real estate: Having Issues with Mortgage Fraud Article - 06/04/08 10:39 AM
This is an excellent article from USA Today on one aspect of mortgage fraud and how it is committed. The article explains how a team of "professionals" can use a "straw buyer" (think of the story of the three pigs) to steal tens of thousands of dollars from a bank and … (17 comments)
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real estate: "Well, I don't have to, but..." - 05/19/08 10:58 PM
Apparently, there is a checklist at many of the larger brokerages in Washington State for agents to follow during a transaction. These checklists are inaccurate, and if brokers and agents were paying attention, they might realize this.
Lately, agents have been asking me for a copy of the earnest money check … (7 comments)
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real estate: I've Become One of Them (And Guess Who's Fault It Is?) - 04/22/08 06:13 PM
First, let me just say that the final transformation is pretty much Active Rain's fault. And even if it isn't really, let me believe that it is because I have to blame someone. So tonight, that would be all of you.
I never meant to be one of them, but it happened … (38 comments)
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real estate: I am NOT a Bottom-feeder! - 04/03/08 03:57 AM
A post by Pacita Dimacali entitled "Bottom-Feeders?" is actually a post about whether short sales or bank foreclosures are better options for investments. One of her commenters is quite opinionated on the subject of "Bottom-feeders", however. This commenter vehemently pushes the idea that agents who represent investors who look for short sale opportunities are flawed individuals … (19 comments)
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real estate: Calling Manette "Home" - Manette, Bremerton - 04/03/08 02:11 AM
The neighborhood of Manette is located on the east side of Bremerton on the hill of Point Herron. Many of the Manette homes have a fantastic view of the water as well as the mountains. Residents can often see the ferry coming in from Seattle as the sun sets over the Olympic Mountains. Manette … (1 comments)
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real estate: Old Fashioned Bridge in Manette, Bremerton, WA - 04/03/08 02:04 AM
The Manette Bridge played a significant role in the building and expansion of Bremerton. Built during the Great Depression, the Manette Bridge is the oldest of two bridges that connect East Bremerton to West Bremerton.
In this photo, Manette is to the right, West Bremerton on the left side. The Port Washington … (2 comments)
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real estate: Selling Your Historic Home - 04/03/08 01:45 AM
Selling a historic home often involves more emotion than logic, both for the seller and the buyer. In order to get the highest sale price possible for your historic home, we may need to go the extra mile.
Do some research into the history of the home, going back to the original owners of … (5 comments)
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real estate: The Market in Kitsap County - March 2008 - 04/02/08 07:37 PM
It is definitely a Buyer's Market in Kitsap County! Listings are up, sales are down, and interest rates are excellent.
As of March 31, 2008, there were 2343 single family detached homes listed by real estate agents in Kitsap County. If no other homes were listed for sale in Kitsap County, … (2 comments)
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real estate: Beat the Buyer's Market - Selling Your Home in Kitsap County - 04/02/08 12:18 PM
Even though it is a "Buyer's Market" in Kitsap County and across the country, We can still sell your home. However, there are several things you must keep in mind in order to do so.
To sell your Kitsap County home, you must price it right, show it perfectly, and market it aggressively. … (4 comments)
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real estate: A Ferry, A Tunnel, and Sewage - 04/01/08 01:43 PM
The Washington State Department of Transportation ferry terminal in Bremerton, WA is not very pretty right now. Construction workers have dug up a huge section of road that begins in the ferry's auto-waiting lot, where drivers park there cars as they wait to load them on the ferry. The construction ends … (3 comments)
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real estate: HUGE Rotary Garage Sale Scheduled April 19 - 03/28/08 08:20 PM
The 11th Annual RAGS (Rotary Annual Garage Sale) event is being held at the Kitsap Sun Pavilion and the Vanzee building at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds on April 19, 2008.
If you have never been to a RAGS event, put this on your calendar! There are deals to be had, with … (2 comments)
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real estate: A Short Trip for the USS John C. Stennis - 03/28/08 11:01 AM
The USS John C. Stennis spent the week at sea for sea trials after a long maintenance period at the Puget Sound Shipyard. They are returning as we speak!
My son and I are sitting at my mom and dad's beachfront home, watching Adam's Daddy's ship come in on this chilly, gray March morning.
