Linnea Jones – Realtor

Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc.

Browsing Posts published by Linnea

Taxing Situation–facts about your tax bill

June 27, 2011 No comments

“As real estate values have dropped, there is a natural expectation that your property taxes should drop as well. However this may not be the case.” This is a quote from Lloyd Hara, King County Assessor. In a recent meeting with Lloyd, I was able to glean some important tips about how taxes are determined and applied to the hundreds of thousands of homes throughout the County.

While taxes are a necessary evil of modern living, most of us demand that those taxes be applied fairly and that is the tough job of the Assessors office. The State, local Cities, School and Fire / Safety Districts rely on them to collect taxes so they can provide services.

Most of us have our taxes paid through an escrow account managed by our home lender so this amount is built into our housing budget and we don’t think much about it. It is however very important to fully understand your tax bill and make sure a mistake has not been made. Since assessments don’t look closely at your specific home, mistakes can be made and you can appeal.

Below are several points to ponder and resources for tax appeals ….

“Oh by the way, if you or someone you know could use some help with Real Estate or anything to do with homes, just call me with their name and number and I’ll be happy to help them.”

Facts about Tax Assessments

How can my assessed value decrease and my taxes increase?

  • When we vote for more taxes, taxes go up. For instance in Snohomish County voters approved 33 of 44 ballot measures last year. Voter approved measures amount to 42% – 47% of your tax bill.
  • When assessed values increase or decrease, taxes don’t necessarily follow suit. Property taxes in Washington are budget based. Each taxing district; cities, counties, school, library, fire, etc. decides how much to budget or levy each year then your share of the tax bill is determined by a simple formula. Taxes to be collected for the district are divided by the total assessed value of a district creating the levy rate. Then the levy rate is multiplied by the assessed value / 1000 = the taxes owed.

When will the 2011 sales affect my assessed value and tax bill?

  • Home sales that occur in 2011 will be used to set the Jan. 1st, 2012 assessments which will be used to calculate taxes due in 2013.
  • Tax statements received this year (2011) reflect market values from sales in 2009. So they will not reflect recent value losses.

Tax appeals. If you think your tax bill is too high you can appeal within 60 days of receiving your notice. Appeals are made to an appeals board which is separate from the Office of the Assessor. If you disagree with the board’s decision you can appeal to the Washington Board of Tax Appeals or pursue litigation in court.

Tax assistance. If you are a senior citizen, widow or widower, disabled or your income is below a certain level you may be eligible for a deferral or exemption.

Exempted property. Certain homes that have been damaged by natural disaster or have a unique use may be eligible for a reduction in assessment. Examples include:

  • Character building benevolent organizations. Protective or rehabilitative social services. Veterans and relief organizations. Libraries. Orphanages. Day care centers. Nursing homes and hospitals. Schools & colleges. Art, scientific and historical collections. Sheltered workshops for the disabled and more.
  • Contact the State Department of Revenue for a determination of exemption, they will then instruct the Assessor to change the tax assessment.

Contact your Assessor:

Courtesy of Linnea Jones – Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc. 425-765-2211

Taxes , , , ,

Happy Grass

March 29, 2011 No comments

Dear friend,

One of the great things about life in the Pacific Northwest is the environment we have for growing great lawns. Lawns have become a big part of our urban and suburban culture and can have a big impact on the marketability of your home. Great looking lawns add value and appeal. Conversely unkempt lawns can seriously detract from a home’s perceived value at time of appraisal or sale.

Most lawns can be easily maintained by the homeowner but not without a bit of knowledge and the proper tools. Maintaining the proper soil chemistry and controlling weeds and pests can be a bit beyond the ability of the average homeowner. Most of us would benefit greatly from the advice and periodic help of a professional.

I rely heavily on my favorite professional Matt Shay of Sunrise Landscape Services 425-508-2460. Matt can do it all from full maintenance to periodic clean up. I asked Matt to put together a list of the top items to focus on to get ready for spring so I could share it with my friends.

