowners
"Bill was amazing. Not only did he find us the perfect house for our family, he went out of his way to make our first home buying experience a great one."
-- Jason, Paula, & Samantha D.
Happy First-Time Homeowners
Oak Harbor, Washington
Navy Family
"Bill went above and beyond his duties when it came time for closing."
-- Todd P.
Sedro Woolley, Washington
Happy First Time Homeowner
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