If you've been priced out of the housing market, now is the time to consider buying a foreclosed property. But don't wait; the best-value foreclosed homes--what we call "real estate owned" (REO)--are selling as soon as they come on the market.
Although buyers can also find bargain prices on pre-foreclosure sales or homes sold at foreclosure auctions, most buyers find it easier and less risky to purchase REOs from the lending institutions and government authorities that repossess these homes. (Note: REOs also can refer to properties purchased by corporations from their transferring employees. This article focuses on REOs resulting from foreclosure proceedings.)
Finding a high-value property and negotiating a low-cost contract are the keys to success in the months ahead. Here is the critical information REO buyers need to know:
Why Buy An REO?
REO homes are most attractive to buyers looking for bargains. They know lenders and government organizations don't really want to own homes and would rather move their "non-performing assets" off the books as quickly as possible.
Still, being responsible to stockholders or taxpayers means institutional owners will try to recover as much of their investment in a foreclosed home as possible. Negotiating is key to getting a true bargain price on an REO!
REO foreclosures offer some distinct advantages to buyers:
+ Opportunity for professional inspection. Being able to thoroughly inspect an REO can help ensure against unexpected problems and expensive repairs. Inspections are often not an option at earlier stages of foreclosure, especially at auction, when properties are frequently sold "as is."
+ Easier financing. The lender or government agency may offer an attractive financing package, perhaps including a lower interest rate or smaller down payment requirement than might be available on the open market. Chances are also better that outside lenders will consider financing an REO, since their appraisers get a chance to look at these properties. REO buyers can also negotiate for a financing contingency in their contract with the seller.
+ No eviction problems. By the time institutional owners put their properties on the market as REOs, former owners or tenants typically have already moved out. Again, this may not be the case with pre-foreclosure and auction sales.
+ Better condition. Homes in default and sold at auction may not be in great shape, either due to neglect by their cash-strapped former owners or damage caused by disgruntled residents or vandals. Lenders and government organizations selling REOs, however, sometimes make repairs, returning properties to livable condition--or discount the prices to sell more quickly.
+ Listings with brokers. Most REOs are listed for sale with a real estate broker/REALTOR® who is bound by law and ethics to represent the property truthfully. (In some states, however, lenders are exempt from some disclosure rules.)
Call On Me -- Your Neighborhood Expert
Remember: All real estate is local. That's why it's more important than ever in 2009 to work with a top-notch local real estate professional--after all, you're not buying a home across the country, you're buying a foreclosed property right here.I can help! As experienced neighborhood specialists, I make it my business to represent buyers of foreclosed properties. Contact me to learn how I do it. There's no cost for this information--and absolutely no obligation to 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.

The term "foreclosure" can be confusing; it really refers to a three-stage process:

1. Pre-foreclosure--initial stage when homeowner misses payments (becoming "delinquent"), then defaults on mortgage, and lender begins foreclosure proceedings with "notice of default."
2. Auction (also "trustee's sale" or "step sale")--the stage at which the property is put up for auction by lender; proceeds repay lender (and homeowner, if any money is left over).
3. Post-foreclosure-- when properties that didn't sell at auction are repossessed, becoming REO "real estate owned" by a lender or government agency such as the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) or Veterans Affairs (VA).

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.

Thought for today.
Gratitude: The Key to Greater Health and Happiness.
A popular French proverb reminds us that gratitude is the heart's memory. When we genuinely appreciate the many blessings and gifts in our lives, the feeling resonates in our hearts as joy. Age-old spiritual wisdom has taught that a grateful heart is key to happiness and health. Several studies have shown that people who adopt an attitude of gratitude-that is, they regularly appreciate the good things in life-are happier and more resilient. In one study, people who counted their blessings weekly for ten weeks noticed that they had fewer physical complaints, spent more time exercising and experienced improved quality of sleep.
These studies reinforce the benefit of shifting our focus to the good and positive things in life. Gratitude is a choice to focus on the good instead of the negative in our lives. It is also a choice to be present in the here and now, instead of in the past or future. When we are truly grateful, we are satisfied with where we are in the present moment. Unfortunately, in a high-pressure, results-driven society that tells us we should want it all and want more, being satisfied is often mistakenly perceived as settling for less. But we can have goals and look forward to a future of bigger and better things while savoring and celebrating the blessings of today.
Life is a wonderful gift: family and friends, lessons and challenges, the wonder of the extraordinary and the familiarity of the everyday, the abundance and convenience of food we enjoy, our health, homes, jobs and businesses, the light of the sun, the magnificence of nature. There is already so much for us to be thankful for.
Here are few ways to build your gratitude practice:. Say a prayer of thanks each morning. Keep a gratitude journal. Light a candle. Reflect on three good things that happened at the end of each day. Send a thank you note
Denise Eider
Account Manager
206-375-3228
www.myticor.com

Happy Holidays! Are you one of the few who has finished their shopping list ahead of schedule? If you aren't one of those few overachievers, then be sure to check out http://www.wastefreeholidays.com/ Retailers and Waste Management Companies have teamed up to try and cut down on the enormous amounts of waste thrown out during this time every year. This website offers shoppers huge discounts on "experiences", like tickets and gift certificates, throughout King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Thurston Counties. In the spirit of being green, and living in the beautiful Northwest, it is worth a look. You can be earth-friendly and a thoughtful giver at the same time.
Warmest Holiday Wishes,
Denise Eider
Account Manager
206-375-3228
www.myticor.com

