Valerie's Belfair WA Real Estate Blog

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. 

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• 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.

Click here for the Localism website

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...

Following along with our discussions of "Taking the Plunge" into Home ownership, we have found the home you want to purchase. 

• You have met with a lender for pre-approval.
• You and I have established a comfortable, professional, trustworthy, loyal working relationship and we have shared what we expect from each other.
• We have discussed the priorities of wants and needs in your new home.
• We have reviewed the steps of purchasing a home and what to expect.
• You have done your homework reviewing the information I have provided you on the various neighborhood and areas that you have shown an interest in. We have also toured these areas.
• We have looked at homes that might fit the bill for you.
• You have chosen one and want to write an offer.
• I educated you in the process of submitting an offer so that you would make solid decisions and choices and understand what was going to happen in the process along with preparing and reviewing the forms required. 
•  You and the seller have come to a meeting of the minds and we now have a Mutually accepted offer! 

In your offer we included that the property is subject to your satisfaction of a home inspection on the home using a professional inspector who will inspect the property for you (Inspection Contingency).

A home inspector looks beyond the cosmetics to make sure that the home's general systems operate properly as well as the condition of the home. He will be looking for anything that may need repair or is/could be a problem or not working.

Generally a standard home inspection report will review the conditions of the home's heating and air conditioning systems, interior plumbing and electrical system, the roof, attic and visible insulation, walls, ceilings floors, windows and doors, foundations, basement and visible structure.  He will look for cracks in the cement walls, water stains, moisture, wood rot and many other things.

He will also point out the positives of the home as well as proper maintenance that will keep it in tip top shape.

You should be present when your inspector is doing the inspection to hear first hand about the home and its systems and to be able to ask the inspector questions. 

You need to remember through this process that no home is perfect.  If there are problems found, we will discuss these and then I will help you negotiate through the process.

Taking the Plunge to home ownership shouldn't be a scary, stressful and overwhelming experience. With the right agent by your side leading the way and the rest of my team such as a lender, inspector, escrow), I have the experience, knowledge and skills to take you through the process and give you a unique and satisfying home buying experience.  Let me take the stress and show you the way to a successful plunge... 

~~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...

We're back from our house hunting and our spirits are high as we await the sellers response on our recently submitted offer to purchase their home.

We've been discussing the buying process and how "taking the plunge" into home ownership should not be scary or stressful.  To catch up take a look at the previous blog "Wish-List-for-Taking-the-Plunge-into-Home-Ownership-Part-V."

We are confident because we have worked hard with your lender to assure us of what you can afford and what is comfortable for your budget, and myself to educate you and show you homes that will potentially fit your needs and criteria as close as possible while staying within your budget. 

 You have flown through this process with ease and without let downs because we have created a relationship of trust, loyalty, good communication and professionalism.

We based our offer on the asking price of the home and the review of a comparative market analysis that I prepared for you on that home specifically (comparative market analysis' are not just for a sellers benefit!)  so you were comfortable with the asking price and your offer. It also helped you know that the seller was priced fairly and you understand that because you have offered less than the asking price, the seller may not take what you have offered. We shall have to wait and see!

We discussed and reviewed all of the forms that we included in your purchase and sale offer to the seller. This is the contract that outlines the details of the property transfer between yourself and the seller when you both agree on all of the terms.  A purchase and sale agreement will generally consist of the following:

• Earnest Money Receipt
• Financing Addendum
• Inspection Addendum
• Conditions/disclosure addendum
• An addendum outlining any special conditions.
• Title Contingency Addendum

Purchase and Sale agreements are handled differently in various states and there are many different laws as well, so it is important that you work with a real estate professional that knows the laws and forms where you are buying or selling. Another great reason to work with me!

We also talked about what the next step would be if the seller accepted your offer - A home inspection on your part. It is a very, very important step for you to partake in even if it is new construction.  We'll discuss the home inspection in more detail in the next blog of discussion of "Taking the Plunge!" into home ownership.

~~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 a 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.

 

 

 Let's make a wish list for your new dream home. I want you to prioritize the list. Make three columns for your list to prioritize (and/or number them in an order of priority).

