RainCityHouses.com: Seattle Real Estate » Seattle Real Estate 2010

Green Lake Open Houses? This Is A Great One To Visit!

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 18:45:28 +0000

Green Lake Open Houses: This Is One You Do Not Want To Miss!

Open Sunday 12/5/2010 1-4PM

8552 Densmore Ave N

Seattle, WA

Better than New Construction just down the street from Green Lake!

Homes around Green Lake Park consist of many different types of styles with one thing in common: proximity to Green Lake (or Greenlake as many also call it). This Green Lake home has the best of all worlds with charming Seattle Craftsman style, but with new construction sensibilities for the way we live today. Covered front porch and just a short walk to the lake, this is a one of a kind in city find. $999,000 (MLS#131724)

4 Bedrooms

2 Master Suites

5 Baths

Office/Den

2 Car Garage

City, Space Needle, & Lake Views

Giant light filled basement with 9 foot ceilings

Upstairs Laundry

A/C

Gas fireplace

Granite Countertops

Butler’s Pantry

Fully Landscaped

Wired for Hot Tub

Cooper Jacobs Real Estate LLC for all your Green lake real estate needs.

Great Lake Forest Park Home Open This Weekend!

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:00:53 +0000

Lake Forest Park Homes For Sale Highlight: 2853 NE 183rd St:

Read more about this lovely Seattle suburbs home here: 2853 NE 183rd St

***Open this Saturday & Sunday 6/19 & 6/20 from 1PM to 4PM!!!***

Amazing Burrows contemporary Lake Forest Park home nestled on a lush half acre double lot in Lake Forest Park neighborhood of Brookside. The kitchen & bathrooms have been beautifully updated with many designer accents. The walls of windows offer serene views out of virtually every window –great for bird watching.

Let us know if you are interested in learning more about the Seattle suburb of Lake Forest Park, WA. Lake Forest Park is known for wonderful view homes and the Lake Forest Park waterfront homes on Lake Washington are amazing!

Very Cool Seattle Waterfront Option

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 04:46:31 +0000

Seattle is all about the waterfront properties, waterfront beaches, and waterfront parks. We love our waterfront and we have a lot of it!

We have lakes, creeks, rivers, and the Puget Sound (which by the way is not the ocean as many people think). We are three hours away from the Pacific Ocean if you want a beach property or just an hour or so from the mountains. We have it all here. We really do. Even though our weather has been super sporadic this year and it doesn’t seem like we will ever get a consistent string of sunny days, we have our waterfront! To me, the ultimate in waterfront is to live on a Seattle houseboat – either in Lake Union or Portage Bay.

What could be better than waterfront with no grass to mow? I will tell you! Seattle houseboats on owned docks have lower taxes than traditional land homes and definitely lower than waterfront homes. The dues are low and include moorage for your floating home in most cases.

Here are my picks for Seattle houseboats on the market right now:

2321 Fairview Ave E, Houseboat 3 – An Eastlake houseboat built in 1930 and absolutely charming with beautiful interior spaces, vaulted ceilings, and windows to capture all the light. 2 bedrooms, remodeled slate bathroom with modern fixtures and radiant heated floors, spacious utility room, hardwoods, sleeping loft and moorage for multiple boats! $625,000 (Dues are $307/mo and cover water, sewer, garbage, and taxes on the dock. Taxes on the floating home itself are only $1167 a year.

Compare that to a waterfront property on land with taxes at well over $15,000 a year and up depending on the area and that is a smart decision. Square footage is usually less in a floating home, but the benefits are clear if you can live simply.

2764 Westlake Ave N, Houseboat D – This has to be the best deal on the lake – nestled in Westlake Cove on Lake Union just North of the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat, this 1910 historical Westlake floating home has a lot to offer – large kitchen and living space, office, sleeping loft, bathroom with claw foot tub, and relaxing deck, plus room to go up a level to capture gorgeous lake and city views. Dues are only $300/month and taxes are only $584 a year. $349,990

2764 Westlake Ave N, Houseboat C – According to the owner, it is often mistaken for the Sleepless in Seattle houseboat by tourists because of its similar lines, this particular Westlake floating home has 2 bedrooms, a bathroom which sports a porthole window, and a sauna. It also has one of the largest decks I have seen and a giant storage closet on the exterior. The dues are only $350/ month and the taxes are $1053 a year. You also have the exclusive option of purchasing the adjoining moorage for a boat up to 20 feet.

