Open House with Team Reba

It's a struggle to have someone help you and be there for you for more than what they need to do. Join Reba and Eric as they talk about volunteerism, their experiences, and services that impact the community and real estate. Each episode contains information to help you know more about this community and its core.Also, OFFICIAL HOMEBUYER CLASS 2023, sponsored by Washington State Housing Finance Commission, will be held on March 4th! For more information, contact us at info.teamreba.com or message us at our socials @teamreba!Watch us out as we transition to a full-on podcast! Be ready for some more updates!Support the show

As we enter 2023,  high inflation, steep interest rates, and recession fears imperil the economy. In this episode, hear from Reba and Eric about the actual situation in our local housing market, as they clear things about the matter. If you are planning to invest, buy or sell a house, this episode can give good insight to you!Also, Open House with Team Reba is going full-on podcast! You can see us in video format and on all podcast platforms! Watch out soon as we announce more details!Support the show

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Did you miss the Homebuyer Class? We had some wonderful discussions and as usual, plenty of questions from people like you! The world of Real Estate has so many rules and regulations that many are not familiar with. Join us as we go over some of those questions from the class and examples of how we CARE about your best experience.Support the show

We have a low inventory of housing and the interest rate is going up. How does that impact you when you start looking to buy or thinking of selling.  While housing is in constant change and no one has a crystal ball, we can identify trends and help guide you through it all. Join us as we discuss the upcoming class as well as how you can prepare yourself before you jump into the market. Support the show

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Why all the fear surrounding the housing market? Because fear drives panic, and panic drives money to fearmongers.  Maybe it's time to take a collective breath and re-examine the underlying dynamics at work in the present market.On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric take apart the stats and offer up timely counsel for making the most of the current marketplace.  You'll learn:·        What's likely to happen with the Consumer Price Index over the next several months, and why it matters.·        What the present inverted yield curve means for loan programs.·        How inventory rates are used to define the kind of housing market we're in.·        Why there are so many price reductions happening in this seller's market.Plus Reba explains the opportunity of Buyer Bonuses for both sides of a real estate transaction, and Eric discusses what misreading the market can cost you.So breathe in – breathe out – and take a clear-eyed look at the current state of affairs.  While hair-blazing throngs hemorrhage their prospects at the word of the nearest doomsayer, your cool-head can help you come out ahead on their abandoned opportunities– all by listening to this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Support the show

If your home is your castle, its best defense is friendly villagers.  Welcome to Newcastle: Three square miles of small-town community nestled in the heart of King County.    On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric welcome Nancy McKinney, past president of the Newcastle Chamber.Discover:·        Newcastle's coal-country history, and features making it a tight-knit community.·        Recent projects and geographical advantages invigorating  Newcastle's business district. ·        Festivities at Newcastle Days coming up September 10th·        Current inventory rates and price points on Newcastle homes – and how to find them.Plus, Reba and Eric share recent stories underscoring why working with professionals matters!It's a royal review of an overlooked gem in the King County diadem, all on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Learn more at: www.newcastle-chamber.orgSupport the show

Melodramatic wailing, suspicious maneuvering and clandestine efforts at manipulation...  No it's not a soap opera – it's the current state of the housing market.  But no need to fear (leave that to your competitors).  This is your opportunity to land the home you've been wanting!  Learn the details without the drama on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Takeaways include:·        How market inventory is calculated, and why this demonstrates we are still in a Seller's Market (with Buyer's Opportunity).·        Strategies for going after the right home at the right price.·        Areas where purchase opportunities are emerging.·        How Covid dynamics and work locations continue to affect regional housing prices.·        What a Buyer Bonus is, and why smart realtors are negotiating this incentive into their deals. ·        The dangers of working with inexperienced agents or lenders.Plus Reba and Eric share illustrative anecdotes and offer up timely tips for recognizing scams and evading swindlers.So will your second cousin's husband's best-friend's sister with a newly-minted realtor's license be allowed to lose all your earnest money, or will you finally find the agent of your hopes and the home of your dreams….Find out on this episode of As the Market Turns…. er... sorry...Open House with Team Reba.No cliffhangers – we promise.Support the show