 I also have a pre-made form I can email to you if you would like to use my template.

 Start with a neighborhood or location. Break it down in priorities or groups that fit the criteria below:

1) Things you MUST have and cannot do without such as:close to towns amenities (stores, shopping, work etc) and then in the home - Big House? Little house? or one level because you cannot do stairs, 3 bedrooms because you have children or guests at various times.

                                

2) Things that are wants, but not a need. Acreage but not a necessity. An office as well but can make do with 3 bedrooms.

3) and things that would be a "wow" bonus if you were able to get them. A private lake or community pool or golf course in the neighborhood and maybe upgrades like hardwood floors, or 2 pantries in the home, - things of that sort.

The one thing to remember is that YOUR priorities will NOT be the same as someone else! This is about YOUR priorities!

Also write down or be able to answer "why" because there may be some things on your list that we may be able to accomplish through another feature or amenity in the neighborhood,property or home.

We will take your list and start with the musts and most important items. This list will help me to narrow down the area and home search to ones that will work for you. It saves a lot of time and keeps the frustration out of the process as well. You won't be running around like a mad man with that fearful look and thought in your head. My goal is to show you neighborhoods, areas, and homes that will possibly fit your priorities -not a zillion that won't work. 

My job is to LISTEN and then fulfill as many items on your list as possible within your budget. I am already familiar with all of the Mason County neighborhoods and the Mason County homes for sale within the area and neighborhoods.

Before we even start to tour homes, I will ask you to familiarize yourself with these neighborhoods and areas by driving around either with me or by yourself.  You can buy your dream home and fulfill your wish list in the home, but if you move in and then hate the location - well it is where it is!  So let's get that taken care of first and narrow down some neighborhoods and areas in Mason County WA that might fit the bill.

Here is a link to two fantastic websites, as well as mine,  that will help you get familiar with some of the areas that may be possibilities : Exploring Hood Canal and Southern Puget Sound and the North Mason Chamber of Commerce Website. This will cover areas such as Allyn, Belfair, Grapeview, Hood Canal & Southern Puget Sound towns and areas in Mason County WA. You can find these links and peruse through photo galleries of homes for sale in the Belfair, Hood Canal & Southern Puget Sound area at my website as well.

Write the ones down that intrigue you and you think may be possiblities and add them to your list. Have fun exploring and don't forget to ask ME questions as well.  Take notes!  Take lots of notes! Our next discussion we will be ready to start touring homes of interest!

For more information on "taking the plunge into home ownership"  here are some links to Part I through Part IV of the process. 

Buyers and Sellers- There's more to buying or selling a home than you think!

 Taking the Plunge can be Scary and Overwhelming

Taking the Plunge Part II - Buying a Home

Building the Team to Home Ownership Taking the Plinge Part III

Terms to know when Taking the Plunge - Part IV

I look forward to building a lasting relationship with you and finding your dream home!  MY SUCCESS IS YOUR SUCCESS! 

I specialize in people first, building lifelong relationships.I specialize in real estate in  Belfair, WA, Hood canal and Southern Puget Sound as well as surrounding areas in Mason County WA.  Don't forget, I also offer a FREE, NO OBLIGATION market analysis tailored to your home  or property.  Give me a call, drop me a line, or visit my website!  I would love to start the process of taking the plunge with you!  

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties

my website: www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com

my phone : 360-710-5622

my email : vlsallyn@windermere.com

 

Past blogs, we have been discussing taking the "plunge"into the real estate world of purchasing a home or property.  We are building a "team" of professionals to achieve this goal.  You have spoken with a lender and you have found a professional, knowledgeable lender local to the area you are searching for a home in and are ready to move to the next step.

It's important you are familiar with some of the "key" terms that you are going to come across.

What is the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved with a lender?

Pre-qualification is a "probability" of being able to obtain a loan and is based on info you provide the lender as far as your income, debt, expenses and cash you currently have. A pre-qualification does not carry as much weight with an offer as a pre-approval does.  

