About Tacoma's University Place

That's right 30 year fixed rate loans at 5.25% 5.329 apr with the Government's plan to purchase mortgage backed securities announced this morning November 25th, 2008. With the exception of the Government's purchase of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, when rates dropped for 1 day, today's move has the potential to drive rates down and keep them there. In my opinion, lower interest rates will have the biggest impact on helping stabilize real estate values. In addition, homeowners can free up hundreds of dollars by refinancing into a lower fixed rate mortgage. For today's rates visit our web site at http://www.alltechmortgage.com

So I have been working an expired plan for thepast few weeks now and have to say that I am frustrated. Not by the amount of No's I receive or rude comments. Most sellers are very polite when I call.

The frustration is that I do not understand some sellers sometime. For example, I have been talking to one seller who does not understand why his house has not been shown by other agents. Even though I usually do not mention the previous agent at all I had to share with him that his agent and company did not include photos, agent or public remarks describing the house, no Internet presence nor was it on a new listing tour, blah, blah, blah

He had already received my resume which outlines my marketing plan, referrals and number's he could call to talk to past clients. I feel I had nailed every phone call with him. What did he do... Relist with the same company that had his listing for sale twice before without a sale.

Another seller wanted professional photos, color fliers, lots of Internet marketing, phone updates once a week, all which I do with every listing I take. What did they do, hire the agent in town that does not have an Internet presence, no color fliers, and amateur photos (which took three days to get on the listing).

Sellers have got to start to understand the value that of agents bring to aid in the successful sale of their homes. Not every agent is the same and it does matter who you hire, especially if they would like to get top dollar for their home.

If you have a mortgage in the $417,000-$567,500 range you may be interested to know that interest rates have fallen below 6.00% (6.039APR). Here's an example of a loan All Tech Mortgage closed last week: $563,000 loan amount, 46% LTV, 756 Fico Score, Rate/Term refinance at 5.875% (5.938 apr) with No Points or Loan Fee. The only costs associated with this refinance were third party fees, title escrow, recording fees etc.

Based on the media reports you would think getting a mortgage would be close to impossible, but that's simply not the case. One of the borrowers on this refinance transaction, commented how lucky they were to be getting a loan in this environment.

Here's the good news, as long as you can verify your income, have good credit and low loan to value, there's plenty of mortgage money available.

For more information on home loans in Tacoma, Call Tacoma's #1 Mortgage Expert - Kevin Tinsleyat (253) 472-1500 or visit us on-line at www.alltechmortgage.com or www.kevintinsley.com

7403 Lakewood Dr W, STE 2 Lakewood, WA 98499
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available
O: 472-1500 | F: 866-421-1788
Same Day Tacoma Home Loan Approval Guarantee!

Hello Golfers....

"The Lone Tree" is the signature of Chambers Bay Golf Course.

Did you see the front page of the Tacoma News Tribune this morning? Chambers Bay will be holding the 2015 U.S. Open! This is very exciting considering the PGA only has 4 major events during the year. This is also very fortunate for the South Sound region. If you look at the likelihood of have a major coming to your town, remember 2 of the majors will never be here, because they are alway committed to 2 other geographical locations. The Masters is always at Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, GA, and The British Open is always Somewhere across the Atlantic on the British Isles.

Given the fact that there are only TWO opportunities a year to have a PGA major event in any city, we are very lucky and happy to have The U.S. Open here in Tacoma in 2015.

This is Great news for local Golf fans and the local economy. The beautiful part about majors is they bring in all of the big players.

• Tiger Woods
• Phil Mickelson
• Vijay Singh

This will also bring in more ticket sales. Having a four day event that can hold 60,000+ fans, is an extreme amount of revenue to flow into the local economy. The holder of the last year's US Open (Pennsylvania) estimated a boost of $59.7 million into the local economy.

The Tacoma News Tribune project upwards of $100 million to pour into The South Sound.

I guess from a RE Blogger's standpoint, it lbegs the question: "How will it effect the local Real Estate Market?"

Anytime you have a Major PGA event come to town, it brings in people. It also brings a certain Prestige.

Chambers Bay has won:

• Best New Course of 07 Golf Magazine

• #1 Best New Course 2007 Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine

University Place is the location of the Golf course. This has been a great corner of the South Sound area since the 1800's. It was unincorporated until it became a city in 1995 & has a reputation of breathtaking western views, with nice neighborhoods, and a friendly small town feel. Real Estate has slowed everywhere since last year. But I believe this will give the area a shot in the arm.

This creates a buzz.

1. Golfers will come try out the course before the actual event.
   
2. Smaller Golf tournaments will come to the area. (2010 USGA Amatuer Championship)
   
3. Residents will be able to boast of a great golf course.
   
4. Businesses will be developed in preparation for the event.
   
5. Transportation lines will be added to handle the amount of people coming to the events.
   
6. Revenue will start to generate in the area because of the annoucement.

This all creates a destination and that creates marketability, which we all know is good for a local Real Estate Market.

I will keep you posted as time moves forward on any and all changes in the local real estate scene, spurred by this notable event. For now...it's just the beginning.

Golfers are you looking to golf at the course rated the best new course in 2007?

If so then you will be heading just outside of Tacoma Washington to University Place to walk the links at Chambers Bay Golf Course. This Scottish inspired course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and was created in the traditional links style.

The Puget Sound is your majestic backdrop as you walk the 18 holes. There are no carts on this course. Harking back to simpler times you will enjoy your day with your caddy. From the teal tees the course is over 7,500 yards with a slope of 135. This is one challenging and beautiful course.

The 930 acre site has been a paper mill, a quarry, and is now part of the Chambers Creek Properties owned by Pierce County. There are two miles of saltwater shoreline and over two and a half miles of creek and canyons. With outstanding water and mountain views from just about every vantage point. There are miles of public trails available to wonder and discover on. More is planned for the site in the upcoming years. You can read about the site here on the Pierce County website.

Greens fees range from $55.00 to $70.00 off peak season and from $97.00 to $171.00 for peak days and times. The cost to have a caddy ranges from $35.00 to $75.00. Prices current as of the time of this article. Reservations can be made online here.

After you experience the course you can enjoy a meal at the Chambers Bay Grill. Northwest inspired cuisine with a Scottish flair. The grill is open from 7am till 8pm Monday-Sunday. If you want to hold a company event the grill can hold up to 70 for an event. There is a seasonal event pavilion that can accommodate up to 200 people.

The Chambers Bay Golf Course and surrounding area is a wonderful place to visit and see some of the beautiful scenery in the Tacoma area. I hope you will visit Tacoma soon.

Contact Scott Cowan Rainier Real Estate, Inc. (253)-219-1194 to purchase or sell homes or property in Tacoma, Puyallup, and the greater Puget Sound region.

Visit my profile for more information on my services. Call today (253)-219-1194. You can contact me via email by using the email link on my profile.

I know the Tacoma Pierce County area and will help you buy a home or sell your home if you need to sell. Call today or visit my website for more information.