You’ve found the perfect property, it’s in a great neighborhood but it’s a fixer. Is there a loan you can get that would allow you to buy a property like this?

An FHA construction loan aka an FHA 203k may be the answer. This type of loan allows the Buyer to borrow funds based on the value of the property once it’s been rehabbed or updated.

Essentially this type of loan gives the Buyer both the funds to make the purchase and the money needed to update the property.

For more information on FHA 203K loan, contact Justin Arnold at Sterling Savings Bank, 1730 Minor Ave. in Seattle.  Justin can be reached directly at 206.287.5780, via email at justin.arnold@sterlingsavings.com His web site .

Mary

The boundaries of the Meadowbrook Neighborhood

The Meadowbrook neighborhood is a small community * in northeast Seattle. It was originally home to members of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe.

In 1860 the Thorntons purchased 700 acres from the U.S. Government and were one of the first families to settle in the area. Thorton Creek is named after this family.

Other families soon followed. They raised cows, pigs and chickens; developed gardens and fruit orchards.

The community became known as Maple Leaf or “Little Germany” in the late 1800’s because so many German families settled in the area.

The neighborhood is part of the watershed for Ronald Bog and Licton Springs. Water flows from these sources through Thorton Creek and into Lake Washington. As a result this area has always had lush vegetation.

And until the development of the Northgate Mall in 1950 salmon and trout migrated from Lake Washington and up Thorton creek to its headwaters on the campus at North Seattle Community College.

Today Meadowbrook doesn’t have the open spaces or natural areas it once did but you will find a riparian forest and wetland planted along Thorton Creek as it winds past the community center. There’s also Meadowbrook Pond, a natural area/retention pond that’s home to a family of  beavers and other wildlife.

Neighbors have also planted a community orchard and developed Annie’s Playground. The neighborhood has one of the busiest Community Centers in the City, a public pool and of course a Community Council.

In future posts I’ll share more about Meadowbrook’s history. And provide additional information about the many features that make the Meadowbrook Neighborhood a great place to live.

*The Community Council has defined the community boundaries as follows: Southern boundary the north side of NE 95th Street, the western border is the east side of Lake City Way, the northern border is the south side of NE 115th Street, and the eastern border is the west side of Sand Point Way NE.

Ducks at Meadowbrook Pond

Mary

First impressions count. And in today’s real estate market it’s especially important that the outside of your home looks as attractive and welcoming as possible. Here’s a list of simple things you can do to improve curb appeal and draw a Buyer inside your front door.

Mow the lawn and keep it maintained while your house is on the market. Nothing scares Buyers away as quickly as an unkempt yard. 

Check the front walk for trip hazards. You don’t want anyone falling and injuring themselves.

Clean the windows inside and out. Clean windows make everything look fresh.  It’s amazing how many Sellers skimp on one of the most cost effective things you can do to have your home look welcoming.

Dress the flower beds with a layer of compost mulch. This gives the impression your home is well tended and a fresh layer of mulch will help keep weeds under control.

Clean the gutters inside and out. Dirty gutters can make the outside of a home look grungy.

Paint the front door. A freshly painted door invites the Buyer in and leaves an impression that your home is clean and well maintained.

Like I said, a pretty simple list; nothing on it costs a lot to do. Yet these things set the stage so that when a Buyer pulls up to your home they feel that your property has been maintained and worth considering as their new home.

Post a comment or call me directly@ 206.915.1076 if you have a question about today’s post

All the Best,
Mary

The Real Estate Agent as the Photographer

Today, marketing a property starts the moment a potential Buyers sees pictures of your home on the internet.

Recent polls by NAR (National Association of Realtors) show that over 80% of Buyers use the internet as their first screening tool to find a property to purchase.

What does this mean to You as a Seller ? If the photos don’t show well on the web you won’t pull in Buyers or Agents to tour the property in person.

Countless times I’ve heard Buyers and Agents say “I don’t want to tour that house; I’ve looked at the pictures and I didn’t like it.”

Photo Courtesy of Evan Parker Digital Homeshow

Professional photography is a must!  Otherwise you run the risk of poor quality photos being used to market your property. Don’t let that happen to you. Hire an agent with a marketing plan that includes professional real estate photos.

Post a comment or call me directly @206.915.1076 if you have questions about today’s post.

Mary

Buyers today want homes which feel fresh, clean, and contemporary; the same things they’ve always wanted. The difference in selling your home today is that we’re in a Buyer’s market; there are more homes for sale than Buyers who can afford to purchase a property.

In this type of market it’s critical that your home stand apart from other similarly priced homes. Buyers can afford to be picky and they won’t look twice at homes which don’t look or feel maintained.

Tips that will help you get an edge on the competition:   

Clean your house from top to bottom! It’s the little things that catch people’s attention. Dirty windows, grungy switch plate covers or finger prints around door knobs leave a Buyer with the impression that a property hasn’t been cared for.

Get rid of clutter. Clutter left on tables, counters or window sills is not appealing and Buyers are left wondering if the house has enough storage.

Paint where needed. Neutral, popular colors will help your home show well in person and in photos on the web. White walls often look bland and boring when viewed online.

Remember you’re painting for the Buyer not for yourself. I once had a client paint his living room mint green. He thought it was refreshing; Buyers thought it looked like ice cream. Ask if you need help choosing colors.

Replace carpeting which looks worn or stained. Dirty carpets make Buyers cringe not exactly the response you want.

Replace vinyl floors which are damaged or stained. Buyers see a vinyl floor which has a rip or tear and immediately imagine the worst!

Selling your home today takes more effort than in the past but preparing your home before it goes on the market will help it sell more quickly and for more money.

Post a comment or call me directly if you have a question at 206.915.1076. I’m looking forward to talking with you.

Mary