Tips For Reducing The Chance of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In The Home

With the winter months ahead, many of us will be turning up the heat. If you have fuel-burning heat appliances in your home, including woodstoves, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and/or oil and natural gas furnaces, you may be at risk for Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.
A colorless and odorless gas, CO can accumulate when--as a result of improper installation, poor maintenance or damage to an appliance—the fuel in use is not burned properly, or when rooms are poorly ventilated and the gas is unable to escape.

To help reduce the chance of CO poisoning in your home, the Home Safety Council recommends the following precautions and practices:

• Install at least one CO alarm in your home, specifically near sleeping areas.
• Ventilate the room when using a kerosene space heater.
• Have a trained professional inspect, clean and tune-up the central heating system each year and repair any leaks or other defects.
• Open the flue before you build a fire in the fireplace.
• Have a trained professional inspect chimneys each year and have any cracks repaired before using the fireplace.
• Install and use wood-burning stoves according to manufacturers' directions and in compliance with local building and safety code requirements.
• Keep gas appliances properly vented, adjusted and serviced.
• Never use a range or oven to heat your home.
• Never use a gas barbecue grill or generator inside your home or in a closed garage.
• If you have an attached garage, don't leave the car running inside the garage, even with the door open.
• Should your CO detector alert you to an increased level of carbon monoxide, turn off all heat sources and gas appliances, open windows and evacuate the home. Contact the fire department.
• CO detectors detect dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. They are not substitutes for smoke alarms. Likewise, smoke alarms detect smoke from a fire, but they are not designed to warn you of dangerous CO levels.

Lonnie Snyder

REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Wanting to look at houses.

One good way to start to know what prices are and how homes are looking is to get out there and look at them. Take notes, see what you like or dislike about the kitchen or the layout of a house. This will help you to find the home of your dreams when it is time to buy.

Here is a list of open houses in Renton for Sunday.
Click Here To View Them.
These link will open a new window so you might need to hold down your "Ctrl" key when you click on it.If there is any other areas you would like posted or email to you please let me know.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Get your winter attire ready.

Making The Seasonal Clothing Switch
"Sweater weather" is around the corner. There's no better time than now to organize your wardrobe for the cooler seasons ahead.
Before you put away your warm-weather outfits, divide them into two piles: one for newer or in-good-shape items you'll want to wear next spring/summer (those will go to the back of your closet), and the other for things you know you'll never wear again. If you find something you haven't worn in at least two seasons, it definitely belongs in the "must go" pile.
Make sure the clothes you are storing have been laundered or dry cleaned. If stains are left untreated, you may find them hard, if not impossible, to remove later. Store out-of-season clothes in clear garment bags, under-bed storage boxes, stackable storage chests (with cedar blocks tucked in, if necessary, to repel moths), or vacuum packs for long-term storage and space saving.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

How To Clean Wallpaper

Maybe you've just noticed the constellation of grease spatters behind your stovetop, or maybe you just can't remember the last time you cleaned the wallpaper in your bathroom. There are many different kinds of wallpaper out there with a variety of finishes, so it's best to follow the cleaning recommendations of your wallpaper's manufacturer.
But there are a few basic guidelines:
1. Try to stay on top of the task. Wipe up stains as quickly as possible, before the spatter has a chance to permanently stain or discolor your paper.
2. Choose a mild soap and warm water to attack ordinary dirt. When you've lifted the dirt, rinse the wall with clean water. Go back and blot up the water with a lint-free towel. If the stain isn't budging, you may be able to use a stronger detergent. Be sure to test the detergent first on an out-of-the-way spot. Again, you'll need rinse the paper after using detergent.
3. Hold the elbow grease. Now is not the time to rub spots aggressively. You may end up with discolored paper. The same holds true for solvent-type cleaners like nail polish remover and abrasives like steel wool, scouring pads or powdered cleansers. All of these can damage your wallpaper.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Funny Things Kids Say

You will love this. Even if you have seen this before..you'll still grin alot.
Kids Are Quick
____________________________________
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America .
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
____________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________

TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________

TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with 'I.'
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'
________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
______________________________________
TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
__________________________________

Have a great day.

