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• Sep. 25, 2009 - VW Credit and Audi

I have always tried to keep these real estate related, however Audi financial (aka VW credit) is a SHAM!  They are the biggest crooks in the automobile industry and everyone needs to be warned the next time they look at Audi when they want to lease a car.

I have been leasing cars for over 10 years and I have never gone through this before.  I think they are the most dishonest company I have ever dealt with.  When I turned in my Audi TT it has brand new tires and nearly 20,000 under the contracted miles.  The car was in perfect condition.  The inspector Audi/VW Credit sends over must be paid from Audi to create items so they can make a couple extra bucks.  The vehicle has a minor chip in the windshield (could barely see it) and a tiny scrape on the wheel.  They tried to collect $300 for this!!  They are criminal in my minds and I am taking this matter up with the BBB.

 

Don't buy Audi!!!  They are Crooks!

 

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• May. 4, 2009 - CONQUERING FEAR IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

 

CONQUERING FEAR IN TODAY’S REAL ESTATE MARKET
 
If there’s one thing everybody shares in today’s real estate market, it’s fear. Fear of not being able to sell a home. Fear of buying at the wrong time. Fear of overpaying. And the list goes on.
 
Rampant fear, however, is a key factor in keeping the real estate market depressed. If more people got over their fear and took action, the market would recover more quickly. The problem is that most people do not have the correct research to help them understand that now is a great time to buy and sell—one of the best ever, in fact.
 
Record-low interest rates -- combined with record-high inventory -- create a “perfect storm” of opportunity for buyers, offering opportunities that didn’t exist two years ago. Incredible bargains and plentiful choices abound.
 
However, most buyers are still sitting on the fence because they’re fearful that the market will go down further and they’ll miss out on even more savings. The problem with this thinking is that as time goes by, more and more competition will arise. Right now, there is much less competition than there will be in the near future—meaning that if you wait, there is less chance you will get the home you want.
 
Yes, there may (or may not) be a savings of a few more dollars down the road. If you’re a buyer, are you willing to take a chance on missing the abundant choice and low rates right now in favor of a potential future savings that may never materialize?
 
Sellers are fearful too. They are desperately concerned that their house won’t sell due to excess inventory. The answer is the same: take action. There are measures you can implement right now to make your property stand out from the competition.
 
A prime example would be a “Reverse Purchase and Sale Agreement”. This is when you draft a contract and make an offer to a buyer, instead of waiting for them to make an offer to you. As the market changes, this has developed into a viable and successful way of getting your home sold.
 
One simple – and successful – tactic is an adjustment in your asking price. While this is an obvious solution, many people are holding on to prices that are simply not supported by the current market. If you’re serious about selling, then you need to get real and meet the market at today’s prices.
 
Fear is everywhere, but the cure is action. Once you put your buying or selling plans into action, you not only can take advantage of amazing deals waiting for you right now, but also you help bring the economy back to life.
 

Want to know more about Reverse Purchase and Sale agreements? Want solid numbers on where the market is today so you can take the best action? Just give me a call at 425-503-8862 or email me at lgoulden@comcast.net

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• Apr. 18, 2009 - Reasons to buy...NOW

 

8 REASONS TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE RIGHT NOW
 
With all the tumult on Wall Street and in real estate, the average person may surmise that investing in real estate right now is a risky idea. Nothing could be further from the truth! A combination of factors make right now one of the best times in history to invest in real estate.  
 
Here are eight reasons why:
 
1.                  Low interest rates. Rates are not just low – they are historically low. Never in history have investors been able to get this much borrowing power for their money.
 
2.                  Median home prices are down. Tumbling values spell disaster for some, but translate into bargains for investors. It’s not unheard of right now for a property to sell at 20%-50% less than the current appraised value.
 
3.                  Foreclosures are up. An even worse disaster for some, unfortunately. However, investors understand that by getting a deal on a foreclosure, they’re helping other people to find good housing—while making a tidy profit for themselves and putting money back into the economy.
 
4.                  Inventory is high. As an investor, you have choices galore. Because there are so many properties available, you can pick and choose from multiple offerings.
 
5.                  Banks are itching to lend. Contrary to conventional wisdom, lenders are starved for reputable borrowers with sound investment plans. If you know what you’re doing and have a good track record, money is waiting for you.
 
