ose considering a home purchase today are inundated with conflicting advice and opinions from the people they know – and even people they don’t know. “Buy NOW!” “Don’t Buy NOW!” When one hears such diverse opin- ions, where is one suppose to turn? My advice: look at facts, statistics and data. A good analogy: if you had massive migraines, would you seek the help of someone you met in a coffee line or a co-worker or your best friend or your Mother- in-Law? Likely not. Most likely, you would seek the help and advice of medi- cal professionals who would assess your specific circum- stances, run comprehensive tests and formulate a treat- ment plan that is tailored to your condition and situation. ey have training, knowl- edge, skill sets and access to equipment/tools that others don’t. is is even MORE true when it comes to home own- ership, which is likely the largest financial investment you and/ or your family will ever make. As a full-time professional Broker/ Realtor, we are oſten asked many com- mon questions from both past and present clients. Because there is NO ‘one size fits all’ answer in real estate, you may find it interesting to read the two most popular Q&A’s of real estate: Q: “If it’s possible that prices may still fall, why should I buy now?” A: While price is the major concern for anyone selling a home, a primary concern for a Buyer should be COST. at means a buyer should take into account what a monthly payment will be (in comparison to your gross and net income plus other debt obligations). In addition, consider the interest rate of your mort- gage. Waiting for prices to ‘bottom out’ while rates increase can wind up costing a buyer MORE over the life of the mortgage. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, NAR, and Mortgage Bankers’ are all projecting interest rates will increase over the next several quarters. In fact, the industry has already seen an increase since last year when rates bottomed out around 4 percent. From 1971-2010, interest rates have averaged 6.5 percent whereas today’s 30-yr fixed rate is hovering around 5 percent. Lastly, there is no way to perfectly “time” the bottom. It’s like trying to “time” the stock market. In fact, once the data shows that the bot- tom has hit, it’s usually 3-4 months in the past and if you are still waiting, sorry - you missed it. Q: “When will I begin to see appreciation if I buy now?” A: at is like trying to answer “What is the weather like in the United States?”’ Appreciation varies by market just like the weather can vary by city. In fact, appreciation can even vary greatly in Kirkland’s own West of Market vs. Rose Hill vs. Houghton vs. Highlands vs. Juanita - so it’s important to look closely at local pricing trends in specific neighbor- hoods that you are most interested in. Nationally, all indicators show values will begin to rise this year as most markets have now ‘hit bottom and are flat-lining’ in regards to price - plus pending activity and closed sales are UP. NAR and other pricing experts project home prices to increase in the second half of 2011, reaching a cumula- tive appreciation of more than 10 percent between now and 2015. For markets like the Eastside, where we have one of the highest average household income per capita combined with limited land supply (because of geo- graphic limitations like water, trees, mountains, wetlands, protected species, etc.), in addition to a low unemploy- ment rate – speculators pre- dict our area will appreciate even greater. Most importantly, when it comes to home ownership factor in the four biggest reasons people buy a home: a place to raise/educate kids, a safe place for a family, plenty of living space and a home which offers us control over the space we live. Now that is something you can share while waiting for your morning latte. Debbie is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX NW Realtors in Kirkland and can be reached at (206) 930-8699. Debbie Walter, Realtor ® “Your Real Estate Consultant For Life!” CDPE, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, Green Certified, Realtor, Platinum Club Producer & Hall of Fame Achiever Cell: 206.930.8699 RE/MAX NW Realtors Servicing the Greater Puget Sound Area See All Available Listings at www.DebbieWalter.com • Staging • Professional Photos • Virtual Tours • Video Commercial • Beautifully Colored Flyers • Your Home Showcased on YouTube, Google, MSN & 62 other websites! 