Natalie Malin's Real Estate Blog | Mercer Island, WA | Buy a House, Condo, First Time Home Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate Agent

Inside Real Estate
Let Me Help You!
(206) 232-3240
Follow My Blog
RSS
nataliemalin
Natalie Malin
Managing Broker

    Masters Degree
    CRS: Certified Residential Specialist

Direct: (206) 232-3240

Email Me

» About Me » Visit My Website
Company Info

Coldwell Banker Bain Associates

Real Estate Tools
Schoolsschools
Communitiescommunities
Calculatorscalculators

Posts Tagged ‘Buying a Home on Mercer Island’

MERCER ISLAND IS MESMERIZING & INTEREST RATES ARE SO LOW!!

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

 

Mercer Island is blooming with the most amazing floral fantasia!  Wow, it’s pretty here, gazing at the lake, the gorgeous array of flowers, and the beautiful greenery!  And speaking of beautiful sylvan views, my new listing at “Island Court” Condominiums is great!  This is the lowest priced, largest 2 bedroom, 2 full bath unit on Mercer Island, and this bright cheerful unit, with great storage, is in the best location on a quiet residential street just an easy stroll to Mercerdale Park with its play equipment, walking path, and summer “Concerts In The Park” & Sunday “Farmer’s Market”.  You can walk from here to shopping, restaurants, an art gallery, ice cream, the Post Office, or just to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery with friendly neighbors.  This small, well kept, complex has only 14 units.  Are you ready for this price?  Just $258,000 and the low Homeowner Dues are just $285 per month.  Please call (or text) me to see it at your convenience. 

 As you may have noticed, the market is starting to rebound from the doldrums of the last year or so, and we’re now actually seeing new construction, and “sold” signs – a welcome sign long awaited.  Are you thinking you would like to move?  This is the ideal time to do so.  Please call me so we can get together and discuss an action plan for you.  Interest rates are at an all time low, but they’re unlikely to remain there for long.  Please CALL/TEXT/EMAIL me.  And speaking of great homes on the market, my new listing with the most amazing gorgeous yard will soon be on market – I’ll keep you posted.  Hope you have a wonderful summer! 

Best regards,

Natalie

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Homes | No Comments »

NEW MERCER ISLAND CONDO LISTING + ENJOY A CHARITABLE/FUN EVENING OUT FOR WOMEN!

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

I’m excited that my great new condo listing is finally on the market!  I should have a video of it ready soon.  It’s a large light & bright 2 bedroom, 2 full bath unit in desirable “Island Court” Condominiums at 3239 – 80th Ave. SE, #203 on Mercer Island.  I’ll be holding it open for Realtors and the public on this Wednesday, ‘Cinco de Mayo’ from 11:30 to 1:30.  Please come by for a treat and see this wonderful condo.

I have other great listings that will be coming on the market soon also.  I’ll give you advance notice as soon as they are ready.  In the meantime, please support our great Mercer Island Youth & Family Services!  This fun event is one excellent way to do so:

Event Date(s):
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Department: Youth & Family Services
Event Type: Community Event
Details: An event for you and your girlfriends!

Mercer Wellness is hosting a Ladies Night of Indulgence on Thursday, May 13th from 5 to 9 p.m.

This event features complimentary age-slowing and hormone balancing nutrition consultations, posture evaluations, free exercise advice too.  We will have experts on hand for jewelry advice, best hairstyle advice, and free hand and neck massages.  If you love to laugh, mingle and get spoiled…  this is the event for you!

Please bring a $5 donation for the YFS Food Pantry OR a donation of non-perishable foods or toiletry products.

Ladies Night of Indulgence – benefiting YFS Food Pantry

77th Central building

2630 – 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island
Starts: 5:00 PM
Ends: 9:00 PM
Location:
77 Central Building
2630 – 77th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Sponsor: Mercer Wellness
Contact: Kim Richards by phone at 206-275-7754.

Thanks & Best Regards,   Natalie

spacer*
Event Date(s):

Thursday, May 13, 2010

SET REMINDER spacer*spacer*

Department:

Youth & Family Services

Event Type:

Community Event

Details:

An event for you and your girlfriends!

Mercer Wellness is hosting a Ladies Night of Indulgence on Thursday, May 13th from 5 to 9 p.m.

This event features complimentary age-slowing and hormone balancing nutrition consultations, posture evaluations, free exercise advice too.  We will have experts on hand for jewelry advice, best hairstyle advice, and free hand and neck massages.  If you love to laugh, mingle and get spoiled…  this is the event for you!

Please bring a $5 donation for the YFS Food Pantry OR a donation of non-perishable foods or toiletry products.

Ladies Night of Indulgence – benefiting YFS Food Pantry

77th Central building

2630 – 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island

Starts:

5:00 PM

Ends:

9:00 PM

Location:

77 Central Building
2630 – 77th Ave SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040

REQUEST A MAP

Sponsor:

Mercer Wellness

Contact:

Kim Richards by phone at 206-275-7754.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Condos | 1 Comment »

WOW! MERCER ISLAND REAL ESTATE IS AMAZING!

