March 3, 2015
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
Requirements for mortgages are easing
http://www.seattletimes.com/business/requirements-for-mortgages-are-easing/
What you need to earn to afford a home in 27 U.S. cities
http://money.cnn.com/infographic/real_estate/what-you-need-to-earn-to-afford-a-home/?iid=SF_PF_River
Why first-time homebuyers will make a comeback in 2015
http://fortune.com/2015/02/23/why-first-time-homebuyers-will-make-a-comeback-in-2015/
REAL ESTATE news
Pending home sales hit highest level in 1.5 years
5 ways spring home sellers can gain an edge
30 tips for increasing your home’s value
http://www.hgtv.com/remodel/interior-remodel/30-tips-for-increasing-your-homes-value
LOCAL news
Seattle’s annual Modern Home Tour set for Saturday, May 2
http://www.urbnlivn.com/2015/02/16/save-the-date-modern-home-tour-may-2nd/
New Mariners making Seattle their new home [VIDEO]
Most affordable neighborhoods in Seattle
http://www.seattlemag.com/article/most-affordable-neighborhoods-seattle
University of Washington one of top 10 best public colleges in U.S.
Home improvement market booming in Seattle
Gourmet dessert lounge coming to Everett
http://myeverettnews.com/2015/02/27/gourmet-dessert-lounge-coming-to-downtown-everett/
A whole new side of Chihuly opens at Tacoma’s Museum of Glass
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
$48M Manhattan triplex fit for a prince
TITLE & ESCROW info
Our region has so much to offer, entertainment and culture, sports and recreation and so much more. Click on the link below — select “community links” and you'll find quick links to main attractions and related information.
http://www.cwtitle.net/title-and-escrow-resources/
February 23, 2015
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
How to buy a home when you can’t afford one
http://money.cnn.com/2015/02/20/real_estate/vermont-housing-trust/index.html
Housing turning point seen in U.S. first-time buyers
8 money lessons to learn before you turn 40
http://blog.credit.com/2015/02/8-money-lessons-to-learn-before-you-turn-40-109111/
REAL ESTATE news
Paul McCartney’s childhood home up for auction [VIDEO]
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102434093
Home automation comes of age
http://www.wsj.com/articles/home-automation-comes-of-age-1424193505
Micro apartment trend in NYC
7 great uses for an old phone or tablet
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2015/02/20/older-phone-tablet/23673195/
LOCAL news
Soon you’ll be able to buy one of the historic homes in Discovery Park
Facebook signs office space lease for 2,000 employees
http://www.geekwire.com/2015/facebook-reportedly-inks-lease-seattle-building-room-2000-employees/
Seattle rents jump in January
http://www.king5.com/story/news/features/2015/02/20/us-seattle-rents-jump-in-january/23740819/
Encouraging green building in Bellevue
http://www.bellevuereporter.com/opinion/292232261.html
Bellevue Youth Theater opens in Spring
http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/292238471.html
I heart Tacoma photo contest runs through the end of February
Edmonds mayor encourages city citizens to stay in touch with itself
http://edmondsbeacon.villagesoup.com/p/staying-in-touch-mayors-message/1307064
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
Meeting the World’s first luxury tiny house
http://www.bobvila.com/articles/meet-the-worlds-first-luxury-tiny-house
TITLE & ESCROW info
All uou need to know about title and escrow, all in one place. Click on the link below — select “title” or “escrow” and you'll find comprehensive information on the what, who and how of title insurance and the escrow process. http://www.cwtitle.net/title-and-escrow-resources/
February 17, 2015
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
Many Millennials choosing mortgage before marriage
http://www.heraldonline.com/2015/02/13/6795811/redfin-survey-many-millennials.html
10 terms first-time homebuyers should know
Advice for Millennial homebuyers in 2015
Homeowner tax breaks probably safe despite moves in Congress
http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-harney-20150215-story.html
REAL ESTATE news
Avocado making a comeback in home décor
http://mynorthwest.com/800/2699751/Gray-is-here-to-stay-avocado-making-a-comeback
5 ways to boost your home value before selling
http://mynorthwest.com/800/2700487/Five-basic-ways-to-boost-home-value-before-selling
5-point checklist when considering new construction for your next home
http://mynorthwest.com/800/2708658/Going-brand-new-Fivepoint-checklist-for-homes
LOCAL news
Inside the “50 shades" apartment
Pierce county home prices on the rise, but inventory is low
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/02/05/3625222_home-prices-up-and-inventory-down.html?rh=1
Two alternate locations emerge for Seattle arena
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2015/02/09/two-alternate-locations-emerge-for-seattle-arena/
Snohomish tourist train plans may become reality
http://www.snoho.com/stories_2015/021115_snohomish_train_update.html
Is Seattle one of the top 5 cities poised to become the next “Silicon Valley” for real estate?
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
Why Tesla batteries for your home could lead to radical transformation for utility companies in the future
http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/13/8033691/why-teslas-battery-for-your-home-should-terrify-utilities
February 10, 2015
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
“Prodigal” Millennials jump into the mortgage market
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2025550803_bizharney01xml.html?prmid=4917
Average 30-year mortgage falls to 3.59 percent
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2015/02/05/mortgage-rates/22953449/
3 reasons to refinance now
http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/02/05/3-reasons-to-refinance-now
REAL ESTATE news
10 things to look forward to in 2015 [CLICK ON SLIDESHOW]
More home buyers may be trading up this spring
http://time.com/money/3681300/housing-market-trade-up/
10 popular home styles
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/15/popular-home-styles_n_6460034.html
U.S. construction spending up 0.4% in December
What $750,000 will buy you in Seattle, Arkansas and Kentucky
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/realestate/750000-homes-in-seattle-arkansas-and-kentucky.html?_r=0
Take a home for a test run before you buy
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/buying-a-home-try-it-out/ar-AA925m8
LOCAL news
First Hill streetcar delays put open date after July block party
Inventory remains tight in and around Seattle
New North Seattle fire station most green in Washington State
Shoreline Master Plan nears its deadline
http://www.gateline.com/2015/02/04/3622783/shoreline-master-plan-nears-its.html
Tukwila and Bellevue emerge as alternatives to SODO for new arena
http://seattletimes.com/html/othersports/2025624398_nhlarena05xml.html
Sea-Tac Airport unveils huge expansion plans for the next 20 years
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2025558052_seatacgrowthxml.html
Pierce county in top 50 best markets for renting to Millennials
http://rismedia.com/2015-02-02/ranked-best-u-s-markets-for-buying-residential-rental-property/
Boeing 747-8 built in Everett chosen to be the next Air Force Ones
http://www.theheraldbusinessjournal.com/article/20150128/BIZ/150128971
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
Seattle mayor and Washington governor raise “Thank You Seahawks!” flag
TITLE & ESCROW info
Our website has comprehensive links to the most used online resources to help with your property research. Click on the link below — select “property links” then click the link for King, Pierce or Snohomish County. You’ll find quick access to online parcel viewers, the county assessor’s office, building permit information and more. http://www.cwtitle.net/title-and-escrow-resources/
February 2, 2015
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
Average U.S. mortgage rises to 3.66 percent
Better U.S. housing market makes it easier to trade up
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/23/us-mortgages-housing-tradeups-idUSKBN0KW1GO20150123
Homeowners who lost homes during housing crisis poised to become buyers again
http://time.com/money/3683843/housing-crash-boomerang-buyers/
Home prices still rising, but more slowly
What to buy in February
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/spendingandborrowing/what-to-buy-in-february/ss-AA8BADl
REAL ESTATE news
New construction home sales jump 11.6 percent in U.S. in December
http://www.komonews.com/news/business/New-US-home-sales-jump-116-percent-in-December-289953591.html
11 home trends for 2015 [SLIDESHOW]
http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Media/Slideshow/2015/01/23/11-Home-Trends-2015
Top home improvements that offer big bang on your buck
http://www.improvementcenter.com/windows/top-home-improvements-big-bang-for-your-buck.html
Starbucks increases neighborhood, home values
http://www.cnbc.com/id/102380916
