Moving Tips

Moving Tips

Getting Ready to Move

– Easing the transition to your new home with some moving tips:

1) Use the right boxes and pack them carefully:

  • Professional moving companies use only sturdy, reinforced cartons. The boxes you can get at your neighborhood supermarket or liquor store might be free, but they are not nearly as strong or padded, and so can’t shield your valuables as well from harm in transit.
  • Use sheets, blankets, pillows and towels to separate pictures and other fragile objects from each other and the sides of the carton. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.
  • Be sure to point out to your mover the boxes in which you’ve packed fragile items, especially if those items are exceptionally valuable. The mover will advise you whether those valuables need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes.
  • The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t lift the carton easily, it’s too heavy. Label your boxes, especially the one containing sheets and towels, so you can find everything you need the first night in your new home.

2) For your family’s safety and comfort:

  • One of the best moving tips is to teach your children your new address. Let them practice writing it on packed cartons. You can lighten your load and reduce any storage space you need to rent by hosting a garage or yard sale.
  • Fill two “OPEN ME FIRST” cartons containing snacks, instant coffee or tea bags, soap, toilet paper, toothpaste and brushes, medicine and toiletry items (make sure caps are tightly secured), flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups and utensils, a pan or two, paper towels, and any other items your family can’t do without. Ask your van foreman to load one of these boxes, so that it will be unloaded at your new home first. Why the second box? In case the movers are delayed getting to your house on the day of the move.
  • Keep your pets out of packing boxes and away from all the activity on moving day.
  • Let all your electrical gadgets return to room temperature before plugging them in.
  • Since you may need to call old neighbors or businesses from your new home, pack your phone book.

3) Work hand in hand with your mover:

  • Give the mover’s foreman your reach numbers and email addresses so you can stay in contact.
  • Read the inventory form carefully, and ask the mover to explain anything you don’t understand. Make a note of your shipment’s registration number, and keep your Bill of Lading handy.
  • If you’re moving long distance, be aware that your property might share a truck with that of several other households. For this reason, your mover might have to warehouse your furniture and belongings for several days. Therefore, ask your mover whether your goods will remain on the truck until delivered. If they have to be stored, ask whether you can check the warehouse for security, organization and cleanliness.

 

Investing in Real Estate

Investing in Real Estate May Save You Money!

Lower Your Taxes:

Tax incentives for real estate investors can often make the difference in your tax rates. Deductions for rental property can often be used to offset wage income. Tax breaks can often enable investors to turn a loss into a profit.

For which items can investors get tax breaks? You could claim deductions for actual costs you incur for financing, managing and operating the rental property. This includes mortgage interest payments, real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, property management fees, travel, advertising, and utilities (assuming the tenant does not pay them). These expenses can be subtracted from your adjusted gross income when determining your personal income taxes. Of course, these deductions cannot exceed the amount of real estate income you receive.

In addition to deductions for operating costs, you can also receive breaks for depreciation. Buildings naturally deteriorate over time, and these “losses” can be deducted regardless of the actual market value of the property. Because depreciation is a non-cash expense — you are not actually spending any money — the tax code can get a bit tricky. For more information about depreciation and various tax alternatives, ask your tax advisor about Section 1031 of the U.S. Tax Code.

Seek advise from your Income Tax advisor or a CPA regarding the above information before beginning your investing in real estate program!

Have a Positive Cash Flow:

There are two kinds of positive cash flows: pre-tax and after-tax. A pre-tax positive cash flow occurs when income received is greater than expenses incurred. This sort of situation is difficult to find, but they are usually a strong and safe investment. An after-tax positive cash flow may have expenses that outweigh collected income, but various tax breaks allow for a positive cash flow. This is more common, but it is generally not as strong or safe as a pre-tax positive cash flow.

Regardless of what kind of real estate you choose to invest in, timely collections from your tenants is absolutely necessary. A positive cash flow — whether it is pre-tax or after-tax — requires rental income. Be sure to find quality tenants; a thorough credit and employment check is probably a good idea.