After months of heavily favoring sellers, the housing market is finally shifting to some semblance of balance – not because inventory isn't still tight (it most certainly is), but because high rates, economic concerns and seasonal selling trends have increased supply and decreased demand.  And while it's still not a buyer's market –it's definitely a buyer's opportunity – but ONLY in the hands of a skilled agent.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric go on a housing market expedition, scouting out the new terrain and pointing out the lurking dangers, enabling the intrepid home-hunter to bag the big prize without landing in financial quicksand, or getting unintentionally mauled by the dreaded ignoramus realestateagentus (AKA: the ‘clueless agent'). You'll come away with a net full of game-changing nuggets for your real estate safari, like:·        The circumstances governing seller's disclosure forms – and the critical role these documents play in both the buying and selling side of a transaction.·        What physically happens to a home left vacant for a year – and how that disclosure can shift negotiations in the buyer's favor. ·        How the benefits of a buyer-paid inspection and sewerscope can far outweigh their expenses come closing.·        The tools available for a buyer to ‘cash in their chips' (ie, leverage their negotiation points) at the end of the transaction.·        What a 35R form is, and how it can move mountains in the hands of a savvy agent or blow up the deal in the hands of a hapless one.·        Important questions to assess the skill level of your agent in handling a ticklish transaction.·        Innovative programs for avoiding contingencies and beating out cash offers on hot homes.Plus, Eric shares his tips for dealing with incompetent agents, and Reba uses a current deal to illustrate pro-tips on purchasing property through an estate sale.Yes, buyer's opportunity is knocking – but only if you're working with a skilled agent.  Avoid buyer's remorse (and agent remorse) by tuning in to this episode of Open House with Team Reba. Huzzah!Support the show

It's an uncertain time for the economy, and fearmongers love them some uncertainty – but do any of their metrics hold out for a housing collapse, or is this actually a golden moment to get in and hang on?On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric clear the minefields of mindless chatter and reach the meat of the matter, with the indicators you need to watch for rightly reckoning market trends.You'll come away from the show learning:·        The difference between a buyer's market and a buyer's opportunity.·        Tips for leveraging an uncertain market to get ahead in the end.·        Lending options that could save you a fair amount of interest over the standard 30-year fixed rate.·        How an interest-only loan may benefit you, provided you understand what you're getting.·        The danger of ‘recent history bias' in reckoning future trends. ·        The critical differences between the pre-recession market and today's.·        The reasons housing shortages will continue forcing housing prices to rise, regardless of what the economy does.Plus Eric gives a rundown on rates, and Reba shares some intriguing recent activity in the local market.So don't hold your breath for home prices to fall, or you'll both pass out and miss out on the opportunity before you.  It's all here on this podcast of Open House with Team Reba.Support the show

Springtime is the perfect opportunity to outfit your yard in a ‘riot of color' – but what to plant, where to plant it and why? On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric consider Northwestern horticultural options for your outdoor spaces with landscape design expert, Michael Muro.You'll discover:·        Important dynamics to consider before laying out your landscape.·        The impact Covid has had on outdoor spaces.·        Trending features of exterior design.·        Garden layouts that make sense from a maintenance perspective.·        What plants adapt best to the prospect of drier, hotter summers.·        Why it's crucial to project the impact of plants and trees long-term.·        The varieties of hebe best fitted to the Northwest (and those that could give you the ‘heebie-jeebies')·        Which slugs pose a threat to your garden, which don't, and what to do about them (and it DOES NOT involve salting).Plus Reba details how seasonal activity has ‘slightly pruned' the housing market, and sounded a wake-up call for sellers who overshot when pricing their ‘ugly babies'. So tune in for some great tips on sprucing up your outdoors (and making your home a bit more appealing to prospective buyers) on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Need professional help for landscaping your place? Visit:  www.michaelmuro.comSupport the show

