Marcella and Herman Wright enjoy the patio of their new home surrounded by family members left to right: ): Katie Meredith, Ryan Meredith, Elaine Meredith, Ellen Joslin, Morgan Joslin and Megan Joslin

The day I arrived to follow up on how Herman and Marcella Wright were doing in their new brownstone apartment at Wesley Homes Retirement Community, I met six of their family members who have been very involved in helping the Wrights get resettled. 

The Wrights moved into Wesley Homes Lea Hill on July 16^th.   This is the 2nd part of a two part “before” and “after” the move series. 

The first interview “Moving Day into the Wesley Homes Lea Hill Brownstone Apartments” covers their thoughts on selling their home during a recession, why they made the move now, and the move-out experience.

Today there wasn’t an unpacked box in sight and everything appears to be in place and arranged comfortably. 

The conversation this morning revolved around the family “taking Grandma shopping” and the discoveries made about the lay of the land. 

“This is like a ‘fun park’ is how one daughter described the grounds.  “We like the theater,” said a granddaughter.  “The pool is awesome, “shouted out another.   “I want to be old”, said Ryan, age 11, joining in to express his enthusiasm for his grandparents’ new home.

 “I told the kids it’s going to be fun; It’s going to be like a little community,” said one of the adult children, “And now Ryan wants to stay overnight.”  “That’s because he likes the ‘tree house’ bedroom,” said Marcella, pointing to the sun room.

The place really is lovely; two bedrooms, big closets, and the kitchen and living room look out over an expanse of manicured lawn.  “And we don’t have to mow it,” exclaimed Marcella. 

I was impressed that the Wrights and their family members, even the grandchildren, were aware they were celebrating a rite of passage in the lives of the Wrights.

 “Well, the thing is children learn first-hand when they participate,” said Herman, referring to events that mark milestones in the lives of family members. 

 “It’s different than being told and then them trying to absorb it”, he explained, “When you’re involved it will stick with you for life.” 

And so the Wrights are continuing to influence future generations by exposing the children to the art of making deliberate choices that affect quality of life and shape family memories.

– ilene little for Wesley Homes

Move Day - Herman and Marcella Wright watch their belongings loaded into moving van supervised by SASH client service managers

Herman and Marcella Wright, a couple of young and spritely seniors were all packed up and ready to move Friday July 16th to their new apartment at Wesley Homes Lea Hill. 

The Wrights have some interesting stories to tell about living through three different economic turndowns; they moved several times as a result of their careers as Boeing employees.     

The process of selling homes, even during a recession, is not new to them.  They’ve weathered the storms and the challenges of multiple relocations philosophically – and it’s made them very adaptable.   You get the feeling they have “broad shoulders”. 

So when they got a call from Wesley Homes that the floor plan they wanted was available, they accepted the opportunity and made the move within 60 days. 

“We had anticipated making this move a couple of years down the road,”  said Marcella, “ but we’ve both said we’re glad we made the move now. “

Geri Montoya, Wesley Homes Community Relations Director,  provided them with the resources that helped them through the process.  “She gave us the options and we contacted the company SASH and made the arrangements”, said Herman. 

SASH is a company that prides itself in accommodating seniors.   When SASH buys your home they provide three distinct unique advantages: 

1. They buy the house as is, so you don’t have to worry about repairs, and your life is not disrupted with buyers coming and going.
2. They let people pick their own closing date.  At no time are you between places to live, and
3. They handle the move out and the move in from A-Z – so you do not have to coordinate different moving-related services.  It’s all done with one company; all the packing and unpacking and all the moving and furniture arranging, including mapping out the furniture placement in advance. 

Both Pete Gallagher and Anne Tripp, SASH Client Service Managers, were on hand to supervise the SASH moving personnel and assure that the transition was an easy one for the Wrights.

