Archive for January 2009

5 Tips To Help You Build Your Dream Home.

Are you thinking of building home. I will give you 5 things that you should think about when planning on building your new home.

Paying Attention To The Site
Attention to the crucial relationship between your new home and the site will offer spectacular results. Take the time now to ensure that your new home will offer you and your family years of satisfaction.
Many people put the cart before the horse when planning their new homes. In many cases, a family will fall in love with a floor plan and pay little or no attention to the site where the plan is to be built. Instead of treating the floor plan and the home site as different elements, it is important to understand the relationship between the two and how they can work together to produce spectacular results. By accentuating the positive aspects of a home site, you'll gain the best views and allow yourself more privacy and control over "problem" areas that may need camouflage.

Purchasing a Homesite
Many issues to consider when selecting a homesite have little to do with the land and everything to do with lifestyle. Some important issues include school districts, property taxes and proximity to work. When you start to shop, you'll discover that homesites are as individual as the owners. One distinction between homesites is subdivision lots versus single parcels of land. Subdivisions usually offer owners a homeowners association and/or an architectural review board, which works to maintain a level of protection over property values. Single-site homesites usually offer larger tracts of land, more privacy and the opportunity to express individuality in the home's exterior, without having to submit plans for community approval.
After considering all of these items, it's time to evaluate the homesite's physical characteristics. Ask yourself the following questions: · Is the site heavily treed? · Is it level or sloping in appearance? · Is the elevation above the 100-year flood plain? · What are the deed restrictions and setbacks?

Clearing For Construction
Problems crop up in unusual places. For instance, your homesite may have a beautiful, natural appearance now, but when cleared for construction, the top six inches of soil will be gone. This means that the grass, natural shrubbery and small trees will be removed from the construction area, and may leave you with land that looks very different. Heavily treed homesites are appealing to many people, but can present additional construction costs. In order to build, crews need to remove all the trees within seven feet of the house, as well as the trees in the areas of the driveway, sidewalks, septic tanks and drainfield. Many regions also require permits to remove trees. Low- lying or sloping homesites can also add considerable construction costs to a project. The costs of fill dirt and special construction requirements add up quickly, especially if the home is susceptible to drainage problems or sits in the 100-year flood plain. To determine if this is the case, check with your local building officials or request from the owner a survey showing the lot's topography.
If the sloping homesite has a great view, you may want a custom floor plan developed that follows the lay of the land. In the case of a steep mountain elevation, for example, you could have a basement or garage built into the slope. Beware of setbacks and deed restrictions. Before you purchase a site, make sure that it can accommodate the home you want to build. Setbacks are regulated by the zoning department and can be confirmed with your building department. In special cases, a variance can alter the setback requirements, but that can be time- consuming and difficult to obtain. Deed restrictions can contain requirements on the size, style and appearance of a home. Check with local officials and ask the seller to disclose restrictions that might compromise the style of the home you plan to build.

Working with an Existing Homesite
If you own property, but are not excited about the view, don't worry. There are many creative floor plans designed to create spectacular views. One solution is the courtyard design. By opening either the front, middle or rear of your home onto a courtyard, you can capture a view and transform it into a personal oasis. Many urban residences and zero-lot-line homes utilize this concept around a pool or garden, while feet away, the fencing or shrubbery hides adjacent homes.
Other captured views with which you may be familiar include atriums and private gardens. Designers use these features to enhance master suites, private sitting areas and other interior areas that require natural lighting and privacy. If you are fortunate enough to have property that overlooks a lake, golf course, ocean or wooded area, you'll probably want to take advantage of its positive attributes. First, study the land carefully. Have a land survey conducted and, in heavily wooded areas, consider a tree survey.
Visit and Photograph
After review by your plan designer, the site should be visited and photographed from the position of the house looking out in all directions. By considering all angles of the property, the designer will be able to adapt the floor plan to the site.
One technique that designers often use is a series of angular walls that allow several rooms to look out on a rear view. By turning the house's orientation, it is also possible to direct the view so that it looks down a fairway or across a canal. Blending a perfect floor plan and a homesite is not easy, but you'll be glad you made the effort. By taking educated steps and by working with a professional designer or architect, you'll see that the results can surpass your wildest dreams.