Use Leverage:

One of the most important factors in determining a solid investment is the amount of equity you are purchasing. Equity is the difference between the actual worth of the property and the balanced owed on the mortgage.

Benefit from Growing Equity:

While investing in real estate is relatively complex, it is often worth the extra work. When compared to other financial investments, like bonds or CD’s, the return on investment for real estate purchases can often be greater.

The key to investing in real estate is equity. Determine an amount of equity that you want to achieve. When you reach your goal, it’s time to sell or refinance. Determining the proper amount of equity may require the assistance of a real estate professional.

Short Sale

What is a “Short Sale”?

Short Sale Definition:

A Short Sale occurs when the proceeds of a real estate sale fall short of the balance owed on the property and; the underlying lienholder (Lender) agrees to accept a purchase offer from a Buyer that does not cover the existing mortgage including any costs of sale; and the Seller does not have sufficient assets to make up the deficiency.

Short Sales and Distressed Homes for sale make up a large percentage of the available homes for sale in County. Selling or Buying distressed real estate properties can be difficult for both Seller’s and Buyer’s in negotiating with the underlying lender (lien holder) in obtaining the desired decision from the lender, acceptance of the offer presented. Each lender has a set of rules for receiving and reviewing any offers that may be presented to them for Short Sale consideration. I have successfully helped to coordinate the processing of many Short Sales with several different lien holders.

If you are a Seller in Pre-Foreclosure or looking for sound information on how to avoid foreclosure, please contact me for Short Sale information that will assist you in making an informed decision. I cannot and will not guarantee to prevent a foreclosure sale.

If you are looking to buy Distressed Properties or wanting to discuss your options in Selling a Distressed Home. please contact me for Short Sale help.

Let me help you, as your Short Sale real estate Agent and Broker Specialist, with your Distressed Property Search and provide you with a list of the Short Sale and Foreclosure properties that meet your search criteria.

I can also help you with buying Foreclosure Homes, Bank Owned homes, Real Estate Owned (REO) and bank foreclosures for sale by providing you with real estate foreclosure listings of foreclosed properties.

Short Sale homes are often homes in foreclosure and may already be involved in the foreclosure short sale process.

Short Sale Buyer and Seller assistance offered for all pre-foreclosure homes and properties located in Snohomish County including: Arlington, Bothell, Brier, Edmonds, Everett, Granite Falls, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mill Creek, Monroe, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Snohomish, Stanwood, Sultan & Woodway.

We also offers Short Sale assistance in King County, Washington including: Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Bothell, Burien, Carnation, Clyde Hill, Duvall, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, North Bend, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Shoreline, Snoqualmie, Vashon Island, West Seattle & Woodinville. King County Washington Short Sale homes.

FREE Home Value Estimate

FREE Home Value Estimate!

The FREE house value “estimate”, real estate home market value calculator, that is provided by many competitor sites, search Tax Records to get information in order to check property value on your home and the selling prices of comparable property, to find home value and calculate estimated fair sale price.

This data may or may not be current or accurate such as; square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and most important – any upgrades or remodeling that may have been completed on your real estate.

My site does not provide for an “OnLine” market value calculator. Please take a moment to read the following information to find out why!

Because of those inaccuracies, a high percentage of the house market value reports, that the public receives from home value online sources, may not represent true resale market value of your home or property and may be way under or way over priced.

Most online free home value estimate finders do not take into account current market conditions, good or bad, for real estate values, in helping to determine an estimate of home value or home equity for a sound descision by you on selling or refinancing your home.

I believe in personally visiting your home to obtain first hand knowledge of the features your house has to offer.

By performing this FREE house value report as a professional service, at no cost or obligation, I will provide you with a more accurate real estate value.

If you may be interested in having a real estate professional, Bob Chapman, a Windermere real estate broker and agent and Realtor®, provide you with a current FREE property value estimate, even if it is just to find out your home equity –

Please send me the completed information request below, for a FREE home value estimate, via e-mail or call me directly at the phone number listed in the lower left of this page.

You may not want to sell or list your home or land right now – That is OK! I want to build relationships for the future.

