LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LOCAL MARKET.
Decoding the Down Payment: Should You Stick to the 20% Rule?
Explore the financial implications of choosing between a 20% down payment and a smaller amount when buying a home in Snohomish, WA. This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros and cons, offering valuable insights for both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors in the local real estate market.
The Great Debate: Making a 20% Down Payment on Your House or Not?
Buying a house is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make. It involves a lot of planning, saving, and a big question that looms large: "How much should my initial down payment be?" Traditionally, a 20% down payment has been the golden standard, but is it the right choice for you? Let's delve into the intricacies of making a 20% down payment versus opting for a smaller amount.
The 20% Down Payment
Historically, putting down 20% of the home's purchase price has been seen as a norm. Let's explore the pros and cons of sticking to this tradition.
Advantages:
Lower Monthly Payments: A substantial down payment reduces your monthly mortgage payments, making your household budget more breathable.
Better Mortgage Rates: Lenders often offer more favorable mortgage rates to buyers who can afford a 20% down payment, potentially saving you thousands over the life of the loan.
Building Equity: A higher down payment means you start off with more equity in your home, providing a financial cushion for the future.
Disadvantages:
Higher Upfront Cost: Accumulating 20% of the home's value can be a steep hill to climb, delaying your home ownership dreams.
Less Liquidity: A hefty down payment can tie up a significant portion of your savings, leaving less room for other investments or emergencies.
Less Than 20% Down Payment
In recent years, many have chosen to put down less than 20%. Let's weigh the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.
Advantages:
Getting into a Home Sooner: A smaller down payment means you can become a homeowner sooner rather than later.
Preserving Cash: By not tying up a large sum in your home, you retain cash for other investments or emergencies.
Disadvantages:
Higher Monthly Payments: A smaller down payment results in higher monthly mortgage payments.
Potential for Higher Interest Rates: Lenders might charge higher interest rates if your down payment is less than 20%.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): With a down payment of less than 20%, you'll likely be required to pay PMI, adding to your monthly expenses.
Case Studies/Examples
To better illustrate the implications of your down payment choice, let's delve into two different scenarios with detailed calculations:
Scenario 1: John opts for a 20% down payment
Home Price: $700,000
Down Payment (20%): $140,000
Loan Amount: $560,000
Interest Rate: 6.0%
Loan Term: 30 years
Monthly Payment: $3,358.35 (excluding property taxes and homeowners insurance)
Total Interest Paid over 30 years: $606,005.60
PMI: NoneAdvantages:
Lower monthly payments, saving on interest over time.
No PMI, which can potentially save hundreds of dollars each month.
Scenario 2: Sarah opts for a 10% down payment
Home Price: $700,000
Down Payment (10%): $70,000
Loan Amount: $630,000
Interest Rate: 6.0%
Loan Term: 30 years
Monthly Payment: $3,778.83 (excluding property taxes and homeowners insurance)
Total Interest Paid over 30 years: $680,176.80
PMI: Approximately $200 per month for the first several years (until 20% equity is reached)Advantages:
Sarah can become a homeowner sooner, with a lower initial down payment.
She retains more of her savings for other investments or emergencies.
Financial Implications Over Time:
Interest Savings: By opting for a 20% down payment, John saves $74,171.20 in interest over the life of the loan compared to Sarah.
PMI Costs: Sarah incurs additional costs due to PMI, which can add up significantly over time until she reaches 20% equity in her home.
Equity Building: John starts with a higher equity in his home, providing a financial cushion and the ability to potentially access this equity through loans or lines of credit in the future.
Both scenarios have their own set of advantages and trade-offs. John enjoys lower monthly payments and saves on interest and PMI costs over time, but he also ties up a larger sum of money upfront. On the other hand, Sarah is able to enter the housing market sooner, albeit with higher monthly payments and additional PMI costs.
Helpful Resources
To aid you in making an informed decision, here are some resources you might find useful:
Mortgage Calculators - to help you crunch the numbers.
Down Payment Articles - for a deeper understanding of down payments.
