Chris Farkas Bellingham Homes Blog

Bellingham Homes For Sale - Sellers: Get Your Home Ready For Sale

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:31:00 GMT

When preparing your home for sale, a number of simple cosmetic changes often provide the biggest return on investment. Here are three tips to upgrade your house without breaking the bank:

Bring in the light . The right light creates the right mood. Adding lights to dark rooms can make your home feel warm and inviting. Bring outdoor light inside by opening curtains and installing economical suntubes.

Create Space. Many of today's buyers are looking for open rooms. Consider removing unwanted walls to make your home feel more spacious. Buyers will often pay a premium to get a bit of extra room.

Replace Flooring. Get rid of that old carpet in the den and replace it with today's newer hardwoods and laminates. You don't have to spend a lot to make a big impression!

These simple tips can help you sell your home and take advantage of today's market. Please contact us if you have any questions about selling your home. We are here to help!

Bellingham Homes - Lowest Mortgage Rates Since 1950s

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:24:00 GMT

Home buyers are getting another boost this summer with incredibly affordable financing. The average 30-year fixed-rate loan dropped in June to 4.69 percent, according to Freddie Mac. These rates are the lowest on record for the 30-year loan, and comparable with the shorter 20-year home loans offered in the 1950s.

These low rates offer today's buyer significant purchasing power. Through low interest rates and affordable monthly loan payments, many buyers will realize even greater savings than the $8,000 tax credit offered earlier in the year. Contact us today for more information on this favorable buyers' market!

Bellingham Real Estate - Existing Home Sales Remain Up

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:17:00 GMT

Existing-home sales had another strong showing in May with gains reported in the West and South. According to a June report by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), existing home-sales are on an annual pace to reach 5.66 million units for the year, approximately 19 percent above 2009 levels.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, believes the trend will continue for at least another month. "We are witnessing the ongoing effects of the home buyer tax credit, which we’ll also see in June real estate closings," he said. Congress recently extended the tax credit closing deadline to September 30, helping would-be buyers who were under contract before April 30 to qualify for the $8,000 credit.

First time buyers accounted for 46 percent in May, while repeat buyers accounted for 40 percent of transactions; the remaining sales were attributed to investors. All-cash sales held steady at 25 percent, compared to 26 percent the month before.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder said home prices appear to be stabilizing. "With distressed sales at roughly the same level as a year ago, the gain in home prices is a hopeful sign that the market is in a good position to stand on its own without further government stimulus," she said.

Summer Selling Opportunity - Bellingham Homes

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:27:00 GMT

Sellers, you have an excellent opportunity to sell your home this season, if you have the right pricing strategy in place from the start! Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell.

An Overpriced Home:
· Minimizes offers
· Lowers agents response
· Limits qualified buyers
· Lowers showings
· Lowers prospects
· Limits financing
· Wastes advertising dollars
· Nets less for the seller

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles or obligation - just honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home!

Looking For The Best Mortgage - Bellingham Homes

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:19:00 GMT

Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage — whether it’s a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan — is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You’ll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a free brochure to help guide you through this process. Download a free copy today, and please contact us for a list of preferred mortgage professionals in our area.

Existing Home Sales On The Rise - Bellingham Homes

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:14:00 GMT

Existing-home sales got a boost in April with reported 7.6 percent increase in units sold, according to a report by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). A number of factors played into the increase, including low interest rates, increased consumer confidence, and the expiring tax credit. Existing-home sales are on pace to reach 5.77 million units sold for 2010, which is 22 percent higher than the 4.70 million unit pace set one year ago.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expected the increase. "The upswing in April existing-home sales was expected because of the tax credit inducement, and no doubt there will be some temporary fallback in the months immediately after it expires, but other factors also are supporting the market," he said. "For people who were on the sidelines, there’s been a return of buyer confidence with stabilizing home prices, an improving economy and mortgage interest rates that remain historically low."

First time buyers accounted for 49 percent of April's market activity, while repeat buyers accounted for 36 percent of transactions; the remaining sales were attributed to investors. All-cash sales held steady at 26 percent, compared to 27 percent the month before.

Distressed home sales were down 2 percent in April, accounting for 33 percent of reported sales. NAR President Vicki Cox Golder explains that buyers are still active, despite the expired tax credit. "It looks like the level of home sales that close in May and June will stay elevated, but many buyers remain in the market even without the tax credit," she said. "Some Realtors tell us they are very busy with clients who are entering the market now as a result of improved conditions, while others are welcoming a slowdown from frantic market conditions in recent months."