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW A REALTOR® THAT YOU WOULD USE OR RECOMMEND – I WOULD LIKE TO BE THAT REALTOR®!

Please take a moment to complete and submit the Contact Form

Monroe Washington School District

Monroe Washington School District

These links are provided to assist you in gathering detailed information about the area or region where you may be thinking of buying a home.

Monroe Washington Public School District

District Offices – Monroe School District – Monroe Washington:

Monroe School District
200 E. Fremont
Monroe, WA  98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-2500

Monroe School District – High School:

Monroe High School
17001 Tester Rd.
Monroe, WA  98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-4500

Monroe School District – Middle Schools:

Hidden River Middle School
9224 Paradise Lake Rd.
Snohomish, WA 98296
Office Phone: (360) 804-4100

Monroe Middle School
351 Short Columbia St.
Monroe, WA 98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-4200

Park Place Middle School
1408 West Main St.
Monroe, WA 98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-4300

Monroe School District – Elementary Schools:

Chain Lake Elementary School
12125 Chain Lake Road
Snohomish, WA 98290
Office Phone: (360) 804-3100

Frank Wagner Elementary School
115 Dickinson Road
Monroe, WA 98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-3300

Maltby Elementary School
9700 – 212th Street S.E.
Snohomish, Washington 98296
Office Phone: (360) 804-3500

Salem Woods Elementary School
12802 Wagner Rd
Monroe, WA 98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-3600

Monroe School District – Alternative School / K-12:

Sky Valley Education Center
17072 Tye St, Building B
Monroe, WA 98272
Office Phone: (360) 804-2700

Hot Western Market

Buyers & Brokers get Creative to Compete in a Hot Western Market

Housing around Western Washington is on an upward trajectory, but inadequate inventory “in the right prices and locations” makes for a “very difficult market for purchasers and brokers,” according to an executive with one multi-office real estate company.

New figures from Northwest Multiple Listing Service show inventory increased in May compared to a year ago, but brokers say competition is keen. “Multiple offers and escalation clauses occur on a regular basis for properties that are extremely well priced and in great condition,” reports Dick Beeson, principal managing broker at a real estate brokerage franchise in Tacoma, Washington.

Mike Gain, a former chairman of the Northwest MLS board of directors, also commented on the bidding wars. “We are experiencing more multiple offers than I have experienced in my 35 years of practicing real estate in this marketplace,” stated Gain, the president and CEO of a real estate brokerage in Seattle, WA. “This is a very difficult market for purchasers, our agents and brokers. If we had inventory to handle the demand our pending and sold numbers would be greatly increased,” he believes, adding, “We desperately need good quality inventory.”

Last month’s pending sales topped the 10,000 mark for the first time in twelve months. The number of mutually accepted offers totaled 10,373, outgaining a year ago by 328 transactions for an increase of almost 3.3 percent. Last month’s total was the highest volume of pending sales since June 2006 when brokers tallied 10,448 transactions.

With demand outpacing supply in many parts of the region, brokers are noticing more creativity among competing parties. “Offer review deadlines have become pretty commonplace in this market, as have pre-inspections,” said OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate. He said some agents and buyers are getting even more aggressive by submitting their offer prior to the deadline.

Jacobi said there’s also an increase in the number of cash buyers, and buyers willing to waive their financing contingency, “making it even more difficult for the vast majority who don’t have this option.” With ongoing competition likely to continue, Jacobi expects agents and buyers to be “increasingly creative until the market becomes more balanced, which probably isn’t going to happen any time soon.”

MLS figures show months of inventory slipped to 3.33 from April’s figure of 3.46. In King County, supply stayed about even with April (1.78 months of inventory in May versus l.74 months in April).  Snohomish slipped from 2.47 months to 2.37. Four to six months is considered to be a balanced market.

Fewer sales closed last month compared to a year ago (down 2.2 percent), but prices increased. Compared to April, the number of completed sales in May jumped by 997 transactions for a gain of 16.1 percent. Brokers reported 7,187 closed sales of single family homes and condominiums last month with a median selling price of $285,000. That sales price reflects a 3.6 percent increase from the year-ago figure of $275,000.

