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Understanding Home Inspections..

July 11, 2015 by Leave a Comment

An essential part of the home buying process is having the property properly inspected before agreeing to purchase it. After all, no one should ever buy something as large and expensive as a home without having a qualified professional fully inspect it. Here's a little information about home inspections that can help you become a well informed home buyer.

 What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is best defined as a non-invasive review of the condition of the home. The inspections are usually conducted before the purchase or sell of a home, but there are other special circumstances that may also warrant an inspection. Home inspections are performed by home inspectors who have been licensed with the state after receiving thorough training. Inspectors will come out to the property in order to assess it and then provide the buyer or seller with a complete comprehensive report detailing their findings. Many people often confuse the inspection of the home with the appraisal, but the two are very different. To put it simply, a home inspector is one who determines the overall condition of the property, while the appraiser determines the value of it. Typically, home inspectors check the plumbing, the roof, the foundation, the heating system, the air conditioning system, the electrical framework, along with other aspects of the building. Some inspectors might even go as far as to inspect pools, spas, sprinkler systems and wooden structures added onto the home. The quality of service really all depends on the inspection ordered, the individual inspector and the company he or she happens to work for.

 Most Common Types of Inspections

  • Home Buyers Inspection – The home buyers hire a licensed inspector to inspect the property and identify any major flaws or problems so they can make arrangements to have them repaired or deducted from the sale price before agreeing to purchase.
  • Home Sellers Inspection – A homeowner who is planning to sell their home in the near future may hire an inspector in order to have them identify problems with their house. This is usually done so the homeowners can fix the problems to increase their chances of selling in a timely manner.
  • Foreclosure Inspection – A foreclosure inspection is commonly referred to as REO (Real Estate Owned) inspections and differ from the buyer and seller's inspection because they are fairly basic. Home inspectors licensed with the state may conduct the foreclosure inspection or it can be performed by a Certified Field Inspector or a Certified Property Preservation Specialist. While they can perform basic foreclosure inspections, these specialists may or may not be qualified by the state to provide official home inspections.
  • Four Point Inspection – Home insurance companies often require a four point inspection of a home before providing the owners with insurance. These four points include the roof, the HVAC, electrical system and plumbing.

 If you have a home inspected only to find out that you will need to put a great deal of time and money into repairing all of the problems laid out by the inspector, it might be best to consider another property that is more move in ready. That is unless you can negotiate a substantially lower price with the seller.

 

Filed Under: Featured, First time home buyer, Q&A

What is Truth in Landing Act?

July 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Have you ever heard of the Truth in Lending Act? If and when you apply for a mortgage you may want to know exactly what this means for you. The Truth in Lending Act (also known as TILA) requires a mortgage lender to provide you with clear written information about the annual percentage rate (APR), terms of the loan and total costs associated with the mortgage. According to the Act, the lender must give you a copy of these details for you to keep before they charge you for any application fees with the exception of a credit check. This helps the buyer by giving them a way to compare different types of loans to find the one that best suites their financial situation. Want to know more about this mortgage law? Here's everything you need to know about Truth in Lending Act to make you a well informed home buyer.

History

The United States Congress passed the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) on May 29, 1968 in order to promote economic stabilization throughout the country by protecting the lender and allowing them to compare credit offers when making large purchases. The Act was first introduced in the U.S. Senate by a democratic senator from Wisconsin by the name of William Proxmire. After passing through both the House and the Sentate, the Truth in Lending Act was signed into law by then President Lyndon B. Johnson. TILA is broken up into multiple subparts which define specific regulations for different instances. For example, subpart B refers to open-end credit lines including home-equity lines of credit and subpart C relates to closed-end credit such as home mortgage loans. Since the Act's inception, many other laws have been passed to protect consumers including the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), which added even more disclosure requirements for lenders.