You can get more info here if you are interested in Seattle houseboats for sale:

Seattle Houseboats Blog

Broker & Seller Etiquette While Your Home Is Listed

Thu, 13 May 2010 20:00:07 +0000

The Seattle real estate market has been pretty interesting for the last few years – I guess it is always interesting, but this last year has been a ride! I spent a lot of time – more than usual – previewing Seattle homes over the last few days and although some sellers were gracious about letting me preview their beautiful Seattle homes, I ran into a whole host of third degree questions or showing constraints from listing agents or sellers that didn’t seem so interested in selling their homes….

One Seattle home had in it showing instructions to please give the seller and hour and a half notice. No problem – I made the phone call like a good girl and left a message with the time I wanted to preview. As I read further on, the agent only notes instructed me not to go show unless I got a call back. At appointment time I had not gotten a call back yet so I called the listing agent and asked if I could go take a peek. He told me no and that I needed to wait until she called me back. Guess what. I am still waiting. My buyers will pass on this one most likely since they can’t buy a home they can’t see.

One seller hesitated and said to call his agent. I thought okay – maybe with the strange Matrix software conversion in the MLS their house might be sold, but he could have told me that himself. I went ahead and called his agent as instructed to find out about previewing the home. Instead of telling me whether or not it was available to preview she began to interview me about who my perspective client is and how qualified they are. WOW.

Client info is privileged. My client confides in me and their information is PRIVATE. Your job is to tell me:

1. Is the home available or not?

2. Does the seller want to sell it or not?

Listing agents, it is none of your business who my client is or what their qualifications are. That is MY job. I don’t waste my time with nonqualified buyers or I would not be in business. You should be able to reasonably rely on my abilities and qualifications as a Realtor to screen my client. Maybe instead, you should focus on helping your seller make sure that their home is readily available for a buyer who is ready willing and able to buy their home. This is why sharing listing data (when it works) is so successful and is why we all share information in the NWMLS.

These are just a couple examples. Overall, I think there are two problems clogging up real estate in Seattle this Spring. The lending environment has opened up so I won’t blame lending on this issue. Brokers need to train their agents to make showing easier – greasy wheel and such, and those listing agents need to make sure that the sellers are allowing buyers and buyers agents to show these homes.

If your listing agent is doing some screening with prospective buyers as they try to make appointments to see your home, then you need another listing agent. There are of course rare circumstances – maybe you are Brad Pitt or in one case I represented an NFL star and all their expensive and sentimental football memorabilia was around the house. Those are outstanding cases, but overall your listing agent should not make it more difficult for a buyer’s agent to show your home!

Seller Tips for showing: If you as a seller are going to put your home on the market, then do everything in your power to make sure that every buyer interested in it can see it. You do not want them to go on to the next house and put an offer in that one because you wouldn’t let them see yours…I know putting your home on the market is stressful and difficult. I personally was a crazy woman the last time I had to go through it, but it is just part of the process and will pass eventually. There are some things you can do to make it easier – especially if you have kids or pets (I have both). I am happy to email you a set of tips I wrote up if you think it might help (courtney@cooperjacobs.com), but just hang in there! Your new house will be great and you have to get through this! You want every buyer possible to see your home in the best light!

End RantJ

How Much Down Payment Is Needed For A Condo In Seattle?

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:53:52 +0000

“How much down payment is needed for a condo in Seattle?”

This was one of the questions I saw typed into Google recently. Your down payment required for buying a house or a condo is extremely dependent on your credit score according to most lenders I speak with. Jon Carpenter is a Seattle Mortgage Broker who works with borrowers closely to figure out what their best option is. He helps borrowers decide if they are going to purchase a home via a FHA loan or a conventional loan.

According to Jon the minimum credit score for purchasing a home or condo right now is 620. There are some nearly impossible loans out there for a 580 credit score, but down payments skyrocket to 45% at that point. FHA officially says that your credit score needs to be a minimum of 580 for their 3.5% down payment program, but unfortunately there are not investors that are willing to take on that credit risk. The result is that a minimum of 620 for a 3.5% FHA loan is more realistic.

For a conventional loan, you can still get a loan requiring as low as 5% down as long as your credit score is a minimum of 720 to 740. Your credit score impacts everything! So, how much down payment is needed for purchasing property? It depends on your credit score!

Other Seattle home buying resources –

Seattle real estate

Seattle mortgages

Seattle neighborhoods

Seattle suburbs

Brier Homes For Sale – Seattle Suburbs Real Estate Offerings…

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:41:05 +0000

Seattle Suburbs Real Estate: Brier Homes For Sale: We have some great Brier homes for sale right now, but Brier in general has some cool properties at very good prices. Brier is a Seattle suburb which happens to be quite convenient to all directions of commuting. On top of that all the best shopping and restaurants are all in close proximity. Schools are good and homes are well priced – especially now.