In this case the Wright’s were all packed up and ready for us; everything was categorized and labeled,” said Gallagher, “By 5pm tonight they’ll be in their new home at the brownstone apartments  at Wesley Hills, Lea Hill”

“It’s the best job of packing and organizing that I’ve ever seen anyone do,” said Tripp.  

The Wrights have four adult children, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  As they stood in their garage amongst the packed boxes, they reflected on leaving their home of nine years.  “Our great grandchildren are going to miss climbing the trees,” said Marcella, “they’re kind of sad to see us move out of this house.  We’ve lived in this house for nine years but before that we lived 40 years in the same neighborhood in a big house up the street”.  So this is like the family homestead. 

“But there’s such a wonderful space at Lea Hill that the grandkids will probably like that too,” said Marcella.  “The swimming pool – they’re all excited about that,” said Herman. 

In the Wright’s case, both Herman and Marcella have a lot to offer as new neighbors, and a lot of wisdom they can impart to the younger generation on how to survive economic downtimes.  They’ve been there and done that.  “About every 10 years,” reflected Marcella, “Young people wouldn’t believe us. “

I look forward to posting more information about the Wrights – so stay tuned for a “after the move” follow up.

–ilene little for Wesley Homes

New Kids on The Street - Hazel and Fred Douglas

Following the excitement of seeing their plans turned into reality, the Douglas’ say everything is going well.

“We’re still going through boxes, of course,” said Hazel, and of course every move carries with it some trauma.”

Once the Dust Settles

“I admit we’ve had our “blue” moments,” said Hazel.  It’s a big move to leave what you once called home.”

“It’s the little things that you took for granted that you miss”, explained Hazel, I went out to our back yard in our old home and looked at the Aspen tree and realized I won’t get to hear it get its spring leaves.  That brought a blue moment.  I didn’t realize that was so special.”

“But we’re glad we made the decision we did,” she said, “and our new place is starting to look like home now.”

New Friends in New Places

Hazel and Fred have started exploring the lay of the land and participating in the activities of their new community.  According to Hazel, Fred drove down one nice day and found the fishing dock.  “He walked all the way to Safeway, so he’s getting more oriented in that manner.” She said.

Together they attended a flower show recommended by another resident.  “Now I have a bunch of little baby plants on my back patio,” said Hazel, “and a new friend down the street who just happens to be a master gardener.”

Fred and Hazel have discovered new ways to enjoy activities they have found pleasurable for years.  “We drove up to Burien and found out how to catch the Seattle Light Rail,” said Hazel, We’ll take it down to go to Beneroyal for the April 10^th Pops Concert.

New Ways to Enjoy Favorite Pastimes

“That’s a new experience for us, and I’m looking forward to riding the Seattle Light Rail,” said Fred, it will make going to concerts so much easier.”

They’re finding other residents who hold season tickets to the same events and look forward to having the choice to travel as a group by Wesley Homes Van.

In addition to special resident-scheduled outings, the van makes trips on a regular schedule to accommodate residents running errands, making doctors appointments, going to the swimming pool or into town for the ladies lunches and men’s’ breakfast.

“It’s all in the residents’ handbook,”says Alice VanHouten with Wesley Homes Environmental Services, “there are really a lot of activities and we are happy to accommodate them.”  She named trips to Intiman Theater, Seattle Symphony and Issaquah Village Theater as popular destinations.

“The residents call me and I arrange a driver,” said VanHouten, “some of our drivers have been with us for 17 years.  They’re all Wesley approved drivers with training which includes being certified in CPR and first aid.

Designing a Lifestyle

Fred has already contacted Alice VanHouten to discuss volunteering as a driver.  “Fred said he wouldn’t mind driving the van,” said Hazel, “and we’ve always volunteered at something.”

So, there’s a lot to discover and having lived in their new home less than a month, Hazel and Fred have already begun adding in activities that will define their new lifestyle.  “I went to the crafters a couple of times, so we’re beginning to make headway and feeling like part of the community,” said Hazel.