Choosing the right down payment amount is a highly personal decision influenced by your financial circumstances, market conditions, and long-term goals. Whether you opt for a 20% down payment or a smaller amount, the most important factor is choosing a path that aligns with your financial stability and home ownership dreams.
We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section below. If you're grappling with the down payment dilemma, feel free to reach out for personalized advice.
Need a realtor?
See if The Serviss Group can help!
How to Buy Land Like a Pro - A Checklist to Buy Land to Build a House
When researching to purchase land, you’ll want to get all the information you can upfront and during the escrow process. For one, it will help eliminate properties that won’t work for you, and two, it will help reduce unexpected costs or unexpected failed plans.
How To Buy Land Like a Pro
When researching to purchase land, you’ll want to get all the information you can upfront and during the escrow process. For one, it will help eliminate properties that won’t work for you, and two, it will help reduce unexpected costs or unexpected failed plans.
Simple enough, right? Once you start, you soon realize there is a LOT more to buying land than you might think. This guide should give you a good head start on what to learn before you go the land route.
If you have questions or get overwhelmed by the process and need a REALTOR to help guide you through the process, The Serviss Group is here to help.
We have a 13 page document to share with you that outlines in detail all the steps you need to take to make sure a piece of land is right for you.
Get the 13-page “How To Buy Land Like a Pro” guide below
Here’s teaser…
What’s is GIS?
How to find parcel owner names and addresses
How to discover land conditions like mortgages, liens, title issues, unpaid taxes, tax rates, roll-back taxes, foreclosures, deed restrictions, easements, and access.
Have any mineral or air rights been sold or leased?
How to learn more about the topography, impervious services, flood zones + FEMA
Understanding the types of deeds
Why surveys are important and all the different types
The importance of soil testing
Understanding land zoning and density zoning
Minerals, oils, and gas
Water and sewer or is will it be septic and well?
How to understand CC&Rs and where to find them
And I’m not joking… so much more!
Fill out the form below and you get a link to the document. You can download the file by going to file>download. I will also email you a copy.
Need a realtor?
See if The Serviss Group can help!
Everything You Need to Sell Your House - A (FREE) Seminar for Homeowners
Panelist of top industry experts here to answer all your home selling questions. We help you avoid the most common mistakes sellers make!
Everything You Need to Sell Your House - A (FREE) Seminar for Homeowners
Panelist of top industry experts here to answer all your home selling questions. We help you avoid the most common mistakes sellers make!
Come join us for an open Q & A with top industry experts.
This seminar is 100% free. We want to help educate the WA state homeowner so you can avoid the mistakes other sellers make.
Guests that pre-register get a gift card to Arena Sports (where the event is held) to either play some games afterwards, or bring your kids and let them have some fun while you attend the 60 minute seminar.
The panelists will be guided by Managing Broker/Realtor, Nicole Serviss. She leads a Platinum Award Level team in the Snohomish County area and works with buyers, sellers, and investors. Ask questions like:
What to fix to get your home ready to sell?
What are the top mistakes sellers make?
Is it a good time to sell?
What is the market doing right now?
Hear from a financial advisor.
Why invest your money?
How to use your home equity to your advantage?
What is capital gains tax?
What is excise tax?
Ask a title officer questions about taking title to a property.
What is a POA?
How is my home deeded?
How do I find out if I have any judgement liens?
What if I own multiple parcels?
What if there are legal issues that need to be addressed?
We'll have a mortgage broker. Ask about your budget for your move.
What is a pre-approval vs. a pre-qualification?
What is the best way to leverage my net proceeds towards the down payment on the next home in a higher rate environment?
What is a Seller Buydown strategy?
Is it better to offer a seller credit or price reduction?
About the venue:
Arena Sports Mill Creek has indoor activities for everyone — Ropes Course, Climbing Walls, Classic Bowling, Arcade & Virtual Reality Games, Laser Tag, Mini Bowling, Inflatable FunZone and a restaurant!
Light food provided.
Need a realtor?
See if The Serviss Group can help!
