Blog - Bascomb Real Estate Group

Wholistic Health and Wellness

As a Real Estate Broker, most of my focus is typically on financial health and wellness and supporting my community in reaching their optimum financial well-being. However, wholistic health is the foundation of said well-being, from which all avenues of health flow. Spiritual, mental and physical health are the additional pillars that sprout from this foundation that is of importance to me and sharing information regarding these pillars will continue to be an additional focus of mine.

Throughout 2019, Bascomb Real Estate Group will share information with our community about partners we work with who provide access to maintaining your wholistic health. We will focus on these partners and provide a platform for them to share their message with the BRG community. This week we would like to focus on your physical health and wellness and how you achieve it.

Our partner, LaTaunya Witherspoon, who owns Spoon Fed Training in Renton, WA is focused on the physical health and wellness of the community. Spoon Fed Training not only offers workout opportunities for the community, but also provides support with how to maintain a healthy life with a wealth of information on their website. If you are not able to physically visit Spoon Fed Training, visit their site for videos, information on healthy eating, and so much more!

Consider This: When To Refinance Your Home

Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are five common ones.

Scoring a lower interest rate. The number one reason homeowners decide to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage. Not only does this save you money in the long run and decrease your monthly payment, but you can start building equity in your home sooner.
Using an improved credit score. Even if interest rates have not dropped in the market, if you’ve improved your credit score over the last few years, you may be able to reduce your mortgage rate.
Shortening the loan’s term. If interest rates are decreasing, there is a chance you may be able to get a shorter loan term with little to no change in your monthly payment, allowing you to pay off your loan sooner.
Switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with great introductory rates when you initially financed your home, that rate may increase significantly over the years. By switching to a fixed rate while interest rates are low, you can protect yourself from future increases.
Cashing out home equity. If there is a big purchase or payment on the horizon, such as funding a wedding or going back to school, your best option may be to use the equity you’ve built in your home to borrow money at a lower cost.

$50 Million Commitment Signed to Increase Black Homeownership

Homeownership for all people is at the forefront of the work I do and increasing Black homeownership is pivotal to that work. With Black’s at 41.7%, trailing non-Hispanic White’s at 73.1%, the gap continues to widen, and my focus continues to narrow on closing it.

This is one of the many reasons I am proud to be a member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers who continue to champion 2 Million in 5 Years (2Mn5), the program to increase Black homeownership by 2 million people. In keeping with that spirit, NAREB has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with United Security Financial, a minority-owned mortgage company that will provide $50 million in down payment assistance to black homeowners!

These funds will provide much-needed assistance to those who may not otherwise have access to financial resources to purchase a home across this county. This fund is available for down payment assistance in the next 12 months for those looking to purchase a home and work with a Realtist, such as Bascomb Real Estate Group to support you in finding your new home! Click the link to read about this groundbreaking project and contact us today!

For Buyers and Sellers Who Just Aren’t Sure

The holidays are coming, on a rocket, I might add; I know buying or selling a home is the last thing on your Christmas to-do list. But the market is prime for just that this time of year!

Our local real estate market has come off the fever pitch of summer to a very healthy pace, and the numbers from October certainly support this assertion. For South Puget Sound, there are still numerous homes for sale at many price points. Providing a great opportunity for buyers, with the ability to negotiate a strong contract; and sellers who can be confident that the market is supporting listings that are priced right!

Make Christmas 2018 one to remember and contact us to buy and/or sell today!

Bascomb Real Estate Group is Hiring!

Do you love the exciting and fast-

paced atmosphere of real estate? Bascomb Real Estate Group is hiring a Real Estate Broker to join our team and add value to our and your business. You will be tasked with educating our clients on the homebuying process; growing our customer base by generating leads; counseling clients on market conditions; home buying strategies; and contributing to the continued growth of the firm. You will also be in charge of creating lists of real estate properties and presenting purchase offers to sellers. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in real estate with a brokerage that is focused on the value and commitment we offer our clients.

Real Estate Broker Responsibilities:

Provide guidance and assist sellers and buyers in marketing and purchasing property for the right price under the best terms.
Generate client leads to buy and sell property.
Determine clients’ needs and financial abilities to propose solutions that suit them.
Intermediate negotiation processes, consult clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements and related matters, ensuring a fair and honest dealing between buyers and sellers.
Perform comparative market analysis to estimate properties’ value for sellers.
Serve as a buyer’s agent providing the required support needed to ensure the client finds the home they seek.
Prepare necessary paperwork (contracts, leases, deeds, closing statements etc.….) as needed.
Create lists for real estate sales, with information location, features, square footage, etc.…..
Cooperate with appraisers, escrow companies, lenders and home inspectors.
Develop networks and build a list of resources to include: attorneys, mortgage lenders, contractors, inspectors and partner brokers.
Promote sales through advertisements, marketing, open houses and listing services.
Remain knowledgeable about real estate markets and best practices.
Ensure continuing education is always current including state and local licensing if applicable.

Real Estate Broker Requirements

Must be a licensed real estate broker.
Strong customer service skills.
Must be in good standing with the local Realtor board, or an inactive broker who can immediately move his/her license.
Experience with sales.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Good knowledge of the local markets and properties.
Possess a valid driver license.
Must be willing to work with first time homebuyers and low to moderate income communities in addition to ‘traditional’ homebuyers.
Must adhere to the mission and values of the brokerage.
Must have possessed your broker license for at least one year.
Able to work independently and in a professional manner.

