Countrywide is Having Some Issues - 06/25/08 11:10 PM
Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Sellers, For Realty Professionals, Regional - West, News & Media, Regional News, Washington
According to Kirotv.com, "Gov. Chris Gregoire says the state is pulling the license of Countrywide Home Loans to write loans in Washington and that investigators found evidence of ‘predatory practices' aimed at minorities."
Some mortgage companies have warehouse lines that are with Countrywide. These are the lines of credit used to fund loans and if they are not allowed to operate in WA State, they will not be able to fund any loan regardless of whether or not the loan … (4 comments)

I-405 and Eastside Projects Update - 06/25/08 12:02 AM
Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Sellers, Regional - West, Regional News, Washington, Roads & Transportation

Late night I-90 closures and rolling slowdowns on Mercer Island
Late-night drivers should prepare for delays on I-90 in Mercer Island. Starting Monday, June 23 crews plan several lane and ramp closures as they build new I-90 HOV on and off-ramps on Mercer Island and improve I-90 HOV access at Bellevue Way as part of Sound Transit's I-90 HOV access project. Work will continue through Friday, June 27. On, Saturday and Sunday crews will conduct rolling slowdowns overnight on eastbound I-90 while … (0 comments)

Updated Renton Real Estate, Newcastle Real Estate & South Bellevue Real Estate Market Statistics (As of June 23rd, 2008) - 06/23/08 03:45 PM
Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Sellers, For Realty Professionals, Regional - West, Statistics, Marketing Reports, Renton
These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that is updated on a weekly basis.
MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 97 Days (Up From 95 Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 610 (Up from 590 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 225 (Up From 252 Last Week)75 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up From 74 Last Week)8.13 Months Worth of Supply (Up from … (0 comments)

I-405 and Eastside Projects Update - 06/20/08 03:25 PM
Tolling committee launches conversation about SR 520 tollingTo launch public discussions about tolling in the SR 520 corridor, the 2008 legislature appointed a tolling implementation committee that has three members: WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond; Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director Bob Drewel; and Commissioner Dick Ford from the Washington State Transportation Commission. The committee recently held its first public meeting on June 17, and has launched its new Web site at http://www.build520.org/.
Southbound I-405 in Bellevue to close in August for tunnel removalCrews in south Bellevue continue to make progress removing dirt and vegetation from the top of the Wilburton tunnel … (0 comments)

Duvall Ave Detour Shortcut During Construction - 06/20/08 11:30 AM
You have probably noticed that Duvall Avenue is now closed between Sunset Blvd. NE and SE 95th Way. This closure is scheduled to remain in force for approximately one year.
To minimize the road closure's impact on your daily commute, you can take advantage of a shortcut by turning left on SR 900 from Duvall and then right on Union. Head South on Union to SE 95th Way and turn left when you get to Duvall. Most drivers are not aware of the fact that the closure has not affected the bridge.
Improvements will include widening the road to five lanes, … (0 comments)

Pacific Northwest Events Calendar - Updated! - 06/09/08 01:52 PM
Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Sellers, Regional - West, Local Events Calendar, Regional News, Renton
With the coming of spring the days get longer, the air gets warmer, the birds begin to sing. As you look around, you see many changes taking place but the most stunning transformation has to be in the plants. Almost magically, barren branches start to bud, brown grass turns green, and tiny little shoots push up through the soil; and with the changing of the season, we close another chapter of events that have come to define winters in the Pacific Northwest.
Nonetheless, … (0 comments)

Open House in Issaquah This Weekend! - 06/05/08 10:38 AM
Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, Regional - West, Open Houses, Listings, New Listings, Local Events Calendar, Issaquah
Open House Sunday June 8th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM372 Shangri La Way NW Issaquah, WA 98027   

Price: 359,890Bedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2.5Square Feet: 1090 SFLot Size: 913 SFYear Built: 2003MLS: 28083020
This built-green townhome boasts an open floor plan, 2 car tandem garage & 2 master suites! The dining area flows to a family room with a fireplace & deck access overlooking a greenspace commons. The kitchen features granite counters & stainless appliances as well as a pantry & room for … (0 comments)

Area Continues to Avoid Major Foreclosure Crisis - 06/03/08 02:07 PM
NWREporter June 2008
Area Continues to Avoid Major Foreclosure Crisis

Default Research, the premier provider of foreclosure real estate data in the Seattle region, is reporting that foreclosures in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties declined by five percent in March of 2008. The total number of Notice of Trustee Sales recorded in March totaled 379 in King, 380 in Pierce and 215 in Snohomish. Only .70 percent of total household in these regions had foreclosure activity.
"The outlook for Seattle is relatively good," said Serdar Bankaci, founder of Default Research. "Home prices have remained stable in the past month and … (0 comments)

What To Expect During a Home Inspection - 06/03/08 11:39 AM
What To Expect During a Home Inspection
The length of a home inspection depends on a number of variables, including the size of the home, the age of the home and the inspection services you'd like.
Below is a list of home inspection services and examples of the average length of time it takes to perform each inspection. These averages were provided by WIN Home Inspection and are based on a 2400 square foot home that is in moderate to good condition and is less than 20 years of age.
A Standard Home Inspection should include a full visual inspection of … (1 comments)

Updated Renton Real Estate, Newcastle Real Estate & South Bellevue Real Estate Market Statistics (As of June 3rd, 2008) - 06/03/08 11:21 AM
Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Sellers, For Realty Professionals, Regional - West, Statistics, Marketing Reports, Washington
These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that is updated on a weekly basis.
MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 95 Days (Down From 97 Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 590 (Up from 562 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 222 (Down From 253 Last Week)74 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up From 51 Last Week)7.97 Months Worth of Supply (Down from … (0 comments)