484947 Contemporary Highlands Recent Remodel Impres- sive/Open Design w/ Gourmet Kitchen, Granite Slab/SS Appl. Lovely Tree-Lined/Cul-De-Sac & Quiet/Private/Fenced Yard. Easy 405/520 Access. – SOLD $492K – HIGHLANDS SOLD Spectacular $85K Remodel And Impeccable Open Design W/New Paint/Hardwoods/ Carpet/Gourmet Kit/ SS Appl & Granite Counters. All New Lighting Makes is Home Incredibly Light/ Bright. 2-Car Gar + Prime Cul-De-Sac Location & Min To Lake Washington Schools & I-405! – SOLD $360K– NORTH JUANITA SOLD Stunning Houghton 4-Bed/2.75-Bath/ 2570sq Ft Home W/Lake View. Gourmet Kitchen With SS Appl, Granite Slab & Hardwoods. Lots Of Nat’l Light. Quiet & Tree- Lined Private Drive. – SOLD $575K – HOUGHTON Meticulous & one-of-a kind 2-story on private/ quiet/tree-lined street. Assessed Value=$378K! Completely turn-key & Pottery-Barn cute w/rare 2-car gar! New ext/int paint, new carpet, fncd yrd w/large deck, all applc stay + AC, 2 car gar. Vaulted ceilings, tennis & basketball courts/ parks/trails/min to DT Kirkland/waterfront/I-405. MLS #129536! – SOLD $195K– FORBES CREEK SOLD SOLD Impeccable 1.45acre Mini ESTATE w/Remodeled 3210sq ft home. New Windows/Gas Furnace/AC/Hardwood Flooring/Granite Counters & More. Open Floor Design w/Vaulted Ceilings. Lovely & Quiet Tree-Lined Street Completely Private w/Natural Light Pouring In. Walk to Lk Wash Schools & Wineries/Brewery. MLS #188389 – SOLD $540K– KIRKLAND WINE COUNTRY SOLD “Because You and Your Home Deserve the Very BEST” Debbie SELLS Kirkland Clive Egdes 206-251-1680 Windermere Real Estate/Central, Inc. [email protected]www.Kirklandhomelistings.com Specializing in Kirkland Properties. “Exceptional Service, Extraordinary Results” 484971 KIRKLAND REAL ESTATE Your guide to Real Estate and home buying & selling MAY 2011 Top Two Q & A’s in Today’s Market Debbie Walter Realtor - RE/MAX NW
Transcript
� ose considering a home purchase today are inundated with con� icting advice and opinions from the people they know – and even people they don’t know.
“Buy NOW!”“Don’t Buy NOW!”When one hears
such diverse opin-ions, where is one suppose to turn? My advice: look at facts, statistics and data.
A good analogy: if you had massive migraines, would you seek the help of someone you met in a co� ee line or a co-worker or your best friend or your Mother-in-Law? Likely not.
Most likely, you would seek the help and advice of medi-cal professionals who would assess your speci� c circum-stances, run comprehensive tests and formulate a treat-
ment plan that is tailored to your condition and situation. � ey have training, knowl-edge, skill sets and access to equipment/tools that others don’t.
� is is even MORE true when it comes to home own-
ership, which is likely the largest � nancial investment you and/or your family will ever make.
As a full-time professional Broker/Realtor, we are o� en asked many com-mon questions from both past and present clients. Because there is NO ‘one size � ts all’
answer in real estate, you may � nd it interesting to read the two most popular Q&A’s of real estate:
Q: “If it’s possible that prices may still fall, why should I buy now?”
A: While price is the major
concern for anyone selling a home, a primary concern for a Buyer should be COST. � at means a buyer should take into account what a monthly payment will be (in comparison to your gross and net income plus other debt obligations).
In addition, consider the interest rate of your mort-gage. Waiting for prices to ‘bottom out’ while rates increase can wind up costing a buyer MORE over the life of the mortgage. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, NAR, and Mortgage Bankers’ are all projecting interest rates will increase over the next several quarters.
In fact, the industry has already seen an increase since last year when rates bottomed out around 4 percent. From 1971-2010, interest rates have averaged 6.5 percent whereas today’s 30-yr � xed rate is hovering around 5 percent.