Moving to Snohomish? Don't Go Tour a House Until You Do These 3 Things
Moving to Snohomish? Don't Go Tour a House Until You Do These 3 Things
Moving to Snohomish? Don't Go Tour a House Until You Do These 3 Things
I've got a list for you guys that I will make the actual home shopping process go much faster.
You don’t want to waste your time (that you could be spending doing much more fun things) on houses that are big NOs!
Look up the house on Google Maps
Start with the satellite view and get a feel for the neighborhood and what’s around you. Sometimes when you're just looking at just the street address you don't realize that behind the the property is a maybe a construction company, or a landscaping company, or school. You can find positive things by looking at the satellite view and also maybe some negative things.
I also want you to try to look at the street view if it's available. Sometimes in more rural areas the street view isn’t available, but if you see that little glowing blue line, drag that little street-view guy there take a look around before you spend the time to get in your car and spend money on gas.
Read the Seller’s Disclosure
The seller disclosure is the seller telling you, to the best of their knowledge, what's wrong with their house along with some of its history. If there is a clear history of maybe flooding in the basement or roof is leaking and maybe that's not within your budget, well don't spend your time driving out to this house to go see it inside if you already know you're taking it off your list.
Take the time to read the seller's disclosure. The public does not have access to this form, so reach out to your real estate agent (if you don't have one, give me a call) and we'll get you a copy of that so you can preview it.
Look at the 3D Tour
If there's a virtual tour recorded of the house, absolutely look through it. If there’s a video, look at that too, but the 3D virtual tours are easier to control and give you a better idea of placement of rooms. Some of them you can actually measure room distances, so if it's really important to you to be able to fit a king-size bed in the master bedroom, you can measure that out and see how big the space is.
It's hard on pictures to see where each room is located and where that mystery door leads to. Is that door leading to a closet? Is that another bedroom? Is that the garage? That virtual tour will give you the lay of the land.
Do a Drive By
Sometimes you pull up to the curb and before you even walk in the front door you look around realize this is not the house for you. Maybe it doesn't really fit what you're needing for your family. If that's something that could have been eliminated before you take time off work and meet your real estate agent down at the house, go do a drive-by to get a feel for what's around there.
If it's really important to you to have walkability and you pull up and you realize this neighborhood has no sidewalks, well then don't waste your time looking at that house.
Your time is valuable. You don't want to spend it on on properties that would already be a no if you did these first steps.
I hope this was helpful, and it makes your house hunting process a little bit easier.
Need a realtor?
See if The Serviss Group can help!
Georgetown Estates, Emerald Forest, Kensington Estates Homes for Sale - Get The List!
Have you always wanted to move to Emerald Forest/Georgetown Estates? I’ve put together a list of every home in that area.
Want to move to Emerald Forest, Georgetown Estates, Greenview Farms, or Kensington Estates area?
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Have you always wanted to move to Emerald Forest/Georgetown Estates? I’ve put together a list of every home in that area. Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to register for an updated list to be sent daily.
Do you currently live in this neighborhood and want a (free) home valuation? Click the button below.
Large Homes for Sale in the Snohomish Area - Get The List!
Dream of owning a bigger house? I’ve put together a list of every home in the Snohomish area with room to play.
Every Large Home for Sale in the Snohomish Area
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Have the dream of owning a larger home? I’ve put together a list of every home in the Snohomish area with plenty of space to play. Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to register for an updated list to be sent daily.
I've Been Featured in Home.com - Should Sellers Accept VA Offers? Yes. Here Are Five Reasons Why.
Thank you Home.com for reaching out and asking me to share my expertise as a REALTOR.
Should Sellers Accept VA Offers? Yes. Here Are Five Reasons Why.
September 2021
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
&
Erik Martin, Home.com Contributor
Thank you Home.com for reaching out and asking me to share my expertise as a REALTOR. Here’s what I said:
“Because they don’t need to put any money down on the loan, these buyers often have more cash at their disposal to pay for their closing costs or appraisal differences.”