LOCAL news
Seattle to begin fining residents who put compostable food in the garbage
http://grist.org/news/seattle-to-shame-residents-for-throwing-away-food/
Seattle home named top remodel of the year in U.S. in 2014
http://www.seattlepi.com/realestate/article/Seattle-home-named-remodel-of-the-year-6036002.php
Woodridge in Bellevue nation’s 8th hottest neighborhood
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
1000-ft waterslide may be coming to Seattle
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/1000-foot-long-waterslide-coming-to-Seattle-289674291.html
TITLE & ESCROW info
Researching schools and school districts? Click on the link below — select “community links” then “school links” and you’ll find links to websites that will help you find your school district and/or specific school and compare them by report cards, test scores and ratings. http://www.cwtitle.net/title-and-escrow-resources/
January 27, 2015
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
It’s time to think about refinancing
Rates falling, refis up
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mortgage-rates-dip-0116-biz–20150115-story.html
Average 30-year mortgage rate falls
Check interest rates for your situation with new tool from consumerfinance.gov
http://www.consumerfinance.gov/owning-a-home/check-rates/
Why 5% mortgage rates are still a ways off
http://blog.credit.com/2015/01/5-mortgage-rates-are-still-a-ways-off-106478/
REAL ESTATE news
Tips for hosting the perfect open house
http://seattletimes.com/html/homesrealestate/2025463730_hreopenhousexml.html?prmid=4917
44 impressive tiny houses
http://www.countryliving.com/homes/real-estate/tiny-house#slide-1
U.S. Home construction up 4.4 percent in December
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2025506281_apxhomeconstruction.html
Super homes you can rent for the Super Bowl
http://money.cnn.com/gallery/luxury/2015/01/07/super-bowl-home-rentals/index.html
LOCAL news
Seattle Public Schools actively pursuing vacant downtown building for future school site
http://www.kplu.org/post/seattle-school-board-ponders-another-push-vacant-downtown-building
Seattle’s new city bird: the South Lake Union (construction) crane
http://www.oregonlive.com/travel/index.ssf/2015/01/seattle_needs_a_new_official_c.html
Rail-centered communities are poised to make a comeback
http://kuow.org/post/fighting-traffic-dreaming-light-rail-outside-seattle
Puget Sound region gets $9 million boost from new federal conservation program
http://www.courierherald.com/news/288954281.html
5 things to know about Paul Allen and the Seahawks
Pierce County home prices rise in 2014
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/01/22/3601466/pierce-thurston-county-home-prices.html
Bellevue will be 8th hottest neighborhood in the nation in 2015, says Redfin
2015 to be the year of the bike in Tacoma
http://www.exit133.com/articles/view/year-of-the-bike#.VMLOVtLF93o
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
Bucharest subway library allows commuters to scan QR codes from book spines to download ebooks to their phones
http://ebookfriendly.com/digital-library-on-the-bucharest-metro-station-pictures/
TITLE & ESCROW info
Need to find a utility company? Click on the link below – select community links and you’ll find a large list of local utility companies in our Puget Sound region
January 12, 2015
Check out these articles for great information about our community and the real estate industry
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
U.S. Housing Administration to lower mortgage insurance premium rates to spur buying
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/obama-reduce-fha-mortgage-premium-rate-spur-buying-28062284
Millinnials to dominate the housing market in 2015
Where will interest rates go in 2015?
http://www.komonews.com/news/business/Where-will-mortgage-rates-go-in-2015-287960741.html
How lower oil prices could fuel more hiring in U.S.