Protect our precious resources AND save money with these handy water-saving tips:
+ Install ultra low-flow toilets that requires only 1.6 gallons (6 liters) per flush rather than the old style which consume up to 7 gallons per flush. Consider pressurized models for a better flush.
+ Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. This can save up to 5 gallons per day.
+ Take a shower instead of a bath and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
+ Install a water-efficient showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute.
+ Call Maple Valley Plumbing to install a tankless water heater. These systems are vastly superior to traditional water heaters in both effectiveness (virtually endless hot water!) and energy efficiency.See our tankless showroom for details!
+ Sprinklers should water your lawn, not your sidewalk. Adjust them appropriately to limit waste. As hard as you might try, cement will not grow with watering:)
+ When cleaning off your driveway, use a broom instead of the hose. This saves water AND money, and often takes less time to get the job done.
+ Check for outdoor leaks on your hose bibs, sprinklers and hoses. If you own a pool or spa and use an auto filler, check periodically for leaks by turning off the auto filler and seeing if the water level remains constant.
+ Grab a wrench (or call us) and fix that dripping faucet. This can save up to 300 gallons per month!
+ Teach your children to turn off the sink faucets tightly.
+ Remind your children to turn off the sprinkler, slip-n-slide or other outdoor, continuous-use water toys when they come into the house to drip water everywhere.
+ Remember to check your sprinkler system valves for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
+ If your toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, have a licensed plumber replace it. We're just a phone call away!
+ Always drop your tissues, Q-tips and Barbie Dolls in the trash instead of flushing down the toilet. This saves water and potentially costly repairs from clogs. (Yes, we have rescued Barbie from the briny depths of the toilet, compliments of a three-year-old taking Barbie swimming in her new pool:)
+ Never, ever flush paper towels.
+ When washing your car, use a nozzle on your hose. You’ll save over one hundred gallons each time!
+ If your toilet was installed prior to 1992, consider having Maple Valley Plumbing replace it with a more efficient toilet. As a temporary measure, consider inserting a displacement device in the tank.

Why pipe freezing is a problem
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also, pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.
Pipe freezing is a particular problem in warmer climates where pipes often run through uninsulated or underinsulated attics or crawl spaces.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

1. Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
2. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
3. Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
4. Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Many products are available at your local building supplies retailer. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes - even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventive Action

1. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
2. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
3. When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
4. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
5. If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes
If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

1. Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
2. Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, and electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
3. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
4. Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Future Protection

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
• Add insulation added to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
  For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

For more information on disaster safety, check out: www.redcross.org/disaster/safety
Or contact your local American Red Cross Chapter.
Many people have asked the Red Cross for information and suggestions about how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze. The following information is provided to address those questions.
PDF File

Happy holidays! The end of the year seems to be one celebration after another; starting with Thanksgiving and ending with New Years. These holidays are associated with family gatherings, lots of food and tons of decorations. With the additional decorations, homeowners should be aware of the dangers certain decorations may have. We offers these four tips to make your holiday season as safe as possible.
1) Be Extra Careful Where You Put CandlesHaving an open flame in your home always increases the risk of an accident. If you have children or pets, make sure your candles aren’t easily tipped over by a wagging tale or errant toddler. And, as commonsense as this is, don’t use real candles to decorate your Christmas tree; it could lead to a fire.
2) Keep Your Lights SafeDo your neighbor’s lights dim when you turn on Rudolph’s nose? While you might be warning low flying aircraft of their ground proximity, having too much power going to your decorations could be dangerous. When untangling your mass of light strands, look to make sure the cords are in good shape. If the cords look worn, you should replace that light strand. If you are putting lights up on your house, use staples or clips to hang the lights instead of nails; this will keep you from puncturing the wires.
3) Purchase Safe DecorationsAn elf wearing felt clothes holding a candle may be the perfect holiday decoration, but is it safe? If you are buying a decoration that uses electricity, make sure you buy one that was tested by an independent lab, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). And never leave any electric decoration unattended—unplug them when you leave the home or go to sleep.
4) Don’t Burn Dinner!When trying to entertain a large group, it’s easy to become distracted with all the conversations going on and trying to spend time with everyone. Not only will your guests appreciate an un-burned meal (we all know how Christmas dinner turned out in “A Christmas Story”) but unattended cooking could lead to a fire.
With New Years just around the corner, it’s a good time to check your homeowners insurance policy. While we all plan to have a great holiday season, nobody plans on losing their home in a fire; which is why it is important to check your homeowners insurance policy at least once a year. If you’re looking for a new policy, compare homeowners insurance quotes using InsWeb.com. Once again, happy holidays.

To give your home a competitive edge when it's time to sell, make sure it is in good physical condition.
This not only makes your home more attractive and desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the Buyer's pre-purchase inspection.
Over the years, The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), has identified a list of common problems that typically appear on buyers' home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home's appeal and its selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale.
The following checklist can help you achieve these marketing goals.
CHECK THE MAJOR SYSTEMS
After size, style, and location, a home buyer's primary concern is the condition of the home's basic structure and major mechanical systems. Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in such critical areas.
A pre-listing home inspection of the visible and accessible home components can reveal most of these problems, and include recommended repairs, if needed, on the following major items:
- roof structure and covering
- foundation, basement, and/or crawl space
- central heating and air conditioning systems
- electrical system
- plumbing system
MAKE MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS
A number of maintenance improvements are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, yet they can substantially improve a home's appearance, efficiency, and comfort.
- clean gutters of debris and leaves; repair or replace cracked or broken gutters, downspouts, and extensions to ensure proper drainage;
- replace bathroom caulk or grouting where necessary to prevent seepage and improve appearance;
- have the heating and air conditioning systems professionally serviced;
- have chimneys professionally cleaned, and install chimney hoods or caps as needed.
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
Fixing even minor items can go a long way toward improving that important first impression of your home. Here are some typical improvements which might be suggested by the home inspector's findings:
- repair leaky faucets;
- tighten loose doorknobs;
- replace damaged screens;
- secure loose railings;
- patch holes or cracks in walls and ceilings, then repaint;
- repair peeling wallpaper.
TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Home inspectors also pay attention to items relating to protecting the home and its occupants from danger. They can alert you to important safety precautions which home buyers will appreciate, such as:
- installing smoke detectors on each level;
- installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI's) in "wet" areas, such as kitchen counter tops, bathrooms, and exterior outlets;
- keeping flammable products away from heaters, water heaters, and fireplaces.
MAKE COSMETIC IMPROVEMENTS
An attractive, clean, and neat home will appeal to a buyer's emotions. In addition to making repairs such as those listed above, remember to
- keep the lawn mowed and the house neat;
- clean the exterior walls and trim; repaint if necessary;
- open windows shades and curtains to create a bright, inviting atmosphere; - keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean, since buyers scrutinize these areas.
PREPARE FOR THE BUYER'S INSPECTION
It's a good idea to assemble in advance various house records that can be used to answer questions from buyers and home inspectors. Specifically, you should have on hand:
- appliance receipts, service records, and warranties;
- information on the age of major components, such as the heater, air conditioner and roof;
- major component warranties (e.g. carpeting, siding, roof shingles);
- heating, water, and electric bills from the previous year.
In addition, keep areas clear to give buyers and home inspectors access to the garage, heating system, and electricalequipment.
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.