“One of the most rewarding things about accepting an offer with a VA loan is knowing that you are showing a veteran that you appreciate his or her service,” Serviss said. “It can seem like a small gesture, but it can have a huge impact on that service member or veteran.”
They can negotiate with the buyer to find a number that works for both parties. However, the seller must pay a portion of the buyer’s escrow fee, according to REALTOR® Nicole Serviss, and the cost can vary from state to state.
The whole article is a very thorough rundown of everything you need to know about why you should accept an offer with a VA loan. See the full article —> HERE
Nicole Serviss, Broker and REALTOR with RE/MAX Elite
Let me know if I can help you purchase a home.
You might be interested in…
I've Been Featured in The Epoch Times - Inflation and the Price of Goods
Thank you Epoch Times for reaching out and asking me to share my expertise as a REALTOR. Here’s what I said:
Inflation and the Price of Goods: What to Buy Now and What to Avoid
August 2021
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Thank you Epoch Times for reaching out and asking me to share my expertise as a REALTOR. Here’s what I said:
Large purchases such as homes can trigger extra stress when prices are climbing.
“Some buyers are being priced out of their desired areas,” Nicole Serviss, a realtor in the Seattle area, told The Epoch Times.
“In some cases, it’s better to overpay for a home now just to guarantee you’ll be able to buy one, than to wait,” she said.
If your timeline is flexible, however, you may decide to home shop next year to evaluate prices. You’ll also want to consider interest rates on mortgages and monthly payments to see if the amount fits into your budget.
The whole article is a very thorough rundown of everything you need to know about what to buy now and what to avoid in an inflated market. See the full article —> HERE
Nicole Serviss, Broker and REALTOR with RE/MAX Elite
Let me know if I can help you purchase a home.
You might be interested in…
I've Been Featured in The Ultimate Guide of How to Become a Landlord
Thank you Steadily for reaching out and asking me to share my experiences as a landlord. Here’s what I said.
Thank you Steadily for reaching out and asking me to share my experiences as a landlord. Here’s what I said:
“I bought my first home at a very young age. 4 kids later, my family quickly outgrew that 1200 sqft home. When it was time to upsize, I had a decision to make: keep or sell.
Being located in a military town, it was an easy decision to make it a rental. It was about 90 minutes away from my new home, so I had a management company handle things for me. After years of positive cash flow, I eventually sold that single-family home and used the funds in a 1031 exchange to buy a duplex closer to my new home.
With my new duplex so close to me, I could now manage it myself and increase my monthly cash flow. I became a member of my state landlord association and that has been pivotal in making this new venture a success. They provide leases, updates on landlord-tenant laws, tenant screening, and support. I have a great group of mentors that have helped me make this landlord venture a success. I’m always on the lookout for more rentals and
look forward to being a great landlord/businesswoman for future tenants.”
The whole article is a very thorough rundown of everything you need to know to become a landlord. See the full article —> HERE
Nicole Serviss, Broker and REALTOR with RE/MAX Elite
Let me know if I can help give you an estimated value of your investment property.
You might be interested in…
Snohomish Homes for Sale - Get Notified Instantly When a New Home Hits The Market
Dream of owning your own Snohomish property? Get notified the instant a new home in Snohomish hits the market.
Snohomish Homes for Sale
Get Notified Instantly When a New Home Hits The Market
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Have the dream of owning a home in Snohomish? I’ve put together a list of every home available and can text you the instant a new one hits the market. Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to register for to receive real time listings in your price range.
You might be interested in…
Every Home on 5+ Acres for Sale in Snohomish County
Want to move to a home on 5+ acres? I’ve put together a list of every acreage home in the Snohomish County area.
Every Home on 5+ Acres for Sale in Snohomish County
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Ready to move to your dream acreage home?
I’ve put together a list of every home on acreage for sale in the Snohomish area.
Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to be registered for an updated list to be sent as new listings become available.
63 Homes on 5+ Acres To Choose From!
as of 7/20/2020
You might be interested in…
Every Lake Front Home for Sale in Snohomish County
Want to move to a Lakefront home? I’ve put together a list of every lake home in the Snohomish County area.
