First Time Homebuyer Assistance

I’ve been doing research on homebuyer assistance programs. I’ve found a few programs for first time homebuyer to consider.

One is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. The loans have fixed interest rates that are typically below market, with 100% financing, and down payment assistance as well. To qualify you must first attend a free (5hr) Homebuyer Education seminar and use a Commission-trained loan officer. For more information go to http://www.wshfc.org/ .

The downside…the 5 hour seminar is a large time commitment. Also, the program’s money is pooled, which occasionally runs out. When it runs out, the homebuyer is placed on a waiting list.

A couple others are AmeriDream and HART (House Action Resource Trust), both non-profit organizations. With these the homebuyer receives gift money for their down payment, which they don’t have to pay back. AmeriDream offers a gift of up to 10% of the homes value and HART's gift is up to $15,000. Where does the “gift” money come from?...the home-seller. For more information go to http://www.ameridream.org/Homebuyers/ or http://www.hartprogram.com/staging/nuke/index.php .

The downside…the seller must cooperate. Also, some sellers may look at this proposal as a scam and it will take an extra effort to convince them otherwise. Although, with the seasonal slow down coming up fast it may be an option more sellers will consider.

A good time to buy!

The real estate market has softened in Seattle and mortgage interest rates are low…sounds like a good time to buy!

It has been a long time since Seattle’s market has seen these conditions. With home prices cooling a bit, buyers are in a stronger position to negotiate the terms of a deal to their advantage. In addition, the cost of buying is still historically low with interest rates just above 6%. Also, the fundamentals of Washington State's economy remain strong which points to continued growth.

If you are currently renting or if you are an investor who is looking for rental property now is a good time to buy.

Letter of Recommendation from a First Time Home Buyer

To Whom It May Concern:

If you are contemplating taking the steps towards buying or selling a home, whether you are a first time buyer or a veteran homeowner, I strongly recommend you give Andrew Parker a call.

Recently, I experienced the pleasure of buying my first home. When I first started looking the whole process seemed rather daunting, and for good reason. Buying a home is not to be taken lightly; there are a lot of moving parts and it will most likely be the biggest investment you ever make. As such, I wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible. After looking online and scouring the papers I decided to get serious and called Andrew. I had met Andrew through volunteering and knew he was a trustworthy, friendly, experienced and intelligent realtor that would really work for me. I also specifically sought out Andrew because I knew he was not someone that would rush me to a decision.

Let’s just say I was thoroughly pleased with my choice. Andrew always provided me with up-to-date information on relevant houses in my price range and in the areas I was looking. In the houses we toured, he pointed out the good and the bad of each, making sure I had all the information I needed to make my decision. This was extremely helpful, as there were many things that can only be known with experience and I would have missed. When it finally came time to start signing papers, he talked me through each page and made sure I understood what I was signing before we moved on. He answered all my questions in a timely manner, returned all my calls and emails promptly and acted as a great liaison between the others we interacted with during the process.

When the dust settled, I was the owner of a great house and couldn’t be happier. Andrew definitely surpassed my expectations and can expect a call from me if I ever need his expert services again! I hope you give him a call, too.

Sincerely,

Nate Lemberg

Magnolia Summer Festival and Art Show

The registration deadline for the Magnolia Art Festival has been extended to July 31st. If you’d like to participate fill out and mail the registration form in today! Registration Form For more information go to http://www.andrewlparker.com/magnoliaartfest.htm

Seattle Real Estate Market Review

For the greater Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, and Greenlake areas home appreciation slowed for the month of June 2007, and when comparing June of 2007 to 2006 there where also fewer sales. A total of 274 in comparison to 316, a drop of 13%.

The average home appreciated 3.7% and the median home appreciated 3.1%, which is much less than what has been seen for some time. Buyers are still snatching up well priced homes though. Homes that sold within the first 30 days, were purchased for 101% of the listing price (% sp/lp), but homes that sold between 31 to 60 days were purchased for 97.89% (% sp/lp). A difference of just over 3%.

April was a hot month with the average home selling for 16% and the median selling for 11%more than in 2006. May was also a good month with an average of 10% and a median of 7%.