 

Yours truly,

Linnea Jones

425-765-2211

Oh by the way, if you or someone you know could use some help with Real Estate or home repairs, just call me with their name and number and I’ll be happy to help them (but I won’t mow their lawns).

Some tips for your Northwest lawn before Spring begins

  • Servicing your lawnmower annually is highly recommended. There’s nothing quite so frustrating than to have a half-mowed lawn due to a breakdown. If you’d prefer not to service it yourself, get it done now. Don’t wait until everyone else is taking their mowers for service as this may cost you valuable time waiting in line. Make sure the blade gets sharpened. A sharp blade is important for lawn health.
  • Walk the entire turf area. Check for winter damage, excessive thatch and moss as well as lawn weeds. Also check for large divots which can be angle twisters. Fill those with good earth and seed around the beginning of April.
  • Thatch- As a rule of thumb thatch needs to be removed once it has built to a depth of one inch. Some thatch is actually good for your lawn as it retains moisture and protects roots during the hotter months. Not all lawns build thatch at the same rate so check annually.
  • Moss- Small patches of moss can be easily treated with iron. Larger crops will need to be physically removed. Either by hand or by machine.
  • Aerate- Once a year is preferred and will be a huge benefit to overall turf health. Earth becomes compact and lawn roots will have a difficult time remaining established. The best time to aerate is now if the turf area is not too wet.
  • The first mowing can wait until turf height is 3 inches but not much higher. Try never to remove more than 1/3 of the lawn height when you mow as this will stress your lawn. Try to mow when the lawn is dry. This can be hard to do but a professional landscaper with the right equipment can get it done wet or dry. 
  • Fertilize- Preferably right after the first mowing. Lawns want to be pushed and fed about five times a year. Use only high quality fertilizer. For the first feeding I would recommend a 60% slow release fertilizer with a ratio of 21-3-21. This is also a good time to apply iron if you have moss in your lawn. Use the proper ratio’s throughout the year.
  • Enjoy!!!  Take pride in your hard work. Lawns are hard work, no doubt about it but the reward of a lush green carpet saying goodbye in the morning and welcoming home in the evening are so worth the effort.

If you have any questions about your lawn or need help with any aspect of maintenance, feel free to give me a call. I’m always willing to help.

-Matt Shay, Sunrise Landscape Services 425-508-2460

Courtesy of Linnea Jones – Windermere Real Estate / Northeast, Inc. 425-765-2211

Maintenance, Repairs , ,

La Niña? El Niño? El Coldo! El Wetto!

October 14, 2010 No comments

Winter forecasts are all over the map. It doesn’t really matter what the forecasters say we all know we will need to deal with the cold and wet that always defines winter in the Pacific Northwest. The forecast for this winter also includes lots of snow. For those who remember the 2007-2008 winter, being ready for snow is not an option.

The Old Farmers Almanac Annual Weather Summary:
November 2010 to October 2011

Winter temperatures will be slightly above normal, on average, with slightly below-normal precipitation but above-normal snowfall in most places. The coldest periods will occur in mid-December and mid- to late February, with the snowiest periods in mid-December and late February.

Attached is a checklist to help in getting ready for those winter snowstorms.

To help with this years weatherization I made a bulk purchase of faucet covers. Give me a call and I’ll bring you some for FREE!

