For Sale: 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House in Lakewood, WA, $279,000

For Sale: 3BR/1+1BA Single Family House in Lakewood, WA, $279,000.

 

 

Easy Power Search to your New Home

If you haven't fully experienced our Power Search, here's a quick How To Video..

Good News for Home Sales

Northwest MLS Reports that December's volume of pending sales around Western Washington nearly matched the total for the same month a year ago, which was the best December since 2006.  That is very good news.

Assessed values, are they important?

Tax assessment values in the Puget Sound area counties  are lower for 2011 than 2010 for median priced homes by  $20-$30,000.00 or more.  Land assessments are similar. Assessment values on MLS listings may be out of date.  Home prices are driven mainly by the market comps  and not assessed value.

What are Seller's Closing Costs?

Sellers should consider closing costs and  bottom line ( net proceeds ) when pricing their home. Ask your Realtor to provide you with a net proceeds statement for possible selling price scenarios prior to listing and for any offer to purchase during the listing period.

Customary closing costs for sellers include:

• Half of the escrow fee (for some programs, the seller pays all of the escrow fee)


• Title insurance for the buyer


• Real estate brokerage fees ( negotiable, but generally 5-6% of selling price )


• Misc recording fees


• Washington State  real estate excise tax.  In King, Pierce and Kitsap counties in the excise tax rate is 1.78% of the contracted selling price.

Sellers hiring a brokerage to list and sell their properties should estimate their closing costs to be 8-9% of the contracted selling price.   Delinquent taxes or unpaid assessments due at closing are not included in this estimate.  FSBO ( Seller's selling their own properties )  should expect their customary costs of 3.-3.5% of the contracted selling price.

Realtors have seen over time a growing expectation on the part of buyers that the seller will pay all or part of the buyer's closing costs.  This can be expensive for buyers.  When pricing your home to sell,  keep in mind that you will most likely receive a request for a closing cost allowance or specific dollar amount to be paid for the buyer within an offer to purchase.   Expect to receive a request of up to  3% of the selling price to be contributed to the buyer's closing costs.  This is most common when the buyer is purchasing with a VA, FHA or USDA loan.  Conventional and cash buyer's closing costs are lower overall and they generally request a smaller amount or nothing at all.   It is in the seller's best interest to keep the door open and offer your home for sale to buyers using all of the buyer programs your property will qualify for.   Your Realtor will advise you how to adjust price to accommodate buyer closing costs within the home's value.

Your Pet's Moving Day

Your new house is almost closed and you are ready to move. Pets can become stressed and upset  during this time and a few tips can make their move  a smooth transition.

1.  Your veterinarian will be a  source for medications or sedations that may be required for air or car  travel.  It's a good idea to have your pet's vaccination record with you and all shots and records current.

2.  It's advised to feed your dog at least four hours prior to travel.  Adult dogs and puppies can get car sick.

3.  If possible, stop along with way frequently for short play/exercise/potty breaks and offer water.

4. Bring familiar bedding, toys and food.  Try  to set them up in the new house right away to make your pet feel more secure in the new environment.   If you pet sleeps in your bedroom, set up there and close to something familiar.  Serve him/her the same foods as previously.  Wait  to introduce new or different foods.   It may take some time for your pet to adjust to eating in the new home.  Be sure your pet has access to plenty of water.

5.  Spend a little extra time at play with your pet and resume normal walk and play times as soon as possible.   Your pet will feel at home much quicker and appreciate the attention.

6. Be prepared;  locate veterinarian and pet emergency services just in case. Emergencies and accidents are more likely to happen when your pet is stressed.