Jason Barrow Realty

2603 S Everett Kennewick, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:43:00 +0000

This rambler with basement has a great open floor plan with lots of potential. Contact me today at 509-308-2102 for a private tour.

143 Chad Court, Richland, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:17:00 +0000

Here is another great home. This house has a great open floor plan with a huge finished bonus room. The home also has a large Kitchen and is situated in a great neighborhood located close to shopping with easy freeway access. Call me today at 509-308-2102 for a private showing.

Welcome Christina!

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:21:00 +0000

Jason Barrow Realty is proud to announce the addition of Christina Barrera-Leingang to our team. Christina brings with her 4 years of real estate experience along with a history of providing excellent service. Christina will be focused on servicing clients looking to purchase their ideal home. If you are in thinking of buying, contact Christina today at (509) 551-6236 for a comparative market analysis and begin the process. She truly is an asset to our team and we are confident you will agree.

Outdoor Living 6.1.2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:05:00 +0000

Last week’s outdoor living posting provided a few resources for designing your outdoor living space. This post will provide a few resources for selecting the proper grill. Propane, gas or charcoal, this is a decision no one should take lightly. Hopefully you’ll find these useful:

http://www.leisuretimenews.com/selecting-a-grill/4870

http://www.mocds.org/2010/recreation/selecting-a-grill/

Now that you’ve chosen the grill, you need accessories. Here is a site that has some of the best accessories around:

http://www.surlatable.com/category/id/103931.do

As with the last post, we will finish it off with a great grilling recipe. To me, nothing says summer like grilled salmon. If I’m going to grill salmon, cedar planks are the way to go. The flavor of salmon grilled atop a cedar plank is second to none. I dare you try.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bbq-with-bobby-flay/cedar-plank-salmon-recipe/index.html

Outdoor Living: 5.23.2010

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 24 May 2010 04:57:00 +0000

As the end of spring approaches, my thoughts turn to the outdoors. Living in the Tri-Cities, I am lucky be able to take part in the best asset of Eastern Washington…..summer.

While most of my day is spent working with my clients to find the home of their dreams or working to find a seller for their previous home, the night belongs to the family. To me, summer and family equals outdoor living.

Being a real estate agent isn’t always about the buy and sell of houses. Sometimes it is about enjoying the house you have. With that in mind, I’m starting an eight-week blog series on outdoor living. I am aiming to have one blog posting a week centered on creating and enjoying the famed Tri-Cities summer in style.

To start it off, I figured I would provide a few great resources for ideas on creating the ultimate outdoor living space. Here are a few ideas that I thought my readers would like:

http://www.digsdigs.com/25-cool-outdoor-living-ideas/
http://blog.houseplansandmore.com/articles/2010-outdoor-living-trends.html

And finally, nothing says summer better than a good grilling recipe. Here is one of my favorites:

http://www.surlatable.com/product/recipes/course/entrees/grilled+bacon+and+bleu+cheese+sliders.do

6 Rose Ct, Pasco, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:55:00 +0000

Here is a great home just blocks from the Columbia River. Quality shows inside and out. Lots of extras and very easy to maintain. Call me today at 509-308-2102 for a private tour.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

For more specific information on this property and to view the MLS listing data, visit my Feature Listing page.

2321 W 50th Street, Kennewick, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:24:00 +0000

Amazing custom built stucco rambler with a view. You can see the attention in the details in this extraordinary home, starting with the cement floors that includes 4 shades and is phenomenal! Extra large bedrooms, two double sided fireplaces, and the oversize heat pump make this home especially cozy. The gourmet kitchen includes stainless steel appliances with a industrial fridge. This home is IDEAL for entertaining inside or out! Call me today at 509-308-2102 for a private tour.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Here is a video tour that I made for this property. This property is wonderful and deserves an in-person tour.

For more specific details and to view the MLS data, visit my Featured Listings page.

1204 Fig Street in Benton City, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 04:12:00 +0000

This 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home has new carpets large deck and patio with a great view. Very clean should not last long. Call me today at 509-308-2102 for private viewing of this incredible home.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

First Time Homebuyer Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:22:00 +0000

Buying your first home is an exciting time but can also be stressful also. By preparing in advance, you can cut down on the stress tremendously.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when starting on the venture to home ownership.