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

There are just a few days left to take advantage of the tax credit, which ends on April 30th. Please call me to buy

your dream home with that added advantage (if you and your ideal home qualify—call or text me to find out). We have fantastic Mercer Island homes at amazing prices just waiting for you. Waterfront, panoramic views, large level lots, great neighborhoods where kids can walk to school; the home you have always dreamed of owning may well be within your reach now. This is the best possible time to buy before interest rates go up. Since Mercer Island homes are selling readily again, you will want to purchase now before the law of “supply and demand” brings back the higher prices typical of our beautiful Island. Concerned about selling your current home? As I have mentioned, homes throughout the region are selling again. According to several articles I’ve read by “the powers that be”, home prices are stabilizing now with the Spring market.

Speaking of great properties, I have some wonderful new Mercer Island listings I am working on currently that will be on the market soon! I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful flowers in bloom now, and if you don’t live on the Island now, call me for a tour of our spectacular Island.

Best regards,
Natalie

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

Great News For Mercer Island And Surrounding Areas!

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Indicators for 2010 Real Estate are encouraging! The volume of pending (recent) sales was up more than 35% from a year ago, making it the best December since 2006. Remember that once the current inventory of “bargain” priced homes sells, prices are bound to start going up again. Remember also that if you qualify for the tax credit, it has been extended, so there’s still time to take advantage of that bonus windfall.

My listings have now sold, and I am working on some great new Mercer Island listings. I’ll be able to tell you about them soon, In the meantime, please let me know if you have questions about what the market is doing in your neighborhood. I’ll be happy to customize a report just for you to keep you abreast of what’s happening there. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you and your family, friends and neighbors in the coming year. I have a great desk calendar for 2010 (that sounds so futuristic) if you would like one.

We just returned from a delightful cruise in sunny Caribbean waters with beautiful white sand beaches. Our great Mercer Island is still the best place to live, but it sure is nice to soak up some sunshine this early in the year. I hope your Holiday Season was enjoyable, and I wish you a healthy, happy 2010!

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

BUY NOW – THERE WON’T BE A BETTER TIME TO BUY ON MERCER ISLAND!

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Our prices are amazing, however our bargain properties here are starting to sell, so you’ll want to buy before prices go up again. The tax credit has been extended and even better news: It’s no longer just for first time home buyers. Details follow:

Feature First-Time Homebuyer

Tax Credit

 Repeat Homebuyer

Tax Credit
Amount of Credit The amount of the tax credit is the lesser of 10% of the cost of the home or $8,000. The amount of the tax credit is the lesser of 10% of the cost of the home or $6,500.
Eligible Homeowner Must not have owned a principal residence in the three years prior to purchase of the eligible property. Must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
Eligible Property Any single-family home (including a condo or townhouse) may be an eligible property under the tax credit, provided it will be used as the homebuyer’s principal residence.
Maximum Price of Purchased Home $800,000
Income Limits To be eligible for the full tax credit, the homebuyer must have an adjusted gross income of $125,000 if filing singly or $225,000 if filing jointly. Homebuyers with incomes above those levels (up to $145,000 and $245,000 respectively) are eligible for a reduced credit.
Repayment There is no repayment of the tax credit by the homebuyer. The homebuyer can claim the credit to reduce their tax burden. If the $8,000 or $6,500 is greater than the tax owed, then the homebuyer will get a refund check for the difference. However, if the eligible property is resold within three years of purchase, the entire amount of the tax credit will be recaptured on the sale.
Effective Date The first-time and repeat homebuyer federal income tax credits are effective for purchases between now and April 30, 2010, provided the purchase is closed by July 1, 2010.

Source: National Association of Realtors®

Another of the many bonuses of living on Mercer Island: We’ll have a new art gallery! In the Avellino Condominiums just south of the north end QFC. The “MIVAL” (Mercer Island Visual Arts League) Art Gallery. Here you’ll find fantastic paintings, ceramics, and other objets d’arts by our very talented local artists. And the art is available for sale at reasonable prices. You can leisurely enjoy beautiful art without being hassled as in many art galleries, and when you find one you can’t live without, you’ll be able to purchase it.

As always, I love to hear from you, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I will also find you the ideal home/condo for you, and I’ll be able to sell your current home for “top dollar”-please call me for a free market analysis and consultation. Just call/text/email me-I actually answer the phone when you call (no prompts to push numbers and wait).

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

Buying or Selling On Mercer Island – Here’s How:

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Are you on technology overload?  It seems that all of us seem to be spending more time on computers, cell phones, and other such devices, while consequently spending less time interacting face to face with family and friends.  With the wealth of information that is out there, it’s so tempting to want more and more of it.  The problem is that it’s like Bob Metcalfe–a pioneer of computer networking technology-says: “Sorting out useful information from the internet is like drinking from a fire hydrant with a soda straw.”

