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Opportunity of a Lifetime

Posted on December 8, 2009

The Opportunity of a Lifetime in Real Estate

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better for a home buyer in this market, the government extended and expanded that amazing incentive tax credit that we have all been aware of over the last year. For any that are still unaware of the benefits of the tax credit, it is a tax credit up to $8,000 for any first-time home buyer. Making this an amazing opportunity to get an even better deal on a home, especially considering the inventory available, the low prices, and the historically low interest rates.

Now that tax credit is extended until June of 2010. However offers need to be written as of April 30th, 2010 to qualify. The other thing to mention is that ANY home owner who has been in their current residence for at least 5 years could qualify for a $6,500 tax credit. If you have considered making a move, this could be the opportunity you have been waiting for. CLICK HER FOR MORE INFO

1 Comment : Author: Windermere Real Estate Valley

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Spokane Real Estate Market

Posted on November 24, 2009

If You Are Curious About The Spokane Real Estate Market...

You've come to the right place. Inventory is sliding down and the number of home sales has remained consistent for the last few months. Below is a fantastic chart illustrating Spokane real estate market activity over the last several months. What you see below is the entire universe of residential real estate in Spokane County.

Spokane Real Estate Market Trends

The chart below illustrates Spokane Real Estate Market Trends. It is interesting to look at the 15 month trend showing a decline in inventory but an increase in solds and homes under contract. From September to October we see a decline in inventory and homes under contract which is typical for this time of year. It is rewarding to see the number of sold closed homes shows an upward trend in each measurement of time below...a good sign for Spokane's real estate market and an indicator that now is a great time to buy!

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Why Buy a Home in Spokane

Posted on August 13, 2009

7 Reasons to Own a Home in Spokane

1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, as well as some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on average 6.5 percent each year from 1972 through 2005, and increased 88.5 percent over the last 10 years, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. In addition, the number of U.S. households is expected to rise 15 percent over the next decade, creating continued high demand for housing.

3. Equity. Money paid for rent is money that youï¿½ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

4. Savings. Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

5. Predictability. Unlike rent, your fixed-mortgage payments donï¿½t rise over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will increase.

6. Freedom. The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

7. Stability. Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

If you are a first-time home buyer there is one more "biggie" to consider - The $8,000.00 Tax Credit. Hurry though, it expires on November 30th. You don't want to leave that money on the table. For more information contact your favorite Windermere Agent.

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Spokane Real Estate Market Sizzles

Posted on July 11, 2009

Temperatures and Home Sales On The Rise!!!

June home sales rose by 28.2% compared to last month proving that the buyers are out there.

More good news for sellers is the fact that the average sales price also rose last month from the previous month. Inventories are also down by 4% compared to last year. While business is still down compared to last year's numbers, we can be hopeful that the trend will continue as the first-time home buyers take advantage of the $8,000.00 tax credit. Rates are still great and it is an amazing time for trade-up buyers looking to buy a bigger home.

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Is Spokane Real Estate a Good Investment?

Posted on June 3, 2009

Is Spokane Real Estate a Good Investment?

We have really witnessed a volatile market over the last several months. Which brings to mind a question that many investors have been asking themselves: Where is the best place to invest my money?

Let's Look at the Numbers

Earlier this decade during the housing boom, real estate was the runaway winner as the best investment in Americans' minds, but as housing prices dropped, so did faith in real estate. It has recovered somewhat this year as Americans perceive an improving housing market. Currently, according to Gallup Poll, Americans divide equally between savings accounts and real estate while fewer would chose stocks or mutual funds as well as bonds.
Read More....

How Do You Determine Value?

Of course, a home is not only about "Dollars and Cents". A home is also a place to create memories. It is a shelter and a refuge. In an economy where many families are finding it harder to take a vacation due to tighter budgets, a home becomes the "Get-Away Spot". This is noted in the new term referring to people staying closer to home--"STAY-CATION". If you buy a home that you enjoy, one that meets your specific needs, the value of the home comes from the satisfaction you have everyday when you walk through those doors. Purchasing a home, is ALWAYS a good investment as long as you do your homework.

To get more information on how to buy a home that best suits your needs contact your Windermere Agent.

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Spokane ~ Does Your Home Tell A Story?

Posted on November 14, 2008

Does Your Home Tell A Story?

Most of us have lots of memories of our home, whether we currently live in it or we remember the home(s) we've lived in. I have some amazing memories of my childhood home back in Hamilton, MT. I remember holidays, birthday parties, summer vacations, running down to the river to catch fiesty rainbow trout, crashing my bike, always getting along with my younger sister ( snicker ). Every time we go back to Hamilton, I just have to drive by my old home to see if the new owners have done anything with it. I also like to check out the neighbors and see what they have been up to!

For you current sellers out there you may want to consider a storybook of your home. A storybook is a wonderful tool for collecting family memories. It is also a great way to preserve the story of your home, from the moving experience right up until the moment you move out. Take before and after pictures of improvement projects, tear out ideas from magazines that you like, and add sketches of landscaping ideas or other remodeling ideas you have for your home. You may even include pictures of holiday decorations or amazing summer flower bed and green tree shots. You can take the book with you when you move or leave it for the next homeowner. It may also be handy to leave a list of names and numbers for all those contractors you've hired over the years. Maybe you have a favorite window washer, or sprinkler specialist, or landscaper/arborist.

Sometime we forget why we own homes. Some of us own homes perhaps for investments but most because we want a safe place to raise our families and create memories. Here is a link to stories collected by Garrison Keillor for his Prarie Home Companion Radio Show...another home memory of mine as my Mom and Dad usually had this radio show playing on Sunday afternoons!