Homeowners: Time to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Early fall is the time to prepare your home for winter & the colder weather it brings. Following these 9 simple steps offered by Puget Sound Energy can help manage your home's energy costs & save in heating expenses.

1. Check doors & windows for leaks & drafts.Make sure doors seal properly, and add weather-stripping to keep heat from escaping.
2. Examine heating ducts for leaks. Repair or replace damaged ducts.
3. Add insulation to your attic, and weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent air from escaping.
4. Close the fireplace damper when it's not in use.
5. Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
6. Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season. The furnace will run more effectively and use less energy.
7. Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable.
8. Lower the thermostat at bedtime or while away during the day.
9. Make sure all heating vents are opened and not blocked by furniture or other items.

source: Puget Sound Energy

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter * Realtor * 253-222-6000 * www.treysellshouses.com * treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Mortage Interest Rates affect Your Mortgage Payment

Interest rates are at 40 year lows. Here is a cute video that explains the impact of interest rates on your mortgage payment and some very good reasons to take advantage of today's interest rates!

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings 

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

How to Buy a Home Before $8K Tax Credit Deadline

With the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit expiring November 30, and that it can take 30-45 days to close a home, here are 5 tips to expedite your home purchase in order to take advantage of the tax credit.

1. Get Pre Approved for Mortgage.

2. Make sure you are liquid

Have enough money available for your down payment and closing costs as your mortgage requires.

3. Avoid "Short Sale" Listings

A short sale occurs when a homeowner owes more on their home loan than what they are selling the home. Because the current lien holder has to approve the sale and the loss, these properties can take months to close.

4. Don't go on a shopping spree before you close

Avoid making any big purchases on a credit card or with any financing programs. Big purchases may affect you home loan and your ability to qualify.

5. Work with a Realtor®

source: smartmoney.com

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter * Realtor * 253-222-6000 * www.treysellshouses.com * treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

$8k First Time Tax Credit Expires December 1, 2009

Time is running out! Attention Tacoma - Seattle - Olympia area 1st time home buyers - it takes 45-60 days to close escrow so if you want to take advantage of the $8k Tax Credit, you should act fast.

So working backwards from the November 30 deadline, you'll want to have an accepted offer no later than mid-October. That leaves only a handful of weekends to get you preapproved by a mortgage lender and identify the right first home for you. So you see we need to get started today to take advantage of this opportunity

Remember, there are 8,000 reasons to invest in your 1st home.

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter * Realtor * 253-222-6000 * www.treysellshouses.com * treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Want to Buy a Bigger Home --> Attention Move-Up Buyers

In MSNBC's article, "Math smiles on move-up buyers," the decision to sell your current home and invest in a larger home is discussed.

Tacoma home buyers are benefiting from the market and taking advantage of the opportunity to buy a bigger home. If you are considering investing in a larger home, talk with The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty to discuss how to reach your Real Estate goals.

Read Entire Article

Resource: MSNBC Business

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter * Realtor * 253-222-6000 * www.treysellshouses.com * treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional