Valerie's Belfair WA Real Estate Blog

Other Homeowners are now also eligible for the Tax Credit to purchase a new home!

That's right - with the signing of the Extension of the Tax Credit and it's expansion, a current home owner, which by definition is someone who has used their home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years, is eligible. 

You will need to find a home that you would like to purchase and be in a written binding contract for that home on or by April 30, 2010 and the purchase must close by July 1, 2010 in order to be eligible.

 Now how cool is that? 

How much is the tax credit?  $6500.00 unless you are married filing separately which it would be $3250 each.  Remember, this is if you are not a First Time Home Buyer but qualify as a a current home owner.

If you are a First Time Home Buyer, definition being you have not had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to your purchase, the tax credit remains $8000 ($4000 each if married filing separately).

 There are some fantastic homes out there for sale with fantastic prices! Don't miss the boat (or the credit) - LET'S GO SHOPPING for your new home!

Valerie

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 If you would like more information regarding the homes for sale in Belfair  or surrounding area, drop me a line, or give me a call. I would love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Remember real estate is LOCAL.

I also offer a FREE comparative market analysis for sellers tailored specifically for your home or property. If you would like more information on selling your home in this market, please give me a call, drop me a line, or stop on in!  I believe in building relationships for life... YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!

We believe homes are where memories are made and living takes place!

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties : My Belfair WA Real Estate Blog : www.BelfairWARealEstate.com

My Website : www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com           Email : vlsallyn@windermere.com

Direct Cell : 360-710-5622               Fax # 360-277-5006

Yes it is true and official.... Obama signs extended Tax Credit Into Law. And it's not just for First Time Home Buyers anymore.

What's it about? Here's a quick run-down:

The First Time Home Buyers Tax Creditpretty much remains the same - $8000 credit ($4000 if married filing separately) with a new deadline of April 30, 2010 to have a written binding contract in place to purchase a home that will close no later than July 1, 2010.

The Expanded part is that now a current homeownercan sell or who has sold a home that has been used as their principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years can receive a $6500 credit ($3250 if married filing separate) for purchasing a new principal residence so long as they are in a written binding contract to purchase by April 30,2010. They too will have until July 1, 2010 to close on the new home. 

What do you have to do to claim the credit? You need to attach documentation of the purchase to your tax return. Now how simple is that?

Great News!  So what are you waiting for?  Let's go SHOPPING FOR YOUR NEW HOME!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like more information regarding the homes for sale in Belfair WA, drop me a line, or give me a call. I would love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Remember real estate is LOCAL.

I also offer a FREE comparative market analysis for sellers tailored specifically for your home or property. If you would like more information on selling your home in this market, please give me a call, drop me a line, or stop on in!  I believe in building relationships for life... YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!

We believe homes are where memories are made and living takes place!

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties : My Belfair WA Real Estate Blog : www.BelfairWARealEstate.com

My Website : www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com           Email : vlsallyn@windermere.com

Direct Cell : 360-710-5622               Fax # 360-277-5006

Even though there are many Homes For Sale in Belfair, sitting on the Fence can be costly....

(You'd think the buyers that are still on the fence that by now their butts would hurt from those pickets as well!)....

If you are hanging half off and half on the fence, you are going to lose out on one of the best opportunities to purchase a home.  Not to mention the $8000 first Time Homebuyers Tax credit if you are eligible.

That's what seems to be happening in the buyers world as of late. Buyers are frustrated because the home they just saw either already has offers on it, the seller won't move too much off their asking price, or the seller will not give you everything you asked for in your offer.

Educating buyers is a very important important part of our job.  Some of the real estate markets in the nation are no longer completely buyer markets as the inventory has decreased and buyers have started moving off the fence in certain price ranges. All real estate is local. And within the local area as well, the niche or price rangewill have it's own market as well. Belfair Homes for Sale that are stick built under the $250,000 price range that are in decent condition is becoming scarce.

Multiple Offers in a Buyers Market in Belfair, IS happening and happening alot in certain price ranges. You can't continue to sit on the fence in this market. Belfair homes for sale under $250,000  are moving quickly at close to or at their top dollar asking price.

"Well," you declare to me. "There are other sellers out there that will take my low offer and give me everything I want! It's a Buyers Market right?" Again,  NOT NECESSARILY!

Just because it is a buyers market overall does not mean it is a buyers market in your price range or for what you are looking for.

Example: Homes for sale in Belfair, Allyn and the surrounding area that are $250k and under that are stick-built and have just come on the market are scooped up before most "half off the fence -half on the fence" buyers can get their feet on the ground.  Because the homes for sale inventory is lowwwww in that price range, as well as the buyers that are out there have seen the SAME HOMES THAT YOU HAVE, the receive offers fairly quick and sometimes multiple offers.   

They are waiting for a similar home that you are looking for, but they have both feet planted on the ground and are not "half off - half on the fence."

Naturally when that one home comes on the market - BAM it is going to go with a flurry of activity.Unless you are fully off the fence, prepared and ready to get moving, you will not get the house or the opportunity. 

Ok- so now you have established that you need to fully come off the fence and get serious.  It also means when you do make the offer - you are going to need to put your best foot forward. Otherwise guess what will happen? The guy behind you that has been looking at the same thing, he gets the deal...and you lose out.

If you need help in getting prepared, finding the right home for sale in Belfair- give me a call, drop me a line or stop on by...No reason to be frustrated! If you have the right strategy, mindset and are working with a professional real estate agent who knows how to get the job done, you will accomplish your goal. Know what to expect and you won't be let down.  

  But you got to get off the fence first!

~~Valerie~~

If it is a Buyers Market, Why are there Multiple offers?

This was the question posed to me today from buyers that I have been working with on finding a home they like within their budget. Their budget is under $200,000.

They were a little frustrated today because just like a student in the education process - sometimes it takes a student a few times making mistakes before they realize the answer; even though the teacher has shown them how to reach the answer. 

Each of us has our own way of learning. Some it takes longer and a few trial and errors to get to the solution even with our guidance and education. They need to have THE "AH HA" moment.

They want to know - "There are so many homes on the market under $200,000, so why is it that we keep running into homes that we like and they end up with multiple offers?"

There are MANY homes on the market under $200,000 that is absolutely true. But here's the thing....

You know how you go to the super market and there is an AWESOME sale on corn on the cob and you get there and what's left has all been picked through and rejected??? Then new comes in and buyers rush to get it? That is very similar to what is happening in our BUYERS market.

 Everyone is looking for "just the right one."  THE SUPPLY in this price range, IS LESS THAN THE DEMAND.

The MAJORITY of the buyers purchasing in this market are purchasing homes for sale that are UNDER $200,000!

Think about it - The majority of the buyers out there are purchasing the homes or looking for a home under $200,000.  You are one of them.You are one of many looking for the same thing.

Are you with me so far?  So let's go further:

The majority of these homes have been on the market for an extremely long time and fall into one or more of the following categories:

•  overpriced for what they are
• in poor shape and are going to need $'s dumped into them
• Sellers won't come off their price
• not stick built
• too small
• Not in an area they want
• A short sale property
• The good one has multiple offers and your offer is rejected.
• and oh did I say overpriced and in poor condition?

Okay, so lets pretend these homes have been on the market for oh say 180 days already.  Picture this - you have looked at or ruled almost all of them - correct? Why? Why? Because of one or more of the reasons above - right? And the good ones have sold -yes?

Well all of the buyers in this range looking for homes for sale are seeing the exact same thing that you have and have rejected them all as well. With me so far? 

Okay, so now you have one or maybe two homes (if you are lucky) that pop up on the market (fresh supply) in your price range and look like good deals. You jump right on it and look at them and decide "YES! I want to make an offer!"

What do you think the buyers that have rejected all of the other homes are doing as well? 

Here's where the education process we have been going through comes into play. You either go home and sleep on it (purely your prerogative as I warn you it will have offers on it if not today, tomorrow but you do need to make sure it is for you); or you decide to write an offer right then and there (that's the start of how you can acquire this home).

We sit and discuss what you are going to offer. We review how to make a clean offer and the things we can cut out and the things we can't.

Then we get to price. Here you waiver. We have discussed what we are going to need to do price wise. But here, here all of a sudden you turn that one home (which in reality is in HIGH DEMAND-remember all of those other buyers that rejected all those other homes as well)  back in your mind into a "buyers market" mindset which I have just shown you no longer exists in your price range....

Go back now to the paragraph about all the buyers having seen and looked at all the same homes you have.....and REJECTED them just like you (or the good ones have sold) and here comes this fresh new well priced home on the market...

What do you think is going to happen?   Absolutely CORRECT !  There is going to be more than one buyer elbowing to get this home as well.....hence MULTIPLE OFFERS.  

That is why it is important to be prepared, have your ducks in a row and why I have been educating you on being ready to make your stand when the right one comes along.

 I don't expect you to buy something that is not for you. But if the right one shows up, you need to act quickly, decisively and not waiver back into the "Buyers market" mindset or you will lose again to either multiple offers, or to a seller who knows they will get their top dollar because of other buyers that are looking at the exact same thing.....    

 "AH HA!!!   You need to come to that "AH HA" moment.....

If you need help or information on the buying process and how to be successful in purchasing a home.... give me a call, drop me a line, or stop on by....  My business and passion is people and homes......

~~Valerie~~

Visit my website for more information about my area and homes for sale in Belfair, Allyn, LakeLand Village as well as Hood Canal and Puget Sound Waterfront Homes.

My Real Estate and Other Stuff Blog

Non-Distressed Homes for Sale in Belfair bring Multiple Offers!

That is the latest scenario that we have been seeing on homes for sale in the Belfair area that are under $250,000 and are a good value for the price. 

Buyers are shying away from the short sale homes for sale because of the frustration in the length of time it takes the short sale lenders to respond to their offers never mind actually close the transaction. 

Bank owned properties are getting a lot of looks, but they are not always quick to sell because of the condition that they are in. 

This means that the buyers are out looking at non-distressed, non-bank owned homes for sale and realizing that when they find it and it is within their price range of under $250,000, they had better jump on it quickly.  Many, if not most, of these homes are seeing multiple offers because of the lack of inventory of fairly priced non-distressed and non bank owned homes.

We are also seeing that the majority of these buyers are first time home buyers and are eligible for the $8000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. 

If you are a buyer - get your ducks in a row and be prepared to put your best foot forward on your offer.

Let an expert in the area of homes for sale help you find the right home for you and represent you in the process.  Work with a professional local real estate agent that knows the market for where you are home shopping.

I have a wealth of information, knowledge and experience to help you achieve your real estate goals and be successful even in a multiple offer situation.

 My success is YOUR success!

If you would like more information regarding the homes for sale in Belfair WA or how I can help you, drop me a line, or give me a call. I would love to help you achieve your real estate goals. Remember real estate is LOCAL.

I also offer a FREE comparative market analysis for sellers tailored specifically for your home or property. If you would like more information on selling your home in this market, please give me a call, drop me a line, or stop on in!  I believe in building relationships for life... YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!

Homes are where memories are made and living takes place!

Belfair homes for sale

Allyn Homes for Sale

Grapeview Homes for Sale

Hood Canal Waterfront Homes for Sale

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties : www.windermerepeninsulaproperties.com

Belfair Homes for Sale 

My Belfair WA Real Estate Blog : www.BelfairWARealEstate.com

My Website : www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com           Email : vlsallyn@windermere.com

Direct Cell : 360-710-5622               Fax # 360-277-5006

LakeLand Village in Allyn, WA is a residential golf course and private lake community with many amenities, many styles and prices of homes. 

 There is something here for every budget and style!  Take a look at this home for $179,000!

 Country Charm -deep lot with the home nestled towards the back of the lot offers privacy and charm.  Covered front porch with built in bench seating is a great place to enjoy any time of the day!

A bright and efficient kitchen boasts lots of light with two windows.

Two bedrooms upstairs - one with a walk in closet and a deck of its own. Fresh paint and trim finishes it off.

Exposed beam ceiling finished in tongue and groove keeps the character flowing throughout the main level.

To see more photos and for more information visit the full photogallery at www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com

LakeLand Village has a lot to offer from many affordable homes to a great location and great amenities.

If you would like more information on buying or selling real estate in LakeLand Village, Allyn & Belfair, I am here to help you!  Just give me a call, drop me a line or stop on in!  I believe in building relationships for life.

YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS!

~~Valerie~~ Lakeland Village, Belfair & Allyn Real Esate Specialist~~

Windermere Peninsula Properties

my email: vlsallyn@windermere.com

my website: www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com

Looking at what has been happening the last few weeks and working with buyers who are looking for something pretty particular, I have now found that the market is changing. 

If you are a buyer who does not want to deal with a shortsale because of the length of time of approval and the hassles, or a bank opened property (which are usually not in the best condition)- your choices are becoming limited if you are in the 250-300 range in the Belfair and Allyn market area. They are actually even limited somewhat in the lower range as they generally need repairs or something that costs extra...  Below or above - fair game but right in that market - the choices are not what you would think.

You know how when interest rates start changing (either up or down), how before they start creeping back up or down the POINTS change first going up or down depending on which way the interest rate is going?? 

Well it seems as though that is what is happening in our current real estate market for the Belfair and Allyn area with prices and offers.

In other words... the "Good" deals are getting to be more slim pickings but some here and there (if that).... and now the "points"  for the buyers have gone up in either dealing with a "normal" seller who won't budge off his price OR you need to move to a higher price range.... 

The first time home buyer tax credit is out there for you. USE IT! Don't leave that $8000 on the table unused! There are some great loans out there. USE THEM!  and there are some good homes on the market...BUY THEM!

If you are a buyer, it is time, time to get a move on before the "points" change again....

When we first met, we talked about the home buying process and the Belfair WA real estate market and surrounding area and the great opportunities for home ownership that are available in the Belfair and Mason County area. I also gave you a list of items that YOU were going to need to do once we had found the home for you and had a mutually accepted offer.  

