Interesting graph showing listings and sales compared to 2009.

For all your real estate needs, contact Karen at 425-308-3669 or karen@karensvillas.com; http://www.karensvillas.com

Who Can Qualify - First-time home buyers, who have not owned a residence during the three years prior can qualify for up to a maximum $8,000 in a tax credit. Existing homeowners, who have owned their current home for al least five consecutive years, can qualify for up to $6,500 in tax credits.

Deadlines/Guidelines - Close on your home purchase prior to April 30, 2010 or have a binding written contract by April 30, 2010.  Purchases closed after that date will NOT be eligible for the home buyer tax credit.  You can apply the credit to your 2009 tax return, filed on or before April 15, 2010. Or, apply the credit on your 2010 return, filed on or before April 15, 2011.

Must The Homebuyer Tax Credit Be Repaid? - There is no repayment required on the Extended Home buyer Tax Credit program if you occupy the home for three years or more; but should you sell prior to that time the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Attention Move-Up Buyers - While beneficial for first-time homebuyers, this Extended Tax Credit program is a coup for would-be move-up buyers. With inventory shrinking, it's a great time to list/sell your home and free-up your equity while being able to take advantage of affordably purchasing your next home at low-level market prices---with money back from Uncle Sam.

It is unlikely that we will see market conditions, and tax credits, like these again anytime soon, so "Get Moving Today!"

Call Karen at 425-308-3669 or mailto: karen@karensvillas.com with questions.

Exqusite remodel, white woodwork, crown molding, fresh paint, granite kitchen, new appliances, cherry cabinets. Tiffany lamps accent the rooms and stay with home. New Pergo flooring, new carpeting. 

There is a den/office off the kitchen on the main level that has a half bath and access to yard.

The living room has a beautiful fireplace with mantle.  The upstairs bath has heated Travertine floors, heated-jetted tub dual sinks, dual headed shower and tumbled marble counter. This is your very own private spa.

The lower level offers a family room along with a hugh extra finished room with a closet. Many possibilities here. There is a five year new roof, new gutters and the garage is completely finished. RV parking and a fenced private yard complete this picture.

What a great location, close to amenities and freeways. This is a must see property.

This home qualifies for the home buyer tax credit!

Exqusite Silvercrest Buckingham that has been completely updated. The home sits on a corner lot with a detached one car garage and a 68' carport/patio area. There are plenty of storage areas. Also, guest parking is right next door.

The formal dining room has a built in hutch. The living room has a wall of windows. The family room is full of natural light, has a wet bar and pellet stove.

The chef's gourmet kitchen offers a breakfast bar and prep island complete with prep sink. Newer appliances dot the kitchen. There is a hugh skylight and an area to hang your pots and pans. A desk area is adjacent to the kitchen.

There are 3 bedrooms and two baths and 1760 sq. ft. The master suite offers a soaking tub and full shower. The guest room has a wet bar and the office/den is handy.

The home has a newer furnace-air cleaner, heat pump w/AC and new hot water tank. There are newer Champion tilt-in-to-clean windows, new copper plumbing, adjustable awnings on front bedroom windows, newer laminate flooring.

The patio is at the back of the carport complete with refrigerator, patio furniture and slide windows to let the warm weather in.

This is a stunning home waiting for you to see it.

Two other indicators of activity fell -- inventory and sales prices. There were 3,915 fewer active listings of single family homes and condominiums in the MLS system compared to a year ago, a drop of about 10.3 percent. Sales prices area-wide for January’s closed sales declined about 4.8 percent from year-ago figures. (The NWMLS service area covers 21 counties.)

We anticipated there would be improved sales in the first-time buyer market and are encouraged to see activity gaining ground in the higher price ranges as well.”  Historically low interest rates, great affordability, and the home buyer tax credits are factors for helping push us into a more stable market.  We expect to see this momentum continue in the coming months.

NWMLS members added 11,206 new listings to inventory during January, including 9,269 single family homes and 1,937 condominiums. With those additions, the selection at month end totaled 34,256 listings, down more than 10 percent from a year ago. The inventory of single family homes shrunk 11.5 percent, while the condo selection declined by 3.7 percent.

Members tallied 5,579 pending sales during January, improving on the year-ago total by 1,226 transactions (up 28.2 percent). For the four-county Puget Sound region (King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish), the number of pending sales jumped nearly 35 percent, led by King County’s increase of 47.4 percent.

