10 Ways to Improve Your Online Home Search

Are you frustrated by real estate portals and home searches that just don't work? Or, real estate search websites that advertise homes only to find out they're sold or not longer available? So are we. We've been frustrated for sometime yet even folks we know tend to use those other websites.

Good thing is there is a solution.

This may seem like a intro just to direct folks to our website, which we won't deny, yet it is more important to have accuracy paired with timeliness when searching for a home.

When buying a home, it is important to know:

• The status of a individual property.
• The active available inventory.
• How to minimize time searching and,
• Maximize property searches.

1. Create an Account with BarnettAssociates.net

Click "Sign Up" in the upper right hand corner of the website and fill in your name, email, and phone to instantly register.

Short Sales: What is a Short Sale Property?

In this introductory post, a new series is born and will take an adventure through the world of Short Sales. In What is a Short Sale Property?, we'll look look at the definition, how a property becomes and some causes of a short sale situation, and how to purchase a short sale in 2016.

Builder Report: 3rd Quarter 2015

As mid November arrives and FEDs ponder a December interest hike, lets look at how the new construction market fared through 2015's 3rd Quarter.

In this 3Q review, we'll look at the following charts:

• Lot Sales Comparison (3Q 2014-2015)
• Lot Sales by Area and Median Price
• Top Lot Sales Buyer & Sellers
• New Construction by Area
• Top Snohomish County Builders

Interested in Active New Construction homes? Search Here.

Lot Sales Comparison for 3Q 2014-2015

Comparison by Units

This time last year, Snohomish County seen nearly 3 times as many building lots sold; the County recorded 67 lot sales compared to 209 in 2014's 3rd quarter. King and Pierce Counties also showed declines yet Thurston and Kitsap recorded increases with Thurston's being significant.

Snohomish County Housing Statistics for September 2015

Snohomish County housing statistics for September 2015 are published below in 5 charts. Yet before we get to the local statistical details, we'd love to ask some questions and here your thoughts in the comment box.

• Are you looking to buy or sell prior to 2016?
• Are you anticipating big changes to the housing marketing in 2016?
• Do you think home prices have escalated to quickly?
• Does the 2015 housing market remind you of anything?

These are some questions we're pondering as the year comes to a close and what will 2016 bring for our clients. Today, Wednesday the 28th, the Federal Reserve stated it will not be raising rates even though the economic indicators remain strong and "the housing sector has improved further"- [SOURCE]

This month, we'll look at the following charts for September 2015:

• Months of Inventory
• Average Days on Market
• Supply & Demand
• Median Home Prices
• 90 Day Overview

Months of Housing Inventory

Inventory levels have remained virtually unchanged, from July, through August, and September at 2.1 months. The slight decrease may seem insignificant to sellers on the surface yet when reviewing following charts a different picture is painted.

Aerial Video: 3351 118th Dr NE Lake Stevens WA 98258

Located in Pilchuck Terrace, in northern Lake Stevens, this home is deceiving on big and roomy it actually is. Boasting over 3,800 sq.ft and features a open kitchen, formal dinging and eating area, 4 bedrooms upstairs and bonus room, theater, and 5th bedroom downstairs. Sit back and enjoy the tour and take a look at the beautiful neighborhood.

Q & A: What Does it Mean when Selling a Propety "As-Is"?

QUESTION - I am starting to see several contracts where the agents are writing something like "buyer to purchase property as is" Snohomish County.  Please refresh me on the legal ramifications of this.

ANSWER - The provision means nothing and has no significance, used in this context.  If seller is attempting to create a situation where seller has no obligation to make repairs, then the statewide forms already create that outcome.  The boiler plate terms of the statewide purchase agreement do not obligate seller to make any repairs.  If buyer asks for repairs, seller has the freedom to decline, accept or counter buyer's request.  If seller wants to communicate to a buyer that seller does not intend to make repairs, seller can say that.  That statement cannot prevent buyer from asking for repairs ... which of course seller can then refuse.

Snohomish County Housing Statistics for August 2015

With the summer coming to definitive close, I was holding-on for a couple more hot days, and with today being October 1st, lets take a look back at the Snohomish County housing market for August 2015.

Specifically in this post we'll look at charts for:

• Housing Inventory
• Days on Market
• Number of Units (Sold & Under Contract)
• Median Home Prices

Months of Housing Inventory

Housing inventory shows early signs of stabilizing around 2 months of standing inventory, however; that is still well below a balanced market of 6 months.

Since August 2013, the housing inventory has decreased by a whopping 56% which pushes the balance even further into the seller's favor.

Aerial Video: 133 Valdes Ct Camano Island, WA 98282

In this aerial drone episode, we travel to Camano Island (near the Country Club) to tour a custom built two-story home that defines Camano Island luxury properties. 

Distinctively designed with a grand entryway and Tiger Wood hardwood floors gracing the home, the main floor features the living area, formal dining room, kitchen, family and office. In the kitchen, you'll find a Sub-Zero refrigerator, double ovens, large granite slab center island and extensive counter and cabinet space along with French Doors to the outdoor cooking area, fireplace, and 1,500 sq.ft deck overlooking Cavalero Beach.

Journey upstairs, through the French doors, and into your own elegant master suite with views with luxurious master bathroom. In addition the master suite, the upstairs has 3 more bedrooms, a full bathroom and bonus room that's large enough for tables, chairs, and a pool table. 

Yet the drone doesn't fly indoors so you'll have to enjoy the views Cavalero Beach and the greater Port Susan area.

Official Property Website: http://www.barnettassociates.net/property/822908/

Q & A: Can I Have More than 1 VA Loan?

Being in the military, moving can be normal; however, it never becomes easier. Learning the local school districts, selecting and enrolling kids, getting familiar with various housing communities or nearby cities/towns, determining the best commuting path, and knowing where to buy groceries and convenience goods all make the process a bit more challenging.

Yet, when it comes to housing, the challenge can seem monumental. Snohomish County's naval base is Naval Station Everett and many sailors end up PCSing to the area and decide to grow some roots after years of deployment and station changes.

What is the Largest City in Snohomish County?

It may seem pretty self-explanatory to know what the largest city in Snohomish County is. Or, how Snohomish County cities compare to each other and where you might find subruban, rural, or urban living. Yet the census list may surprise.

Everett takes the top honors with 105,800 residents which is 31,000 more than its northern neightbor, Marysville. Everett also has the dintinguishing note of bening the 7th largest city in Washington State. 

Marysville takes 2nd with 64,140 residents which is 20,000 more residents than Edmonds.

Edmonds rounds out the top 3 with 40,490 residents.  

From this list, what surprises you regarding Snohomish County's census information? Did a ccit;s population come in under, at or over what you thought it would?