Page not found – Tracie Gulit https://traciegulithomes.com Providing a service for my clients as a Real Estate Professional that is unmatched Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:50:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 New Year, New Laws https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/03/11/new-year-new-laws https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/03/11/new-year-new-laws#respond Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:50:12 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5541 Effective January 1, 2024, the statute in Washington that governs real estate brokerage relationships (RCW 18.86) otherwise known as the “Agency Law” – was significantly revised. The revisions modernize the 25-year-old law, provide additional transparency and consumer protections, and acknowledge the importance of buyer representation.KEY REVISIONSFor decades, real estate brokerage firms were only required to […]

The post New Year, New Laws appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
Effective January 1, 2024, the statute in Washington that governs real estate brokerage relationships (RCW 18.86) otherwise known as the “Agency Law” – was significantly revised. The revisions modernize the 25-year-old law, provide additional transparency and consumer protections, and acknowledge the importance of buyer representation.KEY REVISIONSFor decades, real estate brokerage firms were only required to enter into written agency agreements with sellers, not buyers. The Agency Law now requires firms to enter into a written “brokerage services agreement” (agency agreements) with any party the firm represents, both sellers and buyers.This change is to ensure that buyers (in addition to sellers) clearly understand the terms of the firm’s representation and compensation, much like a listing agreement. The new agreements are called Buyer Brokerage Service Agreements (BBSA) and they are to be initiated in writing prior to or upon rendering real estate brokerage services, such as showing homes.The services agreement with buyers must include:

  • The term of the agreement (with a default term of 60 days and an option for a longer term);
  • The name of the broker appointed to be the buyer’s agent;
  • Whether the agency relationship is exclusive or non-exclusive;
  • Whether the buyer consents to the individual broker representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction (referred to as “limited dual agency”);
  • Whether the buyer consents to the broker’s designated broker/managing broker’s limited dual agency;
  • The amount the firm will be compensated and who will pay the compensation; and
  • Any other agreements between the parties.

Clearly communicated expectations between the buyer and their broker are an advantage to the buyer. Every party deserves representation and it has been a long time coming for the law to pay as much attention to buyers as it has to sellers. Having competent representation on both sides of a transaction makes the process go smoother and reduces liability during and after the transaction. After all, everyone deserves competent representation during one of the biggest transactions they will partake in.These changes are intended to elevate transparency in agency relationships for the consumer and encourage more detailed conversations about representation, compensation, and the overall home buying process with the broker they chose to align with. This will also cause sellers to gain a better understanding of how buyer brokers are compensated.What a seller chooses to offer a buyer broker could have a positive effect on their return. The only way a buyer can compensate their broker is with liquid cash or negotiating with the seller within the purchase and sale agreement when their BBSA doesn’t match the seller-offered compensation for the buyer broker. If their BBSA matches what the seller is offering in the listing for the buyer broker compensation, then the buyer does not have to rely on the prior.Compensation offered in a listing that mirrors the BBSA will allow a buyer to solely focus on the offer price of the home as they will not have to calculate the math of the compensation against their down-payment funds, as lending regulations do not allow for broker compensation to be financed. If a buyer has to set aside funds for compensation it would likely reduce their down payment amount which would increase their monthly payment and make them more price sensitive. It will also eliminate the compounding effect of compensation and the offer price being simultaneously negotiated.I have always run my business in a very detailed fashion and pride myself on having a deep knowledge of the laws and the forms, and these changes are paramount. As an independent contractor affiliated with Windermere Real Estate, the leading company in our region, it is up to me to dig into the research and gain understanding to help guide my clients through these advancements in a compliant and service-oriented fashion. There are even aspects of these new laws that I have been practicing before the changes, as transparency is a cornerstone of my value to my clients.These are the biggest changes we have seen in our industry in over two decades. Be aware that not all brokers will adapt as quickly or accurately. We are already seeing a gross difference between the informed and not informed; who one chooses to work with matters! If you have any further questions about how these new laws affect you, please reach out. If you are considering a move, I am committed to navigating the process with the utmost compliance and my client’s success at the forefront.REVISED PAMPHLET: The pamphlet entitled “Real Estate Brokerage in Washington” provides an overview of the revised Agency Law.REVISED AGENCY LAW: Substitute Senate Bill 5191 sets forth the revised Agency Law in its entirety.

