Nicole Weidauer

"A few years ago, a colonel who had just returned from combat told me, "Over there, it always felt like we're stuck in hell and the country is at the mall." Part of the responsibility for the disconnect lies with President George W. Bush, who never asked us to sacrifice for the war effort. It's time to rectify that. "I'd like to see every kid in America give part of their allowance to help the troops," Wilpon says. As an elderly kid, I'm giving part of mine." (http:www.welcomebackveterans.org)

Our troops need to know that we support and appreciate the sacrifices they make for us, our families, and our future. Fellow ARer John Morrison, realtor in Massachusetts, brought the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund to my attention. The fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the armed forces and their families. It has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans.

They Shall Walk was founded by Army Ranger, Monty Reed, who had a parachute accident in 1986. In the hospital, he was told he would never walk again. While under-going intensive therapy, he read a copy of "Starship Troopers", by science fiction author, Robert Heinlein. Chapter 7 inspired Monty, to design a robotic "exo" suit for himself. Monty is now Executive Director of 'They Shall Walk'. While attending N. Seattle Comm. College, he created prototype #1 in a broom closet in their basement.

Currently, Prototype #15 is being developed in "dry-dock: at our lab in Shoreline, WA. More research is needed to bring the 'Lifesuit' and its successor prototypes to widespread use. The largest factor in bringing the 'Lifesuit' to market is money for research and development and for medical trials.

We are so indebted to the men and women serving in the Armed Forces for our safety and freedom, so we need to do our part and support them. Look into the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund or Monty's 'They Shall Walk' organization and be sure to thank a veteran for the sacrifices they've made for our freedom!

In the last few weeks I have seen a plethora of mis-information from clients and fellow agents alike. Dismal news reports make even the most optimistic agents cower with fear. I am not going to BS around the issue- this market has it's challenges, but the Egerer & Weidauer Team is facing them head on. Here are some solutions to the many problems we are facing in today's real estate market:

MIS-INFORMATION ABOUT HOME LOANS-

There is no shortage of money for home loans and no freezing of credit to purchase or refinance. Mortgages are readily available to those who qualify. Another misconception there is that standards have become so high that your average consumer wouldn't qualify- and that information is FALSE! Underwriting standards have tightened up, but if you have a down payment of at least 3 to 5%, steady income, and decent credit, there is no question you will be eligible for a home loan. David Kittle, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association says, "Money is clearly available as long as you can qualify for it with at least a modest down payment and decent credit history." Bottom line: Scary as the news has been about stocks and banks, this is not the case for mortgages.(http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2008280221_harney19.html)

UNREALISTIC SELLING EXPECTATIONS-

"The Seattle-area housing market, once touted as bulletproof against the forces that were pulling down other markets across the country, is now stressing out sellers, who are seeing inventories rise, sales fall and prices drop. Many are shell-shocked - particularly those needing to move out of town or trying to forestall foreclosure." (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008221341_housing02m.html)

Property is selling in the Pacific Northwest area and has increased by 4.1% since this time last year, but that is still low compared to where we could be. Homes are on the market longer than usual because of a little something called the 80/20 rule. The idea is that 80% of the outcome comes from 20% of the input. This principle can be applied to many areas of your life and still remain true. In relation to real estate, 80% of the homes on the market are over priced and 20% are at or below market value. To have the edge you need to get your home sold, you need to remember Pareto's Principle. You want to be in that 20% for like kind properties in your area.

All this bad information is causing buyers to remain on the fence until "brighter days" (even though they are pretty ideal right now) and sellers to also sit waiting for a "good offer" (even though their price may be completely out of the market). No one likes the waiting game-don't get stuck on ideas that will keep you sitting when you should be acting, no, acting wisely!

The Seattle PI put out an article that paints a pretty grim picture of Seattle new construction and housing at this very moment, but also mentions that in the coming years demand will be back up and so will the prices.

"[With] builders focused on selling the homes they have, rather than developing new ones, Seattle is headed for a serious shortage that could bring a return to double-digit price appreciation starting in 2012, according to one local analyst."

Because of the recent financial debacles and consumer confidence at all time lows, homes are not selling like they used to. Builders are being hit hard and are just trying to get their inventory sold. If their focus is not on constructing new lots, then by time the market turns around, the existing inventory is all consumers will have to choose from. We all know the idea of supply and demand, and as such, the prices will increase as the demand for the limited properties increases.

"During the third quarter of 2010 through the first portion of 2011, it's going to become very apparent that there isn't enough inventory to meet the demand."

If you want to get in before the mad rush for real estate- call the Egerer & Weidauer Team to discuss your housing options.

206.661.7256 360.990.4083

Whether you're dying to ditch the city for the burbs, longing for grown-up digs where you can start a family, or feeling the pull of hot job opportunities elsewhere, moving to a new place is an adventure. But it's also one big question mark. How do you not screw it up? How do you find a hip area with cool neighbors, great restaurants and shops, and a decent commute to work?

The first place to kick off your search is in your living room or office. Searching on the web breaks down a lot of walls- and miles- between you and your potential home. Here's how to start:

MAP IT OUT- First, you'll need to pinpoint your target market and at the adjacent neighborhoods. Cyberhomes.com, lets you put in a zip code and will give you info about the town and surrounding neighborhoods.

MAMIMIZE MOVE.COM- Move.com, an affiliate of Realtor.com, offers mortgage rates, home values, and market conditions specific to the community you search under. They also include potential homes and their prices for the area you search.

TEST YOUR TOWN WEBSITE- Check out what the town has to say for themselves. Look into the calendar of events, dining and shopping guides, etc..

HIT ONLINE FORUMS- Also be sure to look into what residents of the area are saying about their neighborhood. It'll tell you what people really think as opposed to city-approved content.

READ THE REPORT CARD- Quality schools equal higher real estate value, so check out greatschools.net to get a report card on the local schools.

Be sure to test drive potential neighborhoods. After using the internet to seek out new areas, check them out, live and in person. Check to see if people have home pride. Who's hanging out? What's the downtown vibe? What does it look like at night? Who will be your future neighbors? Is the police report positive? What's rush hour like? etc... While your Realtor can help you find out about a neighborhood, be sure that most neighbors will be happy to divulge everything (just think about all the Wisteria Lane gossip a la Desperate Housewives!) These are all important things to consider before making a big move across town or even cross country.

Call the Egerer & Weidauer Team to discuss relocating to our Seattle and greater Seattle neighborhoods!

206.661.7256 www.jeremyandnicolesellhomes.com 360.990.4083

Are you itching to get out on the town and just don't know what to do?! I found some fun events going on in our fair city that I'd like to share with you.

And here is what's to come in November...

Let me know if I missed anything and I will add it and be sure to tell me how the events went. Hope to see you all there!

Best Wishes, The Egerer & Weidauer Team