Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Bankerhttp://garveygrouphomes.com/en-usWed, 25 Aug 2010 14:32:00 GMT10GDRSSFeeds v1.0Boost Your Homes Value!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/25/boost-your-homes-value<div> </div> <div> <h1 itxtvisited="1"><span style="font-size: 18pt">7 fixes to boost your home's value</span></h1> <p class="author" sizcache="170" sizset="181" itxtvisited="1"><cite sizcache="170" sizset="181" itxtvisited="1"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt">By </span></strong><a onclick="return Msn.Navigation.OpenPopup(event,this)" href="http://www.investopedia.com/?partner=msnre"><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Investopedia</strong></span></a></cite></p> <div class="child c1 first" sizcache="170" sizset="182" itxtvisited="1"> <h2 itxtvisited="1"></h2> <div class="richtext" sizcache="170" sizset="182" itxtvisited="1"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt"><strong>It's time to tackle home-improvement tasks you put off during the cold winter weather. There are lots of relatively simple and affordable things you can do to give your home a face lift. Your house will look better and your family will feel happier in it. As a bonus, you will also boost your home's value.</strong></span></span> <div> </div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt">#1 Add perfect touch with paint</span></strong></div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt">#2 Focus on flooring</span></strong></div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt">#3 Lighten up the accents</span></strong></div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt">#4 Update the windows</span></strong></div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt">#5 Weed out bad landscaping</span></strong></div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt">#6 Add decorative touches to your yard</span></strong></div> <div><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt">#7 Add a few final exterior touches</span></strong></div> </strong></div> </div> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/25/boost-your-homes-value" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/25/boost-your-homes-value#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/25/boost-your-homes-valueWed, 25 Aug 2010 14:32:00 GMTHousing market hits “trifecta”http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/09/housing-market-hits-trifecta<font face="TimesNewRomanPS-BoldMT"><strong> </strong> <p align="left"><strong style="font-size: 18pt">Housing market hits “trifecta”</strong></p> </font><font size="3" face="TimesNewRomanPSMT"><font size="3" face="TimesNewRomanPSMT"> <p align="left"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt"><strong>Hous</strong></span>i<span style="font-size: 12pt"><strong>ng activity during July held few surprises for members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service, although some brokers wonder why more buyers aren’t taking advantage of historic low interest rates. Both pending sales and median prices on closed sales showed slight improvement from the</strong> pre<strong>vious month, according to the latest report from NWMLS.<font size="3" face="TimesNewRomanPSMT"><font size="3" face="TimesNewRomanPSMT"> <font size="3" face="TimesNewRomanPSMT"><font size="3" face="TimesNewRomanPSMT"> “It’s a housing trifecta,” declared Meribeth Hutchings, a director for Northwest Multiple Listing Service when asked to comment on activity.</font></font></font></font>The combination of the lowest interest rates on record, plenty of inventory and low prices offer anunprecedented opportunity for buyers, Hutchings explained. The broker/owner of Windermere RealEstate/Lake Stevens Inc. said homes have never been this affordable in her 28 years in the business</strong>.</span></strong></p> </font></font><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/09/housing-market-hits-trifecta" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/09/housing-market-hits-trifecta#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/08/09/housing-market-hits-trifectaMon, 09 Aug 2010 11:29:00 GMT30 Year Fixed Mortgage as low as 4.69%http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/06/29/30-year-fixed-mortgage-as-low-as-469<span class="article_title"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span class="article_title"><strong>Mortgage Rates Hit an All-Time Low</strong></span> </span></strong></span><br /> <font style="font-size: 12pt" size="2" face="Arial">Average interest on a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to an all-time low of 4.69 percent this week, down from 4.75 percent a week ago, reports Freddie Mac. </font><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/06/29/30-year-fixed-mortgage-as-low-as-469" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/06/29/30-year-fixed-mortgage-as-low-as-469#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/06/29/30-year-fixed-mortgage-as-low-as-469Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:29:00 GMTSock Hop!!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/26/sock-hop<div><strong style="font-size: 18pt">Sock Hop!!! </strong> <div> </div> <div><em><span style="font-size: 18pt">May 21st 2010 at 6:00 pm.</span></em></div> <div><em></em> </div> <div><em style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-size: 18pt">Please join us for a fun fullfilled night! Dancing,food & more.. </span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-size: 18pt">Contact Doug Garvey at 206-850-8939  or email </span></em></div> <div><a href="mailto:doug@garveygrouphomes.com"><em><span style="font-size: 18pt">doug@garveygrouphomes.com</span></em></a></div> <div><em></em> </div> <div><em><span style="font-size: 18pt">Location: Seattle Lutheran Gym 4141 41st Ave Sw</span></em></div> <div><em><span style="font-size: 18pt">Scholarship Fundraiser Provided by West Seattle Lions Club!