How It Works

When applying for a mortgage, your lender must provide you with a “good-faith” estimate disclosure for the loan within three days of the application. The estimate report should clearly define any finance charges, the interest and the annual percentage rate (APR). It should also include details such as the number of payments, penalties for late payments and prepayment penalties.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

There are quite a few penalties lenders can face if they deliberately don't comply with the Truth in Lending Act. If a lender doesn't provide the consumer with a full Truth report, the buyer can then sue the company for reimbursement. According to the Fair Debt Collection website, lenders can avoid these penalties if they prove that the overlook was an honest mistake or by fixing the error within 60 days.

Of course there are many more details regarding TILA, but these are just the basics every consumer should be aware of. Now that you know everything you need to know about the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) you should be ready to purchase a new home with confidence. Just be aware that the information provided by the lender is only an estimate and the rates could rise at any time until you lock it in.

Filed Under: First time home buyer, Q&A

All about mortgage rates lock?

July 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment

There are many terms associated with the buying and selling of homes which very few home buyers are fully aware of but should be. One of those terms is a “mortgage rate lock”. To give you a better idea of what exactly they encompass, here's everything you need to know about mortgage rate locks as a home buyer.

 What Is A Mortgage Rate Lock?

A mortgage rate lock is simply defined as the lender's promise to lock in a certain interest rate for a particular amount of time. This is usually done in order to ensure buyers can lock the interest rate quoted to them by the lender while going through the lengthy application process. There are a few different options when it comes to locking in your mortgage rate. A contract for a locked rate with locked points means that both the interest rate and the number of points paid upfront cannot change. A contract with a locked rate and floating points means that the lender must offer you the same interest rate initially determined, but they have the ability to charge you a different number of points at closing. If you get a mortgage rate lock that has a floating rate and floating points, this means you have the opportunity to lock in your rate and points in the time between the application submission and the final settlement.

Why Should I Get A Mortgage Rate Lock?

The number one reason why you should get a mortgage rate lock when purchasing a property is because the real estate market and mortgage rates change day to day, if not hour to hour. You don't necessarily know how long the application process will take, so it's best to lock in your rate and points in order to get the very best deal. You may have to pay more upfront, but you'll be saving yourself a whole lot more money in the long run.

How Much Does A Mortgage Rate Lock Cost?

The cost of a mortgage rate lock can vary as lenders are able to set their own rules. Some lenders will charge you an upfront fee to lock in the rates but won't return the fee if the application is denied or if you close the loan. On the other hand, some lenders will charge you the locking fee only once the loan is closed. They may also charge an extra fee to lock a rate for an extended period of time.

What's Included In A Mortgage Rate Lock Contract?

If you decide to purchase a mortgage rate lock, it's important to make sure that the contract between you and the lender clearly lays out the details of the agreement. It should include the precise terms of the lock, the lock's effective date, the expiration date and time of the lock, the costs and fees associated with the lock and any post-lock options.

Buying a home and dealing with mortgage rates that are constantly changing can be quite daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Now that you know everything you need to know about mortgage rate locks, you can feel confident discussing and negotiating rate terms with your lender.

Filed Under: Featured, Q&A

What is Sewer Inspection?

July 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment

sewerWhile most first time home-buyers realize it's important to have their new home inspected, many of them forget that sewer inspection is just as important. It may be because they believe sewer inspection is included in the standard home inspection, but that's certainly not the case. Sewer inspection is totally separate from a standard home inspection. Although sewer inspection is not something usually on the minds of home-buyers, it definitely should be, especially if the home is a little older. Having the sewer inspected before you move in or make an offer is recommended because it can save you from having to spend a small fortune on repairs down to road when it's least expected. Also, a newer sewer system can add great value to a property and make your decision to buy a little easier. To give you a better idea of why it's just so important, here's everything you need to know about sewer inspections.

 Reasons To Inspect Sewer Lines

Tree Roots – Tree roots growing into the sewer lines is one of the most common issues homeowners experience with their sewer system. They can crawl into the lines through tiny openings and cause debris such as grease or paper to back up. While tree roots are usually fairly easy to kill with chemicals from a home improvement store, they can reappear and damage pipes once again. If this occurs, it's best to have them excavated all together.

Cesspools – Before cities transitioned to public septic systems, most homes relied on cesspools. While the home may use the city's modernized public system, your sewer line could still be partially connected to the cesspool. To avoid further complications, it's best to inspect the lines before you make an offer on the home so the appropriate measures to disconnect it can be taken by either you or the seller.