Currently, there is about a 6.1 months supply (ratio of houses for sale to houses sold). Economists consider a supply of 3-to-6 months to be a balanced market.

The median sales price for last month’s closed sales of single family homes and condominiums combined was $259,903, down 4.8 percent from the year-ago price of $273,000. Compared to December, prices fell about 1.9 percent area-wide, with eight counties showing increases in sales prices. In King County, last month’s median price of $350,000 for single family home sales was unchanged from December.

Single family homes (excluding condos) sold for a median price of $262,500, which compares to the year-ago selling price of $276,000, a drop of 4.9 percent.

The short sale inventory continues to climb yet many banks are starting to get their act together and actually making it easier for agents and buyers to get faster answers to their proposed contracts.  Shorter closing times are good for everyone.   While the National Association of Realtors® suggest Appraisal Management Companies pose potential conflicts of interest if they’re lender-owned, and say assigning appraisers to prepare reports in areas where they lack geographic know-how can yield unreliable results. Sales are sometimes lost because of appraisals that don’t reflect the market.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, believes the tax credit is skewing market data. Commenting on NAR’s report of December activity, which showed a 10.9 percent jump in pending sales from December 2008 and 1.0 percent increase from November, Yun said “There are easily understood swings in contract activity as buyers respond to a tax credit that was expiring and was then extended and expanded.” Noting December was the fifth highest monthly tally in two years, Yun stated “These swings are masking the underlying trend, which is a broad improvement over year-ago levels.”

The tax credit deadline is expected to boost activity in the next few months. We expect this year to be better than last because of more certainty in the market.

Buyers who have a contract in place to purchase a primary residence by April 30, 2010, have until June 30 to finalize the transaction to qualify for a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers.

For all your real estate needs, contact Karen at 425-308-3669 or karen@karensvillas.com.

This home qualifies for the home buyer tax credit!

Enjoy life in a Premier 55+ Manufactured Home park. A 1989 Goldenwest that is in mint condition.

Vinyl siding, four year new roof, newer carperting and laminate flooring, fresh interior paint, new applainces.

The home offers vaulted ceilings and lots of windows for plenty of natural light. The kitchen has a working breakfast bar with sink and dishwasher. Note the new flat top range and oversized refrigerator. Washer and dryer remain.

There are extra storage cabinets in the laundry for all your crafts. The guest room holds a queen bed. The office has new laminate flooring. The master is separated from the other two bedrooms and offers double closets, lots of wall space and a master bath.

There is carport parking, a storage shed with work bench and power and a great yard. You can negotiate for the electric lawn mower as well.

This is a great value. Come see it now.

Buyer who have been in their principal residence five of the last eight consecutive years will be entitled to a $6500 tax credit. Here is a link to the changes and provisions of the proposed law.

The $8,000 tax credit has allowed for 7000 more homes to be sold just in Washington State

This new incentive will allow the "step up" or "move up" buyer to sell and get a tax credit.

If you have questions regarding this information, please contact me at 425-308-3669 or email me at karen@karensvillas.com

This home qualifies for the home buyer tax credit!

Situated in a premer 55+ park this 1990 Royal Oaks double widehas been lovingly maintained. New vinyl windows, newer carpet, new laminate flooring, fresh paint. There is a double carport plus two extra parking spaces out front.

The covered deck faces the beautiful private yard with an abundance of fruit trees and grape vines. There is a storage shed for all your garden needs.

The home has vaulted ceilings, skylights, three bedrooms and a den. Formal living room is open and airy and has a pellet stove for cold nights.  The formal dining room is adjacent to the kitchen. The kitchen is bright and cheerful and has an eating nook that overlooks the lush gardens.

The master is separated from the other two bedrooms that share a full bath.

The park offers RV/Boat parking and common areas. The property is close to freeways and all amenities.

Lovingly maintained one level home on corner lot that faces a fitness park. Park has it's own outdoor exercise area and equipment. First in the area.

Two bedrooms with an extra finished room that could be third bedroom (now is an office) - adjacent to that is a finished storage room that could be converted to a closet for third bedroom.

Formal living room, formal dining room with alcove for hutch. Vaulted ceilings and plenty of windows bring in lots of natural light.

