KitsapHomeValues.com

Did You Even Know You Had One?

A Reticular Activator (RA) is that part of your brain that heightens your awareness of certian things.

You buy a red Volkswagon and suddenly you start seeing cars like yours all over the road.  Pregnant women notice other pregnant women. That’s the sort of thing your RA makes you aware of.

What does this have to do with you and Real Estate?  Well, your RA is “turned on” already.  You’re going to find yourself talking to other people who are thinking about (buying a home/selling a home/obtianing a mortgage/obtaining refinancing) ALL THE TIME!  And when you’re having those conversations, I’d ask that you think of me and then take out your phone, look up my number and call me immediately so we can talk about the best way you can introduce them to me.

My purpose is to spend my time helping great clients like you, and those you introduce me to.  So next time you hear someone talking about Real Estate, call me!

Jim Oliveto – Bottom Line Real Estate

www.BLRE.com

The Team at Bottom Line Real Estate would like to wish all a Fabulous New Year and The Best of New Beginnings… As we leave behind us 2011 and Welcome 2012!!

Here are some  quotes to bring in 2012 with zest and vigor…

“Right now it’s worth noticing that real estate markets come and go, sometimes they’re up and sometimes they’re down. It’s funny how some people choose to worry about things they have no control over, like the market. Experience shows that fears, worries and anxieties only come when a person imagines unpleasant things in the past or the future.  As Roosevelt said, there is nothing to fear, except fear itself.  When you allow yourself to get present, you will realize that all is well right now!” – Joe Stumph

“Another fresh new year is here…

Another year to live!

To Banish worry, doubt and fear,

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest…

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity

Once more to right some wrongs,

pray for peace, to plant a tree,

And sing more joyful songs! — William Arthur Ward

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Truly a rare opportunity to find a cute cottage-like home on a private half acre site

in the upper Manette area of East Bremerton.

Talking about Location! At this price catagory? WOW!!

Owned by one family since the 40′s, you will be impressed at the love and care

given to this unique (non-cookie-cutter) home with covered parking & a sun room!

View Flyer for more info…

As you know the NorthWest Multiple Listing Service releases data every month showing the number of new listings for the month.

Too, they show the number of pending sales posted and the number of closes sales for the month segregated by counties.

If you have an interest in October numbers  go here……

October 2011 Statistics

The Newest Member of Our Team!

When I saw the ‘dog tags’, it sent shivers through my memory banks!  I wore them for 7 years in the Viet Nam era.  In that time I learned that God was not just a good idea, but, that He really does exist and cares for us.  So, this quip caught my attention and communicates to ‘People of Faith’ in my generation, at least.  May you have a memorable Memorial Day!

Silas, my son, and I have worked in the real estate world together since 2000.  That is now 11 years!  Wow! How time flies.

Two years ago, when it was evident that the real estate world was going through a major ‘correction’, Silas took leave and worked with one of his previous clients in the Septic Profession.  What a change.  But, he liked it, became expert in it, and now feels comfortable with every system that has been approved in Kitsap County.

The end result?  He and his brother, Stephen, have started a company—Clear Septic Solutions, LLC (Find them online at ClearSeptic.com).  I support them wholeheartedly.  I am impressed with what he knows and how fast he has adjusted to his new role as a Monitoring, Maintenance, and Repair technician with the ability to serve other’s septic needs for any system from beginning to end.

Because of  my marketing background and enthusiasm for his new adventure, Silas has asked if I could dedicate some time to assist in their marketing needs.  Of course, I said ‘Yes”!  So, he and Stephen gave me the title of ‘Executive Marketing Director’.   They told me that my salary would become effective when the new ‘Marketing Department’ became effective!!

Please help me to become effective!  All septic systems are now required by law to have monitoring and maintenance agreements with routine monitoring.  In retrospect, that is not a bad idea.  Think about it.  I have been asked this question innumerable times.  “How often does my septic tank need to be pumped?”  I thought that I should be ‘professional’ and have an answer to a simple and innocent question!  So, I would routinely answer.  “Probably every 5-7 year, depending on the useage”.  And, I have taken my own naïve advice!!  Yes, I pump my tank after the pumper inspects to ‘ensure that it needs pumping’ every 5-7 years.

THE REAL ANSWER:  After Silas went to school for septic training and worked in the field for almost two years now, he told me the truth.  INSPECT and PUMP only when NECESSARY!!