</span></em></div> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/26/sock-hop" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/26/sock-hop#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/26/sock-hopMon, 26 Apr 2010 15:31:00 GMTThe Garvey Group has Grown!!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/13/the-garvey-group-has-grown<div><span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>The Garvey Group has Grown!!</strong> <div> </div> <div style="font-size: 14pt">We would like to welcome Memphis Charles Cress! Born on March 21st at 7:07 am weighing 5 pds 10.7 oz & 19" to proud parents Heather Garvey-Cress & Ryan Cress & grandparents Doug & Irene Garvey & Donna Cress.</div> </span></div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/13/the-garvey-group-has-grown" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/13/the-garvey-group-has-grown#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/04/13/the-garvey-group-has-grownTue, 13 Apr 2010 17:06:00 GMTFHA (203)K Programhttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/18/fha-203k-program<div><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-size: 24pt">203 K is an FHA loan that provides funds for the purchase & renovation of a home.</span></span></div> <div> </div> <div style="font-size: 18pt"><span style="font-size: 14pt">A </span><span style="font-size: 14pt">key government program, the 203 (k) loan, has the potential to make foreclosed  or short sales properties much more attractive to buyers. An FHA guaranteed loan that provides funds to help buyers purchase & renovate a home of repairs or modernization. In the 203(k) program, a borrower can obtain just one mortgage loan at a fixed or adjustable rate to provide funds to rehabilitate, the mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property when the works complete. The loan requires a 3.5 %down payment & follows standard FHA guidelines& loan limits. Example: A 203K could help a couple buy a $150k house that needs $25k of repairs. An appraiser would estimate & approve the necessary improvements & the buyer would apply for the mortgage plus cost of repairs up to $35,000,The repairs would need to be done within six months of closing to raise the home's appraised value. The 203(k) program should be a boon for any buyer considering whether to purchase a distressed property. And while foreclosures will decline as the housing rebounds, the loans will remain a valuabletool for buyers looking for "fixer-uppers" in any economy. </span></div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/18/fha-203k-program" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/18/fha-203k-program#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/18/fha-203k-programThu, 18 Mar 2010 15:01:00 GMTInterest rate update from Coldwell Banker Mortgagehttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/08/interest-rate-update-from-coldwell-banker-mortgage<div><strong style="font-size: 14pt">Current Rates from Coldwell Banker Mortgage!</strong></div> <div> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: red; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold">30 year fixed mortgage 4.875%</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: red; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold">15 year fixed mortgage 4.25%</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: red; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold">FHA 4.91%</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: red; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold">VA 4.89</span></strong></p> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/08/interest-rate-update-from-coldwell-banker-mortgage" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/08/interest-rate-update-from-coldwell-banker-mortgage#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/03/08/interest-rate-update-from-coldwell-banker-mortgageMon, 08 Mar 2010 11:38:00 GMTColdwell Banker Survey Identifies Multi-Generational Homes As a Trend in Real Estatehttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/23/coldwell-banker-survey-identifies-multi-generational-homes-as-a-trend-in-real-estate<div><strong style="font-size: 12pt">37 Percent of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Professionals Surveyed Have Seen More Families Looking for Homes that Accommodate Multiple Generations</strong> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><strong>RSIPPANY, N.J. (Feb. 22, 2010) – </strong>Family reunions are taking on a new meaning in the real estate market. According to a recent survey by <a title="blocked::http://email.coldwellbankerworks.com/cb40/c2.php?CWBK/1620357/20903/H/N/V/http://www.coldwellbanker.com/" href="http://email.coldwellbankerworks.com/cb40/c2.php?CWBK/1620357/20903/H/N/V/http://www.coldwellbanker.com/"><u>Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC</u></a> among its network of real estate professionals, in the last 12 months, 37 percent of sales professionals surveyed noted an increase in homebuyers looking to purchase homes to accommodate more than one generation of their family. In addition, almost 70 percent of Coldwell Banker sales agents believe that economic conditions may cause greater demand for multi-generational homes in their market during the next year. <p class="style14">Furthermore, the <strong>Coldwell Banker®</strong> January 2010 survey respondents cited financial drivers as the No. 1 reason why home buyers or sellers are moving into a house with other generations of their family (39 percent). Twenty-nine (29) percent said that health care issues are the primary reason, and six percent cited a strong family bond as the main factor.