For single family homes (excluding condos) the area-wide price rose 4.2 percent, increasing from $285,000 to $297,000. Condo prices jumped nearly 15% from the year-ago price of $200,000 to last month’s price of $229,900.

Brokers added 12,605 new listings to inventory during May, about 10 percent more than a year ago. At month end, the selection across the 21 counties served by Northwest MLS included 23,917 active listings. That total reflects a 9 percent increase from twelve months ago when buyers could choose from 21,943 homes and condominiums.

In several counties served by Northwest MLS distressed properties make up about 20 percent of the activity, according to an analysis by Beeson. His figures show one of every five homes that sold in Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap and Cowlitz counties was distressed, while in King County such properties accounted for only around 10 percent of the sales.

Beeson, a board member at Northwest MLS, expects distressed properties will continue to be an integral part of the market. As median prices continue to rise around Puget Sound, he believes the inventory of short sales will be reduced.

“The inventory of bank owned properties holds steady at twice the number of short sales,” Beeson reported, adding, “This probably will not change in the foreseeable future as banks have warehoused much of their ‘shadow inventory’ and are slowly bringing it on the market so as not to glut the market, and to help keep pricing levels up, which benefits them as well.”

Another MLS director, George Moorhead, characterized the market as “sluggish” in areas. Buyers are about “45 days later to the starting line” compared to patterns of the past three years. “Some areas are still doing extremely well and still seeing multiple offers, but not on the whole,” observed Moorhead, the managing broker at a real estate office in Bothell, Washington. Overall, he believes “the market is righting itself slowly and becoming healthy and sustainable.”

Snohomish anomaly

Inventory in Snohomish County jumped 43 percent compared to a year ago. Asked about the surge, Moorhead attributed much of it to an influx of new construction. The MLS database shows 406 of 2,206 listings of single family homes are classified as new construction. That’s about twice the number from a year ago. “The price points are some of the best in the market areas for size, style and overall location,” Moorhead stated.

Kitsap: Different segments tell different tale

Like many areas, Kitsap County has several submarkets. “Using a countywide statistic in this market is much like judging a book by its cover – you shouldn’t,” suggests MLS director Frank Wilson, the branch managing broker at a brokerage in Poulsbo, WA. “Each part of Kitsap is its own chapter with a story to tell,” he explained.

Overall, Kitsap’s inventory is holding at about a four-month supply, “just on the sellers’ side of neutral,” Wilson said. Traffic at open houses is up, and more listings are drawing multiple offers and offers with escalation clauses, he added.

Prices in Kitsap are down about 4 percent, but of 19 areas the Northwest MLS tracks in that county, 10 had year-over-year price gains, and nine map areas had declines. The sharpest price increase occurred in East Central Kitsap where values jumped 20 percent from twelve months ago.

Rosy outlook

Despite inventory shortages, Northwest MLS brokers were mostly upbeat about short-term activity:

  • “Locally, the summer selling season can be the busiest time of the year. This year with the lack of inventory it is probably the best market sellers will ever experience,” suggested Mike Gain.
  • “We anticipate the market remaining at modest levels of growth [in Snohomish County] and inventory levels continuing in a healthy range of seven to eight months instead of two to three months.”  — George Moorhead.
  • “In almost every county, inventory increases since last year have brought a sigh of relief from many buyers . . . If interest rates continue to hold under 5 percent and the unemployment picture continues to improve or remain the same, we should see a moderate to strong market throughout the balance of 2014.” – Dick Beeson.

MLS spokespeople encouraged potential sellers to consider listing now. “Now is a great time for move up sellers/buyers who can sell their homes quickly today and secure another at today’s prices and today’s low interest rates,” Gain suggested. He also noted the majority of homeowners have experienced significant gains in their equity over the past two years. “Sellers who took their homes off the market in the down market can now get the prices they were wanting when they made their decisions to rent them. The prices are back and the homes will sell,” he emphasized.

Wilson urged sellers to make sure their home is exposed “to as many real estate brokers from as many real estate firms as possible to ensure all buyers in your area and price point have a chance to make an offer on your home.”

