What Is It About Keller Williams? - 03/29/11 01:06 AM
Tara Woods live in Arizona, and is a virtual assistant for a number of real estate agents.
She wrote a blog about Keller Williams, a company she never worked for.
I am reblogging her post, because she seems to have captured the essence of what Keller Williams offers.
Via Tara Woods Virtual Assistant, Real Estate (Real Estate Virtual Assistant):
What Is It About Keller Williams?
 
When I was an agent, I didn't even work at Keller Williams. I was a Tarbell agent. At that time, I felt like they were supportive and helpful to their agents. Now I primarily work as a … (7 comments)

Don’t let “Days On Market” Determine Your Offering Price - 03/28/11 12:29 AM
Don’t let “Days On Market” Determine Your Offering PriceDon’t let “Days On Market” Determine Your Offering Price!Using “days on market” as a guide to make a low offer could be a bad idea!This listing was reassigned to me by the asset manager. It had been listed for almost a year, with three different REO agents.I was the fourth agent, and there had also been four offers that got to mutual acceptance over the year period.When the home was assigned to me, the bank also told me they were dropping the price (again) by $10,000.This was a fairly large home in a … (3 comments)

We Change a Light Bulb - 03/27/11 10:30 AM
We Change a Light BulbWe Change a Light BulbOur house has a very tall porch in front of the door. At the top of this porch are two lights, to keep it light at night.One of the bulbs went out. My grandson was over, so I thought - what a great project! We can do it together.My favorite part of the video is - we are 20 feet up in the air, about to take out the old light bulb. My grandson wants me to show him the video I am taking of the event!!It was fun. Mission accomplished. No one … (7 comments)

Open House Today Sunday, March 27 for a New Construction in Rose Hill, Kirkland Washington - 03/27/11 05:25 AM
Open House Today Sunday, March 27 for a New Construction in Rose Hill, Kirkland WashingtonOpen House Today Sunday, March 27 for a New Construction in Rose Hill, Kirkland WashingtonI am conducting an open house today, Sunday March 27, 2011. It is at 9315 126th Ave NE, Kirkland Washington.This is the last home available of these four homes built by Sinclair Thimgan Construction in this little neighborhood.The price dropped from $668,000 to $645,000 to $625,000. At this price I know it will sell soon, because it is now a hot buy. Four bedrooms, plus bonus room plus a fantastic master suite. Stop … (2 comments)

The Hunt for the Home - David and Ashley - 03/27/11 04:40 AM
The Hunt for the Home - David and AshleyThe Hunt for the Home - David and AshleyThe quest is noble. To find a home for the expanding family with the arrival of the upcoming baby. However, the home must be paid for - not with two incomes, but one.Today we looked at a newer log cabin in the middle of the northern part of West Seattle. We also looked at a large bank owned fixer, needing paint, carpet and much more. Then we went to a FNMA owned foreclosure in Beacon Hillo, Seattle.The hunt came up empty. No prized catch today.The … (1 comments)

How to Buy a FNMA Foreclosure - Dewinterization after the close of the purchase. - 03/27/11 04:30 AM
How to Buy a FNMA foreclosureDewinterization after the close of the purchase. FNMA properties are “winterized” during the winter (Sept 1 - May 1.)Winterization is when the water is turned off at the supply in the street, pipes are drained and blown out with air, and biodegradable antifreeze is put in all the drains. Here are directions for dewinterizing the property after the close of the purchase. 1.  Make sure that all of the valves and faucets (including exterior hose bibbs) are in the off position (or closed). Make sure that both the hot and cold lines are securely attached to … (3 comments)

How to Buy a FNMA foreclosure - Part 7 - 03/26/11 05:51 AM
How to Buy a FNMA foreclosure - Part 7The dewinterization process.As soon as the offer is accepted all around (mutual acceptance) you the selling agent need to begin the process of inspecting the property. We assume you have a list of inspectors that you have worked with, or you have some system of helping your buyer select who to have do the inspection.On a property with a person as an owner, you have four concerns:1. Choose a time when the inspector can do the inspection2. Make sure the buyer(s) can take off work and be at the inspection3. Make sure the … (4 comments)