Island in kitchen and ceiling fan. This opens to the family room with plenty of wall space. New kitchen flooring, updated bath w/new flooring, fresh paint and a 12 x 20 deck with fenced yard.

Private lot, fenced yard and great deck. Sprinkler system, heat pump for air conditioning wired for security system.

Don't miss the garage that is completely finished, including the flooring. Great shop in garage.

This was the model home and is in mint condition. Great street appeal, lush landscapping. This is a beauty not to miss.

Priced below market value for quick sale - owner transferred.

Beautiful 1 year old story on large lot facing greenbelt. Quiet location, completely fenced yard, cement walkway around home, extra large patio and covered, storage shed.

This home offers a heat pump, wired for security system and CAT 5 wiring.

Formal living room, form dining room with coffered ceilings. The kitchen has granite counters, stainless appliances and Maple cabinets. There is eating space in the kitchen that opens to the family room with gas fireplace.

A den is located on the main level.

Four bedrooms and laundry facilities round out the upstairs. The grand master suite has a sitting room and five piece master bath.

This is a dream and a great value. Seller wants to see all offers.

Motivated seller - another major price reduction. Seller paid $330,000 in 2007 and has completed a major remodel. This is a great value.

Completely remodeled bungalow. Close to park and ride, freeway entrances and amenities, two golf courses and parks.

New Brazilian Cherry hardwoods, Travertine tile back splash in all stainless kitchen, triple pane windows for a more quiet background, new carpet, vessel sink and vanity in guest bathroom.

Fresh interior paint and new door trim, crown molding accent the decorator colors. Owner's own artwork goes with home and matches the decor.

Two hot water heaters. Master has ramp entry and oversized two headed all tile walk-in shower.

Extra parking for four or RV parking with access to fenced yard.

One year home warranty included plus pest service paid till May 2010.

This home is a showcase.

Another price reduction. Seller will look at offers.

Darling starter home on a beautiful lot with RV parking. Fresh paint on exterior and interior, new vinyl windows, 5 yr. new roof, new gutters, newer hot water heater, new carpet and pellet stove to heat the home during the cold winters. All appliances remain.

Verizon fiber optic service to home. Lovely rose gardens surround the home, private fenced yard, deck and gate to bring your boat or RV into the yard. This is a cutie.

Run don't walk to see this one.

He says "Recission is Over" - read here.

If you are a first time home buyer, remember the $8000 tax credit disappears November 30, 2009. You must be in contract by October 15 to guarantee your funds.

With all time low interest rates, great inventory to choose from and bargains to be had, now is a great time to buy.

If you need financial advice or need to get pre-approved, please contact my lender, Ken Allen, with MetLife Home Loans at 425-670-2418.

If you would like to receive market updates and know the value and status of homes in your immediate market, I can sign you up with my exclusive Home Buyer Market Report. Please email me your name, phone number and email address and I'd be happy to include you. You will receive "real time" information, great mapping techniques, find all the Starbucks in your new neighborhood, find up-to-the-minute school information, just a wealth of information waiting for you.

We are finding that the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit is stimulating the market.

Purchase now before the expiration of the tax credit - your purchase must close by November 30, 2009 to qualify.

If you need to search for properties visit: www.karensvillas.com.

Or if you would like to be included in my Home Buyers Scouting Report System, please email me at karen@karensvillas.com.  This service is for people who are wanting to see ALL the new available listings from ALL the real estate companies. You get online access 24 hours a day to a private website that includes prictures, prices, addresses and directions to every property--all for free! You even get "Quick Alerts" on every new property that comes up for sale without having to talk to a  lot of different agents. It puts YOU in control." You can save your favorite listings to your notebook, change your personal search criteria and request updates on photos and are notified of price reductions.

Sign up now for this FREE great service.

Here is an inter-active map that shows all of the local farmers markets, showing days open, time, location and driving directions.

Let's support our local farmers. Enjoy our beautiful summer weather and our great surroundings.

For all your real estate needs, contact: Karen Villa Schweinfurth, ABR, CRS, SRES, e-PRO, RE/MAX Northwest Realtors, 425-308-3669 or visit my web site for more helpful information.

The most current survey, the Housing Affordability Index, from the National     Association of Realtors® shows housing is more affordable now than it has been in the last 70 years.