With skyrocketing housing prices and mortgage rates notching ever higher, is there any hope for a median-income family to find a place of their own? On this episode of Open House, the answer is a definitive “Ja!” (Eric is in a particularly Norwegian mood on this broadcast).Inventory challenges aside, it all comes down to strategy.  A grocery clerk won't find a ‘super market' for housing in Bellevue – but may discover opportunities ‘stocked' in cities like Maple Valley, Black Diamond or Buckley - and once invested, equity will clear the path for moving up.    You'll come away from this podcast learning:·        Workable strategies to advance from starter home to dream home.·        Current analysis on whether interest rates will level off. ·        The impact of societal changes on housing expectations.·        Why -despite Reddit-fueled fears- the end of forbearance will not crash the housing market.·        What efforts the government is making to close the housing gap – and how successful it's likely to be.·        How bureaucratic lending policies tend to hose small investors and work at cross-purposes to housing solutions.·        Why some zero-down lending programs are being suspended – and what it takes to qualify for the ones left.·        Why it's important to keep your agent apprised of your loan qualifications (and what can happen if you don't).Plus, Reba gives a timely rundown of available units 500K and under in King County, and Eric lays out lending options for a home upgrade.All that - and an impromptu Norwegian lesson –on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Håper det smaker!  (Bon appetit)Support the show

Closing on a home is one of the most dramatic events in a person's life – and just like a theatre performance, there's a whole lot of hustle taking place backstage.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric draw back the curtain for a peek at the other side of the closing process, with Escrow officer Susan Berry.You'll get insight into:·        The problems escrow encounters in transactions, and how they're handled.·        Some of the important failsafes escrow is required to follow when processing transactions.·        Concerning shortcuts some escrow companies may take that imperil their clients' identity, security and finances. ·        The prime opportunities for scammers to attack, and the actions you and your agent can take to thwart their efforts.·        Some of the warning signs that a title may not be clear on a listed home.·        The complications arising come closing when agents are unfamiliar with county ordinances (ie septic systems in King and Pierce).·        The roadblock that clearing a title can become in the event of a lien.Plus a look at some of the seasonal changes in the housing market, tricks agents play to create a "feeding frenzy,"  and one particularly -strong- reason online home sales will never be a good idea.It's a look behind the scenes at escrow, and you'll never see home closing the same way again, on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Support the show

Years of underbuilding and underzoning have resulted in a shortage of 3 to 4 million homes nationwide -  but it's just a sniffle compared to the dearth of pandemic proportions when Gen Z explodes into the marketplace.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric tap Randy Banneker of Banneker Public Affairs for his take on both the scope and nature of the challenges, along with some serious proposals for remedial action.You'll come away from the program learning:·        The impact of political considerations on building restrictions, and how the growing crisis may be swaying public opinion.·        The toll of anti-landlord sentiment on Seattle rental properties, and their negative long-term prospects.   ·        The innovative potential of small-sized lots for answering the growing crisis.·        How new technologies in construction may ‘open doors' to housing opportunities.·        The challenge of condo liability laws and lawfare in limiting condominium construction, and the possibilities for mitigating these sticking points.·        The impact of post-pandemic mindsets on the population and the draws that will return them to the cities.·        Actions you can take to make your voice heard on this issue.Plus, a recap of how decisions by the Fed impact mortgages, and some thoughtful strategies for successfully navigating your home purchase through the waters of rising interest rates.So if you're down with a case of housing market hay fever – forget the Benadryl.  Just take this dose of encouragement and good advice from Open House with Team Reba, and you'll be feeling better stat!Support the show

