“Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” [ Lucius Seneca ]

Here’s an article you might want to read [ Affordable Homes ]. It starts out with the line “Buying a home is now more affordable than it has been in the last twenty years” and I can’t say it any plainer than that. The writer credits “continued declines in home prices and rock-bottom mortgage rates” for creating unprecedented opportunities for prospective home buyers, and from what I’m seeing on Whidbey Island, I believe he got it exactly right (see The Big Picture ). If you’re even thinking about buying, I encourage you to get out there now to start looking at properties, scoping out the market and lining up your financing. How else will you be able to recognize that really incredible opportunity when you see it, and be ready to pounce when you do?

The thing is that although there are some great deals out there, and incredible financing packages available, you still need to do your homework! CALL ME! I’m here to help you figure out exactly what you’re looking for, to help you prioritize your needs and wants, to get you pre-qualified so you know what your price range is, and then to be your partner in the search for that perfect fit. You want to know which neighborhoods are holding their value . . . and which ones are a forest of "For Sale" signs. You want to know about schools, crime statistics, covenants and deed restrictions, environmental considerations, and so forth. You want to know which sellers are motivated to sell . . . and why! That’s where I come in.

My clients are always armed with the most comprehensive, up-to-date information available regarding the Whidbey Island housing and property market, but there’s no substitute for getting out there and actually looking at homes and land. Let me show you around; I enjoy it, and it helps keep me on top of what’s happening in a very dynamic market. Decisions of this magnitude are never easy, but at the end of the day, you're going to end

up way ahead of all those folks who've become paralyzed by indecision and waiting for certainty. And I make a pretty good sounding board.

Just as an example, let's say you want a house to live in. How long do you expect to be in it? Short term? That's a no-brainer. Prices are going down; you'll probably lose money. Go rent something. Long term? I think you’ll be kicking yourself a few years from now if you’re not seriously thinking about buying. Medium term? You may want to compare buying vs. renting [ Rent vs Buy ]. Go to the Amortization Tables [ Mortgage Calculator ] and check out the payments at today's interest rates and see what happens when the rates go up, compare mortgage costs with comparable rentals; then you and I can check on what housing prices are doing in the specific area you're interested in. Rent with an option to buy? Possibly, with housing prices trending downward in a lot of markets (including Seattle) and depending on your personal finances, but remember that you’re not building any equity, and you have to consider (1) what happens if interest rates go up, and (2) what the Whidbey Island real estate market is doing. It's not rocket science, but it IS work.

But then, it's also a major INDIVIDUAL financial decision that you should consider carefully, without falling victim to herd mentality and emotion.

Or are you interested in investing? Good idea. Prices are down, sellers are motivated and interest rates are at historic lows. But is it time to pull the trigger? Once again, it depends on your individual situation. 1031 exchange? Rental property or raw land? If it's undeveloped, are you planning to build on the property, or just bargain-hunting? Buying with cash or borrowed money? Come on in and let me show you what's available in your price range, and we can focus in on the type of property you're interested in. Then we sit back, monitor the market and wait for that perfect opportunity.

But remember this: If you're buying a house or piece of property on your own, the sellers' realtor is THEIR representative, NOT an impartial expert looking after both sides, and he or she is legally bound to protect the SELLERS and get them the best possible deal. Without a realtor, you're on your own! If you feel like that's a bit of a scare tactic, fair enough, but consider this: I'm licensed and insured. If you screw up or miss something along the way that ends up costing you a bunch of money (like failing to have something inspected that turns out to be broken, or not finding out about a restrictive covenant), there's no recourse. But if I'm representing you and it’s MY bad, and I carry insurance to make it right. But just so you know, I've never had a claim filed against me.

Most of all, I make it a point to tell my clients I'm never too busy for you. I won't abandon you as soon as the offer is signed and then sit back and wait to collect my commission. I've bought and sold a fair number of homes myself, and I know it's an anxious time. I make it a point to stay in touch, to keep everyone in the loop, and to be there, to answer questions, monitor inspections, write addendums, and deal with any problems that arise. And if you just want to talk, or vent, or need a little reassurance, I'll be there for you as well. That's how I see my job, and that's why many of my clients are still personal friends, and why they're happy to recommend me to others.

Coldwell Banker Tara - Freeland WA 98249 - Office (360) 331-6300 - Cell 360.672.1512