Real Estate Information

If you haven't caught the Ron and Don Show on 97.3 KIRO Talk News they are collecting goods for the children in Japan.  Click on this link if you would like to donate clothing, can foods, art supplies, etc. There is a complete list on what to donate and where your closest location is for drop off.

Let's help these children.

Karen Schweinfurth

Here's an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal that may peak your attention. Read more here...

A recent investigation into the mortgage industry's foreclosure process found grave errors that could affect you. Read the complete article.

Contact Karen for all your real estate needs. I am a REALTOR® - we are different!

425-308-3669; karen@karensvillas.com

You have received a low purchase offer on your home. How do you react. Read here and don't forget to call a REALTOR®. We ARE different.

Interesting information on tax mistakes you don't want to make on your tax return. Read here for complete article.

Proposal to Curb Private Transfer Fees

This is just one of the ways the REALTOR® Association is fighting on your, the buyer's behalf.

U.S. regulators are proposing a new rule to ban Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from acquiring loans where home buyers are charged private transfer fees.

Private transfer fees, also known as “capital recovery” frees, are inserted by developers for newly-built housing subdivisions. They require sellers to pay a percentage of the selling price to the original developer of the property every time the property changes hands for up to 99 years. The percentage charged is usually 1 percent of the sales price.

Real estate groups have been speaking out against private transfer fees, calling it an unfair extra fee to home owners.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has proposed a rule that Fannie, Freddie, and 12 Federal Home Loan Banks would no longer be able to acquire mortgages that have such fees.

Are interest rates rising? Yes, on April 1 for certain loans - read more here.

For all your real estate needs, contact Karen at karen@karensvillas.com or 425-308-3669. Be sure to vist my website for further helpful tips or to create your own property search at http://www.karensvillas.com

If your new year resolution is putting your home on the market in 2011, here is some great information that may be helpful to you. With it being a buyer's market and a glut of inventory available, hope you enjoy the article.

For all your real estate needs, call Karen at 425-308-3669. Karen, a broker and REALTOR® is a CRS, Certified Residental Specialist, ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative, SRES, Seniors Real Estate Specialist and is e-PRO Internet Certified. Email to: karen@karensvillas.com.

Here is an important article regarding credit reports and credit scores.

Your credit history is important to a lot of people: mortgage lenders, banks, utility companies, prospective employers, and more. So it's especially important that you understand your credit report, credit score, and the companies that compile that information, credit bureaus. This site--maintained by the Federal Reserve Board--provides answers to some of the most common, and most important, questions about credit.

Needing help buying or listing your home, contact Your REALTOR® for Life....Karen Schweinfurth, ABR, CRS, SRES, ePRO, ACRE - 425-308-3669 for professional service.

Here is an interesting article I found to help you prepare for the upcoming holidays. You can read the full article here.

My wish to you is Happy Holidays and a most prosperous New Year for you and yours. Enjoy spending time with family and friends.

Karen Villa Schweinfurth, ABR, CRS, SRES, ePRO-Internet Certified

RE/MAX Northwest Realtors - 425-308-3669 - karen@karensvillas.com

www.karensvillas.com