We Install a Computer - 03/25/11 08:52 AM
We Install a ComputerWe Install a ComputerMy grandson is two already. It is high time he learned how to set up and install a computer.The space was designated. The desk was put in the spot.Now to install the computer, piece by piece. He seemed to enjoy cleaning each component before we hooked it together as much as he did plugging each part in.So many things to plug in!Each one a different size, with different characteristics. The USBs are tricky, because they only go in one way, but will not plug in if they are turned the other way. I cheated on … (3 comments)

Bank Owned View Two Bedroom Condo on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, Washington - 03/23/11 05:13 PM

Bank Owned View Two Bedroom Condo on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, WashingtonBank Owned View Two Bedroom Condo on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, WashingtonThis amazing Bank Owned View Two Bedroom Condo on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, Washington on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill is just one block away from the amazing Kerry Park with it sweeping views of downtown Seattle. (Many of the most spectacular shots of downtown Seattle from this Bank Owned View Two Bedroom Condo on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle, Washington with the Space Needle in it are taken from this park)Experience the vibrant city life of … (2 comments)

Bank Owned Condo on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle - 03/23/11 05:59 AM
Bank Owned Condo on Queen Anne Hill, SeattleBank Owned Condo on Queen Anne Hill, SeattleThis amazing view condo on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill is just one block away from the amazing Kerry Park with it sweeping views of downtown Seattle.Experience the vibrant city life of lower Queen Anne and downtown Seatte!There is a nice view of the Sound from the living room.Enjoy two bedrooms and a large living room with a fireplace. The efficiency sized kitchen has a comfortable dining room area attached.There are only 5 units in this complex, and only one of those is rented.
… (2 comments)

1000 2nd Ave W #3, Seattle 98119-3515 - 03/23/11 05:04 AM
1000 2nd Ave W #3, Seattle 98119-35151000 2nd Ave W #3, Seattle 98119-3515This amazing view condo on the south slope of Queen Anne Hill is just one block away from the amazing Kerry Park with it sweeping views of downtown Seattle.Experience the vibrant city life of lower Queen Anne and downtown Seatte!There is a nice view of the Sound from the living room.Enjoy two bedrooms and a large living room with a fireplace. The efficiency sized kitchen has a comfortable dining room area attached.There are only 5 units in this complex, and only one of those is rented.This unit does not … (0 comments)

The Buyer That Wants It The Most Will Get It. - 03/22/11 02:03 AM

The Buyer That Wants It The Most Will Get It.The Buyer That Wants It The Most Will Get It.Most of my bank owned properties end up with multiple offers. Not necessarily right away. Once the price is put into a range that is deemed attractive, more than one buyer notices, and makes an offer through their agent.I think of one listing of mine recently that got 7 offers. After everything was sorted out, there was one offer on the table, and it was making its way through the final approval process. All the other offers had gone away and the … (5 comments)

Orel L. Hershiser, IV - Baseball Great and Inspirational Speaker - 03/20/11 10:25 AM
Orel L. Hershiser, IV - Baseball Great and Inspirational SpeakerOrel L. Hershiser, IV - Baseball Great and Inspirational SpeakerI got to listen to Oral L. Hershisher, IV speak yesterday. Oral L. Hershisher, IV won the Gold Glove, the Cy Young award and World Series Most Valuable Player with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished the 1988 season with an astonishing record of 59 consecutive scoreless innings. That seems like an inconceivable accomplishment until you hear him speak, and discover the inner workings of this amazing athlete.Oral L. Hershisher, IV’s  goal, as a young pitcher, was to be the youngest, smartest, pitcher … (2 comments)

