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

Bainbridge Island Houseboat For Sale

Thu, 03 May 2012 03:01:13 +0000

Bainbridge Island Houseboat? Yes! Check Out This Lifetime Opportunity!

Bainbridge Island Vintage and Historical Well Kept and updated Housebarge.

Hard to put all those words in one sentence all the time, but this gem has it all, truly. I was absolutely delighted to get the call from the seller who knew I sold houseboats. He called me and I was on board this beauty the next day and so happy that I did it because it is special. There are many words for this beauty, but special is very fitting.

1+ Bedroom (also has den/sunroom that could be used as second sleeping space if needed)
1 FULL bathroom (yes – spacious, big counter, and full sized bathroom)
800-900 square feet according to last survey
recently hauled out with documentation
very inexpensive monthly moorage
new roof top deck with view of Seattle skyline – this would be great for fireworks!!!
kitchen, dining room, and large living room
high ceiling
skylights
entry haul with front doors on either side depending on how you are docked
closets galore

The only opportunity to own well known houseboat in Eagle Harbor Marina on lovely Bainbridge Island.

Classic structure is extremely well done with new features: roof top deck opens to Seattle skyline, sunroom expands out to deck via sliding doors & full bath has on demand hot water and porthole window to Cascade views. Living spaces warmed by multiple sources of heat and clubhouse has laundry, sauna, gardens, storage & ample parking.

Built in the 1950s on Bainbridge Island, this lovely home is called Le Barge and decked out perfectly. It is the very quintessential houseboat in the Seattle area nestled in Eagle Harbor Marina on sought after Bainbridge Island. Live among high end Bainbridge Island waterfront homes and enjoy life afloat with views of the city, island, sound, and more. This houseboat is great for weekend get away or full time live aboard owners.

$145,000

Full listing with photos: Bainbridge Island Houseboat for sale

For more information: Courtney Cooper: courtney@cooperjacobs.com 206-850-8841

Edmonds View Homes Sold in 2011

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:46:44 +0000

Edmonds View Homes Sold in 2011 So Far:

Exactly 100 single family Edmonds view homes for sale have closed since 01/01/2011.

Highlights of these Edmonds view homes for sale:

High $2,072,500

Low $250,000

Median $560,000

Here is a PDF of all of the Edmonds WA Puget Sound view homes that have sold in 2011:

Edmonds View Homes sold 2011

You can see all the latest Edmonds listings from all real estate companies here:

Edmonds real estate

Do you need to find a great Edmonds WA real estate agent? Cooper Jacobs Real Estate has a long history of successful Edmonds WA homes sold. We have Edmonds Realtors who are happy to show you how to sell your Edmonds home in this market.

realestate@cooperjacobs.com

Seattle Suburbs: Bellevue Highlight

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:57:29 +0000

Bellevue named one of the nicest cities to live in – number four on the overall list. Is this one of the best Seattle Suburbs?

Apparently Bellevue caught the eye of someone at Money Magazine. I like Bellevue, but was surprised to see it so high up on the list as the Bellevue real estate market hasn’t been great this year. Bellevue’s downtown core has changed considerably in the last decade and although those skyscrapers seem to hover over Lake Washington, they are actually quite a ways in. Bellevue schools are consistently good and there is an abundance of entertainment. The city of Bellevue has definitely blossomed into its own.

Bellevue Faves: My favorite restaurant there is Chantanee – a delicious Thai restaurant. Even though Lincoln Square is an amazing place, I still love Bellevue Square for shopping.

Least Faves: Parking – I hate to park in Bellevue. It always seems to be a hassle to me compared to Seattle. This is because parking in Bellevue is mostly via parking garages vs street parking in Seattle. Parking garages creep me out and I always seem to get lost in them!!!

Bellevue Homes: Homes in Bellevue tend to be higher end, but you can also find some great deal just a few minutes form its retail core. Lake Hills in particular is a good place to look for nice and affordable homes. The Microsoft area is also a great place for a good combination of afford ability and charm depending on what area you are in.

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!

Mill Creek Golf Course Homes For Sale? Here’s One Right On The Golf Course & In The Mill Creek Country Club

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:00:29 +0000

Looking for Mill Creek Country Club Golf Course homes? How about this one – it is pretty cool and would be perfect for a number of home occupations, too. Artist? Race Car Driver? Dancer? Ballroom Dancing?

You need to see this one – this is the most unique and amazing house in all of Mill Creek and it is right on the Mill Creek Golf Course in the Mill Creek Country Club! Want to see it? courtney@cooperjacobs.com – this is truly the nicest house in all of Mill Creek and definitely the best Mill Creek Golf Course home I have seen in years! These Mill Creek Country Club homes don’t come up that often, so make sure and check this one out!

Some of the stats on this Mill Creek, WA home: 4 bedrooms/3.25 baths, 3 car garage, 5021 square feet, on over a third of an acre, no expenses spared on a top of the line remodel! Mill Creek Golf Course Homes: There are not that many homes on the Mill Creek Golf Course and this one is nicely situated with wonderful territorial views! Take in views of the Mill Creek Golf Course and fountains from multiple view points in this gorgeous home. From every angle you will be pleasantly surprised! Gorgeous! Not often do you see a Mill Creek Golf Course home with so much to offer!

Mill Creek Details That Count: The details are phenomenal including a movie theater, and massive secret playroom hidden behind a secret bookcase entry…. You will not be disappointed! Giant playspaces everywhere plus approximately 1000 square feet in giant multi use room – perfect for: recording studio, pilates studio, dance studio, ballroom dance studio, shop, craft room, artist studio, more!

$950,000, In the Mill Creek Country Club!

Mill Creek Golf Course Home: More info – You can see more of the photography shoot for this home here:

2220 143rd PL SE

Additional Mill Creek Country Club Home Features – a great place to see other Mill Creek Homes

Mill Creek Real Estate

Thinking about moving to the Seattle suburb of Mill Creek? Mill Creek, WA is a great place to live and all of it is centered around the Mill Creek Golf Course and the Mill Creek Country Club. There is wonderful shopping and restaurants in Mill Creek and the schools are also highly regarded. Mill Creek is not too far from Seattle for a fair commute and offers a good home base with the combination of amenities it boasts. Let us know if you want a private tour of this spectacular Mill Creek home or others in and around the Mill Creek Golf Course and Country Club.

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©Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services, RainCityHouses.com

Lake Forest Park WA Northwest Contemporary Home With Beach Rights

Sun, 28 Mar 2010 23:19:03 +0000

Lake Forest Park WA Northwest Contemporary Home With Beach Rights: Looking for a great private retreat that happens to be in the Lake Forest Park Civic Club Boundaries? This is a great option! Great Lake Forest Park Beach Rights home listing – first time on the market ever – complete with fresh carpet and gorgeous updates!

Come see what having a vacation at home really is like!

Five bedrooms including a main floor master plus a giant 700 square foot third floor bonus loft, over the garage area perfect for workshop or artist studio, and private wrap around decks up in the trees. Expansive 3620 square feet of living space plus a two car garage and the studio above it – privacy & seclusion in the trees with full Lake Forest Park Civic Club Beach Rights. All this on a 19,990 square foot lot – almost half an acre of gorgeous woodlands and scenery next to acclaimed Horizon View Park…

What are the Lake Forest Park beach rights? In this case – partial deeded interest in Lake Forest Park’s waterfront Civic Club – enjoy life along the shores of Lake Washington! $599,000 Let us know if you would like a private showing with one of our buyer’s agents lfp@cooperjacobs.com

You can find more Lake Forest Park Real Estate on the Cooper Jacobs website: Lake Forest Park Homes For Sale: Waterfront, view homes, more…

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!

Mill Creek WA Real Estate: $500,000 to $600,000

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:05:40 +0000

If you are in the market for Mill Creek real estate right now, I can tell you that I spent a major portion of the last few days touring what is available in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. I have sold and listed Mill Creek homes quite a bit, but I am always delighted to go on a great tour a really compare apples to apples for a particular buyer. As a result of the tours and showings, I have found myself bombarded by listing agents asking me for feedback.

Most of the Mill Creek homes have just been very nicely presented and all together great choices. I can tell you that there were a few comments from my buyers that Mill Creek sellers should think about – not because I am the expert or my buyers are the only buyers around, but just because it is the general consensus really.

Wall paper. I only saw one room that was pretty neutral, but overall buyers do not want wallpaper. It does not matter how designer or how pretty it is (or how awful), they just DO NOT WANT wallpaper. I always recommend to my sellers that they removed wallpaper prior to putting their home on the market. It is pretty general knowledge and so I was surprised to still see so much of it. I personally liked most of it, but most buyers do not and as easy as it is to take off (it really is most of the time, I swear!), it is a big factor when it comes to how a buyer feels about a home.

Landscaping – well thankfully I was within the Country Club boundaries most of the time and Mill Creek is known for its rigorous CC&R’s and landscaping so the yards were nice although I will say that I would highly recommend that you FULLY fence your back yard. Let’s face it – the majority of Mill Creek prospective buyers will most likely have children, but at the very least they will have a pet if not kids. Again, I know – small thing, but having big gaping holes in your fence line not only takes away from the privacy of the backyard, but overall just doesn’t quite feel homey to most buyers.

Updated kitchen – this was the biggest complaint. For half a million and up a buyer should expect to have at least granite tile in the kitchen and not the original cabinetry.

There are some impressive Mill Creek homes in the $500k to $600k range – if you might be even thinking about living in this highly organized community, then I would recommend looking now. Sellers, if you are thinking of moving out, there are some great buyers looking for quality homes. They like clean lines and updated kitchens. Updated baths are a bonus (please take the carpet out of the bathroom when you update it – no one likes that anymore).

Everett, WA: I love these historic homes!

Sun, 31 May 2009 23:08:20 +0000

Everett, WA has some amazing properties that rival even some of Seattle’s Capitol Hill homes!

You might already know that I have a thing for Seattle historic homes, but there are many Seattle suburbs that offer some amazing beauties as well. Sometimes the price tag is a bit more appealing, too! Snohomish, WA is one town that comes to mind, but also take a drive through old Everett if you ever get a chance! Everett has a rich history and there are quite a bit of stately homes to prove it. I took a few shots on my last little tour there and wanted to share some of my favorite neighborhood houses.

Labor of Love….

Luckily, many of these architectural beauties are on the historic register so that we can enjoy them for generations to come. Many were not so lucky and are at the mercy of future buyers who want to embark on a labor of love. Restoring one of these homes can be quite time and money intensive and the movie Money Pit comes to mind instantly! If you have the stamina, pocketbook, and desire, though, you would be leaving a legacy behind for future generations, and I would also love to hear your story!

If you are interested in Everett homes, please let us know – I would love to show you some of the gorgeous places out there!

Lynnwood Right Now: Lynnwood Real estate

Sun, 31 May 2009 22:46:36 +0000

I saw a cute Lynnwood rambler today that had been just about completely remodeled – it was in a great location close to Trader Joe’s and the Interurban Trail, but also tucked back quietly in a cute neighborhood. I love this time of year for looking at houses because you can really tell who keeps up with their home and who doesn’t just by looking at the lawn maintenance. Of course I have a ton of weeding to do out there right now so maybe I should not go there! My point is that this house was priced well under $300,000 and had a lot of really great features – there are some amazing buys right now for Lynnwood homes and the amenities around this Northern Seattle suburb have improved greatly in recent years.

Here are some of the great places to shop, eat, or go to in or very close to Lynnwood:

Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, Sears, Target, Olive Garden, The Rock, Pottery Barn, REI, Macy’s, Nordstrom, PF Chang, Williams-Sonoma (my mother has always said that if you are going to look for a great place to live in or around a new city then you should just look for a Pottery Barn, Starbuck’s, or William-Sonoma because they have already done the research for you!). Barnes & Noble, Nordstrom Rack, Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Michael’s, Dania, Wight’s, more!

Looking for Lynnwood real estate? We can help! This city is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary all year long!

Sunny Weather & Buying a Home…

Thu, 28 May 2009 23:29:51 +0000

Today might seem like a great day to go out and look at houses, and please do by all means get out there and go look, but don’t make a buying decision today. It is absolutely too perfect of a day to decide whether or not to buy a house! We wait all year it seems for a day like today! My morning tour was just amazing and the weather definitely helps to sell even an ugly little house, but luckily I saw a fabulous house!

Highlighted Seattle Suburbs:

Shoreline, WA: Shoreline is really close in to Seattle and a great place for schools, parks, and more! Shoreline real estate

Lynnwood, WA: Properly priced Lynnwood real estate is really moving right now! This city is also celebrating its 50^th birthday with lots of events all year long.

Mountlake Terrace, WA: Mountlake Terrace is having major changes right now, from the solar Transit Center to major rezoning to give the downtown core a facelift, this Seattle Suburb is a great place to look for close in Seattle commuting and affordability. Highlights: Amorn Thai on 56^th is the best Thai I have ever tasted and Cinebarre is moving into the old Mountlake 9! Look for great things to come for Mountlake Terrace! Mountlake Terrace real estate

Lake Forest Park, WA: Lake Forest Park is a treed paradise right next to the city and on the banks of Lake Washington. This is a great city for nature loving tree enthusiasts. Lake Forest Park real estate or make sure and check out Seattle homes, too!

Coming Soon: A new map based search to find all homes listed in the MLS right on this site!

New Seattle Homes Search & Help With Closing Costs

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:09:59 +0000

Seattle suburbs real estate and Seattle homes searches are all offered for FREE on this site:

www.CooperJacobs.com

It sweeps the multiple listing service for changes and all listings form all companies are included. This is a great one stop shopping place if you are curious about any Seattle area real estate prices or conditions. There are neighborhood pages and suburb pages to give you info about each market.

Other info?

$8000 tax credit for first time homebuyers – for more than first timers so get all the details to see if you qualify.

$1000 in closing costs

Hot Buys In The Seattle Suburbs: Looking For Bang For Buck?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 18:49:02 +0000

Looking for the best Seattle suburb real estate bang for your buck in 2009? There are so many wonderful properties out there to choose from right now, but here are just a couple of the areas that are really standing out as far as best bang for your buck with regards to square footage, schools, and commute – not to mention the amenities………………

Mountlake Terrace:

Mountlake Terrace real estate has always been a nice cheaper Seattle suburb option, and it is so close to Downtown Seattle! Mountlake Terrace already had some great perks: It is served by the quality Edmonds School District, and its Community Center s phenomenal with an amazing swimming facility. There is a huge gymnastics facility right in town, and the retail tax base is larger than many nearby suburbs.

The difference now is that the infrastructure and amenities have caught up and even exceeded what one might expect with the lower priced Seattle suburb housing. The new Park and Ride is set to open up this Spring at the I-5 236^th St SW exit and with that comes even more possibilities further down the road with the rail system. The Downtown area of Mountlake Terrace has undergone some recent rezoning and is all set for a huge revitalization project which will make it a truly modern and inspiring place to live. In speaking with one of the city council members, I learned that there are more permits in for building and redeveloping the downtown area than ever before.

Two and Three bedroom Mountlake Terrace houses start in the low $200,000 range and offer larger yards than some may expect. I recently found a Mountlake Terrace house with 4 bedrooms and two baths for just under $300,000! My buyers are thrilled! You can search Mountlake Terrace real estate by clicking the link.

Lynnwood Real Estate:

Lynnwood Real Estate is pretty much a virtual bargain right now. New construction in particular is overabundant and builders are looking to move inventory. There are many buyer perks for taking one of these houses off their hands in the form of upgrades and seller paid closing costs, plus Lynnwood basically has almost anything anyone would need in the way of amenities. This city is filled with restaurants, movie theatres, and the amazingly redone Alderwood Mall – home of Macys, Nordstrom, Sears, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, J Jill, REI, and more.

Lynnwood already has amazing Park and Rides and the proposed lite rail system was voted to come up to the 164^th Street Exit o I-5. The other great thing about Lynnwood WA is the fact that I-405 and I-5 meet right here making this an ideal spot to live whether you work in Everett, Seattle, or even the Eastside – Kirkland and Bothell are just a few exits away using I-405 with no bridges to cross.

Three bedroom homes in Lynnwood, Washington start in the mid-$250,000 range. Click here if you are interested in searching the MLS listings for Lynnwood real estate.

If you are interested in learning more about either of these Seattle suburbs, please feel free to drop me a line! realestate@cooperjacobs.com

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

Why I Am Loving Seattle Suburbs New Construction

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:57:05 +0000

I haven’t always been one of those Realtors who is hot on new construction. The plain truth is that in a stronger Seattle real estate market new construction wasn’t always the best deal. In fact, Seattle buyers who insisted on new construction usually paid a premium for it. There simply was not much in the way of negotiation.

Good things about new construction:

Wonderful big open floor plans
New Everything – nothing to fix
Maintenance up front is usually cheaper because all systems are new
Wonderful features designed for how we live now – bigger bathrooms, etc.
Builders are definitely starting to lean towards energy efficiency and Built Green aspects

Less Desirable points of new construction to some buyers:

Bigger price tag (negotiable!!!!)
Small Yard or no yard in most cases
Inconsistent architecture when new construction is plopped down in the middle of somewhere
Those funny retaining ponds
Some cookie cutter designs at times – definitely not custom in most cases

There is a very different story in Seattle new construction and Seattle suburb new construction now. If you are a non contingent buyer (meaning the sale doesn’t depend on you selling your current home) then you are in a window of golden opportunity right now! You can negotiate on price, perks, upgrades, and bonuses – plus get your closing costs paid in most cases. In addition, I like to make sure my buyers get a refrigerator and sometimes a washer and dryer of their choice!

Seattle suburbs new construction areas that have some nice developments right now:

Lynnwood, Everett, Snohomish, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Bothell, Redmond, Mill Creek Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Lake Forest Park

These are all in different price points – there are townhomes, too, but also larger homes. The developments I am touring have some nice features and are definitely worth a look if you are interested in Seattle suburbs new construction.

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County. Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs! Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services: Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

Seattle Real Estate: Better Than Short Sales & Foreclosures, Here’s Where The Real Deal Is

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:03:56 +0000

Yes, we are in a buyer’s market in Seattle – that is obvious as the inventory has increased and the buyer pool is smaller. In addition, short sales and foreclosures have increased so much so that the NWMLS has had to come out with new rules for short sales. Buyers who are well qualified are out there looking for the best deal and I am noticing that the trend is to look for a Seattle short sale or foreclosure. Although the chance to earn instant equity may be appealing and there are many wonderful aspects to purchasing a short sale or foreclosure, this may not be your best deal.