They … (7 comments)
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real estate: Charming, Rustic Brownsville Marina - 03/28/08 01:39 AM
Boaters in Kitsap County have a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to moorage, especially when travelling away from home. Guest moorage can be found at many marinas in Kitsap County, including the Port of Silverdale, Port of Bremerton, Port of Poulsbo, and Liberty Bay.
However, if you … (3 comments)
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real estate: Success: Do I Have To? - 03/24/08 02:29 AM
A question was brought up today on Active Rain by fellow blogger Guy Giminez: what is your definition of success?
In my opinion, a mature, fulfilling answer would suggest that success is the journey, not necessarily the goal. Success is not about reaching a goal, but would focus on the path in getting … (10 comments)
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real estate: Will the New Lowe's Opening in Silverdale Succeed? - 03/19/08 03:13 PM
Earlier this week, The Kitsap Sun newspaper ran a story regarding a new Lowe's store, slated to open in Silverdale at the corner of Myhre and Mickleberry roads toward the end of the year.
Will this Lowe's store be a success? There is already a large Home Depot store in Silverdale, … (4 comments)
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real estate: Military Appreciation Day at Kitsap Mall March 29,2008 - 03/17/08 11:14 PM
Military Appreciation Day at Kitsap Mall is scheduled for next Saturday, March 29, 2008. This annual event, sponsored by Kitsap Mall, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, and local military installations, is a salute to our military men and women as well as their families.
Local businesses will be on hand offering demonstrations of … (0 comments)
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real estate: Famous Dave's Opens in Silverdale! - 03/17/08 04:27 PM
Famous Dave's, the largest barbecue franchise in the nation, has opened a restaurant in Silverdale! The grand opening was today, March 17, 2008, at 3276 NW Plaza Road, between Pier One Imports and Target.
I first became familiar with Famous Dave's when my friend and past client Tara S. heard we were moving to … (8 comments)
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real estate: KitsapKids Playground in Bremerton, WA: Naval Base Kitsap - 03/15/08 08:53 PM
What would happen if you asked children to design their own playground? What would that playground look like? What would a child's imagination conjure up?
To find out, spend some time at one of my favorite play areas in Kitsap County -- KitsapKids Playground at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds!
The playground was designed … (4 comments)
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real estate: 2950 Delphi Court, Bremerton, WA 98311 - 03/15/08 08:10 PM
Imagine entertaining in this updated, warm kitchen. This large home has three bedrooms, two baths and a two-car garage. The living area feels spacious, with separate living and dining rooms attached to an open kitchen with an eating bar. The custom, built-in entertainment center surrounding a brick fireplace adds to the … (2 comments)
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real estate: Bremerton's Rolling Hills Golf Course: Naval Base Kitsap - 03/14/08 10:20 PM
You've just gotten back from three months at sea. The sun is shining, it's nice and warm, and it's 4:00 Friday afternoon. What are you going to do now?
Rolling Hills Golf Course In Bremerton, WA, may just be the thing for you! The 18 hole, regulation-length golf course is open to the … (0 comments)
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real estate: Spring in Silverdale means playing and boating in Silverdale: Naval Base Kitsap - 03/12/08 03:04 AM
If you are new to Kitsap County and have just reported to Naval Base Kitsap, you may be wondering what to do in the area as spring approaches.
Silverdale Waterfront Park is a wonderful 17 acre recreation facility by Kitsap Parks and Recreation located right in the heart of Silverdale! The park … (14 comments)
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real estate: Please welcome my dear friend Linda Camarot to AR! - 03/12/08 01:15 AM
Linda Camarot is the broker and owner of Harbor Real Estate NW. She specializes in selling Bainbridge Island properties.
I have known Linda longer than I have known my husband. And she and I are going to tackle the internet world together, I'm so excited!
Actually, Linda attended my bachelorette party. We … (9 comments)
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real estate: Mandi, I take it back... - 03/04/08 06:56 AM
I made a mistake today. I gave a knee-jerk reponse to someone asking for my advice, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that I was wrong.
A fellow Navy spouse and Kitsap Moms Meetup member emailed me earlier. She and her family will be PCSing in early … (12 comments)
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real estate: Adding Absorption Rates to Listing Presentations - 02/27/08 02:20 PM
What is the absorption rate in your area? Do you know? Do you use them in your listing presentations?
