Seattle Real Estate April 17, 2014

Seattle Real Estate: We are NOT the Only Ones Saying You Should Buy!

Seattle Area Real Estate for SaleSandra and I have never hid our belief in homeownership. That does not mean we think EVERYONE should run out and buy a house. However, if a person or family is ready, willing and able to purchase a home, we believe that owning is much better than renting. And we believe that now is a great time to buy.

We are not the only ones that think owning has massive benefits or that now is a sensational time to plunge into owning your own home. Here are a few others:

Benefits of Owning

Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University

“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord…Having to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings.”

The Federal Reserve

“Renters have much lower median and mean net worth than homeowners in any survey year.”

Benefits of Buying Now

Trulia

“Buying costs less than renting in all 100 large U.S. metros… Now, at a 30-year fixed rate of 4.5%, buying is 38% cheaper than renting nationally.”

Freddie Mac

"One thing seems certain: we are not likely to see average 30-year fixed mortgage rates return to the historic lows experienced in 2012…Yes, rates are higher than they were a year ago – and certainly higher than two years ago. But if you look at the averages over the last four decades, today's rates remain historically low."

Contact Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner Today!

Let us guide you through all aspects of purchasing, from finding the best lender to closing the deal; we are with you every step of the way. You will never be pawned off to an assistant for the home search or inspection. You work with only us from search to close.

Start your home search here: BrennerHill.com

​​-Steve and Sandra
 
Steve Hill
Sandra Brenner

 

Vacation Homes and Real Estate April 13, 2014

Vacation Home Property Sales Surge

The American desire to own a second home as a vacation home is alive and well!

The National Association of Realtors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are approximately 8 million vacation homes in the U.S. Their 2014 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey shows vacation home sales improved substantially in 2013.

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said favorable conditions are driving second-home sales:

“Growth in the equity markets has greatly benefited high net-worth households, thereby providing the wherewithal and confidence to purchase recreational property,” he said. “However, vacation-home sales are still about one-third below the peak activity seen in 2006.”

Here are the key findings from the report:

Raw Numbers

  • Vacation-Home sales rose 29.7 percent to 717,000 from 553,000 in 2012
  • Sales accounted for 13% of all transactions last year, up from 11% in 2012
  • The median price was $168,700, compared with $150,000 in 2012, reflecting a greater number of more expensive recreational property sales in 2013
  • 42% of vacation homes purchased in 2013 were distressed homes (in foreclosure or short sale)

Buyer Profile

  • The typical vacation-home buyer was 43 years old
  • The median household income was $85,600
  • Buyers plan to own their recreational property for a median of 6 years
  • 33% said they were likely to purchase another vacation home within two years
  • 82% of all second-home buyers said it was a good time to buy (compared with 67% of primary residence buyers)

Reasons for Purchasing

Lifestyle factors remain the primary motivation for vacation-home buyers:

  • 87% want to use the property for vacations or as a family retreat
  • 31% plan to use it as a primary residence in the future
  • 28% wanted to diversify their investments or saw a good investment opportunity
  • 23% plan to rent to others

Location

  • 41% of vacation homes purchased last year were in the South
  • 28% in the West
  • 18% in the Northeast
  • 14% in the Midwest

The vacation homebuyer purchased a property that was a median distance of 180 miles from their primary residence (down from 435 in 2012)

  • 46% were within 100 miles
  • 34% were more than 500 miles

Financing

  • 38% of vacation-home buyers paid cash in 2013
  • The median down payment was 30%, up from 27% in 2012

Vacation Home Search

We can connect you with vacation real estate brokers throughout the West, Mexico and the World. As part of the Windermere Family and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, let us assist you in finding your next vacation home.

Get a taste of this popular vacation home destination, check out the link below to tour homes currently for sale in Palm Springs, CA.

PALM SPRINGS HOMES FOR SALE

Give us a call, text or email. We will get you in touch with a broker where ever you may be searching for that special getaway home.

??-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

Mill Creek WA Real Estate April 12, 2014

OPEN HOUSE, April 13, Sunday 1:00PM-4:00PM 2311 137th Place SE, Mill Creek WA 98012

OPEN HOUSE, April 13, Sunday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
2311 137TH PLACE SE, MILL CREEK, WA
Get Directions Click Here
Description Features Photos Maps & Local Schools Walk Score
$ Click for current price
3 BEDROOMS
2 BATHROOMS (2 full)
2024 Square Feet

This one-owner home boasts light-filled spaces and convenient floor plan. The large kitchen opens to eating nook and family room with vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace. Entertain in the sunken living room which is distinguished by a cathedral ceiling and a large wall of windows. The dining room is highlighted by bay windows and a coved ceiling. The owner's suite features bath and walk-in closet. Outside of this fully landscaped home, enjoy the backyard with patio, deck, waterfall and pond.