– ilene little for Wesley Homes

Fred and Hazel Douglas relaxing in their new home

Fred and Hazel Douglas spent their first night in their cottage at Wesley Homes Retirement Community and were having breakfast in their café-style kitchen when we talked about their “move experience”. 

How Goes The Move?

“We’re quite satisfied with the way we’ve been treated,” reports Hazel, “The move went smoothly.  The packing was done last Friday and Monday, and the movers came yesterday and moved it all into the trucks and put it all in our new home where it belongs.” 

“I found out there are some draw backs to high-backed furniture,” she shared, “our high backed love seat won’t fit through the door, but that was the only thing that didn’t go as planned.”

They still have pictures to hang and plan to spend take their time this week getting all situated.  “It’s all in the house; some of it’s not unpacked – whatever we don’t need immediately, but it’s all here,” said Hazel, “and it will all get where it belongs in due time.” 

The plan for that day was to revisit their home in Tacoma to prepare for a Sunday open house.  “We’re just going to do a walk-through and see if any clean-up is needed,” said Hazel, “the realtor is handling it and is “staging” the house to include some pieces of furniture that we left there for that reason.”

Getting Oriented to Their New Neighborhood

Fred and Hazel identified several local shops and local attractions while on a New Resident Bus Tour hosted by Wesley Homes. 

“It was nice to tour the nearby town.  They pointed out all the shops – like where the Fred Meyer is, and it gave us an overview of Des Moines,” said Hazel.  Fred took note of the location of a hiking trail about two miles long along Puget Sound and within walking distance from the Wesley Homes Campus.

Following the tour they were treated to a luncheon hosted by Wesley Homes where they met more neighbors and made new friends, and are now on a first-name basis with several of the staff.  “I learned that there’s a nice fishing pier that I look forward to enjoying with the grandkids,” said Fred.

Talking to resident Bob Ewing over lunch inspired the Douglas’ to mark on their calendar the date of March 25th, to attend a Chrysanthemum show at Furneys.  “We’ll be going to the show to pick out some Chrysanthemums for our back yard,” said Hazel.

Exploring a New Lifestyle With Grandchildren. 

When Ian and Logan, ages 10 and seven, came calling on Grandma and Grandpa it prompted a walk with Grandpa Fred around the campus and facilities.  “They were really impressed with the frozen yoghurt machine at The Gardens,” laughed Fred, “and the indoor gym.” 

“When they saw the exercise equipment along the walking trails on the campus grounds, Ian got all excited about being able to work out,” said Fred.   

And then they discovered the skateboard park, a school yard and a baseball field!  

It Just Goes to Show; if you have a fun place to live, you’ll never have a challenge getting your grandchildren to come visit. 

–ilene little for Wesley Homes

Hazel and Fred Douglas wave to a neighbor from the front door of their new home

Welcome to the Neighborhood

Hazel and Fred paid their first visit to their new home to inspect it following a complete remodel.  They were excited and showed up with furniture diagram in hand -  eager to visualize how they wanted to decorate to make themselves at home.

As they opened the front door, they saw beautifully finished hardwood floors, freshly painted walls and varnished trim.

“I was glad to see that the floors were not too dark.  I was worried when I saw the sample that they might be, but the finish is just right in tone,” said Fred.

Sunlight was streaming in through two large skylights in the living room and soft light shone through matching window dressings and blinds to light all rooms naturally.

A tour of the rooms

As they showed me around, one room at a time, you couldn’t help but be impressed with everything – it all looked bright, shiny and new.  “All brand new appliances, “pointed out Hazel, as she demonstrated to Fred the pull-out drawers in the new custom cabinetry.

This is the first kitchen where I haven’t had a window over the sink,” reflected Hazel. But she likes the feature of the big window in the kitchen area that overlooks their front yard with a “peek a boo” view of the lake, as Fred calls it.

“I’ll put our breakfast table right here,” she said, pointing to the window, “and we already have pots of flowers in mind for the wide window sill.”  It will make a café-style sitting area.