The absorption rate is the percentage of homes on the market that sell in any given month. The absorption rate assumes that no other homes will be listed before the current inventory runs out. … (11 comments)
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real estate: Would you fire your real estate agent? (a small rant) - 02/25/08 02:13 PM
Let me ask you this:
If your financial advisor suggested you buy a certain stock and the company tanked, costing you tens of thousands of dollars, would you keep asking the same financial advisor for his advice? What if your financial advisor declared personal bankruptcy? Would you rush to purchase the next stock he … (6 comments)
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real estate: I must need professional help! - 02/25/08 01:00 AM
I am not a stupid person. (At least, my mother tells me I'm not.) But I can't keep up with all the social networking that apparently needs to take place in the Web 2.0 world. I can barely keep up with the routine internet marketing available for my listings!
I set up a … (11 comments)
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real estate: This post is worth $100!!!! - 02/16/08 01:02 AM
Well, I certainly got your attention, didn't I?
Yes, seriously, you can make $100 for doing a few simple things that many of us should be doing anyway - saving and investing. Perhaps there is another, less risky, short-term way to do that than investing and buying a home in Bremerton, in … (16 comments)
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real estate: A Successful Valentine's Day - 02/14/08 02:38 AM
I got a jump start on Valentine's Day pop-by visits this year, and spent the better part of two days reconnecting with my old sphere. I bought some cute little plastic jars at Walmart, filled them with candy, and delivered them to some people I haven't spoken to in a while.
What … (9 comments)
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real estate: My first sign of blogging success.... - 01/13/08 11:52 PM
I started blogging because of Active Rain. Most of my posts have been to the Active Rain website, then I may cross-post to my other blog. But everything goes here, on AR.
My point in blogging is to become the expert, the one who knows all kinds of stuff about Bremerton … (14 comments)
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real estate: Sometimes fear can be a good thing.... - 01/13/08 11:46 AM
My life has not been an easy one. I am not complaining, mind you. It is just a statement of fact.
I was a child of divorce, then remarriage into a navy family. A good life, but one with special challenges. At the age of ten, I developed Diabetes Type I. … (35 comments)
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real estate: Can You Buy with BAH? - 01/13/08 04:10 AM
"We want to buy a house, and we're probably going to use our VA loan. Can you tell us how much we can afford? We'd like to keep our payments below our BAH."
I can't tell you how many times I have heard young military couples (and a few singles) tell me … (8 comments)
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real estate: Did BAH increase enough for you to buy your home? - 01/01/08 09:23 PM
The good news is that BAH rates went up for every paygrade in Kitsap County in 2008. The bad news? Well, it didn't go up much for some paygrades.
For enlisted with dependents, BAH went up an average of 10%. Officers with dependents saw an average increase of about 12%. Don't get … (5 comments)
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real estate: Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Kitsap County - 12/29/07 03:12 AM
The Christmas hoopla is over. Time to take the lights down, pack away the ornaments, put away the inflatable "Frosty" lawn spectacle (or, in my family's case, the Home Depot and Lowe's cars currently racing across our front lawn), and make your home look a little less glitzy.
Now, what to do with … (3 comments)
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real estate: Your home's personal website - 12/22/07 10:46 PM
Kitsap Real Estate is changing. From Bremerton to Seabeck, Port Orchard to Poulsbo, Silverdale to Kingston, the way we Realtors do business is steadily becoming more and more influenced by the internet. At Realty Station our goal is to stay ahead of the times!Many people these days do not begin their … (10 comments)
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real estate: DON'T send a Christmas card to our soldiers..... - 12/12/07 06:09 PM
It's a nice idea, really. I was about to send one myself, until my husband, currently stationed aboard the USS John C. Stennis, stopped me.
"That's nice, honey, but it'll never reach anyone."
At first I didn't believe him, but then we watched the news last night. It was covered on at … (8 comments)
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real estate: Sorry for the offer, but.... - 12/02/07 10:38 PM
I read someone else's featured post today, and found many of the comments very interesting, almost as interesting as the blog post itself. There are so many things in real estate that frustrate us, but before we rush to judge, I think we should all take the time to realize that there are always two sides...
Mr. … (12 comments)
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real estate: Toys for Tots takes over Kitsap Fairgrounds - 12/01/07 05:05 AM
On December 15 from 10 am to 2 pm, low income families can go to the Kitsap Pavilion at the Kitsap Fairgrounds and get a bag of toys for their children.
