http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ en-us Copyright 2009 The Seattle Times Company Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:01:28 PDT Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:01:28 PDT MattBase 1 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/art/ui/stlogo_231.gif http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009413481_jewelboxhomes05.html?syndication=rss Tailored to the owners' way of life, smaller "jewel box" homes suit a variety of demographic groups, including newlyweds, young professionals, empty-nesters and retirees — the last two a fast-growing segment of the population. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009413481_jewelboxhomes05.html?syndication=rss Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:56:11 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009413484_mortgageshopping05.html?syndication=rss After a recent spike in mortgage rates, some consumers have been wondering whether they've missed their chance to refinance into an ultra-low rate. Fear not: While the conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been bumping around the mid-5 percent-range, it's possible that rates could continue to fall. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009413484_mortgageshopping05.html?syndication=rss Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:57:50 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009412092_harney05.html?syndication=rss Critics charge that a new system is fostering the use of appraisers willing to work for low fees and who are willing to conduct home appraisals far outside their typical areas of activity, leading to low-ball appraisals that can hurt builders, real estate agents, consumers and lenders. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009412092_harney05.html?syndication=rss Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:02:29 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009413490_taxcredit05.html?syndication=rss When it comes to the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, it seems there's a new program every week to help tap that money today. Here are some good tax-planning strategies that you can apply now. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009413490_taxcredit05.html?syndication=rss Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:03:08 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/realcal.html?syndication=rss Real-estate classes, seminars and events. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/realcal.html?syndication=rss Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:04:02 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009402285_caseshiller30.html?syndication=rss Sales prices of Seattle-area homes edged up 0.23 percent in April from the previous month, the first rise in the closely watched Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home-price index in a year. Business & Technology http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009402285_caseshiller30.html?syndication=rss Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:36:26 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389573_rentwithpets28.html?syndication=rss The recession has meant landlords are more lenient about taking tenants with pets. To make sure all parties are happy with the arrangement, renters should read pet policies closely and be ready to pony up more money for their pets. And if roommates are in the picture, renters should be ready to smooth over any pet introductions. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389573_rentwithpets28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:22:38 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389569_optionarms280.html?syndication=rss More than a million payment-option adjustable-rate mortgages will reset to higher rates in the next four years. For some homeowners, payments could jump from $98 a month to $3,500 a month, sparking a new round of foreclosures and threatening the housing recovery. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389569_optionarms280.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:27:50 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389571_rebrownbox28.html?syndication=rss Realtors and mortgage experts will answer questions and provide information about programs aimed at helping buyers at 1,600 open houses this weekend in King and Snohomish counties. The program, taking place in more than 75 cities, was organized by the Washington Association of Realtors. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389571_rebrownbox28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:39:20 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389563_assocforeclosures28.html?syndication=rss Thousands of Americans who have generally kept up with their mortgages are still in danger of losing their homes because they let their homeowner-association dues slide. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389563_assocforeclosures28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:41:45 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389567_mortgageapplications28.html?syndication=rss Mortgage applications in the U.S. increased a week ago for the first time in a month as purchases climbed, adding to evidence the market is stabilizing. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389567_mortgageapplications28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:42:40 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389565_foreclosurecounselors28.html?syndication=rss Despite their training, foreclosure counselors, such as Marlene Santiago, find it tough to handle the stress of homeowners struggling to keep their homes. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389565_foreclosurecounselors28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:46:57 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009390931_pryneaward27.html?syndication=rss Seattle Times reporter Eric Pryne has received an award from the National Association of Real Estate Editors for his story about developers moving into neighborhoods along the light-rail line on Martin Luther King Way. Local News http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009390931_pryneaward27.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:52:52 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389848_mortgagechart28.html?syndication=rss Click on the attached chart to see the average Seattle-area rates for 30-year fixed and 15-year fixed mortgages. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389848_mortgagechart28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:16:46 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/realcal.html?syndication=rss Real-estate classes, seminars and events. Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/realcal.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:18:02 PDT http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389568_noharneyalibi28.html?syndication=rss Real Estate http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009389568_noharneyalibi28.html?syndication=rss Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:17:17 PDT