If you're getting ready to sell your home, doing so this season offers some real advantages. Although spring is the traditional high season for home listings and sales, it isn't necessarily a better time to sell. By waiting until spring to list your home, you could face more competition from other sellers. In addition, interest rates could be higher by then, discouraging some would-be buyers.Here are more great reasons to consider listing your home now:
Motivated buyers. With fewer buyers in the marketplace during fall and winter, home shoppers tend to be more serious about purchasing. Consider that many corporate moves are made during December and January. Transferees need to find new homes fast--perhaps in your neighborhood!
Fast start for kids. Some experts advise parents that the transition to a new home can be smoother for some kids when they are moved during the school year--rather than spending the summer "friend free." Starting at a new school immediately upon arrival in the area helps kids establish routines more quickly.
Seasonal charm. Selling your home during cooler weather or over the holidays heightens its "warm" appeal. Keep your home bright by turning on lights and opening curtains and shades.

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.

Your Renton neighbors decided to sell their home and move to another larger Renton home.
The moving trucks are coming in two weeks, and new neighbors will be coming soon to Renton. How do you share in your friend’s joy and welcome the new neighbors? Why not send them a unique gift basket for their new Renton home?
Everyone enjoys presents and a gift basket is easy and fun. Before you order your gift basket think about the obvious, like do your new neighbors have kids or maybe dogs. Here are a few ideas of a creative gift basket:
 If they have kids get them a gift basket with an inflatable beach ball, maybe a beach towel and some snacks for that sunny beach day they will be having soon.
 Maybe it's just a couple moving in with no kids, how about a cocktail party basket! Then they can invite all their new neighbors over for some drinks, it's a great conversation starter and a great way to make some new friends.
 An ice cream basket - a couple of spoons, an ice cream scoop, some bowls, sprinkles and just about anything you need to make a great ice cream sundae.
Just remember, we all know what it is like to move somewhere new. Let's help others feel welcome!
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.

Prepare For Winter
The fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter.
Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable thermostat. If your home is heated by a hot-water radiator, bleed the valves by opening them slightly and when water appears, close them. Remove all flammable material from the area surrounding your furnace.

Cap or screen the top of the chimney to keep out rodents and birds. If the chimney hasn't been cleaned for a while, call a chimney sweep to remove soot and creosote. Buy firewood or chop wood. Store it in a dry place away from the exterior of your home. Inspect the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing. Check the mortar between bricks and tuck-point, if necessary
Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them. Use weather stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home and caulk windows. Replace cracked glass in windows and, if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood. If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields. Switch out summer screens with glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them.

If your weather temperature will fall below 32 degrees in the winter, adding extra insulation to the attic will prevent warm air from creeping to your roof and causing ice dams. Check flashing to ensure water cannot enter the home. Replace worn roof shingles or tiles. Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.
Drain gas from lawnmowers. Service or tune-up snow blowers. Replace worn rakes and snow shovels. Clean, dry and store summer gardening equipment. Sharpen ice choppers and buy bags of ice-melt / sand.

Rake away all debris and edible vegetation from the foundation. Seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house. Tuck-point or seal foundation cracks. Mice can slip through space as thin as a dime. Inspect sill plates for dry rot or pest infestation. Secure crawlspace entrances.
Some cities require a smoke detector in every room. Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends. Install a carbon monoxide detector near your furnace and / or water heater. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work. Buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency. Drain all garden hoses. Insulate exposed plumbing pipes. Drain air conditioner pipes and, if your AC has a water shut-off valve, turn it off. If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees.
Sincerely, George, Vicki, Meri and Juli Rinehart
Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC
Email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
Phone: 206 901-1549

3 Bed 2 Bath Condo $199,950
Beautiful top floor condo recently remodeled. Features include new flooring, designer paint, light fixtures and stainless steel appliances. You will love the open kitchen; large master bedroom with walk-in closet; vaulted ceiling, and view of greenbelt. Stackable washer and dryer and all appliances are included. Convenient to the freeways and shopping. Club house with an outdoor pool, athletic court, play ground. Perfect for the first time home buyer wanting an upscale home. 1 year AHS Warranty.


3 Bed 2 Bath Condo $214,950
Very attractive, very clean, and very well priced end unit condo! Well positioned in the building close to both reserved & open parking, & only 8 steps to the unit. All appliances inc. washer/dryer stay, wood burning fireplace never used, and granite top on the pony wall between LR & DR. Five mins. to Southcenter, 12 mins. to Bellevue, new shopping down Sunset, & close to Gene Coulan Waterfront Park, which has a Lake Washington boat launch minutes away.

1 Bed 1 Bath Condo $229,900
The builder is offering 6% towards closing costs. Also, the Renton city portion of the real estate property taxes is waived for the first ten years. $100 earnest money and early move-in programs available. Certificate of occupancy as of 10/29/08





3 Bed 2.5 Bath Tri-Level $299,900
Must see VALUE! 3 bedroom / 3 bathroom home on nearly a half acre (that backs up to a green belt) offering a remodeled kitchen, an efficient & comfortable layout, large living room & family room, and a fully fenced yard with a deck / hot tub / outbuilding storage. Don't miss this opportunity to live near Tiffany Park! Enjoy!



3Bed 1 Bath 1 Story $219,000
This is one of the largest lots in the Highlands! Lots of room for pets, kid's play toys, gardening, home addition or shop. Nice sunny rambler with attached garage converted to 3rd bedroom/bonus room. Fully fenced back/side yards. RV parking also. Sq ft does not include converted garage. Thermopane windows throughout. Situated on quiet street. Close to schools, shopping and freeways for fast commute to downtown Seattle, airport, Boeing and Bellevue. Great condo alternative with fantastic yard!