The post New Year, New Laws appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/03/11/new-year-new-laws/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2024/02/Blog-Header-4-150x150.png
Housing & Economic Forecast 2024 https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/03/04/housing-economic-forecast-2024 https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/03/04/housing-economic-forecast-2024#respond Mon, 04 Mar 2024 18:12:05 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5549 When real estate bleeds into my Real Life is when it gets really interesting. I provided this exact same recap to those of you who attended the event this month and those who had expressed interest but could not attend. So some of you have already seen this. Read it again though, I am sure […]

The post Housing & Economic Forecast 2024 appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>

When real estate bleeds into my Real Life is when it gets really interesting. I provided this exact same recap to those of you who attended the event this month and those who had expressed interest but could not attend. So some of you have already seen this. Read it again though, I am sure you will notice something new!

Hosting Matthew is always a pleasure and he lived up to expectations… the evening truly was chock full of HYPER-LOCAL statistics! We learned a lot, and we had fun. Thank you so much to Matthew Gardner for your time, Evergreen Home Loans for your sponsorship, and to my guests who were able to join me. In case you missed it, below are my hyper-local takeaways!

Listing Activity
The number of listings in 2023 fell again after they tried to increase in 2022 and Matthew is not anticipating the inventory to gain much this year either. This means our supply will remain low, and if interest rates are lower, we will end up back in a market with multiple offers. (We are already seeing this happen with some of our offers!)

Listings were down, but so were sales. in 2023 sales were down 23% from the year before which was already 36% down from 2021!

 

Interest Rates
“Interest Rates” still seems to feel like a dirty word. We did see some relief in December but they remain slightly above 7% right now. Matthew anticipates no further rate hikes throughout the year. However, the burning question remains: when will the Fed start cutting rates? According to Matthew, we can expect this process to commence around mid-2024. By the year’s end, he envisions rates to be in the low 6% range, with further declines into the 5’s in 2025.

 

Population Up…still
Covid made homeowners really evaluate where they wanted to live and as such we saw a lot of migration happening. It has not stopped… people still want to live in Whatcom County and we continue to see our population grow here. Currently, we have 58,686 households in the county. The issue is we are not building enough new homes to accommodate the new households. See below how much our new construction single-family home permits were down.

 

Sale Prices PICK BACK UP

From their 2022 peaks, average sale prices are down 5.3% & median prices are 0.9% lower. That said, year-over-year, average prices are up 9.5% & median sale prices were 18.2% higher.

Also interesting is that the number of CASH purchases are nearly 40% of purchases in Whatcom County. We certainly saw this in our business last year, there are MANY people moving here from other places having sold a home with so much equity that they are paying cash here.

 

“Rate Locked”
Did you know that a whopping 84.3% of homeowners in Whatcom County currently have mortgage rates below 5%? Many of these homeowners, dubbed “Rate Locked,” are holding off on selling their homes until rates decline further.

 

Pricing Prediction for 2024
Last year Mathew predicted a .7% DECREASE in prices and we ended up as an average down only .4%. Don’t forget this is an AVERAGE. When we’ve been working on your Annual Real Estate Reviews for January and February so far this year, there are very few of my clients that I believe their values did go down last year. Most are flat or UP! For 2024, see below- Matthew is expecting prices to go up almost 8% this year for single-family homes.
All in all, Matthew summarized the event by saying the market will remain “abnormal” until 2025. The homes that are well prepared and well presented on the market will continue to perform well- we like to call those “Cream Puffs”!
We hope you find these insights valuable and informative as you navigate the real estate landscape in Whatcom County. Let us know if you would like to dive deeper into any of these topics, or have any questions.

For those of you with housing goals this year, we hope this brings you some insight into what to expect. If you’ve been on the fence if this would be a good year for you to make a move (buy or sell), give us a call, and let’s schedule a consultation. We would love to help.

The post Housing & Economic Forecast 2024 appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/03/04/housing-economic-forecast-2024/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2024/02/Blog-Header-5-150x150.png
February Real Local Feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/february-2024-real-local-feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/february-2024-real-local-feature#respond Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:29:40 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/janurary-2024-real-local-feature-copy HUMBLE BOUQUET Laura is the Owner, Gardener and Floral Designer at Humble Bouquet. She creates seasonal florals for everyday deliveries, weddings and other special occasions from her studio in Bellingham, WA with all local flowers and her young children underfoot. She also teaches private and public floral workshops for small groups. Laura Wheeler www.humblebouquet.com humblebouquet@gmail.com_wa   […]

The post February Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
HUMBLE BOUQUET

Laura is the Owner, Gardener and Floral Designer at Humble Bouquet. She creates seasonal florals for everyday deliveries, weddings and other special occasions from her studio in Bellingham, WA with all local flowers and her young children underfoot. She also teaches private and public floral workshops for small groups.