What To Do When The Lights Go Out

Whether the culprit is weather or an energy shortage, power outages can be a real nuisance. Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross to help you get through:
Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles!
Turn off electrical equipment you were using when the power went out.
Avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer. If you use medication that requires refrigeration, most can be kept in a closed refrigerator for several hours without a problem. If unsure, check with your physician or pharmacist.
Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home's electrical system.
Listen to local radio and television for updated information.
How To Be PreparedAssemble essential supplies, including:
Flashlight
Batteries
Portable radio
Bottled water and some canned, non-perishable food
Remember: Your cordless phone won't work during an outage. Be sure to have at least one conventional phone in your home in case of emergency.
Additional Reminders
 If you use a computer, keep files and operating systems backed up regularly. Consider buying extra batteries and a power converter if you use a laptop computer. A power converter allows most laptops (12 volts or less) to be operated from the cigarette lighter of a vehicle. Get a high-quality surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for all of your computer equipment.
 If you have an electric garage door opener, know where the manual release lever is located and learn how to operate it. If you regularly use the garage as the primary means of entering your home upon return from work, be sure to keep a key to your house with you, in case the garage door will not open.
 Keep your car fuel tank at least half full because gas stations rely on electricity to power their pumps.
 Leave one light turned on, so you'll know when your power returns.
 Keep in mind that equipment such as automated teller machines (ATMs) and elevators may not work during a power outage.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

What Is Asbestos?

This article is about the properties of asbestos and what to do if it is found in a home. We hope that this information is useful and we appreciate the opportunity to relate information about homes to you.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fiber found in rocks, of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. There are several kinds of asbestos fibers, all of which are fire resistant and not easily destroyed or degraded by natural processes. The fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire. They are also long, thin and flexible, so that they can even be woven into cloth, because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. The above photo shows a typical asbestos insulated heating pipe found in older homes. During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of asbestos have been used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States. There are several types of asbestos fibers, of which three have been used for commercial applications: (1) Chrysotile, or white asbestos, comes mainly from Canada, and has been very widely used in the US. It is white-gray in color and found in serpentine rock. (2) Amosite, or brown asbestos, comes from southern Africa. (3) Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, comes from southern Africa and Australia.
Is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos has been shown to cause cancer of the lung and stomach according to studies of workers and others exposed to asbestos. There is no level of exposure to asbestos fibers that experts can assure is completely safe. Some asbestos materials can break into small fibers which can float in the air and these fibers can be inhaled. The tiny fibers are so small they can not be seen with the naked eye. They can pass through the filters of normal vacuum cleaners and get back into the air. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can become lodged in tissue for a long time. After many years cancer or mesothelioma can develop.
How To Tell If Asbestos Is In A Home.
People who have frequently worked with asbestos (such as plumbers, building contractors or heating contractors) often are able to make a reasonable judgment about whether or not a material contains asbestos on a visual inspection. Many professional home inspectors also can make a reasonable visual judgment. To be absolutely certain, an industrial hygienist would have to make the identification.
What To Do About Asbestos In The Home.
In most cases, asbestos containing materials are best left alone. When it is necessary to disturb asbestos, you should contact a licensed asbestos contractor. You can also obtain a copy of Asbestos in the Home published by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (800- 638-2772) which discusses the situation and makes recommendations. Remember, do not dust, sweep, or vacuum particles suspected of containing asbestos fibers.

For more information about asbestos, visit our website at http://www.rinehartinspections.com and click "Useful Information."
email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
phone: (206) 901-1549

Appropriate wages ...

Hey Guy’s,

I thought this was truer than we want to think.

A man owned a small farm in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Provincial Wage & Hours Department claimed he was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent out to interview him."I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them," demanded the agent.

"Well," replied the farmer, "there's my farm hand who's been with me for three years. I pay him $200 a week plus free room and board. The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $150 per week plus free room and board.

Then there's the half-wit. He works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board, and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night. He also sleeps with my wife occasionally."

"That's the guy I want to talk to... the half-wit," says the agent.

"That would be me," replied the farmer.