From the growing popularity of electric cars to ordinances banning gas appliances in new homes, current trends in electricity-consumption are placing tremendous pressure on the power grid.  Without a release valve, we could be looking at rolling blackouts and skyrocketing electric bills.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric “take it to the man” (or at least electric companies) with guest Pam Burton, as they discuss the upcoming Northwest Green Home Tour, and ways to take your home to net zero.You'll learn:What it means to be “net zero” in terms of energy and resource consumption.Tips for making your home more energy efficient.Best conditions for installing solar panels.The impact of Covid on home design.The variety of home styles amenable to green upgrades.Installations and fixtures increasing your home's salability (and others that, well… not so much.)Plus a discussion of generational dynamics in homebuying, the impact of higher interest rates on would-be sellers, and changes in home renovation trends.And if you'd like to learn more about the Northwest Green Home Tour (May 14th 2022 from 9A-11:30A online and 11A-5P in-person) visit: www.nwgreenhometour.com.  Tickets are free of charge!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

It's been a tough couple of years for small business – but the survivors have proved even tougher. On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric explore the dynamics of small business with Richelle Haas, owner of Sparkle Gifts & Whatnots in downtown Renton.  It's a discussion chock full of takeaways, like:·        What it takes to get a small business off the ground.·        Tips for keeping your business afloat in tough economic times.·        Improvements that could facilitate survival for downtown businesses.·        The role of an effective Chamber of Commerce in prospering local businesses.·        Why Renton is such a great spot for small businesses right now.·        Some of the “best-kept secrets” in downtown Renton.Plus Eric breaks down recent and prospective decisions by the Fed in their efforts to stem inflation, along with the conflicting impact they may have on mortgage rates, and Reba gives an insightful recap of the current housing market.It's another fun-packed podcast of timely information on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

The ongoing supply chain crisis is wreaking havoc on financing and real estate transactions – and the ramifications are as numerous as the present glut of agents.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric unravel the ‘knots' builders and buyers are tied up in as a result and consider the consequences of legions of desperate realtors attempting to eke out an income in the face of increasingly scarce inventory. You'll come away from the broadcast better understanding:·        The new construction changes builders are resorting to, and how they affect consumers.·        The complications lenders face with the uncertainty of construction timelines.·        The impact of the supply chain crisis on 1031 exchanges and rate locks.·        The negative effect of the present glut of agents on the homebuying/selling public.·        The exclusive legal obligations of realtors vis-à-vis home-showings and client interactions.·        The differences in Zillow and Redfin agent models, and some of the reforms needed in the real estate industry. Plus, Reba and Eric share stories underscoring the importance of seeking expert real estate and lending advice. You'll also be introduced to an extremely informative website which shows you where money is traveling across the country:  www.howmoneywalks.comIt's an insightful look at the challenges of the current market – but not without the silver lining to light the way on your real estate and financing journey – all on this episode of Open House with Team Reba! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

Buying a home is particularly challenging right now and it's not getting any easier.  Would-be homebuyers are socked with a one-two punch of high interest rates and legions of lousy realtors.  But don't let that prevent you from entering the market – just make sure you go in educated!On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric take an intense look at these issues and offer their expert advice for navigating these troubled waters.   You'll come away from the show learning:·        The dynamics influencing current interest rate trends.·        The economic challenges we can expect going forward.·        The kinds of violations incompetent agents have been known to commit.·        The penalties that MLS and licensing violations can carry for an agent.·        Why dual agency with one real estate agent is such a potentially terrible arrangement for sellers and buyers.·        Actions you should take if you witness a possible agency violation.·        Important pointers for selecting an agent so as to avoid these situations altogether.Plus, Reba and Eric share intriguing personal anecdotes about encounters with clueless agents and the sometimes unfortunate consequences.  Important reminders to do your homework when selecting an agent to represent you - all  on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