Volunteers from Toys for Tots have spent the last several weeks wrapping holiday gifts for children of financially challenged families. … (2 comments)
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real estate: KitsapWithKids: Dr. Seuss Comes Alive in Port Orchard - 11/29/07 08:40 PM
Western Washington Center for the Arts is performing a wonderful musical adaptation of several Dr. Seuss books. This show is sure to please children of all ages, and parents as well!
"Seussical" the musical, once played on Broadway, is a charming menagerie of many different classic children's books including The Cat in … (0 comments)
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real estate: Product Placement: Can it work for us too? - 11/29/07 12:45 AM
When you watch a movie and the star takes a drink of Pepsi (holding the Pepsi can so you can clearly see the logo on the can) you are witnessing 'product placement'. Pepsi paid good money so the star would drink their product in the movie. Does this little bit of … (44 comments)
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real estate: The Accuracy of Zestimates: A Conversation with Rich Barton - 11/26/07 03:58 PM
During the National Association of Realtors Conference and Expo in Las Vegas, I had an opportunity to hear Rich Barton, Chairman and CEO of Zillow.com, speak about Zillow's interactions and future plans for the real estate community. He was an excellent speaker, very animated in his remarks, and actually very funny. … (14 comments)
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real estate: 2145 E. Highlands Street, Bremerton, WA 98310 - 11/26/07 05:02 AM
Wonderful Craftsman-style home for sale in one of Bremerton's most sought after neighborhoods, Manette!
Charm of yesteryear abounds in this home with four bedrooms and one and three-quarter baths. Large one-story home with finished basement has more than 2,000 square feet.
Views of the city, sound, and ferries from the covered deck of this … (10 comments)
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real estate: Vflyer vs. Real Estate Shows, and other techno questions..... - 11/25/07 12:26 AM
I admit it, I am a newbie. And not just to Active Rain, but to technology in general. I've decided to go at this full-force, but boy! There is a really steep learning curve here!
I want to become known in my area for using all the internet technology that I can … (14 comments)
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real estate: Holiday Pop-By Gifts - 11/20/07 07:19 PM
The holidays are a perfect time to say "Thanks" to those people who have been your biggest supporters in real estate, as well as in other areas of your life. Your gift list should definitely include anyone who has sent you a referral in the past year, as well as favorite clients.
This can … (30 comments)
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real estate: Writing a Press Release - 11/19/07 01:41 AM
A word of warning -- press releases tend to be pretty boring. No way around it. But, we all need to write them, or have someone write them for us. For print marketing, what better way to go than "FREE"!
Basically, a press release is a small, short news article that will … (14 comments)
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real estate: NAR Convention 2007: Tuesday's Update - 11/14/07 05:01 AM
Today was a good day in Las Vegas. I was able to hear three excellent speakers and one ok speaker. I got to meet several smart, witty, sharing associates, including Jeff Turner of Real Estate Shows, Jennifer Allen of Sell with Soul, Daniel and Kari Rothamel and Dustin Lutherof Move.com and … (13 comments)
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real estate: Broker's Opens Don't Work!!!! Unless.... - 11/10/07 11:41 PM
The typical broker's open houses don't work in our marketplace. If you are one of the lucky few who are in the areas of Kitsap that still do weekly tours, great, jump in and good luck. If you aren't (like us poor Bremerton folk), well, heaven help you!
But, that doesn't mean … (13 comments)
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real estate: Wildlife lover? Pacific Northwest Native? Patriotic American? Audubon? - 11/10/07 06:10 PM
Each area across the country offers a little something for everyone, but in Washington State, we take care of everything in one fantastic package...
These photos were taken on my parents' beach. They have a wonderful waterfront log cabin. My son adores playing on the beach, and his Grand-dad enjoys spending time out there … (6 comments)
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real estate: Title and Escrow Junk Fees? You bet! - 11/10/07 03:53 AM
I had a rude awakening yesterday...
I was at the closing table at a local escrow company, an escrow company that has served me well over the past ten years. The escrow company and title company are owned under the same umbrella. In other words, the title and escrow company are, in … (3 comments)
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real estate: Disconnect? I think not... - 11/10/07 03:25 AM
I had an interesting conversation today with a very experienced, mildly successful agent here in my area. I had just told her how much I wanted to get an offer on a short sale listing I have, because my clients just needed to walk away from the house as well as … (3 comments)
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real estate: There is NO SUCH THING as a VA Inspector!!!! - 11/07/07 11:50 PM
Last night we taught another of our classes, "How to Buy a Home with Your VA Loan". The myths and misconceptions and just-plain-bad information surrounding this fantastic military benefit still amaze me. I've been doing this for years and it shouldn't surprise me, but it always does.