Thank you, and have a grand day!
Michael A. Marinelli [Mike]
General Manager Commercial Metal Recycling
Office: (253) 833-4146 Ext 104
General Fax: (253) 833-4148
Private Fax: (253) 638-0822

Open Houses in Renton this weekend

Hello,
There are 3 homes holding an open house in Renton this Saturday.
Click Here To View Them.

Also so here is a list of open houses for Sunday.
Click Here To View Them.

These links will open a new window so you might need to hold down your "Ctrl" key when you click on it.
If there is any other areas you would like posted or email to you please let me know.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Can I get help with my down payment?

Kids May Need Help With Home Purchase.
As lending guidelines tighten and home prices ease, more young adults may need help from parents, grandparents or relatives to assemble enough cash for the down payment and closing costs on a home purchase. If you’re willing to help, be aware of some significant tax breaks.The IRS says any taxpayer (you) can give up to $12,000 per year to any other taxpayer (your child), and the recipient won’t have to pay the federal gift tax on the amount. Another taxpayer (your spouse) can also give $12,000. In addition, if the recipient is married, you and your spouse can each give $12,000 to that person with no tax obligation. Bottom Line: That means two parents can give a married couple up to $48,000 per year ($12,000 x 4 gifts) before the gift tax kicks in. That would equal a 20% down payment on a $240,000 property. The gifts can also be repeated the next year, say, in December and January, to multiply the available tax-free down payment.If you choose to help your child, his or her lender will ask for a gift letter from you verifying that the amount is, in fact, a gift—not a loan that you expect to be repaid. (A loan reduces the ability of the borrower to qualify for a mortgage loan and other payments.)
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Take the Stress Out of Homebuying

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.
5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.
6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.
7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.
10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.
Call me. I have a great program that will let you look at all the homes on the NWMLS and let you save your favorites, see photos and much more.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems : EIFS

The following information about EIFS should prove to be useful. We hope that it helps you in determining what EIFS is, and what the potential challenges are with this product.
What is EIFS?
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) are multi-layered exterior wall systems that are used on both commercial buildings and homes. EIFS were introduced in the U.S. almost 30 years ago and were first used on commercial buildings and then later on homes. EIFS typically consist of an insulation board made of polystyrene foam (which is secured to the exterior wall surface with an adhesive and/or mechanical attachments), a water-resistant base coat applied on top of the insulation and reinforced with fiberglass mesh, and a finish coat typically using acrylic co-polymer technology. This type of system is often referred to as artificial stucco.
The Potential Problem with EIFS
The potential problem with EIFS is that moisture can get trapped behind the highly water resistant material with no way out. This can cause the framing to rot and foster the growth of mold between the exterior and interior walls. Damp and rotting wood is also a prime target for subterranean termites. It should be stated that the potential for these conditions exist with any type of exterior siding product be it brick veneer, wood, or vinyl siding. The potential for this condition with EIFS however can be exacerbated by its superior water resistance. Once moisture gets in, regardless of its origin, it usually has no escape.
EIFS Challenges
The main locations where water tends to infiltrate into the framing structure of a building using an EIFS is around doors and windows, where the roof connects to the EIFS (roof flashing), and below extended exterior deck connections. Also, any moisture from within the home trying to find a path out will likely be thwarted by the EIFS. The EIFS industry has been plagued by class action, and individual lawsuits (particularly in humid climates). The public's confidence in the products have been shaken to say the least. The lawsuits contend that the problem is with the nature of the product and the manufacturers contend that sloppy installation and poor maintenance are the culprits. Regardless of who is "right", its clear that homes with EIFS require special scrutiny during inspection.
Sincerely, George Rinehart
Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC
email: g_rinehart@hotmail.com
phone: (206) 901-1549
web: http://www.rinehartinspections.com

Cash for properties schemes.

Questions from my blog readers.

Rayz said...
Looking at the current market trend, I’m afraid that a house I buy today will not be worth what I paid down the road. Right now I'm concerned whether I should play the waiting game some more. Also I would like to know how are these cash for properties schemes. Are they any good?