Senior abuse is a rampant, underreported crime impacting thousands, and leaving victims heartbroken and destitute.  In this episode of Open House, Eric and Reba explore this tragic subject - in particular as it relates to abuses in real estate and finance - with Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney of King County, Page Ulrey.You'll learn: ·        The kinds of criminal abuses recognized by prosecutors.·        The challenge prosecutors have in proving a financial exploitation crime.·        The most typical circumstances of embezzlement and scams.·        The efforts banks are taking to educate staff to this kind of crime.·        The impact that financial exploitation has on seniors.·        The tell-tale signs that senior abuse may be happening to a friend, neighbor or family member.·        The actions you can take to protect a senior from an abuser.Plus, Reba shares her own experiences as a witness to financial exploitation of seniors, including in some of the trainings of real estate seminars.Listen in and learn how to protect yourself and your senior loved ones from all forms of abuse, by arming yourself with knowledge on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.And if you suspect a case of elder abuse, and want to connect with Page directly,  email her at:  page.ulrey@kingcounty.gov.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

What happens when a code compliance officer with a penchant for mysteries uncovers an animal hoarding case - and a dead body?  If this sounds like an amateur sleuth mystery novel, that's because – Da Da DAAAAA… it is.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric dig into some of the intricacies of literary real estate with novelist and writing instructor, Leslie Hall, as they explore the fictional North Seattle town of Cedar Grove (based on the real city of Mountlake Terrace), and take a look at the intriguing title character, Kaitlyn WillisYou'll come away from this discussion learning about the research involved in crafting a novel, how to make your characters take on a life of their own, and how you can successfully self-publish. Plus a look at the impact of inflation on the local housing market, along with some important anecdotes underscoring how quickly you can grow equity right now!And if you want to learn more about the Kaitlyn Willis Roadsign Mystery series, check it out at www.lesliejhall.com Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric welcome guest Sharon Knowles of Arch Mortgage Insurance to provide her expertise on the subject of PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), and its importance in qualifying for certain kinds of loans.You'll learn: -        How PMI can make the difference in qualifying for a loan-        The relationship between PMI and down payment.-        Factors for determining how expensive your PMI is.-        The conditions that allow you to drop your PMI.-        Ways to adjust PMI to lower your mortgage payments.-        The variety of options for financing PMI.-        The difference between PMI and Credit Life/Credit Disability Insurance.Plus, Reba and Eric discuss the current tumultuous market dynamics, and leveraging them to your financial advantage, as well as best practices for making a winning offer.  So if you think PMI is just a monthly headache, tune in to this episode and get some much needed relief.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

The dream of buying a home or investment property may be frightful with prices soaring, markets uncertain, and world events trending towards chaos.  But wealth opportunities abound for anyone with the guts to take the leap.  Are you ready to finally enjoy a new pad of your own? Or will you be stuck in a swamp of endless leasing?In this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric begin their conversation by dissecting the local housing market (sans formaldehyde), before welcoming their guest, Doug Warren, author of the new book, Albert: A Frog and His Dream.  This beautifully written and illustrated work offers a story of inspiration to everyone from little tads to bullfrogs on the croaking side of life.Remember, you don't need to be green with envy over the success of others when you can choose to take your life to the height of your dreams.  Just hop to it! And if you'd like a copy of Albert: A Frog and His Dream for yourself (or for that budding pollywog in your pond), just write: info@teamreba.com! (While supplies last).Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

No matter how perfect the home, a thorough inspection will always turn up something - even if it's just cosmetic.  But the professional home inspector won't obsess over the “lipstick” not matching the skin tones of the “pig” when secret disasters lurk about walls, floors, ceilings, pipes, drains, wiring and foundations.On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric welcome Lisa Lotus of Taurus Home Inspections to share her expertise on the home inspection process.  You'll learn:What the inspection process entails, and follow-up options available to the homeowner.Types of inspections offered.Common problems a home inspection will uncover.The advantages a home inspection offers a buyer in the lending process.The benefits of getting a pre-inspection when selling a home.Potential problem areas in flipped homes.The recommended frequency of a maintenance inspection.Plus, a look at the consequences of current international turmoil upon stocks, bonds and mortgage-backed securities – and how to leverage that information to protect your finances. And if you need someone to take a look at concerns “closer to home” – give Lisa a call at 206-676-0023, or check out her site at: www.taurushomeinspections.com. So tune in to this episode of Open House, and get both your home and your finances “in tune.”Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