Every Lakefront Home for Sale in Snohomish County
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Ready to move to your dream lakefront home?
I’ve put together a list of every lakefront home for sale in the Snohomish area.
Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to be registered for an updated list to be sent weekly.
Only 11 Lakefront Homes To Choose From!
as of 4/13/2020
You might be interested in…
Snohomish County: Your Guide to Equestrian and Farmland Opportunities
Explore the vibrant equestrian and farmland opportunities awaiting in Snohomish County, a haven for livestock enthusiasts and prospective homeowners seeking a rural paradise. This comprehensive guide delves into city-specific regulations, acreage requirements, and the essential steps to finding your dream home with the expert guidance of The Serviss Group at RE/MAX.
Snohomish County: Your Guide to Equestrian and Farmland Opportunities
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Are you dreaming of a serene equestrian paradise nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Snohomish County? Well, your dream is about to come true as we delve deep into the heart of rural Snohomish County, a haven for livestock and farm animals. Whether you are an aspiring farmer or a seasoned equestrian enthusiast, understanding the rules and guidelines for keeping livestock is essential. Let's explore the possibilities that await in the rich farmlands of this region, with a special focus on the number of animals you can keep per acre.
Understanding the Acreage Requirements
Before you set out to purchase your dream farmland, it is vital to understand the acreage requirements set by the Snohomish County government. Generally, the number of animals you can keep depends on various factors including the type of animal and the total acreage of your land.
In Snohomish County, the general guideline is that larger animals such as horses require more space compared to smaller livestock like sheep or goats. For instance, you might need an acre of land to keep one or two horses, ensuring they have ample space to graze and roam freely.
Equestrian Dreams Come True
Snohomish County is renowned for its equestrian facilities and communities. If you are an equestrian enthusiast, you will find a plethora of opportunities to nurture your passion. From equestrian trails to training facilities, the county offers everything you need to keep your horses healthy and happy.
Livestock and Smaller Farm Animals
Apart from horses, Snohomish County offers a nurturing environment for a variety of smaller farm animals. Whether you are looking to keep goats, sheep, or poultry, understanding the acreage requirements is crucial. Generally, smaller animals require less space, allowing you to keep a higher number of livestock per acre.
For detailed guidelines on the number of animals you can keep per acre, it is advisable to consult the Snohomish County government website for the most current regulations and recommendations.
City-Specific Regulations in Snohomish County
As you venture into the different cities of Snohomish County, you'll find that each city has its unique set of regulations governing the keeping of livestock and horses.
Arlington - City of Arlington
Bothell (partly in King County) - City of Bothell
Brier - City of Brier
Darrington - Town of Darrington
Edmonds - City of Edmonds
Everett (County Seat) - City of Everett
Gold Bar - City of Gold Bar
Granite Falls - City of Granite Falls
Lake Stevens - City of Lake Stevens
Lynnwood - City of Lynnwood
Marysville - City of Marysville
Mill Creek - City of Mill Creek
Monroe - City of Monroe
Mountlake Terrace - City of Mountlake Terrace
Mukilteo - City of Mukilteo
Snohomish - City of Snohomish
Stanwood - City of Stanwood
Sultan - City of Sultan
Woodway - Town of Woodway
Finding Your Dream Farmland
As you navigate through the diverse landscapes of Snohomish County, remember that finding the perfect farmland is a journey tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Whether you are drawn to the equestrian communities or the vibrant livestock farms, Snohomish County promises a rich and fulfilling experience.
Understanding County Land Requirements for Equestrian Land in Snohomish County
When it comes to establishing an equestrian facility or keeping horses on your property in Snohomish County, it is essential to be aware of the specific land requirements set forth by the county. These requirements are designed to ensure the welfare of the animals and to maintain the environmental integrity of the land.
Acreage Requirements
The acreage requirements can vary based on a variety of factors including the specific location within the county, the type of equestrian activities you plan to undertake, and the number of horses you intend to keep. Generally speaking, larger parcels of land are preferred for equestrian activities to ensure ample space for facilities such as stables, riding arenas, and pastures.
