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What is a Comparative Market Analysis?

It is a report that provides you with the information you need to set a value on the home you own. A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) compares the prices of recently sold homes that are similar to yours in terms of location, style and amenities. CMA's often include information on properties currently for sale plus the properties which failed to sell.  This information gives homeowners a fair estimate on the value of a home.

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Thinking about selling your home in the next 12 months? Use our FREE service to help you find out what your home is worth. Click Here to get started.

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Get Pre-Qualified For A Home Loan

In today's  real estate market, it is extremely important to be pre-qualified for your mortgage before you begin shopping for your new home. To get you started in the home loan process fill out the form below.

FREE INFO TO SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY...

See A Sample Report Click Here

Select the free reports you want and automatically recieve them in your email.

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10 Tips to Spruce Up Your New Home

Buying a Fixer Upper? There are many ways to make a new home livable while you are saving for that new living room furniture you want. Below are some quick tips to get your new home into tip top shape without spending a lot of money!

Make Each Room Your Own
You've done it! You own your first piece of property. Make a list. Take each room and place a photo, plant, paperweight or personal item that reflects you and your individuality. Your home should show off your unique personality.

True Colors
Any new room can be made comfy with a new coat of paint. Choose warm colors for rooms you will be relaxing in, and cool colors for offices and bathrooms.

Pay Attention to Light
Does your new home have a great window that lets in beautiful light? Or maybe you have a sliding glass door that gives you a great view. Be sure to keep these spaces open and unblocked.

Curtains
Go inexpensive with some pretty, simple curtains. Use white to match with everything, or pick a color that you know would brighten up the room.

Simplify
While moving in to your new house, make sure to take charge and throw away useless items that you will not use. You are starting over!

Plants and Flowers
Use your interior decorating eye and find the perfect places for some potted plants and flowers. Instead throwing out withering flowers, hang them upside down and dry them for a great wall piece.

Go Flea Marketing
Spend a Sunday shopping at a local flea market for a unique piece for the new room in your home that is your favorite. Treat yourself and you just might come across a valuable piece!

Rugs and Carpets
Find a nice simple rug to save your carpet. A vibrant rug can add a splash of color to any room.

Simple Oversized Mats + Simple Frame
Instead of a posed Department Store picture, choose a candid action shot. Buy an oversized Mat and simple frame. Try this is two's and three's. It’s a great way to dress up a lonely wall.

Chair Makeovers
Give your favorite oversized chair a makeover and buy a plain colored chair cover. These work great and make it look like you bought a new piece of furniture!

Edmonds Mortgage Center Edmonds Mortgage Center offers various information to help you get familiarized with the mortgage process and to help you in achieving your real estate goals. Buying a home... Find out how much you can afford before you shop. Increase your negotiating power by pre-qualifying online. Simple to complete online form. Takes just minutes to submit. Get a competitive rate customized for your needs. Click Here To Get Started Helpful Mortage Info... Familiarize yourself with the application process and industry terms. I'm buying my first home. Get information and tools for beginners. I'm buying my next home. Learn more about moving on to your next home or buying a second home. I'm refinancing my home. Is now the the right time? Find out here. Your credit guide — Learn how your credit history can help or hurt you when you need to borrow money. If you have questions regarding the mortgage proccess or would like to be pointed in the right direction call Kevin @ 206.240.5982 or send him an Email.  He is happy to assist you in anyway he can.

Welcome to our Local Calendar of Events.

Find out what's going on around Edmonds, or post your own important announcements.

To submit an event, announcement or activity in your community Click Here

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Have an important event you would like to post for FREE? 

Simply submit your event details using the form below and we will post it during our next update.  (i.e. Garage Sales, Street Fairs, Block Parties, etc.) 

If you're thinking of selling your home in the near future, use Kevin's Free Home Value Request Service.  To recieve your free home valuation, simply complete the form below.