Know your finances

Before you even look at homes or talk with lenders, examine your own finances thoroughly. Make sure you know your credit score, have a copy of your credit report which you can get for free once per year from each of the three sources: Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. Correst any errors and clear up any mistakes. Also, take care of any late payments or collection notices.

Set aside some reserve funds

Buyers are still buying with zero down but not having some extra in the reserve fund can make the process more hectic. If something should come up along the way you want that extra cash there to cover you. The inspection costs and earnest money deposit will be cash expenses and if the inspector recommends having an additional inspection you will need a little more for that. Also, once you are in the home you may need to make minor repairs or add to your furnishings and its not much fun to start out in a new home with not a penny to your name.

Find the right home owners insurance

Buying a home is a great investment but if something should happen to it, you want to make sure the cost is covered. Plus, by borrowing the money, the back technically owns the home until it's paid off so they will require their asset to be covered. Shop around and decide if you want to pay all at once or have the cost built into your mortgage payment and let your lender know this information.

Don't sign anything you don't fully understand

There are so many documents within a Tri Cities real estate transaction that many of them start to blur and run together but do make sure you know what you are signing. Is everything the way you had thought it would be? If there is anything you don't understand don't feel embarassed to ask. Escrow agents help hundreds of first time buyers close on homes and they have heard it all.

Buy a home you truly love

This may go without saying but so many home buyers may find dead ends at a lot of homes they try to buy and simply end up settling for something they really don't like just to get into a home. Make sure this is a home you can love, live in comfortably and may consider selling one day. If the home has issues you really don't like now, chances are a future buyer may feel the same way. This is probably not the last home you will buy so consider resale value when choosing your home.

For more information on finding the right Kennewick homes or property for you and getting started in the real estate process please send us an email or give us a call!. We will be happy to help you in the road to homeownership!

5315 Eisenhower Court, Pasco, Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 22:13:00 +0000

If you like livin' large, this is the home for you. The spacious kitchen includes a media center and there's a private office for taking care of business. There are three large bedrooms and the oversized loft makes a great family room or play space. The yard, one of the biggest in its subdivision, boasts storage for lawn and garden equipment, a covered back porch, and a basketball court for family fun. Add a fantastic location, just minutes from shopping and freeway access, and you have a home that truly is a must see. Call me at 509-308-2102 for a private tour.

Click here to view a slideshow of the property pictures

1204 Fig Street, Benton City, Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:52:00 +0000

Here is a great new listing in Benton City, Washington. This 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home has new carpets large deck and patio with a great view. Very clean should not last long. Call your me at 509-308-2102 for a private showing.

1025 Winslow Ave, Richland, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 05:15:00 +0000

We've got a new listing and one that you need to see. This is a great home in remarkable Richland, Washington! 3 Bedrooms on large corner lot. This home has updated kitchen and floors throughout. All appliances are newer and include a front loading washer and dryer. Covered patio with a carport. This home will not last long. Contact Jason Barrow at 509-308-2102 or jason@jasonbarrowrealty.com to see this gem.

Housing Shortage in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:14:00 +0000

Here is a great article from MSN explaining how economists are predicting a housing shortage in 2011 unless new homes are built to satisfy the recovering economy. The fall of the economy has made developers and builders hesitant to begin new projects. The recent rebound of our economy has ignited the housing market and is putting a lot of pressure on the inventory of homes available. In order to ensure the housing market grows, new houses need to be built.

I am representing a developer to help the Tri-Cities continue to grow in this respect. Desert Estates 3, Phase 8 is one of the best developments in west Pasco and is ready for the sales phase. Contact me now for details on how to build the new home of your dreams.

Click here to view the MSN article.

8901 W 5th in Kennewick, WA

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:54:00 +0000

Beautiful new construction home. Extensive tile work throughout. Gorgeous kitchen with granite slab counter tops, beautiful tile flooring, stainless steel appliances, pantry, eating bar, center island. Living room on mainlevel with beautiful marble fireplace. Large master on main level. Family room upstairs. One of the upstairs bedrooms has it's own private balcony. Covered back patio with outdoor kitchen. You have to see this to believe it. Seller says BRING OFFERS!