Zoning Regulations
Zoning regulations play a crucial role in determining the allowable uses of a piece of land. In Snohomish County, lands zoned for agricultural or rural uses are typically more conducive to equestrian activities. It is advisable to consult the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services for detailed information on zoning regulations and to ensure compliance with all necessary requirements.
Environmental Considerations
Environmental stewardship is a priority in Snohomish County. Landowners are encouraged to implement best management practices to protect critical areas, water resources, and wildlife habitats. This includes managing manure properly to prevent water pollution and designing facilities to minimize impervious surfaces.
Building and Permit Requirements
Before establishing an equestrian facility, landowners must obtain the necessary permits from the county. This may include building permits for the construction of stables and other structures, as well as grading permits for land alterations. It is essential to work closely with the county's planning and development services to ensure a smooth permitting process.
Conclusion
Understanding the county land requirements for equestrian land is a vital step in realizing your dream of owning an equestrian property in Snohomish County. By adhering to the guidelines and working collaboratively with county officials, you can create a safe and sustainable environment for both humans and horses.
Whether you have questions about acreage requirements, equestrian facilities, or finding a home that meets all your needs, The Serviss Group is here to assist you. Leveraging their extensive experience and knowledge of Snohomish County, they can help you navigate the diverse offerings of each city, ensuring you make an informed decision that you will be happy with for years to come.
Don't wait any longer to make your dream a reality. Reach out to The Serviss Group with RE/MAX today and take the first step towards finding your dream home in the heart of Snohomish County.
Have the dream of owning a horse property?
I’ve put together a list of every home in the Snohomish area with a barn. Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to register for an updated list to be sent weekly.
You might be interested in…
Every One-Story Home for Sale in the Snohomish Area - Get The List!
Need to move to a single story home? I’ve put together a list of every one story home in the Snohomish area.
Every One-Story Home for Sale in the Snohomish Area
Nicole Serviss, RE/MAX Elite
Need to move to a single story home?
I’ve put together a list of every one story home in the Snohomish area.
Submit the quick and easy form for your copy of the complete list and to be registered for an updated list to be sent weekly.
181 Ramblers To Choose From!
as of 4/10/2020
Stats For One Story Homes in Snohomish County
You might be interested in…
Your Complete List of Churches Hosting VBS This Year - Vacation Bible School
They play games, teach the bible, and encourage fun. You're in for a fun packed week of games, stories, crafts, and contests! Some are free, some cost some money to register, but no matter, it is a fantastic way to get your kids excited about the bible and Jesus.
Where to register your kids for VBS 2019
June 2019
First of all, what is VBS? It stands for Vacation Bible School. It’s a camp put on yearly by churches all over the country. They play games, teach the bible, and encourage fun. It’s for 4 year olds up to 5th grade. You're in for a fun packed week of games, stories, crafts, and contests! Some are free, some cost some money to register, but no matter, it is a fantastic way to get your kids excited about the bible and Jesus.
To make it easier, I’ll organize these by dates.
June 26th - 29th
Redmond: Revive Church - 6pm - 8pm - $10-15/child http://revivechurchworship.org/event/kids-revival-camp/
July 8th - 12th
Mill Creek: Advent Lutheran Church - $20/child - 9am - 12pm http://adventlutheran.net/our-ministries/vacation-bible-school
Marysville: Word of Life Church -FREE - 6pm - 8:30pm (will accept 3 year olds) http://wolc.com/vbs/
Everett/Silver Lake: Hope Church - FREE - 9am - 12pm (will accept 3.5 year olds) https://www.hopechurch.cc/vacation-bible-school
July 9th - 12th
Snohomish: Snohomish Community Church - FREE - 9am - 12pm https://wearescc.org/#events
Monroe: Cascade Church - $15/child - 9am - 12pm https://cascadechurch.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/244624
July 15th - 19th
Marysville: Mountain View Presbyterian Church - $10/child - 9am-12pm (will accept 3 year olds) http://mtvpc.org/ministries/kids
August 5th - 9th
Everett: Immanuel Lutheran - 9am - 12pm - FREE (ages 3-12) https://vbsmate.com/events/98E8C919/18411
August 12th - 16th
Monroe: The Church at Maltby - 9am to 12pm - 3 years old through 6th grade - $5/child http://www.thechurchat.org/VBA
Did I miss a VBS? Please contact me and I’ll add it to the list.
