Maddoxville | December 2015

MADDOXVILLE: a real estate information newsletter
www.heathermaddoxhomes.com

Happy Holidays!

I am so happy with the overwhelmingly positive response I got to the first installment of Maddoxville. I’ve wanted to send a monthly newsletter for many years, and it is so rewarding to see it finally come to life. Each month will feature stories, tips, market updates, new listings and recently sold properties.

Four years ago, I sold Scott and Aimee Heffernan a somewhat dated home in Bothell, that they lovingly referred to as “the cottage house.” They recently invited me over to check out the transformation of their home. I am so excited to show you all that they have done for this month’s Before & After. During the buying process, the Heffernans had big ideas for updating— as most Buyers do. In just four years they have been able to make most of those ideas become reality, which as their Realtor makes me feel like a proud parent.

Click here or the image below to view the Before & After of the Heffernan’s home.

The best way to stay connected to what’s happening in the real estate market in your area, is to subscribe today to NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS.

Subscribe to NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS

When I am asked, “What area do you work?” I have a hard time answering it, and usually say, “the general Puget Sound area.”

I made a map to visualize where my clients sold or purchased homes in 2015, so you can see what I mean—Everett to Tacoma, both sides of Lake Washington, I’m literally all over the regional map.

I also take pride in finding my clients excellent agents in other areas to assist them with their needs. So please don’t hesitate to call me if you or someone you know needs an agent referral for properties outside of the area. Some examples from the past year were: Anacortes, Ashford, Gig Harbor, Oak Harbor, and Tacoma.

If you are interested in receiving a price opinion on your own property, or are curious what the current market trends are in your neighborhood, please give me a call.

FIND #heathershousefavs ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Thank you to so many of you that made the trek on a stormy night to Woodinville’s Januik/Novelty Hill Winery on November 12 for my “Taste & Take” Client Appreciation Party. I always love seeing and catching up with my clients, especially in a more relaxed atmosphere than buying & selling real estate. I hope you are all enjoying your bottle of wine while celebrating with friends & family over the holidays.

#heathershousefavs
Download images from the party, HERE.

Do you want to pay off your mortgage faster?
5 ways
to reduce
your principal

Choose a shorter payback period.
If you can afford higher payments, consider a 15-year fixed mortgage. You will pay off your home within a shorter timeframe and save 15 years worth of interest payments.

Round up.
The more you pay toward your principal, the fewer payments you’ll have to make in the end. For example, if the payment is $975 a month, make a payment of $1,000 and apply the extra $25 toward the principal. It may not seem like much, but it all adds up overtime.

Make biweekly payments.
By paying half of your mortgage payment every other week, you’ll make one whole extra month’s payment by the end of the year. Call your lending institution to see if this is a service they offer.

Make an annual lump sum payment.
Whenever you receive a windfall– your tax return, an annual bonus, an inheritance, etc. — apply it toward the principal of your loan.

Double the principal each quarter.
Four times a year, double the principal amount and add it to your total payment. For example, if the principal comprises $500 of your total payment, add an extra $500 to the principal of your regular payment.

RECENTLY SOLD

30K over list price

2 bedroom, 2 bath updated townhome in a great location between Ballard and Fremont. The unit had 3 offers in 5 days, and the winning offer waived an inspection.

Buyers get great deal

Negotiated the purchase of this Renton home for LESS THAN the list price for wonderful long-time clients. This is their third real estate purchase in five years, and they always make very smart decisions that continue to pay off.

@HeatherMaddox

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heathermaddox@windermere.com

heathermaddoxhomes.com

Heather Maddox, Broker
Windermere Real Estate/Renton, Inc.
heathermaddox@windermere.com
206-330-9185

Posted on December 15, 2015 at 8:30 pm
Heather Maddox | Posted in Newsletter |

Buyer’s agents are a FREE service!

Did you know that using a realtor is FREE for Buyers?? The Seller pays the commissions for both the listing and selling agents, so as a Buyer this is a free service to you!

Having an advocate on your side, guiding you through the process is a must when you are making the biggest purchase of your life. Many people are under the impression that if they do not use a Realtor they will be saving money as a Buyer, when in fact it is just the opposite. It is common to think that if you use the listing agent of a property write up the offer and don’t get your own Realtor you will save money in negotiations – WRONG. In fact, the listing agent will usually get double the commission (3% for listing the property, and now 3% for selling it to you). The Seller has already signed a contract with the listing agent detailing how much commission they will pay to both sides. So not only are you not getting a discount you have the Seller’s agent trying to negotiate for you. The Seller is already the listing agent’s priority, so you are actually doing yourself a disservice and many times paying more than you would if you would have gotten yourself a FREE Realtor.

I would rather have you pick a realtor out of the phonebook than not use one at all… but of course your best chance of saving money would be to work with me! 🙂

Posted on October 24, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Heather Maddox | Posted in Buyers |

What a difference 5 years makes!

The last 5 years have definitely changed the market. As a potential Buyer, I am sure you are hearing from everyone what a GREAT time to buy it is. Here are some actually numbers that may put into perspective HOW great of a time it is now….

These stats are based on National numbers and a $400,000 home.

A 30 year mortgage today is 4.13%, in September 2006 it was 6.41%

The monthly payment today (based on the above amount & interest rates) is $1,939.76, in September 2006 it would have been $4,024.02 – a difference of $2,084.26 a month!

Over the term of the loan the total savings for the house purchased today would be $750,333!

The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom in Seattle is $2,260 a month.

Don’t let this great time to buy pass you up!!

Posted on October 17, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Heather Maddox | Posted in Buyers, Statistics |

Wondering how much your house is worth?

After the past few years, many owners are curious where things stand as far as the value of their real estate. Zillow can give you a very general range, that is if you haven’t done ANY remodeling, updating, or additions. To get the most accurate value, a price opinion from a realtor is the way to go. This very specific opinion will take into account the current state of your home and give you an idea of what it is worth. If this is something you are interested in, just shoot me an email and I will have it back to you within the week.

Posted on October 12, 2011 at 11:30 pm
Heather Maddox | Posted in Sellers, Value |

Welcome!

Welcome to my new website. I am going to do my best at keeping this updated and current. Take a look around and leave me a comment if you have any suggestions or questions!

Posted on October 11, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Heather Maddox | Posted in Uncategorized |