If you are looking to buy a home and would like my free 44 page home buyer packet just click here.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Good Real Estate Investment

Are Condos a good investment?
How much does Puget Sound-area condominiums appreciate compared with single-family houses?
Are they significantly more affordable than houses?
This year, The Seattle Times did such an analysis, based on data from the King and Snohomish county assessors. The Times analyzed condominium data in much the same way it has done for its annual report on single-family home values.
Some of the condo results are surprising.
Take appreciation. Lore relegates condos to default housing, if you will, for people who can't quite swing a house purchase. But buyers apparently don't feel that way.
Who would have thought it?
Since 2000, King County condominiums have outperformed single-family houses two out of five years. And even when they haven't, their appreciation has been strong.
In 2005, for example, the county's single-family houses appreciated 16.3 percent per square foot. Condos climbed a healthy 13.5 percent.
Here's the kicker: Last year, the median price per square foot for condos in King County was $211 — or $4 more a square foot than houses in the county.
Demand has caused condos to appreciate handsomely, thank you.
Last year condominium sales accounted for 25 percent of King County's total home sales, up from 22 percent in 1999.
In the Seattle area, there are three main categories of condo owners: first-time buyers, often singles; empty nesters ready to downsize; and investors.
If you would like to see some of the great deals that are available in the area please call or email me.
I have been in the real estate business for over 5 years. I know your area better than anyone else, and I would be thrilled to be your advocate in buying or selling a home. I’ll put my extensive real estate expertise and experience to work for you.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Remodeling? Hire Local Contractors

We’re hearing a lot these days about buying local and for good reason: it’s better for the environment and it’s a direct way to support local businesses. A similar justification can be applied when it comes time to hire a remodeling contractor. It’s often quicker and easier to work with a local professional.
But those aren’t the only reasons why you should hire a local remodeler. Home remodeling projects can take a considerable amount of time, money and patience. Under these conditions, it is important that you feel a certain level of trust with the remodeling contractor you have selected. After all, you’ll be seeing a lot of and working with each other often over the course of your project.
The benefits of using a local remodeling contractor work both ways. It can be easier for you to verify a local remodeling contractor’s credentials than to check the qualifications of a large company with offices far removed from your neighborhood. If a local contractor has been in business for a few years, he’ll already have a local reputation.
Similarly, a local remodeler has more vested in your project than just seeing it completed. If the contractor’s work meets or exceeds your expectations you can become a positive referral, resulting in even more local business for the contractor. Local home improvement contractors often live in the same community as the homes they remodel and can’t afford to disappoint their neighbors. Plus, they pay taxes and have a commercial interest in your community’s success.

What to look for in a Local Remodeler
When choosing a local home remodeler, remember to evaluate multiple contractors before making your decision. It’s important to put your request in writing. Make sure each contractor is aware of your project goals and your estimated budget before they submit a bid.
Contractors are bound by their local and state regulations. Check to see if the contractor you are thinking of choosing is registered with the government and has a current business license. The contractor should be bonded and carry general liability insurance as well. It is permissible for you to ask for copies of any certificates or licenses, as well as for information on local remodeling projects of a similar nature the contractor has completed.
A legitimate local remodeling contractor will provide credentials and references. They shouldn’t try high-pressure sales techniques, such as offering you a special price for today only, or tell you they only accept cash. They should provide a written contract and take care of the necessary building permits.
Once you’ve selected a local remodeling contractor, you’ll need to work closely with the contractor to ensure the project stays true to your budget and your expectations.
When your project is done, you will have the dual satisfaction of owning a house that is not only more valuable and more beautiful, but that was completed by the talents of a quality, local remodeler. Good neighbors not only make good fences, they make good investments.
To find the right local remodeler in your area for a project or to learn more about remodeling, check out www.reliableremodeler.com. If you are a local business looking for some local advertisement contact me.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Safety Precautions: Home Safety After The Storms

With the recent snows and floods homes may not be safe for occupancy. Heavy wet snows can cause structural roof damage often only visible from the attic space. Cracked trusses, damaged flashing and roof decking are a few conditions that can cause extensive repairs in the future. Floods cause foundation damage, loosen footings, and damage the floor structure. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) are highly trained inspectors experienced to evaluate attic and crawl space conditions. Find an ASHI inspector in your area by going to www.ashiww.com.

Here are a few safety precautions for those returning to their home after flooding. If your home has a basement do not pump the water out too quickly. Pumping basement water too soon can create a pressure difference between the outside and inside basement walls causing foundation cracking and failure. If the power main service panel was under water or still is in the water do not turn the power on. Loose wires and standing water can cause electrical hazards. If your furnace ducting was under water do not turn the furnace on until the ducting is repaired. Your local ASHI home inspector is available to answer your questions and schedule an inspection.

Storm Evaluation:
If you call today, you will receive a Storm Evaluation Inspection for only $150! CALL TODAY AND SAVE! 206-901-1549

George and Vicki Rinehart
Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC
phone: 206-901-1549

email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
web: http://www.rinehartinspections.com

Celebrate Your Success

Happy New Year.