How much money would that have saved me over the years?  Oh, my pumper guy inspected!  He NEVER recommended not pumping!  Wonder Why?  And Silas says that nearly 75% of the tanks that he inspects do not need pumping!  Never again will I pump my septic tank without having an independent 3rd party (without a pump truck present) inspect advise a pump out.

So, if you know anyone who is on the required maintenance contract, please advise them that they are in control of who they contract with to have the inspections.  That they could be paying too much for their service.  Or, that they could be getting more professional service from someone with proven integrity and professionalism.

And, if you know anyone with a septic system at all, let them know that there is a county ordinance that it needs to be monitored and pumped only if necessary every 1 to 3 years, depending on the type of system they have.

With the start of the New Year, there’s lots of talk about where home prices, mortgage rates and home sales in general are headed. If you’re thinking about buying a home in the near future, there are some points to ponder:

Prices are now at all-time lows. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) housing affordability index, home prices are more affordable now than during any other time in our history going back to 1970. In addition, this time of year is especially good for buyers, because activity has slowed down. The school year in full swing and the holiday season cuts the number of active buyers, so sellers are especially motivated to make a deal.
It’s a good time to buy if you plan to stay awhile. A home is still a good long term investment, just don’t expect the house you buy today to deliver a big jump in value right away. Between 2002 and 2008, real estate investors were lulled into the thought that real estate had become a fast way to grow wealth. That time period was an anomaly, probably not to be repeated in our lifetimes! But, with the test of time and its multiple benefits, real estate has been and always will be a great long term investment. Certainly a better investment than renting.

The NAR’s chief economist says, “Despite very attractive affordability conditions, a housing market recovery will likely be slow and gradual….” But if you plan to stay in your home more than a few years, your investment should beat inflation. According to Department of Labor statistics, for the ten years from 7/1/2000 to 6/30/2010, the average home increased in price 3.4% per year in the US. Inflation measured by the CPI (Consumer Price Index) went up 2.4% per year in the same period.

Mortgage rates are still at historic lows. National average mortgage rates are at their lowest levels in history. You may have heard about rates inching up a little lately, but “inching” is truly the operative word. National average mortgage rates are still below where they were at the start of last year. The important thing to remember is that lower rates increase your buying power by allowing you to qualify for a larger loan amount.

You’re in the driver’s seat. It’s still a buyer’s market, so many sellers are prepared to negotiate to close the sale and move on with their lives. Price and appliances for instance are all things that can be up for discussion – you just have to test the waters. But remember, when home prices stabilize and start to head up, sellers won’t be in the same bargaining mood. At that point, sellers could regain the upper hand as buyers compete with each other to purchase before prices go up more.

Don’t forget the tax benefits. Buying a home gives you some nice tax breaks. Interest on your mortgage and real estate taxes are both tax deductable. If you pay points to reduce your loan’s interest rate, that money may also be deductible. Please consult with a tax advisor to find out how these deductions apply to your circumstances.
You want choice? Now you’ve got it! In our arer, home buyers are feeling like kids in a candy store. There are many nice options to explore. Just don’t get overwhelmed.
Figure out what you want in a home, a neighborhood that’s right and what you can afford to pay – then go enjoy the shopping experience.

It’s easy to get started. The first thing to do is to get qualified for a mortgage. This tells you how much money a lender is willing to loan you, so you know exactly what you can afford. Being qualified also strengthens your position when making an offer because the seller knows you’re a pre-approved borrower. Please contact us and we’d be happy to help direct you through this process.

There may never be a better time to buy. One thing’s for sure, mortgage rates and home prices won’t stay at these historic levels forever. When you find a home you fall in love with, don’t let it get away. Remember, you want the best home, not just the best deal, and holding off on a purchase for things to improve, could lose you the home of your dreams. topics… Have a great day! We are here to

As we are in the week before Christmas 2010, the staff at Bottom Line Real Estate wishes you a very Merry Chrismas.  Too,  there is some striking economic news as it relates to housing.  Of note is that jobs are finally starting to materialize on the national front.  Long term (housing) interest rates have begun their climb as the Fed is selling bonds.  Here is a small update:

MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES INCREASED -  again this past week as Congress moved closer to extending the Bush Tax cuts, cutting the payroll taxes by 2.0%, and continuing the emergency unemployment payments for another year.  It is estimated that this will increase the deficit by $700 billion, adding supply pressure to the bond markets.  Also of note, the Treasury auctioned $66 billion in 3 Year Notes, 10 Year Notes, and 30 Year Bonds this past week which was met with mixed demand from the markets.  Economic data generally surpassed expectations.  October Consumer Credit, weekly jobless claims, the October Trade Deficit, and the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index were all better than expected.