Typically the first 6 months of the year are the strongest and the market maybe beginning to slow for the year because the first 15 days of July look to be continuing June's trend.

Andrew Parker Jazz Quintet

In addition to my work as a Realtor, I play the saxophone and graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a degree in jazz performance. I'm excited to share with you the news of my upcoming performances with my jazz quintet this summer.

On July 12th from 6-8 PM I’ll be performing at the park by the Magnolia Community Center, and on August 3rd from 3:00-3:45 PM I’ll be on the Main Stage of the Magnolia Summer Festival.

My quintet features Thomas Marriott on trumpet, Geoff Harper on bass, Joshua Rawlings on piano, and Matt Page on drums.

Click here to listen to an orginal of mine title "Look East".

By the way, this month I won't be participating with the Ballard Art Walk. Instead, I'll be at the Summers Best Beer Taste at the PNA. If you'd like more information go to: http://www.phinneycenter.org/events/beer_summer.shtml

I hope to see you there!
-Andrew

Real Estate Market Review

March 2007

For the greater Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, and Greenlake areas March of 2007 beat 2006! More homes sold plus the average sales price divided by listing price (avg % sp/lp) is up about 1% from 101% in February to 102.5%. The market has heated up!

Sellers as I've mentioned before, homes that are not priced right take longer to sell and typically sell for less. Choose your asking price wisly. In March homes that sold within the first 30 days sold for 102.5% (avg % sp/lp) compared to homes that sold from 31 to 60 days sold for 98.66% (avg % sp/lp). A differance of almost 4% is nothing to sneeze at.

Appreciation continues to look good. When comparing the month of March in 2007 to 2006, the average home appreciated 8.4% and the median home appreciated 9.5%.

Buyers, be ready to move when you find the home that fits your criteria. The market is hot so expect multiple offers and escilation clauses for the gem properties.

Coming soon, the list of homes sold in zip codes 98119, 98199, 98107, 98117, and 98103 for March 2007.

Ballard Art Walk April 2007

This month I'll be hosting photographer Zachary Folk at the Ballard Art Walk. Zac's photos span about three years begining in Bangkok and ending here in Seattle. Most of the images were taken with a Holga camera, which is a small toy from Russia with a plastic lens. It is sure to be another great show so please stop by. To preview Zac's work go to www.andrewlparker.com/artwalk-Folk.htm.

April's art walk is on Saturday the 14th and runs from 6 to 9 PM. The address of my office is 1718 NW 56th Street, Seattle, WA 98107, and as always wine and hors d’oeuvre will be served.

I hope to see you there!

Big Climb for Leukemia

The Big Climb for Leukemia took place on Sunday. Team RE/MAX made it to the top of the Bank of America Center, all 69 stories, successfully. In addition, we raised $950.00 for the cause. A BIG THANK YOU goes to all of our supporters, and if you’d still like to make a donation it not too late. Go to http://www.active.com/donate/2007bigclimb/bc07AParker and support this worthy cause.

The top two fund raisers are:
Andrew Parker $605.00
Katy Mills $345.01

The racing results are as follows:
Mary Tepky 15 minutes and 30 seconds
Jerry Allensworth 16 minutes and 15 seconds
Ken Gronvold 18 minutes and 8 seconds
Andrew Parker 19 minutes and 16 seconds
Robert Sailand 21 minutes and 25 seconds
Ruth Gronvold 23 minutes and 20 seconds

WAY TO GO RACERS!!!

Homes Sold in zip codes 98119, 98199, 98107, 98117, and 98103 February 2007

Compared to January, home sales in February picked up nicely. In February, 203 homes sold in Seattle zip codes 98119, 98199, 98107, 98117, and 98103. Of those, 121 sold within the first 30 days and received 100.25% of the listing price, 29 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 99.14% of the listing price, 22 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 98.41% of the listing price, 12 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 99% of listing price, and 9 sold 120+ and received 98.85% of listing price. In February of 2006 fewer homes sold but the price-sold compared to the price-listed has slipped by about 1%.

I advise Sellers to be careful when choosing a listing price. As it clearly shows above, homes that are not priced right take longer to sell and typically sell for less. Appreciation is looking good for the greater Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Greenlake area. The average home appreciated 8% and the median home appreciated 9% for the month of February 2006 compared to 2007. See below for more specific information for each zip code.