You might be interested in…
5 Free Ways to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer in Snohomish
School is almost out and these kids of ours need a place to get that energy out. Not only will they have loads of energy, but those brains of theirs need an outlet too. Here are my top 5 ways to keep the kids busy this summer without spending a dime.
5 Free Ways to Keep the Kids Busy This Summer in Snohomish
School is almost out and these kids of ours need a place to get that energy out. Not only will they have loads of energy, but those brains of theirs need an outlet too. Here are my top 5 ways to keep the kids busy this summer without spending a dime.
Snohomish Library
Imagine Children’s Museum
1502 Wall St
Everett, WA 98201-4008
Enjoy Free Admission night at the Imagine Children's Museum every third Friday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. We promote the power of play: learning and growing by doing what every child loves to do best…play! Our interactive exhibits and activities encourage children and their families to role play, experiment, splash, think, wander and create together in a place they can feel physically and emotionally safe.
Swim the Pilchuck River
Head on down to Pilchuck park with your picnic basket and your towels and enjoy a day of river fun! Park your car near the park and walk towards the picnic benches to the left and you will see a small trail down to the river. There is enough of a bank there that you can bring some chairs and some friends and watch the kids play. Don’t forget your floaties!
The park also features a playground, picnic tables, baseball fields, tennis courts, and soccer fields.
Willis Tucker Park
Willis Tucker Community Park is a gently-sloped, forested 84-acre site immediately adjacent to the residential communities of Silver Firs and Snohomish Cascade, three miles east of Mill Creek.
The Spray Pad opens the end of May each year (Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend) and stays open until the warm weather ends in September.
Bonus tip: Bring the dogs and let them get their energy out at the off-leash dog park!
🎳 Kids Bowl Free Program
Registered Kids Receive 2 FREE GAMES Of Bowling Each Day Of The KBF Program All Summer Long.
Check the list for participating bowling alleys here.
Everett
5111 Claremont Way Everett, Wa 98203
April 22 - September 1
Kids Bowl Free Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm
Shoe Rental $3.49/child
Register Here9630 Evergreen Way Everett, Wa 98204
May 1 - August 31
Kids Bowl Free Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Shoe Rental $2.75/child
Register Here
Lynnwood
6210 200 Street SW Lynnwood, Wa 98036
May 1 - September 15
Kids Bowl Free Monday-Thursday, open-6pm
Shoe Rental $4.25/child
Register Here
You Might be Interested in…
Snohomish Groundfrog Day
Music, Dancing, PJ the DJ, Balloon Animals, Hot Chocolate, Crafts, Princess Kaylie, and much more.... and it is FREE.
Snohomish GroundFrog Day
Frog Vs. Hog
Music, Dancing, PJ the DJ, Balloon Animals, Hot Chocolate, Crafts, Princess Kaylie, and much more.... and it is FREE.
GROUNDFROG DAY CELEBRATION IN SNOHOMISH
FEBRUARY 2, 2019 - 12:30-2pm
Downtown Snohomish - Avenue A Gazebo (21 Avenue A)
Snohomish Slew, the frog, will reveal his much anticipated croak telling us if winter is over and spring is indeed coming.
It’ll be a fun day filled with games, crafts, music, mascots, & photos with Snohomish Slew. Tag your photos with #groundfrogday
Lazy River Frog Race: Fundraiser for "Swim for Life"
2:30 p.m.
Snohomish Aquatic Center
Snohomish Slew is again partnering with our Snohomish Aquatic Center the Lazy River Frog Race. Prizes awarded to the 3 fastest frogs. Purchase a numbered ticket and that number goes on your frog for the race. All proceeds go to support the Aquatic Center’s Swim for Life program.