City of Edmonds

Edmonds' Past: Character for the Future   Edmonds pioneer, George Brackett   Long before pioneers staked their claims on Edmonds' shores, the Snohomish tribe fished and gathered clams and native oysters. Founding Father George Brackett grew up working in the woods of Maine and New Brunswick, Canada. He moved to the Puget Sound region in 1869 or 1870. Seeing opportunity in the heavily-wooded area around Edmonds, he purchased 147 acres of waterfront timber in 1872 for $650! By 1876 he had built a home for his wife and young son near the waterfront. Then he began to build the town. Other settlers trickled into the area-loggers, shingle sawyers and weavers, farmers and small businessmen. In 1884 Edmonds opened its first post office, and in 1890 the City of Edmonds was incorporated. George Brackett became its first mayor. During the early 1900s, shingle mills stretched all along the Edmonds waterfront. The number of mills grew rapidly thanks to the availability of quality red cedar nearby. In its heyday, there were ten mills along the waterfront, some cutting almost 20,000 shingles per year. Over time, as the big trees were cut down, mills closed and Edmonds' early character as a mill town faded. The last mill closed its doors in 1951. Today, traces of the City's early days can be seen in many historical sites around the downtown or "bowl" area. The Edmonds Historical Museum is a great place to pick up a walking tour map. Housed in a 1910 Carnegie Library building, the Museum hosts entertaining and educational exhibits. Call 425-774-0900 or see www.historicedmonds.org for information. Edmonds is a highly desirable place to visit. Charming main streets fan out from a central fountain. Promenade around the circle and you'll stroll past sidewalk cafes, art galleries, gift shops, antique shops and bookstores. Spend the day in this very walkable community, where people still greet in passing. The city's proximity to Highway 99 and Interstate 5 makes it easy to find but hard to leave.

Learn the Story of Edmonds

Statistics

The Edmonds Story

The Community

The City of Edmonds is located in south Snohomish County on the shores of Puget Sound approximately 14 miles north of Seattle. Edmonds was a well-established town by the turn of the century and the present urban form preserves many characteristics of its historic origins. The community's location on the west-facing slopes of Puget Sound provides many amenities, including extensive views of the water and Olympic Mountains, access to beaches and waterfront parks, and compact downtown area.. 

Historic Development

The community that became the City of Edmonds grew out of a homestead and logging operation started by George Brackett in 1876. Incorporated in 1890, the original townsite is now occupied primarily by the downtown and adjacent residential areas. The Great Northern Railroad reached the town in 1891 and for many years provided access for goods and passenger travel. Although fires destroyed many of the waterfront mills, shingle production continued to be the primary industry in the city into the 1940s. Ferry service to Kingston began in 1923 when a ferry terminal was built near the location of the existing ferry dock. The present ferry terminal was built in the early 1950s after acquisition of the ferry system by the State of Washington.

The city continued to grow during the 1940s and 50s, resulting in a more active role of the municipality in providing water, sewer and streets for residential and commercial expansion. The Port district was formed in 1948 and began waterfront improvements. Completion of Interstate 5 and increased growth in the Puget Sound region led to a gradual change in the character of the city with more emphasis on residential development and a decline in the retail importance of the downtown.

The City is now primarily a residential community that also provides many amenities for residents and visitors. An active arts and cultural community contributes to the strong sense of civic pride widely shared in the community. There are numerous well-kept residential neighborhoods, a viable economic base, and an active, involved citizenry.

Population and Employment

According to the 2000 census, the population of the City of Edmonds has grown to 39,515.  The rate of population growth has been relatively stable at about 1% per year with major increases occurring primarily as a result of annexations in the 1960s and 1970s.  Based on forecasted continued growth at 1% per year, the population in 2010 is projected to be 43,650.

Over the last decade, employment within the city has grown somewhat faster than population, increasing about 2.7% per year. In 1990, the city had an estimated 9,263 jobs with the largest portion of those in services (38%). Retail trade and government accounted for 27% and 23% of employment, respectively. Employment is forecast to increase by 3,000 jobs (32.2%) over the period 1990-2012.

COPYRIGHT © 2003 City of Edmonds, Washington. All Rights Reserved.

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1. Get "Pre-Approved" - Not "Pre-Qualified!"

Do you want to get the best property you can for the least amount of money? Then make sure you are in the strongest negotiating position possible. Price is only one element in the negotiations, and not necessarily the most important one. Often other terms, such as the strength of the buyer or the length of escrow, are critical to a seller.

In years past, I always recommended that buyers get "pre-qualified" by a lender. This means that you spend a few minutes on the phone with a lender who asks you a few questions. Based on the answers, the lender pronounces you "pre-qualified" and issues a certificate that you can show to a seller. Sellers are aware that such certificates are WORTHLESS, and here's why! None of the information has been verified!

Many times unknown problems can come to the surface! Some of the problems I've seen include recorded judgments, alimony payments due, glitches on the credit report due to any number of reasons both accurately and inaccurately, down payments that have not been in the clients' bank account long enough, etc.

