Hi all: I hope you're well! If you're in a sunnier clime right now, stay there. It's not cold here but it's raining to beat the band. We usually can expect this weather for a while now. It's 2 Days until QM or the Qualified Mortgage. I have written on this topic previously. Beginning with the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 and culminating with the new Qualified Mortgage, the mortgage industry has been completely revamped by our government. I'm not saying this didn't need to happen. The days of easy money found earlier this new millenium also were partly to blame for the whole real estate meltdown that started near the end of 2006.  With the new QM or Qualified Mortgage we are getting back to simpler guidelines and the burden of proof is more like it was in the old days. When we bought our first... 01/08/2014

    West Bellevue’s real estate market giving mixed signals   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,998,000 up from  last week’s $1,95,000.  Inventory has been decreasing lately but the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been falling. With  days-on-market climbing, these are mildly negative indications for the market.   Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this current levels, even though they  bumped up a bit this week.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before... 01/05/2014

    West Bellevue’s real estate continues its streak   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,950,000 down from  last week’s $1,772,500.  Inventory has been lightening lately but the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been trending up. Though  days-on-market is increasing , these are mildly positive indications for the market.   Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this current levels, even though they  bumped up a bit this week.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index... 12/26/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate takes a (seasonal) breather   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,772,500 down from  last week’s $1,786,000.  Inventory has been decreasing lately but the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) is following also.  With  days-on-market climbing,  these are relatively negative implications for the market.   Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these levels. Lo... 12/13/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate showing  slowing signs    This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,786,000 up from  last week’s $1,749,500.  Inventory has been decreasing lately but the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) is following also.  With  days-on-market is increasing,  these are relatively negative implications for the market.   Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these levels. Loca... 12/05/2013

  Nestled in-between mountain and lake views in Bellevue Washington, Bellevue High School stands as one of the top high schools in the country. Bellevue High School made Newsweek’s 2013 list of ‘America’s Best High Schools’ once again this year.  BHS ranks 5th in the  state and 242nd in the nation.  There are approximately 1,469 students enrolled in the school.  Bellevue High School teaches the towns of Medina, Yarrow Point, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point and Beaux Arts, and also the neighborhoods of Downtown Bellevue, Enatai, Wilburton and Woodridge.                                                                                               Bellevue High School has long been recognized for its excellence in academics.  The Washington Post placed BHS on its “America’s Most Challenging High S... 11/26/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate inventory lightening market times up   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,749,500 up from   last weeks $1,729,500.  Inventory has been lightening  lately and the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been trending up.  Though  days-on-market is increasing,  these are mildly positive indications for the market.   Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from thes... 11/26/2013

Hello all: I hope you're well and gearing up for the Thanksgiving Holiday! I recently blogged about QM or the Qualified Mortgage. For those of you who may not be aware, January 10, 2014 is the date of the new interpretation of the Qualified Mortgage as written in the Dodd-Frank bill of 2010. Qualified Mortgages will be primarily for borrowers with good credit (ideally above 740), loan to values of less than 80% and conforming loan requests up to the maximum allowed by your county. If a loan isn't deemed to be a qualified mortgage, it doesn't mean it can't be done. But the interest rate and the terms of the loan may be different. It's quite possible that a new sub-prime loan category emerges. Oh boy! All lenders are pretty concerned about how things will change. The biggest thing is the ... 11/26/2013

Replacing your windows can be one of your home's most attractive features and can also provide you with convenient ventialtion, ease of use, superior natural light, and cleaning convenience not found in older windows. Window Replacement Bellevue Green City Window and Door If you have an older home or have inefficient windows you could be throwing 30% of your heating and cooling dollars out the window, literally. On average, the owner could expect to recoup approximately 69% upon the sale of the home when replacing their older windows with new energy efficient windows. Window Replacement Bellevue Green City Window and Door http://www.greencitywindow.com  We are a General Contractor with over 45 years of experience in the building trades specializing in replacng residential windows & doo... 11/26/2013

I was on a mission. Casually looking in stores to find the elusive wheatgrass to mix in with my organic juices. If you're doing a Google search to find the elusive wheatgrass look no further. You can find wheatgrass at Uwajimaya in Bellevue. Their physical address is 699 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98005.When you get there go to the produce section. It is near the organic produce on the top shelf. If you are looking to buy or sell a home or investment property in Seattle or Bellevue, call me directly at (425) 290-3114. 11/22/2013