The feature from their Tacoma home she will miss the most is her fireplace, but she’s glad to be done with her big yard and happy to replace it with the creative landscaping already in place in the front and back yard of the cottage.

They walked from room to room holding the furniture diagram that their moving advisers made up for them, and they still had it in their hands when they said good bye to me at their front door.

That’s when a passing neighbor called out to them, “Welcome to the neighborhood”.  And the Douglas’ waved back.  A community – that’s what Hazel and Fred were looking for when they moved into Wesley Homes; and that’s what they got.

Stay tuned for the next installment on Hazel and Fred’s move.

–ilene little for Wesley Homes

Hazel and Fred Douglas Share Their Home Sale Experience

Hazel and Fred Douglas made the decision that when they turned 75 they would move out of their home of 41 1/2 years, where they raised their family, and move into a retirement community.  “We considered moving to a condominium or an apartment, but what we really wanted was the interaction of a community,” said Fred.

They both turned 75 last December.  And in the previous year they made the decision that they wanted the lifestyle that Wesley Homes has to offer.

We will follow Hazel and Fred through their home sale experience as they make the daily decisions necessary to ensure a good outcome.

So far, so good

Starting with a list of realtors and service providers recommended by Andy Kempler, Marketing Rep. for Wesley Homes, the Douglas’ went through the steps of interviewing realtors to put their house on the market.

Last week they chose a realtor and the house has been on the market for just a few days.  They plan to make their move into their cottage at Wesley Homes on the week of March 8^th.

And now we join them at step two, interviewing people who will help them make the move.

Communication is Key

They have so far interviewed two move-management companies to determine who they feel most comfortable with to do the packing and moving.  “We want a full-service experience where someone will do all the packing, moving and unpacking at our new home.” Said Hazel.

And, although the jury is still out, it appears that there is a favorite, assuming the promises made are delivered.  Hazel explained that their decision is being influenced by the fact that one of the people sent out to give a move estimate didn’t understand that they wanted full service – pack, move and unpack; not just a move-only quote.

That lack of communication plus the fact that the company hasn’t returned their phone call reporting the misunderstanding has disqualified them, according to Hazel.

Service Providers Who Go the Extra Mile

On the other hand, the competing company gave an estimate for full service pack and move and offered, for free, to develop a furniture placement diagram based on the floor plan of their cottage

That company representative, going the extra mile, caught the attention of the Douglas’.  I could tell they are very excited by the idea.

“She told us she is really good at interior decorating,” said Hazel, and I ordinarily think people who say things like that are just tooting their own horn,” but when she called me and told me she measured one of the bedrooms where we were anticipating moving a bed, and that there wouldn’t be enough room for it – well, then I knew she really did know what she was doing.”

“They called us and told us they had a diagram showing furniture placement ideas ready for us and would mail to us,” said Fred.  “Now, I wish we would have told them to email it to us.”

As I left, Fred was checking the mailbox to see if the furniture diagram was there.  We left off discussing how Hazel and Fred’s adult children were coming by this weekend to choose what they might want that the Douglas’ are giving away.

Stay tuned for the next installment on Hazel and Fred’s move.

–ilene little for Wesley Homes

Wesley Homes resident, Dan Stitzel, sold his home a year ago and made the move to the Wesley Homes Retirement Community.  Even though he sold it for little more than it cost him to build 15 ½ years ago, he’s happy he didn’t hesitate to make the move. 

“When exactly the floor plan I was looking for became available at Wesley Homes I didn’t want to pass on it,” he said, “I could have sat on my home another two-three years but I knew the market could be just as bad later, and so far that prophecy is proving correct.”

“From my perspective, it doesn’t make sense to screw up your life because you can’t sell a house for some inflated price,” reflects Stitzel.

“If my grandparents were contemplating selling their current home and moving to a retirement community, I would advise them to sell now rather than waiting for prices to rebound” says Susan Krueger, a local Associate Broker named “Best In Customer Service” Seattle Magazine 2008 & 2009.