</p> <p class="style14">“While saving money is certainly an incentive for buying a home that accommodates multiple generations, the benefits go beyond just financial reasons,” said Diann Patton, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Consumer Specialist. “With two or three generations living under one roof, families often experience more flexible schedules, quality time with one another and can better juggle childcare and eldercare.”</p> <p class="style14">Communicating with family members and consulting with their real estate professional is key, as well.  “Talk to everyone involved and determine how comfortable the family members are about sharing bathrooms, office space or common areas, and let that guide your search,” Patton advises.  “All of these topics are incredibly important in finding the right kind of home to fit the family – like one that has four bathrooms or one that has three.”</p> </div> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/23/coldwell-banker-survey-identifies-multi-generational-homes-as-a-trend-in-real-estate" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/23/coldwell-banker-survey-identifies-multi-generational-homes-as-a-trend-in-real-estate#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/23/coldwell-banker-survey-identifies-multi-generational-homes-as-a-trend-in-real-estateTue, 23 Feb 2010 14:30:00 GMTLiquor Storehttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/12/liquor-store<strong><span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong>Coming Soon</strong>: West Seattle has a second liquor store opening up in Westwood Village hoping to be ready sometime this February!</span></strong><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/12/liquor-store" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/12/liquor-store#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/12/liquor-storeFri, 12 Feb 2010 15:10:00 GMTSeven Important Factshttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/10/seven-important-facts<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt"> <hr align="center" size="3" width="100%" /> </span></div> <p align="center"><strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.5pt">Seven Important Facts about Claiming the First-Time Homebuyer Credit</span></strong></strong><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt"> </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">If you purchased a home in 2009 or early 2010, you may be eligible to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Credit, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a long-time resident purchasing a new home. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">Here are seven things the IRS wants you to know about claiming the credit: </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">You must buy or enter into a binding contract to buy a principal residence located in the United States on or before April 30, 2010. If you enter into a binding contract by April 30, 2010, you must close on the home on or before June 30, 2010. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">To be considered a first-time homebuyer, you and your spouse if you are married  must not have jointly or separately owned another principal residence during the three years prior to the date of purchase. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">3.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">To be considered a long-time resident homebuyer you and your spouse if you are married must have lived in the same principal residence for any consecutive five-year period during the eight-year period that ended on the date the new home is purchased. Additionally, your settlement date must be after November 6, 2009. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">4.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">The maximum credit for a first-time homebuyer is $8,000. The maximum credit for a long-time resident homebuyer is $6,500. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">5.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">You must file a paper return and attach Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit with additional documents to verify the purchase. Therefore, if you claim the credit you will not be able to file electronically. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">6.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">New homebuyers must attach a copy of a properly executed settlement statement used to complete such purchase. Buyers of a newly constructed home, where a settlement statement is not available, must attach a copy of the dated certificate of occupancy. Mobile home purchasers who are unable to get a settlement statement must attach a copy of the retail sales contract. </span></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin-left: 0.5in"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">7.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">        </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7pt">If you are a long-time resident claiming the credit, the IRS recommends that you also attach any documentation covering the five-consecutive-year period, including Form 1098, Mortgage Interest Statement or substitute mortgage interest statements, property tax records or homeowners insurance records. </span></p><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/10/seven-important-facts" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/10/seven-important-facts#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/10/seven-important-factsWed, 10 Feb 2010 14:49:00 GMTIndicator Suggests Remodeling Upturn in 2010http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/05/indicator-suggests-remodeling-upturn-in-2010<div><strong><font style="font-size: 14pt" size="2" face="Verdana">Indicator Suggests Remodeling Upturn in 2010:</font> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt">“Driven Masters of the Trade”!!