DSC_3338 

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Snow Strategies

  • Assemble or replenish your emergency kit including batteries, three days of food and water, emergency radio, portable cell-phone charger or land line and phone.
  • If snow is in the forecast stock up on prescriptions, diapers, formula and batteries.
  • Check board games and get wood for the fireplace. (S’mores are optional)
  • Test generator and stock up on fuel. Be sure to keep fuel stabilizer on hand.
  • Stock up on ice melt pellets and / or sand. Buy a snow shovel.
  • Check the structural strength of roofs, carports and outbuildings. Add bracing.
  • Check roof and roof penetrations for leaks, loose screens (keeps the pests out)
  • Assure that gutters are firmly attached to the eaves as snow can pull them off.
  • Route downspouts so that water runs away from the foundation.
  • Close and drain hose bibs. Drain and store hoses. Insulate hose bibs.
  • Remove loose branches from trees; consider having an arborist review the condition of all your trees for wind / snow worthiness.
  • Trim any tree branches near or touching roof or gutters.
  • Remove accumulated snow from ornamental shrubs and trees like Arborvitae.
  • Trim plants to leave a foot of clear space between plants and house.
  • Mark the ends of your driveway with tall stakes.
  • Stow outdoor furniture and toys.
  • Check all exterior caulk, repair as needed.
  • Examine weather-stripping, repair as needed.
  • Clean out basement window wells, clear and secure crawl-space vents.
  • Schedule heating system check-up (change those filters 3-4 times each year).
  • ___Call Linnea for a referral to help with this list_______
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Uncategorized none

Here’s your crystal ball

August 27, 2010 No comments

Aside from artificial governmental inducements like tax credits, rebates and mortgage bail-outs, the raw underlying fundamentals of housing economics actually remain quite strong. For those seeking housing for old fashioned reasons and long term investment, home buying today appears to still be an incredible opportunity.

Will home prices continue to fall? According to the Fiserv Case-Shiller Indexes the bottom is near and by early 2014 Seattle area home prices will have climbed about 25.5% percent from 2010 levels. Bremerton – Silverdale is expected to grow at 44.7% and is considered the number one strongest housing market in the country for the time period.(2)

Experts say that nationally we need to add 1,300,000 new housing units each year just to keep up with population growth. In 2009, builders built approximately 550,000 single family homes. According to forecasts.org the pace of building for 2010 has been steady at an annualized rate of 546,000 through August. They expect the rate will remain similar throughout the first part of 2011. This means that we have suffered a cumulative shortfall of home building of approximately 1,500,000 homes in just two years! Forecasters expect the shortfall to continue for at least the next year. A supply / demand ratio imbalance is forming.

New Privately Owned Housing Units Started. Thousand Units Annual Rate. (1)

U.S. Housing Starts

Forecast.com also predicts that interest rates will continue at the current low 4 – 5% range through at least the first quarter of 2011. Housing affordability is good.

30 year Conventional Mortgage Interest Rate forecast (1)

Mortgage Interest Rate

Certainly, unemployment and other bad economic factors are a drag on the recovery but many economists still think we have seen the worst for the housing market. It’s good to remember that more than 90% of Americans have a job, America still manufactures more than any other country in the world. Never bet against the American economy.

(1) Charts and statistics courtesy of http://forecasts.org.

(2) Housing Markets That Will Be Strongest by 2014 By Venessa Wong, Bloomberg Businessweek

Aug 4, 2010 http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/housing-markets-that-will-be-strongest-by-2014

Construction, Finance, Forecast, Interest Rates, Investing, Market , , , , , , ,

Love my Garage

August 18, 2010 No comments

Garage \Ga`rage”\, n. [F.] an outbuilding (or part of a building) for housing automobiles

Is your car homeless? Does the van refuse to start in the morning because you made it sleep out in the cold? This kind of vehicular abuse is rampant throughout America. Why do aunt Alice’s third set of dishes and young Tom’s unused snow skis deserve more protection than our beloved family car? Friends, this has to stop! I hereby declare August and September to be “I love my garage months”.

On the serious side, our garages need maintenance just like the rest of the home. Most garages contain important equipment and systems that easily get neglected.

I’ve included a checklist to help tackle your garage project.

 

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Love My Garage

Every garage is different. Some are merely a storage area for the car while others include laundries, workshops and the homes heating systems. Here are some tips for sprucing up your garage.

