washington: Washington D. C. Hill Visit - 05/21/08 07:08 PM
I recently attended the National Association of Realtors Mid Year conference in Washington, D. C. We had an opportunity to meet with our local legislators and senators and lobby for real estate issue affecting our communities. It was a long week of meetings, classes, caucases and preparation for our Hill visit.
… (8 comments)
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washington: Snohomish County Market Update - Know the Facts - 10/14/07 12:23 PM
The foreclosure rates today are the same as they were 10 years ago.
Fewer than one percent of martgages end in default in Washington State.
As of mid-June, subprime, adjustable rate loans represented 20 percentof loans nationally, but just 6 percent of home loans in Washington.
Why Washington is different -- The home market … (0 comments)
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washington: The Gift Of Life Is So Precious - 03/24/07 11:41 AM
My oldest son's finance, Heather, is a wonderful girl. They are getting married this July after being together for seven years. She put herself through college then a masters program in teaching and is now teaching 5th graders. My son, Jeff, began his career as a consultant with IBM then Microsoft and has … (9 comments)
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washington: There Is Hope - 03/05/07 05:54 PM
We're talking about "Housing Hope" in Everett, Washington. Later this month the nonprofit organization plans to open New Century Village, a 44 unit transitional housing complex for homeless families with children.
Funds came from a variety of sources including city, county, state and federal governments along with the Bill and Melinda Gates … (2 comments)
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washington: New Urbanism in Snohomish County - 01/28/07 04:43 PM
New Urbanism is a movement that is permeating Snohomish County, especially Mukilteo and Everett. "Village Center" development is one of the first created in Mukilteo. Combining housing, retail shops and condominiums. The heart of the development has a publc plaza with outdoor dinng, benches and a grassy park area. The village encourages walking … (1 comments)
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washington: Everett's Secret Jewel - 01/28/07 03:18 PM
Everett has the best kept secret......Jetty Island. Jetty Island is a manmade island and salt water marsh made with sand dreged from the navigation channel of the Snohomish River.
It's a popular recretation spot for young and old. It is only accessible by boat. During the summer months the "Mosquito Fleet" runs … (4 comments)
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washington: Everett's New Marina - 01/24/07 11:20 AM
Did you know that Everett, Washington boasts the second largest marina on the West Coast? Well, we do and now we are growing. The project called the "12th Street Yacht Basin" will indeed be a marina for yachts with slips designed for vessels from 80-143 feet. This is not your "grandmother's … (0 comments)
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washington: Sale of Auto Nets Charity Over $1 Million Dollars - 01/23/07 11:33 PM
Dave Lininger, founder of RE/MAX International spent $1,000,000 at an auto auction over the weekend. You ask what could be worth $1,000,000 and why.
Lininger bought a Hummer used by CNN to cover the war in Iraq. The proceeds from this sale will go to the Fisher House Foundation, who temporarily … (4 comments)
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washington: Everett, WA Is Finally Growing Up - 01/20/07 11:17 AM
Everett is finally "growing up". A major riverfront land deal nears closing. The California company will bring back to life for people what was used only for industry. The dream of an upscale place to shop, dine, work, live and play is starting to take shape. Best yet the development … (1 comments)
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washington: "The State of Real Estate" - 01/19/07 02:46 PM
I was just featured in the January/February issue of the "Residential Specialist", the CRS publication out.
The article "The State of Real Estate" presents the real estate market over the U. S. and what is currently happening in each of our markets. It's interesting to see how markets are changing in certain … (3 comments)
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washington: State's Job Numbers Show Strength - 01/15/07 04:34 PM
This excerpt taken from the NWREporter February 2007 will give you a picture of the healthy workforce and economy that Washington is currently ejoying. This means we need more affordable housing in our local areas so that people can live in the towns in which they work thus stopping congestion on … (0 comments)
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washington: Everett, Washington (The Other Washington) - 10/24/06 11:21 AM
Everett, WA, 25 miles North of Seattle, originally an old mill town, is now an "All American City" with over 97,500 residents. Everett has sister city relationships with Sovetskaya Gavan, Russia; Iwakumi, Japan; and Kligo, Ireland.
Everett is the sixth largest city in the State of Washington and is home to the … (8 comments)
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washington: Leader or Follower - Thought of the Week - 10/20/06 03:38 PM
Which one are you?
I just attended a Leadership Workshop for the Board of Realtos presented by Jim Manke, CAE. Jim was a dynamic presenter and I'd like to share some of his thoughts on leadership with you.
~~~Leading is Not Managing
~~~Leaders have Clear Vision
~~~Leaders have Courage
~~~Leaders are Consistant
~~~Leaders Dream Big
~~~Leaders are … (0 comments)
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washington: REALTOR® vs. Agent - What You Don't Know - 10/20/06 11:27 AM
I was showing properties to an investor the other day. It's interesting the response, or lack thereof, I tried to get from listing agents trying to get information we need to put together an offer.