Buyers also need to be prepared, Wilson suggested. In addition to being fully approved for financing a mortgage before making an offer, buyers need to be mindful that their offer “may not be the only one being tendered to a seller” and be poised to respond.

Terrace Washington

About Mountlake Terrace Washington

The City of Mountlake Terrace Washington is known for its quiet residential neighborhoods, beautiful parks, trails and Lake Ballinger. Mountlake Terrace is conveniently located about 12 miles north of downtown Seattle and about 15 miles south of Everett.

Mountlake Terrace is home to 20,810 residents (2007 estimate from State OFM) and is about four square miles in size. Mountlake Terrace Washington has about 262 acres of recreational attractions including parks, playfields, two golf courses, fishing, a sports pavilion and year-round swimming in an internationally acclaimed aquatics center.

Mountlake Terrace Washington Links & Information

Website: City of Mountlake Terrace Washington

Mountlake Terrace Parks and Recreation
Mountlake Terrace – Edmonds Public School District

Using this site will provide Mountlake Terrace Washington real estate buying and selling information on homes for sale in Mountlake Terrace Washington, Mountlake Terrace Washington new homes for sale, Mountlake Terrace Washington land for sale, Mountlake Terrace short sale homes and Mountlake Terrace WA short sale real estate.

Whether you are interested in a Mountlake Terrace Washington real estate MLS number search for residential property, new home, condo or condominium, fixer home, townhomes, new construction, development land, vacant land, waterfront and lakefront, horse & equestrian property, rental investment, multi-family, foreclosure, home for sale or a home loan on your existing property, you will find a variety of Mountlake Terrace Washington real estate listings and information available by CLICKING on any of the searches listed on this page.

Government Information

Local, County & State Government Information

These links are provided to assist you in gathering detailed information about the area or region where you may be thinking of buying a home. Each of these websites have LINKS to local services in their respective communities such as: Schools, Hospitals & Medical Care, Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Fire Departments and Economic Development.

Government Websites In Washington State

City of Arlington, Washington – Official Website
City of Bothell, Washington – Official Website
City of Brier, Washington – Official Website
City of Edmonds, Washington – Official Website
City of Everett, Washington – Official Website
City of Granite Falls, Washington – Official Website
City of Lake Stevens, Washington – Official Website
City of Lynnwood, Washington – Official Website
City of Marysville, Washington – Official Website
City of Mill Creek, Washington – Official Website
City of Monroe, Washington – Official Website
City of Mountlake Terrace, Washington – Official Website
City of Mukilteo, Washington – Official Website
City of Snohomish, Washington – Official Website
City of Stanwood, Washington – Official Website
City of Sultan, Washington – Official Website
Town of Woodway, Washington – Official Website
County of Snohomish, Washington – Official Website
State of Washington – Official Website
Washington Counties – Find useful information for each county in Washington State.
Things to Consider When Choosing Your Realtor

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Realtor

If you are considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate broker/agent may be the first important decision you will have to make.

While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it is important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences. Someone who you can respect and trust is a minimum requirement. Nearly four out of five home buyers and sellers enlist the help of a real estate professional. Whether you are looking to buy a new home or sell the one you are in, choosing a real professional who best fits your needs is vital.

Here are some questions to consider when choosing your Realtor®:

  • Are they a REALTOR®?
  • How long have they been a real estate professional?
  • Do they work full or part time?
  • How long have they been working in this particular area?
  • What type of homes do they usually handle?
  • How much of their business comes from repeat customers or referrals?
  • How many homes did they sell last year?
  • How often can you expect to be updated, regardless of any progress?
  • Do they have an aggressive marketing plan to attract buyers?

Not all real estate agents/brokers are REALTORS®!

A REALTOR® is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and must follow a strict Code of Ethics in every transaction with the public and with other real estate agents.

Above all you should choose a Realtor® that you feel comfortable with. Your real estate professional will be your guide through the entire process of buying or selling a home, and can be a valuable resource. Make sure that whomever you select is well suited to your demands.