Baby It’s Cold Outside!

My friend took this photo of her home, I snatched it off her Facebook page. Usually home photos in the Seattle winter look less than desirable but when it snows, we get that comforting charm of a good-old gingerbread house!

Just a reminder for all of you that when the temperature drops, please pay attention to the pipes in your home! If your pipes freeze, they have the potential of cracking or bursting, sending water gushing into your home. To prevent frozen pipes, you have to insulate them or provide warmth in the areas the pipes run. Crawlspace/basement are obvious but don’t forget about pipes in your attic! There are plenty of guides online to help you with what to do to prevent frozen pipes, such as this one by State Farm.

Real Estate Predictions for 2012

As the end of the year approaches, many of us are wondering what is in store for next year. I am spending some of my free time reading up on predictions. I have such hope for our real estate market and the experts are all over the board on what they think will happen. But these are predictions, right? It all depends on who the ‘expert’ is and what his/her agenda may be… but it’s still interesting to read and take with a grain of salt. I like what is being said about high-tech cities hopes for recovery. Seattle may not be leading in this group but I think we make the list.

Here are some you may want to read, I’ll likely add to the list as I make my way through more articles.

Trulia predicts that mortgage delinquencies will go down but foreclosures will go up, rents will go rise, mortgage rates will increase, the government will take little action in policy affecting the housing market and the cities that will see the most recovery will be high-tech/high-skill workforce cities.

Inman News also predicts more foreclosures, stating that short sales and REO sales will become the new norm and that the ‘smart’ high-tech cities will do well. The writer also makes a great point, which I myself have observed, that buyers/homeowners and sellers will finally see the reality of the market and buyers/homeowners will base their decisions on what they can truly afford in their lives, not on some hope of future appreciation and riches from real estate.

Security Clearance and Short Sales

In the debate whether it would be better to let a home foreclose or attempt a short sale, the main things most people are comparing are: the hit to the credit, amount of time it will take to be able to buy another home and if there is any debt left for the homeowner.

I wonder if most people think of the effect a foreclosure vs. short sale will have on their job? I have learned that there are employers who check credit and will not hire someone with a foreclosure on record. Some employers check credit throughout employment and will terminate an employee if a foreclosure appears on record. Those with a security clearance (military, police officers, some government workers, etc…) have to be careful about this. They are likely to lose their security clearances (and their jobs) for a foreclosed home.

As always, it is crucial for anyone facing this decision to consult an attorney who specializes in giving this type of advice. There is so much at stake!

Back in Action

Yes, Susanne Real Estate has been somewhat M.I.A. as of late… but we have a good excuse!  The wonder twins have been taking most of my time and I have truly enjoyed my time at home. It is time to get back to action though… so here I am, returning to full time work… in case anybody out there cares!

Open House Sunday… Beautiful Craftsman Home!

Come see this gorgeous home with all the charm intact!

Open Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

Open House Sunday 1pm to 4pm

Come see this sweet craftsman home in Wallingford. Just reduced to $699,999! More pictures and virtual tour at www.WallingfordCraftsmanHome.com

 

New Listing!

Wow, this is one special craftsman home in Wallingford! It just oozes with charm and has the best layout ever… three bedrooms and two baths all on the same floor.

Virtual tour at www.WallingfordCraftsmanHome.com

Please visit us at the open houses this weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.