I advise Buyers to be ready to move when they find a home that fits their criteria. As it show above there is competition for homes that are priced right.

Zip Code 98119 Residential and Condo

A total of 25 homes sold in 98119. Of those 15 sold within the first 30 days and received 98.98% of the listing price, 4 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 97.45% of the listing price, 3 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 97.29% of the listing price, 1 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 98.27%, and 2 sold 120+ days and received 97.34% of the listing price.

View Listings link will be available for 30 days. http://locator.nwmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Locator&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=lTGmPH3gZKprsGBYNIDVhOaoxIIPzhZh%2BwECytdTlJo%3D&KeyRid=1

Zip Code 98199 Residentual and Condo

A total of 23 homes sold in 98199. Of those 13 sold within the first 30 days and received 100.84% of the listing price, 0 sold between 31 and 60 days, 5 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 97.19% of the listing price, 5 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 99%, and 0 sold 120+ days.

View Listings link will be available for 30 days. http://locator.nwmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Locator&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=lTGmPH3gZKprsGBYNIDVhIrhCpWdjVq8wlrdU6PZ5rc%3D&KeyRid=1

Zip Code 98107 Residential and Condo

A total of 39 homes sold in 98107. Of those 18 sold within the first 30 days and received 99.56% of the listing price, 7 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 100.11% of the listing price, 7 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 100.51% of the listing price, 4 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 98.89% of listing price, and 3 sold 120+ and received 99.8% of listing price.

View Listings link will be available for 30 days. http://locator.nwmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Locator&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=lTGmPH3gZKprsGBYNIDVhDYG2k1i0vo3NCMEiAjt31A%3D&KeyRid=1


Zip Code 98117 Residential and Condo

A total of 34 homes sold in 98117. Of those 26 sold within the first 30 days and received 100.58% of the listing price, 5 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 99.62% of the listing price, 0 sold between 61 and 90 days, 3 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 99.27% of listing price, and 0 sold 120+ days.

View Listings link will be available for 30 days. http://locator.nwmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Locator&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=lTGmPH3gZKprsGBYNIDVhOR0hk7nKzHlEG95V%2BpLJ%2BU%3D&KeyRid=1

Zip Code 98103 Residential

A total of 82 homes sold in 98103. Of those 49 sold within the first 30 days and received 100.5% of the listing price, 13 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 99.23% of the listing price, 7 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 98.04% of the listing price, 9 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 99.11% of listing price, and 4 sold 120+ days and received 99.23% of listing price.

View Listings link will be available for 30 days. http://locator.nwmls.com/scripts/mgrqispi.dll?APPNAME=Locator&PRGNAME=MLSLogin&ARGUMENT=lTGmPH3gZKprsGBYNIDVhCJFICp3l9A5jQolkHgvuwk%3D&KeyRid=1

Ballard Art Walk in March 2007

As part of the Ballard Art Walk, I’ll be hosting artist Akiko Kino in March. Akiko is a long-time resident of Tokyo, who has lived in the States for nearly three years. Her use of a knife instead of a brush to apply paint gives her paintings texture and dimension that you’ll want to see in person to truly appreciate. I expect this to be a great show so please stop by. To preview Akiko’s work go to http://www.andrewlparker.com/artwalk-Kino.htm.

March's art walk is on Saturday the 10th and runs from 6 to 9 PM. The address of my office is 1718 NW 56th Street, Seattle, WA 98107, and as always wine and hors d’oeuvre will be served.

Homes Sold in zip codes 98119, 98199, 98107, 98117, and 98103 January 2007

In January 134 homes sold in Seattle zip codes 98119, 98199, 98107, 98117, and 98103. Of those 53 sold within the first 30 days and received 99.46% of the listing price, 34 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 98.36% of the listing price, 28 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 98.15% of the listing price, 10 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 97.65% of listing price, and 9 sold 120+ and received 93.74% of listing price.

January of 2006 had a similar number of homes sold but the price sold to price listed has slipped slightly. I advise Sellers to be careful when deciding a listing price. As it clearly shows above homes that are not priced right take longer to sell and may sell for less.

