The Preserve at Lake Cassidy

Are you looking for a wooded paradise in Snohomish County to call home? Welcome to The Preserve at Lake Cassidy, located just north of Lake Stevens. Picture looking out your window and seeing the neighborhood deer (at last count there's 5 of them, up from 3 last year) walking through a neighbor's yard, going from one feeding spot to another. Or maybe you are out in the backyard playing with the kids or dogs and two Bald Eagles fly just overhead.

About the Location and Lake

The Preserve at Lake Cassidy is situated approx. one mile from the Centennial Trail and is within walking distance of Lake Cassidy, utilizing a series of wooded paths winding through the outskirts of the community. Lake Cassidy is a small fishing lake allowing 10 hp max boats with a speed limit of 8mph. It's peaceful, serene and beautiful. There is a public boat launch off 99th (west side of lake) with parking and on the east side of the lake (along the Centennial Trail - no vehicle parking) there is a public fishing dock.

About the Homes

The homes here are situated on estate sized lots, most being about 3/4 acre, while other lots could be up to approx. 1 acre. All feature at least 3 car garages, while some have 4-car garages. Some owners have built workshops or guest houses on their properties. Many properties border NGPA land with towering evergreens.

Current Market

As of 2/6/08 there are 7 homes available ranging in price from $499,950 to $538,950 and in size from 2005 square feet to 2620 square feet. In the last six months eight homes have sold ranging in price from $515,000 to $617,431 and in size from 2006 square feet to 2900 square feet. Some of the larger homes in the community are over 3000 square feet.

If you would like to see any of the homes available in The Preserve at Lake Cassidy, or any other community please call me and we'll set up a showing appointment.

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Providing the highest level of professional real estate services to buyers and sellers.

Tina Faust, GRI

RE/MAX Champions

425-374-2728

http://www.tinafaust.com/

Tina@TinaFaust.com

Restaurant Review: Pickles Deli

I was over in Clinton, WA (on Whidbey Island) yesterday to do a market analysis. I finished my property reviews just in time for lunch. I stopped somewhere I hadn't been before and to my delight found Pickles Deli. One word: Phenomonal!

Pickles is located in a strip mall shopping center with the anchor being a grocery store. From the outside it looks like every other storefront. Inside however, it is warm and inviting. It makes you feel like sitting for a leisurely lunch - and how good does it smell! I knew I was in for a treat.

At first all the options were a bit overwhelming, but I soon spotted exactly what I wanted - something custom. I ordered a Panini with peppered turkey breast, creamy havarti cheese, bacon, tomato and field greens.

To say my sandwich was delicious would be an understatement. I savored every bit and took extra time to enjoy my sandwich. The ingredients were fresh, it was made to order and the service was fantastic.

I will be going back over to Whidbey Island - no doubt for business and pleasure, but I am even willing to take the ferry ride just for another 'Tina Created' Panini.

Click Here for address information.

If you go to Pickles Deli, I'd love to hear about your experience... comment here!

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Tina Faust
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
www.TinaFaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com

F.S.B.O.

Stands for For Sale By Owner. Also known as 'fizz-bo'. Are you considering selling a property on your own? Here are some things to consider:

Complete an extensive research of local market conditions, including:

• the listing and selling price of all houses in your area for the last six months,
• the listing price of houses currently on the market, and
• the listing prices of houses that were on the market but did not sell.

TIPS: Begin your research on the Internet. Follow-up by visiting the county tax records office to determine the selling prices of houses.

Put together a marketing plan:

• How will you market your house to real estate agents? Most buyers use a real estate agent, so marketing to real estate agents is essential. At a minimum, you'll want to send a letter and sales flyer to all real estate agents within a 30 mile radius.
• How much money can you afford to devote to advertising? Call the local newspapers to determine how much it will cost for advertisements. You'll want to fun frequent ads.
• Who will create your sales flyers? Buyers expect fact sheets to take with them when they drive-by or tour a house for sale.
• Where will you place signage? In addition to your front yard, are there areas leading in to your neighborhood where signage would be appropriate?
• How will potential buyers find information about your house on the internet? You'll want potential buyers who begin their house shopping on the Internet to find your house. Be sure to build a web site to help sell your house.
• Who will be available to open the house up for showings? You'll want to schedule showings as quickly as possible - even the same day.

TIPS: Ask newspapers for a discounted advertising rate for multiple placements. Be sure to check with local officials to determine if there are any restrictions on where you place signs. Find some way to pre-qualify buyers before letting them into your home.

Confirm the potential buyer has pre-qualified for a mortgage loan:

• If the buyer is paying with cash, confirm they have the necessary resources
• If the purchase is contingent on the buyer selling their own house, confirm that the buyer's house is on the market. (You may also want to determine how long the buyer's house has been on the market.)
• If the buyer is getting a loan, be sure they have applied for the loan and have been approved.

Negotiations, Contracts and Closings:

• Are you prepared to negotiate the contract?
• Are you prepared to monitor the terms of the contract through to closing?
• Do you know what the legal responsibilities of the seller are in your area?
• Who will write the contract? Will you need to hire an attorney? If so, what are those fees?

TIPS: In addition to the sales, you may need to complete a Seller's Disclosure and Lead Based Paint Disclosure.

If you are ready to take this challenge on yourself, please be prepared for the good, bad and the ugly. Consult legal, tax, accounting and state counsel to ensure you have everything needed to complete the sale.

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Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com

Sellers: Capital Gains

The IRS permits a maximum exclusion on capital gain of $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples filing a joint return who sell their home, but of course some conditions apply.

For the five-year timeframe prior to the date of the sale of your primary residence, you must meet the Ownership and Use Tests the IRS provides in Publication 523, Selling Your Home - 2007. These rules ensure you have owned the home for at least two years, and lived in the home for at least 24 months out of the last five years. Additionally, you may not have excluded a gain on your taxes from the sale of a different home within the last two years. Note that if you sell your property for less than your original purchase price, you cannot claim a capital loss.

A 'reduced maximum exclusion' can apply to those who must sell their home due to a change in their place of employment, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances that affect qualified individuals. In all cases, it is best to consult your tax professional or IRS guidelines if you have any questions about the taxes you may be responsible for if you sell your home.

Thanks to Mike Kang of Countrywide Bank for providing this article. For mortgage related questions, Mike can be reached at 425-744-5738 or by email: mike_kang@countrywide.com

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Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com
Tina@TinaFaust.com

Pre-Screened Offers

If your mailbox is anything like mine, it's filled every day with offers of credit ranging from home equity loans to personal lines of credit to credit cards and more. If you are anything like me, it drives you crazy!

These offers are usually made to you after a company reviews basic information available from your credit report to see that you meet certain criteria. If you accept the offer, they will take a deeper look at your credit report along with information you provide to ensure you qualify. The pre-screened offers are generally not guaranteed offers.

Did you know there is a way to opt of these offers? Simply call 1-888-567-8688 or visit OptOutPreScreen.com.

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Tina Faust, GRI
RE/MAX Champions
425-374-2728
http://www.tinafaust.com/
Tina@TinaFaust.com