6.                  Poor consumer confidence. While not healthy for the market in general, a large number of terrified consumers means less competition for the investor.
 
7.                  Real estate agents are going the extra mile for investors. In today’s economy, real estate agents know they have to work harder and smarter. They’re getting more creative because with fewer transactions, they need to provide more to clients. They will help you find the right investment property with service that you wouldn’t have experienced two years ago.
 
8.                  The USA is built on property ownership. Real estate has been a powerful money-making tool since the first settlers landed on the shores of the New World. Property ownership as a source of wealth has survived numerous wars and depressions before. This one is no different. Real estate will always be a strong American investment.
 
Here’s the bottom line: Now is the time. Get out there and grab the investment deals while they last. By doing so you’re not only building your own wealth, but helping the economy to recover.
 

Want to see some of the amazing investment offerings on the market right now? Just give me a call at 425-503-8862 or email me at lgoulden@comcast.net. There are amazing opportunities…right now!

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• Apr. 9, 2009 - Whats ahead in 2009

 

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR REAL ESTATE IN 2009
 
 
I think 2009 will be a year of recovery and stabilization for the real estate industry. Here are my 15 top predictions for 2009:
 
 
1. Mortgage rates will drop, then rise, and finally stabilize  
•         Rates will be at a historical low in the first part of the year
•         Rates will go up in early spring
•         Rates will level off after the first half of the year
 
2. Investors will come back into the market in 2009
•         The Federal Reserve plans to pump up the housing sector by buying up to 100 billion dollars worth of bonds issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
•         The Fed will also buy ½ trillion dollars of mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae
 
3. Buyers will jump off the fence and come back into the market
•         With fixed rates in the mid-fives -- combined with pricing at 2003 and 2004 levels -- it is an excellent time to buy. Buyers will finally jump off the fence and back into the market
 
4. Sellers will become creative with alternative ways to add value to their home sale with incentives such as:
•         Interest rate buy-downs
•          Seller financing
•          Other incentives
 
5. Listing Inventory will go down as the market absorbs inventory
·          Nationally, listing inventory is down about 4.5% from the same time in 2008, Coupled with lower interest rates and higher investor confidence, this consumption of inventory will continue.
 
6. Market time will decline and remain on the lower end of the spectrum
•         Days-on-market numbers will go down in 2009 due to a lack of new home inventory coming on the market
•         With investors and buyers coming back into the market, the days-on-market numbers will level off and then start to decline in early spring
 
7. Real Estate agents will leave the industry in record numbers
•         Real estate agents that were not prepared for the 2008 market will continue to leave the real estate industry in record numbers
•         Agents who remain will go back to basics to exist – then thrive -- in the current market 
 
8. Builders will use auctions to sell off inventory; m any will leave the business entirely
•         Builders will turn to auctions to liquidate remaining properties
•         Builders will leave the industry due to financial pressures from the lack of 2008 sales
•         New construction will virtually grind to a halt as builders are unable to develop new product as a result of excess inventory / poor sales in 2008
 
 
9. New home inventories will reach record low numbers in the fall of 2009
•         Many builders stopped buying land in 2008, and will therefore be unable to build in 2009
•         Builders stopped building in 2008 and concentrated on selling standing inventory. As a result, they were not building new inventory. This will lead to an inventory shortage in 2009.
•         Existing new home inventory will be absorbed by the fall of 2009.
 
10. Consumer confidence will improve in the spring of 2009
•         Consumer confidence will improve in the spring of 2009, and buyers jump back into the market…carefully.
•         Consumers will look to real estate agents for guidance in buying and selling.
 
11. Appreciation will be small to nonexistent in most markets as the industry stabilizes
•         Most markets across the country will see little or no appreciation while the market stabilizes and inventory gets absorbed by the market.
•         Some markets will continue to see their markets decline into the second half of 2009 as inventory levels stabilize
 
12. The rental market will BOOM IN 2009
•         It’s estimated that almost 2 million homes will be foreclosed on in 2009. This will transform many former homeowners into tenants.
•          Banks will rent their real estate owned properties rather than sell at a substantial loss.
•         Tighter credit criteria will force potential buyers to renew their current leases after they are turned down for a mortgage.
•         Consumer fear and an uncertain employment picture will keep would-be, credit- worthy buyers on the sidelines, leading to reduced turnover in rental housing.
•         Americans who have realized a loss by recent homeownership will decide that ownership is not worth the risk and trouble.  They will sign a rental lease and happily return to rental living. 
 