</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt">Every agents dream is to have a reliable, trustworthy source to help expedite your closings.</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 20pt"><span style="font-size: 18pt">DMT Construction Company, L.L.P.</span></span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt">“</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt">Framing to Finish”!!</span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 18pt"><span style="font-size: 18pt">General Contractors#DMTCOCLO14C5</span></span></strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.15pt"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">       </span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt">Specializing in kitchens & bathrooms!</span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.15pt"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">       </span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt">General construction</span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 58.15pt"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16pt">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">       </span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt">Work Orders & more……</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.15pt"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.15pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt">Owners: David Mastandrea/Ryan Cress</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.15pt"><strong><span style="font-size: 16pt">Cell: (206) 799-8029/ (206) 714-8398</span></strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 40.15pt"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold'; font-size: 14pt">Comments from your local Realtor:  </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold'; font-size: 14pt">Doug garvey: Realtor C/B Danforth & Associates Inc</span><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold'">.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold'; font-size: 14pt">“ I have used Dave for many years for my own home projects and referred him to my clients as well. he is professional with experience & expertise and very detailed oriented”</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Copperplate Gothic Bold'; font-size: 16pt">Please Call for your appointment!!</span></p> </div> </strong><br /> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/05/indicator-suggests-remodeling-upturn-in-2010" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/05/indicator-suggests-remodeling-upturn-in-2010#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/02/05/indicator-suggests-remodeling-upturn-in-2010Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:11:00 GMTBig News!!!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/28/big-news<p><span style="font-size: 18pt"> </p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt">The Seattle Market is moving from a <strong><em>Soft</em></strong> to <strong><em><u>Standard</u></em></strong> designation along with 49 other markets in the country!</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt">This information just came out and will go into effect just as soon as it can be updated into our system.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt">This means that LTV restrictions will be lightening up and qualified buyers will be able to make smaller <strong><em><u>down payments!</u></em></strong><u> </u>This should take some of the pressure off the appraisers too.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size: 18pt">Overall, we are moving from 231 to 181 soft markets, a drop of 50 which is much more aggressive than our major competition.  </span></p> </span><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/28/big-news" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/28/big-news#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/28/big-newsThu, 28 Jan 2010 11:52:00 GMTGood Time to Buy a Homehttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/15/good-time-to-buy-a-home<h2><span style="font-size: 14pt">Coldwell Banker CEO Jim Gillespie argues mortgage rates and tax credits make right now the best time to buy a house.</span></h2> <div><br /> <a style="font-size: 14pt" title="Click Here" href="http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/3965326/good-time-to-buy-a-home?playlist_id=87185">Click Here</a></div> <div> </div> <div> <span style="font-size: 14pt">To hear more on this topic</span></div> <div> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/15/good-time-to-buy-a-home" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/15/good-time-to-buy-a-home#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/15/good-time-to-buy-a-homeFri, 15 Jan 2010 16:12:00 GMTSuccessful Business Plan for 2010http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/07/successful-business-plan-for-2010<div><strong style="font-size: 12pt">Three Keys to a successful business plan for 2010</strong></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div><em><span style="font-size: 14pt">Its that time of year again, time to put your business plan together for 2010. There are three key points to a successful business plan: #1 Describe what your vision is. #2 Identify whats missing from your business. #3 Break your business plan down into specific Action Tasks  and put them on a one year calendar. By being detailed oriented you will always know where you stand in your business and it will become much more than a list of resolutions and more of an Action Plan....