Lastly, there is no way to perfectly “time” the bottom. It’s like trying to “time” the stock market. In fact, once the data shows that the bot-tom has hit, it’s usually 3-4 months in the past and if you
are still waiting, sorry - you missed it.
Q: “When will I begin to see appreciation if I buy now?”
A: � at is like trying to answer “What is the weather like in the United States?”’ Appreciation varies by market just like the weather can vary by city. In fact, appreciation can even vary greatly in Kirkland’s own West of Market vs. Rose Hill vs. Houghton vs. Highlands vs. Juanita - so it’s important to look closely at local pricing trends in speci� c neighbor-hoods that you are most interested in.
Nationally, all indicators show values will begin to rise this year as most markets have now ‘hit bottom and are � at-lining’ in regards to price - plus pending activity and closed sales are UP.
NAR and other pricing experts project home prices to increase in the second half of 2011, reaching a cumula-tive appreciation of more than 10 percent between now and 2015.
For markets like the Eastside, where we have
one of the highest average household income per capita combined with limited land supply (because of geo-graphic limitations like water, trees, mountains, wetlands, protected species, etc.), in addition to a low unemploy-ment rate – speculators pre-dict our area will appreciate even greater.
Most importantly, when it comes to home ownership factor in the four biggest
reasons people buy a home: a place to raise/educate kids, a safe place for a family, plenty of living space and a home which o� ers us control over the space we live.
Now that is something you can share while waiting for your morning latte.Debbie is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX NW Realtors in Kirkland and can be reached at (206) 930-8699.
Debbie Walter, Realtor®
“Your Real Estate Consultant For Life!”CDPE, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, Green Certifi ed,Realtor, Platinum Club Producer & Hall of Fame Achiever
Cell: 206.930.8699RE/MAX NW RealtorsServicing the Greater Puget Sound Area
See All Available Listings at www.DebbieWalter.com
• Staging • Professional Photos • Virtual Tours • Video Commercial
• Beautifully Colored Flyers • Your Home Showcased on YouTube,
Spectacular $85K Remodel And Impeccable Open Design W/New Paint/Hardwoods/ Carpet/Gourmet Kit/SS Appl & Granite Counters. All New Lighting Makes � is Home Incredibly Light/
Bright. 2-Car Gar + Prime Cul-De-Sac Location & Min To Lake Washington Schools & I-405!
– SOLD $360K–
NORTH JUANITA
SOLD
Stunning Houghton 4-Bed/2.75-Bath/ 2570sq Ft Home W/Lake View. Gourmet Kitchen With SS Appl, Granite Slab & Hardwoods. Lots Of Nat’l Light. Quiet & Tree-Lined Private Drive.
– SOLD $575K –
HOUGHTON
Meticulous & one-of-a kind 2-story on private/ quiet/tree-lined street. Assessed Value=$378K! Completely turn-key & Pottery-Barn cute w/rare 2-car gar! New ext/int paint, new carpet, fncd yrd w/large deck, all applc stay
+ AC, 2 car gar. Vaulted ceilings, tennis & basketball courts/parks/trails/min to DT Kirkland/waterfront/I-405. MLS #129536! – SOLD $195K–
FORBES CREEK
SOLD
SOLD
Impeccable 1.45acre Mini ESTATE w/Remodeled 3210sq ft home. New Windows/Gas Furnace/AC/Hardwood Flooring/Granite Counters & More. Open Floor Design w/Vaulted Ceilings. Lovely & Quiet Tree-Lined Street Completely Private w/Natural Light Pouring In. Walk to Lk Wash Schools & Wineries/Brewery.MLS #188389 – SOLD $540K–
KIRKLAND WINE COUNTRY
See All Available Listings at www.DebbieWalter.com
KIRKLANDKIRKLANDREAL ESTATEYour guide to Real Estate and home buying & selling
MAY 2011
Top Two Q & A’s in Today’s Market