  Replacing your windows can be one of your home's most attractive features and can also provide you with convenient ventialtion, ease of use, superior natural light, and cleaning convenience not found in older windows. Window Replacement Bellevue Green City Window and Door If you have an older home or have inefficient windows you could be throwing 30% of your heating and cooling dollars out the window, literally. On average, the owner could expect to recoup approximately 69% upon the sale of the home when replacing their older windows with new energy efficient windows.Window Replacement Bellevue Green City Window and Door http://www.greencitywindow.com  We are a General Contractor with over 45 years of experience in the building trades specializing in replacng residential windows & doo... 11/15/2013

Good morning! I hope you're all well. In  56 calendar days, the new QM or Qualified Mortgage rules will take effect. Let me explain. In 2010, the Dodd-Frank bill was passed by Congress. In the bill it specified how mortgage loan officers were to be paid among other things. Fast forward to January 10, 2014 when the next phase of Dodd-Frank will be implemented. Although it appears there are rules that are left open to interpretation (just as in the original bill of 2010), it's clear that it will go into effect and with the following changes. One, Total debt to income on conforming loans that are guaranteed by either Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac will go to 43%. Right now that figure is 45% so things will tighten. It's unclear whether government loans such as VA and FHA will be this way too. R... 11/15/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate inventory: Tight   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,749,500 up from   last weeks $1,724,500.  Inventory has been decreasing  lately and the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been following also.  With days-on-market climbing, these are relatively negative implications for the market.   Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these levels. Localized r... 11/14/2013

Home prices in the greater Bellevue real estate market have been on the increase throughout 2013, and the trend seems to be continuing as we head into the end of the year.  Coupled with increasing numbers of pending home sales, there doesn't seem to be the typical fall slowdown setting in on the market quite yet. Greater Bellevue Median Home Prices, Pending Real Estate Sales The Bellevue market consists of the city itself, as well as the tony incorporated enclaves of Medina, Hunts Point, Clyde Hill, Yarrow Point, and Beaux Arts.  The median home price in October for this region came in at $730,334, up from $725,000 in September.  The increase of 0.7 percent was just a small indicator of the overall year's numbers, in which we've seen 12.4 percent appreciation for the greater Bellevue re... 11/05/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate remains hot heading into November   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,724,500 up from last weeks $1,600,000. Inventory has been tightening lately and the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been trending up.  Though days-on-market is increasing, these are mildly positive indications for the market. Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.     Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these levels... 11/04/2013

Good morning! I hope you're gearing up for a great weekend! I recently have been shopped quite  a bit regarding mortgage rates. I understand this is a customer's (or in my case member's) right and don't discourage this. But I want to bring some caveats into the equation because a lot of the stuff you see on tv or hear on the radio is deceptive. In my Business it's not all about Rates and Fees! First of all, I would ask you to determine what it is you want for a mortgage. If all you want is the lowest of the low, I will gladly log onto an internet portal and find you the lowest rate and fees. Granted, your lender may be based in Kansas and you're based in Florida. And this may not be what you want. Perhaps I can help you with your choice. Common sense says to look around and choose someo... 10/25/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate inventory tightening   This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,650,000 up from last weeks $1,600,000. Inventory has been tightening lately and the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been trending down.  Though days-on-market is increasing, these are mildly positive indications for the market. Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the  Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.   Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these levels. Localized r... 10/22/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate home prices up slightly demand tightens    This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,630,000 up from lastweeks $1,600,000. Inventory has been lightening lately and the  Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) has been trending higher.  Though days-on-market is increasing, these are mildly positive indications for the market.  Supply and Demand Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks.  This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these... 10/13/2013

    West Bellevue’s real estate home prices continue to bounce    This Week: The median list price this week in West Bellevue is $1,600,000 down from last weeks $1,688,000. With inventory and days-on-market basically unchanged and the Market Action Index  (MAI see chart below) increasing, the market is not sending strong directional signal for the near-term.  Supply and Demand The  market has shown some evidence of slowing recently.  Both prices and inventory levels levels are relatively unchanged in recent weeks.  Watch the  Market Action Index for changes as it can be a leading indicator for price changes.  Price We continue to see prices in  West Bellevue bouncing around this plateau.  Look for a persistent up-shift in the Market Action Index before we see prices move from these leve... 10/07/2013

Bellevue Washington is one of the most sought after cities to live in.  From gorgeous mountain views, to homes on the lake, there’s no doubt that Bellevue has much to offer its residents. There are many reasons why one would choose to live here, one of which would be the amazing Bellevue school district and its reputation for excellence. Out of the six high-schools that make up the Bellevue school district, four of them received gold, silver, or bronze medal ratings in the U.S. News and World Report “Best high school” rankings.  International, Newport, Bellevue and Interlake high schools ranked 1st, 3rd, 4th and 8th in the state respectively. Another reason Bellevue Washington is so desirable is because of the availability and diversity of the shopping areas.  From the Factoria Mall to... 10/07/2013