The transit system all around Brier is quite advanced with newer transit stations in all directions..Canyon Park, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace are all newer transit stations (MLT even has solar) for quick commutes to Eastside (Bellevue and Kirkland or Redmond0, North (Everett) or South to Shoreline and Seattle. Even in heavy traffic, Downtown Seattle is a half hour bus ride tops form the Mountlake Terrace Transit Station.

Brier homes for sale right now:

2931 224^th PL SW: This is a 3 bedroom spacious home right in the heart of Brier – close proximity to all city offerings and good floor plan – large lot – ask about Bonuses. 3 bedrooms/2.25 baths 1812 sq ft Built in 1984 on a large lot – 12632 sq ft! 2 car attached garage, large rec room, more – private quiet road $309,950

19207 Locust Way – not quite in Brier city limits, but close to Brier and enjoys all great Brier amenities. 3 bedroom/1.75 home on 2.42 acres!!!! This home is in a great location in Lynnwood and has wonderful park like spaces – Big bonus on this one, too… $887,400 or Best Offer

22424 Old Poplar Way – practically a stone’s throw from Brier City Hall – giant horse or farm property with AMAZING spaces – this one even has a giant 5 car garage with RV parking and a shop. Expansive 1933 home with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths – 2558 sq feet – It is like Sunset Boulevard in Brier – horse facilities already in place and only a quick jaunt to Brier’s own Equestrian Arena! Looking for a Seattle Equestrian Property???? THIS IS IT!

Want to see these and other Brier Real Estate? We are happy to show you anything in this nice Seattle Suburb. Brier has a lot to offer! realestate@cooperjacobs.com

Bellevue Neighborhoods: Looking for a great housing option near Microsoft?

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:31:07 +0000

Bellevue Neighborhoods: Relocating for Microsoft?

The three areas I really like in Bellevue for the close proximity to Microsoft are Overlake, Lake Hills, and what we also just call Microsoft because it is so close – Microsoft is a huge part of the local economy and there are always people relocating to be here because of it. Redmond and Sammamish are typically first on the list for Microsoft people moving in from out of state, but Bellevue neighborhoods are a great option and these three MLS areas are quite affordable when looking at a good combination of schools, walk ability, and amenities.

Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services has a great house listed right now in the Overlake/Microsoft area of Bellevue – near Crossroads Mall and all the other great shopping centers right there. It has easy access to both 520 and I-90 and is on a private cul de sac with a great walking trail to the major drag for easy transit or cycling access. You can check it out here:

15002 NE 9^th PL

Bellevue homes in this neighborhood don’t come up for sale very often and this one has some great spaces. If you are looking at moving to Seattle and want a Seattle suburbs map or some direction on where you might start looking for your particular situation, please feel free to give us a call or drop an email. We have successfully helped many clients with their relocations to the Greater Puget Sound area!

Bellevue real estate:

You can find more great Bellevue Real Estate on our site! We have all listings by all companies and it sweeps the MLS every 15 to 20 minutes for changes. Search for free with no obligation to sign up, but you can sign up and save your searches, save your favorites, or set up custom email alerts so you are always notified when a new Bellevue home comes on the market that meets your needs!

Seattle, Are You Ready For The Newest Adjustment To The Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:05:25 +0000

New Tax Credit Take Three!

The newest version of the Housing Credit is finally finalized! There has been lots of speculation, but Obama signed the newest housing credit into law so it is official now. There are some surprising changes that open up the world of credits in 2009 for buying a house to many more people. Here is what you need to know:

The current first time home buyer $8000 tax credit is extended to April 30, 2010 and you have on top of that an additional 2 months to close on the property after that (close by July 1st, 2010). Income levels have been raised to modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $125,000 for singles (up from $75,000) and $225,000 for married (up from $150,000). An additional credit has also been approved for purchasers of new homes regardless of first time home buyer status as long as they have lived in their current primary residence five of the last eight years. This credit is for $6500 and seems to have the same deadlines/MAGI requirements.

