Real Estate Information

This is great news for buyers and home owners that need to refinance! 

Today I received an email from John L. Scott Real Estate's CEO, J. Lennox Scott.  I wanted to share part of his uplifting message, in blue:

I don't know if you're like me, but I grew up with a thoughtful mom that saved every Campbell's Soup label and sent me to my school (Panther Lake Elementary, in Kent) with them once she'd collected several.  I remember bringing them to my teachers and they would turn them in to get money for our school.  I don't remember any other kids bringing these to school, so I wonder if anyone else out there reading this ever brought labels to school.

Once I graduated and moved out on my own, I started collecting soup can labels, too.  I didn't have any kids, but I felt like it would be a nice thing to collect them since they seemed to be worth something.  Then in 1996, I noticed that some cereal boxes had "Box Tops for Education" labels, so I started cutting them out, too.  Mom and I save up these box tops and labels and give them to different children in our church, to help out their schools.

Whether you have children or not, you probably live near some children or know someone with kids - right?  If you're not already saving Campbell's Soup labels and Box Tops, I encourage you to start saving them.  It only takes a little bit of time and if you save up a bunch of them and give them to a child or take them directly to a school, you'll really be helping out!

Here are the official websites for these two fund-raisers: Box Tops for Education  Campbell's Labels for Education Please check them out and read about how saving labels and box tops can help!  Together we can all make a difference.

If you’re like most people, you feel that there aren’t enough hours in the day. Technology is supposed to help us save time, but still, many of us are guilty of lying awake at night worried about all that we didn’t accomplish that day. If you’re looking for ways to maximize your time, might I suggest these easy time-saving tips:

· Start each day by defining your priorities. Plan activities in the morning, when your energy is highest, and save easier tasks for late afternoon.
· Group errands together. You’ll save time and gas money!
· Keep workspaces as tidy as possible. You don’t want to waste time searching for things.
· Though it seems counterintuitive, try to leave your office at least once during the day. A mid-day walk or lunch break can increase afternoon productivity significantly.
· If you still have a home phone, get caller ID. You’ll save time by screening calls from telemarketers. Make return calls when you have more time or can multi-task while you’re on the phone.
· It’s a cliché for a reason: make a “To Do” list. Organize it into daily tasks, monthly reminders, and long- and short-term goals. Don’t underestimate the satisfaction that comes with checking a task off of your list!
· Delegate. Hire a young neighbor to wash your car, walk the dog, or cut the grass. You’ll save time and he or she will make a few extra, needed dollars. A win-win situation!
· Get up a few minutes earlier in the morning. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish in just five extra minutes before work. Unload the dishwasher, clean out the fridge, take out the garbage, sweep the kitchen, or change a few light bulbs.

And most importantly, don’t waste time today worrying about what you didn’t get accomplished yesterday. It will still be there tomorrow!

Great news!!  It looks like my letter (and the letters of over 85,000 other REALTORS®) to the Senate was heard!

This afternoon President Bush will sign the Economic Stimulus package into law.  Last week, Congress gave overwhelming final approval to the Economic Stimulus Package supported by NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) and REALTORS® across the country. As a result, the government will be sending payments to most American households and grant tax incentives for business investment.

The legislation includes the requested GSE and FHA limit increases strongly backed and lobbied by NAR. This increase in GSE loan limits means borrowers will see immediate relief with new liquidity in the mortgage market and the nation will see an additional 300,000 home sales!  The increased FHA loan limits means an additional 138,000 Americans will purchase homes, and with the needed FHA reforms means 200,000 families can refinance their homes safely and affordably.

King County

When comparing January 2008 to January 2007, the average price of a home* in King County appreciated 3.27 percent, according to the NWMLS.  More specifically, the average price rose slightly from $464,283 to $479,993 and the median price rose from $380,000 to $395,500 for an increase of 3.8 percent over January 2007. 

 

 

I was recently given a list of fun facts about Washington.  I didn't know all of this about our wonderful state and thought you might be able to pick up some fun trivia here, too!

