Altitude Homes | Keller Williams Realty

Author: John Hurlbut

  • Seriously Underwater Properties Down by 2.2 Million

    Home above waterA new report out by RealtyTrac shows that seriously underwater properties are down by 2.2 million in the US. RealtyTrac defines “Seriously Underwater” homes as those homes where the mortgage value is at least 25% higher than the value of the home.

    Why is this significant? Well the obvious answer is that it points to continued improvement in the housing sector. But when you look at it, it’s even more significant because housing is where a lot of industries start. So when you have people that have felt “trapped” in their home for 8, 9 or even 10 years who suddenly realize they may be able to sell their home and move on, it starts a chain reaction. Suddenly you have real estate agents, title & escrow folks, home inspectors, lenders, contractors, landscapers, mortgage professionals all going to work for this homeowner.

    A couple of years ago, I pinpointed February of 2012 as the bottom of the housing market for Pierce County, WA. If you looked at the median home value chart for Pierce county, it was a “V” with the peak somewhere around early 2007, a decidedly bleak slide down to February of 2012, then a noticeable rise ever since. While we’re not quite back to peak home prices like many areas of King County are, we’re getting closer. Even this Realtor will find out next week as his home is appraised, if he’s finally back to even!

    Barring any new meltdowns in the economy, I’m looking for a tremendous 2015 and beyond. Who’s with me?

  • Welcome to Altitude Homes!!!

    LogoWow! I can’t believe it’s finally here! My new real estate website! If you’re reading this there have been a lot of changes for me lately, the least of which is this site. The one thing that has not changed however is my unwavering commitment to customer service! In fact, it’s so important I put it in my new tag line! “Taking Service to New Heights”

    So just where is this “Altitude” thing coming from anyway?

    Well any of you that have been around me for the past year know that I’ve been working on obtaining my private pilot’s license. Since I was 12 years old and got to pilot a plane for the first time, I’ve wanted to fly. I finally have the ability to do that, so I got my private pilot’s license! My first love though is of course my amazing career as a real estate agent! My pilot’s license wouldn’t have been possible without an amazing career like this. My amazing career wouldn’t have been possible without people like you referring me your friends and family. You wouldn’t refer me your friends and family if you didn’t think you received great customer service.

    Voila! Altitude Homes – Taking Service to new Heights, is born!

    I’m really excited for the changes that are here and the ones yet to come. Again, the look and feel of my marketing has changed, my physical address has changed, but my commitment to you has not. Don’t hesitate to drop me a line and let me know what you think! If you get a chance, subscribe to my blog! I intend to keep this blog updated and relevant at least once a week with something helpful. I’d love to hear your feedback. I’m here to serve you. Without you, there is no me and no Altitude Homes. Let’s take off!