Pre-approval- takes it further. It means that the lender has verified your information and this step carries better attraction to a seller who is contemplating an offer from you.

If you remember, I asked that you work with a lender towards pre-approval.  Very Important! I have many lenders I can refer you too if you do not have one you are already working with.

What is earnest money?

It is a "good faith" deposit submitted with your offer to let the sellers know that you are serious about purchasing their home.  It also has another reason, but we will discuss that when we sit to write an offer on a property. There is no set amount required for earnest money, but it is required and can make a difference depending on the dollar amount of your earnest money, as to how a seller considers your offer.

What are closing costs?

There are buyers closing costs and sellers closings costs. They consist of charges paid for various items during the process of closing a real estate transaction. Things such as escrow fees, lender fees, inspection fees etc. Your lender will tell you your loan fees and other fees involved we will discuss during our initial sit down chat.

What is a point?

This is lender related and one point is equal to one percent of the loan principal. Again, your lender will go into the specifics of points. It will vary among lenders and lender products as to the amount of points that you may be required to pay in addition to interest and fees at closing.

What is title insurance?

In a nutshell - title insurance protects against a loss from defects, liens and other adverse claims  that are against the property. Lenders will require title insurance. Again, we will go more into detail during our conversations.

Those are just a few of the many new terms you will hear throughout our process of taking the "plunge" into the real estate world!  I look forward to helping you achieve this goal as we take the next step! 

 

A few other links with more information on the buying process :

There's more than you think to buying a home...

Taking The Plunge Can be Scary and Overwhelming

Taking the Plunge - Part II - Buying a Home

Building The Team to Home Ownership - Part III

 

If you would like more information on buying or selling homes in Belfair, WA~Mason County~ give me a call, drop me a line or visit my website!  I would love to be a part of your team to help you successfully achieve your real estate goals!  YOUR SUCCESS IS MY SUCCESS! People and homes are my specialty.

I believe in building relationships for life. My success is your success!

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties

360-710-5622

 

 

View my page on My North Mason Chamber Network

So we have gone over the first steps of getting organized to "plunge" into the real estate market and the dream of home ownership. You might want to go back and read the previous blog "Taking the plunge can be scary and overwhelming" to catch up to this part. There are many great prices on homes for sale in the Allyn, Belfair, Hood Canal & Mason County WA area! 

You have contacted me to start the process and we have discussed the benefits of speaking with a lender as our first step. If you have already done this - KUDOS!  I told you that there are things that I need for you to do as one of my team members and speaking with a reputable, knowledgeable lender is key as well as a couple of other items I will need for you to do.

Why Speak to a lender first?

You need to find out how much house you can afford and you need to do it before we go house-hunting.

By doing this, it will give us a target price range that is realistic and affordable for YOUR needs. This is very important, many people have a number they THINK they can afford, but it is much better to go forward armed with facts. It also adds strength to an offer having a lender pre-approval letter in hand. It helps the seller see that you CAN afford the home and you ARE a serious buyer.

It will also save disappointment down the road, if the price you were guesstimating was a little too high or quite possibly, you can afford more than you think. Whichever the case, we want to be realistic with the numbers so that we are all using our time wisely.

A mortgage lender will want make sure you can handle any down payment required, plus the monthly mortgage payment which will include principal, interest, taxes and insurance (this is called PITI). They have many programs and after gathering all of your information and discussing your goals, wants and needs, they will help you decide which of their loan products will work best for you.

When interviewing a lender you want to make sure you are comfortable with them and that they are "listening" to your criteria. You do not want to work with a lender that is just trying to sell you their "Product of the month."  A good, knowledgeable lender wants to earn your business for life (just like I do) and will "listen" to your goals and help you achieve them with the BEST PRODUCT FOR YOU.

Your personal finances and budget will be a determining factor in the amount of house you can afford along with the current interest rate (s) on a loan.  Generally, the bigger a down payment you have may allow the lender to be more flexible with a loan package including interest rates and closing costs.

