Author Archives: Erin Johnston

Appraisals Helping the Housing Market

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Erin Johnston

More home sales are now going through because appraisers are putting higher values on the homes. The higher values are due to the rise of home prices as well as the shrinking inventories. From 2008-2010, many home sales fell through … Continue reading →

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Mother’s Day Events

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Erin Johnston

Wondering what events are going on in the Tri-Cities this weekend for that special day for Mom?   Mother’s Day Apple Pie Sale Location:    Yokes Fresh Market Address:     Bombing Range Road West Richland, WA 99353 Times:        10 a.m. – 4 p.m. … Continue reading →

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FHA To Make Permanent Mortgage Insurance

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Erin Johnston

Next month, the Federal Housing Administration plans to build up it’s finances by requiring anyone receiving a FHA loan with less than 20% down to carry mortgage insurance for as long as they have the loan. Previously it was only … Continue reading →

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The Five Year Rule

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Erin Johnston

One thing you should always ask yourself before you purchase a home is how long you plan on living there. The answer to that depends on your geographic area as well as the neighborhood you intend to purchase in. The … Continue reading →

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15 Year Mortgage Rate Lowest Ever

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Erin Johnston

According to a weekly report from Freddie Mac, this week the mortgage rate for a 15 year fixed-rate mortgage hit an all-time low of 2.61%, down from 2.64%. This new low beat out the previous record of 2.63% recorded in November … Continue reading →

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Housing Starts Top 1 Million

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Erin Johnston

In March, for the first time since 2008, housing starts have reached 1 million. The start for new housing is up 7% from February and 47% from last year, with an annual rate of 1.04 million. This was a much … Continue reading →

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National Open House Weekend

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Erin Johnston

This Saturday and Sunday, April 20th and 21st is the National Open House Weekend! Here at Distinctive Properties, Inc we are having a TON of open houses!! Feel free to check out our open houses on our facebook page or … Continue reading →

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Portland Spirit to visit Tri Cities

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Erin Johnston

This week, starting on April 19th and going through April 28th the Portland Spirit will me docked and offering cruises in the Tri- Cities. Cruises board from the Dock at the Clover Island Inn and offer lunch, brunch, dinner and Snake River … Continue reading →

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Now is the time to buy!!!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Erin Johnston

Look at this approximately $ 200,000 house. Cost at today’s rate $ 1,250 a month. And you may deduct the interest and taxes from your taxes. How much are you paying in rent?

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