Since beginning our real estate career in March of 1998 with John L Scott Realty there have been many notable changes. In 1998 the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service) had approximately 11,000 members and subscribers across the State. Since then they grew to an incredible number in the range of nearly 40,000, in part due to an increasing territory but mostly due to a vigorous desire by independent people to take advantage of a robust housing market by starting their own businesses. Either way that is a substantial increase in membership and subscribership.  

During that time we seen home ownership increase as financial institutions created loan programs to assist first time home buyers, home values climbed as sales spurred by the desire to take advantage of investment potential, and home equity was used as leverage for move up buyers seeking larger homes.

The market overall was creating many jobs as builders scurried to build homes, agents worked to find ready willing and able buyers, and lenders worked diligently to secure financing. Everyone, especially buyers and sellers were satisfied. We built a bubble.  

In the last few years we have all been witness to falling sales number and large numbers of associates leaving the NWMLS. Currently we have 24,409 associates in the NWMLS which when averaged over the course of the last three years, translates to a decline in membership of 15% year over year. Those who prepared for this bubble and positioned themselves for the future have been doing quite well.

Looking forward, the future could not look better. We have less competition and more opportunity, what else could you ask for?... 

 

Never give up!
01/04/2010
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Kristyn Grewell, ABR GRI got me thinking about this. Way back during the stone age of real estate (12 years ago) when I first started, I was virtually out the proverbial door. I had worked my tail to the bone every day, cold calling, showing homes… more
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
12/21/2009
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May the season be blessed with the peace of the Dove, your home be showered with gifts and all of, your table be garnished with food and with wine, and may all who share your joy be so kind, to spread the selfless praise from above and may all who… more
Do you drive your buyer clients around? Watch out for Sparky…
11/24/2009
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And Fido, Buffy and Patches… Sometimes I like to keep it short and sweet. This is one of those times. As I was on the way to show a listing this morning I remembered a rare time when I had clients in my car. Typically, unless a buyer client… more
Washington States "Distressed Property Law". Have No Fear. Go about…
08/22/2009
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I wanted to write this post in response to some of the comments in Lenns blog about the danger of certain real estate related activity. Specifically in the State of Washington since one comment mentioned how silly our new law is… Without going… more
Selling a Haunted House
08/17/2009
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Maybe you've seen them, maybe you haven't, and maybe we should watch out for them. What are they?… Orbs. Just what are orbs and why should be aware of them? Orbs have been defined by some as the existence of paranormal activity and debunked by… more
Stupidly Question of The Week
08/14/2009
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Why are your sellers terminating just because we didn't provide the letter of loan commitment on time? Seriously. This was asked of me. A purchase and sale was subject to the timely delivery of a letter from the buyer/buyers lender. The "letter… more
Stupidly Question of The Week
08/04/2009
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I am introducing a new blog series called "The Stupidly Question of The Week" where I will draw from actual instances where over the years agents, lenders, buyers and sellers have given me pause with silly statements and questions that might… more
What Makes You A Short Sale Expert?
07/20/2009
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Experience? Classroom Education? Online Webinars? As I perused through the MLS this morning searching for newly listed properties for a client of ours I noticed many agents commenting on their "expertise" of Short Sales". After further… more
The Law----- Of Unintended Consequences
06/22/2009
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At the risk of sounding like a spoiled sport about the governments new plan to help struggling homeowners, I must point out the obvious--Any time the government steps in to help they generally create opportunity for scam artists. It's known as "The… more
 
Kim&gene

Gene & Kim Quinney

Tacoma, WA

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Northwest Equity Home Sales

Office Phone: (253) 539-7653

Cell Phone: (253) 640-0669

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