Racquel's World of Real Estate

Happy 2012!

2012-01-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

It's a new year. Time to wash away the old and move forward into the future with a clean slate. I wish you the ability to see the silver lining in everything. I wish you the ability to stay positive in the face of adversity and trials. To loosely quote one of my favorite singers, Jason Gray, I wish you the ability to live in love instead of fear. Happy 2012, where anything is possible!

Is real estate scary?

2011-11-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

Rates are low, home prices are ridiculously low but buyers are waiting for the bottom to drop. Guess what?! No one knows when the bottom will drop out and once we do, it will have passed. If you've never purchased a home before because you're nervous or scared of change or the unknown....CONTACT ME!!!
I'm the oldest of 6 kids. What does that mean to you? You've got a protective big sister working for you and I'm on YOUR side. I keep things low-key, low-stress and I'm honest...like it or not. I would love to help you, your friends, colleagues or family members out even if that means answering a lot of questions to take the myths and mysteries out of buying a home and working with a lender. I have a few lenders that I work with that I've handpicked over the years because they have the high quality integrity that I require of people that I work with.
I'm a Realtor because I love it but I also work to help support my family. I will do my best for you because my children would expect nothing less from me.
What good are giving in your world today?

10 Essential Steps to Close Short Sales

2011-07-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

10 Essential Steps to Close Short Sales

New VA Loan Limits for 2011

2011-02-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

VA has just released its loan limits for 2011, and there are a few changes.

First, some background. The Veteran’s Administration provides 100% home mortgage financing, both purchases and refinances, for those who are eligible. Those people include veterans, active duty personnel, reservists/National Guard members and some surviving spouses. Additionally, there is no monthly mortgage insurance charged to the borrower. There is a funding fee that may be added to the loan, and a documented disability may cause this fee to be waived by the VA.

VA does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible person may borrow using a VA-guaranteed loan. However, VA does limit its maximum guaranty amount, and the limit varies by county.

The maximum VA loan amount for all counties across the United States is $417,000, except for the counties noted on this announcement where the loan limit is higher. Particular to Washington State, the following counties have higher VA loan limits:

* Snohomish – $500,000
* King – $500,000
* San Juan – $468,750
* Pierce – $500,000
* Clallam – $417,500

In all other counties, including Skagit, Whatcom and Island, the VA loan limits will remain at $417,000. These changes are effective from January 1, 2011 through September 30, 2011.

Shared with permission from author:
February 7, 2011
by Dean Hayes

Tax Credits Ending Soon

2010-09-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Contact me for trusted contractors to help you beat the tax credit deadlines!

Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500. Read

Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation

A federal tax credit makes adding insulation an even cheaper way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut your heating and cooling bills. Read

Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

5 Steps for Getting Ready to Buy

2010-06-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

In a recent remax.com consumer article, Lisa Escue (CDPE), with RE/MAX Masters II in Grapevine, Texas, outlines five steps buyers should take before buying a home.

Here are Escue's five steps for buyers:

Step 1. Find a Local Lender You Can Talk To in Person
Local lenders understand your market and know of loan programs that might be beneficial to you. Check with your lender on any local programs that might help with closing costs or in other ways. Even though the media have pronounced the 100-percent-financing option dead, this is not always the case. Check it out for yourself and then get pre-approved for a loan so you know how much house you're able to buy.

Step 2. Be Specific in the Area You Want To Live
Educate yourself. Familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods you're interested in, the taxes and school districts. This not only helps you narrow down your search when you need to move fast, but also helps you figure out potential mortgage payments. Search for homes in your desired neighborhoods.

Step 3. Find an Agent Specializing in the Area You Want to Live
This will save you time and effort. Once you've identified an agent, trust him or her to do the job. Agents who are thriving in this challenging market have proven their worth. They have the resources and skills to help you find your next home.

Step 4. Don't Shy Away From Houses That Need Some Work
Just because a house needs some paint or cosmetic fixes doesn't mean it's not a good buy. Most real estate agents have an address book full of trusted businesses they work with to help you fix up your new home. There’s a HUD program known as 203(k) that enables you to fold repair money into a primary mortgage; ask a RE/MAX agent in your market about the program. Read more about the 203(k) program.

Step 5. Be Prepared To Act
Sometimes the first home you see is the right one for you. Don't discount it. Remember, good deals still go fast. Take advantage of the electronic tools your real estate agent has to offer. In many instances, real estate agents have access to better information than what you can find in a standard Internet search.

© 2010 RE/MAX, LLC. RE/MAX Affiliates may share this article, provided they do not charge for it and this notice is included. All other rights reserved.

RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly on the new HAFA Short Sale Plan

2010-05-15T17:25:00.000-07:00

Short video presentation by RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly on the new HAFA Short Sale Program.

$8,000 First time home buyer tax credit set to expire

2010-03-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Have you thought about purchasing your first home? There are currently 2 tax credits, one for first time home buyers/buyers that haven't purchased a home in awhile for $8,000. There is also the tax credit for homeowners that have lived in their home the last 5 of 8 years for $6,500 for purchasing a home again. There are exceptions so please check with me to see if you qualify. You need to make an offer on a home by April 30, 2010 and close by July 1, 2010.

I would enjoy helping you purchase (or sell) a home in South Whatcom County, Alger, Bow, Burlington, Conway, LaConner, Lyman, Mount Vernon or Sedro Woolley. If you're looking for a home outside of my local expertise I can refer you to a trusted Realtor that specializes in your area, even if it's outside of Washington State.

It's a good life, I hope you're living it to the fullest potential! Stay positive and stay true!

My web site

2010-01-25T14:07:00.001-08:00

Yeah, I'm working on my web site with Christine from How It Works in Anacortes, WA. If you want to work with someone that is chalk-full of knowledge and has a sense of humor, call Christine.

Racquel's World of Real Estate

Happy 2012!

Is real estate scary?

10 Essential Steps to Close Short Sales

New VA Loan Limits for 2011

Tax Credits Ending Soon

Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation

Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

5 Steps for Getting Ready to Buy

RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly on the new HAFA Short Sale Plan

$8,000 First time home buyer tax credit set to expire

My web site