Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Renting is Half as Affordable as Buying in the U.S.


eastlakecd*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
If you’re a renter, think about the amount you write on that check every month. Is it inching toward 30 percent of your monthly income? According to a new report by Zillow, gone are the days when mortgage rates made home ownership prohibitively expensive and renting was the affordable option. They report that the average renter in the U.S. is spending 30 percent of their monthly earnings on housing, and Seattle renters spend a little more than 30 percent, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. Owning a home can cut that percentage in half, as homeowners pay only about 15 percent of their monthly income on their mortgage. Historically, renters have paid about 25 percent of their income toward rent.
Rents in Seattle are up a staggering 21.5 percent over the past five years, and with incomes only having grown 10.4 percent over that same span, renters are increasingly burdened with monthly housing costs. With mortgage interest rates hovering around 4 percent, first-time buyers in the U.S. are only spending an average of 17.5 percent on housing, even with many only paying a 5 percent down payment. Zillow says that even if interest rates rose to 7 percent, buying a home would be more affordable than it has been historically.
So, if you are looking to save on monthly housing costs, start saving those pennies for a down payment! If you are interested in real estate in the Seattle area, contact your local agent today.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Madison Park Rental Home: $2,450/Month


This gorgeous end unit next to Madison Park Beach and the Park is now available for rent! This home sits above the lake itself, with lots of windows and a spacious deck. Features include beautiful views of Lake Washington, mountains, and Madison Park. The home has two bedrooms, and one and a half baths. It is in close proximity to restaurants and shops, and a bus line to Downtown. Amenities include washer and dryer in the unit, and one car parking in secure garage. For more information on Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status: For Rent
Bed/Bath: 2//1
Price: $2,450

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Looking For A Roomate? MatchPad App Can Help


rent*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental
The dating world has OkCupid, Match.com, and a host of other websites that claim to connect you with your soul mate. New service MatchPad has applied those same principles to connecting potential roommates, using criteria such as desired budget and location, as well as matching up compatible personality traits. According to an article on mynorthwest.com, the service launched in September as a website, and the app for both iOS and Android users will be available in January. Renters in Seattle won’t be able to take advantage of the service just yet, as it currently only operates in New York City, but once it does reach the Northwest it could help take some of the guesswork out of finding that elusive perfect roommate.