What is Escrow and what does "It" do? - 09/29/09 06:52 PM
Have you wondered what Escrow is and what does "It" do? 
The term "escrow" is used in different contexts, but really isn't as mysterious as it sounds.  Escrow is simply a neutral third party.
You might hear the term "escrow" in conjunction with a reserve account for taxes and insurance that a lender is paying for on behalf of their customer or the term "escrow" in conjunction with a collection of a Promissory Note.
Whether you are buying or selling property, your real estate agent may suggest an escrow agent to handle the closing of your transaction.
So what is escrow all … (4 comments)

What Agents should look for in selecting an Escrow Officer - 09/25/09 05:13 PM
What do you look for in your Escrow Officer? 
Your closing agent should be experienced, but not insensitive to what the buyer and or seller is experiencing.  This is one of the biggest moments in their lives and your closing agent can help alleviate that feeling by talking with the customers in advance of closing and taking "the mystery" out of the process.
Your customers will be calmer and clearer when they know what to expect during the escrow transaction.
Of course, your closing agent needs to be focused on meeting the deadlines of the transaction and if they clash … (0 comments)

Opportunity to expand the Home Buyers Tax Credit! - 09/24/09 12:38 PM
This is your opportunity to expand the Home Buyers Tax Credit.
I received this article just this morning and I wanted to share it right away so that you can help make a difference.
Julie
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Imagine ... A Pre Closing appointment with escrow. - 09/14/09 02:38 PM
Do you hear that?  No?  Perfect!  Your buyers and or sellers are not calling you over and over again to see if you have heard anything from Escrow?  Why?  It is because I have already contact them to see if they are interested in a Pre Closing, Closing.  There are so many new people buying and selling properties, that it only makes sense to see if they want to go over the process of their closing early.
Imagine...A Pre Closing appointment with escrow.
I will be contacting you first to confirm that you are in the loop of the discussions, if … (4 comments)

Who do you call first when you are having computer problems? - 09/09/09 05:59 PM
Yesterday I noticed a problem sending and receiving emails, about one half hour into my day.  I did what I was taught to do, when in doubt "reboot"!
That action allowed the one email to go out and then I noticed other problems, i.e., unable to log into a non-web program and documents not scanning to the computer.
So who do you call first when you have computer problems?  I called the company that owned the program first, then the copy/scanner company next, then the internet company next and then the company that provides my internet ISP Address.  After hours of … (11 comments)

It is time to Bumbershoot in the Northwest! - 09/04/09 11:54 AM
Are you ready for your labor day weekend?  I sure am - I have my Bumbershoot ticket in one hand and my Bumbershoot (umbrella) in the other, ready to celebrate with tens of thousands of other enthusiastic performing arts fans. 
Seattle has had the nicest summer that I can remember, however mother nature is coming back this week and will be enhancing our green lands with additional rain.   (Active Rain came by their name very naturally)
Have a fabulous Holiday!
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I ponder yet another question ... anybody know the answer? - 09/03/09 06:19 PM
After being out of the business for a few months, I come back to much the same atmosphere that I left it:  Lots and lots of short sales with new FHA financing.
My first deal right out of the shoot was such a transaction and the loan officer was looking for her signed around Amendatory Clause before she could order loan documents.   I asked her if this was a new FHA requirement and she said it was.  No problem, my people are all dialed in with the internet and it didn't take long, but I was just so surprised.
A couple … (4 comments)