This happens AFTER all information has been checked and verified. You are actually APPROVED for the loan and the only loose end is the appraisal on the property. This process takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on your situation. It's VERY POWERFUL and a weapon I recommend all my clients have in their negotiating arsenal.

If you have a house to sell, sell it before selecting a house to buy! Contingency sales aren't nearly as strong as one that comes in with a ready, willing and able buyer. Consider this scenario You've found the perfect house - now you have to go make an offer to the seller.

You want the seller to reduce the price and wait until you sell your house. The seller figures that this is a risky deal, since he might pass up a buyer who DOESN'T have to sell a house while he's waiting for you. So he says OK, he'll do the contingency but it has to be a full price offer! You have now paid more for the house than you could have because of the contingency, and you have to sell your existing house in a hurry! Otherwise you lose the house! So to sell quickly you might take an offer that's lower than if you had more time. The bottom line is that buying before selling might cost you THOUSANDS of dollars.

If you're concerned that there is not a house on the market for you, then go on a window-shopping trip. You can identify possible houses and locations without falling in love with a specific house. If you feel confident after that then put your house on the market. Another tactic is to make the sale "subject to seller finding suitable housing". Adding this phrase to the listing means that WHEN YOU DO FIND A BUYER, you will have some time to find the new place. If you don't find anything to your liking, you don't have to sell your present home.

Before house hunting, make a list of things you want in the new place. Then make a list of the things you don't want. You can use this list as a guide to rate each property that you see. The one with the biggest score wins! This helps avoid confusion and keeps things in perspective when you're comparing dozens of homes. When house hunting, keep in mind the difference between "STYLE AND SUBSTANCE". The SUBSTANCE are things that cannot be changed such as the location, view, size of lot, noise in the area, school district, and floor plan. The STYLE represents easily changed surface finishes like carpet, wallpaper, color, and window coverings. Buy the house with good SUBSTANCE, because the STYLE can always be changed to match your tastes. I always recommend that you imagine each house as if it were vacant. Consider each house on its underlying merits, not the seller's decorating skills.

Your agent should show you everything available that meets your requirements. Don't make a decision on a house until you feel that you've seen enough to pick the best one. A decade ago, homes were selling quickly, usually a few days after listing. In that kind of market, agents advised their clients to make an offer ON THE SPOT if they liked the house. That was good advice at the time. Today there isn't always this urgency, unless a home is drastically underpriced, and you'll know if it is.

Don't forget to check into the SCHOOL DISTRICTS of the area you're considering. Information is available on every school; such as class sizes, % of students that go on to college, SAT scores, etc. You can get this information from this web site.

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Mistake #1 -- Pricing Your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price.

Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value

Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your Realtor for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 -- Forgetting to "Showcase Your Home"

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.

Mistake #4 -- Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing

Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.

Mistake #5 -- Trying to Sell to "Looky-Loos"

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a "for sale" sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a Realtor are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

Your Realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your Realtor fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new Realtor.

Mistake #6 -- Not Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws will affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kind of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7 -- Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

Your Realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques. Your Realtor should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your Realtor is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job, too, so you may not be able to get in touch with many potential buyers.

For More Information or Additional Questions - Please Click Here

Back

Mistake #1 -- Pricing Your Property Too High

Every seller obviously wants to get the most money for his or her product. Ironically, the best way to do this is NOT to list your product at an excessively high price! A high listing price will cause some prospective buyers to lose interest before even seeing your property. Also, it may lead other buyers to expect more than what you have to offer. As a result, overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price.

Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for the Market Value

Unfortunately, a re-finance appraisal may have been stated at an untruthfully high price. Often, lenders estimate the value of your property to be higher than it actually is in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be lower. Your best bet is to ask your Realtor for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 -- Forgetting to "Showcase Your Home"

In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable. A poorly kept home in need of repairs will surely lower the selling price of your property and will even turn away some buyers.

Mistake #4 -- Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing

Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. A good idea would be to point out any subtle amenities and be receptive to questions.

Mistake #5 -- Trying to Sell to "Looky-Loos"

A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a "for sale" sign he saw may not really be interested in your property. Often buyers who do not come through a Realtor are a good 6-9 months away from buying, and they are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

Your Realtor should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors should usually find out a prospective buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your Realtor fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing towards the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new Realtor.

Mistake #6 -- Not Knowing Your Rights & Responsibilities

It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details in your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing the contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws will affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kind of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7 -- Limiting the Marketing and Advertising of the Property

Your Realtor should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques. Your Realtor should also be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your Realtor is working on selling your home during these hours. Chances are that you have a job, too, so you may not be able to get in touch with many potential buyers.

