My New Blog

Rent vs. Buy - Advantages of Buying a Home (Video)

February 1st, 2010 10:32 AM

Rent vs. Buy: Should you Buy a Home?

Thinking of buying a home? Home ownership is still the American Dream! Owning a home has several advantages and the current market is great for home buyers, but is home ownership right for you?

A few advantages to owning a home:

Wonderful Investment
Appreciation - Equity Growth
Tax Advantages
A place to personalize

Here is a video that explains the advantages and disadvantages of owning your own home. Follow the adventures of Bob and Sally as they learn about renting versus buying a home. Enjoy this short video offered by WAHomeowners.com.

After watching the video, if you want to explore the possibility of buying a home, contact a local Realtor®.

-----------------------

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

Posted by Trey Affolter on February 1st, 2010 10:32 AMPost a Comment (0)

Tacoma WA Tops The Best 5 Markets for 2010

January 11th, 2010 5:15 PM

Tacoma WA #1, Seattle WA #5 - Best Real Estate Markets for 2010

Lisa Sherzer, of SmartMoney, in her article "The 5 best markets for 2010," discusses the Real Estate market and data provided by Moody's Economy.com based on the largest 100 metro areas. Based on their data, indicators show Tacoma Washington will be the #1 city for home prices, Seattle WA will be #5. Good news after a depressing 2009.

Read The 5 Best Markets for 2010

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on January 11th, 2010 5:15 PMPost a Comment (0)

Just Listed! 19506 8th St E Lake Tapps, WA 98391

December 30th, 2009 12:29 PM

$550,000.00
19506 8th St E

Lake Tapps, WA 98391

Beds: 4	Rooms: 0
Full Baths: 2	Sq. Ft.: 4142
Garage: 3	Built: 2004

Elegant Bowman Lake Estates Home - Lake Tapps

This is a new listing that
I thought you might be
interested in. Visit this
listing online to see more
photos of the property,
Google Earth satellite
images, and much more.

If you have any questions
about this property or
require more information,
please feel free to call.

Trey Affolter
Trey Affolter, Keller Williams Realty
2532226000
www.treysellshouses.com

Visit this listing here

Posted by Trey Affolter on December 30th, 2009 12:29 PMPost a Comment (0)

Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended & Expanded - Video

November 25th, 2009 9:26 AM

$8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended - $6,500 Tax Credit for Repeat Homebuyers Added.

The revised Homebuyer Tax Credit has been extended to April, 30, 2010. The video helps explain the basics of the Tax Credit. Click Homebuyer Tax Credit to compare recent changes to previous stimulus plan.

source: Washington Realtors®

Compare Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on November 25th, 2009 9:26 AMPost a Comment (0)

Avoid Theft at Home During the Holidays

November 24th, 2009 5:20 PM

Home Security for the Holidays...

In the Winter 2009 USAA Magazine edition, the following tips are offered to protect your home if you are planning on traveling during the holidays.

Your Home, Alone.

Don't let crooks steal your holiday cheer.

Ask a neighbor you trust to check on your home while away.
Stop newspaper and mail services. Or, ask neighbor to get.
Lock all windows & doors, including those in garage & basement.
Ask someone to shovel snow, if needed, while you are away.
Use timers on exterior & interior lights & radios to make your home appear occupied.
Put away tools & ladders.
Advise your security company of your plans.
Don't "tweet" that you are traveling.

*source: USAA Magazine

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on November 24th, 2009 5:20 PMPost a Comment (0)

Improved Home Sales Drive U.S. Stocks Up

November 23rd, 2009 4:59 PM

Best Housing Market in 2 1/2 years Sparks Stocks

Thomson Reuters article "Stocks rise as home sales feed optimism," reports U.S. stocks snapped a three day skid as stronger-than-expected data on home sales sparked optimism.

Read entire article

-----------------------

Additional Real Estate Information

Associated Press Reports Home Sales are Surging

Mortgage Rate Update (11/23/2009) ATTENTION HOME BUYERS!

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on November 23rd, 2009 4:59 PMPost a Comment (0)

Associated Press Reports Home Sales are Surging

November 23rd, 2009 4:37 PM

Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Recovery

Associated Press reports home sales have surged to highest level in 2.5 years.

Read entire article at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34105403/ns/business-real_estate

Real Estate is local, be sure to consult with a Realtor® to understand your market.

-----------------------

Bonus Article

Mortgage Rate Update (11/23/2009) ATTENTION HOME BUYERS!

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on November 23rd, 2009 4:37 PMPost a Comment (0)

Mortgage Rate Update (11/23/2009) ATTENTION HOME BUYERS!

November 23rd, 2009 4:18 PM

Great Interest Rates of Tacoma Real Estate area Home Buyers

Check out the current Home Mortgage Rates:

FHA 5/1 ARM 4% 4.453%A.P.R.

FHA 30 YEAR FIXED 4.875% 5.365% A.P.R.

CONVENTIONAL 30 YEAR FIXED 4.5% 4.640% A.P.R.

*Interest rates are subject to change at any time with market conditions. Subject to credit worthiness and program guidelines of eligibility.

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on November 23rd, 2009 4:18 PMPost a Comment (0)

Home Buyer Mortgage Minute Update - October 22, 2009

October 22nd, 2009 11:11 AM

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.

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on October 22nd, 2009 11:11 AMPost a Comment (0)

Why You Should Buy Your First Home Now

October 13th, 2009 10:25 AM

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:

Inventory - There is an abundant supply of houses on the market to choose from.
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.
Low Mortgage Interest Rates - Rates are at near 40 year lows.
Tax Benefits - Home owners enjoy additional tax benefits.
$8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Hurry, expires December 1, 2009.

source: Harborstone

-----------------------

Search Washington State Real Estate MLS Listings

253-222-6000

http://www.TreySellsHouses.com

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

Your Tacoma Real Estate Professional

Posted by Trey Affolter on October 13th, 2009 10:25 AMPost a Comment (0)