Here is a slideshow of the property photos, courtesy of Carsten Photography:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

For more detailed information, visit my website.

Introducing Desert Estates 3, Phase 8

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:49:00 +0000

Jason Barrow Realty is excited to be involved in the newest phase of the Desert Estates 3 housing development in Pasco, Washington. The developers have piped in all the utilities and the final touches are being placed on the lots before they become available for sale.

These lots are coming available at a great time. The inventory of undeveloped lots in the Tri-Cities area has dwindelled over the past months and these lots are not going to last. Check out my website where I've dedicated a page for all things Desert Estates 3, Phase 8, including a short video tour of the development.

For more detailed information, contact Jason Barrow Realty at 509-308-2101 or email Jason Barrow.

Tips to Purchasing Short Sale/Foreclosed Properties

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:35:00 +0000

The Tri-Cities area is ripe with excellent Foreclosure and Short Sale deals waiting to be snatched up. Short sales and foreclosures are great ways to get a deal on a house or condo, but you should know what to look for and what to look out for.

Short Sales occur when a lender allows a house to be sold for less than what is owed on the mortgage. In many cases, the bank will lose less money in a short sale transaction than letting the house go into foreclosure. Since the lender is responsible for approving the sale, it is important to make your offer as appealing as possible.

Get pre-approved with a qualified lender. A pre-approval letter is a MUST for short sales to prove you are serious about your purchase.

Don’t try and negotiate for repairs or ask for special reports on the house. It is best to buy the house “as is”.

Offering a deposit of 2 – 3% of the offer price is going to catch the bank’s eye a lot more.

Conventional loans or All Cash are the most appealing.

A large Down Payment makes an attractive offer.

It’s important to remain patient. Short Sales have to go through extra steps than a regular transaction, such as bank approval, so don’t get over anxious if it takes a couple of months before an answer is received. With Short Sales, the deal is never done until the papers are signed, so don’t be afraid to place an offer on several opportunities rather to focus on one specific property.

It is never out of the question to make offers on homes or condos that already have existing or even have already accepted offers. Many times the original offer will back out of the transaction due to several factors that may occur in the length of time from their original offer and the Short Sale approval.

Always remember that the best deals go first and if you see a good property, you should submit an offer ASAP.

Home Buyer Tax Credit - Vol. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:06:00 +0000

There is a lot of information out there that tries to explain a pretty complicated topic, the Home Buyer Tax Credit. Many people think the time has passed to take advantage of this credit but the Obama Administration has extended it. Take a look at this video I found that helps to explain the credit in everyday terms.

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:11:00 +0000

2009 was the best year yet for me, and I wanted to thank you all for your support. I hope everyone had a fun and safe Christmas and may 2010 be even better yet.

A special thanks goes out to the 30+ families that allowed me to broker their home purchase or sale.

Inspection Tip: Underground fuel storage tanks previously used for home heating oil

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:48:00 +0000

DEFINITION
Underground fuel storage tanks, for home heating oil, that have been out of service for more than one year, are required to be properly removed from the ground or closed in place as required by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Washington State Department of Ecology offers an exemption for home heating oil tanks of less than 1,100 gallons. Authority for proper closure is forwarded to the local fire departments and building departments who gain their authority from the Uniform Fire Code in Article 79 – 7902.1.7.2.3. NOTE: Home heating oil tanks that remain in service are not required to be closed in place or removed unless known to be leaking.

NOTE: The new home inspection law does not require home inspectors to identify or comment on underground oil tanks. However, the law regarding the removal or abandonment in place laws have not changed. A two-edged sword that could bite you.

POTENTIAL AREA(S) OF CONCERN
Clues for determining if you have an underground fuel tank on site at your listing or property your client is purchasing:

Was the home built in the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s, or early 60’s?

Does the home have a small chimney with no known fireplace or stove?

Does the home have a basement or cellar? Oil fired furnaces were used in ground level homes as well, but the tank was typically elevated above ground.

Do you see tank fill (2’’) and/or vent piping (1’’) above ground near the home?

Does the current owner have knowledge of an underground fuel tank?

Did your inspector identify an underground tank location during his or her property inspection?

