This Forbes article states that the number of million dollar homes doubled between 2000 and 2005, nearly 1 out of every 25 properties in California. http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/realestate/2006/04/27/million-dollar-homes_cx_lr_0428feat.html?partner=rss Scroll down to See what $1 million in real estate will buy you across the country. Pretty interesting stuff.
Nationally, Real Estate Sales Soared in March, With A Catch…..
Fresh from CNN Online: http://money.cnn.com/2006/04/26/news/economy/newhomes/index.htm?section=cnn_topstories Much of the activity generated was the result of builders cutting prices to move standing inventory.
National Real Estate News
With prices soaring locally for the past 3 years, ever wonder what's going on around the rest of the country? Sure, we hear that it's "worse" in California, but here is an article that reveals the most expensive markets in the country by zip code. http://www.forbes.com/2006/04/17/06zip_most-expensive-zip-codes_cx_sc_0421intro.html Be sure to click on In Pictures: The Most Expensive ZIP Codes to see …
Hot Tubs. First, You Need A Hot Tub Guy……..
It's that time of year when you start thinking about backyard improvements. What would be a nice addition that will allow you to relax, decompress, sort of act as an informal gathering place in your yard, something the kids can play in a bit, and costs less than a tenth of the cost of a swimming pool? HOT TUB! You've …
My Deck is Green
Have you gone out on your deck to fire up the barbeque on one of these nicer days, only to slip on the slippery green surface and send your 2" peppercorn steaks over the neighbor's fence into the clutches of a friendly pit bull terrier? Well, maybe nothing that bad, but it's easy to get hurt if the condition isn't …
Early Spring Clean-up
Now is the time to get those gutters cleaned and make sure downspouts are running clear. One outfit we recommend: All Pro Services, Ron Witsil, 425-746-4829. They also do windows. They're professional, show up on time, and get the job done.
Exteriors, it never ends…..
The Northwest presents unique challenges to effectively maintaining single family homes. We have several categories to start up. Send us suggestions for ones we didn't think of.
Financing Questions
Here is the place to ask about financing types, private mortgage insurance (PMI), ARM's, predatory lending, etc. Here is a link to an article passed on to us by one of our long term clients. It is a thought provoking approach to home financing as it applies to one's overall economic health: http://www.realgroup.com/Asset_Management/FinancialPlanning-Mortgage.pdf (This is a 12 page PDF that …
Buying Questions
Here is the place to ask questions you might have about buying a home. Ask about contingencies, inspections, understanding forms, search strategies, etc. We'll post some ideas that might help.