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

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/pending-home-sales-hit-highest-level-in-15-years/ar-BBi2J6t

5 ways spring home sellers can gain an edge

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/02/24/5-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]

http://www.king5.com/story/sports/mlb/mariners/2015/02/25/mariners-houses-home-seattle-whittenberg/23989689/

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.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2015/02/university-of-washington-one-of-top-10-best-public.html

Home improvement market booming in Seattle

http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/seattle/2015/02/22/homeowners-leaving-their-stamp-through-renovations/23831471/

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

http://www.komonews.com/seattlerefined/lifestyle/A-whole-new-side-of-Chihuly-opens-at-Tacomas-Museum-of-Glass-294252611.html

WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness

$48M Manhattan triplex fit for a prince

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/heres-a-dollar48m-manhattan-triplex-fit-for-a-prince/ar-BBhZXZa

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/

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

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-02-18/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

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/22/realestate/micro-apartments-tiny-homes-prefabricated-in-brooklyn.html?_r=0

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

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2015/02/soon-youll-be-able-to-buy-one-of-the-historic.html?page=all

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

http://www.exit133.com/articles/view/show-your-love-for-tacomas-history-with-the-ihearttacoma-photo-contest#.VOeATHzF93p

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/

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

http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/02/10/10-terms-first-time-homebuyers-should-know  

Advice for Millennial homebuyers in 2015

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2015/02/15/millennials-become-homeowners-2015/23171719/ 

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

http://www.king5.com/story/entertainment/television/programs/evening/2015/02/11/escala-50-shades-of-grey/23194403/

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?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/navathwal/2015/02/12/5-markets-poised-to-be-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 

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]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/10-things-to-look-forward-to-in-2015/ss-BBhkeNb#image=1

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

http://www.komonews.com/news/business/US-construction-spending-rose-04-percent-in-December-290541831.html

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

http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2015/01/more-delay-for-first-hill-streetcar-puts-open-date-after-july-block-party/

Inventory remains tight in and around Seattle

http://www.seattlepi.com/realestate/article/Supply-of-houses-for-sale-in-Seattle-remains-tight-6065192.php

New North Seattle fire station most green in Washington State

http://www.ballardnewstribune.com/2015/02/03/features/new-north-seattle-fire-station-%E2%80%98most-green%E2%80%99-s

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

http://blog.seattlepi.com/football/2015/02/04/photos-video-mayor-governor-raise-thank-you-seahawks-flag-on-top-of-space-needle/#30287101=0

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/ 

MORTGAGE & FINANCE news

Average U.S. mortgage rises to 3.66 percent

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate1/average-us-rate-on-30-year-mortgage-rises-to-366-pct/ar-AA8Jn2C

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

http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/home-prices-still-rising-but-at-slower-pace-sandp-case-shiller-shows/ar-AA8DDBB

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

http://seattle.curbed.com/archives/2015/01/bellevues-woodridge-the-nations-8th-hottest-hood-in-2015.php

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/

MORTGAGE & FINANCE news

It’s time to think about refinancing

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/20/upshot/its-time-to-think-about-refinancing-your-mortgage.html?_r=0&abt=0002&abg=1

Rates falling, refis up

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mortgage-rates-dip-0116-biz–20150115-story.html

Average 30-year mortgage rate falls

http://www.komonews.com/news/business/Average-rate-on-30-year-mortgage-falls-to-363-percent-289494341.html

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

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/health-care-inc/2015/01/5-things-to-know-about-paul-allen-and-his-seahawks.html

Pierce County home prices rise in 2014

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2015/01/22/3601466/pierce-thurston-county-home-prices.html

Bellevue will be 8^th hottest neighborhood in the nation in 2015, says Redfin

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2015/01/seattles-hottest-residential-neighborhood-in-2015.html

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

http://www.cwtitle.net/title-and-escrow-resources/

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

https://homes.yahoo.com/news/millennials-are-moving-in–under-35-homeowners-to-dominate-the-housing-market-next-year-210147425.html 

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.

http://www.komonews.com/news/business/How-lower-oil-prices-could-fuel-more-hiring-in-US-287948271.html

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

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/seattle-home-prices-rise-11-in-2014-expected-to.html 

Seattle confronts the prospects of its own delayed big dig

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/govbeat/wp/2014/12/30/seattle-confronts-prospect-of-its-own-long-delayed-big-dig/ 

Washington State ranks #6 as the most popular moving destination in the nation, up from 32nd in 2013

http://www.geekwire.com/2014/amazon-effect-study-says-washington-state-one-top-importers-new-residents/ 

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

http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2014/12/19/connections-grow-between-china-and-washington-state-giving-boost-to-high-end/  

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

http://www.geekwire.com/2015/90-yard-seahawks-touchdown-looked-like-seismologists/?mc_cid=15a381c37a&mc_eid=c09f5a934b 

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/ 

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

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/12/23/the-boom-is-here-the-economy-just-grew-5-percent-and-its-not-going-to-stop/

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

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Chinas-wealth-finds-a-home-sweet-home-in-Wash-state-286356241.html

Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood one of the nation’s hottest for real estate

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/for-home-sales-ravenna-is-one-of-nations-red.html

Southeast Seattle to get its own Third Place Books, adding to resurgence of surrounding neighborhoods

http://crosscut.com/2014/12/23/neighborhoods-communities/123253/neighborhood-bookstores-pcc-seattle-seward-park/

“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

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/seattle-renters-paid-8-6-more-this-year-higher.html

WEEKLY DOSE OF awesomeness

The “Home Alone” house, 20 years later

http://www.app.com/story/entertainment/television/2014/12/24/see-home-alone-house-looks-like-today/20840215/

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.