Aged Materials – Another valid reason to inspect sewer lines before purchasing a new home is simply because the lines may be made with low quality and outdated materials. In fact, most homes constructed during the 1950's feature sewer lines that are made from a tar paper often referred to as Orangeburg pipes. These older pipes disintegrate over time and eventually collapse, so it's a good idea to have them replaced with newer and more durable pipes before you move in.

 How To Inspect Sewer Lines

To have the sewer lines on a particular piece of property inspected, you'll want to call on a local plumber that specializes in inspections. Most plumbers insert a snake with a small camera attached to the end of it into the lines to adequately inspect them. You and the trained professional can then watch the video feed on a monitor to spot out any weaknesses or problem areas. The plumber should also provide you with a detailed inspection report about the condition of the pipes and what material they are made out of. While the cost of having a plumber come out to inspect the lines generally range from $100 to a couple of hundred, it's undoubtedly worth it as repairs can cost a great deal more in the long run.

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of why it's just so important to conduct a sewer inspection before buying a new home. If you're in the process of buying a home, call your local plumber to set up an appointment as soon as possible.

Filed Under: Featured, Q&A

English Cove Redmond WA Real Estate

July 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment
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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sheffield Greens Redmond WA Real Estate

July 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment
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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ashford Park Redmond WA Real Estate

July 5, 2015 by Leave a Comment
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Filed Under: Uncategorized

City of Seattle-3 great places to live and Why

June 27, 2015 by Leave a Comment

SeattleYou may have your eyes on a piece of Seattle real estate. You have chosen well. The city of Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest ad home to over 620,000 people. But what makes this coastal seaport and seat of King county tick and what are some of the hottest properties that you should be thinking of in this part of the US before shortlisting many of the available Seattle real estate agents?

Before we get into the regions, just a few tips about Seattle that make it the gateway to Alaska.

The first thing is Rain. Indeed Seattle is nicknamed the Rain City. Although the Emerald city receives less rain annually than New York,Atlanta or Boston, Seattle gets over 900mm of rain. However, she experiences dry summers, which is probably why she has moderate annual rain data.

Seattle rich history as a regional center for performing arts, is another great reason to move in and be part of the city with the world most recorded symphony orchestra-the Seattle Symphony orchestra. You will be sharing the history of many great successful artists like Nirvana and Alice in chains.

Various newcomers to Seattle enjoy a great variety of options in regards to where to stay. For many, the natural first choice is Seattles neighborhood is Beacon Hill. Here, it is not uncommon to find doctors and lawyers living side by side with neighbors from various economic diversities. Homes are affordable, with great views of the Olympics and the cascades and open spaces. Commute times to the city are manageable even by use of bicycles. You can also enjoy fresh air at the nearby Jefferson park or catch a train from the new rail station.

The next choice for many others is Phinney Ridge and Greenwood. Although these two neighborhoods may soon be merged, Phinney ridge is a home of the older and more established in Seattle whereas Greenwood’s consists a more affordable and culturally diverse neighbors. These two neighborhoods attract the younger population that is just starting a family.

If you are rural by choice, then you want to live in Vashon.A refuge from city life, Vashon is the place where you can relax and forget the hustle and bustle of city life, only this time as a daily way of life. Tucked away and accessible by ferry, you may want to settle here if you are not tangled in a 16-hour-day job.

In case you are looking to move, Hamid Ali is a relocation expert who can help you identify property that matches your unique needs. You can get in touch with him through email or via phone.

Filed Under: Featured, First time home buyer

Records

May 4, 2015 by Leave a Comment
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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Eastside WA Real estate market update – January 2015

January 29, 2015 by Leave a Comment

December 2014 is a Seller's market! The number of for sale listings was down 7.5% from one year earlier and down 18.3% from the previous month. The number of sold listings decreased 0.2% year over year and increased 6.3% month over month. The number of under contract listings was down 21.1% compared to the previous month and up 16.7% compared to the previous year. The Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales is 1.8, down 5.2% from the previous year.

