Nation’s biggest warehouse rolls out mortgages
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Costco Wholesale Corporation has added home loans to its growing list of financial services, reports CNNMoney. The biggest warehouse membership chain is partnering with First Choice Bank, a New Jersey-based community bank, and 10 other lenders. Thus far, Costco’s partners have loaned 10,000 mortgages to members. Lauren Kutschka, manager of financial services, expects this number to grow as the program moves from its testing phase into a full-scale retail offering.
The company’s website advertises that the program offers “low fees, competitive rates, and excellent service” with the chance to save up to $5,000 for a typical loan. While individual household savings will vary, the estimated savings are calculated over a 7-year period, based on lender fees, rates, and points on a 4.125 % APR for a $250,000, 30-year fixed loan. Costco is paid for marketing the mortgage program, not for securing individual loans.
It’s no wonder that lenders want to tap into the warehouse giant’s tribe. In July of last year, Costco became the sixth largest retailer in the nation and seventh in the world. The new offering marks the increasing girth of the wholesale operation from retail goods to financial products. Costco plans to roll out auto and higher education loans in the near future. Members who utilize the Costco Mortgage and Refinancing Program ought to exercise the same judgment they would with any other provider. Shop, compare prices, and find the mortgage with the best terms at the lowest available interest rate.
8225 NE Juanita Dr – Listing # 347802 – Tere Foster
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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 $990,000 On top of the world in Kirkland. Breathtaking 180 degree views of Mt. Rainier, cities & lake draw you in as you enter this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home. Shared 78 ft of waterfront & lush grounds create summertime memories. A private main level great room: kitchen w/ slab granite, a living room w/ walls of windows, & a dining room, all anchored by the breathtaking views. Walk out of the expansive master suite on the lower level to the back patio. Room to live & entertain. Welcome to Kirkland.On top of the world in Kirkland. Breathtaking 180 degree views of Mt. Rainier, cities & lake draw you in as you enter this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home. Shared 78 ft of waterfront & lu… |
2749 60th Ave SE – Listing # 347641 – Tere Foster
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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2.75 $4,688,000 Classic Stuart Silk on Mercer Island. Perfectly placed on 70 ft of west facing Lake Washington waterfront, this Cape Cod inspired home is sited on a shy half acre of lush grounds. The oversized windows provide views from almost every room. The serene view master suite has a luxurious bath providing a year round escape. Enjoy the beach front cabana with a kitchen & bath. The perfect place for Seafair parties or to relax. Private dock. Excellent north end location close to shopping, brunch & I-90.Classic Stuart Silk on Mercer Island. Perfectly placed on 70 ft of west facing Lake Washington waterfront, this Cape Cod inspired home is sited on a shy half acre of lush grounds. The oversized window… |
Add curb appeal
By · CommentsOne of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to boost its curb appeal, which has everything to do with landscaping design, the color palette, and architectural interest. HGTV’s Curb Appeal highlights the transformation of one Cape Cod style property into an Arts & Crafts wonder. Now when homeowners Eric and Dominique Butters drive up to their home, they are dazzled by the bungalow-style entryway.
http://www.hgtv.com/video/cape-cod-goes-arts-and-crafts-video/index.html
8225 NE Juanita Dr – Listing # 347221 – Tere Foster
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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2.5 $990,000 On top of the world in Kirkland. Breathtaking 180 degree views of Mt. Rainier, cities & lake draw you in as you enter this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home. Shared 78 ft of waterfront & lush grounds create summertime memories. A private main level great room: kitchen w/ slab granite, a living room w/ walls of windows, & a dining room, all anchored by the breathtaking views. Walk out of the expansive master suite on the lower level to the back patio. Room to live & entertain. Welcome to Kirkland.On top of the world in Kirkland. Breathtaking 180 degree views of Mt. Rainier, cities & lake draw you in as you enter this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home. Shared 78 ft of waterfront & lu… |
Seattle is one of America’s fastest-growing cities
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Seattle makes Forbes’s top ten list for the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. The Emerald City’s economic growth rate for the period 2011-2016 is projected at 3.7 percent with population growth at 1.2 percent. The current population is 3.54 million enjoying a median income of $65,405. The top ten include:
- Austin
- Dallas
- San Jose
- Houston
- Salt Lake City
- Raleigh, NC
- Seattle
- San Francisco
- San Antonio
- Atlanta
Forbes produced the list with the help of Moody’s Analytics of the 100 largest metropolitan areas of the U.S., weighing projected economic growth, unemployment, and median income. In early April, Moody’s released Chief Economist Mark Zandi’s positive outlook on the national economy. Zandi anticipates 2.5% growth through mid-2013 accelerating to 4% in mid-2014, with unemployment falling below 6% by late 2015.
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Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.25 $2,888,000 Lake Washington Waterfront Sanctuary. This 2007 modern interpretation of a Nantucket beach house is nestled on a beautifully planted hillside. Nearly all rooms command expansive west facing lake & mountain views. French doors open onto 3 view decks w/ outdoor living room & a hot tub retreat off the master suite. Top of the line appliances, designer finishes, 2 elevators & a sauna make this home your sanctuary. Private dock & cabana w/ kitchen area & 3/4 bath enhance the entertainment options.Lake Washington Waterfront Sanctuary. This 2007 modern interpretation of a Nantucket beach house is nestled on a beautifully planted hillside. Nearly all rooms command expansive west facing lake &… |
The real estate market blooms
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“The fear factor is all but gone.” So says Mark Prather, broker at ERA Buy America Real Estate in La Palma, Calif. Momentum around the nation is building for a stronger spring housing market than we’ve seen in the past five years, according to the Seattle Times. An unseasonably warm January and February may have stimulated winter sales of existing homes, which hit their highest levels in the the last 5-year period.The number of permits secured to build houses and apartments also increased to a high point since 2008. Here are additional highlights:
- King County’s median home price in March rose to $330,000.
- Miami’s average sales price spiked 14% in the past year.
- Investors are outbidding many first-time home buyers on cheaper homes. Property sales between $100,000 and $250,000 have increased by 19 percent over the past year. Sales for homes between $250,000 and $500,000 went up 13 percent.
With an average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage at 3.88 percent and home prices down 34 percent since 2006, homes are really affordable. Areas including Boston, Dallas and Seattle are seeing growth both in the job and housing markets. National unemployment went down to 8.2 percent since the August peak of 9.1 percent. Good prices coupled with qualified buyers are cause for spring housing bloom.
Tutorial on closing costs for first-time homebuyers
By · CommentsWhen new homebuyers understand the basics of closing costs associated with the purchase of a property, the process goes more smoothly. Loan costs, legal costs, and title costs are explained in this quick tutorial produced by Federal Title & Escrow, based in Washington D.C. Homebuyers are encouraged to consult with their title and escrow firm of choice for additional information.
2404 153rd Ave SE – Listing # 343222 – Tere Foster
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Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 $369,000 At Home in Phantom Lake. This one-level home, steps from Robinswood Park, sits on a level corner lot. 3 bedrooms & 1 bathroom offer great spaces. Large kitchen with stainless steel appliances and endless storage makes living easy. Picturesque fireplace in the cozy living room sits off the dining room, creating a perfect setting for entertaining friends. Oversized windows throughout provide natural light year-round. Easy access to downtown Bellevue or Microsoft. Live, work and play in Bellevue.At Home in Phantom Lake. This one-level home, steps from Robinswood Park, sits on a level corner lot. 3 bedrooms & 1 bathroom offer great spaces. Large kitchen with stainless steel appliances … |