• Washington is America’s coffee capital with more coffee bean roasters per capita than any other state.
• “The Wave,” a popular fan cheer for the past 25 years, was started by Husky fans at the University of Washington. (I used to work with "Captain Husky" at PACCAR, years ago)
• Washington State is the nation’s largest exporter, representing 34 billion dollars and 5% of all US exports which includes forest products, aerospace products, apples, tulips, hops, mint, wheat and several other quality food products.
• The first revolving restaurant in the U.S. was built in Seattle for the 1962 World’s Fair and is located at the top of the Space Needle.  It's called Sky City.
• The State is home to the world’s largest private car collection featuring over 3,000 vehicles. 
• Grand Coulee Dam, the largest concrete structure in North America, is located in Washington State.
• Washington’s residents are educated with the most residents holding high school diplomas than any other state. Seattle leads the country in residents with more college degrees per capita.
• The Boeing Plant, located in Everett, is the world’s largest building - able to fit 74 football fields inside!
• The State is home to the world’s largest private car collection featuring over 3,000 vehicles.
• In Washington, a Seahawk is an athlete, not a bird. The closest thing to a "seahawk" is an osprey hawk.
• Washington, the 42nd state in the union, is the only state named for a president.
• Washington produces 70% of the nation’s hops used to brew beer.
• With 37” annually, Seattle gets less rainfall than Atlanta, Boston, New York, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. (Shhhhh! Don’t pass this one around!)
• Washington’s Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America, deeper than the Grand Canyon at over 5,500 feet deep. 
• Homegrown musicians include Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Kenny G, The Wailers, Pat Boone, Bing Crosby, Quincy Jones and American Idol runner-up, Blake Lewis. 
• Petrified wood is the state’s gem. There is a petrified forest in the state that is considered the most unusual fossil forest in the world. 
• Washington State defines innovation. Some of the leading companies include Microsoft, Amazon, Nordstrom, REI, Boeing, PACCAR, Costco and Starbucks.
• More people in Seattle commute to work on bicycles than any other city in the nation.
• Far Side cartoonist Gary Larson is a Washington native (...and when I worked at Kinko's in the mid 1990's, we printed his retirement part invitations!)
•  Washington has hosted the World’s Fair twice...1962 in Seattle and 1974 in Spokane. 
• The longest accessible beach in the U.S. is in Washington. The 28 mile long stretch is aptly named Long Beach.
• Washington’s cows produce more milk per cow than any other state, totaling 1.3 billion pounds of milk each year.
• The State’s nickname is the Evergreen State for its abundant evergreen forests.
• Washington has the largest ferry system in the nation; 26 million passengers travel by ferry each year.
• The State is America’s raspberry capital harvesting more than 57 million pounds of raspberries each year.
• Washington is the nation’s top apple producing state with 10-12 billion apples handpicked annually.
• Seattle sells more sunglasses per capita than any major city in the nation (probably because we have enough time between between sunny days, that we lose them and have to buy 'em again!)

And one last thing to share with you.  As a little girl, my dad would read me the L. Frank Baum Wizard of Oz books every night at bedtime.  I really enjoyed these moments with my dad, and the books were so enjoyable to read.  Like nearly everyone, I grew up watching "The Wizard of Oz" movie and sequel "Return to Oz".  One thing that would always confuse me was when Dorothy approached the Emerald City: it looked nothing like Seattle!  There was no Space Needle!!  As a child, it was hard for me to understand that this was a different city than the nickname we've given Seattle.  :)

I just got back from the Seattle Ronald McDonald House (RMcDH).  The weather was cold but sunny, so it was a great day for driving!  I had a great time being up there again to see some of the children and visit with Kate Van Dyke, the Development Assistant for RMcDH.  Thanks to all the wonderful donations from my friends and family, I was able to drop off about 10 grocery bags of items that the families can use!  I think I am going to start collecting items for them twice per year.

If you missed my earlier blog, you may not know what this is about.  I ran a small toiletries drive for the RMcDH of Seattle by sending a mailing to all of my past Real Estate Buyers and Sellers, as well as my friends, family members, Lenders and Title and Escrow contacts.  Next time you stay in a hotel, please save the mini shampoo, conditioner, soaps, razors or other small personal items you don't use.  I will be happy to collect them from you and take them to some people that really need them.  The families that stay at the RMcDH while their child is receiving care at Children's Hospital are not provided with all the amenities a hotel would.  They only receive personal care items that have been donated to RMcDH by private individuals or organizations. 