REAL ESTATE news
Home remodeling trends for 2015
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/showers-closets-among-top-2015-remodeling-trends-2014-12-31-510710
The home office is now a must-have home feature
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-room-is-the-new-must-have-home-feature-2014-12-29
Yee-haw!! Cowhide, gold fixtures and blue accents are home design trends for 2015
http://www.businessinsider.com/top-five-home-design-trends-2015-2014-12
13 tips that will heat up your winter home sale
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/13-tips-that-will-heat-up-your-winter-home-sale/ss-BBgPYam
LOCAL news
What to expect in Seattle market in 2015
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlerealestate/2015/01/07/seattle-housing-what-to-expect-in-2015/
Mild autumn for home prices in Seattle
http://seattlebubble.com/blog/2014/12/30/case-shiller-mild-autumn-home-prices/
Seattle home prices rise 11 percent in 2014
Seattle confronts the prospects of its own delayed big dig
Washington State ranks #6 as the most popular moving destination in the nation, up from 32nd in 2013
Median home prices jump nearly 10 percent in Pierce County in 2014
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/01/06/3574364/median-home-prices-jump-nearly.html?sp=/99/261/
Pierce County housing prices jump 10 percent in 2014
http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/tacoma/2015/01/08/pierce-county-home-prices-jump/21476147/
Connections grow between China and Washington State, boosting local real estate market
How foreign investment is changing our region’s neighborhoods
http://www.seattlemag.com/article/how-foreign-investment-changing-our-neighborhoods
Rent rates increase by 8 percent, but record number of apartment units planned for completion in 2015
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2025341798_rentsq4xml.html
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
What that 90-yard Seahawks TD looked like to seismologists
TITLE & ESCROW info
All you need to know about title and escrow, all in one place. Click on the link below — select “title” or “escrow” and you'll find comprehensive information on the what, who and how of title insurance and the escrow process. http://www.cwtitle.net/title-and-escrow-resources/
January 05, 2015
Check out these articles for great information about our community and the real estate industry!
MORTGAGE & FINANCE news
The economy grew 5 percent in Q3 2014, looks to be sustainable in 2015
After defying all forecasts in 2014, what’s ahead for mortgage rates in 2015?
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mortgage-rate-forecasts-20150102-story.html
A few reasons why 2015 will see the return of first time home buyers in many markets [VIDEO]
http://money.cnn.com/2014/12/28/real_estate/housing-2015/index.html
Does refinancing your mortgage make sense?
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/home-refinancing/does-a-mortgage-refinance-make-sense/ar-BBgyq6E
REAL ESTATE news
Top 6 home trends for 2014 and a peak at what may be hot in 2015
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/26/the-top-home-trends-of-2014-from-pinterest_n_6355644.html
5 real estate trends to watch in 2015
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/five-real-estate-trends-to-watch-in-2015-2014-12-29
Not sure about Marsala, Pantone’s color of the year for 2015? Here are a few items that may sway your opinion:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/04/home-products-marsala-pantone_n_6271342.html
Millennials may put the squeeze on the real estate market in 2015
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2025348271_housingreviewxml.html
LOCAL news
Chinese wealth finds home in Washington
Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood one of the nation’s hottest for real estate
Southeast Seattle to get its own Third Place Books, adding to resurgence of surrounding neighborhoods
“Lego style” next-gen pre-fab housing now going up in Seattle [auto-play VIDEO]
http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2014/12/22/the-new-pre-fab-is-coming/20787553/
525-acre arboretum property on Vashon for sale
http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2014/12/29/525-acre-arboretum-near-seattle-listed-43-million/
Now may be time for renters to buy as rents increase 8.6 percent in 2014, expected to rise faster than home values in 2015
WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness
The “Home Alone” house, 20 years later
TITLE & ESCROW info
You can get an instant quote for title and escrow fees, and print the quote easily for your clients to view. Just go to our homepage at http://www.cwtitle.net, click the “order” link at the top of the page, then select “quick title | prelim” to get started.