We visited a condo conversion site - no agent on site there. I called the listing agents, both … (1 comments)
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washington: Affordable Housing in Everett and Snohomish County - 10/19/06 02:50 PM
I just attended a breakfast meeting this morning held by The Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County.
Here are some scary statistics: "It would take close to four waiters, each with a median annual income of $18K, pooling their resources, to afford a single-family home in Snohomish County."
"It would take … (10 comments)
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washington: Now It's Here -- Now It's Not - 10/18/06 07:23 PM
It's the disappering water act. I'm sure you've all been there. Sold a home to a relocation buyer from Colorado. We had our inspection yesterday. Upon arrival at the home there was a very soggy front yard, with water draining down the sidewalk into the street. After walking around to the … (2 comments)
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washington: For Pet Lovers - 10/15/06 02:19 PM
I've recently had to put a two year old toy yorkie down for kidney failure. It broke my spirit. He was the happiest dog I've ever had. Always stuck close to me, used to sit on my neck when I was at the computer.
I was cleaning out my "in basket" today … (21 comments)
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washington: Active Rain - 10/15/06 11:34 AM
Well, it seems after a beautiful "Indian Summer" winter has set it.
It's Sunday in Seattle and raining, dark and raining. And when I say raining, it's "Active Raining". We are getting it in buckets.
Oh, well, better that than snow! Besides, looking at it from a positive standpoint, our rain makes everything green … (3 comments)
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washington: Attention Buyers: What is an ABR? - 10/10/06 09:05 PM
What is ABR®?
The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYERS AGENT Council (REBAC) of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who met the specified educational and practical experience criteria. The criteria are:
Completed … (4 comments)
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washington: Take Time for a Soldier - 10/09/06 05:50 PM
Xerox Corporation is sponsoring this site letssaythanks.com. You can send a complimentary printed post card to military personnel stationed overseas to show your appreciation and support for their service to our country. You can chose from many designs; however, you cannot choose who to send it to.
These cards depicting patriotic scenes and hometown images … (7 comments)
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washington: Thought For The Week - 10/08/06 06:10 PM
Years ago when I first made Platinum Club in RE/MAX my husband gave me a plaque that sits on my desk. I don't know who the author is, sorry. but I want to share it with you. This is my mantra and I say it everyday.
DESIRE
"Some succeed because they are destined … (18 comments)
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washington: "I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet" - 10/08/06 11:03 AM
Did you feel anything, I didn't either. However, residents in East King and Pierce Counties did. There was a 4.5 earthquake 8 miles east of Mt. Rainier last night at 7:35 p.m.
I find that interesting because my dogs were quite restless around that time. It's amazing what they can sense. They … (6 comments)
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washington: Do You Know Where You Are Going? - 10/07/06 06:41 PM
A dear friend of mine shared this story with me and I want to share it with you. Look at your business - do you treat it as a business - are you professional - did you buy a "new suit" - do you know where you are going?
Billy Graham is … (5 comments)
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washington: Buckeye Football - Champions in the Making - 10/07/06 06:12 PM
So another big win for the Buckeyes. Wow what a game. I missed some of it to show homes. So Elaine Reese, grease your buckeye, you'll be headed to Arizona for the big game. We should meet up. My buckeye flag is flying proudly on the porch and my "nuts are … (4 comments)
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washington: Full Service vs. Limited Service - 10/06/06 07:14 PM
As I was preparing my tour today for my relocation buyer, a listing popped up that I thought I might include in my tour. However, when I read it over, I was taken back. It was entered by a limited service broker. Most of the listing information was blank, no diretions … (11 comments)
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washington: National Champions? - 09/30/06 10:37 PM
Non-real estate related, but I have do brag. Do I smell a National Championship for the Ohio State Buckeyes? What a game Saturday nite against Iowa. We have the Ohio State Flag flying on the front porch. If you've never seen game day at the "Shoe" in Columbus and the Ohio State … (10 comments)
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washington: Buyer Tips - 09/27/06 08:16 PM
Knowledge is power, but where do you go to educate yourself about the home buying process? It's a complicated one and you really need to understand the full process.
By reading my book, "How To Make Your Realtor Get You The Best Deal," Washington State Edition. You will learn money saving tips … (7 comments)
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washington: Regional Real Estate Outlook - 09/27/06 05:32 PM
I was just interviewed by Bridget McCrea from The Residential Specialist (The CRS Magazine) for the January-February issue regarding our regional real estate outlook. Here were two of her questions.