Seattle Area Homes For Sale
 
Seattle Foreclosed Properties
 
Steve Hill and Sandra Brenner
 
Windermere Real Estate
 
206-769-9577
 
stevehill@windermere.com
 
L2L Virtual Tours
 

 

Seattle WA Real Estate April 11, 2014

Homeownership’s Impact on Net Worth

Over the last six years, homeownership has lost some of its allure as a financial investment. As homeowners suffered through the housing bust, more and more began to question whether owning a home was truly a good way to build wealth. A study by the Federal Reserve formally answered this question.

Some of the findings revealed in their report:

  • The average American family has a net worth of $77,300
  • Of that net worth, 61.4% ($47,500) of it is in home equity
  • A homeowner’s net worth is over thirty times greater than that of a renter
  • The average homeowner has a net worth of $174,500 while the average net worth of a renter is $5,100

Bottom Line

The Fed study found that homeownership is still a great way for a family to build wealth in America.

Considering a Seattle WA Home Purchase?

We work with our clients every step of the way, from finding the home to closing, we never pass you off to another associate during this important process.

Give Steve and Sandra a call, text or email today!

??-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

 

Belltown Condominiums for Sale April 10, 2014

Belltown Condominiums for Sale

Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood is just north of the downtown financial district. The Belltown area is a vibrant community of condominiums, apartments, restaurants and cafes. There are numerous Belltown condominiums for sale, as this community is popular with folks of all ages, as it provides walkability to Seattle\s downtown shopping district and vibrant waterfront. Check out this link to see every Belltown condominium for sale. Belltown Condominiums for Sale

Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood lies just north of the downtown financial district. The Belltown area underwent a rejuventation over a decade ago; what once was a somewhat seedy part of downtown is now a vibrant community of condos, apartments, trendy restaurants & nightclubs and eclectic cafes.

Though there is a mixture of people, Belltown appeals more to urbanites, Gen-Xers, Millennials, Empty Nesters and those who want amenities within a short distance of their front door.

The Belltown district is snuggled between the downtown business distict, Queen Anne and Denny Triangle. The geography provides Belltown residents with easy access to the retail district, the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the waterfront and many eateries, art venues and markets. Additionally, most of Belltown is located within the Metro Bus free ride zone, providing residents quick and free transportation to the downtown core.

Belltown is home to Seattle’s newest park – the Olympic Sculpture Park located on the Elliott Bay waterfront. The Olympic Sculpture Park combines natural elements with public art work.

Several of Belltown’s newest residential condo and loft buildings include Escala, Mosler Lofts, Gallery Lofts and Trio.

– See more at: http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/neighborhoods/belltown#sthash.oYwTmyHa.dpuf

Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood lies just north of the downtown financial district. The Belltown area underwent a rejuventation over a decade ago; what once was a somewhat seedy part of downtown is now a vibrant community of condos, apartments, trendy restaurants & nightclubs and eclectic cafes.

Though there is a mixture of people, Belltown appeals more to urbanites, Gen-Xers, Millennials, Empty Nesters and those who want amenities within a short distance of their front door.

The Belltown district is snuggled between the downtown business distict, Queen Anne and Denny Triangle. The geography provides Belltown residents with easy access to the retail district, the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the waterfront and many eateries, art venues and markets. Additionally, most of Belltown is located within the Metro Bus free ride zone, providing residents quick and free transportation to the downtown core.

Belltown is home to Seattle’s newest park – the Olympic Sculpture Park located on the Elliott Bay waterfront. The Olympic Sculpture Park combines natural elements with public art work.

Several of Belltown’s newest residential condo and loft buildings include Escala, Mosler Lofts, Gallery Lofts and Trio.

– See more at: http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/neighborhoods/belltown#sthash.oYwTmyHa.dpuf

Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood lies just north of the downtown financial district. The Belltown area underwent a rejuventation over a decade ago; what once was a somewhat seedy part of downtown is now a vibrant community of condos, apartments, trendy restaurants & nightclubs and eclectic cafes.

Though there is a mixture of people, Belltown appeals more to urbanites, Gen-Xers, Millennials, Empty Nesters and those who want amenities within a short distance of their front door.

The Belltown district is snuggled between the downtown business distict, Queen Anne and Denny Triangle. The geography provides Belltown residents with easy access to the retail district, the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the waterfront and many eateries, art venues and markets. Additionally, most of Belltown is located within the Metro Bus free ride zone, providing residents quick and free transportation to the downtown core.

Belltown is home to Seattle’s newest park – the Olympic Sculpture Park located on the Elliott Bay waterfront. The Olympic Sculpture Park combines natural elements with public art work.

Several of Belltown’s newest residential condo and loft buildings include Escala, Mosler Lofts, Gallery Lofts and Trio.

– See more at: http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/neighborhoods/belltown#sthash.oYwTmyHa.dpuf

Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood lies just north of the downtown financial district. The Belltown area underwent a rejuventation over a decade ago; what once was a somewhat seedy part of downtown is now a vibrant community of condos, apartments, trendy restaurants & nightclubs and eclectic cafes.

