Seattle Real Estate:

just picked up a new yard sign from http://www.jjgs.com/ in Kirkland – it looks great, they do good work! # Reading: 1Q home prices fall by 19.1 pct to 2002 levels http://tr.im/mzuD “…Seattle..at 2005 prices…” # Reading: Foreclosure “third wave” coming, economists say http://tr.im/mzxj # another gem from my day by day calendar – Alors [...]

In the same week that a potential client asked us if we charged any fees on top of our commission, I read the following: “Although questions about their legality remain, a growing number of real estate brokerages are charging consumers flat fees on top of their traditional percentage-based commissions.” We can add this one to the [...]

The following is excerpted from a HUD news release: “…announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the…$8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. …Today’s announcement details FHA’s rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits to “monetize” up to the full amount of [...]

You’ve probably heard about the First Time Home Buyer tax credit of up to $8000.  How does it work?  Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions compiled by the Washington Association of Realtors. A quick summary: First time home buyers If you (or your spouse, if married) have not owned your principal residence [...]

Finally worked out a (good) system so Alex and I can share contacts and independently sync to both of our pda/phones! Woot! # According to the Washington Policy Center, “Overspending during Good Times Put Seattle in Budget Mess” http://tr.im/lIl7 # Reading:Civil Disagreement: Should Seattle manage the tree canopy? http://tr.im/m7IH [Do they really have to ask?] [...]

There have been a couple of interesting news items over the past week relating to short sales. Think You Might Need To Do A Short Sale? The first item was a statement issued by Washington Realtors Attorney Annie Fitzsimmons. She states, A new trend is developing in which short sale lenders are establishing policy statements [...]

What’s the Washington State flower?  I’ll give you three guesses. In fact, according to a quick web search: In 1892, before they had the right to vote, Washington women selected the coast rhododendron as the state flower. They wanted an official flower to enter in a floral exhibit at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. [...]

Discovery – the cats have figured out how to open closet doors – they have been feasting on a feline delicacy…plastic clad Charmin… # Reading: The Financial Stress Tests (Fudging the Report Card) http://tr.im/l39G # Reading: Prefab green homes get affordable http://tr.im/l3Du # At Pioneer Square dram shop chatting about political philosophy…I love peaceable assembly [...]

Did you know that there’s an Unincorporated King County newsletter? I confess, though we’re residents of Unincorporated King County, I wasn’t aware of it either until @kcnews posted a link to it on Twitter. Not only do they have a newsletter, it actually has some interesting tidbits.  For example: Marymoor Connector Trail Grand Opening – [...]

Thinking about living in Shoreline, WA?  You’ll find the next entry in our Seattle Community Information series interesting.  This installment covers Shoreline – from homes listed in Shoreline to information about the schools, utility companies, and more.  Check it out!