Seattle Real Estate:

The election on the proposed annexation area of Finn Hill, Kingsgate and Totem Lake into the city of Kirkland was November 3rd, 2009 and, as of yesterday, the votes are still so close that it’s unclear whether the proposed annexation areas (or PAA) are going to become part of Kirkland or not.
Requiring 60% approval to [...]

Did You Run Out of Time?
If you missed out on the first deadline to take advantage of the up to $8000 first time home buyer tax credit, you now have a few months longer to plan your move. The original expiration date is November 30th, 2009 but prospective buyers now have until April 30th, 2010.
Did [...]

Here’s wishing you a happy, peaceful and safe Independence Day.

If you live in Washington State and are in danger of losing your home, there’s a new resource that may be able to help you.

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Project Launched to Provide Free Legal Assistance to Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
WSBA Home Foreclosure Legal Aid Project [...]

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 [...]

Remember the Washington State Distressed Homeowner Law?  It’s the one that created potential pitfalls and serious liabilities for real estate agents and potential buyers.  We’re one step closer to a fix.  According to the Washington Association of Realtors:
“Distressed Properties Law Fix Passes House; Governor’s Signature Next!Washington REALTORS® are pleased to announce that SB 5221, the [...]

I’ve been speaking with folks a lot lately about property taxes - people who are wondering how on earth the county assessor seems to think their property is worth more than last year, and people who are asking about the Lower Property Taxes initiative… just to name a few.
When most people think of taxes, they [...]

Congress passed the monster “stimulus” bill this evening.  It is anticipated to be signed by President Obama by President’s Day, which is Monday, January 16th, 2009. 
The home buyers tax credit was a much reported, widely contested issue.  This is how the cookie crumbled:
$6.6 billion to repeal a requirement that a $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit be [...]

What are property taxes like in Washington State?  Too high if you ask the folks behind the latest state initiative. (You can read about how property tax works in Washington State here.) There’s a new movement afoot to place a “Lower Property Taxes” initiative on the ballot November 9th, 2009. 
According to the petition, the highlights [...]