With more homes on the market competing for buyers, there's been more demand than ever for the services of home "stagers" who are trained to maximize a home's appeal to a wide variety of buyers. Barb Schwarz, CEO of StagedHomes.com and a pioneer in the field, believes proper staging can dramatically improve the prospects of a home sale.
The idea of staging, Schwarz told U.S. News & World Report, is to create a look that allows buyers to "mentally move in"--to envision themselves living in the home. Here are six fundamental secrets home stagers rely on:
+ Create a well-maintained, inviting exterior. That means rake, mow, weed, power wash, trim and plant. Remove overgrown and dead or dying plants, toys, equipment and yard decorations that may not be to everyone's taste.
+ De-clutter. Pare down visible possessions--furniture, knick-knacks, decorations, countertop items--to the bare minimum. Be sure to remove photographs and personal items. De-clutter to the point where rooms feel somewhat empty and traffic flows easily through each living area. Schwarz notes that you're not selling your things; you're selling your space. And that's what buyers need to feel part of. Ultimately, you are simply packing early.
+ Balance hard and soft surfaces. Too many hard surfaces--flooring, wood furniture, tile, countertops, shutters, cabinets, etc.--make a space feel heavy. Too many soft surfaces--upholstered items, carpets and rugs, draperies, pillows, throws, linens--create an insubstantial feel.
+ Arrange by ones or threes. A single item on a small table top is sufficient, while three complementary items arranged together in a triangle on a larger table or other flat surface adds interest. Going beyond three items risks cluttering the look.
+ Create views with a room. Doorways are where visitors get their first impression of each room in your home. Make changes to rooms--furniture arrangements, artwork placement, etc.--based on what you see from the door leading in.
+ Go for "Q-Tip clean." Schwarz emphasized the need for your home to be immaculate, even to the point of using cotton swabs to clean corners and other hard-to-reach places.
I know of lots of other staging tricks that pump up a home's appeal. Feel free to call me to find out more!

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.

With the winter months ahead, many of us will be turning up the heat. If you have fuel-burning heat appliances in your home, including woodstoves, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and/or oil and natural gas furnaces, you may be at risk for Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
A colorless and odorless gas, CO can accumulate when--as a result of improper installation, poor maintenance or damage to an appliance—the fuel in use is not burned properly, or when rooms are poorly ventilated and the gas is unable to escape.

To help reduce the chance of CO poisoning in your home, the Home Safety Council recommends the following precautions and practices:

• Install at least one CO alarm in your home, specifically near sleeping areas.
• Ventilate the room when using a kerosene space heater.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up the central heating system each year and repair any leaks or other defects.
• Open the flue before you build a fire in the fireplace.
• Have a trained professional inspect chimneys each year and have any cracks repaired before using the fireplace.
• Install and use wood-burning stoves according to manufacturers' directions and in compliance with local building and safety code requirements.
• Keep gas appliances properly vented, adjusted and serviced.
• Never use a range or oven to heat your home.
• Never use a gas barbecue grill or generator inside your home or in a closed garage.
• If you have an attached garage, don't leave the car running inside the garage, even with the door open.
• Should your CO detector alert you to an increased level of carbon monoxide, turn off all heat sources and gas appliances, open windows and evacuate the home. Contact the fire department.
• CO detectors detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. They are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Likewise, smoke alarms detect smoke from a fire, but they are not designed to warn you of dangerous CO levels.

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.

One good way to start to know what prices are and how homes are looking is to get out there and look at them. Take notes, see what you like or dislike about the kitchen or the layout of a house. This will help you to find the home of your dreams when it is time to buy.

Here is a list of open houses in Renton for Sunday.
Click Here To View Them.
These link will open a new window so you might need to hold down your "Ctrl" key when you click on it.If there is any other areas you would like posted or email to you please let me know.
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.

Making The Seasonal Clothing Switch
"Sweater weather" is around the corner. There's no better time than now to organize your wardrobe for the cooler seasons ahead.
Before you put away your warm-weather outfits, divide them into two piles: one for newer or in-good-shape items you'll want to wear next spring/summer (those will go to the back of your closet), and the other for things you know you'll never wear again. If you find something you haven't worn in at least two seasons, it definitely belongs in the "must go" pile.
Make sure the clothes you are storing have been laundered or dry cleaned. If stains are left untreated, you may find them hard, if not impossible, to remove later. Store out-of-season clothes in clear garment bags, under-bed storage boxes, stackable storage chests (with cedar blocks tucked in, if necessary, to repel moths), or vacuum packs for long-term storage and space saving.
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.

Maybe you've just noticed the constellation of grease spatters behind your stovetop, or maybe you just can't remember the last time you cleaned the wallpaper in your bathroom. There are many different kinds of wallpaper out there with a variety of finishes, so it's best to follow the cleaning recommendations of your wallpaper's manufacturer.
But there are a few basic guidelines:
1. Try to stay on top of the task. Wipe up stains as quickly as possible, before the spatter has a chance to permanently stain or discolor your paper.
2. Choose a mild soap and warm water to attack ordinary dirt. When you've lifted the dirt, rinse the wall with clean water. Go back and blot up the water with a lint-free towel. If the stain isn't budging, you may be able to use a stronger detergent. Be sure to test the detergent first on an out-of-the-way spot. Again, you'll need rinse the paper after using detergent.
3. Hold the elbow grease. Now is not the time to rub spots aggressively. You may end up with discolored paper. The same holds true for solvent-type cleaners like nail polish remover and abrasives like steel wool, scouring pads or powdered cleansers. All of these can damage your wallpaper.
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 will love this. Even if you have seen this before..you'll still grin alot.
Kids Are Quick
____________________________________
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America .
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
____________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________

TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________

TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with 'I.'
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'
________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
______________________________________
TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
__________________________________

Have a great day.

Whether the culprit is weather or an energy shortage, power outages can be a real nuisance. Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross to help you get through:
Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
How To Be PreparedAssemble essential supplies, including:
Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
Bottled water and some canned, non-perishable food
Remember: Your cordless phone won't work during an outage. Be sure to have at least one conventional phone in your home in case of emergency.
Additional Reminders
 If you use a computer, keep files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer. A power converter allows most laptops (12 volts or less) to be operated from the cigarette lighter of a vehicle. Get a high-quality surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for all of your computer equipment.
 If you have an electric garage door opener, know where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it. If you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home upon return from work, be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door will not open.
 Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
 Leave one light turned on, so you'll know when your power returns.
 Keep in mind that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage.
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.

