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First Time Home Buyers, Buy Now...

Are you thinking of buying your first home but aren't sure if it's right for you?

Consider these factors:

1. Inventory - There is an abundant supply of houses on the market to choose from.
2. Prices - Because there is a high supply of homes, prices are low. As supply & demand come back into balance, prices will eventually start to go up.
3. Low Mortgage Interest Rates - Rates are at near 40 year lows.
4. Tax Benefits - Home owners enjoy additional tax benefits.
5. $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Hurry, expires December 1, 2009.

source: Harborstone

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Home Buyer News - Tacoma / Pierce County WA Real Estate

Considering buying a home in the Tacoma - Pierce County WA area? Here are some news updates:

• Pierce County Down Payment Assistance - Pierce County has started to accept applications for the Down Payment Assistance Program for those who meet the requirements.
• VA Military Home Buyers - FTHB Tax Credit Extended for VA Home Buyers. Last week the House passed a bill extending the First Time $8k Home Buyer Tax Credit by one year to all service personnel deployed outside the U.S. for at least 90 days in 2009. The bill is expected to be passed by the Senate soon.
• $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - There are two bills in the House Ways & Means Committee. The first would extend the $8k First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit until June 1, 2010. The second is titled "Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009." This bill would increase the maximum credit to $15,000 from $8,000 (still a maximum 10 of purchase price), and extend the existing Tax Credit up to the date the new credit takes affect.

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Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Interest Rates have been a major factor in fueling the Real Estate market. Read through this brief report offered by Keller Williams International.

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According to Freddie Mac, 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage average fell further to 4.87 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending Oct. 8 from 4.94 percent last week. “Such low rates are spurring mortgage demand,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, in a statement.

"Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate loans were the lowest since mid-May; 15-year FRMs were at a record low since data were first collected in 1991 and 5-year ARMs also hit an all-time record starting in 2005. Compared to a year ago, consumers could shave almost $134 off their monthly mortgage payments on a 30-year fixed-rate loan for $200,000 by refinancing.

In addition to spurring mortgage demand, applications were up to a 19-week high over the week ending in Oct. 2, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association – applications to purchase a home were at the strongest pace since the beginning of 2009.

source: Keller Williams

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE  At the end of September, the supply of homes for sale was reported down 1.8% from the previous month in 27 major metropolitan areas. We all know the factors. Home prices are very affordable, mortgage rates and very favorable and first-time homebuyers are taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set to expire at the end of November, now just seven weeks away.

Source: Inside Lending Newsletter from Peter and Dawn James

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

City of Tacoma Service Resources

RESOURCE	PHONE	WEB SITE
Solid Waste (garbage, recycling, yard waste) General Questions                                         Information line	253-591-5543 253-565-5955	www.cityoftacoma.org/solidwaste
Call-2-Haul	253-573-2468	www.cityoftacoma.org/call2haul
Hazordous waste	253-591-5418	www.cityoftacoma.org/hazwaste
Landfill scalehouse	253-593-7724
Wastewater/Surface water General Questions Billing Questions	253-591-5588 253-502-2100	www.cityoftacoma.org/wastewater www.cityoftacoma.org/surfacewater
Sewer backups Street flooding Street Sweeping	253-591-5585	www.cityoftacoma.org/flood www.cityoftacoma.org/streetsweeping
Leaves		www.cityoftacoma.org/leaves

 

source: www.cityoftacoma.org

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Homeowners: Time to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Early fall is the time to prepare your home for winter & the colder weather it brings. Following these 9 simple steps offered by Puget Sound Energy can help manage your home's energy costs & save in heating expenses.

1. Check doors & windows for leaks & drafts. Make sure doors seal properly, and add weatherstripping to keep heat from escaping.
2. Examine heating ducts for leaks. Repair or replace damaged ducts.
3. Add insulation to your attic, and weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent air from escaping.
4. Close the fireplace damper when it's not in use.
5. Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
6. Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season. The furnace will run more effectively and use less energy.
7. Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable.
8. Lower the thermostat at bedtime or while away during the day.
9. Make sure all heating vents are opened and not blocked by furniture or other items.

source: Puget Sound Energy

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings  

The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.  

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

Trey Affolter   *   Realtor   *   253-222-6000   *   www.treysellshouses.com   *   treyaffolter@kw.com

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Mortage Interest Rates affect Your Mortgage Payment

Interest rates are at 40 year lows. Here is a cute video that explains the impact of interest rates on your mortgage payment and some very good reasons to take advantage of today's interest rates!

source: Washington Realtors & WAHomeowners.com

How to Buy a Home Before $8K Tax Credit Deadline

With the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit expiring November 30, and that it can take 30-45 days to close a home, here are 5 tips to expedite your home purchase in order to take advantage of the tax credit.

1. Get Pre Approved for Mortgage.

2. Make sure you are liquid

Have enough money available for your down payment and closing costs as your mortgage requires.

3. Avoid "Short Sale" Listings

A short sale occurs when a homeowner owes more on their home loan than what they are selling the home. Because the current lien holder has to approve the sale and the loss, these properties can take months to close.

4. Don't go on a shopping spree before you close

Avoid making any big purchases on a credit card or with any financing programs. Big purchases may affect you home loan and your ability to qualify.

5. Work with a Realtor®

source: smartmoney.com