· Garage sale. This is usually the best place to start. Many people remove everything they want to get rid of from the garage, hold the sale in the driveway and then haul the remainder to the dump or to charity. Don’t return the rest to the garage.

· Organizers and storage. With the garage empty, it’s a good time to set yourself up for success, consider adding proper storage systems to help maximize the use of your space. Cabinets from a kitchen remodel are also a good low cost solution. Store paint, thinner and other chemicals away from the door to the house and away from the furnace or water heater. Never store gasoline in the garage.

· Overhead storage and pull-down ladders. Many storage areas in garage ceilings lack the proper framing to hold a lot of weight. Be cautious about overloading. If your garage is structurally sound consider installing a pull-down ladder for easier access. You might also consider one of the many clever ceiling mounted pull-down racks available at home centers.

· Garage doors, openers and seals. Check bolts on all hinges and connectors, tighten as needed. Lubricate chains or gears and rollers. Kits for this are available at the hardware store. If springs appear weak or broken, hire a specialist to replace them. Springs are very dangerous to work on, they need to be balanced and properly handled to avoid serious damage. Replace worn-out seals to help keep weather and insects out. Side seals are often adjustable.

· Heating and cooling systems. Replace filters and have the systems serviced regularly. Keep items away from access panels and combustion vents.

· Water heaters. Place bollards in front of water heaters to keep cars from hitting them. Draining the water heater annually to get rid of sediment can extend its life. If natural gas, keep items and cobwebs away from flame area at the bottom.

· Laundry equipment. Clean out dryer vents. Sweep from behind and under to remove lint and dirt that can be easily combustible or even used by rodents for nesting.

· Floor Paint. While the garage floor is clear, consider applying an epoxy paint to dress up the floor and make it easier to maintain. This is an affordable do-it-yourself project.

· Insects, spiders & ants. Almost everybody hates ‘em! Consider using insecticide sprays and baits. Many non-toxic, environmentally safe products are available at the hardware store or local pest control supplier.

· Electrical panel. Always make sure you have a clear path to the electrical panel in case of emergency.

· Water shut-off. Sometimes there is a main water valve in the garage, keep the area clear around it.

 

Courtesy of
Linnea Jones Realtor®

Windermere Real Estate / Northeast Inc.

425-765-2211

Linnea@Windermere.com / www.LinneaJones.com

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If Prices go down by 2.5% and Rates go up by 1/4% you LOSE!

July 6, 2010 No comments

[Don’t miss the chart at the bottom of this article!]

Waiting for home prices to fall can be costly.

The Federal Reserve has been keeping interest rates artificially low, hoping to stabilize the economy. Economists generally agree that as the deficit grows and the government finds it can no longer continue borrowing, interest rates must rise. In a recent op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal, former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said:

“Long-term rate increases can emerge with unexpected suddenness. Between early October 1979 and late February 1980, for example, the yield on the 10-year note rose almost four percentage points.”

As I have said before, time is on the side of the real estate borrower or buyer. If you know anyone thinking about buying a home or refinancing the time is now! Waiting can be costly! The attached chart shows the effect of interest rates on monthly payment. Most people buy based on monthly payment not the price of the home.

Who do you know that would like to buy a home before they are priced out of the market? Please call me with their name and number and I’ll be happy to take great care of them.

Former Fed Chairman Greenspan warns http://www.johnehrenfeld.com/greenspan0225_l_719090.jpg

“Don’t Be Fooled by Today’s Low Rates”

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If Real Estate Prices go down by 2.5% and

Mortgage interest Rates increase by 1/4% you LOSE!

 

clip_image002

Courtesy of
Linnea Jones. Realtor®

425-765-2211

Linnea@Windermere.com / www.LinneaJones.com

 

Chart source: http://kcmblog.com/2010/01/14/how-interest-rates-affect-your-mortgage-payment/

Image source: http://www.johnehrenfeld.com/2009/03/doh.html

Finance, Interest Rates , , , , , , ,

Home Safe?!

June 2, 2010 No comments

Many people think of their home as a safe place for themselves and their loved ones. Unfortunately, injuries occurring on residential property result in nearly 21 million medical visits and 20,000 deaths each year. It is important that you and your family be aware of potential home hazards and the ways to keep your environment free from danger.

Below is a checklist that provides ideas you can implement to make your dwelling safer, such as ensuring that you have an emergency evacuation plan and checking for recalls on potentially hazardous items commonly found in residences.

I hope that you find this information helpful. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.

 

 

 

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Home Safe Home

  • Create an evacuation plan. Review your escape routes & designate a meeting place.
  • Place a fully stocked first-aid kit in an easily accessible location. Visit Redcross.org
  • Test and replace fire extinguishers. Make sure everyone knows where they are and how to use them. Keep one on each floor and one in the kitchen.
  • Place important phone numbers including the fire department, medical assistance & poison control 800-222-1222 near each phone. Make sure kids know how to dial 911.
  • Have the chimney checked and cleaned regularly. Annually if used often.
  • Keep burning candles at least 1 foot away from flammable items. Only burn them in noncombustible materials. Extinguish before leaving home.
  • Electrical wires should not be run under carpets. Inspect cord plugs for wear or damage. Loose receptacles should be replaced. Unplug appliances not in use.
  • If children are present install safety receptacles or insert safety plugs in outlets.
  • Install smoke detectors in each room of the home. Replace batteries semi-annually.
  • If you have a gas furnace install a carbon-monoxide detector. Mount it according to the instructions, down low as CO gas is heavier than air.
  • Regularly service the furnace to ensure no safety issues develop.
  • Keep portable heaters at least 3 feet from flammable items. Unplug them when not in use.
  • Tie window blind cords with clothespins or specially designed clips. They are a choking hazard for young children.
  • Check for recalls on appliances, electronics, furniture and children’s items. Visit Recalls.gov.
  • Securely fasten heavy furniture items including bookcases, shelves, and mirrors.
  • Make sure the stove has an anti-tipping cleat installed. Put hot pans on back burners.
  • Ensure all water features and pools are fenced to protect children.
  • Safely store potentially unsafe items such as:
    • Garage tools, Automotive fluids, Pool Chemicals, Gardening products, Pesticides
    • Medications, Cosmetics, Mouthwash, Cleaners, Perfumes, Dyes & sprays
    • Kitchen cleaners, Sharp objects, Small appliances.
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Free Space!

January 13, 2010 No comments

Frugality is quite in vogue now. Instead of living in McMansions, Americans are doing more with less these days. As much as I would love to help you and your friends ‘up-size’ to a larger home to keep all your stuff I’m happy to help you make the most of your current home.

At the turn of the New Year, I have been working on those piles of paper on my desk and all that stuff stored in my garage. My desk now looks much larger and my car actually fits in the garage! I have more room! In my more than 20 years as a Realtor I have seen lots of homes overtaken by clutter and useless stuff. It’s been my job to coach sellers through the task of consolidating and organizing to free up space. Buyers need to see what they are buying. I have some good tips for getting organized, getting back on track and reclaiming valuable square footage. I thought you might be interested so I am enclosing a checklist for gaining back some square footage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Free Square Footage