This article is about the properties of asbestos and what to do if it is found in a home. We hope that this information is useful and we appreciate the opportunity to relate information about homes to you.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks, of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. There are several kinds of asbestos fibers, all of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. The fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire. They are also long, thin and flexible, so that they can even be woven into cloth, because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. The above photo shows a typical asbestos insulated heating pipe found in older homes. During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of asbestos have been used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States. There are several types of asbestos fibers, of which three have been used for commercial applications: (1) Chrysotile, or white asbestos, comes mainly from Canada, and has been very widely used in the US. It is white-gray in color and found in serpentine rock. (2) Amosite, or brown asbestos, comes from southern Africa. (3) Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, comes from southern Africa and Australia.
Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos has been shown to cause cancer of the lung and stomach according to studies of workers and others exposed to asbestos. There is no level of exposure to asbestos fibers that experts can assure is completely safe. Some asbestos materials can break into small fibers which can float in the air and these fibers can be inhaled. The tiny fibers are so small they can not be seen with the naked eye. They can pass through the filters of normal vacuum cleaners and get back into the air. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged in tissue for a long time. After many years cancer or mesothelioma can develop.
How To Tell If Asbestos Is In A Home.
People who have frequently worked with asbestos (such as plumbers, building contractors or heating contractors) often are able to make a reasonable judgment about whether or not a material contains asbestos on a visual inspection. Many professional home inspectors also can make a reasonable visual judgment. To be absolutely certain, an industrial hygienist would have to make the identification.
What To Do About Asbestos In The Home.
In most cases, asbestos containing materials are best left alone. When it is necessary to disturb asbestos, you should contact a licensed asbestos contractor. You can also obtain a copy of Asbestos in the Home published by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (800- 638-2772) which discusses the situation and makes recommendations. Remember, do not dust, sweep, or vacuum particles suspected of containing asbestos fibers.

For more information about asbestos, visit our website at http://www.rinehartinspections.com and click "Useful Information."
email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
phone: (206) 901-1549

Hey Guy’s,

I thought this was truer than we want to think.

A man owned a small farm in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Provincial Wage & Hours Department claimed he was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent out to interview him."I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them," demanded the agent.

"Well," replied the farmer, "there's my farm hand who's been with me for three years. I pay him $200 a week plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $150 per week plus free room and board.

Then there's the half-wit. He works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night. He also sleeps with my wife occasionally."

"That's the guy I want to talk to... the half-wit," says the agent.

"That would be me," replied the farmer.



Thank you, and have a grand day!
Michael A. Marinelli [Mike]
General Manager Commercial Metal Recycling
Office: (253) 833-4146 Ext 104
General Fax: (253) 833-4148
Private Fax: (253) 638-0822

Hello,
There are 3 homes holding an open house in Renton this Saturday.
Click Here To View Them.

Also so here is a list of open houses for Sunday.
Click Here To View Them.

These links will open a new window so you might need to hold down your "Ctrl" key when you click on it.
If there is any other areas you would like posted or email to you please let me know.

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.

Kids May Need Help With Home Purchase.
As lending guidelines tighten and home prices ease, more young adults may need help from parents, grandparents or relatives to assemble enough cash for the down payment and closing costs on a home purchase. If you’re willing to help, be aware of some significant tax breaks.The IRS says any taxpayer (you) can give up to $12,000 per year to any other taxpayer (your child), and the recipient won’t have to pay the federal gift tax on the amount. Another taxpayer (your spouse) can also give $12,000. In addition, if the recipient is married, you and your spouse can each give $12,000 to that person with no tax obligation. Bottom Line: That means two parents can give a married couple up to $48,000 per year ($12,000 x 4 gifts) before the gift tax kicks in. That would equal a 20% down payment on a $240,000 property. The gifts can also be repeated the next year, say, in December and January, to multiply the available tax-free down payment.If you choose to help your child, his or her lender will ask for a gift letter from you verifying that the amount is, in fact, a gift—not a loan that you expect to be repaid. (A loan reduces the ability of the borrower to qualify for a mortgage loan and other payments.)
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.

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.
5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.
6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.
7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.
10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.
Call me. I have a great program that will let you look at all the homes on the NWMLS and let you save your favorites, see photos and much more.
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.

The following information about EIFS should prove to be useful. We hope that it helps you in determining what EIFS is, and what the potential challenges are with this product.
What is EIFS?
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an insulation board made of polystyrene foam (which is secured to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanical attachments), a water-resistant base coat applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat typically using acrylic co-polymer technology. This type of system is often referred to as artificial stucco.
The Potential Problem with EIFS
The potential problem with EIFS is that moisture can get trapped behind the highly water resistant material with no way out. This can cause the framing to rot and foster the growth of mold between the exterior and interior walls. Damp and rotting wood is also a prime target for subterranean termites. It should be stated that the potential for these conditions exist with any type of exterior siding product be it brick veneer, wood, or vinyl siding. The potential for this condition with EIFS however can be exacerbated by its superior water resistance. Once moisture gets in, regardless of its origin, it usually has no escape.
EIFS Challenges
The main locations where water tends to infiltrate into the framing structure of a building using an EIFS is around doors and windows, where the roof connects to the EIFS (roof flashing), and below extended exterior deck connections. Also, any moisture from within the home trying to find a path out will likely be thwarted by the EIFS. The EIFS industry has been plagued by class action, and individual lawsuits (particularly in humid climates). The public's confidence in the products have been shaken to say the least. The lawsuits contend that the problem is with the nature of the product and the manufacturers contend that sloppy installation and poor maintenance are the culprits. Regardless of who is "right", its clear that homes with EIFS require special scrutiny during inspection.
Sincerely, George Rinehart
Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC
email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
phone: (206) 901-1549
web: http://www.rinehartinspections.com

Questions from my blog readers.

Rayz said...
Looking at the current market trend, I’m afraid that a house I buy today will not be worth what I paid down the road. Right now I'm concerned whether I should play the waiting game some more. Also I would like to know how are these cash for properties schemes. Are they any good?

