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 qu’on dit [...]

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 list of [...]

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 the tax [...]

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 for the past [...]

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?] #
RT @BawldGuy [...]

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?

*Name:

*Email:

Phone:

Tell Us About Your Situation:

*required

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 [...]

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 and free speech! [...]

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 - Now open to [...]

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!