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Built-ins make cozy comeback

May 16, 2012

Built-ins make cozy comeback

Built-in furniture and cabinets have cycled in and out of favor for centuries. Now they’re making a comeback, inspired by the better-not-bigger trend in residential design.

“Built-in storage seems to be more on people’s radar,”said Jean Rehkamp Larson of Rehkamp Larson Architects. “There’s also a thoughtfulness about making them part of a home’s architecture.”

Today’s built-ins house everything from flat-screen TVs to kids’ sports equipment, but their smart, space-saving utility is timeless — and adds to a home’s appeal.

Read More on the Seattle Times…

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The Benefits of Owning a Home

May 10, 2012

The Benefits of Owning a Home

We all know the social benefits of owning a home. Homeownership gives family stability, creates lower high school dropout rates, and of course gives the opportunity to create meaningful and lasting relationships.

In addition to these great pluses, owning a home can be your largest financial asset.

Read More on Realty Times…

Are you dreaming of buying a home? Check out our Homeownership Simplified section a for information & tips on buying a house in Washington State as well as our handy calculators to figure out potential mortgages, closing costs, and more!

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Property-tax deadline is here

April 30, 2012

Property-tax deadline is here

A reminder that if you pay property taxes semiannually directly to your county treasurer’s office, the second-half payment is due or must be postmarked by Monday (April 30) to avoid delinquency charges.

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How to deduct private mortgage insurance from your income taxes

April 9, 2012

It is that time of year again Tax Time. Homeowner’s often have several deduction options for taxes, so be sure and talk to your tax professional!

How to deduct private mortgage insurance from your income taxes

Homeowners are well aware of the many home-related tax breaks they can claim each filing season.

But there also are a lot of added costs that come with purchasing a home. For buyers unable to make a down payment of at least 20 percent of their home’s purchase price, one of those costs is private mortgage insurance, or PMI. A PMI policy is coverage that you, the homebuyer, pay for, but it protects your lender in case you default on the loan.

Now, however, some PMI payers can use those insurance payments as a tax deduction when they file their returns.

Read More on The Seattle Times…

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Insurers Shifting Catastrophe Costs to Consumers

April 5, 2012

Insurers Shifting Catastrophe Costs to Consumers

Consumers in 11 states hardest hit by weather catastrophes in 2011 should brace themselves for homeowners insurance rate increases amounting to nearly $100 on every $500 in coverage.

Not that the hikes are necessary.

In a recent study, the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) says insurers are more and more often shifting the cost of weather catastrophes onto homeowners as they “significantly and methodically” decrease their financial responsibility for weather catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods.

The scathing study says “the insurance industry has moved from its historic role as a calculated risk-taker to one of a risk-avoider, exposing consumers and taxpayers to much higher costs.”

Read More on Realty Times…

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