On my way to find the usual breakfast sandwich bite on Phinney Ridge, I noticed an a-board simply proclaiming one thing, quiche. It was for Al La Mode, a very small pie cafe on the corner of Phinney Avenue N and N 59th Street. I’ve probably driven by this quaint storefront dozens of times as [...]

After several years of Great Recession uncertainty, it’s becoming more apparent confidence, which fuels the market, is on the rebound. To understand what this may mean for our housing market, let’s look at historic trends. After all, the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Recession 1981 – 1982 (1 year 4 months) Recovery [...]

It’s often said homeownership is the American dream and the safest place to invest one’s earnings. No doubt, owning real estate for most is the single greatest purchase endeavor they’ll undertake in their lifetime.   Whether real estate is a good investment depends primarily on one variable factor; time. Many homeowners were injured by the [...]

Just a friendly reminder to send flowers, mail a card, treat mom to brunch or otherwise honor her on Sunday, May 13th.   If you could use some suggestions on where to take mom for brunch, don’t worry. We can recommend a few choice spots that are good year-round, too:   Library Bistro 92 Madison [...]

A shift to a seller’s market is becoming more apparent within many of Seattle’s more popular in-city neighborhoods, which often have low inventory. Here are some helpful tips to help buyers successfully navigate more competitive real estate market areas: 1) Be vigilant – Watch the market like a hawk. If you have a pro-active agent, [...]

All signs point to a robust housing market recovery. Foremost, home builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes increased for the fifth consecutive month in February, reaching the longest period of sustained improvement since 2007. The index, as measured by a National Association of Home Builders’ survey, rose from 25 to 29 on [...]

While borrowers still have to document income, assets and debt, lenders are starting to loosen loan guidelines. You or someone you know may benefit from the following loan types: ·         3% Downpayment Conventional ·         5% Downpayment Conventional/No Mortgage Insurance   For savvy borrowers who are certain they will only be in a home for a [...]

Spring is the quintessential time to dust, sweep and clean house. Before you do, we invite you to consider what products you use to clean with. Are they non-toxic? Sure, not everything can be made squeaky clean with citrus or a splash of vinegar. However, there are companies making all kinds of eco-friendly housekeeping products. [...]

According to statistics released Monday by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle median home prices rose three percent year-over-year. Buyers have fewer homes to consider as the total number of houses and condos on the market last month decreased by 32 percent in King County and by 38 percent in Seattle from February 2011, according [...]

Tax Benefits on a Refinance – Did you refinance last year? Be sure to make the most of it: http://www.smartmoney.com/taxes/income/the-tax-benefits-of-refinancing-1329845305909/?link=SM_hp_featStory FHA Loan Expense Increase – It’s official, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which insures loans, will be increasing costs by an estimated 57 percent: http://justrealseattle.com/2012/02/fha-premium-increase/ Obama Cuts Costs for Some Loans – For those considering [...]