</span></em></div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/07/successful-business-plan-for-2010" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/07/successful-business-plan-for-2010#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2010/01/07/successful-business-plan-for-2010Thu, 07 Jan 2010 13:16:00 GMTHappy New Years!!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/31/happy-new-years<strong style="font-size: 14pt">The Garvey Group wishes everyone a happy & safe New Years! We welcome 2010 with positive energy.. Cheers!</strong><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/31/happy-new-years" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/31/happy-new-years#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/31/happy-new-yearsThu, 31 Dec 2009 10:10:00 GMTCost vs. Value: Small Projects Pay Off Bighttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/28/cost-vs-value-small-projects-pay-off-big<div>Judicious home remodeling is still worth the investment, according to Remodeling magazine's annual "Cost vs. Value Report."</div> <div><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black; font-size: 10pt">Six of the top 10 most profitable remodeling projects cost less than $14,000, according to the new Cost vs. Value report. Find out what home improvements offer the best return in your part of the country.</span></div> <div> </div> <div><a title="Read More" href="http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/Articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009">Read More</a></div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/28/cost-vs-value-small-projects-pay-off-big" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/28/cost-vs-value-small-projects-pay-off-big#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/28/cost-vs-value-small-projects-pay-off-bigMon, 28 Dec 2009 12:25:00 GMTXmas Shiphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/xmas-ship<div><img src="http://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/chrislowman.jpg" alt="" /></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>DECEMBER 12:</strong> <a href="http://www.argosycruises.com/themecruises/xmasSchedule.cfm#09schedule" target="_blank"><u>Argosy Christmas Ship Festival</u></a> in West Seattle:<br /> <strong>FIRST SAILING </strong> <div>CHOIR: Canterbury Belles<br /> Depart: Pier 55 8:00pm, Return: 10:20pm<br /> 8:50-9:10 Lowman Beach*<br /> 9:40-10:00 Alki Beach*</div> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/xmas-ship" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/xmas-ship#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/xmas-shipTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:52:00 GMTTree Lighting at Guadalupe Parishhttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/tree-lighting-at-guadalupe-parish<center><img alt="" src="http://westseattleblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/creighton2.jpg" /></center> <p> </p> <p><em><small><font size="2"></font></small></em> </p> <p><strong>DECEMBER 11:</strong> Tree lighting <a href="http://www.guadalupe-school.org/news-events/calendar.html" target="_blank"><font color="#0b76ae">at Our Lady of Guadalupe</font></a>, 7 pm</p><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/tree-lighting-at-guadalupe-parish" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/tree-lighting-at-guadalupe-parish#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/tree-lighting-at-guadalupe-parishTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:42:00 GMTHoliday Wine Tasting Event!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/holiday-wine-tasting-event<div> </div> <div> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:place w:st="on"><strong><font color="#003e75" size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting'; color: #003e75; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold">Holiday</span></font></strong></st1:place><strong><font color="#003e75" size="6" face="Lucida Handwriting"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Handwriting'; color: #003e75; font-size: 24pt; font-weight: bold"> Wine Tasting Event!<o:p></o:p></span></font></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><font color="#003e75" size="3" face="MV Boli"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 12pt">Northwest</span></font></st1:PlaceName><font color="#003e75" size="3" face="MV Boli"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 12pt"> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Wine</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Academy</st1:PlaceType> at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">South</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Seattle</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Community College</st1:PlaceType></st1:place></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><font color="#003e75" size="3" face="MV Boli"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 12pt"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on"></st1:PlaceType></st1:place></span></font><font color="#003e75" size="3" face="MV Boli"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 12pt">Come taste new releases, mingle with friends and enjoy the holiday with us!<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-left: 2.5in" class="msolistparagraph"><font color="#003e75" size="3" face="MV Boli"><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 12pt">Free and Open to the Public!