Archive for August, 2009

I received an e-mail from a reader wondering which complexes area approved for FHA home loans.  I thought I would spend some time posting each neighborhood by zip code starting with 98112.  Here are all the condo complexes approved for FHA loans in 98122.  Keep in mind that until October 15th you can still get a spot approval for non FHA approved complexes.

1905 42nd Ave. E Condos

1915 42nd Ave. E Condos

East Madison Condos

E Thomas Street Condos

East View Condos

Madison Lofts

Madison Parkview Condos

North Park Condos

Park Grandview Condos

Pendleton Miller Condos

Plum Court Condos

If you want me to check into other zip codes just drop me a line.

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Rob Graham, Buying Specialist

Windermere Real Estate

206-321-6349

robgraham@windermere.com

Popularity: 11% [?]

With the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit set to expire November 31st, and congress on recess,  I took it upon myself yesterday, to send an e-mail out to both of my senators, my representative and yes Barack Obama himself. 

Here is my e-mail.

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Dear xx,

My name is Rob Graham. I am a Realtor in Seattle WA. I wanted to take a moment to write you a note about the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

We all agree that our country’s current economic crisis was instigated and continues to be partially fueled by our housing crisis. I thought you might appreciate hearing directly from the horses mouth the dramatic impact the first time home buyer credit has had. Since the credit was announced, I have seen a great increase in first time home buyers. Many were waiting on the sidelines and the credit was the impetus they needed to feel confident jumping into the market. As a result, first time home buyers make up a significantly larger portion of housing buyers this year then they have traditionally.

With the tax credit set to expire November 31^st, I wanted to make a plea that it be extended and expanded. I know that when the credit was first discussed in both the house and senate, there was momentum to make it a $15,000 credit for all home buyers. In committee, it was reduced to a $8,000 first time home buyer credit. Imagine the impact the credit could have if it was available to all home buyers and not just first time home buyers who only make up 25-30% of the housing market.

I am also aware that there were several proposals being debated on the floor of both houses in recent months to either extend, or expand the tax credit. I was disappointed to see that with focus shifting to healthcare no such bill gained traction before the recess.

As we move into fall I can only strongly urge you to do all you can to expand and extend the tax credit. It is my fear that the small glimmers of hope we are seeing in the current market will only dwindle to stagnation in the months to come if we are unable to do so.

Thank you for you consideration,

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I have to say it feels really powerful to be able to reach out and send a message to the most powerful people in our state and country. 

I highly encourage you to do the same on any topic you feel strongly about. 

Here are the links for you:

President Obama:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/

Senator Cantwell:

http://cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm

Senator Murray:

http://murray.senate.gov/email/index.cfm

To write to your representative, go here:

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Seriously, so few people actually write to elected officials that you are much more powerful when you do.  Use the resource wisely, but by all means don’t sit on your hands.  You elected these people after all.  Let them know what you think.

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Rob Graham, Accredited Buyers Representative

Windermere Real Estate

robgraham@windermere.com

206-321-6349

Popularity: 5% [?]

For those of you who saw the scary piece on ABC news last night about the family who bought a house that was used as a former meth lab, I have good news for you.

The State of Washington requires that if a home was know by the seller to have been used as a methamphetamine lab, the seller is required to disclose that information to any potential buyer.

This is not the case in most states, but we are lucky to be in WA. 

The story on the news last night is of a family in Tennessee.  Who bought what they thought was their dream home.  Over the next few months their children started to get sick.  It will cost them in the ball park about $100,000 when all is said and done for finding out what the problem was and to fix it. 

It is a really well done piece and worth a read.  Click below for the full report.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/m/screen?id=8188401&pid=81

Former meth labs in a house have such a destructive effect on the house and can render the house toxic to future inhabitants because of the chemicals involved that infiltrate the structure of the home.  As such, the state of WA and about 12 other states have mandated that former use as a meth lab needs to be disclosed to a potential buyer.  Why other states have not adopted a similar statute is beyond me, but my guess is they will soon.

Just so you know, the home being used as a former meth lab is the only illegal activity that a seller is required to disclose.  Murder, suicide, other drug offenses, prostitution, and any other illegal activity in a home is not disclosable because it does not effect the value of the home.  (ie. once the bad guys are gone, so is the problem)  Meth labs however allow chemicals to infiltrate the structure and can render it toxic to future owners.  As such the state of WA requires that it be disclosed.

Give me a call if you need help

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Rob Graham, Accredited Buyer’s Representative

Windermere Real Estate

206-321-6349

robgraham@windermere.com

Popularity: 8% [?]