These properties are in many cases distressed in more ways than one ranging from appliances that have been pulled out and sold to deferred maintenance issues, and even thousands of dollars in unpaid bills that run with the property. Short sales in addition have a very low percentage of success rate as far as making it to close before the bank sends them to auction. Unfortunately, from what I have seen recently, the banks are still unwilling to be reasonable in many cases. On top of that, there are usually more than one department at the mortgage company involved and the left hand doesn’t speak the same language as the right hand. It is great that the MLS has tried to put a system in to make short sales a bit easier, but I really think that until the mortgage companies put a clear system in place, there is going to continue to be a low percentage of them that actually reach the closing table. This is bad news for both buyers and sellers – and the banks, but so far, I am not seeing the banks concerned enough to change this.

I think the better deal out there right now is new construction. These properties are out there sitting costing somebody something to carry them. There are perks galore being offered on them and the cost of maintenance up front is very low. The cosmetics are perfect and the builders are able to play ball when it comes to negotiating. In fact, I am seeing that when it comes to negotiating price, new construction has a much better potential for getting the better deal! New construction isn’t for short term flippers – the price is right, but be prepared to sit on the investment until the development is sold out or mostly sold out. With all of the perks and special pricing going on, there is no appreciation until the builder is out of the neighborhood. For the owner occupied buyer, though, this purchase can be ideal for earning equity.

Short Sale News! New for April 2008:NWMLS Changes The Rules

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:21:41 +0000

Short sales are popping up more and more across the Seattle area. Buyers need to be aware of whether not a potential property is a short sale because the offer process is quite different.

Here is the NWMLS definition of a short sale:

“A “Short Sale” is a sale that does not produce sufficient funds to cover the existing monetary encumbrances against the Property, closing costs, real estate commissions, and other financial requirements of closing. Seller’s creditor(s) are those third parties who have an interest in the Property in the form of a deed of trust, some other security, or a lien (e.g. tax lien).”

See my problem with a short sale listing is that buyers go into the process without the full knowledge of how different it is from a “normal” transaction. The NWMLS has come up with a form to help, but making sure to use a short sale agent in the process is the best plan of attack. Short sales can be great deals, but knowing what is involved is key.

Knowing that a listing is a short sale is also key since there are no guarantees as to price or commission in a short sale. The offer is (or should be) always signed subject to lien holder approval. The lien holder almost always inevitably comes back with a higher price even if you offer the list price and they also usually come back with a lower commission amount for the two agents involved. False advertising all around in my opinion. The MLS is now stating that a short sale listing must be disclosed. This is a step in the right direction in my opinion.

Another really needed change: Short sale properties typically stay marked as “active” in the MLS while the approval from the lien holder is being obtained. This is frustrating for buyers out there and also bad for the MLS stats. I think the short sale numbers are actually seriously dragging down the area stats overall and the new rule is a helpful one in that. The properties with offers which are waiting for approval will be marked “pending – BU” until they go to “pending” and then “sold”. I am extremely pleased with this development which will be good for everybody. Other sellers in the neighborhood who may be waiting for a distressed property to come off the market before they put theirs on can now have an easier time without false lower priced competition.

Introducing Form 22SS:

The MLS’s short sale addendum for Washington state (Hallelujah!). It isn’t perfect, but it is going to help clarify a lot of the process and steps that have been unclear in the past. First of all the from states that the property is a short sale and that the lien holder has to approve the offer. The form then gives the seller so many days (default is 30 days) to get that approval. Mutual acceptance is explained as when the lien holder approval is delivered. 22SS Gives the buyer the option of checking a box to either say that the seller can accept other offers for lien holder approval while they wait for their answer or not. My advise on that to buyers is check the box that allows your deal to be the only deal in town. Of course, my advise for a seller is usually the opposite depending on the situation. Lastly, the new from gives the buyer the right to back out of the deal at any time prior to lien holder approval.

Seattle real estate: 2008 Market Conditions in a Nut Shell..

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:01:50 +0000

Seattle real estate has softened, but we certainly are not “in the tank” as I read another broker put it.

Instead, the 2008 market is very different, and those who are used to the easy flow of the past few years need to step up to a different ball field. This includes all parties to the transaction!