When It’s Time to Move

Paul Scobee, an instructor for the Washington State Home Finance Commission, agrees with Krueger not to procrastinate if you know you want to make a move. 

“Right now you might be encouraged to wait by the media reporting statistics that show home sales are up 50% from what they were last year,” said Scobee, “and it’s certainly true that we are experiencing 50-year lows in interest rates.”  

“But that’s because the Federal Reserve Bank is buying mortgage-backed securities,” he said, “It takes millions of dollars to do that and it’s not a sustainable practice.” 

What do Home Sales Statics Indicate?

Scobee suggests you think of the current housing sales statistics more like a temporary anomaly rather than being indicative of a recovering housing market. 

“Like the ‘Cash for Clunkers’, the ‘First Time Buyer Program’ combined with federally controlled low interest rates has resulted in a bubble of sales that is more like a fire sale.”  

The Problem

“I was just talking with the Regional Vice President of a local bank this week and he agreed that all indicators point to a very slow rebound in home values,” said Krueger.

“Therefore, waiting another six months to a year or even two most likely is not going to see sellers realizing any significant appreciation in their home value,” she said, “and in fact, they may be facing a shrinking pool of buyers after the tax credit expires and the interest rates go up.” 

“If you’re a seller, all these foreclosed homes hitting the market are not helping you,” said Scobee, “Your competition is foreclosures and there’s more coming. 

The Good News

The First time Buyer Program has been extended.  According to both Scobee and Krueger, that is good news for buyers and therefore for sellers.  Before the First Time Buyer Program ends, there is still a window of opportunity to attract a large number of buyers if your home is selling for $400,000 or less. 

“However, if you don’t sell it in the next couple of months you’re going to be wishing you had,” he said, “Wake up and smell the coffee.  Take a month or so to do repairs and then get it on the market.  If you wait, it will only be more painful to sell later.”

– ilene little for Wesley Homes

“Hearing is Believing” – listen to live interview with Wesley Homes resident and master gardener, Bob Ewing.

Bob and Marylou Ewing moved into Wesley Homes, Des Moines last October.  The decision to move out of their home of 50 years was daunting, but they found the help they needed to make the transition by attending a Wesley Homes Real Estate Forecast event, like the one coming up on February 18th.

“The Ewings went about considering the move very thoughtfully,” said Nancy Colson, Windermere Associate Broker and the Ewings’ realtor whom they met at the event.  “They weighed very carefully those considerations of their own health and comfort and where they wanted to be against the realities of the housing market and their finances”, she said.

“They talked with their financial planner” said Colson’s partner and Associate Broker, Sheryl Workman, “and I think the bottom line for them was that, regardless of the slow housing market, the move still worked and it got them where they wanted to go.”

“There were so many things to do up at the other house, it just kind of kept you physically exhausted,” said Ewing, “We were always doing one thing or another to make the house better and keep up with the gardening.”

Ewing is a master Chrysanthemum gardener.  “Most of Bob’s mums are the English variety – a single bloom on a single stem as big as your thumb “described Workman,” and he won Best of Show at Furney’s chrysanthemum show this year”.

Bringing your Hobbies and Favorite Toys With you

“Bob brought one of his Chrysanthemum hoop houses with him when they moved; and they brought their motor home,” said Colson.

“I got everything,” laughed Ewing, “living here is just a lot easier.  I’ve commented to Marylou about that many times.  It’s more comfortable and you don’t feel so worn out all the time.”

“Wesley Homes has been very nice to put in an electrical socket in my carport for the hoop house so we could put in heat mats and fans in the fall to keep the air circulating,” said Ewing, “They’ve been very, very nice in that respect.”

“That’s really the true story here,” commented Workman, “how Wesley Homes allowed this couple a way to continue with something they love to do.”