First I would like to thank everyone for stopping by and checking my blog. It was a little tuff getting started but my business strategy is to help people and the work will come. I didn’t buy my first home until I was 34 years old. I owned my own business for 10 years but was totally clueless on what was involved in buying a home. I was one of the lucky ones that happen to find a Realtor that cared about his clients. It wasn’t until I decided to become a Realtor and had finished my first year of work that I realized on just how much he had help us find the right home. I have heard many horror stories and have seen those who only care about the paycheck. I want to be the Realtor that helps his clients they way I was helped.

Now about the question. The market in our area was on overdrive. When the national average growth was 2.5% we were seeing 4.5% increase on home prices. Then lenders (the ones that only care about the paycheck) where telling clients that if you buy now we will get you money in 3 years to pay off your debts and keep your house payment the same for you. Well buying a property is an long term investment, you can't expect price boom in a year or two, the market will correct itself as it is doing now and things will get back to normal. Most Realtors believe that we are close to bottoming out in our area and I agree on that. We are fortunate with the area that we are living in. There are other areas getting a much larger down swing than what is going on here. Another large factor is that interest rates are still low. Now for an example say you want to pay around $3,000 a month on your home loan with everything included for taxes & etc. At 6% interest you’re looking at a loan amount of about $428,000 but if the interest goes up to 7% now to keep your payment at $3,000 you are looking at a loan of $382,000. You could wait to get a little better price but I don’t believe that home prices will drop over $45,000 to equal the change in the interest rates. True there is a lot more involved in setting your loan up with credit scores & down payments but I’m sure you get the main point.

Second on the cash for properties. There are a very small few, maybe 1% that this is a good idea for and even fewer that can qualify for it. The main goal here is to make that phone ring (only caring about that paycheck again). The nice thing for the people that run these ads are when someone calls them they know that person is looking to do something quickly. Now unhappily there are all kinds of persons in whatever business you’re doing and there are those who care and those who don’t. Even if you are “Upside down” on your home there are true Realtors that can help you. Sometimes it is not the answer you where looking for but there should always be a win for you and a win for me in anything we do.
I have wonderful tools that can help you be informed on what the market is doing today. If you would like to move forward on buying or selling a home please give me a call.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

7 Reasons Why Now Is A Great Time To Buy

Now truly is a great time to buy a home. If you--or someone you know--is ready to move up or become a first-time owner, if you plan to stay a few years and you've been waiting for the perfect time to buy--now is that time.
Here's why. Housing cycles cure themselves. Prices soften, inventories rise, savvy buyers snap up bargains, demand increases, and the market returns to normal. As buyers return that demand pushes home prices up and mortgage rates higher, according to housing economists and past history. Higher prices and higher rates mean waiting today costs you more tomorrow.
The secret is to buy while the headlines are gloomy, secure an affordable fixed-rate loan and enjoy the home you want to live in before the advantage of today's market passes you by. By taking a long-term view--as a home investment should be seen--you can weather temporarily lower prices in the area while the market corrects if you buy now with a fixed payment.

Consider these reasons why our experience shows this is a great time to buy:

1. Take your pick. Gone are the days when there were more buyers in the market than homes for sale. Then, options were few and many buyers felt they had to take what they could get whether or not it was the ideal home for them. Now, the reverse is true: There are lots of homes to choose from, and buyers can afford to be picky. Also buyers are no longer competing with property "flippers" and other investors in the marketplace.
2. Do your homework. With more properties on the market, buyers no longer feel pressured to put an offer on a home before another buyer snaps it up. Instead of making a decision on the spot, buyers can actually spend quality time visiting several homes and make a decision on their own timetable.
3. Make an offer. In the sizzling seller's market, buyers were outbidding one another--sometimes offering amounts thousands of dollars above the list price of the home they wanted. Today, buyers don't have to engage in bidding wars and--bonus--they're finding sellers more willing to entertain their offer.
4. Negotiation encouraged. In the past, many buyers, striving to gain the upper hand in bidding battles, waived contingencies for home inspection, pest, roof or sewer inspections. Sellers were able to sell their homes "as is" to buyers willing to shoulder the cost of repairs. These days, however, more buyers are shopping for warranties and asking for inspections, and, if problems are uncovered, they can reasonably expect sellers to negotiate to get a closed sale.
5. You can't beat the location. Want to live closer to work? In a better school district? Near the town center? In a larger--or smaller--home? You may be surprised at the abundance of possibilities out there that are a much better buy these days.
6. Bargains available. Qualified first-time buyers, down-sizers, second-home buyers, rental investors and others can find bargains today--if you know where to look. Bargains are available from owner short sales, lender-owned foreclosures, builder close-outs, executive relocation properties, estate sales, even tax and condemnation sales. If you are looking for a below-market value, we can help.
7. Affordable payments. Interest rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage have been hovering near 6% this year. Compare that to the average interest rate 10 years ago on a 30-year fixed, which was 6.94%; 20 years ago, 10.34%; and 30 years ago, 9.64%. From an historical standpoint, today's interest rates look terrific. Combine low rates with low prices to get low payments, and you know why now is a great time to buy.