Keller Williams Kirkland Team Meeting March 17, 2011 - 03/20/11 05:27 AM
Keller Williams Kirkland Team Meeting March 17, 2011Keller Williams Kirkland Team Meeting March 17, 2011On Thursday, March 17, 2011 there was a VERY entertaining, VERY engaging team meeting at the office. I did a video of the Keller Williams Kirkland Team Meeting March 17, 2011 for you. 1. It is much longer than normal, at 7 minutes, so be prepared.2. The video for the Keller Williams Kirkland Team Meeting March 17, 2011 was done on my laptop instead of my regular high powered desktop computer. I put music on the video, but the normal software I use was not available on … (0 comments)

All The Buyers You Can Handle - Craigslist 101 - 03/17/11 10:15 AM
All The Buyers You Can Handle - Craigslist 101All The Buyers You Can Handle - Craigslist 101Today I taught a class, along with one of my team members, on how to get all the buyers you can handle from Craigslist.We demonstrated how to do a Craigslist ad of a new listing we had just taken,  from the wonderful new eedge, that Keller Williams just came out with.Then we did it from postlets. They have an html template that you can cut and paste into Craigslist.We showed the attendees, mostly from our office, how to post other peoples listings on Craigslist. Always … (3 comments)

Why Couldn’t We Buy The View House on Beacon Hill, Seattle? - 03/16/11 11:02 AM
Why Couldn’t We Buy The View House on Beacon Hill, Seattle?Why Couldn’t We Buy The View House on Beacon Hill, Seattle?First time buyers. Wanted a great deal. We had been looking for a while. We had even made an offer on a house but couldn’t come to terms. I got an email one day. “We saw this view house on Beacon Hill, Seattle. We even managed to see inside. We want to buy it right now. Could you please draw up an offer for us?”I ran over to the view house on Beacon Hill, Seattle and shot a video, for my … (3 comments)

22015 SE 244th Place, Maple Valley 98038 - 03/16/11 05:07 AM
22015 SE 244th Place, Maple Valley 9803822015 SE 244th Place, Maple Valley 98038This home features a large farm style porch in the front. There is a very large side yard, and a gate in the fully fenced yard to allow covered parking for a boat, pickup truck, camper or RV. It has a master bedroom and bath on the main floor, as well as a formal living and dining area. The kitchen opens up to the family room, and from the eating area there are double sliders going out to a patio behind. Upstairs are two very large bedrooms and a … (2 comments)

The Seller Cashed My Earnest Money and Put it Directly Into Their Account! - 03/14/11 12:44 AM
The Seller Cashed My Earnest Money and Put it Directly Into Their Account!The Seller Cashed My Earnest Money and Put it Directly Into Their Account!In my Ten Rules for Earnest Money, I include this rule.“Don’t give the earnest money directly to the seller.”The reason for that is simple. Once the seller has your earnest money, they can cash it. Once that happens, good luck ever trying to get it back - for any reason at all!That rule reminded me of a story...A property came up on a Saturday morning. I knew right away it was a good price. Ran out to … (12 comments)

What are the homeless people doing at our church? - 03/14/11 12:43 AM
What are the homeless people doing at our church?What are the homeless people doing at our church?We attend a very large church.I came up from the back parking lot, and before I even got into the building I could tell they were homeless. Three of them. There was a back pack, and grocery cart. They were clustered near the back door.One of them, a young guy in his mid twenties greeted me and opened the door to the church. I stepped through. Somehow I automatically went into my white middle class work ethic self righteous mode.“Here I am 60 years old, … (3 comments)

New Electrical Contractors in Our Town - 03/14/11 12:42 AM
New Electrical Contractors in Our TownNew Electrical Contractors in Our TownWhen we built our home 20 years ago I had designed and installed “stair lights” for the front stairs. Three of them, using 15 watt bulbs and rheostatic switches top and bottom.The bulbs had burned out a while ago. I had bought a supply of those low wattage bulbs, but had not installed them recently.My grandson was over last Thursday.That became one of our projects.Watch the inception of:New Electrical Contractors in Our Town