Looking to upgrade your home's appearance for selling, for Airbnb or simply for personal enjoyment?  You've come to the right place! In this episode, Eric and Reba discuss home interior design with Wendy Fisher of Wendy Fisher Interiors.You'll learn:·        What to expect when working with an interior designer.·        Some of the hottest trends in interiors.·        Designs and materials that speak uniquely to Northwestern living.·        The complications of duplicating “Pinterest” dream designs (and when a “reinterpretation” might be the best option).·        Pointers on how colors can direct attention and affect mood.·        And when an accent wall might actually work.Plus you'll find out about Project Sugarhouse - Reba's massive renovation project on her Anacortes vacation rental. Follow the saga on her Instagram account: www.instagram.com/teamrebarealestateAnd get a flavor for Wendy's work at: www.wendyfisherinteriors.comReady to take the plunge? Contact her at: wendy@wendyfisherinteriors.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

If you don't move confidently, you could miss out.  On this episode, Reba and Eric take a look at the role of confidence and fear in the market and the home buying process, and provide you the advice you need for leveraging these dynamics to your highest benefit. You'll come away from this episode with answers to such questions as:·        What is inflation psychology, and how does it impact the housing market?·        Why are a good deal of agents firing their home-buying clients?·        What actions should you take in assessing the competence of your agent?·        What role does confidence play in making an offer?·        What 's behind most of the emotional reluctance to purchasing a home?·        Why is earnest money released so frequently in home-buying transactions?·        What are some of the important factors limiting the use of stocks, 401Ks and even business account funds in financing?Plus a rundown of rates and the impact of current events on impending decisions by the Fed.  So listen in for some confidence-boosting content on this episode of Open House with Team Reba!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

What do waterfront property bulkheads and Eric Aasness have in common?  They both should probably be considered old (but hopefully they've got many years left).On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric cover a birthday banquet of topics, from waterfront property risks, to insurance tips, to home inspection pointers.You'll come away from this podcast learning:·        The different kinds of waterfront properties, and some of the risks that accompany them.·        A list of the many factors that make bulkhead reparation and replacement so expensive (and just how expensive).·        How to find hidden damage caused by wind and rain.·        The risks of deferring maintenance when you go to put in an insurance claim.·        Important considerations when hiring an inspector (especially with regard to their expertise with pest damage).Plus, a slick way to opt out of unwanted solicitations (particularly those precipitated by credit bureaus selling your personal information to marketers).  So enjoy yourself a slice of Open House podcast cake, and let's all toast Eric's birthday (and wish him many more).Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

What do classic cars at the Barrett-Jackson auction and properties throughout the region (and across the country) have in common?  They're both getting substantially higher bids than just a few years ago.  But this is not only not unexpected – it's not a bad thing, because it means you'll be in a great position when you go to sell down the road!On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric take a look at the dynamics of the housing market and offer important advice on leveraging them to your benefit.You'll learn:·        Some of the current going rates of properties throughout the Puget Sound region.·        Factors limiting new construction and available inventory.·        Why builders often avoid large condo projects - and what that means.·        What the Fed is doing right now, and how it will impact mortgage rates.·        Why internet companies will never be able to replace quality agents and lenders.·        Why overpaying on a property is not necessarily a bad thing.·        And the risks of waiting too long to make your move.Plus, some insightful real estate and lending stories that shed light on the current state of affairs in the market.  So buckle up for a wild real estate ride on the episode of Open House with Team Reba!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

