Tacoma Real Estate Blog 
Tacoma Holiday Lights Map
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 12:24pm. 112 Views, 0 Comments.
The Tacoma News Tribune is providing a map displaying many of the wonderful Clark Griswoldesque holiday displays in the Tacoma area. Check out the map (website) at the Tacoma News Tribune. Also, if you know of a few special displays that are not listed, help spread the holiday cheer by adding your favorite displays.
Market Update: Tacoma Short Sale Listings
Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 4:56pm. 113 Views, 0 Comments.
Around 15% of the homes for sale in Tacoma are short sales. Tacoma short sale listings require approval of the sale from the seller's lender(s). Approvals can come quickly (within 30 days) or can take 5 or more months, depending on the lender(s). Buyer's who have to move in by a certain time, or who have loan approvals that will expire, should be cautious before proceeding with the purchase of a home requiring short sale approval. However, those buyers who can wait, and who are alright with the idea that the bank may not allow the purchase to go through, may find some of the best deals in Tacoma with these types of listings. As of today, there were nearly 250 homes for sale in Tacoma requiring lender approval.
Could the New HUD 1 Delay Your Tacoma Home Purchase?
Friday, December 11th, 2009 at 2:13pm. 107 Views, 0 Comments.
On January 1st, 2010, new RESPA guidelines require the use of a New HUD 1. The new settlement statement requires additional disclosure to the buyer, and compares final charges to those represented on the buyers Good Faith Estimate. As title companies, escrow agents and loan officers get used to the new system things will get delayed. Inevitable disputes will arise between the involved parties concerning proper compliance and the proper meaning of the rules. The form itself is straight forward but questions will come up. For those purchasing a home in the Tacoma area, most lenders, title companies and escrow agents are fully prepared (or are in the process of preparing) for the new form. However, if you have a Dec 31st closing date, make sure your home…
Tacoma Home Buyer's: What Makes a Kitchen Green?
Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 at 8:46am. 69 Views, 0 Comments.
Buyer's in Tacoma are finding more eco-friendly, Green options available to them. Let's take a look at one of the most popular rooms in the modern household, the kitchen. So what makes a kitchen "Green" and how does it benefit you and the environment. This video explains some of the features in a Green kitchen. From the wood finishes, cabinets and flooring being made of bamboo, to the water saving features of the dishwasher and faucets. This video will explain how you'll benefit from energy conservation in the kitchen. So, check out the video and find out which features you'd like to have in your next Tacoma home...
Green Kitchen Video
Tacoma Foreclosures: Roughly 1 in 10 Tacoma homes for sale is bank owned.
Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 9:39am. 106 Views, 0 Comments.
As the homes are getting tougher to sell at the auction. More Tacoma homes are ending up in the bank's hands. These homes are often neglected, needing new carpet, paint and some deferred maintenance. Some of these homes are just tear downs, but most could be moved in with some TLC. Sometimes, they'll even be financable using FHA or VA financing, although these homes tend to sell quickly. The fact that around 10% of the homes listed in Tacoma is bank owned was surprising to me. However, if you're looking for a Tacoma foreclosure, now's the time to start your search. With the inventory this high, the banks will be willing to look at all offers.
Seattle Magazine's 2010 Best Real Estate Agents List
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 at 9:23am. 102 Views, 0 Comments.
Every year, Seattle Magazine comes out with their list of agents who've best served their clients over the last year (and throughout their career). The list is created through interviews with title and escrow companies, local loan officers and feedback from 20,000 surveys sent out to home buyers. So it's with great pride and enthusiasm that I receive the award for 2010. The results are published in this month's issue of Seattle Magazine. Thanks for the great feedback from my client's and the professional support from local title, escrow and lending companies.