The most widespread mistake … (20 comments)
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real estate: USS John C Stennis Education Fair - 11/07/07 03:08 AM
This is the chance to advance in your career and begin planning for your career after retirement!
Use your GI Bill benefits to get your degree while still receiving your military pay check!
The USS Stennis is sponsoring an education fair, featuring more than 25 colleges and universities from around the country offering … (0 comments)
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real estate: Give Life to a Military Service Member - 11/07/07 02:53 AM
You have the ability to save the life of a wounded service member or a member of their family!
By donating blood through the ASBP, you support our military and their families. All blood donated through ASBP goes directly to military men and women, both at home and abroad, as well as their … (0 comments)
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real estate: Dangers of Overpricing Your Home - 11/03/07 01:41 AM
Many Sellers have the mistaken idea that they should price their home a little higher than they expect to get for the sale of their home. Please, do NOT fall into this trap! In today's market, homes need to be priced aggressively in order to attract ready, willing and able Buyers … (2 comments)
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real estate: Silverdale Kohl's Grand Opening Scheduled - 10/29/07 02:34 AM
The newest addition to the Kitsap Mall in Silverdale is getting ready to open its doors to the public!
Kohl's Department Store will have its Grand Opening on November 14, 2007. Kohl's offers quality name-brand items at great values. The store carries everything from fashion, jewelry and cosmetics to kitchen decor and toys.
According to … (1 comments)
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real estate: Free VA Class Offered to Kitsap County - 10/29/07 01:50 AM
Be prepared when you buy your first home!
Military home buyers are invited to a free seminar on using a VA loan to purchase a home. The class will be held on the Bangor Submarine Base on November 6, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The class is free to active duty and … (1 comments)
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real estate: Agent Assignment for Success 10/25 - 10/25/07 09:30 AM
New Agents! Seasoned Agents! Any Agent looking to rev up their production!
DO THIS TODAY!
Sit down and think of five people you haven't spoken to in the last three weeks. Find their phone number. Call them!
Choose your favorite of the five and invite them to coffee next week.
Choose your next favorite three and … (3 comments)
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real estate: Getting Around the Do-Not-Call List - 10/25/07 04:26 AM
If you are a newer real estate agent, your broker might give you a phone book and tell you to start making phone calls. Perhaps the broker gives you a stack of papers and tells you to call "Expired" listings. Worse yet, the broker may give you a newspaper and may … (15 comments)
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real estate: Tips on Working with Short Sale Listings - 10/24/07 01:16 PM
When you take a listing that may be a short sale, the first thing you need to do is get a letter of authorization from the seller. This letter should include the name of the lender, the account number of the loan, and the signature of the seller or sellers. This … (3 comments)
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real estate: Protecting Your Identity - Protecting Your SSN - 10/24/07 12:38 PM
Having been in real estate for more than ten years, I have seen first-hand the devastating effects caused by identity theft. One of my clients, looking to buy his family's first home in Silverdale, was referred to one of my mortgage lenders. Everything looked good during the pre-qualification, but when they … (3 comments)
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real estate: A True Moving Story - 10/23/07 02:19 AM
My husband told me of a conversation he had with one of his fellow service members on the USS John C. Stennis. I met this man and his wife a few weeks ago, very nice couple that I am looking forward to getting to know better.
This couple had moved here … (6 comments)
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real estate: VA Home Loans in Kitsap County - 10/22/07 01:53 AM
In the past several years, FHA and VA loans have become unpopular. Withe so many other options, options that were often "easier" for loan officers to get and process, federally-insured loans largely fell by the wayside. Now, the mortgage industry has tightened their guidelines significantly, and all those 100% loans are all-but-impossible to … (1 comments)
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real estate: Clients Refinancing an ARM - 10/17/07 05:27 AM
A real estate client/friend called me the other day. She was in a rather panicked state. She had bought her home in Port Orchard, Kitsap County (with another Realtor, I might add) and had used an Adjustable Rate Mortgage at the time. Her interest rate was set to begin increasing soon, … (3 comments)
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