The Average Sold Price per Square Footage was down 3.2% compared to the previous month and up 4.2% compared to last year. The Median Sold Price increased by 7.9% from last month. The Average Sold Price also increased by 1.8% from last month. Based on the 6 month trend, the Average Sold Price trend is "Neutral" and the Median Sold Price trend is "Appreciating".

The Average Days on Market showed a upward trend, an increase of 25% compared to the previous year. The ratio of Sold Price vs. Original List Price is 97%, was the same compared to the previous year.

It is a Seller's Market

Property Sales (Sold)
December property sales were 620, down 0.2% from 621 in December of 2013 and 6.3% higher than the 583 sales last month.

Current Inventory (For Sale)
Versus last year, the total number of homes available this month is lower by 90 units of 7.5%. This year's smaller inventory means that buyers who waited to buy may have smaller selection to choose from. The number of current inventory is down 18.3% compared to the previous month.

Property Under Contract (Pended)
There was a decrease of 21.1% in the pended properties in December, with 448 properties versus 568 last month. This month's pended property sales were 16.7% higher than at this time last year.

The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a great indicator for the direction of property values. Since Median Sold Price and Average Sold Price can be impacted by the 'mix' of high or low end properties in the market, the Average Sold Price per Square Footage is a more normalized indicator on the direction of property values. The December 2014 Average Sold Price per Square Footage of $265.8 was down 3.2% from $274.6 last month and up 4.2% from $255.2 in December of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral

The Days on Market Shows Upward Trend*
The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM trends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend indicates a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for December 2014 was 55, up 14.6% from 48 days last month and up 25% from 44 days in December of last year.

The Sold/Original List Price Ratio Remains Steady**
The Sold Price vs. Original List Price reveals the average amount that sellers are agreeing to come down from their original list price. The lower the ratio is below 100% the more of a Buyer’s market exists, a ratio at or above 100% indicates more of a Seller’s market. This month Sold Price vs. Original List Price of 97% is up 1% % from last month and the same as in December of last year.
* Based on 6 month trend – Upward/Downward/Neutral
** Based on 6 month trend – Rising/Falling/Remains Steady

The Average For Sale Price is Neutral*
The Average For Sale Price in December was $981,000, down 4.3% from $1,025,000 in December of 2013 and up 0.3% from $978,000 last month.

The Average Sold Price is Neutral*
The Average Sold Price in December was $728,000, up 7.7% from $676,000 in December of 2013 and up 1.8% from $715,000 last month.

The Median Sold Price is Appreciating*
The Median Sold Price in December was $631,000, up 12.7% from $560,000 in December of 2013 and up 7.9% from $585,000 last month.
* Based on 6 month trend – Appreciating/Depreciating/Neutral

It is a Seller's Market*

A comparatively lower Months of Inventory is more beneficial for sellers while a higher months of inventory is better for buyers.
*Buyer’s market: more than 6 months of inventory
Seller’s market: less than 3 months of inventory
Neutral market: 3 – 6 months of inventory

Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales
The December 2014 Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales of 1.8 was decreased by 5.2% compared to last year and down 21.6% compared to last month. December 2014 is Seller's market.

Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales
The December 2014 Months of Inventory based on Pended Sales of 2.5 was decreased by 19.3% compared to last year and up 4.2% compared to last month. December 2014 is Seller's market.

It is a Seller's Market*

Absorption Rate measures the inverse of Months of Inventory and represents how much of the current active listings (as a percentage) are being absorbed each month.
*Buyer’s market: 16.67% and below
Seller’s market: 33.33% and above
Neutral market: 16.67% - 33.33%

Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales
The December 2014 Absorption Rate based on Closed Sales of 56.1 was increased by 7.9% compared to last year and up 30.1% compared to last month.

Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales
The December 2014 Absorption Rate based on Pended Sales of 40.5 was increased by 26.1% compared to last year and down 3.6% compared to last month.

Click the icons below to view local real estate activity reports for Seattle and Eastside Neighborhoods.

Filed Under: Featured, Monthly market reports Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.