Appreciation is looking good for the greater Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Greenlake area. The average home appreciated 12% and the median home appreciated 7% for the month of January year-to-date.

See below for more specific information for each zip code.

Zip Code 98199 Residential and Condo

A total of 15 homes sold in 98199 during the month of January. Of those 6 sold within the first 30 days and received 99% of the listing price, 4 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 98% of the listing price, 1 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 93% of the listing price, 1 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 98% of listing price, and 3 sold 120+ and received 98% of listing price.

Zip Code 98119 Residential and Condo

A total of 17 homes sold in 98119 during the month of January. Of those 8 sold within the first 30 days and received 98% of the listing price, 3 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 98% of the listing price, 5 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 99% of the listing price, 0 sold between 91 and 120 days, and 1 sold 120+ and received 98% of listing price.

Zip Code 98107 Residential

A total of 17 homes sold in 98107 during the month of January. Of those 8 sold within the first 30 days and received 99.8% of the listing price, 1 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 100% of the listing price, 5 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 100.5% of the listing price, 2 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 100% of listing price, and 1 sold 120+ and received 93% of listing price.

Zip Code 98107 Condo

A total of 15 homes sold in 98107 during the month of January. Of those 6 sold within the first 30 days and received 100.65% of the listing price, 4 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 98% of the listing price, 2 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 97% of the listing price, 1 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 97% of listing price, and 0 sold 120+ days.

Zip Code 98117 Residential and Condo

A total of 25 homes sold in 98117 during the month of January. Of those 10 sold within the first 30 days and received 99.8% of the listing price, 6 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 98% of the listing price, 7 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 99.5% of the listing price, 2 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 96% of listing price, and 0 sold 120+ days.

Zip Code 98103 Residential

A total of 33 homes sold in 98103 during the month of January. Of those 8 sold within the first 30 days and received 99.3% of the listing price, 12 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 98.4% of the listing price, 8 sold between 61 and 90 days and received 94% of the listing price, 3 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 97% of listing price, and 2 sold 120+ days and received 88% of listing price.

Zip Code 98103 Condo

A total of 12 homes sold in 98103 during the month of January. Of those 5 sold within the first 30 days and received 99.5% of the listing price, 4 sold between 31 and 60 days and received 100% of the listing price, 0 sold between 61 and 90 days, 1 sold between 91 and 120 days and received 100% of listing price, and 2 sold 120+ days and received 96% of listing price.

Information From Reliable Sources, But Not Guaranteed.

Artist Colleen Lambert at the Ballard Art Walk in February 2007

My artist for February's Ballard Art Walk is Colleen Lambert. She has a deep appreciation for the fine realist art of the past. With over twenty-five years experience as a fine artist, muralist and art instructor, I'm excited to have Colleen display her work at my space. To preview the show go to http://www.andrewlparker.com/artwalk-lambert.htm.

Saturday February 10th, 2007 from 6 to 9 PM at the FORUM CENTER located at 1718 NW 56th Street, Seattle, WA 98107.

Big Climb for Leukemia

Once again I’m proud to announce that I have created a team to take part in the Big Climb for Leukemia on March 18th. I will be taking the stairs to the top of the Columbia Center in downtown Seattle, which will be a climb of 69 flights of stairs or 1,311 steps in an effort to raise money for the fight against Leukemia & Lymphoma.

As you are able, please help me reach my goal. I hope to personally raise $1,000.00 for this event, and your pledge of $35.00 or more will be greatly appreciated. Make your check out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and mail it to me Andrew L. Parker at RE/MAX Mutual Realty, 1718 NW 56th Street, Suite 210, Seattle, WA 98107.

If you'd like to join my team please let me know. We will be meeting once a week to train. It's a great opportunity to get in shape and have some fun.

For more information regarding the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society visit my website at http://www.andrewlparker.com/bigclimb-More%20Info.htm or to track our progress visit http://www.andrewlparker.com/bigclimb.htm.

Giving Back to the Community

I have had a goal to give back to the community as much as I can, and I’m proud to have had a helping hand in many worthwhile causes. Looking over the past year the goals that have been achieved are exciting and I’d like to take a moment and share them with you.