2.  Low Interes Rates

With interest rates lower than they have been in years it's a great time to lock in long-term fixed rates.  You will have the peace of mind knowing that you have made a wise financial decision taking advantage of historically low rates.  Once rates rise, you could potentially disqualify yourself from the home buying process.

3.  Large Inventory to Choose From

This is a "Buyer's Market". Combine low interest rates, plenty of inventory, and negotiable prices you will be able to select a home that exceeds your expectations.

4.  An $8000 Tax Credit Bonus

If you are a first time homebuyer (have not owned a home for the previous three years) and are making a purchase prior to December 1, 2009, you will receive a tax credit of up to $8000.  This tax credit is refundable....meaning if you had a tax liability of $2000 and received an $8000 tax credit, you will receive a $6000 check from the IRS.  It makes great sense to buy now and utilize this money for your closing costs.

5.  Mortgages May Cost More in the Future

Due to the mortgage meltdown, and risky loans that were provided, there could be potentially higher costs added to your mortgage, i.e. higher mortgage insurance premiums, and more closing costs making it difficult for you to qualify. Buy now while loan costs are still affordable.

6.  If you're Pre-Approved to Buy, Act Now

If you are employed, have an acceptable credit socre and have cash in the bank for a down payment, now is the time to buy.  Once you make loan application the key is to keeping your credit clean, now is not the time for big ticket purchases. Follow the advice of your mortgage lender until closing day.

7.  Home Ownership Creates Long-Term Financial Stability

Historically Americans who purchase their own homes create long-term wealth than those that don't.  Remember the word "long term wealth", appreciation and the compounding affect of building equity will make you more wealthy in years to come.

Buying your first home is a major step, be sure to contact your local REALTOR® for all the best advice and guidance you can receive. We are trained and educated and prepared to help you through this wonderful adventure.  Your REALTOR® will be with you every step of the way.

For more information contact: Karen Villa Schweinfurth, ABR, CRS, SRES, e-PRO, RE/MAX Northwest Realtors - 425-308-3669 or karen@karensvillas.com.

For lending information contact:  Ken Allen, MetLife Home Loans - 425-670-2418 or ken@kenallen.com.

Visit my website for more helpful information at www.karensvillas.com

Another major price reduction. Bring all offers.

Bring your imagination here, possible adult home care facility with room to expand and loads of parking. Hugh rambler with updated kitchen containing Birch cabinets, smooth top range, tile back splash, all appliances remain. Original hardwoods in this turn of the century home, propane stove in oversized family room. Great location, minutes to amenities and freeways. A lovely piece of property in town.  May have possibilities of sub-dividing. A great value here

            OLYMPIA, Wash. – The state Legislature has approved a strategy to help first-time home buyers come up with a down payment on a new home. The Legislature authorized a public/private partnership to provide for a “Tax Credit Advance Loan Program” in an amendment to the state’s general operating budget, which now awaits the governor’s signature. The Tax Credit Advance Loan Program, the first of its kind in the nation, is the result of a partnership of the Washington Realtors, Washington State Treasurer’s office, and Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

The approved budget brings the program one step closer for first-time home buyers, who would be able to use the recently approved federal tax credit at the close of a home sale for a down payment or closing costs.

 "If this down payment program can be put in place, it will remove one of the biggest roadblocks to home ownership for first-time home buyers," said Greg Wright (Chelan), Washington REALTORS® President. "Down payment loans would open the door of home ownership to thousands of hardworking families that have had their part of the American Dream delayed. Combined with lower home prices, some of the lowest interest rates in history and the wider variety of homes available, this is a win for families in Washington and a key to our economic recovery.”

 The program authorizes the state treasurer to deposit $25 million in a financial institution, which would then open a line of credit for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (HFC).  The HFC would use that credit line to pay for down payment loans to first-time buyers. Buyers repay the advance loan after filing for and receiving the tax credit.  Washington Realtors are partners in the program and will provide up to $400,000 for deposit in the program account. The HFC would draw from those funds in the unlikely event of default by the borrower. Borrower eligibility, loan underwriting standards and other outstanding issues will be finalized when the budget is approved by the governor.

By putting the tax credit into the hands of first-time home buyers when they need it most, the program also would jump-start the state economy.  According to a recent Washington Research Council study, every 1,000 home sales to first-time buyers generate 711 jobs and pumps $112.4 million into the economy.  Every first-time home sale generates $11,100 in state and local tax revenue.  

After the buyers return their federal refund the HFC can turn funds around and provide assistance to other buyers. The Tax Credit Advance Loan Program would leverage the state investment by revolving the funds as many as three times before the tax credit expires, reaching up to 9000 first-time homebuyers. The availability of these loans would expire at the same time as the federal tax credit, on November 30, 2009. 

      “The $8,000 tax credit opens a window of opportunity that may never be seen again," said Wright. "The state’s budget and this new partnership could help bring the opportunity for home ownership to families throughout our state who have been waiting to buy. For half of first-time home buyers, a down payment is all they need.”      

State partnership finds way to turn federal tax credit into down-payment assistance.

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Senate Ways and Means Committee last night unanimously approved a measure designed to help first-time homebuyers come up with a down-payment.  The committee adopted the measure as an amendment to the proposed Senate biennial operating budget.

The proposal would make the $8000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers available at the closing of a home sale instead of when a buyer files a tax return. Homebuyers would repay the $8000 after filing for and receiving a tax refund. The amendment creates a Tax Credit Advance Loan Program and authorizes the State Treasurer to deposit $25 million in a financial institution giving it the ability to open a line of credit to the State Housing Finance Commission to provide the down payment loans. The deposit would not deplete state funds, but would provide liquidity for the financial Institution to lend its own funds. 

The program is the first of its kind in the nation and would work as follows:

·        The State Treasurer’s Office would make an off-setting deposit in an FDIC-insured short-term
 account with a selected financial institution. The investment would earn a low interest rate to 
 stay fully insured under federal guidelines.

·         Realtors and other stakeholders back the loans with funds to provide security against losses.

·        The financial institution provides the Washington State Housing Finance Commission a line of
 credit to advance up to $8000 to qualified first-time home buyers for a down-payment.

·         Buyers repay the advance loan after filing for and receiving the tax credit.

            The amendment is the result of the efforts of the Washington REALTORS®, Washington State Treasurer’s office, and Washington State Housing Finance Commission. State Treasurer James McIntire wrote the budget proviso and is helping to advance the measure through the state legislature. 

State Sen. Steve Hobbs (D-Lake Stevens), who offered the amendment, said that using the $8,000 tax credit to help first-time homebuyers make down payments could help jump-start the economy. Hobbs noted that home purchases have a significant impact on the retail and banking sectors of the economy and on state and local coffers. “In this recession we need to find new and innovative ways to stimulate the economy. This proviso will slow the decline of our housing market and stimulate the economy,” Hobbs told the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

"Down-payment assistance to our first-time home buyers is the key we need to unlock economic activity throughout the state," said Greg Wright, President of the Washington Realtors. "This tax credit is new money that we can put to work now to help the housing market and ignite economic action statewide." According to a study by the Washington Research Council, each home sale by a first-time buyer generates $11,100 in state and local tax revenue. Every 1,000 home sales generate $126 million in general economic activity, supporting 711 jobs.

           The goal of the program is to get the money to buyers efficiently and return the federal refund quickly so that the HFC can turn it around to provide more assistance.  The funds may revolve as many as three times before the tax credit expires, reaching up to 9000 first-time homebuyers.  These “bridge loans” would expire at the same time as the federal tax credit, on November 30, 2009.  All of the bridge loan funds return to the state system by early 2010 to use for capital projects in 2010-11.

            "With homes at affordable prices and interest rates at historic lows the $8,000 tax credit opens a window of opportunity that may never be seen again," said Wright, a Chelan Realtor. "The Senate’s budget helps bring that opportunity to families throughout our state.”

            Lack of a down-payment is the only barrier to home ownership for up to 50 percent of first-time home buyers, according to J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate.  A recent study by the Federal Reserve Board showed that home ownership for people 35 years and younger increased by as much as 43 percent when a primary mortgage was combined with a down-payment assistance loan.

            "First-time homebuyers are the most critical to the recovery of the housing market and our overall economy, because their purchases set off a chain reaction of buying and selling," Scott explained.  "The first step toward stimulating the state housing market is making the federal tax credit available at the closing table and increasing down-payment assistance."