First I would like to thank everyone for stopping by and checking my blog. It was a little tuff getting started but my business strategy is to help people and the work will come. I didn’t buy my first home until I was 34 years old. I owned my own business for 10 years but was totally clueless on what was involved in buying a home. I was one of the lucky ones that happen to find a Realtor that cared about his clients. It wasn’t until I decided to become a Realtor and had finished my first year of work that I realized on just how much he had help us find the right home. I have heard many horror stories and have seen those who only care about the paycheck. I want to be the Realtor that helps his clients they way I was helped.

Now about the question. The market in our area was on overdrive. When the national average growth was 2.5% we were seeing 4.5% increase on home prices. Then lenders (the ones that only care about the paycheck) where telling clients that if you buy now we will get you money in 3 years to pay off your debts and keep your house payment the same for you. Well buying a property is an long term investment, you can't expect price boom in a year or two, the market will correct itself as it is doing now and things will get back to normal. Most Realtors believe that we are close to bottoming out in our area and I agree on that. We are fortunate with the area that we are living in. There are other areas getting a much larger down swing than what is going on here. Another large factor is that interest rates are still low. Now for an example say you want to pay around $3,000 a month on your home loan with everything included for taxes & etc. At 6% interest you’re looking at a loan amount of about $428,000 but if the interest goes up to 7% now to keep your payment at $3,000 you are looking at a loan of $382,000. You could wait to get a little better price but I don’t believe that home prices will drop over $45,000 to equal the change in the interest rates. True there is a lot more involved in setting your loan up with credit scores & down payments but I’m sure you get the main point.

Second on the cash for properties. There are a very small few, maybe 1% that this is a good idea for and even fewer that can qualify for it. The main goal here is to make that phone ring (only caring about that paycheck again). The nice thing for the people that run these ads are when someone calls them they know that person is looking to do something quickly. Now unhappily there are all kinds of persons in whatever business you’re doing and there are those who care and those who don’t. Even if you are “Upside down” on your home there are true Realtors that can help you. Sometimes it is not the answer you where looking for but there should always be a win for you and a win for me in anything we do.
I have wonderful tools that can help you be informed on what the market is doing today. If you would like to move forward on buying or selling a home 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.

Now truly is a great time to buy a home. If you--or someone you know--is ready to move up or become a first-time owner, if you plan to stay a few years and you've been waiting for the perfect time to buy--now is that time.
Here's why. Housing cycles cure themselves. Prices soften, inventories rise, savvy buyers snap up bargains, demand increases, and the market returns to normal. As buyers return that demand pushes home prices up and mortgage rates higher, according to housing economists and past history. Higher prices and higher rates mean waiting today costs you more tomorrow.
The secret is to buy while the headlines are gloomy, secure an affordable fixed-rate loan and enjoy the home you want to live in before the advantage of today's market passes you by. By taking a long-term view--as a home investment should be seen--you can weather temporarily lower prices in the area while the market corrects if you buy now with a fixed payment.

Consider these reasons why our experience shows this is a great time to buy:

1. Take your pick. Gone are the days when there were more buyers in the market than homes for sale. Then, options were few and many buyers felt they had to take what they could get whether or not it was the ideal home for them. Now, the reverse is true: There are lots of homes to choose from, and buyers can afford to be picky. Also buyers are no longer competing with property "flippers" and other investors in the marketplace.
2. Do your homework. With more properties on the market, buyers no longer feel pressured to put an offer on a home before another buyer snaps it up. Instead of making a decision on the spot, buyers can actually spend quality time visiting several homes and make a decision on their own timetable.
3. Make an offer. In the sizzling seller's market, buyers were outbidding one another--sometimes offering amounts thousands of dollars above the list price of the home they wanted. Today, buyers don't have to engage in bidding wars and--bonus--they're finding sellers more willing to entertain their offer.
4. Negotiation encouraged. In the past, many buyers, striving to gain the upper hand in bidding battles, waived contingencies for home inspection, pest, roof or sewer inspections. Sellers were able to sell their homes "as is" to buyers willing to shoulder the cost of repairs. These days, however, more buyers are shopping for warranties and asking for inspections, and, if problems are uncovered, they can reasonably expect sellers to negotiate to get a closed sale.
5. You can't beat the location. Want to live closer to work? In a better school district? Near the town center? In a larger--or smaller--home? You may be surprised at the abundance of possibilities out there that are a much better buy these days.
6. Bargains available. Qualified first-time buyers, down-sizers, second-home buyers, rental investors and others can find bargains today--if you know where to look. Bargains are available from owner short sales, lender-owned foreclosures, builder close-outs, executive relocation properties, estate sales, even tax and condemnation sales. If you are looking for a below-market value, we can help.
7. Affordable payments. Interest rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage have been hovering near 6% this year. Compare that to the average interest rate 10 years ago on a 30-year fixed, which was 6.94%; 20 years ago, 10.34%; and 30 years ago, 9.64%. From an historical standpoint, today's interest rates look terrific. Combine low rates with low prices to get low payments, and you know why now is a great time to buy.

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.

This is a newsletter with information about a specific piping known as poly piping. This will explain what it is, how to identify it, and whether or not it will fail. We hope this information is valuable for you.
Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as "the pipe of the future" and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping. It is most commonly found in the "Sun Belt" where residential construction was heavy through the 1980's and early-to-mid 90's, but it is also very common in the Mid Atlantic and Northwest Pacific states.

The piping systems were used for underground water mains and as interior water distribution piping. Industry experts believe it was installed in at least 6 million homes, and some experts indicate it may have been used in as many as 10 million homes. Most probably, the piping was installed in about one in every four or five homes built during the years in which the pipe was manufactured.


Exterior - Polybutylene underground water mains are usually blue, but may be gray or black (do not confuse black poly with polyethelene pipe). It is usually 1/2" or 1" in diameter, and it may be found entering your home through the basement wall or floor, concrete slab or coming up through your crawlspace; frequently it enters the home near the water heater. Your main shutoff valve is attached to the end of the water main. Also, you should check at the water meter that is located at the street, near the city water main. It is wise to check at both ends of the pipe because we have found cases where copper pipe enters the home, and poly pipe is at the water meter. Obviously, both pipes were used and connected somewhere underground.
Interior - Polybutylene used inside your home can be found near the water heater, running across the ceiling in unfinished basements, and coming out of the walls to feed sinks and toilets. Warning: In some regions of the country plumbers used copper "stub outs" where the pipe exits a wall to feed a fixture, so seeing copper here does not mean that you do not have poly.
While scientific evidence is scarce, it is believed that oxidants in the public water supplies, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene piping and acetal fittings causing them to scale and flake and become brittle. Micro-fractures result, and the basic structural integrity of the system is reduced. Thus, the system becomes weak and may fail without warning causing damage to the building structure and personal property. It is believed that other factors may also contribute to the failure of polybutylene systems, such as improper installation, but it is virtually impossible to detect installation problems throughout an entire system.

