Scott Paulson

If you are a young couple looking for that perfect neighborhood to raise a family, Lakeland Hills is a place that you should really come see for yourself. It's less than thirty minutes from both Seattle and Tacoma, and Lake Tapps is almost walking distance away. The schools are great with fantastic teachers and coaches. It has grocery stores and restaurants and shops very close by. It also has excellent parks spotted all over the Lakeland community. You can take your kids to play on equipment, or play basketball, tennis, baseball, or to throw a football around or to play soccer. There is paved walking trails for your exercise and your pets, which are flat and some are more challenging. One of my favorite trails is down along the white river, which is at the base of Lake land next to the High school. It follows the river for a mile or so to a city park where there is picnicking, fishing, and Frisbee golf.

If you haven't noticed I am very familiar with Lakeland Hills, I have lived here for over twenty years and would recommend this neighborhood for any family. They also offer condominiums and adult living communities for those who desire that. I am a real estate agent in the area who would be happy to show you the area and everything that Lakeland has to offer.

There are some great deals on bank owned homes out there. Some only need some paint and carpet to make them a very nice home again. These types of homes I can find for you at 10 to 20% below there assessed value. Others may need more serious work, like may be some cabinets, appliances, new hot water tanks, furnaces, and maybe some flooring and paint. These types of houses are out there for anywhere from 30 to 50% below there last assessed value.

Some of the challenges with buying these homes are they are sold as-is. This means the banks are not going to do any repairs on the homes, you are buying them in the condition they are presently in. I suggest you have an inspection done prior ot making an offer. Also finding financing can be a challenge, but not impossible. There are rehab loans available for qualified buyers in most cases, it's a FHA 203 k loan, 3.5% down, you need a contractor, the customer can do part of the work themselves as long as it is done in a timely manner. Also there is hard money lenders for investors looking to fix and sell. Great opportunity for contractors who want to go into business for themselves, buying and rehabbing homes.

What ever your real estate needs. I would be glad to help you find the home for you. I specialize in the South King County and Pierce County neighborhoods of Washington. Generally from Kent Des Moines area south to Puyallup and Tacoma.