What are you doing with the equity you're sitting on?  Unfortunately, some folks have no equity to sit on because their clueless ‘Uncle Joe' told them to wait for prices to drop, but that won't be happening.On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric examine the wide variety of changes to the housing market over the past few years, along with the factors driving people to sell their investment property in the greater Seattle area (principally city ordinances pressuring landlords and the relentless drive towards rent control.) So if you're looking to cash in on your property and get out of Dodge, how exactly do you best tap into your equity?  Reba and Eric offer you a number of questions to consider and factors to account for, such as:Does it make sense to buy a new home before you sell your old one?Is it better to sell your old home first before buying?Should you consider buying contingent?Would renting out your old home while buying a new one make the most sense?What is your tolerance for change?Additionally, Eric elaborates on lending options that could offer you the key to getting the most out of your equity in your present set of circumstances. So tune out Uncle Joe, get off your assets, and give a listen to this episode of Open House with Team Reba.  Your equity will thank you. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

Buying investment property is a smart idea.  Selling investment property… maybe not so much UNLESS you do a 1031 tax deferred exchange.On this episode of Open House with Team Reba, Reba and Eric are joined once again by Phil David of Benash Real Property Exchange to talk about 1031 Property Exchanges.   You'll learn:·       How the process of a 1031 exchange works.·       How to calculate your capital gains taxes.·       How to calculate the massive savings a 1031 could provide you.·       How long you'll have to complete the exchange process.·       How to get started.  You'll also get some idea about both the risks and benefits of the process (the IRS is not exactly known for leniency).Plus, Reba and Eric give you a rundown of rates and housing inventory and dispel the myths of imploding markets threatened by prophets of doom.  (Please stop watching those YouTube channels).It's a fun, informative, and potentially fortune-saving episode of Open House with Team Reba!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

 Real estate love letters can cause a lot of pain – much like the ones drunk-texted to an old flame.   On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric examine the processes involved in making winning offers, and particularly, the role these letters may play in the process.  You'll come away from the broadcast with a better understanding of:unconventional offers which may win the deal (ie, Seahawks tickets). the kinds of information you would – or would not – want to include in a love letter.the potential liabilities and legal actions that could arise from a sloppy or poorly crafted letter (particularly with regard to fair housing).some of the considerations that may play a role in what finally turns out to be the winning offer.  Additionally, Eric describes what it really means to be fully underwritten, and how that can spell the difference between a winning and losing offer.Do your due diligence – so much of the work behind a winning offer comes down to being prepared.  Learn how on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/info7)

Every new year brings new opportunities for assessment and adjustment - chances to take advantage of promising developments, or to dodge the prospects for an ugly turn.   It all depends upon how loudly the winds of change will howl.In this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric take a look both at their past predictions for 2021, along with the dynamics at work for their current predictions for 2022.You'll come away from this broadcast understanding why the Fed plays a huge role in any predictions pertaining to inflation, what the dangers are for a wage-price spiral, what the impact is of the supply chain crisis on new construction, and why buyers are in a much better position from a wages perspective to make a home purchase than they were 15 years ago.   You'll also learn why it really is the best time to buy right now.Is there hope for the return of a “boring” market over the frenzied activity we've been seeing recently?  Tune in and find out on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.

Every home is a tome, and every borrower a tale.  Unfortunately, cookie-cutter realtors and lenders make no distinction between a book of nursery stories and a volume of Stephen King terror. The consequences are horror-story fodder.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric explain why real estate and lending professionals need to be like crime scene investigators.  Without this due diligence, a homebuyer can get eaten alive by a wolf in grandma's clothing.You'll come away from this broadcast learning some of the important actions a quality agent will take to review both documentation and structural condition of a prospective home purchase, all to protect a client from unnecessary closing complications and renovation nightmares.  Additionally, you'll learn some of the important factors that could disrupt would-be borrowers from qualifying for home loans (particularly with respect to condos).Don't take chances on the professionals who represent you in borrowing and homebuying.  Protect your property-purchasing interests when you tune in this episode of Open House with Team Reba. 