The Experience of the Move

It was really a lot of work!,” said Ewing, “We were just exhausted from the move because the amount of stuff you accumulate and put away in attics and so forth, is just overwhelming.  If we had waited even another year we know how much more tiring the move would have been.”

“We’re so glad we sold the house and made the move now, even though the housing market is really bad,” said Ewing.

Colson and Workman worked with the Ewings for over a year allowing for the Ewing’s timetable.  “When you’re going to work with people in this age group, it takes a lot of work up front.  We spend a lot of time with people and invest a lot of time and money before a house goes on the market,” she said.

Your Best Interests At Heart

“The good thing about the time taken is that it gives us a really good opportunity to build a relationship and build trust so that they feel we really have their best interests at heart,” said Colson.

“The Ewings were in a position where they could go ahead and move into Wesley Homes and take their time moving their belongings.  It gave them time to work at their own pace, and it took a little while, as it often does,” she said.

The house wasn’t listed until they were all moved out.  And then the house sold in three months.  “We are strong believers in presenting the house when it’s prepped and staged and ready to go” said Workman.

Mum Friends

Bob is already becoming well known by the other residents for his generosity donating his award-winning Chrysanthemums to decorate events. “I have two mums students over here, Mary Nolting and Mary Terusaki” said Ewing.  “I equipped my utility room with heat mats so that two of my mum friends and I can continue making cuttings for plants this year.  They each have trays with 32 plants each.”

And best of all, Bob and Marylou have more time to take long walks with their dog Buddy down to the beach.

–ilene little for Wesley Homes

Ginny Edwards and “Bear”; Yvonne “Pat” Cox and “Oscar”; Mary Gauthier holding “Baxter”; Dan Stitzel and “Patrick”; and Pat Cox and “Caitie”.

Pets play a valuable role in making new friends.  And one look at the well-cared for pets of Wesley Homes residents reveals a lot about the quality of life for pets as well as the neighborly culture of the community.

If you own a dog, those morning and evening walks are an important part of the daily routine – and provide an opportunity to get to know your neighbors.  “People met my dog before they met me,” said Ginny Edward, owner of “Bear”, a Shithzu and one of the “Pets of North Brownstone”. 

Pets Tell a Story About a Community

You can tell a lot about people by how they interact with, and care for, their pets.  For pet-owners, a little onsite “pet-watching” is one good indicator of what life might be like to live in a new neighborhood. 

Mary Gauthier, who owns the Yorkie Poodle “Baxter”, has lived at Wesley Homes about a year and a half.  “I positively love it here,” said Gauthier, “We have just wonderful people in our North Brownstone building, and there are four pets on our floor.” 

 The Pets and People of North Brownstone

“We four pet owners have become friends because of our dogs,” said Edwards, “The dogs that make up this neighborhood group are Bear, Baxter, Yvonne Cox’s dog ‘Oscar’, and ‘Sasie’ who belongs to Alice Pohl.”  Edwards explained Sasie and Pohl missed out on the photo-opt because they’re on vacation. 

Yvonne Cox’s dog Oscar is a long-haired Dashhound.  “Oscar gets me out on walks and he sleeps with me and keeps me warm at night,” she said, “he even has his own pillow.” 

Gauthier’s “Baxter” sleeps with her at night, too.  “He keeps my feet warm all night.  He gets way down under the covers and curls up by my feet,” she said.   

Cox, Edwards, and Gauthier said they would never consider living anywhere that wasn’t a great place for their pets. 

Gauthier learned about Wesley Homes from friends.  “They will be joining me here as soon as they sell their homes,” she said.  “This has been a good move for me, “said Gauthier, “I don’t have to worry about a single thing here.  I can go away for weeks on end and not worry about anything.”

Pets Become the Deciding Factor on Where to Move

Dan and Monica Stitzel moved into the Wesley Homes Village 11 months ago.  Their Sheltie “Patrick” is almost 11 years old.  “What’s unique about Patrick is that he has an electronic fence.  He’s an outside pooch,” said Dan Stitzel. 