Lonnie Snyder

REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Information About Poly Piping

This is a newsletter with information about a specific piping known as poly piping. This will explain what it is, how to identify it, and whether or not it will fail. We hope this information is valuable for you.
Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as "the pipe of the future" and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping. It is most commonly found in the "Sun Belt" where residential construction was heavy through the 1980's and early-to-mid 90's, but it is also very common in the Mid Atlantic and Northwest Pacific states.

The piping systems were used for underground water mains and as interior water distribution piping. Industry experts believe it was installed in at least 6 million homes, and some experts indicate it may have been used in as many as 10 million homes. Most probably, the piping was installed in about one in every four or five homes built during the years in which the pipe was manufactured.


Exterior - Polybutylene underground water mains are usually blue, but may be gray or black (do not confuse black poly with polyethelene pipe). It is usually 1/2" or 1" in diameter, and it may be found entering your home through the basement wall or floor, concrete slab or coming up through your crawlspace; frequently it enters the home near the water heater. Your main shutoff valve is attached to the end of the water main. Also, you should check at the water meter that is located at the street, near the city water main. It is wise to check at both ends of the pipe because we have found cases where copper pipe enters the home, and poly pipe is at the water meter. Obviously, both pipes were used and connected somewhere underground.
Interior - Polybutylene used inside your home can be found near the water heater, running across the ceiling in unfinished basements, and coming out of the walls to feed sinks and toilets. Warning: In some regions of the country plumbers used copper "stub outs" where the pipe exits a wall to feed a fixture, so seeing copper here does not mean that you do not have poly.
While scientific evidence is scarce, it is believed that oxidants in the public water supplies, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene piping and acetal fittings causing them to scale and flake and become brittle. Micro-fractures result, and the basic structural integrity of the system is reduced. Thus, the system becomes weak and may fail without warning causing damage to the building structure and personal property. It is believed that other factors may also contribute to the failure of polybutylene systems, such as improper installation, but it is virtually impossible to detect installation problems throughout an entire system.

Throughout the 1980's lawsuits were filed complaining of allegedly defective manufacturing and defective installation causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. Although the manufacturers have never admitted that poly is defective, they have agreed to fund the Class Action settlement with an initial and minimum amount of $950 million. You'll have to contact the appropriate settlement claim company to find out if you qualify under this settlement.

We hope this information is useful, and invite you to visit our website at http://www.rinehartinspections.com/ for further information about action items that need to be addressed in homes. Mention this newsletter and receive $100 off a full house inspection! We guarantee that we will be on the inspection at the time and day you need it or your inspection is free! (Major holidays excluded. Must be in daylight hours.)
Sincerely, George Rinehart

Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC

5 Questions Every Savvy Home Buyer Should Be Asking Now

Are you thinking about buying a home with current prices dropping to a 3 year low? Here are 5 questions that you can ask yourself to see where you stand.

