http://christinaleong.wordpress.com Serving the Greater Seattle Area with All Your Real Estate needs... Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:18:46 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en It should come as a surprise to no one that Seattle is growing fast. But this fast? In just over three years, Seattle already is halfway to reaching its targeted housing growth for 20 years. And a few sections of town — Ballard, Eastlake, the Central Area, Greenlake, Lower Queen Anne and downtown ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/seattle-is-growing/ If you're thinking about locking rates on a mortgage refinance, then pay attention to the 30yr fixed mortgage rate this week and next week. It might drop all the way to 5.25%. "The central bank, in an extraordinarily rare weekend move, took the bold action Sunday in an attempt to calm ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/feds-emergency-action/ NEW FHA LOAN LIMITS = HIGHER ALLOWABLE SALES PRICES!! Single Family/Condo max. Sales price $585,000 in Sea/Bell/Everett metro areas. Fourplex purchases allowed with FHA financing up $1.1m sales price. FHA BENEFITS: Up to 6% Third party contributions allowed Non-Occupant Co-borrowers allowed All of down payment can be a gift or other approved source ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/fha-loan-limits-for-seattle-metro/ Homeowners shouldn't dally if they want to sell their houses in spring, the peak season for real-estate transactions, real-estate agents say. "If they know they want to move by summer, now is not too early to bring somebody in," said Barbara Nowak, an agent with Long & Foster in Burke, ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2008/02/17/its-spring-again/ Write−offs are the government's way of rewarding taxpayers when they've done something the government likes. And to judge by the write−offs, the government likes it when people borrow money to buy a house. There are write−offs aplenty, many of which people often forget. Here are a few: Points: According to the IRS, origination ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2008/01/29/did-you-buy-a-house-in-2007/   This beautiful home is conveniently located just blocks from Alderwood Mall shopping and restaurants. It's also on a quiet residential block with close access to I-5/I-405. Contemporary design features an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and quality finishes. Enjoy a spacious kitchen with a large island, pantry, tile ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2008/01/22/new-home-375000/ Nestled in Seattle's Rainier Valley, you'll find a neighborhood that is more alive than ever. For food, fun, friends or family — the Columbia City neighborhood almost has it all. But Patti Scott already knew that. Traveling from "across the pond," this ex-Bellevue resident said she drove to Columbia City, ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2007/12/10/why-i-love-my-hood/ Bill Dallas, Chairman of Dallas Capital, is an innovative thinker who's been a leader in the mortgage industry for over 25 years. Bill has a well-earned reputation for developing creative products to expand home ownership opportunities. More importantly, Bill's uncanny knack for foreseeing the future of the industry is astounding, ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2007/12/07/2008/ Here's how to evaluate the likelihood that you'll be able to get your home repaired at minimal cost, and your plan of action. Check your warranty Your builder or remodeler likely gave you what's called an "express" warranty, which typically covers everything from cosmetic flaws to serious defects for a year (most ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2007/11/20/construction-defects/ 2nd half of your property taxes are due this Wed. Oct. 31. Make sure your mortgage (escrow account) paid the right amount and to the right account. They often make A LOT of mistakes. In King County, call 206-296-3850. For an automated line, call 206-296-0923. In Pierce County, call 253-798-6111. For ... http://christinaleong.wordpress.com/2007/10/29/tax-time/