Trey Affolter

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Home Buyers...

Down Payment Assistance Programs has been a big part of FHA Mortgage Loans for the last 10+ years for First Time Home Buyers. In October 2008, Congress eliminated the Seller Assisted Down Payment Assistance Program eligibility for FHA Home Buyers.

But, good news may be on its way for First Time Home Buyers!

Rep. Al Green, of Alabama, will be introducing HR-600 on 1-21-09 to save and reform Down Payment Assistance Programs for FHA Mortgage Loan eligibility.

Down Payment Assistance needs your help. Go to supporthomeownership.org and tell your Congressman to support HR-600.

While Seller Assisted Down Payment Assistance Programs are not available at this time, several programs are available if you are considering purchasing a home in Tacoma Washington, or surrounding cites of Pierce, King, and Thurston Counties.

Available Down Paymenst Assistance Programs

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Washington State Home Buyers

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team, 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

Keller Williams Realty

Quick Housing Market Facts

Here are 3 housing market facts offered by the National Association of Realtors®.

Remember to consult your local Realtor® for additional LOCAL housing market facts.

Housing Market Fact #1

A temporary $7500 Tax Credit is now available for any qualified purchase before July 1, 2009. *Housing and Economy Recovery Act, H.R. 3221

Learn More About the $7500 Tax Credit

Housing Market Fact #2

Homeowners may deduct mortgage interest and property taxes as an expense against income.

Housing Market Fact #3

You may claim a deduction for certain home expenses if you use part of your home for business. *IRS Form 8829 - Expenses for Business

*source: National Association of Realtors®

Click to Read < "The 9 Steps to Owning" > Click to Watch Video

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Washington State Home Buyers

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team, 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

Keller Williams Realty

Need a Down Payment to Buy a Home?

Many homebuyers have difficulty coming up with a down payment. Here are a dozen ways to do it:

1. Set up an automatic saving plan.
2. Get a gift from your parents, grandparents, other relatives or friends.
3. Sell a car, boat, motorcycle, collectibles or other assets.
4. Liquidate stocks, mutual funds, savings bonds or other investments.
5. Allocate your income tax refund.
6. Take a loan from your 401(k) retirement plan and repay yourself with interest.
7. Withdraw funds from your 401(k) plan, subject to taxes and penalties.
8. Collect on a loan that you made to someone else.
9. Get a bonus from your employer.
10. Explore homebuyer programs for public servants if you qualify.
11. Apply for a state or local government down-payment program.
12. Use a private down-payment assistance program.

source: By Bankrate.com

Down Payment Assistance Programs:

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Washington State Home Buyers

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

The Trey Affolter Team, 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

Keller Williams Realty

Real vs. Personal Property

At closing time, the last thing you want is a dispute over what goes with the house and what doesn't. But it isn't all that unusual for a buyer to think a particular item is included in the sales price, while the seller never had any intention of including the same item! Classic examples include window coverings, lighting fixtures and chandeliers. But just about anything which might be construed by a buyer as being "part of the house" has the potential for misunderstanding and disagreement.

Generally, the law says that anything which is part of the land or attached to the house and is immovable, or can't be removed without damage, or anything which is incidental or appurtenant to the land is real property. Personal property is basically everything else - the possessions you take with you when you move.

The law recognizes the intent and manner with which an item is attached in determining whether an article or fixture is real or personal property. Built-in appliances are usually considered real property, while free standing ones are usually personal property. If removing the item requires pulling nails, it's probably real property. If it can be unscrewed and removed without leaving any damage, it might be an item ready to cause some disagreement!

To avoid problems, both buyers and sellers should make detailed lists of any items to be included in the sale before closing. As a seller, give your list of items to be included to the closing agent. If there is something you want to take with you, and it requires removing a screw or nail, put it in the contract.

Remember, as with everything else in real estate, it's all negotiable. If there is a unique item you want included in your purchase, you may be able to get it included at a reasonable price. Especially if the item won't fit in with the new home the seller is moving to.

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The Trey Affolter Team, 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

Keller Williams Realty

List with a Broker vs. For Sale by Owner

Contemplating hiring a Realtor® to list your home or to attempt the For Sale By Owner? Below is an article posted by MSN Real Estate that may help you determine which option is best for you.

Before you read through the article, study these 8 reasons why home sellers need a Realtor®:

1. A Realtor® can sell their house for more money. According to the 2003 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, on average a home sold for 17.1% more with Realtor® assistance.
2. Realtors® understand how to complete the many contracts, forms and disclosure statements required in a real estate transaction.
3. Realtors® do this full-time.
4. Realtors® have the market knowledge to price the home competitively.
5. Realtors® can be objective, handle criticism of the house, and focus on how well the homes suits a buyer.
6. Realtors® can assess buyers' ability to afford the property and help them locate the best places to obtain financing.
7. Realtors® know how to negotiate and overcome objections.
8. Realtors® can get the transaction closed.
   

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What to expect whether you hire an agent or go it alone.

By MSN Real Estate

Consider these points when deciding whether or not to work with a listing agent to sell your home. If you're buying a home, think about working with a buyer's agent.

If you work with an agent

• You sign a listing contract, which is a legally binding agreement that typically gives the agent the exclusive right to sell your property within a certain period of time (usually 60 to 90 days).
• The agent researches the market in order to determine your home's market value and reach a sales price in consultation with you.
• The agent prepares a written marketing plan that includes a schedule for listing, showing, and advertising your property.
• The agent advises you on how best to prepare your home for sale and helps arrange for pre-sale tasks such as a home inspection.
• The agent transmits any offers to you, negotiates the purchase based on your recommendations, and moves all the paperwork through the transaction.
• You pay for the listing agent's services, either as a percentage commission (usually 4 to 6 percent) or a flat fee, as specified in your listing contract. The buyer's agent is paid out of that fee.

If you work alone (FSBO)

• You are in charge of the transaction, including marketing your property, negotiating the purchase, and handling the paperwork. Educate yourself on relevant federal laws and state regulations governing real estate sales.
• You do your own market research (including possibly hiring an appraiser) to determine your home's value.
• You create your own marketing plan and decide how you will handle inquiries from prospective buyers or their agents.
• You decide how to prepare your home for sale, including arranging for pre-sale repairs, inspections, or other necessary services.
• You field all buyer inquiries, show the house yourself, handle all negotiations, and move the paperwork through the transaction.
• You pay for the buyer's agent's services, unless the buyer is also working alone or has hired the agent for a set fee. You may also pay for services you require during the transaction, such as legal advice or help negotiating the contract. Discount brokers offer individual services for flat rates.

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Tacoma Real Estate LINKS:

Free Highest Price Analysis - Get your home's value (CMA)

Staging Your Home for Sale

Improvements That Pay

FREE Home Seller Resources

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The Trey Affolter Team, 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