For More Information or Additional Questions - Please Click Here

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When it comes to investing, everybody has certain goals and aspirations. However, I have found that there are certain guidelines every aspiring real estate investor needs to know

Financial statistics only go so far; the best measure of a property's market value is often the sale prices of nearby properties. The same holds true for area rents. A low price can often be justified by a reasonable rent; renters who can afford a high rent can afford to buy instead, so reasonably priced rent is a need.

Don't base your tax investment on current tax laws. The tax code is constantly changing, and a good investment is a good investment regardless of the tax code. The right property with the right financing is what you should look for as an investor.

Start in a market segment you know. Whether you focus on fixer-uppers, foreclosures, starter homes, low-down payment properties, condominiums, or small apartment buildings, you'll benefit from experience by specializing in one aspect of investment real estate properties.

Know the financial statements inside out. What are operating expenses? What are loan payments? Vacancy costs? Taxes? What does the cash flow statement look like? These are key issues that must be addressed before making a solid investment.

If the last rent increase was recent, your tenants may be considering a move. If tenants have a short-term lease, they may be living there simply to attract unsuspecting buyers. It is also important to collect the tenants' security deposits at closing.

Taxes are an integral part of successful real estate investing, and they often make the difference between a positive cash flow and a negative one. Know the tax situation, and see how it can be manipulated to your advantage. It may be a good idea to consult a tax advisor.

If seller's coverage is based on lower-than-current replacement value, your insurance cost may increase when you pay a higher purchase price.

Ask the local utilities to verify recent utility expenses, especially if any of these costs are included in your tenant's rent.

Taxation is a key element of successful real estate investing, so be sure to find an accountant who is well-versed with the constantly evolving tax code.

Make sure that you always perform a thorough inspection of the property before buying it. Never, ever buy any property without at least examining the site. In some cases, hiring professional inspectors to examine the structural mechanical system may be a sound investment.

For More Information or Additional Questions - Please Click Here

Here you will find a wealth of useful real estate information for home buyers and sellers.

• 5 Secrets to Buying the Best House
• 7 Deadly Mistakes of Homebuyers
• Things to Know When Buying
• 10 Important Tips
  

Marketing Objectives

1. To sell your home for the highest value in the shortest possible time.
2. To utilize the full resources of Realty Executives in gaining maximum exposure for your home.
3. To attract qualified buyers through a variety of channels.
4. To cooperate fully with real estate community to maximize exposure of your home
5. To assist in all stages of the transaction, from the purchase offer through closing.

THE PLAN OF ACTION

Marketing Deliverables

• Submit your home to the Multiple Listing Service.
• Send "New Listing" email alert to Washington's Top Realtors as soon as your listing is taken.
• Expose your home to International buyers on ViewSeattleHomes.com
• Submit copies of your listing to our company’s sales stuff for their waiting buyers.
• Promote your home at the real estate board meetings for maximum exposure to the other agents.

• Develop a list of features and benefits of your home for the cooperating agents to use with their potential buyers.
• Suggest and advice you as to any changes you might want to make in your property to make it even more marketable to buyers.
• Constantly update you as to any changes in the real estate market.
• Knock on 50 doors in the surrounding area.
• Create additional exposure with a “For Sale” sign.
• Hold Sunday open house and weekday broker's open when possible.
• Advertise in newspapers when necessary.
• Prequalify, when possible, all prospective buyers.
• Make you completely aware of all the various methods of financing that your buyer may want to use.
• Have the cooperating brokers in the area tour your home.
• Provide for the cooperating brokers, on a monthly basis, a list of the features and benefits of your home.
• Follow up with all of the salespeople who have shown your home for their response.
• Assist you in arranging interim financing, if necessary.
• Deliver a copy of your multiple listing and all published advertisements for your approval.
• Represent you upon the presentation of all contracts by cooperating brokers and help you negotiate the best possible price and terms.
• Handle follow-up and keep you informed, after the contract has been accepted, on all mortgage, title and other closing procedures.
• Deliver your check at the closing.

Click here to list your home today!

Dear Home Seller,
If you are like most people, selling a home can be a very stressful process. If you are under financial pressure, emotional pressure of some kind... or you've tried, but just haven't been able to get your home sold... that stress level can go way up. I would be more than happy to help you sell your home for the highest value in the shortest possible time. Please fill out the following short form and I will contact you within 24 hours with Free comparable sales information, value assessment and my powerful 21 point marketing plan.

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