Laura Wheeler
www.humblebouquet.com
humblebouquet@gmail.com_wa

 

DESERT OASIS – Phoenix, AZ
Reservations & Information

4 Beds | 2 Bath | Sleeps 10
This beautifully updated, chic home is in a quiet neighborhood and boasts over 2,000 square feet of stylish living space. Enjoy the warm ambiance of the fireplace, or concoct a drink at the dry bar. In addition to this, your retreat offers ample room outdoors in a landscaped backyard with a private pool (pool heat can be added for an additional fee) along with two grills with a covered patio. You can also practice playing cornhole in the backyard or chipping around and putting the 4-hole putting green. This home is within walking distance to trails, 5 minutes to Paradise Valley, and 15 minutes to Scottsdale.

The post February Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/february-2024-real-local-feature/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/07/Blog-Header-15-150x150.png
February Home Maintenance Tips https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/february-home-tips https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/february-home-tips#respond Sat, 10 Feb 2024 18:29:09 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5513 Regular home maintenance is essential for preserving the integrity and value of your property. Here are four key tips to keep your home in top condition. Change HVAC and furnace filters every 3 months. Changing HVAC and furnace filters is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of your heating […]

The post February Home Maintenance Tips appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
Regular home maintenance is essential for preserving the integrity and value of your property. Here are four key tips to keep your home in top condition.

  1. Change HVAC and furnace filters every 3 months. Changing HVAC and furnace filters is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring the efficient operation of your heating and cooling systems. Clogged filters can restrict airflow, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system malfunctions.
  2. Check for pests, especially around the foundation or any wood near ground level.  This is essential for preventing infestations that can cause significant damage to your home’s structure. Regular inspections allow for early detection and prompt treatment, minimizing the risk of extensive repairs or infestation spread.
  3. Check for water damage around windows, pipes and foundation. Regularly checks is vital for identifying and addressing potential leaks or moisture issues promptly. Water damage can weaken structural components and promote mold growth, leading to costly repairs and health concerns if left unchecked.
  4. Landscaping clean up: Trimming shrubs, removing dead branches, and addressing weeds, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also reduces fire hazards and minimizes the risk of falling branches or trees. Regular maintenance ensures a tidy and safe outdoor environment for your home.

The post February Home Maintenance Tips appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/10/february-home-tips/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2024/02/Blog-Header-1-150x150.png
January Real Local Feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/02/janurary-2024-real-local-feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/02/janurary-2024-real-local-feature#respond Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:35:04 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/02/december-real-local-feature-copy-copy HUMBLE BOUQUET Laura is the Owner, Gardener and Floral Designer at Humble Bouquet. She creates seasonal florals for everyday deliveries, weddings and other special occasions from her studio in Bellingham, WA with all local flowers and her young children underfoot. She also teaches private and public floral workshops for small groups. Laura Wheeler www.humblebouquet.com humblebouquet@gmail.com_wa   […]

The post January Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
HUMBLE BOUQUET

Laura is the Owner, Gardener and Floral Designer at Humble Bouquet. She creates seasonal florals for everyday deliveries, weddings and other special occasions from her studio in Bellingham, WA with all local flowers and her young children underfoot. She also teaches private and public floral workshops for small groups.

Laura Wheeler
www.humblebouquet.com
humblebouquet@gmail.com_wa

 

DESERT OASIS – Phoenix, AZ
Reservations & Information

4 Beds | 2 Bath | Sleeps 10
This beautifully updated, chic home is in a quiet neighborhood and boasts over 2,000 square feet of stylish living space. Enjoy the warm ambiance of the fireplace, or concoct a drink at the dry bar. In addition to this, your retreat offers ample room outdoors in a landscaped backyard with a private pool (pool heat can be added for an additional fee) along with two grills with a covered patio. You can also practice playing cornhole in the backyard or chipping around and putting the 4-hole putting green. This home is within walking distance to trails, 5 minutes to Paradise Valley, and 15 minutes to Scottsdale.

 

HUMBLE BOUQUET

Laura is the Owner, Gardener and Floral Designer at Humble Bouquet. She creates seasonal florals for everyday deliveries, weddings and other special occasions from her studio in Bellingham, WA with all local flowers and her young children underfoot. She also teaches private and public floral workshops for small groups.