ADDITIONAL JOBS TO BE HAD – There were 3.4 million job openings nationwide at the end of October 2010, an increase of 351,000 job openings from just 1 month earlier (source: Department of Labor).

THREE-YEAR HIGH – The NASDAQ Composite Index closed at 2638 last Friday (12/10/10), its highest closing value since 12/31/07 or approximately 35 ½ months ago.  The index is up +16.2% YTD through the close of trading last week (change of the raw index not including the reinvestment of dividends).  The NASDAQ Composite is an unmanaged index of securities traded on the NASDAQ system (source: BTN Research).

THE MARKET -  expects that the Fed Funds rate will be left unchanged at near Zero!  When the Fed decides that Inflation is a factor, they will begin raising the rate that they charge their best customers.

You ARE Buying a Home!  It is just a matter of ‘for whom’ you are Buying It !!

 It is better than a great time to be buying a home if you do not already own one.  Or to move ‘up’ to one more suited to your needs. The market is offering historically low interest rates as well as nearly full adjusted home prices. My guess is that we at historically low monthly costs. (price and interest rate considered)

 Here are 10 steps that buyers can take to make their home dreams a reality!

1. Savings. You may already know how much monthly payment you can support (experts recommend no more than 1/3 your monthly income), but the buying process normally includes upfront costs, such as a downpayment and closing costs. However, allow me to attempt to assist you in finding a home for no or low dollars upfront, if that is your situation.  Many times, sellers will assist you to the maximum allowed by banks.

 2. Downpayment options. Do you qualify for downpayment assistance programs? Are you a veteran qualifying for Zero Down?  Or, the next lowest down payment is an FHA loan with 3.5 percent down? Do you have a relative that would like to make a downpayment gift? Traditonal wisdom recommends a downpayment of 20 percent.  With that “Wisdom”, our economy would implode!

 3. Check Credit Report. Your credit report is important. However, many renters have a ‘negative self-image’ when it comes to credit.  Let a lender decide if you qualify or not! And if not, then that lender can steer you in a direction that will allow you to qualify in the least amount of time!!   Lenders will use the credit report and subsequent score to figure your interest rate.  The lender will assist you in checking your report for accuracy, and report any errors to the credit reporting agencies.

 4. Get Prequalified. Do not waste your time looking at specific properties until you meet with a lender! Pre-qualification will give you a ballpark figure of how much the bank would be willing to lend you. Are you looking for a $100,000 house or a $300,000? Then look in that price category!

 5. Get Preapproved. After reviewing your credit, income, and job stability, the lender will issue a certificate that shows that you are indeed credit worthy! This is the official letter from the lender that says they will be willing to lend you money. Most sellers will not consider offers where a pre-approval letter (or at least a pre-qualification letter) is attached to the offer.

 6. Affordability. The bank may tell you that you can afford a home worth $400,000. This does not mean you want to borrow to your max. Choose a price range that best fits your comfort zone. 

 7. Housing Criteria. You now know what homes that you can look closely. Your new homework is to  develop a list of what you need; then what you want.  This can include anything from “must have 3 bedrooms” to “hardwoods” or “granite”.

 8. Neighborhood choice. Location strongly affects prices. A 3,000 square foot home in rural Arkansas costs a fraction of one in Kitsap County. Decide what neighborhoods, schools and areas are the best fit for your family.  

 9. Hire a seasoned Broker. He or she can help you navigate the entire home purchase process.  Beginning with the search; then rendering offers; navigating the inspection process; then, working through the final details of gaining a loan commitment and closing; you will need the expert help of a veteran broker who has been through the battles and the wars!

 10. Begin the Search! The NWMLS is a wonderful place to begin your search. You can get a great ‘window’ into the NWMLS through either www.blre.com or www.KitsapHomeValues.com  Many who have used our services have noted that of all the ‘Big-Named Company Websites’, they found the above sites the easiest to navigate.  Try them; let us know what YOU think!   Eighty-four percent of buyers now start their search online, so you’ll be in good company.