Real Estate Broker Desired Skills and Qualifications:

Prospecting Skills
Problem Solving
Territory Management
Legal Compliance
Negotiation skills
Lending background a plus
Spanish speaking a plus

Bascomb Real Estate Group is a certified black/woman owned business committed to our communities and the positive growth of its citizens. Our brokerage is dedicated to providing a positive and productive place to work and grow for our brokers and staff, while serving out the mission of the company. As a growing firm, we are looking for dynamic brokers wanting to be a part of an amazing team making lasting impacts in the community.

This position offers a very competitive commission split; access to an expanding network; flexibility around scheduling including working part-time; work virtually with no desk fees; continuing education opportunities; and the opportunity to join a dynamic, growing brokerage.

Progress Continues with the 2Mn5 Black Homeowners Campaign!

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers 2 million black homeowners in 5 years (2Mn5) continues to be high on my agenda. Through 3rd quarter 2018, we helped 8 new black homeowners in King & Pierce Counties! With 5 additional families upgrading and/or downgrading their homes with new purchases!

We are committed to fair housing for all and have helped to increase overall homeownership in the region with families of many other ethnicities! Homeownership is the number one vehicle for stability and wealth building in this country, with a family’s primary home being their number one and most valuable asset.

With fall upon us and a stable real estate market, now is the time to continue the trend of increasing homeownership in the region, particularly among black families. We are committed to our community.

So, contact Bascomb Real Estate Group to count yourself a new homeowner in 2018-2019 and one of the 2Mn5!

Buyers Now is the Time!

Fall is upon us, which signifies a slowing in the heated seller’s market of the past several months. With that comes the most opportune time for buyers to get in the market, the month of October! Listings are staying on the market longer AND pricing is slowing and leveling off, which gives buyers more options in the marketplace. In addition, this is also the best time to take advantage of Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs available to not just first-time buyers, but anyone looking to purchase a new primary residence.

There are so many misconceptions around buying; you must save 10%-20% to even think about buying. NOT TRUE!!! There are multiple programs that require as little as 3.5% down and DPA programs can cover it! As a buyer, you do need to have the cash for an earnest money deposit and an inspection, which I highly recommend. Outside of that, the money is out there for you to buy today! Just go to our website www.bascombrealestate.com/buy/ and click on the link ‘Down Payment Help’ to see which programs you qualify for, then give us a call!

2018 Rising Star Real Estate Professional Award

Nicole Bascomb and Bascomb Real Estate Group have recently been awarded the 2018 Rising Star Real Estate Professional Award! This distinguished nomination and subsequent award is only given to a select number of real estate professionals in the Pacific Northwest.
Brokers and brokerages are nominated by their clients, peers and business partners as an outstanding professional in their field providing exceptional client satisfaction and service. In addition, Nicole will be featured in Seattle Magazines Best of 2018 edition distributed in December!

We are honored to have been nominated and won this distinction, it is always our goal to meet and exceed our clients and business partners expectations. Stay tuned for additional information regarding this momentous win and a heartfelt thank you to our clients who made this possible!

And don’t forget to visit our Facebook Page for more updates.

Goodbye Sun, You’ll Be Missed

We have seemingly reached the end of our summer, which we don’t need a date on the calendar to let us know here in the Pacific Northwest. Our constant companion the rain has returned to the region to welcome us into fall.

I don’t dread the rain and cold, I am a sweater, coat and boots kind of woman; but I must admit, I do like seeing the sun a time or two during the fall and winter. But, don’t let the disappearance of the sun stop your spirit of motivation! The coming of fall tends to start the hibernation process for folks, particularly in this region.

Don’t let the weather derail the great plans you put in place during the spring and summer. Continue to work on the to-do lists you have created and long and short term goals you put in place, including buying a home! The fall/winter brings a slowing in the market a people don’t like to buy homes in the rain and shorter days, but this is the perfect opportunity for buye s as there is less competition in the marketplace. Sellers, you too have an opportunity during this time to sell your property without the worry of inflated offers a lender may have a problem with or aggressive buyers and agents. This is the time where the savvy buyer and seller thrive, so give us a call and make the fall/winter your time to act!

State of Housing in Black America

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers celebrated 71 years of amazing housing advocacy work and commemorated 50 years of the Fair Housing Act this past weekend in Atlanta, GA. The energy was palpable as we discussed the work that still needs to be done to ensure Democracy in Housing for all!

With civil rights icons Xernona Clayton and C.T. Vivian; and fair housing stalwarts Henry McKinley ‘Mickey’ Michaux and William T. Robie, the conference was 3 days of energized conversation and practical next steps to ensure we are not having the same conversation in 50 more years. Because, make no mistake, we are actually worse off than before. Prior to the passing of the FHA, black homeownership was at a low of 42%. As of the first two quarters of 2017 the rate was slightly over 42%*; the questioned was asked, was it really legislation that needed to be changed? Or the mindset of our society and the persistent engrained racism that perpetuates itself in the disenfranchisement of an entire race of people? That was a question that I had never pondered; yes, we need laws in place to ensure racism is dealt with on a federal and local level. But the changes really need to happen in the hearts of people. These numbers clearly reflect, that even with laws in place, the numbers haven’t changed and with laws in place, for 50 years, we have seen no significant change.

Read the State of Housing in Black America (http://www.nareb.com/shiba-report/), this report gives a clear picture of the history of the state of black housing since the passing of the FHA and the many economic shifts that have affected black wealth and in turn, black homeownerhsip. Contact Bascomb Real Estate Group for all your real estate needs, we are here for you! #2Mn5, #democracyinhousing, #bascombrealestate