Buyers
need to understand that there are some incredible deals out there right now! Prices are generally very good as sellers try to compete with short sales and foreclosures that are sneaking on to the market. Seattle buyers have been complaining about a seller’s market for years and now find themselves in a buyer’s market finally! Even with this combined with the lower interest rates, there is still some reluctance to pull the trigger! I personally think there could be a few reasons for this hesitation which include uncertainty based on our political climate, uncertainty in the economy, and also a general lack of confidence in the strength of the housing market. Well, I have no idea who will end up in office, but I can tell you that our Puget Sound Economy is generally very good and jobs were up the last time I checked. People are also still buying and selling real estate even if prices have come down in some areas. Seattle is still one of the most undervalued West Coast cities and we are a major metro. If you are on the fence, get off.

Sellers
– Price your home reasonably and please be open to a negotiation. It isn’t personal –it’s just business. The buyers in 2008 like your house a lot, but they have a lot to choose from and they want to negotiate. De-clutter it, have it professionally Staged by an accredited Stager, and make it easy to show. Don’t skimp on commissions either – this is not the time to be choosing any other REALTOR except for a FULL service REALTOR – oh and make sure they in fact are an actual REALTOR. Did you know that not all real estate agents and brokers are REALTORS? The term is REALTOR, not realtor – it is a proper noun – and REALTORS actually abide by a higher standard of practice including a code of ethics. You need someone with a high level of expertise in marketing your home. This is also not the time to try a FSBO – stick with a market expert to guide you through 2008!

Agents & Brokers:
Be free with your information – that is what 2008 and beyond is about. There is value in sharing information rather than guarding it. In the past, we have tended to keep our knowledge close to the vest and in this changing market the consumer is looking for answers well before they make a purchasing decision. Open, honest, and down to earth advice and guidance is a must for a new market.

If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at Seattle Relocation services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!

Seattle Real Estate: Short Sales In Seattle &The Seattle Suburbs…

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:33:22 +0000

Seattle real estate is in a buyer’s market, but are you looking for a way to get into a Seattle house even cheaper?

Seattle buyers: You might consider a short sale, but be prepared to wait and wait and wait. Not only will you not get an answer immediately when you put in an offer for a short sale, you will more than likely have to wait for weeks and weeks. The bank is in no hurry to sell you this house for $50,000 or more under market, and they also like to drag their feet to wait for a better offer. If you want the deal, you have to be very patient and understand what you are getting in to.

What is a short sale?

Simple Short Sale Definition: A Short sale is when the seller owes more than the house can be sold for in the current market, so the bank has to agree to write off the difference and sell the house for less than they are owed.. Coming up with an acceptable price for the bank when they are losing money on a loan can be tricky and requires someone who is willing to go to bat for both parties – the buyer who wants to get a good deal and the seller who wants to get out of a loan without a foreclosure on their record. It is also in the bank’s best interest because they want to save on the time and money it would talk to foreclose on a property that is in arrears.

The problem?

There are no guarantees that just because a house is listed for a certain price that it will sell for that price or even close to it. The listing agents list these short sale homes as “subject to lien holder approval” in the agent only remarks. I strongly think that this lingo should also be put in the public comments so that a prospective buyer is well aware that the price is not a definite and that even the sale is not a definite until a lien holder approves of it. In fact, in most cases if you put in a full price offer, the bank will likely counter back at a higher price than the property is listed at! Doesn’t seem fair does it? There is a difference between an approved short sale and a short sale. With an approved at least there is some guarantee of price range, but the fact of the matter is that most short sales listed are not approved short sales. It is just too difficult to get a bank to pin down a number without an offer in front of them!

Good news!

The good news is that a Seattle short sale can work out for all parties involved and benefit all! Make sure you are working with someone that knows how to do a short sale! Search for Seattle Short Sales.

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County. Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs! Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services: Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property realestate (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park) & other Seatle neighborhoods, Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!