Throughout the 1980's lawsuits were filed complaining of allegedly defective manufacturing and defective installation causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Although the manufacturers have never admitted that poly is defective, they have agreed to fund the Class Action settlement with an initial and minimum amount of $950 million. You'll have to contact the appropriate settlement claim company to find out if you qualify under this settlement.

We hope this information is useful, and invite you to visit our website at http://www.rinehartinspections.com/ for further information about action items that need to be addressed in homes. Mention this newsletter and receive $100 off a full house inspection! We guarantee that we will be on the inspection at the time and day you need it or your inspection is free! (Major holidays excluded. Must be in daylight hours.)
Sincerely, George Rinehart

Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC

Are you thinking about buying a home with current prices dropping to a 3 year low? Here are 5 questions that you can ask yourself to see where you stand.

1. Is our rent equal to a loan payment? If you can afford to buy, it can give you one bonus that renting cannot—the lucrative tax breaks that come with owning a home:
   * Deductions for payments of mortgage interest, loan discount points and real estate taxes.
   * Home-office deductions for qualified owners.
   * Deductions for expenses if you rent out your property.
   * Home-sale capital-gains exclusion—profits up to $500,000 tax-free!
2. Are prices in our preferred area steady? In many areas of the country—even in areas with high foreclosure rates—there are neighborhoods where homes are holding their value or increasing in value while price decline is slowing.
3. Will our equity go further where homes cost less? By moving to a place where homes are less expensive—and general living costs are lower—your money will go a lot further a lot longer.
4. Will we live in this home for several years? Financial planners often advise buyers to think of real estate as you would any other large investment: The longer you hold your home before selling, the higher the probability you'll ride out any downturn and come out ahead on price when you decide to sell.
5. Is this the perfect home for us? The schools are fantastic. The proximity to your office, gym, favorite stores can't be beat. You love the area and the home, and you won't find another one like it. In a better market, you would most likely have much more competition for that home.
   If you have any questions or would just like to look around at the homes in your area I have a great program that will let you do that. Call or send a quick email to let me set up your personal web page to have full access to the homes on the NWMLS.
   

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.

In today's new real estate market the time for hesitation is past. Now is the time for action. To take advantage of the new market, the reality is clear—don't wait:

• If you are ready to move to a home where you would rather live;
• If you can afford a conventional fixed-rate loan;
• If you plan to live there or own it for several years; now is the right time to move or buy a first home, second home or rental.

Waiting rarely pays off for many reasons.I will share with you what we've learned from experience.

Recent Sales

Homes are selling in our area. Yes, there is more inventory. Yes, time on market is longer. Yes, loan requirements are tighter. Yes, there are more short sales, bank-owned foreclosures and rental bargains that pull average prices lower. But look beyond national headlines. Our local housing market is not a “bust,” “collapse,” “meltdown,” or “crash” of zero sales. In reality, good properties—high-end, middle-market, even low-end—are selling (ask us for the latest area sales figures), especially with more sellers being realistic about their asking prices to compete. Waiting simply misses out on these good values.

New Buyers

Demand is increasing because today's market has attracted “new buyers,” such as pent-up “should-have-moved” locals who put off moving in recent years; boomers with equity looking for second homes; international buyers who see properties priced to sell and enjoy favorable exchange rates; first-timers with parent and grandparent support; resized new construction that's smaller, lower-priced; long-term investors with a goal to “buy low, sell high” years from now. These buyers are buying now.

Interest Rates

Even though rates are around historic lows, demand is what makes home prices stabilize, demand makes sellers less willing to negotiate and demand pushes interest rates higher. Higher interest rates eliminate savings from lower prices. For example, if you bought a $218,900 home 12 months ago at 5.5%, your monthly payment (principal and interest) would be $994 (assume 20% down payment, 30-year fixed-rate loan). If you bought the same home today at $197,010 (assume a 10% price drop) at 6% your monthly payment would be $994. In addition, temporary increases of jumbo loan limits to $729,750 (highest-price markets) expire December 31, 2008. By waiting, any savings from a lower price may be offset by higher financing costs.

Bottoms Up?

No one can pinpoint the “bottom of the market”—except historians with hindsight. Why? Housing markets don't “bottom.” Instead, after a period of price declines, leading indicators gradually correct: Transaction volumes increase, days on market decline, prices become steady, inventory sells off, the range between list price and sales price shrinks, builders withdraw incentives as land prices and material costs rise. Indicators reflect the rebound as the housing market adjusts—but the best properties are already gone.

Simply put, the best time to buy is now, as long as you're buying the right home, at the right price and on the right terms. Call 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.

