How Much Is Too Much?

Bill and DianaBuying Concerns Leave a Comment

It doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes we observe someone paying too much for a property. How much is too much? Try $200,000 over what should be an $825,000 property. That’s right, we have silently observed a buyer paying $1,025,000 for a home close to our own which, even in the best of times, might have pushed $900,000. It is …

Reining In Mortgage Interest Write-offs

Bill and DianaNews, Personal Finance, Seattle Times Articles, taxes 2 Comments

Referencing the Seattle Times article Tax-legislation Plans Bound To Surface Next Year, it is easy to at first dismiss the headline as so much typical legislative money hunting by elected officials. But upon complete review, some good points are raised by Ken Harney, syndicated columnist to The Times. Case in point: when homeowners pull more than $100,000 in equity out …

Star Powered Properties by Forbes.com

Bill and DianaNews Leave a Comment

We love to share some the real estate news we come across. Forbes.com wrote this fun, informative article about the latest trend in property promotion: attaching the name of stars such as Martha Stewart, Shaquille O’Neal, Jade Jagger and Nicky Hilton to residential projects in order to increase traffic and interest.

The World’s Most Expensive Islands by Forbes.com

Bill and DianaMiscellaneous, News Leave a Comment

Ever wonder where the truly rich go to get away from everything? Ever think that if you won the lottery you’d buy your own island. Sara Clemence of Forbes.com did a great article on the world’s most expensive islands back in March of this year. It’s a fun read and the pictures are awesome.

Housing Bubble? Ken Harney Doesn’t Think So. Neither Do We.

Bill and DianaBuying Concerns, Financing, Seattle Times Articles, Selling Concerns Leave a Comment

For several weeks/months we have asserted that there is no housing price bubble. The media, in general, has inaccurately portrayed the slowing market as sign of a meltdown. Kenneth Harney, syndicated real estate columnist for The Seattle Times, is a lonely voice of reason in the media. He’s right on! His 10/15/06 article sets the record straight on all issues/concerns …

What’s Hot In The Kitchen: The Latest From Forbes.com

Bill and DianaAppliances, Upgrading Leave a Comment

Have you been considering a kitchen remodel? Even if you already have a Viking Range and a Sub-Zero, there are new items that fall into the “to die for” kitchen appliance category. Lucy Maher at Forbes.com does a nice job of presenting the latest technologies for the kitchen. Wait ’til you see the kitchen sink/dishwasher, or the refer/oven. Very cool …

Rare Kudos to Elizabeth Rhodes-Seattle Times Home Forum Article 10/1/06

Bill and DianaBuying Concerns, Financing, News, Seattle Times Articles, Selling Concerns 2 Comments

It is a rare occurrence, but this week we tip our respective hats to Elizabeth Rhodes for an excellent, insightful response response to a reader’s question regarding “suicide loans” and the impact they may have on the market. The reader, as many people have inquired of us, wonders if there will be a bounty of foreclosed properties properties to choose …