Swim for Life offers every 2nd grader enrolled in the Snohomish School District a free session of swim lessons at the Snohomish Aquatic Center.
You might be interested in…
Dairyland Christmas Trees
There are so many Christmas Tree options around here. Here’s a peak at one of them.
Dairyland Christmas Tree Farm
Not U-Cut, but just as fun!
There are so many Christmas Tree options around here. Here’s a peak at one of them.
Free hot chocolate, coffee, and cider!
Huge gift shop with tons of quality and local made gifts.
Free craft projects for the kids. My kids made candy cane ornaments and wrote letters to Santa.
Warm firepit outside and a warm wood stove inside.
Photo’s with Santa. He was legit! I swear it was the real guy.
Haywire Brewing is right there. Grab a drink while you shop for your tree! Then sit down and eat some good food while they load the tree onto your car.
Trees are pre-cut, which was a bit of a bummer for me because the cutting of the tree is kind of a tradition, but we got over it fast when we found our perfect tree.
Competitively priced and totally gorgeous and fresh trees. Mine lasted 4 weeks and still looked freshly cut after new years!
“Add a bit of soda or syrup (I use vanilla syrup that I put in my coffee) to your tree water once a week to keep your tree looking fresh for longer!”
What is Earnest Money?
WHAT IS IT AND HOW MUCH SHOULD IT BE?
WHAT IS IT AND HOW MUCH SHOULD IT BE?
Earnest money is your "I promise I want to buy this house and here's how much I'm willing to lose to get it" money.
In Snohomish County the amount is typically about 1% of the offer price, while King County it averages about 3%.
For example:
In section 7 of Form 21, on an offer of $450,000, we would want to give an earnest money amount of $4,500.
When your offer is accepted, you will have 2 days to give that money to the escrow company.
There are a lot of ways to get that money back if we cancel the contract as long as we follow all the proper timelines.
You might be interested in….
10 Mistakes Buyers Make
Don’t fall victim to any of these common mistakes.
During a seller’s market, buyers have to be on their A-game. Here are the top 10 mistakes I see buyer’s make.
1. MAKING AN OFFER ON A HOME WITHOUT BEING PRE-APPROVED
Preapproval will make your life easier-so take the time to speak with a lender. Your situation will be different from anyone else, and your communication with a fantastic lender can make or break your financing.
2. NOT HAVING A HOME INSPECTION
Trying to save money today can end up costing you tomorrow. A qualified home inspector will detect issues that most buyers overlook.
3. LIMITING YOUR SEARCH TO OPEN HOUSES, ADS, OR THE INTERNET
Many homes listed in print ads or online have already been sold. Your best resource will be your Realtor and the NWMLS. They have up-to-date information that is unavailable to the general public.
4. CHOOSING A PART-TIME AGENT
Choose a professional who is dedicated to serving your needs before, during, and after the sale. You don't want to have to wait for your Realtor to get off work to go show you houses.
5. THINKING THERE IS ONLY ONE PERFECT HOUSE
Buying a home is a process of elimination, not selection. New properties arrive on the market daily, so keep an open mind.
6. NOT CONSIDERING LONG TERM
It's important to think ahead. Will the home suit your needs 3-5 years from now?
7. NOT EXAMINING INSURANCE ISSUES
Purchase adequate insurance. Advice from an insurance agent can provide you with answers to any concerns you may have.
8. NOT BUYING A HOME WARRANTY
This is essentially a mini insurance policy that usually lasts one year from the close of escrow. It can cover basic repairs you may need.
9. NOT KNOWING TOTAL COSTS INVOLVED
Early in the buying process, ask your lender for an estimate of closing costs. Title company and attorney fees should be considered. HOA fees, hold backs, etc.
10. NOT FOLLOWING THROUGH ON DUE DILIGENCE
Buyers should make a list of any concerns they have relating to issues such as; crime rates, schools, power lines, neighbors, etc. Be diligent so that you can have confidence in your purchase.
Are you ready to take the plunge and buy a home?