A big part of my job is matching sellers with buyers. Be sure to call me if you're looking to buy a short-sale home!
Short-Sale Process Requires Professional Help
Conducting a short sale is not a simple process, as it requires negotiations with the lender (often more than one lender is involved) as well as the buyer, who may not understand the unique intricacies of the process. That's where my expertise becomes essential. We understand the complexities and critical timing of short-sale procedures and can guide you--whether you want to sell your property as a short sale or you're interested in purchasing a short sale. Please feel free to give me a call for more information. We'll be happy to discuss all your options!
Short Sale Beats Foreclosure On Credit Report
A foreclosure is a court settlement process involving legal action and possible attorney fees. A short sale, on the other hand, is a negotiated settlement with the lender--no attorneys required. Both show up on the borrower's credit profile, but the difference between a foreclosure and a short sale is the difference between broken credit and badly dented credit. The "short sale" consumer has better options sooner in terms of buying another home, qualifying for loans or credit cards, securing reasonable interest rates, finding rental housing, even applying for insurance.
Often Lenders Prefer Short Sales To Foreclosure
Foreclosing is an expensive, time-consuming process for lenders (costing an average $50,000 per property, according to a 2007 report by the Joint Economic Committee of Congress). In a foreclosure, the lender sells the property at auction--which may also result in lower net than the outstanding mortgage--or repossesses and sells the property as "lender owned" real estate, which is a "non-performing asset" that negatively impacts the lender's ability to make loans. In short, lenders want your money not your home.
You Need An Offer To Get Short-Sale Approval
Lenders generally do not "pre-approve" borrowers to conduct a short sale. Instead, the seller-borrower finds a buyer, who makes an offer that is presented as part of a short-sale package for the lender's consideration. The package will include information such as the purchase contract, an estimate of the net from sale, a complete seller's financial disclosure and a hardship letter stating why the seller can no longer make payments. The lender often requires other information as well.If the lender is open to a short sale, their loss mitigation department orders a Broker's Price Opinion (BPO), asking a knowledgeable real estate professional to render an opinion on the market value of the property (by looking at sold prices of comparable properties, the cost of making repairs and any other factors that might impact the property's value).Assuming everything is to the lender's satisfaction, if the buyer's offer meets or exceeds the BPO, chances are the lender will accept the short-sale offer and "forgive" the difference between the offer and the outstanding mortgage.
New Law Waives Income Tax On Forgiven Debt
Until recently, mortgage debt forgiven by a lender was considered to be part of the borrower's taxable income, meaning the taxpayer would have to pay income taxes on the forgiven amount. That rule has changed: On December 20, 2007 President Bush signed into law the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which excludes forgiven mortgage debt from taxation. The exclusion only applies to a taxpayer's principal residence and to indebtedness forgiven between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2010. The excludable amount of debt is limited to $2 million. Other restrictions apply; consult a knowledgeable tax professional for all the details.
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.

If you're planning to buy investment property and financing it through a lender who sells to Fannie Mae, keep the date December 1st in mind. Nail down your mortgage commitments quickly -- in the next six weeks if you can.
That because Fannie -- who's traditionally been a key source of funding -- plans to load on extra fees across the board for investor loans purchased after December 1st because of market conditions. Freddie Mac is imposing similar fees, but its increases take effect November 7th.
Making things even tougher, some large private mortgage insurers plan to stop underwriting investor loans altogether, effectively cutting off financing support for low-down payment, high leverage rental home deals, no matter where the property is located.
Fannie's new fees will hit the full range of investors, from those with low down payments to those who are able to put down substantial cash. As of December 1, investor applications where the down payment is between 10 and 15 percent, can expect a 3.75 point adverse market fee -- that's up from two and a half points currently.
Loans where the investor put down 20 to 25 percent will be subject to a three point add- on, and even investors making hefty down payments of 40 percent or more will have to pay one and three quarter point add-ons.
The new fees come on top of earlier Fannie Mae restrictions, including limiting investor applicants to no more than four rental properties, plus a variety of restrictions on condos, including bans on mortgages in projects where more than 49 percent of the units are owned by investors.
FHA just announced a new rule change involving conversions of homes into rentals that you ought to know about as well. Though not aimed at bona fide investors, the policy change prohibits consideration of rental income on applications where an owner of an existing home proposes to acquire another unit as a principal residence using FHA financing while renting out the first home.
In a directive to lenders, FHA said it wants to avoid situations where home owners factor rental income from a vacated unit into their applications, and then don't -- or can't -- come up with the rent money needed to support the vacated house, which may then go into foreclosure.
FHA announced two key exceptions to the new policy: Relocations required by an employer where the applicant can show that there's already a one-year lease on the vacated home, or where applicants have at least a 25 percent equity stake in the property they are leaving behind.
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.

Top 10 home maintenance tips for the fall
Well fall is here and time to think about getting your home ready for winter. Fall maintenance is an important homeowner duty because it helps make homes more energy efficient during the winter months, and will safeguard homes against potential seasonal 'disasters' such as leaking roofs or home fires due to neglected chimneys. Here are ten tips to a safer warmer winter.
TIP #1 Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year. Filter changing is something homeowners can and should do themselves at least once every 2 months. Have the specialist inspecting your unit show you how to change the filter. Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.
TIP #2 Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney professional. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. If you are using a wood stove this season, be sure that the stovepipe was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local codes. If there is any doubt, a building inspector or fire official can determine whether the system is properly installed. If you have a chimney that will not be used, consider having it sealed shut.
TIP #3 Test fire alarms and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Often alarms and detectors go unattended. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working. Vacuum out the dust.
TIP #4 Remove excess leaves and damaged branches surrounding the house. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs, decks, vehicles or people.
TIP #5 Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of the water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well. Make sure gutter water drains away from your home.
TIP #6 Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney.
TIP #7 Inspect exterior walls, doors and windows. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and lower heating bills. Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.
TIP #8 Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters and handrails. Broken steps can cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping will grab a handrail for support.
TIP #9 Inspect the attic and basement or crawlspace. Insulate Voids in the Attic - The entire attic floor above a living space should be insulated with at least 6 inches, except around electrical fixtures such as recessed lights that aren't rated for contact with insulation. Damp basements and crawl spaces can become mold and mildew problems. Watch for leaks from your hot water heater, plumbing system and seeping rain water. Locate and maintain a clear access to your main water shut off valve. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.
TIP #10 Shut down sprinkler systems and outside faucets. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, while the underground sprinkler system weatherizing is best performed by industry professionals to prevent cracked pipes by having the system flushed before the cold sets in.
There's something for everyone in Renton. And here at the Renton Real Estate Blog it is our effort to keep you up to date, informed not only what is happening in Renton Real Estate but also in the community.
To see the latest news and announcements about exciting events and Real Estate opportunities in the City, have a look here
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Discover the magic of Renton and enjoy the convenient, spectacular location, outstanding value, hometown hospitality, and business-friendly environment.
Nestled on the south shore of beautiful Lake Washington, Renton is centrally located in the heart of the Puget Sound area - just 10 minutes from SeaTac International Airport, Seattle and Bellevue. Renton also offers terrific views of the Olympics, the Cascades and Mount Rainier.
Get the best of the Northwest, without high prices, hassle, traffic and expensive parking!
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Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: Snyder@KW.com
WebsiteBlogsite:
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agentand REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializingin Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellersin Washington's Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.