Laura Wheeler
www.humblebouquet.com
humblebouquet@gmail.com_wa

The post January Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/02/02/janurary-2024-real-local-feature/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/07/Blog-Header-15-150x150.png
December Real Local Feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/01/04/december-real-local-feature-copy https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/01/04/december-real-local-feature-copy#respond Thu, 04 Jan 2024 17:32:24 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5389 LUXURIOUS ARIZONA RETREAT Reservations & Information 4 Beds | 2.5 Bath | Sleeps 12 Welcome to Agave, your luxurious Arizona retreat in Paradise Valley, minutes from downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale’s vibrant offerings. This resort-like property seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, featuring a heated pool, hot tub, putting green, and an oversized cabana with a bar. […]

The post December Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
LUXURIOUS ARIZONA RETREAT
Reservations & Information

4 Beds | 2.5 Bath | Sleeps 12
Welcome to Agave, your luxurious Arizona retreat in Paradise Valley, minutes from downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale’s vibrant offerings. This resort-like property seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living, featuring a heated pool, hot tub, putting green, and an oversized cabana with a bar. The spacious interior features elegant décor and a fully stocked kitchen creating a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment. The primary suite offers a king-sized bed, a gas fireplace, and a spa-like ensuite bathroom, while additional bedrooms cater to various preferences, including a bunk bed room for the young and young-at-heart. Safety and convenience are paramount, with child locks, a pool fence, and an in-home laundry room. Agave isn’t just a vacation home; it’s a five-star resort experience waiting to be enjoyed!

Perennial Design

Erica Egner is the owner of Perennial Style, an interior design studio specializing in design for short-term rentals. With over 20 years of experience in the graphic design industry, Erica found that her design knowledge allowed a natural transition into interior spaces. After renovating a 1970s cabin and becoming an Airbnb host herself, she became certified as a Short-Term Rental Stylist and now offers virtual design services and in-person staging to homeowners and property managers looking to curate spaces that entice guests and elevate profits.

Email: ericaegner@gmail.com
Phone: 940-594-7558
Website: www.perennial.style
IG: @perennialstyle_wa

     

The post December Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2024/01/04/december-real-local-feature-copy/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/07/Blog-Header-15-150x150.png
Top 10 Predictions for 2024 https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/12/18/top-10-predictions-for-2024 https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/12/18/top-10-predictions-for-2024#respond Mon, 18 Dec 2023 23:16:36 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5363 As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data. With over 30 years of professional experience, he provides valuable insights into the real estate industry and housing market, including quarterly regional reports, monthly videos, and timely analysis of the latest trends.1 Still no housing bubbleThis was number […]