1. Is our rent equal to a loan payment? If you can afford to buy, it can give you one bonus that renting cannot—the lucrative tax breaks that come with owning a home:
   * Deductions for payments of mortgage interest, loan discount points and real estate taxes.
   * Home-office deductions for qualified owners.
   * Deductions for expenses if you rent out your property.
   * Home-sale capital-gains exclusion—profits up to $500,000 tax-free!
2. Are prices in our preferred area steady? In many areas of the country—even in areas with high foreclosure rates—there are neighborhoods where homes are holding their value or increasing in value while price decline is slowing.
3. Will our equity go further where homes cost less? By moving to a place where homes are less expensive—and general living costs are lower—your money will go a lot further a lot longer.
4. Will we live in this home for several years? Financial planners often advise buyers to think of real estate as you would any other large investment: The longer you hold your home before selling, the higher the probability you'll ride out any downturn and come out ahead on price when you decide to sell.
5. Is this the perfect home for us? The schools are fantastic. The proximity to your office, gym, favorite stores can't be beat. You love the area and the home, and you won't find another one like it. In a better market, you would most likely have much more competition for that home.
   If you have any questions or would just like to look around at the homes in your area I have a great program that will let you do that. Call or send a quick email to let me set up your personal web page to have full access to the homes on the NWMLS.
   

Lonnie Snyder

REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Why Smart Home Buyers Are No Longer Waiting To Buy

In today's new real estate market the time for hesitation is past. Now is the time for action. To take advantage of the new market, the reality is clear—don't wait:

• If you are ready to move to a home where you would rather live;
• If you can afford a conventional fixed-rate loan;
• If you plan to live there or own it for several years; now is the right time to move or buy a first home, second home or rental.

Waiting rarely pays off for many reasons.I will share with you what we've learned from experience.

Recent Sales

Homes are selling in our area. Yes, there is more inventory. Yes, time on market is longer. Yes, loan requirements are tighter. Yes, there are more short sales, bank-owned foreclosures and rental bargains that pull average prices lower. But look beyond national headlines. Our local housing market is not a “bust,” “collapse,” “meltdown,” or “crash” of zero sales. In reality, good properties—high-end, middle-market, even low-end—are selling (ask us for the latest area sales figures), especially with more sellers being realistic about their asking prices to compete. Waiting simply misses out on these good values.

New Buyers

Demand is increasing because today's market has attracted “new buyers,” such as pent-up “should-have-moved” locals who put off moving in recent years; boomers with equity looking for second homes; international buyers who see properties priced to sell and enjoy favorable exchange rates; first-timers with parent and grandparent support; resized new construction that's smaller, lower-priced; long-term investors with a goal to “buy low, sell high” years from now. These buyers are buying now.

Interest Rates

Even though rates are around historic lows, demand is what makes home prices stabilize, demand makes sellers less willing to negotiate and demand pushes interest rates higher. Higher interest rates eliminate savings from lower prices. For example, if you bought a $218,900 home 12 months ago at 5.5%, your monthly payment (principal and interest) would be $994 (assume 20% down payment, 30-year fixed-rate loan). If you bought the same home today at $197,010 (assume a 10% price drop) at 6% your monthly payment would be $994. In addition, temporary increases of jumbo loan limits to $729,750 (highest-price markets) expire December 31, 2008. By waiting, any savings from a lower price may be offset by higher financing costs.

Bottoms Up?

No one can pinpoint the “bottom of the market”—except historians with hindsight. Why? Housing markets don't “bottom.” Instead, after a period of price declines, leading indicators gradually correct: Transaction volumes increase, days on market decline, prices become steady, inventory sells off, the range between list price and sales price shrinks, builders withdraw incentives as land prices and material costs rise. Indicators reflect the rebound as the housing market adjusts—but the best properties are already gone.

Simply put, the best time to buy is now, as long as you're buying the right home, at the right price and on the right terms. Call me.
Lonnie Snyder

REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Interested In Purchasing A Short Sale?