Are you still working on your New Year resolutions? How about your business plan? Most driven and success-minded individuals have a tendency to focus on what they haven't achieved yet. They are always moving on to the next goal or challenge without stopping, however briefly, to acknowledge the victory or success of the moment. Sound familiar? Here is a thought suggested by Real Estate Coach, Jan O'Brien.


As you fine tune your goals and business plan for a successful 2009, take some time to look back on 2008 with a focus on the positives. Take a few minutes to review and celebrate every single win you experienced last year. Grab your journal or some paper and use these prompts to get you started. Just write it all down - stream of consciousness - no matter how seemingly insignificant. Just write it down.

  • List all your accomplishments, wins, victories, successes in the past year.
  • List all moment of joy and gratitude.
  • What did you do last year that you were really proud of?
  • What do other people in your life have to say about what you did, accomplished, and contributed?
  • What did you do last year that moved you toward your goals?
  • What lessons did you gain from any setbacks, challenges or obstacles?
  • How are you going to integrate any learning into your future goals in the coming year?

See what you come up with. Once you start writing, you'll be surprised at how much you really have to celebrate!
Here is to a healthy and prosperous 2009. May every success be yours, this year and always.
All the best,
Denise


Denise Eider
Ticor Title Company
Account Manager
206-375-3228

List of open houses this Sunday in Renton WA. The weekend of 01/11/2009.
Click here.
If you want or need any more info on them please give me a call.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Tax Credit To Help First-Time Buyers

Another feature of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 offers qualified first-time buyers a tax credit of up to $7,500 (or up to $3,750 for married filing separately) if they purchase a principal residence on or after April 9, 2008 but before July 1, 2009. (The purchase date is the day of closing or settlement.)The credit -- which is more like an interest-free loan -- must be repaid to the government over a 15-year period in equal installments, or repaid in full when the home is sold or ceases to be used as a principal residence and there is enough gain from the sale to repay the credit. If there is no gain, however, the remainder is forgiven. The first payment is due two years after the credit is claimed.The amount of the credit is limited to 10% of the purchase price of the home, but no more than $7,500 or $3,750, depending on filing status. Those who qualify can claim the credit on their federal income-tax return.Qualified first-time buyers cannot have owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the home purchase. For married taxpayers, the rule applies to both spouses — if either has owned a principal home within the prior three-year period, neither spouse can claim the credit. However, the new law does not disqualify those who have owned a vacation home or rental property within the three-year period. Also, in a divorce, although recapture is not triggered immediately, the spouse who gets the home becomes liable for paying back the credit eventually upon sale.The full credit is available to married joint-filers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) up to $150,000, and to single filers with MAGI up to $75,000. The credit is phased out for buyers with MAGIs above those levels and is totally unavailable for MAGIs at or above $170,000 (joint filers) or $95,000 (single filers).Contact your tax professional to learn more about the fine points of qualifying for and taking advantage of this limited-time opportunity.

Buy Your First Home Before July 1, 2009 And Save $7,500 On Your Income Taxes!

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

You Could Use A Break!

Homeowners Get More Tax Breaks Than Ever Before

Homeownership is not just about having a comfortable, secure place to live. Done right, owning a home can be one of the best investments you'll ever make. Even better, your home can provide a variety of lucrative tax breaks when you buy, sell and then file your annual tax returns.Over the last two years, Congress has passed legislation that -- in many new ways -- increased the tax breaks for homeowners. If you already own a home, you’ll want to take advantage of all the tax breaks you qualify for. Not a homeowner yet -- or know someone who wants to purchase their first home? Those who buy a home in 2009 can take advantage of more tax breaks than ever before.In this Special Report, we’ve summarized tax benefits many homeowners are entitled to including the latest ones. You’ll also find a handy list of IRS publications that discuss home-related tax issues in detail.
Before filing, please be sure to talk with a knowledgeable tax professional about your situation. Although the information presented in this newsletter was accurate at press time, tax rules do change.

HELP FROM THE IRS
Take It From Those In The Know

Here are some helpful IRS publications for more information about home-related tax breaks. You can find them at your local library, post office or online at www.IRS.gov/publications. You can also request copies by calling (800) 829-3676.
Pub. 521 Moving Expenses
Pub. 523 Selling Your Home
Pub. 527 Residential Rental Property
Pub. 530 Tax Information for First-Time Homeowners
Pub. 537 Installment Sales
Pub. 547 Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
Pub. 551 Basis of Assets
Pub. 552 Recordkeeping for Individuals
Pub. 553 Highlights of Tax Changes
Pub. 587 Business Use of Your Home
Pub. 936 Home Mortgage Interest Deduction
Pub. 946 How to Depreciate Property

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.