The post Top 10 Predictions for 2024 appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data. With over 30 years of professional experience, he provides valuable insights into the real estate industry and housing market, including quarterly regional reports, monthly videos, and timely analysis of the latest trends.1 Still no housing bubbleThis was number one on my list last year and, so far, my forecast was spot on. The reason why I’m calling it out again is because the market performed better in 2023 than I expected. Continued price growth, combined with significantly higher mortgage rates, might suggest to some that the market will implode in 2024, but I find this implausible.2 Mortgage rates will drop, but not quicklyThe U.S. economy has been remarkably resilient, which has led the Federal Reserve to indicate that they will keep mortgage rates higher for longer to tame inflation. But data shows inflation and the broader economy are starting to slow, which should allow mortgage rates to ease in 2024. That said, I think rates will only fall to around 6% by the end of the year.3 Listing activity will rise modestlyAlthough I expect a modest increase in listing activity in 2024, many homeowners will be hesitant to sell and lose their current mortgage rate. The latest data shows 80% of mortgaged homeowners in the U.S. have rates at or below 5%. Although they may not be inclined to sell right now, when rates fall to within 1.5% of their current rate, some will be motivated to move.4 Home prices will rise, but not muchWhile many forecasters said home prices would fall in 2023, that was not the case, as the lack of inventory propped up home values. Given that it’s unlikely that there will be a significant increase in the number of homes for sale, I don’t expect prices to drop in 2024. However, growth will be a very modest 1%, which is the lowest pace seen for many years, but growth all the same.5 Home values in markets that crashed will recoverDuring the pandemic, there were a number of more affordable markets across the country that experienced significant price increases, followed by price declines post-pandemic. I expected home prices in those areas to take longer to recover than the rest of the nation, but I’m surprised by how quickly they have started to grow, with most markets having either matched their historic highs or getting close to it – even in the face of very high borrowing costs. In 2024, I expect prices to match or exceed their 2022 highs in the vast majority of metro areas across the country.6 New construction will gain market shareAlthough new construction remains tepid, builders are benefiting from the lack of supply in the resale market and are taking a greater share of listings. While this might sound like a positive for builders, it’s coming at a cost through lower list prices and increased incentives such as mortgage rate buy-downs. Although material costs have softened, it will remain very hard for builders to deliver enough housing to meet the demand.7 Housing affordability will get worseWith home prices continuing to rise and the pace of borrowing costs far exceeding income growth, affordability will likely erode further in 2024. For affordability to improve, it would require either a significant drop in home values, a significant drop in mortgage rates, a significant increase in household incomes, or some combination of the three. But I’m afraid this is very unlikely. First-time home buyers will be the hardest hit by this continued lack of affordable housing.8 Government needs to continue taking housing seriouslyThe government has started to take housing and affordability more seriously, with several states already having adopted new land use policies aimed at releasing developable land. In 2024, I hope cities and counties will continue to ease their restrictive land use policies. I also hope they’ll continue to streamline the permitting process and reduce the fees that are charged to builders, as these costs are passed directly onto the home buyer, which further impacts affordability.9 Foreclosure activity won’t impact the marketMany expected that the end of forbearance would bring a veritable tsunami of homes to market, but that didn’t happen. At its peak, almost 1-in-10 homes in America were in the program, but that has fallen to below 1%. That said, foreclosure starts have picked up, but still remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Look for delinquency levels to continue rising in 2024, but they will only be returning to the long-term average and are not a cause for concern.10 Sales will rise but remain the lowest in 15 years2023 will likely be remembered as the year when home sales were the lowest since the housing bubble burst in 2008. I expect the number of homes for sale to improve modestly in 2024 which, combined with mortgage rates trending lower, should result in about 4.4 million home sales. Ultimately though, demand exceeding supply will mean that sellers will still have the upper hand.

The post Top 10 Predictions for 2024 appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/12/18/top-10-predictions-for-2024/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/12/Blog-Header-36-150x150.png
Thank You: Thanksgiving Blessings https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/12/09/thank-you-thanksgiving-blessings https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/12/09/thank-you-thanksgiving-blessings#respond Sat, 09 Dec 2023 01:17:31 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5313 I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the generous souls who joined hands in making Tracie Gulit Homes Thanksgiving Food Drive an overwhelming success this year! Through your kindness and generosity, we were able to crowdfund a total of 18 full Thanksgiving meals, complete with special additions like Martinelli’s and a beautiful […]

The post Thank You: Thanksgiving Blessings appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
I’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the generous souls who joined hands in making Tracie Gulit Homes Thanksgiving Food Drive an overwhelming success this year! Through your kindness and generosity, we were able to crowdfund a total of 18 full Thanksgiving meals, complete with special additions like Martinelli’s and a beautiful poinsettia, to bring joy and warmth to Lynden families in need. Your contributions have not only filled plates but also hearts, creating a ripple of positivity in our community. This Thanksgiving, your selflessness has truly made a difference, demonstrating the power of unity and compassion. Thank you for being the driving force behind this incredible initiative and for making the holiday season brighter for those who needed it the most.

The post Thank You: Thanksgiving Blessings appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/12/09/thank-you-thanksgiving-blessings/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/12/Blog-Header-35-150x150.png
October Real Local Feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/24/october-real-local-feature https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/24/october-real-local-feature#respond Fri, 24 Nov 2023 19:20:36 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/24/september-real-local-feature-copy-copy-copy-copy Waterfront Home Steps From The Beach – Birch Bay, WA CLICK HERE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION 3 Bed | 2 Bath | Sleeps 6 This locally run Airbnb’s property has been in the family for over 80 years with the home built in 2008.  It’s proudly managed by Don & Linda as well as their two daughters, […]

The post October Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
Waterfront Home Steps From The Beach – Birch Bay, WA
CLICK HERE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

3 Bed | 2 Bath | Sleeps 6
This locally run Airbnb’s property has been in the family for over 80 years with the home built in 2008.  It’s proudly managed by Don & Linda as well as their two daughters, Laura and Kristin.Come escape to this beautiful, fully furnished, waterfront home located in Birch Bay. Ideal for relaxing with family or a romantic retreat. With windows overlooking the water, the views from inside the house are only rivaled by the outside view and the sound of the water. Luckily, your commute to the water is short as the beach is across the street. With miles of the best beachcombing in the PNW, you’ll find it easy to fill your days chasing the tide, walking on the beach or watching the storms.

