the
JANUARY 2016
Volume 7 | Issue 1
LOCAL happenings
EYE ON THE market Happy New Year! We’re at the beginning of what promises to be a great year in real estate for the Puget Sound region. The market went into it’s usual slowdown heading into December with MLS statistics from November (most recent available) showing a dip in inventory. Despite low inventory and stormy weather, there were still many qualified buyers out searching for their next home. Most well-priced listings experienced high traffic and great offers right through the holiday season. Of course there are buyers who take the holidays off from the market. We expect those buyers to return along with additional prospective home buyers comprised of new residents moving to the region, Millennials who have decided it’s time (or are now financially able) to buy and renters reeling from record-setting rent
increases in our region. That pent up demand may indicate an early start to the 2016 real estate season as buyers hope to get a jump on the spring market. Sellers contemplating putting their home on the market may enjoy a shorter time on market if they list their home on the market during the first quarter of 2016. Sellers successful in selling their home earlier in the year, may also find they are in a better position to buy a home in early spring without the contingency of selling their home first. Lastly, we should also note It’s widely reported that the Federal Reserve is set to raise interest rates in 2016. While it’s thought a rise in interest rates will not deter most buyers, many will want to consider the cost savings over the life of a loan with a lower rate. It looks like we're in for another exciting year!
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Polar Bear Plunge at Matthews Beach Park | seattle.gov
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Polar Bear Plunge at Point Defiance Park metroparkstacoma.org
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Kirkland Art Walk explorekirkland.com
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Paramount kingcounty.gov
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Northwest Remodeling Expo in Seattle homeshowcenter.com
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Model Railroad Show at Pacific Science Center pacificsciencecenter.org
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Sounds of Brass Concert in Tacoma | brassunlimited.org
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Free Entrance into State & National Parks discoverpass.wa.gov
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Garfield High School | mlkseattle.org
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Tacoma cityoftacoma.org
NEW YEAR’S FINANCIAL resolutions The new year is also a great time to take a look at your finances to ensure that you’re ready to reach your investment goals for the coming year. Here are a few suggestions to get you started with assessing your situation:
Reassess your mortgage and make sure Review your insurance policy coverage it suits your current financial situation. Salary and cost of living fluctuations over the year can affect your monthly cash availability. Consider refinancing for better rate terms if the opportunity becomes available this year.
Order a copy of your credit report and look for any errors. Mistakes on your report could significantly affect your ability to obtain a loan or increase the rates you pay. Follow up with the companies to correct any errors and notify the three main credit bureaus (TransUnion, Experian and Equifax) once fixed.
and shop other companies to see if you qualify for a lower premium. Make sure your policy adequately covers your home’s value, condition and any improvements you’ve made over the years.
If you're thinking about buying a home this year, start planning now. Cut out unnecessary spending in order to pay off any debt and to save up for emergency/repair expenditures. If selling your house, speak with a Real Estate Broker about making smart improvements to your home that can help get you the best return.
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Children’s Film Festival Seattle childrensfilmfestivalseattle.org
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Washington Sportsmen’s Show in Puyallup thesportshows.com
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Tacoma Home & Garden Show otshows.com
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Seattle Boat Show seattleboatshow.com
ARE YOU PREPARED IN CASE OF emergency ?
January I M P O R T A N T D A T E S
It’s recommended that every household have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Following is a listing of some basic items that every emergency supply kit should include:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation Food, at least a three-day supply of non -perishable food Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food) Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Local maps Prescription medications and glasses Infant formula and diapers Pet food and extra water for your pet Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container Cash or traveler’s checks and change Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant Fire Extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children For more information go to www.ready.gov.
Friday, JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day CW & counties are closed
Monday, January 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Day CW & counties are closed
POST HOLIDAY recycling Gift Cards Every now and then you might get a gift card to a store or restaurant that is not your favorite. Below are ways to get them out of your wallet. Exchange or sell your gift cards: www.cardcash.com www.cardpool.com www.giftcardrescue.com www.coinstar.com/coinstarexchange Donate them to charity: www.plasticjungle.com
Holiday Lights McLendon’s Hardware Stores Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores Point Defiance Zoo (several locations) Recology CleanScapes christmas-light-source.com HolidayLEDs.com Girl Scouts of Western Washington (selected locations) More information here: http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/ecoconsumer/holiday-light-recycling.asp
Toys Think about taking some of your children’s gently used toys and donating them to a charity after the holidays. It’s a great way to teach your children the importance of giving. For each gift they receive let them select one toy to donate. Donated items are a tax write-off so save the receipt. Christmas Trees Most cities have curbside tree recycling or a Boy Scout troop in the area that will take trees for a small donation. Contact your local Boy Scout troop for locations and more information or contact your county: King County - curbside recycling http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/tree-cycling.asp
Snohomish County - check with your yard waste collection service Pierce County - curbside recycling if subscribed to yard waste collection http://www.piercecountywa.org/index.aspx?nid=1551
Note: Most yard waste collection providers require the tree to be cut in pieces before placing into yard waste bin. Volume 7 | Issue 1