13. “In demand” homes will become the “safe necessity” of 2009
•         Smaller, green-built, and energy efficient homes will be in big demand.
•         Home with a good location in relation to work and school will be in demand.
•         Homes in the mid-range of price for their market will be in demand as more homebuyers become more frugal.
 
14. Real estate companies will merge in 2009
•         Smaller real estate companies will merge with larger companies to make it through the market downturn.
•          Competition in the industry will shrink as the number of companies and the numbers of agents is reduced.
 
15. Second home markets will see far less activity; many will suffer in 2009
•         Second home markets in many markets will suffer due to the financial losses owners of second homes experienced as their stock portfolios, pensions, or other investments devalued and deteriorated.
•          Second home markets will suffer due to consumers’ need to relocate assets and financial priorities. 
 
 

While we will see adjustments in 2009, it’s sure to be a much better year than 2008. 

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• Apr. 8, 2009 - Home Warranty

 

WHY HOME WARRANTIES ARE A GREAT IDEA
 
 
When it comes to feeling comfortable about buying a home, a warranty can be just what a potential buyer needs. Who wouldn’t feel better about having the components of a home guaranteed for a period of time?
 
Home warranties have become more popular in recent years because they are advantageous to both buyers and sellers alike.
 
For sellers, a home warranty increases the perceived value of their home by providing an extra incentive. For buyers, a home warranty purchases a little extra peace of mind.
 
Home warranties fall into four categories. The first three warranties apply specifically to new construction; the fourth is pertinent to previously owned homes:
 
1. The statutory warranty. This one is required by law. Some states mandate that builders provide this level of protection to home buyers. These warranties can range from one to ten years, and usually cover any structural defects pertaining to the construction of the home.
 
2. The express warranty. This is a warranty provided by the builder even though not required by law. This can include the quality of finishing on the home and/or some components (such as electrical or heating).
 
3. The implied warranty. This is a warranty that is not stated explicitly by the seller, but is presumed. For example, a home would be assumed to be fit for habitation under an implied warranty. Also covered under an implied warranty would be the fact that the home was constructed in a commercially reasonable manner.
 
4. After-market warranty. After-market warranties are typically provided by an independent third party.   Covered items vary widely on these types of warranties, so it’s a good idea to carefully review the warranty to be sure you’re receiving the coverage you need. In many cases, after-market warranties can be created from an “a la carte” menu, allowing you to select the coverage most important to you.
 
 
When examining any home warranty, check for what’s covered and what’s not. Be clear on the exact resolution process when a problem arises. You’ll find this information in the clause pertaining to warranty disputes.
 
Also, determine whether the warranty is transferred with the home or with the owner. It’s always helpful if it stays with the home so that you can offer it yourself if you ever decide to sell.
 
Regardless of the type of warranty, there’s no doubt that they are an excellent tool to build trust and comfort between buyers and sellers.
 

For more of the nitty-gritty details on home warranties, call me @ 425-503-8862. You can also email me lgoulden@comcast.net or visit my website www.LeslieGoulden.com. 

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• Mar. 31, 2009 - Signs of Life

 

CNN –Anderson Cooper
 
I was watching CNN today and finally some good news! The stock market showed signs of life. This is usually the beginning of signs that the job market and the real estate market are soon going to also see positive signs. The Stock Market is the barometer. It’s a little early to tell, but the Obama administration is starting to make some changes in our economy! 
 
The regulations by the government are definitely needed and Obama is firm. Obama is cracking down on Wall Street and the corruption that has gone on for too long. There are signs of hope. We are seeing improvement. March 9th was the definite low. But those days are over and we need to start building the wealth in the US. The Stimulus Package was the beginning of better days. This added billions of dollars in the marketplace and slowly has given a pulse in the real estate industry. The $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit, record breaking interest rates and great housing deals = Time to BUY!
 
Once we continue to see improvement, the fear will go away.
 
I was just happy to hear some positive news. The phones are ringing and buyers are finally realizing now is the time to buy. Hopefully buyers won’t wait too long or we will all find ourselves in bidding wars for the bottom basement prices we are seeing in the Greater Puget Sound Real Estate Market.
 