Though there is a mixture of people, Belltown appeals more to urbanites, Gen-Xers, Millennials, Empty Nesters and those who want amenities within a short distance of their front door.

The Belltown district is snuggled between the downtown business distict, Queen Anne and Denny Triangle. The geography provides Belltown residents with easy access to the retail district, the Pike Place Market, Seattle Center, the waterfront and many eateries, art venues and markets. Additionally, most of Belltown is located within the Metro Bus free ride zone, providing residents quick and free transportation to the downtown core.

Belltown is home to Seattle’s newest park – the Olympic Sculpture Park located on the Elliott Bay waterfront. The Olympic Sculpture Park combines natural elements with public art work.

Several of Belltown’s newest residential condo and loft buildings include Escala, Mosler Lofts, Gallery Lofts and Trio.

– See more at: http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/neighborhoods/belltown#sthash.oYwTmyHa.dpuf

If you are considering purchasing a Belltown condominium, give us a call, text or email, we would love to work for you!

We are Seattle real estate experts who will work with you every step of the way, from finding your new home to sold!

​​-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

Uncategorized April 10, 2014

Belltown Condominiums for Sale

Mill Creek WA Real Estate April 10, 2014

Mill Creek WA Home for Sale

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday 04/12
Sunday 04/13
1:00PM-4:00PM

2311 137th Place SE
Mill Creek Wa 98012
MLS # 610569

This one-owner home boasts light-filled spaces and convenient floor plan. The large kitchen opens to eating nook and family room with vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace. Entertain in the sunken living room which is distinguished by a cathedral ceiling and a large wall of windows. The dining room is highlighted by bay windows and a coved ceiling. The owner's suite features bath and walk-in closet. Outside of this fully landscaped home, enjoy the backyard with patio, deck, waterfall and pond.

For a private showing of this Mill Creek WA home, call, text or email Steve today!

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

 

Ballard Seattle WA Real Estate April 9, 2014

3 Reasons to Sell Your Ballard Seattle WA Home this Spring

Ballard Seattle WA Real Estate is hot, hot hot!

Many sellers are still hesitant about putting their house up for sale. Where are prices headed? Where are interest rates headed? These are all valid questions. However, there are several reasons to sell your home sooner rather than later. Here are three of those reasons.

1. Ballard Demand is skyrocketing

Most people realize that the housing market is hottest from April through June. The most serious buyers are well aware of this and, for that reason, come out in early Spring in order to beat the heavy competition. We also have a pent-up demand as many buyers pushed off their home search this Winter because of inclement weather. Sellers in markets where seasonal weather is never an issue must realize that buyers relocating to their region will increase dramatically this spring as these purchasers finally decide to escape the freezing temperatures of the winters in the north.

These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the Seattle market right now!

2. There Is Less Competition – For Now

Housing supply always grows from the Spring through the early summer. Also, there has been a growing desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners have seen a return to positive equity as prices increased over the last eighteen months. Many of these homes will be coming to the market in the near future.

The choices buyers have will continue to increase over the next few months. Don’t wait until all the other potential sellers in your market put their homes up for sale.

3. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by approximately 4% this year and 8% by the end of 2015. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with an interest rate at about 4.5% right now. Freddie Mac projects rates to be 5.1% by this time next year and 5.7% by the fourth quarter of 2015.

Moving up to a new home will be less expensive this Spring than later this year or next year.

If you are considering selling your Ballard Seattle WA home, give us a call, text or email. We would love to meet with you and provide you with a current market analysis of your home to determine what it is worth in today's hot real estate market.

After all, we are Seattle real estate experts who will work with you every step of the way, from listing to sold!

??-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

Ballard Seattle WA Real Estate April 8, 2014

Ballard Seattle WA Homes for Sale

Check out these Ballard Homes for sale, inventory is tight and homes are selling quickly! Let us help you put your best foot forward to ensure you get the home you want.

BALLARD HOMES FOR SALE

If you are seeking agents who will professionally negotiate on your behalf, give us a call, text or email. We're at your side every step of the way.

??-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com

Seattle Real Estate April 7, 2014

A Home’s Cost vs. Price Explained

We have often talked about the difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain.

Recently, we reported that a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists projected that home values would appreciate by approximately 8% from now to the end of 2015.

Additionally, Freddie Mac’s most recent Economic Commentary & Projections Table predicts that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate will be 5.7% by the end of next year.

What Does This Mean to a Buyer?

Here is a simple demonstration of what impact these projected changes would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $250,000 today:

If you are considering a home purchase or home sale, give us a call, text or email. We work with you through the entire process, from sale to sold!

​​-Steve and Sandra

206-769-9577
stevehill@windermere.com

BrennerHill.com
BrennerHillReviews.com