Fabulous custom-built home on private 2.37 acre lot complete with fruit trees, koi pond, wraparound porch and easy access to the Tolt Pipeline trail for hiking. Beautiful plank wood floors and beams, and great light throughout. Tons of space w/4 bdrms, plus den and enormous bonus room. Easy-to-maintain yard designed by master gardener. Hot tub on deck surrounded by trees for privacy. New roof installed 2010. Everyone who visits this home raves about the ‘feel’ and the setting, you will too! For more information or a showing, call Sue Linnerooth at 206-686-1435 or click here to email me.

[Show as slideshow]

Details:

13315 322nd Avenue NE, Duvall, 98019
MLS# 87618
Price: $449,000
3 Bedroom plus Den and Huge Rec Room
3 Baths
Built: 1994
2480 Square Feet
2.37 Acres

Information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. Buyer/Selling Agent to verify all info.

At $155,000 this is the perfect stepping-out pad for the fun of Fremont and Wallingford, not to mention an easy bike ride to UW and just a few blocks stroll down to Lake Washington and Gas Works Park.

Live just steps away from the shops and restaurants of Fremont and Wallingford! This 1 bedroom home is nestled away on a quiet street in a well cared for 6-unit building. New carpet, new interior paint, fireplace, double-pane windows, and off-street parking. Healthy HOA with good reserves and no planned assessments. New roof was installed n 2007. Large storage unit downstairs. Easy access to I5 & 99, & just a few blocks from Lake WA & the Burke Gilman Trail. Not a short sale. For more information or a showing, call me at 206-335-3335 or click here to email me.

[Show as slideshow]

Details:

3903 Woodland Park Avenue N, Seattle, 98103
MLS# 109232
Price: $155,000
1 Bedroom
1 Bath
Built: 1980
Homeowner Dues: $215/month

Information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. Buyer/Selling Agent to verify all info.

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Seattle area housing market is that it gets much busier during the summer.  In reality, from a sales standpoint things typically heat up the most in the spring (usually starting earlier than even spring sellers expect), slow down starting in June, perk up again during the fall, and then drop off more dramatically as we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The last few years have been anything but typical, but the graph below (2006 to 2010, with my notations in red) still shows what the typical pending sales and sold trends look like.

The year 2006 was pretty typical around Seattle, even though much of the rest of the country was beginning to take a hit in the housing market.  The red line above shows pending sales peaking in May and dropping off throughout the summer, with a slight perk in August and October.

August of 2007 was the start of the big slide for local sales, and happened to coincide with the summer market.  The year of 2008 was hardly typical but still shows pending sales dropping in July and August.  During the late summer of 2009 sales were boosted by the home buyer tax credit that had a November 30 deadline, and in 2010 you can see that the extended tax credit had a positive effect on what would already have been a typical spring surge.

Bottom line?  Since the home buyer tax credit spurred demand in the spring and ended just when we typically would be experiencing a summer slowdown in sales, expect housing numbers over the next few months to show a more dramatic decline than usual.  What happens in the fall, when we usually experience an upsurge in home buyer activity, will be interesting to see and may say more about the true state of the housing market. 

Note to summer sellers:  There is the danger of pricing based on spring numbers (understandably) as you approach a summer market.  Keep in mind what kind of housing demand shift you’re likely to experience.

Note to future spring sellers:  I usually recommend starting about four weeks earlier than you probably plan to, since many home buyers who decide to make a home purchase get ready very early in the year.  (A colleague of mine once sent out a great postcard to her clients with the tagline ‘Those Tulips Are Costing You Thousands!”, meaning that sellers who wait for spring flowers to make their home pretty are likely to miss pent up demand from potential home buyers who got pre-approved shortly after the New Year.)

As of April 22, 2010, there are important new federal lead-based paint regulations to take into account if you’re having any work done in a home built prior to 1978.  Here’s a quote from the lead-based paint information page on the EPA website (emphasis mine):

“EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.”

“The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.”

Note that if you’re a homeowner doing the work yourself on your own home, the rule does not apply to you; however, if you are doing work on your pre-1978 rental property or pre-1978 space rented by a child-care facility you are required to be EPA-certified and follow certain procedures regarding disclosure to tenants, etc. (details on the EPA web page.)

Here’s a link to the EPA pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools.