They offer a 25% discount for bookings that are 7+ days. The discount will be applied automatically. 

 

MaryGold Tales

MaryGold Tales is a whimsical watercolor stationery and paper goods business, where Mary hand-paints sweet greeting cards and other bespoke illustrations. Nestled in her studio in Ferndale, Washington, Mary creates bespoke home illustrations and custom stationery.

hello@marygoldtales.com
www.marygoldtales.com
@marygold.tales 

Receive 10% off on her website: THANKYOU10

 

The post October Real Local Feature appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/24/october-real-local-feature/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/07/Blog-Header-15-150x150.png
7 Myths About VA Loans…Busted https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/14/7-myths-about-va-loans-busted https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/14/7-myths-about-va-loans-busted#respond Tue, 14 Nov 2023 19:43:43 +0000 https://traciegulithomes.com/?p=5213 There are a lot of myths swirling around about VA loans, so before you believe everything you hear, take some time to look into the facts about your benefit.  Please reach out if you have any questions.  I can put you in touch with one of the great lenders I work with if you’re looking […]

The post 7 Myths About VA Loans…Busted appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
There are a lot of myths swirling around about VA loans, so before you believe everything you hear, take some time to look into the facts about your benefit.  Please reach out if you have any questions.  I can put you in touch with one of the great lenders I work with if you’re looking for more details on your loan options.

 

MYTH 1: Only combat veterans are eligible.
FACT: Veterans, active duty servicemembers, reservists, National Guard members, surviving spouses, and other individuals can earn eligibility for home loan benefits. You may be eligible if you are a(n): Military Veteran, Active-Duty service member, Reservist or National Guard member, Surviving Spouse, Academy Cadet or Midshipman, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Officer, Public Health Service (PHS) Officer.

MYTH 2: You need perfect credit to be approved.
FACT: While the VA encourages approved lenders to provide VA loans to all qualified applicants, it does not describe a minimum credit score. Each lender has its own credit requirements, which they use to verify that borrowers meet the ability to repay the loan. Lenders are expected to use good judgement and flexibility when applying the VA’s underwriting recommendations for credit, debt, and income. Typically, a score in the 620s or better is needed to apply for a VA loan.

MYTH 3: You can only use the VA home loan benefits once.
FACT:
If you earn a VA home loan benefit it is yours for life. Many Veterans use it again and again for their home financing needs. Depending on the value of each property you buy, you may or may not need to restore entitlement to reuse your benefit. As long as you have enough entilement to back your loan, a VA loan can be a great mortgage choice for all stage of life.

MYTH 4: VA loans have a higher interest rate.
FACT: VA loan interest rates are usually as low or lower than competitive rates on conventional loans.
.

MYTH 5: VA home loan benefits are only for purchasing single-family homes.
FACT: VA loans can be used for: single-family houses, a condominium unit in a VA-approved complex, a multi-family property (up to 4 units per VA-eligible borrower), building a home, buying & improving property, making energy efficient improvements, buying a manufactured home and/or lot (certain lenders), refinancing your VA loan for a lower rate or payment, cash-out or regular refinance your VA or non-VA home. 

MYTH 6: VA loans have unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
FACT:
In fact, VA loans are known for their benefits, including no pricate mortgage insurance (PMI) and, in most cases, zero down payments. As far as other out-of-pocket costs go, you should recieve a Good Faith Estimate from your lender. And there should be no surprise fees at closing time. You can expect to pay a VA funding fee (unless exempt), an appraisal fee, an origination fee, title fees and some other cost approved by the VA.

MYTH 7: VA occupancy rule is too hard for active duty serving overseas
FACT: VA requires owner occupancy within a reasonable time after closing – usually 60 days. But those serving away on active duty can recieve an extension of up to 12 months if needed. If the active duty member still can’t satisfy the rule, a spouse or dependant child can.

 

The post 7 Myths About VA Loans…Busted appeared first on Tracie Gulit.

]]>
https://traciegulithomes.com/2023/11/14/7-myths-about-va-loans-busted/feed 0 https://traciegulithomes.com/files/2023/10/Blog-Header-30-150x150.png