The $6500 credit for “move up” buyers does seem to be retroactive for all year, but I have not found a specific sentence on either the government page or the IRS page to tell me whether or not this is true. The IRS tax form has not been updated online yet so I can’t go to the form and see there yet, but I will update this once I verify that if you bought your home in 2009 and other wise qualify it is retroactive regardless of when this bill went into effect. (Stay tuned)

You can find the official bill here – it was written into an unemployment bill so scroll down a bit: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c111:5:./temp/~c111dG8SpH::

Please do email me if you want more info or are interested in Seattle real estate. We have agents that specialize in every area of Seattle neighborhoods and suburbs and would love to help! courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Eastlake Real Estate: Homes Getting Lots Of Interest From Seattle Suburbs Empty Nesters

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:07:21 +0000

Seattle WA neighborhood Eastlake has been heating up lately – Eastlake has always been a great place to live, but lots of soon to be ex Seattle suburb home owners have made the move or are thinking about it! And why not? Eastlake has arguably the best of all worlds in Seattle as far as neighborhoods go. It is small and quaint, yet literally in the middle of everything going on in the heart of Seattle.

Nestled on the banks of Lake Union, Eastlake offers some of the best Seattle floating homes with gorgeous Western views and easy waterfront living. If houseboats are not your thing, though, Eastlake has a great combination of affordable view condos, older charming homes, cute duplexes, and new townhomes – some with cool Green home features like solar. Living on the West side of Eastlake Ave seems to be the most popular choice – anywhere on the West side provides you east access through a series of mini parks at the end of the streets – Roanoke& Lynn Street are great places to throw a kayak in and go, but there is also a little known tiny public dock for boats to launch and run into Pete’s Market where you will find one of the best selections of wine in the city.

Eastlake Real Estate is a great Seattle waterfront choice that is close to it all! Interested in anything Downtown Seattle related? Well Eastlake is probably the best place to live for a combination of smaller neighborhood living and urban amenities. The streetcar can take you into Downtown Seattle and South Lake Union is still developing, but has some of the attractive Seattle suburban perks like Whole Foods! Want to go to a Sounders or Mariners game? It is all at your doorstep while still being close to I-5 for easy commuting if you need to head out of town.

Looking for easy living and low maintenance out of the suburbs? Eastlake is my number one recommendation and Eastlake homes have a lot to choose from! You can find easy no maintenance homes and wonderful spaces – some great townhomes, too. If you want more maintenance and closer waterfront living, then go for a houseboat – they are relatively affordable compared to other real estate today and what better way to enjoy Seattle’s waterfront living?

©Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services: Seattle Real Estate, Courtney Cooper is the Designated Broker, Seattle Realtor, EcoBroker, and member Built Green 206-251-5948

Don’t Give Up If You Are Trying to Sell!

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:24:58 +0000

Selling your Seattle house in a buyer’s market doesn’t have to be so frustrating! You just have to really try and think outside of the box just a little. It can be such an emotional and scary time – even for the most experienced home seller, but know that this is absolutely normal! What is not normal is the doom and gloom portrayed by many in this industry. You don’t have to be happy about the market, but you really do have to be a creative hard working listing agent to sell a house this year. You also have to be a flexible seller who is willing to do their part to get the best return on your investment.

As a result of the uncertainty being pumped into our environment, many sellers decide to throw in the towel and rent out their house or just wait for a better time. That time really is now. There are buyers out there and they want to see your house. The interest rates are just a tiny bit over 5% right now and expected to drop even further in the next week or so. These buyers need choices!!!!

No, your house won’t sell if you want to just hire a limited service agency or discount broker or let’s be honest, even a full service broker who just sticks a sign in the ground and waits for the buyers to come to them. Your Seattle Realtors need to go out and get those buyers for you by getting your house marketed in the way it needs to be for today’s market: all over the web. The new stat is that over 84% of buyers start on the web on a huge variety of sites. Simply getting your house on the NWMLS will not do it. Simply getting your house on your agent’s company website won’t do it either. Your house needs to be blogged about and listed on all of the major places that the consumer looking for a Seattle house will look for to find you. When I list a home, after I have made sure that it is presented in the best possible way through professional quality Staging and photography, I spend an unthinkable amount of time getting the house actually seen by the buyers who are out there looking. And when I ask how they found that house, the answer is 90% of the time “on the internet”. Is your agent a techie? You need a techie agent!

Are you interested in Seattle real estate? Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services is a full service real estate company. Member Built Green, e-PRO, working on ECOBroker certification. If you need your house sold or you are frightened by what you are hearing or seeing, please feel free to drop me a line – I am happy to let you pick my brain. I am the designated broker for Cooper Jacobs – serving Seattle & Seattle suburbs. Courtney@cooperjacobs.com