How would I characterize our market? Our median sales price in Snohomish County has increased anywhere from 14% to 36%(closer to the King … (7 comments)
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washington: A Washington Realtor's® Job - 09/26/06 01:47 PM
Many of you think that when we find your dream property, write an offer and get it accepted, our job is done. Far from that point…..our job is just beginning.
In addition to helping you find your dream home through the listings we have sent you, making appointments to show you … (2 comments)
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washington: Do I Really Own My Home? - 09/25/06 12:15 PM
You've found that dream home, completed the purchase and escrow, finally got those keys and moved in. All is well. Do you really own your home? You now have payments that you make to the "bank gods" that lent you the money for this purchase. However, what are your rights?
In the … (0 comments)
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washington: Seahawk Sunday Update - 09/24/06 04:33 PM
I certainly can't compete with Tony Barnett's description about the Seahawk game, but here goes in a woman's perspective:
OK - it's sunny and a balmy warm day in Seattle - I think I need to find my sunglasses (as Washingtonians we generally lose our sunglasses). Well, it would be a really … (7 comments)
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washington: Tips For Presenting Counter Offers - 09/24/06 10:31 AM
Whether we are representing the buyer or seller, we often get into counter offer situations. Here's a few tips to help you negotiate:
1. Get buyer prepared before you write the original offer. If they are coming in extremely low, let them know that the seller may counter back somewhere in between. I always … (11 comments)
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washington: Snohomish County Ball Fields - 09/23/06 05:34 PM
We have had a lack of public playing fields in Snohomish County for many years. With the onslaught of homebuyers in our area, it seems we can't keep up in the sports arena.
Citizens responded to this lack by construction playing fields on their own local farmlands. Our County Executive, Aaron … (2 comments)
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washington: Air Card vs. PDA - 09/22/06 11:39 AM
I use a Treo 650 cell phone. It carries my data base, I can retreive email, my RE/MAX leads are text messaged to me and it opens my Supra e-key boxes. Along with that I pay for an unlimited data plan so I can carry my MLS information at my finger … (17 comments)
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washington: Builder Mistakes, Oops, They Happen? - 09/20/06 07:06 PM
My client sold his townhome and purchased a high rise condo that was a conversion. Naturally, the builder was offering a $4000 credit toward closing costs if you worked with his lender. I rarely advise my clients in this direction; however this savings was substantial and could not be matched by … (13 comments)
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washington: A Weekend in the Life of a Washingtonian - 09/19/06 09:11 PM
Having taken a weekend away on a cruise ship out of Seattle to Victoria, B.C. and Nanaimo, B. C., I would like to share my experiences with you.
Leaving Pier 66 in Downtown Seattle was breathtaking. Blue skies, you ask? Yes, but we won't tell anyone.
The Space Needle is to the … (7 comments)
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washington: "Hanging Chads" for Snohomish County? - 09/13/06 12:51 AM
This is the first election of Snohomish County's ALL-MAIL ballots. The first problem they noticed the other day was the ballot, when taken to the post office for postage, was weighing in a little heavier than first class postage causing citizens to pay for additional postage. But what about the ballots … (2 comments)
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washington: Buying Property on Tulalip Indian Reservation - 09/12/06 02:19 PM
If many of you are not aware, when you purchase a home that is situated on the Tulalip Indian Reservation part of your closings costs are a 1% tax that goes to the Tribe in addition to our Real Estate Excise Tax of 1.78%. We were just notified by an escrow … (2 comments)
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washington: Everett, Washington Weather Report - 09/12/06 10:52 AM
OK, someone flipped the "weather switch" here. We've had a marvelous summer. Dry and hot for these parts of the US. However, you can "wind your watch", or "take it to the bank" that when September comes, so does the change in the weather. We've been experiencing 75 degree and sunny … (2 comments)
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washington: Glorious Weather - 07/20/06 10:41 PM
We are having the best summer; hot sunny days of 80 degrees with a cool evening of 65 degrees. When the sun shines here there is no prettier place on earth. It is a fact that Washington sells more sunglasses per capita than anyplace else. Why, you ask? Well, our beautiful … (2 comments)
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washington: Post-Contract Pitfalls - 07/08/06 07:14 PM
Post-Contract PitfallsSelling a home is like climbing Mount Everest – getting a signed contract is a great accomplishment, but that's only half the journey. The typical home sale today involves more than 20 steps after the initial contract is accepted to complete the transaction.Much of what needs to be done before … (4 comments)
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washington: Home Tax Increase - 07/08/06 07:11 PM
Washington REALTORS Stopped The Home TaxWashington REALTORs efforts to “Stop the Home Tax” yielded a decisive victory. Before the State Leglislative session started the powerful $1 million issue advocacy campaign along with the heroic efforts of thousands of REALTORS® rallying throughout the state, strong bi-partisan support from legislators, and the strength … (0 comments)
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