Spring Newsletter for Distinctive Properties, Inc with Stats.

Our Spring Newsletter ! hope you enjoy it..

http://www.distinctiveprop.com/pdfview.src?ID=280&URL=/files/files/Spring2013Newsletter.pdf

Posted in Real Estate News | Comments Off on Spring Newsletter for Distinctive Properties, Inc with Stats.

Housing Starts Top 1 Million

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 stronger gain then forecasted.

Many of the starts were due to a large increase in the building of apartments and condos having 5 or more buildings. Both types of units made jump of 27% since February and 82% from last year’s numbers. The reasons behind such a strong demand for rentals are younger workers who were living with parents and unable to move out due to the recession, are now able to get their own place,  and former homeowners who had to file bankruptcy or foreclose on their homes, are unwilling or unable to buy.

Although the sales for single family homes are up, the actual build starts are down by 6%. One of the reasons they are down is higher costs on building materials and labor shortages. With the cost of plywood and particle board nearly twice what it was last year, lumber up 50-60% and drywall up 40%, builders may have trouble obtaining higher credits to purchase the materials.

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Housing Starts Top 1 Million

National Open House Weekend

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 on our website at www.distinctiveprop.com , and come on by one of our many open houses and just visit with one of our awsome agents!!! We look foward to seeing you there!!!

 

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on National Open House Weekend

Portland Spirit to visit Tri Cities

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 locks cruises. Also the Portland Spirit will be available for one-level rentals as well as private events.

The authentic Historic Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler is a 499-passenger sternwheeler reminiscent of the ships that cruised the Columbia Gorge in the 1800’s. The Sternwheeler is a replica of  the historic Bailey Gatzert, which operated on the Columbia from the 1890’s to  the 1920’s. The Sternwheeler provides passengers with panoramic views and fresh  northwest cuisine, prepared fresh in its on board galley.

 

For information on prices go to: http://www.portlandspirit.com/tricitiesspring2013.php or call 800-224-3901

 

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Portland Spirit to visit Tri Cities

Now is the time to buy!!!

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?

blog

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Now is the time to buy!!!

Bathroom Remodels

As we all know, any remodeling can get expensive and if you are gearing up toward a bathroom remodel but can’t afford gutting the entire room and starting from scratch, there are a lot of other options for a bathroom makeover without having to break the bank.

The walls are the best place to start. Outdated wallpaper should be removed and a fresh coat of paint always gives any room a new look. When you are done tearing down that 1960’s flower paper and painting, move on to the bathroom accessories. The toilet paper holder, towel rings and bars and soap dishes should be replaced with a more modern, stylish look, such as brushed nickel.

Choosing to replace the faucet and shower heads with modern ones can go a long way to improving the overall look and feel of a bathroom. Be sure to choose those faucets or showerheads with ones that have brass inner workings as they tend to last longer than others.

You may also want to think of replacing the vanity. Doing this might just make the bold statement you are looking for. Furniture style vanities are a very popular choice to enhance the look of your bathroom.

Lastly, another great way to improve your bathroom is with a tankless or instant hot water heater. These also help reduce your monthly utility bill and a quality one can last up to 20 years.

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Bathroom Remodels

New Homes versus Existing Homes

If you are like most buyers out there, you are wavering back and forth on whether or not to purchase a brand new home or go with an existing home. There are pros and cons to both, so here is a head to head comparison to help you choose which type of home suits your priorities better.

 

Sales Price Draw

With all else being equal between the two, a new home usually has 10-20% premiums over existing homes, but with most of the best new home locations taken right off the bat, the newer homes end up costing a little less because they are usually more remote and have smaller yards. It is hard to compare equally size wise between the two because of this. Most of the time it boils down to the location and size of the yard. Keep in mind when comparing the two to go by lot size  and layout, not how the size looks as existing homes are often overflowing with the owners possessions and builders specifically place smaller furniture to make a new home appear larger.

 

Transaction Speed Existing Homes

Typically new homes are sold from models before construction even begins. This is great for allowing customization and personal touches, but it will take typically 6-9 months before the home is completed. It can get tricky if you want to list your current home as listing too soon and you could end up without a home for a while and listing too late you could end up with two mortgages, so be sure to check with an agent to see how fast homes in your area are selling.

 

Cost of OwnershipNew Homes

New homes are 30-40% more energy efficient on the average. Lower utility bills, better insulation and tighter sealing give new homes the advantage; whereas, with an existing home you may end up replacing the roof or heat pump within 10 years, costing an average of $18,000 for the roof and $3,000 for a new heating unit.

 

Near Term GainsExisting Home

With the exception of sweat equity, new homes give very little room for improvement, causing them to stay roughly the same price as the surrounding homes. An existing home if improved upon can end up giving you a higher return.

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on New Homes versus Existing Homes

Should You Settle or Wait to Purchase

24651_562248953795139_1706803807_nWith mortgage rates and home prices on the rise, you may be asking yourself whether or not you should just settle for purchasing whatever home is available or wait a little longer and risk paying more. Well, it depends on where you are actually purchasing a home. Home prices are expected to rise this year; however, interest rates are not expected to get much higher. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey states the national average for a 30 year-fixed-rate was at 3.52%, up from last Thursday’s 3.51% and the average rate for a 5/1 ARM was 2.63%, up from 2.61%. However, the mortgage rate a 30 year-fixed-rate is not anticipated to raise much above the 4% mark this year, given the Federal Reserve’s effort to keep the low rates. Those hoping to refinance are going to be affected more by these smaller increases, and it is predicted that by the end of the year, refinancing will shrink to only 40% of total mortgages. This will be down from the represented 75% in 2012. Right now, buyers are in a strong position to have down payments and get financing, with the rising rates improving the economy. If your area has a shortage of homes on the market, you will have to face the question of whether or not to settle, but with the rates not expected to go too much higher, you might not have to pay a ton more.

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Should You Settle or Wait to Purchase

Easter Egg Hunts In The Tri Cities

imagew2If you are looking for a fun family Easter event or looking for an Easter Egg hunt for your little ones, here are a few of the events going on around the Tri Cities. You can alway check with your local church to see if they have an event going also.

 

Pasco Jaycees 2013 Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

Sat, March 30, 2013 08:30 AM – 12:00 PM
TRAC Center Softball Complex, Pasco

 

Starting at 8:30am on Saturday March 30 the Pasco Jaycees will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids age 0-12 There will also be fun games and activities, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and various prizes to be won.

There will be a pancake breakfast provided free of charge for children 12 and under; adults and older children can enjoy the breakfast for a small charge.

This is a free event but any donations are appreciated.

For more information go to: http://www.pascojaycees.org/event/%20easter-egg-hunt

 

Morning with Mr. Bunny and Pancakes too!

Saturday, Mar 30 09:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Richland Community Center, Richland

 

Come visit Mr. and Mrs. Bunny at the Richland Community Center on Saturday, March 30, 9:30 am – 11:00 am. Activities for kids 10 and under which includes egg hunt, crafts, games and prizes, pancake breakfast and photo opportunities with Mr. Bunny. All of this for $5.50 (resident), $6.75 (non-resident)and breakfast only $3.75

Read more here: http://calendar.tri-cityherald.com/richland_wa/events/show/310574763-morning-with-mr-bunny-and-pancakes-too#storylink=cpy

 

Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, Mar 30 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Bombing Range Sports Complex, West Richland

 

Event starts at 10:00 AM with staggering times for each age group.

Ages 0-2                    10:05
Ages 3-5                     10:15
Ages 6-8                    10:25
Ages 9-12                   10:35

 

Be sure to bring baskets for your little egg hunters and cameras for pictures with the Easter Bunny.

Easter Extravaganza

Saturday, Mar 30 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Word of Faith Center, Kennewick

 

Word of Faith Center in Kennewick will host a Free Family Easter Extravaganza, featuring an egg hunt (ages 0-12), free refreshments, bouncy houses, music and prizes for children and families.

Read more here: http://calendar.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_wa/events/show/312856203-easter-extravaganza#storylink=cpy

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Easter Egg Hunts In The Tri Cities