Brenda Pierce

Here are some recent articles about the local and national economy and real estate markets.

Seattle Ranked #3 for Tech Start-Up Jobs

Great Deals on Short Sales and Foreclosures in Seattle for Q4

Warren Buffet on Buying Real Estate

Mortgage Rates for 30-Year Fixed Loan Fall to 3.9%

Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour Saturday night (March 10) as Daylight Savings Time starts Sunday the 11th!

I am pleased to present my newest listing – an immaculate home in the Fryelands neighborhood of Monroe. The home is very clean, well maintained, and in a great location. Click the link below to see the property website with all details.

Fryelands Home For Sale

I am pleased to announce my newest listing in the High Rock area of Monroe, minutes to Duvall, and 25 minutes to Redmond. Please take a moment to visit the listing webpage and then feel free to pass it on to anyone looking for an amazing, unique, well maintained home in this area.

Click here to view the listing details.

This is a short one today. Just two articles for this post, but more to come later in the week!

Snapshot of 2011 housing market

It’s Tax time! 10 big deductions too many of us miss

Welcome to this week’s real estate and related headlines.

Economic Outlook:

First up is an article about the construction outlook for the State of Washington. While the survey is of commercial contractors – those firms that build commercial buildings such as offices, retail, manufacturing facilities, etc, it does point to an improved outlook for economic growth overall. If businesses are feeling good enough about the economy to begin large capital projects like building a new facility, then the housing market won’t be far behind!

Click here to read the article: State’s Construction Firms Optimistic About 2012

Another article about the economic outlook, nationwide: Existing Home Sales Rise

Foreclosure:

If you are concerned about foreclosure, the best thing you can do now is to reach out for help and see what options are available. Talk to your lender or a foreclosure councilor from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Also, one federal assistance program is being expanded, and you can read about that here: Administration Expands HAMP

We have been having some crazy weather around here lately. But just so you know, you can call me with your real estate needs any time. I am in the office now (although we will be closing at 6) and am available by phone or email!

Windermere Monroe - we aren't afraid of a little snow....

In all fairness, we are supposed to get hit with a lot more snow overnight and tomorrow. Everyone please be safe and warm!

Here are some real estate headlines worth checking out:

How Long Can These Low Rates Last?

Consumer Confidence Up

Keeping Your Energy Bills Low While Selling Your Home

Unemployment Rate Drops

Rates at Record Lows

2011 vs 2010 Snohomish County Statistics

December 2011 Statistics

Feedback is always important to make sure we are doing our jobs effectively. If something needs to be addressed, then it’s best we know about it right away so we can make adjustments or corrections. If our clients are happy, it’s always great to know that, too! I just received feedback from a recent transaction and am very pleased to know my client was extremely satisfied with the service he received during the process of buying a new home. Here are just a few of his comments:

“Brenda was extremely prompt, attentive, courteous, and complete. I was so impressed and would not hesitate to refer her and the Windermere agency to anyone.”

“Brenda was top notch. I can’t think of a thing she could have done differently.”

“Great Job Brenda! A real pleasure working with you and the Windermere Agency!”

Thanks Bill B. and congratulations again on your new home!

Are you ready? Starting tomorrow, December 29th, tolls will be charged to cross the 520 bridge between Seattle and Bellevue. There has been a lot of confusion (the start date included!) over the last year since this was announced. Hopefully this FAQ on the tolls will help if you still need answers.

Good To Go FAQ

WSDOT “Good To Go” Pass & Information Page

It’s time to start thinking about what to do with your Christmas tree now that the holidays are wrapping up (haha, yes, pun intended!). Here are a few links to local tree-cycling resources in Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties.

Snohomish County Resources

King County Resources

Pierce County Resources

Also, if you are in the Lake Chelan area the second weekend in January, you can bring your tree and add it to the bonfire during the Fire and Ice Celebration. The fire is actually to warm those participating in the Polar Bear Swim on the Saturday the 14th of January. See all the schedule details on their website.