Homeowner Opt-Out Waiver:

For now, homeowners hiring a remodeling firm or contractor for work that would normally qualify for the lead-based paint regulation can opt out of the EPA certification requirement by signing a waiver stating that no children under the agent of six regularly visit the home, no one in the home is pregnant, and the property is not a child-occupied facility.

However, amendments that go into effect on July 6, 2010 remove this opt-out waiver option.  More information on changes to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule on the National Association of Home Builders website.

The Seattle area real estate housing supply heat maps are out for February 2010 and show a significant shift from what was primarily a Buyer’s Market in 2009 (green, defined as over 6 months of housing supply) to a Balanced Market in 2010 (yellow, defined as 3 to 6 months of housing supply.)  Red areas indicated a Seller’s Market, defined as 0 to 3 months of housing supply.

Feb. 2010 Months of Housing Supply (right) compared to 2009 (left). Red = Seller's Market, Yellow = Balanced Market, Green = Buyer's Market.

Click the image to see a larger version of the heat maps.  “Months of Supply” means the number of months that it would take to deplete the current housing inventory if homes continued to go off market at the current rate and no new listings were added.

2010 Northwest Women’s Show
March 5 to 7, Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle
This Northwest tradition features 500 exhibits and five stages of fashion, fitness, food, and fun for women.
1000 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle | (206) 831-8000

Everett Home and Gardening Show
March 5 to 7, Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center, Everett
Shop, compare, and save with special show pricing on all of your home and garden projects.
2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett | (425) 257-7001

Green Elephant Plant Swap
March 6, Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, Redmond
No plant sales, just exchanges and freebies at the Green Elephant Plant Swap. Expert gardeners share free plants and advice, and for those with no plants to swap, cookies and chocolate work just as well.
10 a.m. | 11526 162nd Avenue NE, Redmond | (425) 223-7249

The Moisture Festival
March 11 to April 3, ACT Theatre, Seattle
The Grand Variete features family-friendly entertainment with acts of skill and daring, including clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and magicians.
$10 to $25 | 700 Union Street, Seattle | (206) 292-7676

Young Playwrights Festival
March 11 to 13, ACT Theatre, Seattle
ACT’s eighth annual festival showcases eight outstanding plays written by local high school students and brought to life by professional actors and directors.
700 Union Street, Seattle | (206) 292-7676

Irish Festival
March 13 to 14, Seattle Center, Seattle
Enjoy Irish tunes and step dancing, participate in Gaelic games, and enjoy Irish movies and cultural exhibits.
305 Harrison Street | (206) 684-7200

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center’s Rider Showcase
March 16, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Woodinville
Horses are therapists for children and adults with disabilities at the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Meet the horses, tour the facility, and watch demos of Little Bit riders. (Not a fundraising event.)
2 p.m. | RSVP to Emily Roberts by March 11 | 19802 NE 148th Street, Woodinville | (425) 882-1554

Quilters Anonymous Quilt Show
March 19 to 21, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe
A spectacular quilt show featuring contests and a quilt raffle.
14405 179th Avenue Southeast, Monroe | (360) 805-6700

Early Spring Edible Plant Sale
March 20, Magnuson Park, Seattle
Choose from an amazing selection of cool weather plant varieties, as well as perennial edibles and unusual fruiting shrubs and trees.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 7400 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle | (206) 684-4946

Whirligig!
March 26 to April 11, Seattle Center, Seattle
Pre-teen kids can glide, slide, and ride on super-sized inflatable rides. Roaming clowns and face painters add to the entertainment.
305 Harrison Street, Seattle | (206) 684-7200

Brazilian Carnival
March 27, Northshore Performing Arts Center, Bothell
This highly energetic performance features beautifully-costumed dancers and athletic capoeira performers.
7:30 p.m. | 18125 92nd Avenue Northeast, Bothell | (425) 408-7997

The Best of the Northwest
March 27 to 28, Magnuson Park, Seattle
The 22nd annual show showcases works by over 100 emerging and established Northwest artists. Shop for glassware, ceramics, jewelry, photography, sculpture, and more.
$7 admission | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 7400 Sand Point Way Northeast, Seattle

As we draw near the April 30, 2010 deadline for the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Credit and the $6,500 Move-Up Home Buyer Credit, expect Seattle area home listings that are not short sales to increase in value compared to short sales.

Based on what I’m seeing (and hearing from my own clients), many people who currently have offers on short sale listings and who are still waiting to get their offers approved by the underlying lienholders may abandon their short sale offers and look for homes that are not short sales in order to get a deal signed around and closed by the credit deadlines.  (In order to qualify for either credit, transactions must be mutually accepted by April 30, and closed by June 30, 2010.)

Whenever you have an increase in demand that affects one category of the housing market more than another, those home values increase in comparison.  I expect non-short sale listings to reach a premium in April due to the many prospective buyers who qualify for one of the credits and the typically extremely lengthy period of time it still takes most lienholders to approve offers on short sales.

That being said, short sales are still providing competition in the housing market and non-short sale listings need to be priced competitively – just expect them to get a boost shortly.

Northwest Flower and Garden Show
February 3 to 7, Washington State Convention Center, Seattle
Explore six acres of inspiring gardens with thousands of flower varieties, learn from free seminars, and
browse 350 gardening exhibits.
800 Convention Place, Seattle | (206) 694-5000

Cirque Sublime
February 2, ShoWare Center, Kent
February 3, Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center, Everett
One of Canada’s most sought-after troupes, these world-class athletes and artistic performers create a mesmerizing visual experience.
ShoWare Center: 625 West James Street, Kent | (253) 239-7825
Comcast Arena: 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett | (425) 257-7001

Boats Afloat Show
January 29 to February 6, South Lake Union Park, Seattle
Climb aboard, kick some anchors, and check out a huge variety of cabin cruisers, sailboats, trawlers, and
yachts.
860 Terry Avenue North, Seattle | (206) 684-7254

Red Wine and Chocolate
February 4 to 14, E.B. Foote Winery, Burien
Enjoy dozens of chocolates along with current and newly-released red wines. Dress warmly and casually, no reservations needed.
$10, applied towards wine purchase | 127-B Southwest 153rd Street, Burien | (206) 242-3852

Seattle RV and Outdoor Recreation Show
February 11 to 14, Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle
Now in its 47th year, this is the largest RV show in Washington state. Compare hundreds of RVs and the
latest in other outdoor recreational equipment.
1000 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle

Lunar New Year Celebration
February 13, Hing Hay Park, Seattle
First-class multicultural entertainment, with Lion and Dragon dancers, taiko drummers, drill teams, and fun
activities for kids.
423 Maynard Avenue South, Seattle | (206) 684-4075

7th Annual Father/Daughter Dance
February 12, Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, Redmond
Enjoy an evening of dancing, music, crafts, and refreshments. For girls aged three to twelve and their
father, uncle, grandfather, or special friend.
6:30 p.m. | $25 per couple | 16600 NE 80th Street,
Redmond | (425) 556-2300

Seattle Home Show
February 20 to 28, Qwest Field Event Center, Seattle
The 66th annual Seattle Home Show features hundreds of displays of home and garden products, free seminars, and more than fifty model kitchens.
1000 Occidental Avenue South, Seattle | (425) 467-0960

CPR and First Aid Training
February 20, Redmond
A traditional Heartsaver CPR and First Aid class. Call to sign up.
8:30 a.m. | $50 | 14681 NE 95th Street, Redmond | (425) 739-0700

The Beard and Stache Dash
February 20, Cherry Street Coffee House, Seattle
Part scavenger hunt and part race, the 25-mile Dash pits man against machine, with prizes for both bicycle and moped riders. Benefits Treehouse and the foster children of King County.
1212 First Avenue, Seattle | (206) 414-8943

Haiti Benefit Concert
February 20, Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland
Join Children of the Revolution for their world-famous blend of Flamenco, Greek, Latin American, Middle
Eastern and Rock music. All profits from this event will benefit relief efforts in Haiti.
8 p.m. | 350 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland | (425) 893-9900

Starlight Beach Walk
February 24, Olympic Beach Visitor Station, Edmonds
Join Edmonds Discovery Programs and Snohomish County Beach Watchers for a low tide beach walk under the stars, followed by hot chocolate at the Visitor Station.
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 200 West Dayton Street, Edmonds | (425) 771-0227

2010 Sewing and Stitchery Expo
February 25 to 28, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Puyallup
A show designed to please both experienced and beginner sewers and quilters, with over 400 booths and many seminars to learn from.
110 Ninth Avenue Southwest, Puyallup | (866) 554-8559

A few years ago FHA loans made up only around 3 percent of the home loan market. Now they make up closer to 50 percent, due to their lower down payment requirements (3.5.%) and less stringent qualification standards, combined with the virtual disappearance of conventional zero-down loans and second mortgages.

Some quick background: FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and despite their less strict qualification standards have typically had a pretty healthy rate of repayment; however, during the mortgage crisis many subprime borrowers turned to the FHA program, and it’s expected that the FHA loan repayment rate will worsen significantly over the next few years.  Bankrate.com has a pretty good overview of the FHA loan program.

Changes in Store for FHA Loans:

On December 2 HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the following proposed changes that will affect new FHA borrowers:

1. Increasing the required initial cash investment.

This could be done by increasing the down payment from the current minimum of 3.5%, and/or by not allowing borrowers to finance the FHA premium.

2. Increasing the minimum FICO (credit) scores requirement.

3. Increasing mortgage insurance premiums.

4. Reducing the allowable seller concession to the buyer from its current cap of 6 percent, to as low as 3 percent.

These are big changes, and not all of them need Congressional approval.  In other words, some are expected to be implemented early in 2010, so if you know of someone planning to purchase a home with an FHA loan this year please let them know about this post!

Puyallup Home and Garden Show
January 8 to 10, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Puyallup
A show designed for homeowners in all stages of remodeling, landscaping, and decorating. See hundreds of exhibits and product demonstrations.
110 Ninth Avenue Southwest, Puyallup | (253) 845-1771

Northwest Bridal Showcase
January 9 to 10, Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center, Everett
This year the Bridal Showcase features over 100 local wedding specialists in every category.
2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett | (425) 257-7001

Family Day at the Museum of Glass
January 9, Museum of Glass, Tacoma
Bring the family for an afternoon of creativity! Create beaded snowflakes, winter-themed sun-catchers, and colorful ornaments.
1 pm to 4 pm | 1801 Dock Street, Tacoma | (253) 396-1768

Seattle Wedding Show
January 16 to 17, Washington State Convention and Trade Center, Seattle
An elaborate extravaganza designed to show couples the best options available when it comes to planning a wedding.
800 Convention Place, Seattle | (206) 694-5000

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
January 18, Seattle Center, Seattle
A full afternoon of awards, activities, and entertainment to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
12 pm to 5 pm | 305 Harrison Street, Seattle | (206) 684-7200

75th Annual Sports Star of the Year Awards
January 19, Benaroya Hall Music Center, Seattle
These awards honor top local professional and amateur sports icons, as well as inspirational youth, best sports media figures, sports executives, and many others.
7:30 pm | 200 University Street, Seattle | (206) 215-4800

28th Annual Bellevue Home Show
January 22 to 24, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Whatever your home remodeling or decorating needs are, this show is sure to provide inspiration and ideas.
11100 Northeast Sixth Street, Bellevue | (425) 637-1020

Seattle Travel Show
January 23 to 24, Seattle Center, Seattle
Over 120 travel companies and 300 travel professionals from around the world fill the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall to showcase the world’s most exotic destinations and great vacation ideas.
305 Harrison Street, Seattle | (206) 684-7200

Washington Sportsmen’s Show
January 27 to 31, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Puyallup
The fairgrounds will be packed with boats, outfitters, recreational vehicles, field-trial dogs, expert anglers, and the world’s keenest hunters.
110 Ninth Avenue Southwest, Puyallup | (253) 845-1771

Boats Afloat Show
January 29 to February 6, South Lake Union Park, Seattle
Climb aboard, kick some anchors, and check out a huge variety of cabin cruisers, sailboats, trawlers, and yachts.
860 Terry Avenue North, Seattle | (206) 684-7254

Popovich’s Comedy Pet Theater
January 29 to 30, Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland
This one-of-a-kind indoor circus act features trained dogs, cats, geese, doves, mice, and more.
350 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland | (425) 893-9900

Disney Live! Rockin’ Road Show
January 31, Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center, Everett
Kids will love watching and singing along as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald head off on an adventure and find some great friends to help them out.
2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett | (425) 257-7001