http://www.mynorthwest.com MyNorthwest.com delivers up-to-the-minute local news and information for Seattle and the greater Puget Sound area. en-us 15 144 21 http://www.mynorthwest.com http://www.mynorthwest.com/img/lg_mynw_144x21.gif http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2281461 Despite increasing prices, nearly one-third of all Seattle-area homeowners with mortgages owe more than the value of their homes, according to a new survey by Seattle-based Zillow. Fri, 24 May 2013 08:20:57 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2281452 In the second quarter of 2013, 41 percent of buyers said theyre willing to offer more, up from 34 percent in the first quarter, according to a survey of more than 1,300 homebuyers in 22 major markets by Seattle-based real estate brokerage Redfin. ꠇᲷ ኘ̭ᾀ̢ Fri, 24 May 2013 08:04:04 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2280597 A new ULI survey of about 1,200 Millennials showed that the group will continue to prefer more compact, urban homes, even later in life. ULI researchers also note that this generation is more likely than older generations to live in apartments and in downtown areas. Thu, 23 May 2013 09:33:44 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2280591 The ability-to-repay rule, which first was greeted with positive reaction, now has some lawmakers and community banks concerned that it may cause lending to tighten even more at smaller banks, The Wall Street Journal reported. Thu, 23 May 2013 09:19:47 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2279763 WASHINGTON (AP) - Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes ticked up last month to the highest level in three and a half years, helped by a jump in the number of houses for sale. Wed, 22 May 2013 09:39:04 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2279755 Mortgage applications last week dropped 10 percent after rates soared to their highest level since March, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported in its weekly mortgage market survey for the week ending May 17. Wed, 22 May 2013 09:30:42 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2278861 Amateur investors are increasingly tapping into their retirement accounts to buy homes and take advantage of the hotter housing market, CNNMoney reported. Tue, 21 May 2013 09:28:21 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2278822 In a housing market characterized by a short supply of properties and by bidding wars, some buyers are hoping to get a competitive edge by writing sellers short notes about why they are so right for home and want to become its new owners. Tue, 21 May 2013 08:46:55 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2277883 Buying a home is a better financial decision than renting for Seattle-area homebuyers intending to stay in their home for at least three years and seven months, according to a first quarter analysis from Seattle-based Zillow. Mon, 20 May 2013 08:16:29 PST http://www.mynorthwest.com?nid=800&sid=2277860 Stringent mortgage standards have kept many potential homebuyers on the sidelines the last few years. Mon, 20 May 2013 07:52:42 PST