• In February and March, Faces for life, a fund raiser for the Puget Sound Blood Center, raised over $440,000.00. http://www.andrewlparker.com/facesforlife.html

• In July and November, the Summer’s Best Beer Taste and the Winter Beer Taste were both held by the Phinney Neighborhood Association. Between these two events over $24,000.00 was raised for the PNA. http://www.andrewlparker.com/bestbeertaste.htm

• As part of every transaction closed by the Realtors in my office, a portion of it goes to the Children’s Miracle Network. In 2005 our office was recognize by RE/MAX International as the top office on the West Coast. In 2006 we are poised to surpass 2005 by raising over $8,000.00. http://www.andrewlparker.com/artwalk.htm

• In March the BIG CLIMB FOR LEUKEMIA was held, which challenges participants to climb to the top of the Columbia Tower (by stairs) to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Team RE/MAX raised over $2,500.00 for this event and the grand total raised was over $460,000.00. http://www.andrewlparker.com/bigclimb.htm

• Each month of the year I have the pleasure of hosting a talented artist in the conference room at my office as part of the Ballard Art Walk. I have gotten to meet many inspiring individuals and am proud to help promote their work. http://www.andrewlparker.com/artwalk.htm

• In early August last year I helped with the Magnolia Summer Festival and Art Show, which supports local artists and the community as a whole. http://www.andrewlparker.com/magnoliaartfest.htm

In 2007 I look forward to continuing to support many of these organizations, and I’m proud to announce that I have been invited to become a member of the Board of Directors at the Phinney Neighborhood Association and the Co-Chair for the Arts Show with the Magnolia Summer Festival.

I recently read a quote that I’d like to share with you for the coming year.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place ...
to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. “
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for your support and have a happy holiday season!!!
-Andrew

Happy Holidays!!!

Ballard Art Walk December 2006

As part of the Ballard Art Walk, I’ll be hosting artist Kenneth A. Marulis in December. Ken’s work borrows from the Cubist style of Picaso using themes from current events in bright wonderful colors. I expect this to be a great show so please stop by. To preview Ken’s work go to http://www.andrewlparker.com/artwalk-Marulis.htm.

December’s art walk is on Saturday the 9th and runs from 6 to 9 PM. The address of my office is 1718 NW 56th Street, Seattle, WA 98107, and as always wine and hors d’oeuvre will be served.

Your Name is Being Sold

I recently found out about this and opted out for life. Read below.
-Andrew

Each time ones credit is checked, the “inquiry data” that the credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, Innovis, and Experian) have on file becomes a commodity. This information is being sold by the credit bureaus to others.

The credit bureaus have found a way to increase their revenues without the permission of the individual whose credit was check. These “inquiry leads” include name, address, phone numbers (including unlisted), credit score, current debt and debt history, property information, age, gender and estimated income.

The consumer credit reporting industry has provided a way to “opt out” and remove your name from these lists. Contact them by phone at 1-888-567-8688 or online at http://www.optoutprescreen.com/. One must opt out at least 48 hours prior to having a credit check to make sure it is processed on time. Five year or lifetime options are available. The lifetime option requires a signed form.

Also, opting out will protect one from “pre-approved credit offers” arriving via mail, which is one of the leading causes of identity theft in the US.

This Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Buy In Seattle

If you’ve been frustrated by too much competition for too few homes, your time to buy is now.

There are a few reasons why the timing is good. First, the holiday season is upon us which brings the normal slow down for this time of year. In the past, I’ve helped many of my clients find better deals during the holiday season, than they’d find otherwise.

Second, there is an increased inventory compared to a year ago. This represents a slowing market. It still favors sellers but it is not as crazy as it has been in the past.

Although the marked is slowing, home prices continue to appreciate. In King and Snohomish Counties the median priced home was up over 10% from October 2005 to 2006.

The market forecast continues to look good as well. Unlike many other areas of the country, Seattle’s housing fundamentals are strong. Job growth looks great, personal incomes are increasing, and there is a population influx. Add this to the urban growth boundary and a growing desire of individuals to get out of their cars and live closer to their work all bodes well, especially for neighborhoods close to Seattle.