New 3.8% sales tax on real estate
Is there a new 3.8% sales tax on real estate transactions? Here is your answer according to the National Association of Realtors… Q: Is there a 3.8% real estate “sales tax” or a transfer tax created in health care bill?…
FHA mortgage insurance increase April 1, 2012
Yesterday there was an announcement from HUD and it appears that FHA will be increasing the mortgage insurance premium expense for case numbers ordered after March 31st. For 3.5% down, the current cost is 1.00% for the “lump sum” premium…
Sealing air leaks in your home
Man! It is cold out. I know in my home there are certain areas I can feel the cold air sneaking in. Here are a few easy do-it yourself projects to help keep the cold out… Caulking, sealing and weather-stripping…
Headlines: 2.28.2012
Here are some of the headlines in real estate from this last week… Case-Shiller: Home values down 4% last year ~ Nice Seattle Homes Reminder: 3.8% Tax to have minimal real estate impact ~ NAR Scrimping and saving for a…
New listings in your email
With the Lake & Company home search you can easily create a free user account. With your user account you can save favorite properties and create custom searches. Opt in for daily email updates with new matches. Registration is free…
Utility programs & rebates
There are many upgrades you can make to your home for greater efficiency, a healthier living environment and to save some long-term dollars. There is also a lot of government programs encouraging you to make these upgrades by offering rebates on those updates. …
Seattle Neighborhood Blogroll
These days it is easy to keep up with local news for Seattle neighborhoods. Almost every community has a local blog keeping residents informed on local goings-on. Because my family and I alway enjoy an adventure around town I like…
Headlines 2.21.2012
Here are some of the headlines in real estate from this last week… Amazon to buy Denny Triangle property ~ Seattle Times California housing market braces for Facebook millionaires ~ New York Times Without listings Zillow & company will perish …
Oil tanks not in use
Homeowners/Sellers must pay attention to whether they have an abandoned oil tank in their yard. The law requires that the oil tank no longer in use must be decommissioned. It is absolutely advised that the homeowner take action on this,…
Seattle energy audit
If you live in Seattle, your home is eligible for a reduced-cost energy audit. The audit will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your home’s specific energy attributes (windows, insulation, weather-stripping etc.) and heating systems. You also will receive…
Energy & water saving maintenance
Proper home maintenance will help reduce your energy use. There are many basic things you can do around the home to save water, energy and a few dollars. Here are a few tips: Check your furnace air filters monthly. Clean…
Home Search
Lake and Company offers a simple, yet informative & user-friendly search map. Easily search for: Homes For Sale Open Houses Sold Properties Search by: Area Price Numerous Property Types Bedroom / Bathroom Status Short Sale &/or Bank Owned Green Homes New…
Walking Seattle
It is becoming more and more important to home buyers that their new home be in a “walkable” neighborhood. Convenience to coffee shops, restaurants, shopping, pubs & parks are often at the top of people’s new home wish list. There…
Headlines 02.14.2012
Happy Valentines Day! Here are some of the headlines being discussed in the real estate world from this last week… Foreclosed Homes A Community Mess ~ Seattle Times What Happens When You Walk Away From Your Home? ~ Yahoo! Finance…
It’s not just your mortgage payment to consider
Many people focus solely on their mortgage payment when looking to buy a home. There are many other costs you must consider in your budget. You will pay a monthly cost for property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. You will also…