A big part of my job is matching sellers with buyers. Be sure to call me if you're looking to buy a short-sale home!
Short-Sale Process Requires Professional Help
Conducting a short sale is not a simple process, as it requires negotiations with the lender (often more than one lender is involved) as well as the buyer, who may not understand the unique intricacies of the process. That's where my expertise becomes essential. We understand the complexities and critical timing of short-sale procedures and can guide you--whether you want to sell your property as a short sale or you're interested in purchasing a short sale. Please feel free to give me a call for more information. We'll be happy to discuss all your options!
Short Sale Beats Foreclosure On Credit Report
A foreclosure is a court settlement process involving legal action and possible attorney fees. A short sale, on the other hand, is a negotiated settlement with the lender--no attorneys required. Both show up on the borrower's credit profile, but the difference between a foreclosure and a short sale is the difference between broken credit and badly dented credit. The "short sale" consumer has better options sooner in terms of buying another home, qualifying for loans or credit cards, securing reasonable interest rates, finding rental housing, even applying for insurance.
Often Lenders Prefer Short Sales To Foreclosure
Foreclosing is an expensive, time-consuming process for lenders (costing an average $50,000 per property, according to a 2007 report by the Joint Economic Committee of Congress). In a foreclosure, the lender sells the property at auction--which may also result in lower net than the outstanding mortgage--or repossesses and sells the property as "lender owned" real estate, which is a "non-performing asset" that negatively impacts the lender's ability to make loans. In short, lenders want your money not your home.
You Need An Offer To Get Short-Sale Approval
Lenders generally do not "pre-approve" borrowers to conduct a short sale. Instead, the seller-borrower finds a buyer, who makes an offer that is presented as part of a short-sale package for the lender's consideration. The package will include information such as the purchase contract, an estimate of the net from sale, a complete seller's financial disclosure and a hardship letter stating why the seller can no longer make payments. The lender often requires other information as well.If the lender is open to a short sale, their loss mitigation department orders a Broker's Price Opinion (BPO), asking a knowledgeable real estate professional to render an opinion on the market value of the property (by looking at sold prices of comparable properties, the cost of making repairs and any other factors that might impact the property's value).Assuming everything is to the lender's satisfaction, if the buyer's offer meets or exceeds the BPO, chances are the lender will accept the short-sale offer and "forgive" the difference between the offer and the outstanding mortgage.
New Law Waives Income Tax On Forgiven Debt
Until recently, mortgage debt forgiven by a lender was considered to be part of the borrower's taxable income, meaning the taxpayer would have to pay income taxes on the forgiven amount. That rule has changed: On December 20, 2007 President Bush signed into law the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007, which excludes forgiven mortgage debt from taxation. The exclusion only applies to a taxpayer's principal residence and to indebtedness forgiven between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2010. The excludable amount of debt is limited to $2 million. Other restrictions apply; consult a knowledgeable tax professional for all the details.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

An Investment alert.

If you're planning to buy investment property and financing it through a lender who sells to Fannie Mae, keep the date December 1st in mind. Nail down your mortgage commitments quickly -- in the next six weeks if you can.
That because Fannie -- who's traditionally been a key source of funding -- plans to load on extra fees across the board for investor loans purchased after December 1st because of market conditions. Freddie Mac is imposing similar fees, but its increases take effect November 7th.
Making things even tougher, some large private mortgage insurers plan to stop underwriting investor loans altogether, effectively cutting off financing support for low-down payment, high leverage rental home deals, no matter where the property is located.
Fannie's new fees will hit the full range of investors, from those with low down payments to those who are able to put down substantial cash. As of December 1, investor applications where the down payment is between 10 and 15 percent, can expect a 3.75 point adverse market fee -- that's up from two and a half points currently.
Loans where the investor put down 20 to 25 percent will be subject to a three point add- on, and even investors making hefty down payments of 40 percent or more will have to pay one and three quarter point add-ons.
The new fees come on top of earlier Fannie Mae restrictions, including limiting investor applicants to no more than four rental properties, plus a variety of restrictions on condos, including bans on mortgages in projects where more than 49 percent of the units are owned by investors.
FHA just announced a new rule change involving conversions of homes into rentals that you ought to know about as well. Though not aimed at bona fide investors, the policy change prohibits consideration of rental income on applications where an owner of an existing home proposes to acquire another unit as a principal residence using FHA financing while renting out the first home.
In a directive to lenders, FHA said it wants to avoid situations where home owners factor rental income from a vacated unit into their applications, and then don't -- or can't -- come up with the rent money needed to support the vacated house, which may then go into foreclosure.
FHA announced two key exceptions to the new policy: Relocations required by an employer where the applicant can show that there's already a one-year lease on the vacated home, or where applicants have at least a 25 percent equity stake in the property they are leaving behind.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Top 10 home maintenance tips for the fall