Patrick likes to be outside and only comes in for meals and at night.  “The big advantage of our floor plan is that we have an outside covered patio so that Patrick has someplace to go if it’s raining,” said Stitzel.

“I had a deposit down on three different retirement communities before we decided on Wesley Homes,” said Stitzel, “First of all we were particular about the floor plan we were going to accept, and the location had to work well for Patrick.” 

“We came up at the top of the list because people ahead of us passed because they didn’t want to sell their homes in this lousy market,” explained Stitzel, “I sold mine, “said Patrick, “because when exactly the house I was looking for become available I didn’t want to pass on it.”

Caitie, a four year old Sheltie belongs to resident Pat Cox who lives in the Lodge.  Cox moved in a year ago November.  “Caitie and I walk the trails together,” said Cox, “Caitie was four in September and I would not have made a move anywhere that wasn’t right for her.”
–ilene little for Wesley Homes

One need only read the Seattle Times article “First-time buyers benefit from prices, choices, tax credits” to understand that the new loan entitlement programs are “game-changers” in the home buying and selling strategies.  

However, newspaper articles are necessarily broad in scope and therefore it helps to distill the information down to the points that benefit the Wesley Homes audience; seniors and their adult children who could benefit from the creative solutions that the tax credit programs provide. 

Family Buy/Sell Strategies

For example, if you desire to keep the family homestead and it appeals to you to help other family members qualify to buy your home, then these tax credit programs could be the edge that gives you and your family members a leg up in this economy. 

If your asking price is $400,000 or less, marketing your home with a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) is literally a ‘deal maker’ for both the buyer and the seller,” says Paul Scobee who teaches the First Time Home Buyer Seminars for the Washington State Home Finance Commission. 

 “If a buyer doesn’t make enough money to buy the home, they very well could if they had an MCC,” said Scobee, “so regardless of whether the buyer is family or not, the MCC increases the seller’s pool of prospective buyers.”  

Loan Entitlements You Never Heard Of

“Mortgage Credit Certificate” or MCC, is a Federal Program to assist “First Time Home Buyers” in purchasing a home.  The program allows a home owner to take a credit, of up to 20% of their annual mortgage interest, off their “tax liability” or tax bill.   

The MCC entitlement reduces by several hundred dollars a month the monthly payment figure banks use to figure a buyer’s income to debt ratio (PITI).  “It’s not unusual for a buyer to qualify for $50,000 more by qualifying for an MCC,” said Scobee, “That can mean the difference between buyers qualifying for a $400,000 vs. a $340,000 home”.  

Casey, a creative marketing professional who recently bought her first home in Issaquah, WA, is typical of the young, single professionals who benefit financially by qualifying for both the First Time Buyer and a MCC.  

The First Time Buyer Program now applies to anyone who hasn’t owned a home for three years — an expansion on the definition of “first-time” that makes the program accessible to many more people. 

Market Your Home With The MCC Entitlement

As a home owner you start with an analysis of your home in regards to all entitlement programs that help buyers qualify to buy your home.  For example, a savvy realtor will market your home with the MCC entitlement. 

This requires advice from a realtor or loan officer who specializes in government assisted entitlements; one who can demonstrate their experience helping buyers qualify for these entitlements.   

“It was the First Time Buyer entitlement that really got me thinking,” said Casey, “but the MCC entitlement is actually better because the First Time Buyer $8,000 entitlement is a onetime thing and the MCC qualifies you to get a dollar for dollar tax credit for the life of the loan.” 

“If you break it out monthly,” said Casey, “for me it’s hundreds of dollars a month I save in tax credits.  If you qualify for the MCC, the mortgage company and the bank apply for you.  The only requirement is that you attend a class on home buying which was informational.”  Scobee taught the seminar Casey attended.  To find out about the seminars, go to www.wshfc.org.
 

–ilenelittle for Wesley Homes