Well, I’m here to help you so you won’t feel overwhelmed in your search for the perfect home or condo for you and your family.  Certainly, you can narrow down your search to a particular geographic location and you can view photos of homes within that area, and you can research schools, medical facilities, etc. that are nearby.  However, when it comes to making that all important decision, you need to hear more from a trusted source that lives and works in that location.  You’ll want to know first-hand about all the beaches and parks, the grocery and drug stores.  You’ll need to find out exactly what your new lifestyle will be-what a typical day will look like in your new location.  There’s no substitution for a knowledgeable, helpful, interested help-mate who specializes in your desired locale.  That’s where I come into the picture.  Let’s get together and discuss your questions and concerns, and I’ll be able to “show and tell” you all about our glorious Mercer Island.  Please don’t hesitate to call/text/email me to help you, it will be my pleasure!

Also, if you currently live on Mercer Island and you are thinking of selling your current home, I am an expert in that-I’ve had 30 years of success.  I take the time and make a point of bringing out the special features of your home-each home has its own personality, and that’s what your prospective buyer wants to know about.  Why would your home suit him/her/them better than any other home or condo on the market?  I answer that question in the way I promote and market a property to full advantage.  A case in point: In this difficult real estate market, the beautiful condo I recently listed has already gone pending “subject to inspection”.  I have a wonderful track record of getting the job done for “top dollar,” within your time frame, with the least amount of hassle for you.  My many letters of recommendation attest to that.  Please call/text/email me for a free market analysis and consultation regarding the best plan for marketing your home.

Warm regards,

Natalie

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Homes | No Comments »

Have You Heard? It’s Time to Buy Now on Mercer Island Before the Bargains are Gone!

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

For those of you who thought you had missed out on the unbelievably low interest rates earlier in the year, guess what?  They are now at near record lows again!  And add to that the amazing prices for breathtaking views, and waterfront properties with all the toys, and all the many luxury features in affordable Island homes.  The word is out, and some of those fantastic homes have already sold.  Please call/text/email me before it’s too late.  And for those of you who qualify, the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit, that can also be used as a portion of the down payment, will end at the end of November-which is fast approaching.  I’m anxious to show you some of the amazing properties available.

If you are in the market for a condo–downsizing or looking for a starter property on Mercer Island–where you aren’t able to spend time gardening and keeping up a home, I have the perfect property for you: It is located at our desirable “Mercer Isle” condominiums, with a beautiful  private sylvan vista from window walls and the spacious covered deck.  This great west-facing light and bright secure third floor 2 bedroom condo features a brand new kitchen with lovely new cabinets, new stainless steel appliances and sink, and stylish granite countertops with attractive “bull-nose” edges.  Believe it or not, this amazing value is priced at only $219,000!  What a great way to start out on Mercer Island!  Please let me know if you would like to see it.  I’ll be happy to show it to you at your convenience.  I’ll also be holding it open this Sunday, October 4th, from 1:00 to 4:00.  The address is 2500 – 81st Ave. SE, #337.

Best regards,

Natalie

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

Now is the Best Time to Buy a Home on Mercer Island

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Unless it’s extended, the deadline for taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit expires on November 30th-which is fast approaching.  The time to buy is NOW before prices go up/interest rates go up/the 1st time buyer credit disappears.

Speaking of that, I have a great opportunity for a 1st time buyer to own a superb two bedroom Mercer Island condo at the unbelievable price of $219,000.  It features a brand new kitchen with lovely new cabinets, new stainless steel appliances, solid granite countertops with desirable “bull nose” finish, and a new stainless steel undermount sink.  The bedrooms and the formal areas are spacious.  It is light and bright with west facing window walls to the tranquil sylvan view.  It is located on the secure 3rd floor of our delightful “Mercer Isle” Condominiums.  It is ideally sited, an easy stroll to the beach and parks, to our great new Community Center with local art exhibits and activities for everyone, to Mercer Island’s wonderful shops and restaurants, and to the covered bus stop to Seattle or Bellevue.  The huge separate storage room has ample room for your out-of-season décor, your bikes, sports gear, and inherited furniture, etc.  And there is a Club House with meeting rooms and a kitchen.  You won’t find a better buy on Mercer Island! Please call/text/email me for a private showing at your convenience.  What a great way to start out on our wonderful Mercer Island!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

Market Recap

  • Avg. Sales Price: $1,893,471

  • Avg. Days on Market: 160

Free Market Alerts

Get local reports delivered to you
 
Recently Asked Questions
    Ask Me a Question

    Do you have questions you need Answered?

    market alert newsletter

    Get free market reports delivered to you. » Sign up today

    - Copyright © 2010 Inside Real Estate, LLC

    Inside Real Estate does not endorse the agents on this site, and does not guarantee the content submitted by the site's members. Blog and page entries, content, and other information contributed by agents that are members of the site are accountable to the particular agent.