Local buyers and sellers alike should take note of this report from CNN: “5 Bubble-Proof Markets” Seattle is the newest to join this elite group. Part of the reason is the shortage of land, which won’t change soon, given yesterday’s defeat of Initiative 933.
Reining In Mortgage Interest Write-offs
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
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
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.
Rare Kudos to Elizabeth Rhodes-Seattle Times Home Forum Article 10/1/06
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 …
“How’s The Market?”
Nearly everywhere we turn, we are asked this question, “How’s the market?” Our answer: ” Locally, due to the strength of Boeing, Microsoft, Paccar, etc., the market is neutral i.e., the balance between sellers and buyers has become balanced to the extent that sellers are still getting good prices, and buyers are finding more properties from which to choose”. However, as the Forbes.com …
Appraisals In Slowing Market: Ken Harney, Seattle Times 9/15
There are a couple of nuggets to be gleaned from reading Ken Harney’s article about appraisals. (1) good appraisers work to get the right numbers by calling agents to find out if concessions were paid by the Seller and ; (2) insight into the list/re-list game played by some agents in a slowing market. Fortunately, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service …
Foreclosure Investing/Seattle Times 9/9/06 Article
Kudos to Sarah Jio for her article on foreclosure investing in the Seattle Times on Saturday, 9/9. She interviewed an experienced, successful investor who imparted some key knowledge about the process of buying and selling foreclosed homes. However, an interesting bit of advice is where the invester recommends that one should not pay more than 85% of a home’s market value …
What Are The Tax Rules On Selling Real Estate?
We are often asked, “what is my tax liability when I sell my home?”. Also, “do I still have 2 years to purchase a replacement property?” The IRS rules were changed by Congress in 1997, but the language used has often left folks confused about this important issue. Seattle Sunday Times syndicated columnist Scott Burns [Business/Your Money] wrote an excellent …
Forbes: Super High Tech Homes
Glenn Derene of Forbes.com offers up some interesting insights into what makes a home “high tech” by today’s standards. Get a look at some of the features of the gates residence and others at Haute-High Tech. From music in the pool to personalized ambient temperature and lighting adjustments, these homes are all special.