Freddie Mac reported 30-year, conventional, fixed rate mortgages were up slightly at 5.10 percent, compared to 4.97 percent in March.

Samish Highlands Home Bellingham Homes F

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Incredible Samish Highlands custom home w/ panoramic view of Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands, Mountains, and City of Bellingham from every room in the house! Meticulous detail & first class design with Vaults, Brazilian Hardwood & Natural Travertine floors, Granite counters & Cherry cabinets throughout. Fully applianced with stainless Viking oven, super-size refrigerator, wine cooler, and steam bath generator. Situated on professionally landscaped .94 Acre Lot with gorgeous water feature.

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-49859&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Andrew Rogers

Chris Farkas www.RealBellingham.com

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Smokin' Deal - Approved Short Sale

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Walk into an amazing deal with the short sale already approved. Sweeping fairway and pond views from this golf course property. This beautifully updated home boasts an upscale custom kitchen with granite countertops and a breakfast bar. Bright open vaulted floor plan with many upgrades and lovely newer touches. Cozy second family room with gas fireplace. Premium location just 1 block to marina, beach access, clubhouse, community pool and pro shop. Motivated seller looking at all offers!

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-29040200&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Christine Farkas

HiLine Homes Dream Come True - Bellingham Homes

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Best Spring Selling Strategy - Bellingham Homes For Sale

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 23:02:00 GMT

The Best Spring Selling Strategy

An Overpriced Home:
· Minimizes offers
· Decreases agents response
· Limits qualified buyers
· Decreases showings
· Decreases prospects
· Limits financing
· Wastes advertising dollars
· Nets less for the seller

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles or obligation - just honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home!

Chris Farkas

Please watch my new TV Show on YouTube
Check out my TalkRealty Podcast

EXIT Realty Associates
Email List Of Homes
Bank Owned Homes
Stop Foreclosure
FSBO Assistance

View Sample Market Report

Tax Credit Expires April 30th Bellingham Real Estate

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:49:00 GMT

Tax Credit Expires April 30th

Looking for a great deal on a home? April may be your best chance! The Extended Home Buyers Tax Credit offers current homeowners and first-time home buyers alike an incredible tax-saving opportunity when they buy a home through April 30, 2010. First time buyers, who haven't owned a primary residence in the past three years, are eligible for a tax credit of 10 percent of a home's purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. Current homeowners are also eligible for a tax credit of their own. Homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of a home's purchase price, up to maximum of $6,500.

The following conditions apply:

The tax credit is only awarded on homes purchased for $800,000, or less.
Full tax credit is available to buyers earning up to $125,000 a year, or $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Partial tax credit is available to buyers earning between $125,000 to $145,000, or for married couples earning between $225,000 to $245,000.
Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close.

Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close. National Association of REALTORS president Vicki Cox Golder said some buyers are just starting to realize the urgency involved. "If home buyers want this tax credit, there is literally no time to waste," she said.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the buyers tax liability, and does not have to be paid back as long as the buyer remains in their home for three years or more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer to have Uncle Sam help you buy a house. Don't let this opportunity pass you by!

Chris Farkas

Please watch my new TV Show on YouTube
Check out my TalkRealty Podcast

EXIT Realty Associates
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Bank Owned Homes
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1,734,000 Bellingham Townhome

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Varsity View - High demand townhomes in the heart of Happy Valley. All units have 4 bd, 3 bth, 2-story, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, dishwashers, forced-air furnace, big lots, 1298-1407 sq ft, views, and have been leased with zero vacancy the past 6 years! Just minutes from WWU campus. Low maintenance units-very easy to manage; tenants pay all utilities including power, water/sewer & garbage. Each unit has own parcel number and can be bought as a package or as individual town home units.

Full Details: http://www.andyr.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-29153313&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Andrew Rogers

Chris Farkas

Please watch my new TV Show on YouTube
Check out my TalkRealty Podcast

EXIT Realty Associates
Email List Of Homes
Bank Owned Homes
Stop Foreclosure
FSBO Assistance

View Sample Market Report

Existing Home Sales Report - Bellingham Homes

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Existing Home Sales Report

The number of existing home sales declined nationally in February despite gains in the Northeast and Midwest. Sales were down 0.6% for the month of February, according to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Although levels dropped this winter, existing homes sales are on pace to reach 5.02 million units in 2010, which is up 7% from the 4.69 million-unit pace from February 2009.