Debbie WalterRealtor - RE/MAX NW
May 6, 2011[10] www.kirklandreporter.com484969
SarahReed
ABR, CNE, CRS, SRES,GRI, Platinum Producer
206-226-0226www.SarahReed.com
TheDifference
is in the Details
Commuter’s Dream in KirklandGreat 2 bedroom, 2 bath, end unit condo featuring granite counters and an open � oor plan. Lots of extra windows, and looking out to tranquil waterfall-fountain. Wood burning � replace, large covered BBQ Deck, all appliances. Pool, spa, clubhouse & workout facility. Deeded, covered parking just outside your front door. Ideal for the commuter. Close to Lake Washington waterfront, parks, shopping, dining. Welcome home! Offered at $150,000
Lake Washington Waterfront RentalLive the good life on the water at Meydenbauer Bay! So close to everything-shops, cafes, galleries. Gorgeously remodeled 1,730 sq. ft. Top Floor 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit w/stainless appliances, slab granite, travertine � oors in kitchen, breakfast nook, baths. Oversized master w/built-ins, spa inspired bath & walk-in closet. Huge 2nd bedroom. 5 Skylights. Laundry room & Costco sized walk-in pantry, Fireplace. Giant covered view deck for BBQs & sunsets, Pool, kayaks, bike storage, 2 reserved pkg spaces + storage unit! W-S-G incl. Avail June 1st. $3,450
Eastside Brokers
• Kirkland Resident for over 23 years.
• 10+ years of Full Time Real Estate Service!
• Very Patient with 1st Time Buyers, and Short Sale Sellers
• Relocation, Investors, 1031 Exchanges
• Short Sales, Foreclosures, Bank Owned
How May I Help YOU?
Sunny End unit condo in North Rose Hill!Sunny & spacious end unit with tons of nice updates including black granite counters, tile � oors, and vinyl windows. Huge, private covered BBQ deck with storage, wood burning � replace, all appliances included. Outstanding location to enjoy all that Kirkland has to offer, or easy on the commuter. Tucked away with a view of the trees & sunsets, not other buildings. Nice, quiet complex. Reserved covered parking & abundant guest parking just outside your door. Low dues, and a well-managed association with good reserves. $118,875
Real Estate
To advertise, call Mike @ 425.822.9166
449963
SPRING OFFERI’ll pay $3,000 towards your closing costs
when you buy a home from me.Call or email me today to answer your RE needs.
8525 120th Avenue NE #100, Kirkland, WA 98033Just South of Costco
425-602-4150CBBain.com/kirkland
Spectacular Stucco Home $1,050,000Grandest living in the heart of Kirkland. Beauty abounds in this 5 bed/5bath stucco home. Mountain/lake views, master suite w/relaxing jetted spa tub, cozy � replace, Juliet balcony. Gourmet chef kitchen, light, bright and airy. Lovely landscaping, fully fenced back yard, top of quiet, private cul-de-sac. #187974
Beautiful Condo - Google! $225,000Exceptional 4B2.5B home in desirable Bridlewood. Designer Beautiful 2 bedroom condo walking distance to Google and Kirkland beaches! Quiet, private complex, home has been wonderfully updated with new cabinets, tile � oors, new appliances. Exterior consists of tile roof and real wood siding that should last for years! #164297
Penthouse Living! $1,149,000Discover a 180 Waterfront Lake Washington View when you walk into this amazing Lake Street penthouse in Kirkland! French Riviera living in the Northwest. Walk to restaurant, galleries and shops. All that Kirkland has to offer at your doorsteps! Just in time for summer!
West Of Market $675,000One block to Waterfront! Experience Urban living in this Fabulous, newly remodeled home with attention to detail. Gourmet kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops. Sun kissed daylight basement is bright and open!
Refi ned Living $899,000This stunning residence displays the � nishing touches you can expect from a house of this stature. 4 bedrooms, including 2 master suites (1 on main � oor), a bonus room, a den: possibilities are endless. Full Viking gourmet kitchen opens on a spacious covered patio and very private backyard. Entertainment heaven! #122499
Downtown Kirkland $285,000Live in the hub of Kirkland. This one bedroom plus den unit at the “Kirkland Central” over looks the park and library. The kitchen boasts granite counters, cherry wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances and breakfast bar. The den has a built in work station. The Kirkland Central has secured entrance and parking. #179479
PENDING
4 Bed Beauty In Kirkland $899,000Downtown living at it’s best! Come home to rich Cherrywood cabinetry, granite counters, sparkling hardwoods and the sound of waterfall as you relax hot tub style in your private, beautifully landscaped backyard paradise. 3 car detached gar with tons of room for your toys. Private alley entrance. Walk to downtown. #179893
Real Estate Sales in Kirkland, WA • March 30-April 30, 2011Residential Housing in 98033 & 98034
14037 108th Ave NE $225,0009624 NE 121st Lane $226,20014272 108th Ave NE $232,00014158 105th Ave NE $250,50013424 NE 137th Place $259,00013814 125th Ave NE $272,0009753 NE 135th Place $280,00013202 130th Place NE $280,90014238 112th Ave NE $287,00011234 NE 94th $300,00010313 NE 125th Place $322,00010313 NE 125th Place $322,0008428 NE 131st Place $325,00010122 NE 126th St $335,000636 10th Ave $347,00011914 NE 67 Place $349,9958607 NE 126th Place $359,50011119 127th Place NE $375,0006515 116th Ave NE $375,95012859 NE 112th St $376,00010404 NE 125th Place $380,00013704 117TH Ave NE $399,9006320 NE 130th Place $405,00013139 86th Place NE $405,0007210 120th Ave NE $410,00012104 NE 68th Place $413,000321 15th Ave $425,0009720 112th Ave NE $451,000601 14th Ave W $455,00011316 NE 117th Place $475,000
8225 NE 124th Place $500,00013230 NE 142nd Place $540,00012804 NE 104 St $550,000709 9th Ave S $575,00010512 125th Ave NE $599,5008428 NE 123rd Place #Lot 5 $629,8008185 NE Juanita Dr $630,00010940 NE 48th St $631,00013030 NE 104th St $722,5004540 108th Ave NE $725,00012843 NE 91st St $730,0008149 NE 117th Place $749,9508149 NE 117th Place $749,9506808 NE 129th St $775,000331 4th Ave S $835,0001203 5th St $845,000711 14th Ave W $900,000126 11th Ave $915,000615 9th Ave $1,125,00010619 NE 46th St $1,400,000
Residential Housing AveragesAverage. List Price $612,030Average Sales Price $508,933 CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) 99
Condos/Townhomes in 98033 & 9803414316 126th Ave NE #D-303 $82,0006732 112th Ave NE #A-11 $92,5006732 112th Ave NE #6A $95,00011006 NE 68th St #821 $97,50011623 127th Lane NE #C-1 $98,00012641 NE 130th Wy #C201 $100,000
11504 NE 128th St #28 $110,0009900 NE 124 St #1316 $110,50012225 100th Ave NE #B208 $115,00012505 NE 116th St #A30 $122,00012618 109th Ct NE $122,00012034 Slater Ave NE #A2 $149,90011302 124th Ave NE #102 $155,000201 2 Ave S #205 $155,00010112 NE 135th Lane $165,000710 Kirkland Cir #A-101 $189,00011801 NE 105th Ct $195,00011901 93rd Ave NE #B205 $215,0009624 NE 121st Lane $226,200823 9th Ave S $259,000220 1st St #408 $260,000501 Kirkland Ave #105 $264,000410 2nd Ave S #209 $283,500410 2nd Ave S #A114 $295,00010024 124th Ave NE $333,00010911 123rd Lane NE $359,5004561 Lake Washington Blvd NE #207 $389,00012302 NE 109th Wy $389,95011316 NE 117th Place $475,000709 9th Ave S $575,000331 4th Ave S $835,0006320 Lakeview Dr NE #201 $1,050,000510 Lake St S #B202 $1,163,000
