On Saturday, The Lewis's Were Strangers. By Sunday, They Were Our Raving Fans. :-D
Ricklie Stone & Ron Waxman // Welcome to the SeattleResults.com blog! Ricklie and Ron energetically work as a team to provide extraordinary service to buyers and sellers in Greater Seattle. We work hard for our clients, but have fun in the process -- and we get the job done. We're passionate about what we do and hope you'll visit this blog often for useful information, captured moments with our treasured clients and whatever else strikes our fancy (including a peek inside our listings and favorite Seattle spots)! When you're looking to buy or sell your home, contact SeattleResults.com at 206.353.7107 for The Results You Need -- we look forward to being of service!
Great news if you're thinking about buying or selling a home over the holidays! Interest rates are low making this an excellent time to purchase a home or to refinance.
If you're a buyer, the end of the year is always a great time to buy as there's less buyers to compete with (many drop out for the holidays) and the sellers whose homes stay on market are serious about selling -- creating a perfect opportunity to negotiate the very best price!
If you're a seller, note that inventory is low now so the serious buyers who are out there are having a harder time finding their perfect fit. Listing now may give them the home of their dreams and move you on to your next house.
There's additional incentive in the market right now -- the extension of the $8000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers. This new legislation increases eligibility to couples with income up to $225,000, nearly $55,000 more than previously allowed! Additionally, the legislation now allows move-up homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years to receive a maximum credit of $6,500 if they make a move and close prior to April 30th of next year. ( If you're curious as to whether you qualify or have any questions about this new legislation, call or email us – we’re happy to be of service.)
It's confusing (particularly if you've closed a real estate transaction on the east coast) so we’re going to address it in writing and hope this is helpful to those of you in the midst of a real estate transaction. Here's the question: What do I have to do on the day of closing? The answer is celebrate! Seriously.
In Washington, the last activity for you, the buyer, occurs approximately three days prior to the close date -- that's when you'll sign the loan documents at Escrow and turn over the necessary funds to close the transaction. If you are bringing money to closing, you'll need to provide the funds in the form of a Cashier’s Check or make arrangements with the Escrow company you're using to have the money wired directly to them (personal checks are NOT accepted). Also, be sure and bring your driver's license with you (it must be valid) or a Passport as Escrow will need a Photo ID in order to have the authority to notarize the closing documents.
What happens on the actual close date? The day of closing is when the funds are released to the seller (as defined by the terms in the Purchase & Sale Agreement) and the deed to your new home is recorded with the County. Once the recording numbers are released by the County (generally, in the late afternoon) your Realtor has authority to give you the keys to your new home!
Questions? Just let us know. We’re happy to address any real estate issues that aren't clear. Hope this gives closure to the closing question!