Depending on the type of loan the lender feels fits you best, you may be required to provide a down payment - a down payment is a percentage of the purchase price that you are paying for the home. Again, a good lender will tailor things to you and tell you the requirements they would need for you to fulfill to acquire a loan. Wander over to my website and use the quick mortgage calculator to "guess-timate" and see what type of information a lender will be looking for.  Again remember this is a guesstimate - you really need to contact a lender to get accurate numbers for the programs that they have to offer.

Don't have a lender to work with? I have many that I can refer you to that are top notch in the Allyn,Belfair, Hood Canal Mason County WA real estate area.   We will save a lot of time and possible heartache knowing exactly what will fit your budget.

This is one of the MANY steps to organizing your real estate search. Stay tuned for the next step.  If you would like more information, have a question, or just want to chat, please feel free to give me a call, drop me a line, stop on in, or visit my website.  Information is FREE.  My success is yours.

I specialize in giving people an extraordinary real estate experience and homes for sale in the Allyn, Belfair, Grapeview, Hood Canal & Puget Sound WA~Mason County WA real estate market. I believe in building lifelong relationships. Your success is my success.

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties

 

View my page on My North Mason Chamber Network

So you've decided to take the plunge this year into the world of home ownership! Excellent! There are some great homes out there well worth the price that is being asked and there are some very atttractive interest rates as well!  It is a great time to take advantage of the Buyers market in Allyn, Belfair, Grapeview, Hood Canal WA and our surrounding areas to help achieve your real estate goals!

Many people do not know where to start, are scared, do not have the knowledge and end up flustered and overwhelmed with all of the homes, legailities, details and information out there. Let me help you.  I am an expert in the real estate market in the Allyn, Belfair, Grapeview, Hood Canal and surrounding areas in Mason County WA.

So where DO you start?

You want to start with a "knowledgeable, professional, "local to the market you are looking at" agent (that would be me) and a good lender.

WHY?

• Organization and having the right information,direction, skills and tools  is KEY to avoid undue stress, rejection, disappointment and a smooth transaction.
• Let me show you how to do just that as well as handle the "organization" of your home ownership dream. 
• Just like anyone savvy in HIS market and product, a LOCAL agent knows his market and can give you the best information on what is going on in the area and the best homes to be looking at that fit YOU and YOUR goals along with a lot of other valuable information.  An out of area agent does not know the local market. If you have an agent that is not familiar with the area you would like to move to, ask them to refer you to an agent. I work with many agents out of the area in this regard.

 

• I can also refer you to many community resources, lenders (this will be the first thing I ask you to do and your 2nd step if you have contacted me already, in looking for a home. We will go into more detail on that in the  next blog),inspectors, escrow companies, attorneys, restaurants and many other facts and info about the community. I have many resources at my fingertips so you don't have to do the digging for them.  
• I can save you a lot of energy and time by doing the legwork for you which well help narrow down the homes that fit your criteria (budgets, wants and needs).
• I  will preview homes and make appointments to determine if they would fit your goals and criteria.
• I can access any home that is listed with any agent on the Multiple Listing Service in our area - that's A LOT OF homes. I can also contact For Sale by Owner homes as well to get details and arrange for showings and possible negotiations.
• Once you have found the home you would like to purchase, I will guide you through the offer process, the negotiations, the legalities and many many details of purchasing a home.

Let me take the fear and stress out of the plunge and show you a smooth dive into home ownership. I am an expert in the Allyn, Belfair, Grapeview, Hood Canal and Mason County WA area, experienced,knowledgeable and know the many, many details and legalities involved in a real estate transaction.

Those are just a few of the many details that I handle as a real estate agent in the communities of Mason County WA. In my next blog we'll discuss how YOU can help ME as your team member in your plunge.  Give me a call, drop me a line, visit my website, I would love to sit down and discuss your goals when you are ready to take the plunge! People and homes are my business and I believe in building lifelong relationships.  My success is your success!

~~Valerie~~

Associate Broker

Windermere Peninsula Properties

Email : vlsallyn@windermere.com

Web page : www.valspaulding.mywindermere.com

Direct phone : 360-710-5622

~~BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FOR LIFE~~

 

View my page on My North Mason Chamber Network