  Eliminate

  • Start with the big items. Try to gain as much space as quickly as possible. It will help you mentally and will make room to do the sorting. Borrow a pickup for a dump run and try to fill it. Move quickly; cover what you have loaded so you are not tempted to take it back out. Don’t double think.
  • If you have stuff for Goodwill separate it and take it right away. Don’t be afraid to make multiple trips, saving up for a trip was probably what started it all anyway.
  • Turn items into cash by using Craig’s List, E-bay, consignment stores, etc.
  • If you have a nick-nack collection consider taking photos of your precious prizes and store the real thing for safety and space saving.
Compact & Consolidate
  • Place like items together first; this will help with organization later.
  • Use nesting to make the most use of storage space. A picnic cooler could contain all of your picnic items, napkins, cups, tablecloths, etc. saving lots of space.
  • Eliminate duplicate items.
  • Use Space Bags (the ones you vacuum the air out of). They fit nicely under beds.
  • Get your photos scanned. Best to have this done professionally. Provide your own blank CD’s and save some money.
Organize
  • Use clear storage containers and label them well so you can stack ‘em high. Avoid using shelving as too much space is wasted.
  • Consider using an online organizer tool like www.Springpad.com. Here you can store your favorite recipes and get rid of those bulky recipe books.
  • Have trouble with organizing your file cabinet and remembering where you put stuff? Take a look at www.thefileharmonic.com.
  • If you need a professional organizer call me for a great referral.
Scan & Shred
  • Most newer all-in-one printers can quickly scan those copies of receipts and important papers into your computer freeing up all that space occupied by file boxes. Shred and recycle when done.
  • The IRS allows electronic record keeping.
  • If you don’t have a shredder… Don’t miss our shredding party (see below).
Store
  • Consider a storage unit. Most items need to be in heated storage (60F) to prevent mildew.
  • For electronic data, skip saving to CD’s which have a shelf life, a decade from now the data may be gone. Instead consider using online storage for all your files. You can get 2GB free from www.Mozy.com.
Organization, Storage , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Winter Preparedness – remember winter 2008-2009?

January 1, 2009 No comments

 

Winter 2008 a  winter to remember! We’ve had impressive snows and bone chilling cold … and winter has just begun. Keeping safe and getting around in winter conditions will likely be a recurring theme for the next few months so its time to be as prepared as possible. To this end I have attached a checklist of items to do while the weather and stores cooperate.

Our family spent Christmas day snowbound & without power, but it didn’t spoil our day. Our son and his family braved the horrible roads and actually made it to the end of the driveway to our house. We shared soup and sandwiches by candlelight for Christmas dinner. We enjoyed playing games that weren’t electronic and didn’t have the distractions of football games. Our son showed us how to make toast with a lighter (didn’t work very well). Adverse times seem to bring people together, they help us focus on what is truly important and give us lasting memories.

Here is a checklist to help get ready for the winter cold.

 

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Winter Preparedness

CHECKLIST

For the House

  • Winterize all exterior faucets.
  • Drain the sprinkler system.
  • Locate the water shut-off for the house, both in the house and at the street. Keep a shut-off wrench handy.
  • Clean the gutters and check them to be sure they will handle snow loads.
  • Get a snow shovel.
  • Get de-icer or sand for the walkways.
  • Check for loose limbs on trees near or over the house.
  • Check electrical panel and make sure labels on circuits are accurate so you can shut off selected circuits. Especially if you have a generator.
  • Get enough candles, batteries & flashlights. Don’t forget matches & firewood.
  • Stock up on food that can be prepared easily without heat. Only use camp stoves outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Remove excess snow from ornamental trees and shrubs.

For the Car

  • Check tire pressure.
  • Check fluids.
  • Get a windshield scraper.
  • Get extra windshield wiper fluid.
  • Put warm clothing, gloves & blankets in the car.
  • Get chains. Do a dry run to test and improve your skills.
  • Carry bags of sand in the trunk for traction (on rear-wheeled cars) and use on the road. Kitty litter works well too but lacks the added weight for traction.
  • Keep a short handled shovel in the trunk.
  • Keep some snack food and water in the car.
  • Keep a cell phone charger in the car.

If you have a generator (consider getting one)

  • Test to be sure you are familiar with its functions and be sure it works.
  • Make sure it is maintained and has enough oil.
  • Get extra gas cans and gas.
  • Make an operational checklist and place it by the generator.
  • Make sure all circuits connected to the generator are protected by a surge suppressor.
  • Have extra extension cords if your generator does not power the whole house.
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