Top 10 home maintenance tips for the fall
Well fall is here and time to think about getting your home ready for winter. Fall maintenance is an important homeowner duty because it helps make homes more energy efficient during the winter months, and will safeguard homes against potential seasonal 'disasters' such as leaking roofs or home fires due to neglected chimneys. Here are ten tips to a safer warmer winter.
TIP #1 Check the heating system. Check the filter, pilot light and burners in a system fueled by gas or oil. Fireplaces, boilers, water heaters, space heaters and wood burning stoves should also be serviced every year. Filter changing is something homeowners can and should do themselves at least once every 2 months. Have the specialist inspecting your unit show you how to change the filter. Clean ducts in the heating system. Clean and vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters and cold air returns. Dust build-up in ducts is a major cause of indoor pollutants. Ducts should be professionally cleaned about every three years.
TIP #2 Have the chimney inspected by a qualified chimney professional. Chimneys should be checked and cleaned, if necessary, on an annual basis. If you are using a wood stove this season, be sure that the stovepipe was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations and local codes. If there is any doubt, a building inspector or fire official can determine whether the system is properly installed. If you have a chimney that will not be used, consider having it sealed shut.
TIP #3 Test fire alarms and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Often alarms and detectors go unattended. Batteries should be checked every six months to ensure that they're working. Vacuum out the dust.
TIP #4 Remove excess leaves and damaged branches surrounding the house. Dead branches have the potential to break and fall, ruining roofs, decks, vehicles or people.
TIP #5 Maintain gutters. Remove all debris that can slow or impede the ability of the water to drain effectively from the roof. Trapped water can be destructive not only to the gutters themselves but to the adjoining roof as well. Make sure gutter water drains away from your home.
TIP #6 Inspect the roof. Look for damaged or loose shingles, gaps in the flashing at joints with siding, vents and flues, as well as damaged mortar around the chimney.
TIP #7 Inspect exterior walls, doors and windows. Check walls and window sills for damage such as cracks, gaps, loose or crumbling mortar, along with splitting and decaying wood. Caulk exterior joints around windows and doors, which helps keep the home weather tight and lower heating bills. Check windows and doors to make sure locks work properly and that they are in good condition. Clean tracks and lubricate hinges. Repair or replace any cracked windows.
TIP #8 Maintain steps and handrails. Repair broken steps and secure loose banisters and handrails. Broken steps can cause a dangerous fall. Similarly, a person slipping will grab a handrail for support.
TIP #9 Inspect the attic and basement or crawlspace. Insulate Voids in the Attic - The entire attic floor above a living space should be insulated with at least 6 inches, except around electrical fixtures such as recessed lights that aren't rated for contact with insulation. Damp basements and crawl spaces can become mold and mildew problems. Watch for leaks from your hot water heater, plumbing system and seeping rain water. Locate and maintain a clear access to your main water shut off valve. If you have a sump pump, test, clean and lubricate it.
TIP #10 Shut down sprinkler systems and outside faucets. Homeowners can shut down outside faucets, while the underground sprinkler system weatherizing is best performed by industry professionals to prevent cracked pipes by having the system flushed before the cold sets in.
There's something for everyone in Renton. And here at the Renton Real Estate Blog it is our effort to keep you up to date, informed not only what is happening in Renton Real Estate but also in the community.
To see the latest news and announcements about exciting events and Real Estate opportunities in the City, have a look here
If you search Google for Renton Real Estate you will find many blog and other web sites that bring out the interesting facts, not only about Renton Real Estate blog, but about the community and it'd unique features. For example...
Discover the magic of Renton and enjoy the convenient, spectacular location, outstanding value, hometown hospitality, and business-friendly environment.
Nestled on the south shore of beautiful Lake Washington, Renton is centrally located in the heart of the Puget Sound area - just 10 minutes from SeaTac International Airport, Seattle and Bellevue. Renton also offers terrific views of the Olympics, the Cascades and Mount Rainier.
Get the best of the Northwest, without high prices, hassle, traffic and expensive parking!
Come visit us
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
Email: Snyder@KW.com
WebsiteBlogsite:
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agentand REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializingin Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellersin Washington's Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.