Let's review the beginning of the list and make sure you are on track. Your "To Do" list may seem long, but it really is not if you start checking things off one at a time and do not wait until the last minute. 

• Get estimates from professional movers or truck rental companies if you are moving yourself. Don't forget about the "time" involved if you do it yourself. If you have selected a mover, discuss insurance, packing, loading,delivery and their claims procedure.
• Sort through your possessions.  Make separate piles - keeping, donating, just plain old trash!  Consider having a yard sale.
• If possible videotape or take pictures of your belongings. Write down the serial numbers  of your big items such as electronic equipment and any appliances that are going with you.
• Use the change of address packet that I provided you with to notify  creditors, the post office, magazine  subscriptions and others of your new address and when it will be in effect.
• Set up a file to keep track of your moving expenses for your tax records.
• Contact your current utility companies with your new address and shut off date. Use the list that I gave you to contact the new utility companies with your new address and when you are going to need service.
• Start packing non-essential items.
• Arrange for storage if needed.
• Visit the local Chamber of commerce and the schools - visit their websites before hand - you can access their links on my website and my Belfair WA Real Estate Blog as well.
• Visit with your bank about whether or not they have a branch where you are moving. Otherwise you will need to check in your new town for banks etc that can service you.  

These are all items that you should have started on, when your offer was first accepted. In the next "Taking the Plunge" Blog ~Belfair WA Real Estate Blog~ ,we will discuss more items that need to be done as you get closer to the big moving day.

You're well on your way to a smooth "plunge" on your purchase of a new home in Belfair WA. We look forward to you joining the Belfair WA community. I have many resources at my fingertips and on my website - so don't be afraid to ask me for information or questions about your new location or the process of buying a home in Belfair WA and the surrounding area.

~~Valerie~~

If you would like more information about homes for sale in Belfair WA or the surrounding area,  or selling a home in the Belfair WA area, give me a call, drop me a line, or my visit my website! Remember I offer a FREE, No obligation comparative market analysis tailored specifically for your home or property.

I specialize in people first and strive to provide consumers with an incredible real estate experience. I build relationships for life. My Success is YOUR Success.

Let's "Take the Plunge" of  buying a home a together.

Windermere Peninsula Properties- We believe that homes are where memories are made and people live their lives...

 Click here to search for homes for sale  in the Belfair WA  and surrounding area.

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Click here for Belfair WA Real Estate Blog and more area information.

We have just finished your home inspection (Taking the Plunge -Home Inspection) and negotiated with the seller a few minor but workable repair issues. We're moving forward! The home is now officially pending! 

You have all the right "gear" along with the right team members to TAKE THE PLUNGE into home ownership!

You took the plunge into home ownership and we are swimming along rather nicely....

Behind the scenes your Team is working away diligently on all the little details that are needed to move towards the closing of your purchase.

When realtors refer to a purchase and sale being "signed around" or mutually accepted that is the term they tend to use when you and the seller came to agreement on the Purchase and Sale contract for the home. At that time, I opened escrow with the escrow company that was agreed upon in the purchase and sale, as well as deposited your earnest money check with the escrow company. 

I also sent a copy of your purchase and sale to your lender and made contact to ensure that they had all of the information that they needed from myself and you regarding the property to get rolling on the financing of your new home.  They too are diligently working behind the scenes towards the closing of your purchase.

When we first wrote your purchase and sale, I set your file up so that I can easily track how the process is going and make sure that the deadlines in the contract are met once we came into agreement with the seller. I check daily to make sure we are on track. So far so good! 

I have also been in constant communication with the real estate agent who is representing the seller so that they know that we are diligent about the process of closing the transaction and so the agent can keep the seller informed. There is nothing worse than not knowing what is going on or not hearing ANYTHING for a long period of time. It is very, very important to me, to have constant communication. 

Even if I have no news specifically for you, I will be communicating alot with you and the rest of our "team" so that all parties know what is going on. I also want you to know that I am available to answer any and all of your questions.

There are things that YOU need to be doing as well. I gave you a check list of some of the things that you are going to need to be taking care of (such as packing and moving particulars), while I am taking care of other items regarding your transaction.

Our next discussion will be on how your "to do" list is coming along. See you then!  

~~Valerie~~

 Remember I offer a FREE, No obligation comparative market analysis tailored specifically for your home or property.I specialize in people first and strive to provide consumers with an incredible real estate experience. I build relationships for life. My Success is YOUR Success.

 My area of expertise covers Allyn, Belfair, Hood Canal and the surrounding areas of Mason County, WA real estate market. Give me a call,drop me a line, or visit my website - Let's "Take the Plunge" together.

 Windermere Peninsula Properties-We believe that homes are where memories are made and people live their lives...