Seattle ranked fifth in national home price appreciation
The Seattle market saw an eight percent annual increase in August compared to an average annual decrease of seven percent a year ago.
11 years ago

Solar-powered home systems become more affordable
The federal incentive is a 30 percent tax credit in the first year after installing solar that currently runs through 2016. The annual state credit depends on how much solar is produced by an individual home and is capped at $5,000.
11 years ago
Lenders luring jumbo borrowers for other bank services
Jumbo borrowers tend to have better track records in repaying their loans and have lower default rates, so more banks are willing to take the gamble on them.
11 years ago
Lenders leery of penalties, pull away from FHA loans
Lenders say they are concerned that they will be penalized if underwriting errors occur and the loans default.
11 years ago
Expedia to feature more rent-by-owner properties
Vacation rental property managers and owners using HomeAway's pay-per-booking listing model may now also choose to advertise their properties on Expedia.com for no additional charge.
11 years ago
Sellers of vacant homes find insurance a tough go
Insurance companies simply do not want to deal with unoccupied, vacant and for-sale homes.
11 years ago
Smart homes that consumers actually want
The survey showed respondents wanted to be able to adjust the thermostat, turn on the lights, or start the coffee pot before they get out of bed.
11 years ago
Credit fear curtailing loan applications – Wells Fargo
Mortgage lender says many customers believe it's much more difficult to get a mortgage than it really is.
11 years ago
Dorm alternative entails more than cash
If your child is headed to a major college or university, the chances are very good your investment will show at least modest appreciation.11 years ago
FHA to end controversial policy of ‘post’ payment penalty
FHA has argued that its bond investors, who purchase packages of insured mortgages, expect a full-month payment of interest plus principal.
11 years ago
Interview appraiser before the process begins
Many appraisers and housing analysts believe problems arise from two areas-the definition of "market value" and out-of-area appraisers sent to evaluate properties outside of their areas of expertise.
11 years ago
Economists bullish on housing, expect 2016 rates to hit 5.25%
The economists polled expect the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage to rise to 5.25 percent in 2016.
11 years ago
The Nudist Niche: When your buyers are naked
Just how big is the nudist niche? In the first six months of this year, Youngblood sold 22 properties at prices ranging from $135,000 to $800,000.
11 years ago

New plan helps local military families save on loans
Five lenders are pledging to make frequent checks of the Defense Department database to see if their customers can take advantage of any unclaimed benefits.
11 years ago
‘This is not a scam’ – State borrowers wary of HARP
The FHFA estimates that about 800,000 families across the country could save nearly $2,300 per year on their mortgage payments with HARP.
11 years ago
Three reasons home loan demand is dropping
Why aren't more homebuyers taking advantage of low interest rates?
11 years ago
Top three reasons single owners decide to buy
Many singles were intimidated by the home-buying process
11 years ago
California case throws wrench into ‘dual agency’ transactions
The decision could greatly influence how two agents in the same office represent bother the seller and buyer in the same transaction.
11 years ago
Understanding ‘aging suites’ and mother-in-law units
With the cost of care-giving facilities and services soaring, it may be more affordable for parents to move in with their children.
11 years ago
Full-time, part-time rental owners have more tools
Helpful tools that enable vacation owners to run their businesses more efficiently also are on the rise.
11 years ago
Targeting the rich: Broker opens office in Rolls dealership
While shoppers peruse cars, they'll also be tempted to "find a home for their new car."
11 years ago
Lake Tahoe getaway sells for $1.6 million in bitcoins
The sale is the latest in a string of residential real estate transactions in the past year that have used the virtual currency.
11 years ago
Tax-free cash from a short-term reunion
Owners can derive tax-free income from renting their home or getaway, provided they rent it out for 15 days or fewer and don't claim any of the tax deductions typically allowed on rental property such as for depreciation or maintenance.
11 years ago
World’s priciest home – nearly $23,000 a square foot
The 4,661-square-foot home features four bedrooms, a private pool, a garden, rooftop terrace, and a carport that can accommodate two cars.