CORRECTIVE ACTION RECOMMENDATIONS
Underground fuel storage tanks for home heating oil, that have been out of service for more than one year, are required to be properly removed from the ground or closed in place as required by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Several options may be considered. Properly close the tank in place or remove the tank from the ground and from the property. Several environmental companies are known in the Tri-Cities to perform this work, and the prices vary considerably depending upon the company used, and ease of access to the tank. Review the phonebook under Environmental and Ecological Services.

POTENTIAL LIABILITY VS SALES IMPACT
Moderate/Low

ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS
Closure of the tank in place ranges from $350.00 to $1,200 or more if access is not hampered (concrete poured over the tank). Removal of the tank depends upon access for excavation equipment, and repairs to the property due to excavation damage.

This information has been provided by John Cagle, President of AccuSpec Technologies, Inc.

John is a trusted authority in home inspection and I recommend his services to all my clients.

John Cagle is the corporate president of AccuSpec Technologies Inc. John has in excess of 45 years of experience in the construction industry with a background in general contracting, electrical, and fire service. John is licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Washington as a home inspector, structural pest inspector, and has been in business as AccuSpec Technologies since 2001 serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. John provides home and pest inspection, qualitative/quantitative water well testing, PowerPoint presentations and training to real estate offices and private organizations on request. John is available to answer your questions, or perform inspections at 509-430-8353.

Short Sales vs. Foreclosures

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:04:00 +0000

The Alternative to Foreclosures - Short Sales

A far as real estate transactions go a short sale is not a very pleasant transaction either but it could be a better option than bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Signing away the rights to your home in a foreclosure proceeding can have lasting effects on a family the home owner loses their credit rating and is unable to restore this for as long as a three year period. A short sale can actually save a home owner from having to undergo the further indignity of losing their credit score.

Because of the economy right now in our country home owners are choosing to sell their Tri-Cities real estate by way of Short Sales. In California agents are reporting that more than half their listings are due to short sales.

But the seller themselves do not have the authority to sell their own property in a short sale. The permission has to come from the lender of the loan. The lender will agree to sell the home in a short sale but it also means that the lender is agreeing to probably take a loss on the property.

Not to say that they excuse the balance outstanding, the home owner is generally still held liable for this unless in case of extremely extenuating circumstances. Many lenders agree to a short sale but not to discounted pay-offs, while many other lenders will not even agree to a short sale, as not all Tri-city real estate or sellers qualify for a short sale.

It is highly recommended that any home owner considering the possibility of a short sale, seek legal advice from a real estate lawyer. This is because the drawbacks can often out weight the benefits. An accountant should also be consulted to look into the tax implications of a short sale as the IRS might consider debt forgiveness as income.

There is also the possiblity that the lender will still hold the balance of the unpaid debt to the sellers responsibility and many US states allow deficiency judgments in matters such as foreclosure and short sales. Only a lawyer will be able to judge if the lender has a deficiency claim against the borrower.

In a short sale the lender is going to require a great amount of detail from the future buyer. Even though each lender is different its best to be prepared if you are going to start the short sale process. It might take you a few calls to determine who is responsible for short sales purchases from your lender, but they will also be able to provide you with details of the information they require.

If you are considering a short sale or foreclosure for your Pasco, Richland or Kennewick real estate, don't hestiate to call me today. We can go over options and dicuss the possiblities you may have.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

noreply@blogger.com (Jason Barrow) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 06:57:00 +0000

The most exciting new provision of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 is the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit! The credit is designed to encourage first-time homebuyers to go ahead and make the leap to purchase their first homes. Combine this tax credit with the fact that home prices are at historic lows, and indeed it is an ideal time for many first-time homebuyers to purchase homes in Kennewick, Pasco or Richland, Washington. The credit amounts to 10% of the purchase price of the home not to exceed $8,000. If your total tax liability ends up being $8,000, and you qualify for the full $8,000 tax credit, this credit would be applied and would wipe out all of the tax due. If your employer had already deducted the $8,000 from your pay checks throughout the year, you would receive a tax refund of $8,000. You can also use this as a down payment for your purchase!

For more information about the first-time homebuyer tax credit or other changes resulting from the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, just give me a call. I would be happy to assist you in the purchase of your new home in the Kennewick, Pasco or Richland, WA area!