Weather definitely played a part in the slowdown, says NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. "Some closings were simply postponed by winter storms, but buyers couldn’t get out to look at homes in some areas and that should negatively impact near-term contract activity," he said. "The key test for a durable recovery comes in the next few months as the tax credit deadline approaches. "If we see a surge in home buying comparable to last fall in the months leading up to the original tax credit deadline, then enough inventory should be absorbed to ensure a broad home price stabilization."

Many buyers are taking advantage of the low mortgage rates available from today's banks. Freddie Mac reported in February that a 30-year, conventional fixed rate mortgage was hovering in the high-4 to low-5 percent range.

Chris Farkas

Please watch my new TV Show on YouTube
Check out my TalkRealty Podcast

EXIT Realty Associates
Email List Of Homes
Bank Owned Homes
Stop Foreclosure
FSBO Assistance

View Sample Market Report

$1,190,000 5 Bed 4.5 Bath Bellingham Home - Priced to Sell!

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Incredible Samish Highlands custom home w/ panoramic view of Bellingham Bay, San Juan Islands, Mountains, and City of Bellingham from every room in the house! Meticulous detail & first class design with Vaults, Brazilian Hardwood & Natural Travertinefloors, Granite counters & Cherry cabinets throughout. Fully applianced with stainless Viking oven, super-size refrigerator, wine cooler, and steam bath generator. Situated on professionally landscaped .94 Acre Lot with gorgeous water feature.

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-49859&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Andrew Rogers

Chris Farkas

Please watch my new TV Show on YouTube
Check out my TalkRealty Podcast

EXIT Realty Associates
Email List Of Homes
Bank Owned Homes
Stop Foreclosure
FSBO Assistance

View Sample Market Report

Search Homes By Neighborhood

Priced to Sell! 5 Bed 3.25 Bath Bellingh

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This stunning home offers southern exposure, lowbank waterfront, dock with lift and a lake view from nearly every room! Vaulted ceilings add ambience. House has an updated kitchen; lrg deck and sport court are perfect for entertaining. Upstairs has 4beds incl gorgeous master suite with custom tiling and radiant heat. Main floor bedroom great flex room for exercise, office or guests and spacious family room is the place to gather for a ball game. Don't miss waterfront living at its finest!

Full Details: http://www.andyr.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-31259&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Brett Nichols

Chris Farkas

Please watch my new TV Show on YouTube
Check out my TalkRealty Podcast

EXIT Realty Associates
Email List Of Homes
Bank Owned Homes
Stop Foreclosure
FSBO Assistance

View Sample Market Report

Your Path To A More Affordable Mortgage

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:13:00 GMT

Gorgeous home in one of Sudden Valley's finest areas

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:10:00 GMT

Gorgeous home in one of Sudden Valley's finest areas. With 2,484 sq ft, 4 bed, 2.5 bth's, this home is light & bright and in New Condition! Nice open floor plan with main floor master suite. Skylights, french doors, luxurious master bath, gas fireplace, open kitchen, dining, huge family room, hardwood & ceramic tile floors, and stone finishes. Feels very warm & cozy yet has lots of space! Attached 2-car garage with level entrance to main floor. Need quick sale!

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-41513&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Andrew Rogers

Much Bigger Than It Looks - Bellingham Homes

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:04:00 GMT

Much bigger than it looks. Gorgeous 3 story home loaded with hardwood floors, oak cabinetry, granite countertops, ceramic tile and crown molding. Great floor plan features 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, master suite, vaulted ceilings, stainless appliances, open staircase, and much more. There are over $35,000 in upgrades including window coverings, central vac, 2 fire places, recessed lighting, big fully fenced yard, huge deck and patio for entertaining. Owner has moved out of state. Make offer!

Full Details: http://www.exitrealtybellingham.com/moreinfo.html?mlsid=14-27199868&noreg=1

Listing Courtesy of Andrew Rogers

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Unable To Modify - Experienced Short Sale Agent Can Help

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 12:01:00 GMT

President Obama on Working Through the Mortgage Crisis

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT