If you are interested in taking advantage of the low prices in this market, maybe you should look at Bank Owned properties. The advantage of Bank Owned vs Short Sale is the process. In general, Bank Owned purchases would be handled similar to a situation when you are working with an individual seller. The sale is still negotiated with a bank as the owner, however, you are not in the middle a short sale process. A short sale process is a combination negotiation between bank, current owner, as well as A LOT of time spent waiting.
Remember, with prices and interest rates this low, qualified buyers have an advantage to get into this market. For first time home buyers, it is a time when the prices are low enough that your monthly house payment is competing with (or very close) what you pay for rent. A first time home buyer could now begin to gain equity in a home instead of wasting the monthly rent payment.
Also, the tax credit for first time buyers is offering up to $8000 assuming you purchase by Dec. 1 2009! This is an incredible opportunity for anyone who qualifies for this credit.
For investors, now is a time to pick up the rental property where the numbers make sense!
Please contact me directly if you would like a copy of the latest Bank Owned Property in Pierce County.
Brenda@BetterProperties.com (email)
253-222-3503 (Mobile)
Do you have cedar shingle siding? Older siding, not the newer sheets that look like shingles! When it needs to be re-stained, the dilemma begins with:
1) do you stain it the same color?
2) when using a different color that is lighter than the existing, will you be able to see the dark through the cracks?
3) do you use semi-transparent or full coverage stain?
4) how much pressure washing is too much or not enough?
I think the most important point to consider is color. Cedar shingles are reminiscent of an era and seen a lot on Craftsmen or Cape Cod architectures. They are also used in many newer home styles which sport a mix of wood products and stone. I love cedar shingles and like to see natural earth tones as the color selected as the shingle-look reminds me of the forest and living among nature.
Pressure washing is the other thing to consider ~ don't let your husband or son get too close with the pressure washer wand or you might find your shingles on the roof! :) Yes, we had that hapen.
July 2007 I made the decision to take an early out of my corporate career in order to pursue my dream in real estate. It was challenging to know that my start in the business would be at a time when the market was heading for a downturn. One year later, the depth of the downturn still has not been realized and may not be for another 9 months. This is a discouraging thought for a newer agent!
I am watching many agents leave the business. There are few answers. The number of houses available for sale in my neighborhood are increasing daily. The number of those listed for sale that are in a short-sale or bank owned situation are greater than 45%. I cannot count the number of foreclosures that are going to auction.
I wonder if we will see many homes "EMPTY" and "FOR SALE" as happened when Boeing laid off 60,000 in the '70's? The saying on the airport billboard was "will the last person leaving Seattle turn out the lights?"
By the way, why are the Boeing union workers striking during a time when most are struggling with making their mortgage payments?
I know you are all waiting and wanting to know about my dog, Busy, the chocolate lab.
The verdict will be in next Tuesday, February 19th. Busy will see her vet, Dr. Smith, to determine whether the breeding that took place three weeks ago resulted in pregnancy.
Busy is a 3 year old lab. She is 68 lbs a short stocky lab with a beautiful face. Let's hope we have a positive result.
By the way, if you are a breeder and looking for an excellent vet with recognition in her specialty, please take time to meet Dr. Smith at the Pet Doctor in Lakewood, Washington.
Today I had the opportunity to meet Amy from Washington Women's Employment & Education (WWEE) organization. This non-profit organization's mission is to assist low-income individuals in gaining the skills, knowledge and courage to be self-supporting.
WWEE has been around for 25 years and is helping break the cycle of poverty so people can become self-supporting.
Be sure to volunteer in your organization of choice to support our communities!
Brenda Rix
My office is located in the heart of Lakewood serving multiple communities. I understand what families expect and need from their neighborhoods! I also offer assistance for military relocations.
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