Too many folks believe that once forbearance goes way, resulting foreclosures will bring down house prices, but it's just not the case.  On this broadcast of Open House, Reba and Eric go through the factors that make this very unlikely.Now is the best time to get financed for the home you've been thinking about.  Get all the reasons why on this episode of Open House with Team Reba!

Too many people assume a few late payments may have sabotaged their credit score, making home ownership an impossibility.It's just not so. On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric have Mike Olden back with American Reporting Company to go through some important changes that are increasing the odds of qualifying for a home loan, such as Fannie Mae now averaging the scores of two borrowers, instead of just going with the lower score.You'll come away from this broadcast with a better understanding of post forbearance fallout, how FICO is scored and why that matters, how changes in credit calculation may help qualify more people for a mortgage - and how best to take advantage of them, along with some simple steps  to improve your debt to credit ratio.And ladies, if you have the credit, it's time to take advantage of your less-than-50-year-old right to qualify for a mortgage.  Reba certainly has!Get the credit you deserve just by tuning in to this episode of Open House with Team Reba.And get more information from Fannie Mae at:  https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/media/28331/display

Gas and food prices keep cranking upwards with the threat of inflation on the horizon (like the threat of a bellyache post-Thanksgiving feast)… but there's still plenty to give thanks for and to be thankful to be aware of.   Hear about it here!On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric give you both the good to be thankful for (like the continuation of low interest rates), the bad to be thankful to have over with (like income tax problems related to a certain ex-spouse's bad record keeping), and the information to have well in advance of trouble (like the credit reports of anyone you date).So fasten your bib, and let's dig into some turkey on this episode of Open House with Team Reba.

Clutter is the bane of successful living, but so many of us don't have a clue about what it takes to get organized.  On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric welcome Rachel Smith of Neat Method, to offer some helpful tips for reclaiming space and  restoring a sense of organization to your living spaces.Learn the impact of reordering your home, what good organization entails,  how to tell when you've got too much stuff, and how Rachel works with the homeowners to craft a system that that best suits their needs.You can contact Rachel at: rachel@neatmethod.comTag her on Instagram at: @seattleneatOr visit her site at: www.neatmethod.com/pages/seattlePlus Reba and Eric share some helpful tips on roof maintenance and safety, Zillow shenanigans and insider secrets in the real estate industry.It's another all-around ‘neat'-o episode of Open House with Team Reba.

On this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric welcome back Gail Welfringer with First Mark Insurance in a discussion covering winterization safety checks for your home.  These tips could save you anywhere from rain buckets of cash, to your very life.Tune in and get answers to questions like:  What is the impact of the supply chain crisis on insurance claims? What actions can homeowners take for the best response from there insurance agents?  What kind of impact can water damage have on homes?  What is the liability assignable to homeowners on flooding damage?  And what steps can you take to make sure your home is best protected against fires and flooding?Plus, Eric answers why there's a magnesium shortage, and what challenges – if not crises – that might portend.Listen in to this episode of Open House.  It could be a life saver!

Do you know what resource is the best kept secret for small businesses in Washington State?  It's SharedWork!  In this episode of Open House, Reba and Eric discuss the SharedWork program with Director, Rafael Colon and Coordinator, Leigh Rowley, an almost four-decades-old initiative enabling businesses to retain skilled employees during economic or seasonal downturns, by allowing them to cut hours and leverage unemployment insurance to help compensate the difference in employee income.Find out how your business can take part in this program, what qualifies a business for participation, how long  a company remains eligible for program benefits, how to calculate those benefits, and how the program protects itself against fraud. Check out the program website at www.esd.wa.gov/SharedWorkPlus, Eric and Reba engage in a whimsical series of discussions about roof and gutter fails, critter invasions, prowler problems and the consequence of appraiser shortages.Most importantly, learn from Eric Aasness why you should never touch racoon poop.It's friendly, fun and informative content from your two favorite experts on real estate and financing,  on this episode of Open House with Team Reba!