Condos/Townhomes AveragesAverage. List Price $311,956Average Sales Price $304,587CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) 165
[13]May 6, 2011www.kirklandreporter.com
Windermere Real Estate East, Inc. Kirkland/Yarrow Bay O� ce
WEST OF MARKET $3,400,000Exquisitely remodeled & immaculately maintained rambler on one of the best lots positioned to maximize lake, city & mountain views! Timelessly elegant, an entertainer’s dream home. Perfect indoor-outdoor � ow in this private retreat. www.kathymagner.com
KATHY MAGNER 425-803-9457
HOLMES POINT $199,000Wonderful shy acre lot w/level areas & great lake, city, mtn views. Peaceful setting close to Denny Park and boat launch. Water & Sewer recently brought into street. TOPO completed with buildable main structure as well as ADU/Garage
KATHRYNE GREEN 425-766-1315
ONE EAGLE PLACE $1,249,000Enjoy incredible panoramic views of Lk WA. Outstanding � oor plan highlighted by 5 bdrms, 4.5 baths, den/o� ce, plus bonus rm w/4,760 sqft of living space. Photo gallery at www.OneEaglePlace.com MLS #187402.
CRAIG GAUDRY 425-576-5555
LEASE PURCHASE/CARILLON PT $650,000 Soothing views of Lk WA, Olympic Mtns & Marina from this attached, yet very private home. Over-sized gar and a roomy, level driveway. Open & spacious feel including vaulted ceilings & walls of windows. Pri-vate garden entry welcomes you home. www.BigDogRealty.com
HEIDI BRIGHT 425-820-5343
EAST OF MARKET $724,000Style + Ease…Undeniably fresh, timeless w/ magazine-quality � nishes: slab granite/marble, solid wood doors, miles of hdwds, Viking appls, & more. 4Beds up, huge entertaining deck, lush yard w/irrig. Quiet, peaceful setting close to parks + schools. www.kirklandstyle.com
NATASHA BOSCH 425-766-8019
KIRKLAND $779,000Luxurious, Light-� lled patio home in rare steel & concrete build-ing. Waterfront parks & downtown Kirkland are your playground. 2 bdrm Suites + Hand-crafted den. Customized Island Kitchen. Great Room & Flex Room. 530 Lake St. www.ggetzresults.com
GG GETZ 206-915-7777
HOUGHTON $629,500NEW ON THE MARKET...PERFECT HOUGHTON LOCATION! 3200 sq ft,4bd/3ba perfectly remodeled top to bottom! MIL/guest suite w/sep entry. This home is fabulous and simply priced to SELL! WWW.CarleneSandstrom.com
CARLENE SANDSTROM 206-910-3662
SOLD
PENDING
YARROW BAY VILLAGE $649,000Warm & enchanting traditional home nestled in gorgeous, lush landscaping on a culdesac. Bright & cheery tiled kitchen with large island. Beamed & vaulted ceilings. 4 bdrms + bonus rm. 3-car garage. www.chellenelson.com
CHELLE NELSON 206-953-5927
EAST OF MARKET $687,500 Craftsman Cottage nestled on Secluded lot banded by Greenspace. Baby Boomer Heaven-Main Floor Master. Down-stairs domain for kids or guests. Island, sky-lit Kitchen � ows into Great Room. 202 20th Ave. www.gggezresults.com
GG GETZ 206-915-7777
EAST OF MARKET $550,000Unique, charming home w/ever changing City & Mtn views! 5 bdrms,3 kitchens, 2.75 bths & detached MIL. Huge 910 sq ft deck o� main level w/city & Mt Rainier views. Unique property w/2 separate living spaces + studio. 2 car gar o� alley. Great location on 9th Ave!