Leslie Goulden
Realtor®
Windermere Kirkland
425-503-8862
LeslieGoulden.com
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• Mar. 31, 2009 - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING AN OFFER

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAKING AN OFFER
 
If you’re ready to make an offer on a home you want to buy, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
 
1. The only way to win is to negotiate.
 
You’d probably like to avoid negotiation and just have your first offer accepted. However, the reality of buying and selling real estate is that there will be some negotiation along the way.
 
Many buyers believe they can make a lowball offer, beat the seller at the game, and then just walk away. All this does is set up a backfire situation. The seller is usually so insulted by your offer that he or she won’t even consider a second offer.
 
The solution to this problem is what I call “win/win negotiating”. This is a style of negotiation that ensures all parties benefit from the transaction. This means that before writing the offer, you put yourself squarely in the shoes of the seller. Ask yourself this question:
 
“If you were selling, what offer would make you really happy?”
 
For example, pretend you have a home on the market listed at $300,000.   You would be happy if somebody paid you exactly what you’re asking, but that probably will not happen.
 
Ask yourself what offer you would be willing to accept. Then, ask yourself what offer you would be willing to think about. Finally, ask yourself what offer would make you downright mad. Put yourself in the position of the buyer.
 
And never say, “That’s my final offer.” All that does is infuriate the buyer and close all doors of communication.
 
2. Think about the conditions and terms on which you might be willing to compromise.
 
Never sit down to write an offer while being inflexible. Be a palm tree, not an oak tree. Sway in the wind a little.
 
On what parts of this contract could you be flexible? If it’s not price, maybe it’s something else. Perhaps the closing date is negotiable. Perhaps some of the included items are negotiable. Be open-minded if you ever expect to win in a negotiation.
 
3. Keep emotion out of the negotiation.
 
If there’s one truth to human decision-making, it’s that emotion plays a key role. To win, you need to keep it in check. Always be willing to walk away from a deal if you find your emotions are getting the best of you.
 

When you keep these simple rules in mind, your offer has a much higher likelihood of being accepted.

 Please feel free to contact me at 425-503-8862.  Email me: lgoulden@comcast.net

www.LeslieGoulden.com

 

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• Feb. 20, 2009 - Help is on the way!

 

HELP IS ON THE WAY FOR REAL ESTATE
 
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) does more than just represent the interests of real estate agents nationwide. They are also a consumer rights advocate, as evidenced by the events surrounding a new bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives—a bill created to help more Americans achieve the dream of home ownership.
 
Interest rate buy-downs have long been a top priority of the NAR, and they are at the heart of H.R. 384--The TARP Reform and Accountability Act. Introduced by Representative Barney Frank (D-Mass.), the bill is intended to mandate a new program from the Treasury Department.
 
Using interest rate buy-downs, this program would increase demand for home purchases and lower property inventories by creating affordable mortgages for qualified buyers. If enacted, it will make life a lot easier for home buyers.
 
The NAR has been at the forefront of rebuilding the real estate market. They have been tirelessly urging the Obama administration to address critical housing needs by taking measures to encourage low interest rates, making permanent the 2008 conforming loan limits, and applying the $7,500 tax credit to all home buyers and make it non-repayable.
 
H.R. 384 is a big step in the right direction.  If passed, it will also amend portions of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 by demanding more accountability, creating stronger measures to reduce foreclosures, and closing loopholes in the previous act.
 
NAR President Charles McMillan recently stated that, “by directing the Treasury Department to increase the availability of affordable mortgage rates for qualified home buyers and to offer reduced rate loans designed to stimulate demand for home purchases and clear inventory of properties, Chairman Frank has responded to the most critical issues facing potential homeowners.”
 
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, but have been reluctant due to concerns about an uncertain economy, take heart. More importantly, take action! If this bill passes, a new chapter is about to begin.
 
Low interest rates, combined with sellers’ willingness to negotiate amazing deals, should make 2009 one of the best years ever to buy real estate.
 

For more information on what all this means to you, just give me a call at (425) 503-8862 or send an e-mail to lgoulden@comcast.net . I’ll be happy to explain it all to you in detail—and explain how you can apply current conditions to your own situation.

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