Five Basic Things to Consider Before Starting a Remodel
Home renovation projects are exciting. You finally have the time and energy to redo that outdated bathroom or turn your drab kitchen into a picture worthy of Instagram. But there is more to consider than just deciding what paint color you’re going to use or how a certain tile will look in the bathroom. Keep these five tips in mind before starting the renovation process.
Look at the Original Architectural Style
Always take into consideration... Read More
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What’s the Deal with Mortgage Points?
If you apply for a mortgage loan today, your lender might propose that you pay a discount point or two to get a better deal. But what are discount points exactly and will they really be beneficial?
One mortgage point is equal to 1% of the loan principal, so if you plan to take a loan for $300,000, a point is $3,000. Points are sort of a prepayment on a loan to avoid paying a certain amount of interest... Read More
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High Mortgage Rates Curb Sales
For the ninth consecutive month, existing-home sales fell, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). What’s more, both month-over-month and year-over-year sales declined in every region of the country. According to Lawrence Yun, chief economist for NAR, the decline can be attributed partly to climbing mortgage rates barring potential homebuyers from qualifying for a mortgage. “The impact is greater in expensive... Read More
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Market Statistics Around the Puget Sound Region
The market has been very dynamic for years -- either a strong seller's market or a strong buyer's market. I've put together some graphs to show what's happening.
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Past Newsletters
In case you missed a previous newsletter, all of my Out of Bounds Realty newsletters can be found here.
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The Key to Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
It’s never fun to discover mold growing in a basement or attic. Not only is it an eyesore, but it can also be quite dangerous. As with most issues, the best way to deal with mold or mildew is to prevent the problem before it begins.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a natural and necessary part of the life cycle. It helps break down organic material, and certain types of mold can actually kill harmful bacteria—for example, the antibiotic penicillin’s primary component is mold.
So, mold in and of itself is not the culprit, but it becomes a problem when it starts to promote germ growth that can stimulate allergies... Read More
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Four Morning Routines to Make Your New Year More Productive
Your waking hours can set the tone for the rest of the day. Whether you work from the office or from home, starting off the morning right can have a huge impact on how productive you are throughout the day. Looking for proven ways to increase your productivity in the mornings? Here are four tips that can help.
Skip the Social Media Scrolling
Your phone is the biggest source of distraction on your bed or desk. Learn to avoid reaching for your... Read More
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Mortgage Rates since 1971
Interest rates have changed -- jumped, some say. But, looking at the past can put into perspective how good or bad the current rates really are. Take a look.
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