</p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold">Friday, December 11<sup>th</sup>  3 – 7 pm</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in; margin-left: 1in" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold">and</span></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; color: #003e75; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold">Saturday, December 12<sup>th</sup> noon – 4 pm</span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin-left: 2.5in" class="msolistparagraph"><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/holiday-wine-tasting-event" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/holiday-wine-tasting-event#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/08/holiday-wine-tasting-eventTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:10:00 GMTWarm Wisheshttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/01/warm-wishes<div><img style="width: 368px; height: 197px" alt="" align="left" src="http://garveygrouphomes.com/images/Holiday_image.jpg" width="368" height="197" /></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/01/warm-wishes" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/01/warm-wishes#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/12/01/warm-wishesTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:35:00 GMTUncle Sam is paying first time!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/06/uncle-sam-is-paying-first-time<p> </p> <p style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; color: #cc0000; font-size: 20pt">Uncle Sam is paying first time home buyers $8,000 and move up buyers $6,</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; color: #cc0000; font-size: 20pt">500 to buy a new home from December 1, 2009 until April 30, 2010. </span></strong><strong></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face'; color: black">The transaction would have to close by June 30, 2010.  </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"> </p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black">Move up buyers will be eligible as long as the home they're leaving has been used as their primary residence for 5 years or more. </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black">Income limits $125,000 for single $225,000 for joint. </span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: black">For 2010 purchases, Taxpayers can claim the credit on 2009 tax returns.</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: blue; font-size: 13.5pt"><br /> Great News on the Tax Credit!</span></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: blue; font-size: 13.5pt">The House passed the bill 403-12 today and the White House has said that President Obama will sign it into law tomorrow morning. The $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers will be extended for seven months and expanded with a $6,500 credit for homebuyers who have owned a home for 5 out of the past 8 years.  I will be releasing an email with the rest of the details in the coming days. My team is also currently working on a marketing campaign that we are extremely excited for and will be releasing soon that is geared towards move-up buyers.  </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt" align="center"><span style="font-family: Arial; color: blue; font-size: 13.5pt">In the meantime, here is a CNBC article that gives some more information on this extension.  </span></p><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/06/uncle-sam-is-paying-first-time" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/06/uncle-sam-is-paying-first-time#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/06/uncle-sam-is-paying-first-timeFri, 06 Nov 2009 12:24:00 GMTCongress Passes Tax Credithttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/05/congress-passes-tax-credit-<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="600"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img alt="" src="http://www.realtor.org/MarkRes.nsf/files/clear1x1.gif/$FILE/clear1x1.gif" width="10" height="1" /></td> <td valign="top" width="100%" align="left"> <p><br /> From: Charles McMillan, 2009 NAR President</p> <p>Date:  November 5, 2009<br /> <br /> Re:     <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt">Congress Passes Tax Credit Extension/Expansion </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', 'serif'"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt">I am VERY excited to report that Congress has answered our call to extend and expand the homebuyer tax credit!</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt">                        </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt">Both the House and the Senate have passed an unemployment insurance bill, which includes an amendment that expands and extends the tax credit. That bill will be sent to President Obama for his signature in the next day or so.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt">I have recorded a special edition of my President’s Podcast, with details on the new tax credit and when it takes effect. Please take just a couple of minutes to listen.</span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; color: black"><a title="http://go-to.realtor.org/r/JIOMK3/4CFRS/GIXYP/7F1GY/CI7PN/6C/h" href="http://go-to.realtor.org/r/JIOMK3/4CFRS/GIXYP/7F1GY/CI7PN/6C/h" frontuid="121035"><u>http://www.realtor.org/about_nar/presidents_report/_podcast_archive/mcmillan_taxcreditextended_20091105</u></a></span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-family: 'Arial', 'sans-serif'; font-size: 12pt">We also have posted a comparison chart on Realtor.org. This can be a helpful resource as you work with buyers to take advantage of the credit in the months ahead.