You can find more information about Ronald McDonald House here: http://www.rmhcseattle.org/

You'll see a "Support RMDH" link that shows all the items on their wish list.  Some of the items they would love to have include: telephone cards (minutes), microwaves, roll-away beds, gift cards for grocery stores, small refrigerators, Wii games, white linens and towel sets.

Here is their grocery shopping list: http://www.rmhcseattle.org/donate/rmhc_shop_list.pdf  incase you'd like to drop off some groceries!

Anyway, it really warmed by heart to be able to deliver so many goods to them, on behalf of you.  By all of us just doing a little, we can accomplish so much!  Thank you all.  :)

Here is Kate Van Dyke (on the left), my contact at the Seattle Ronald McDonald House, and me with Ronald and the 10 or so bags of goods I dropped off.

January ushers in a time of reflection and renewal. For many people, a New Year's resolution can inspire us to make changes in our lives for the better. I've compiled a short list of the most popular resolutions. Did yours make the list?

1. Become More Organized. A quick way to do this is to make lists of things that need to be done and check them off as you go. Get started by sending your “thank you” notes early, or by organizing your holiday decorations for easier access next season. January is National “Get Organized” Month, so this is the best time of year to buy organizational systems and containers on sale!

2. Stay Within Your Budget. Many of us feel the pinch after the holiday season. A good way to avoid this in 2008 is to set a monthly budget. Envision the things you would like to do in the year ahead and anticipate seasonal expenses. You'll be amazed at how much easier the holidays will be on your wallet if you can plan ahead.

3. Exercise More. Many people strive to find health, wealth, and the time to enjoy them both. Take some time this year to focus on your health and get your body into shape. By starting small and working yourself up to a regular routine, you'll find you have more energy, increased metabolism, and an easier time sleeping.

4. Lose Weight. This goes hand in hand with exercising. Most people make losing weight a new year's resolution but it’s hard to stick to unless you start right away and stick to it. Portion control is the key! Start by throwing away the remaining holiday treats so they are no longer a temptation. Stop thinking about it as a "diet" and more as a new way of staying healthy.

No matter what your resolution, it's always good to share them with a friend or family member for added accountability. Don't get down on yourself if you slip, just keep on going!  Here's to a great 2008!

King County

When comparing December 2007 to December 2006, the average price of a home* in King County depreciated less than half of one percent, according to the NWMLS.  More specifically, the average price fell slightly from $477,087 to $477,659 and the median price fell from $399,700 to $389,500 for a decrease of 2.62% over December 2006. 

 

Recently, my title & escrow representative invited me to attend a real estate investors symposium.  My husband and I would like to invest in more real estate and try our hand at managing property and finding tenants.  I've taken investors seminars and classes over the last 3.5 years and this seemed like another really good one to attend.

Have you considered the idea of diversifying your investment portfolio by including real estate?  Maybe you have some questions you'd like answers for, when it comes to investing in real estate and growing your retirement funds.

With that said...

You are invited to the 2008 Real Estate Investors Symposium on January 12, 2008 from 10 am – 3 pm at the Ikea Performing Arts Center (located at Renton High School, which is nowhere near the Ikea store: 400 S. 2nd Street in Renton – park in the parking garage at 2nd & Logan).

This Fall, Everything Changed in U.S. Real Estate… Why is Seattle Different?

• How is your real estate investment (your home) performing?
• What will be the appreciation rate for the next five years in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties?
• How can real estate work for you in this market?
• What expensive mistakes can you avoid?

Speakers and Topics include:
Jim Hebert, Economist with Hebert Research: “Economic Updates and Forecasts”
June Lu, President of Wealth Solutions & Branch Manager of Puget Sound Home Mortgage: “12 Common Mistakes Investors Make”
Julie Johnson, President of RHA (Rental Housing Association): “How to Build a Team”
Thanh Nguyen, CFP® & Retirement Planning Specialist with Morgan Stanley: “Wealth Management/Life After Real Estate”

The cost is $25/person in advance, or $40/person at the door. Sign up at: www.pshm.com and click the link at the top left that says “2008 Symposium Registration”. Click the “PAY NOW” button and you’ll be directed to PayPal or you can just call them to register at (425) 235-7540.

I am not affiliated with the mortgage company that is sponsoring this, but I was invited to attend, and I thought it would be worthwhile to share it with you, too.

Looking forward to seeing you there!