</span></p> </span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/05/congress-passes-tax-credit-" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/05/congress-passes-tax-credit-#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/05/congress-passes-tax-credit-Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:47:00 GMTTwilight Broker's Open!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/04/twilight-brokers-open<div> </div> <div style="font-size: 10pt"> <strong>Twilight Broker's Open! 5:00-8:00pm(Bring your Buyers) MLS# 29083704</strong> Join us for appetizers & bubbly!Spectacular View home located in Prestigious Palm Ave w/180 degree views of city, sound & bay. Check out our website for more information about this listing.</div><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/04/twilight-brokers-open" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/04/twilight-brokers-open#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/11/04/twilight-brokers-openWed, 04 Nov 2009 17:44:00 GMTUpdated Tax credit newshttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/29/updated-tax-credit-news<font face="MetaOT-Normal"> <p align="left">WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Senators have struck a deal to extend a popular tax</p> <p align="left">credit for home buyers beyond those buying their first house, Senate Majority</p> <p align="left">Leader Harry Reid's office said Wednesday.</p> <p align="left">Legislators also have agreed to extend the tax credit through the end of April,</p> <p align="left">according to a Reuters report.</p> <p align="left">An $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers is set to expire at the end of November.</p> <p align="left">Under a compromise reached by senators, the credit would be expanded to those</p> <p align="left">who have lived in their home for five consecutive years, a Reid spokeswoman said.</p> <p align="left">The credit for repeat buyers would be $6,500.</p> <p align="left">The credit reportedly would be available for individuals making up to $125,000 a</p> <p align="left">year and couples earning up to $225,000 per year, up from the current income</p> <p align="left">limits of $75,000 and $150,000, respectively.</p> <p align="left">Reid wants to attach the tax-credit measure to a bill that would extend</p> <p>unemployment benefits.</p> </font><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/29/updated-tax-credit-news" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/29/updated-tax-credit-news#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/29/updated-tax-credit-newsThu, 29 Oct 2009 15:29:00 GMTGreat News-Credit to be extended!http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/28/great-news-credit-to-be-extended<p style="background: white"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">The extension of the $8000 tax credit appears to be almost agreed upon back in Washington, D.C.. The exact details are not completely worked out yet, but the Senate Banking Committee Chairman, Chris Dodd,  feels the committee is so close to reaching agreement that he sent out the below news release this morning. </span></strong></p> <p style="background: white"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">Details still to be finalized and issued to us. Here is an interpretation of the changes. </span></strong></p> <p style="background: white"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">May still be subject to change!!! : </span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; background: white; margin-left: 24pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">      </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">Credit to be extended from Nov. 30<sup>th</sup> to April 30<sup>th, </sup>2010.</span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; background: white; margin-left: 24pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">      </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">$ Amount to be lowered from $8000 to $7290.</span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; background: white; margin-left: 24pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">3.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">      </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: red; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">Sales contract must be signed around by April 30<sup>th</sup></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">, but does not need to be closed by April 30<sup>th</sup>.</span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; background: white; margin-left: 24pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">4.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">      </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">Appears as though 2<sup>nd</sup> time buyers, those who currently own homes for 5 years will now qualify for new credit. I am not sure if they need to own their homes for more than or less than 5 years. I think 5 years or more if the below article is correct.  </span></strong></p> <p style="text-indent: -0.25in; background: white; margin-left: 24pt"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">5.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman'">      </span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Arial; color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold">Complete details have not been disclosed to us and vote has not taken place yet.</span></strong></p><P><a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/28/great-news-credit-to-be-extended" target="_blank">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/28/great-news-credit-to-be-extended#comments" target="_blank">Comments</a></P>Garvey Grouphttp://garveygrouphomes.com/blog/2009/10/28/great-news-credit-to-be-extendedThu, 29 Oct 2009 15:29:00 GMT