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The Earnest Money - Recap - 03/14/11 12:06 AM
The Earnest Money - RecapThe Earnest Money - RecapHere are all ten posts on earnest money. Read them in order. Read them only as you become interested. Read only the ones you are curious about. Hope they give you a more comprehensive insight into this essential component of buying or selling a property in Washington State.The Earnest Money - Part 1 - 03/08/11 11:21 AM(1 comments) The Earnest Money - Part 2 How Much Should The Earnest Money Be? - 03/09/11 05:25 AM(2 comments)The Earnest Money - Part 3 Who Does the Earnest Money Belong To? - 03/09/11 06:11 AM(32 comments)The … (5 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 10 Ten Rules for Earnest Money - 03/14/11 12:03 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 10Ten Rules for Earnest MoneyThe Earnest Money - Part 10Ten Rules for Earnest MoneyIn the 30 years that I have listed and sold real estate, I have never had a client of mine lose their earnest money to the seller.In the 30 years that I have listed and sold real estate, I have never had a client of mine have their earnest money stolen.In almost every case, earnest money is put up to show earnestness, or seriousness, and it accomplishes its purpose. As the transaction progresses, if there is an issue that causes the buyer to … (0 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 9 What is Default, or Breach of Contract? - 03/11/11 05:39 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 9What is Default, or Breach of Contract?The Earnest Money - Part 9What is Default, or Breach of Contract?*There are often opposing thoughts between the buyer and the seller, about what constitutes a default, or breach of contract, with the subsequent disposition of the earnest money.Some sellers think that if the transaction falls apart at any time, they will automatically get the earnest money. If you have read The Earnest Money - Part 6 How Do I Get the Earnest Money Back?, you know that there are many contingencies that must be met before the earnest money … (2 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 8 Could the Earnest Money Get Stolen? - 03/10/11 10:33 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 8Could the Earnest Money Get Stolen?The Earnest Money - Part 8Could the Earnest Money Get Stolen?The short answer is - Yes.The longer answer is, you have pretty much zero chance of it being stolen if you use a reputable real estate agent, working with a known and reputable real estate company.My longest standing joke around earnest money is the following: When asked, “Who do I make the earnest money check out to?” I answer, “The Phil Leng Hot Tub fund!” It has always been met with a chuckle or a laugh!! If ever there was not … (3 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 7 How Do I Lose The Earnest Money? - 03/10/11 10:09 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 7How Do I Lose The Earnest Money?The Earnest Money - Part 7How Do I Lose The Earnest Money?I work in the State of Washington, and we have standard Purchase and Sale forms for the entire state. On our Residential Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement is this language as item #8 on the first page:Default (check only one) □ Forfeiture of Earnest Money or □ Seller’s Election of Remedies.The definition of default is given under “P” on page 4 of the same form:So defaulting on the contract is easy to understand, and hard to actually do!Default … (0 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 6 How Do I Get the Earnest Money Back? - 03/10/11 10:04 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 6How Do I Get the Earnest Money Back?The Earnest Money - Part 6How Do I Get the Earnest Money Back?Our standard Purchase and Sale Agreement in the State of Washington is extremely fair concerning the earnest money and the opportunities for you to back out of the contract and get your earnest money back..Here are the ways you can get your earnest money back, after you have signed a contract to purchase a property and achieved mutual agreement.1. The First Ten DaysThere is a blanket provision for you to check things out to your satisfaction during … (0 comments)

3401 Wallingford Ave N #203, Seattle 98103-9067 - 03/09/11 10:54 AM
3401 Wallingford Ave N #203, Seattle 98103-90673401 Wallingford Ave N #203, Seattle 98103-9067Bank Owned condo in the heart of Seattle. Two bedroom condo just steps to Gas Works Park. Call me today before it is too late! 206-409-6600

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The Earnest Money - Part 5 What happens To The Earnest Money? - 03/09/11 10:46 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 5What happens To The Earnest Money?The Earnest Money - Part 5What happens To The Earnest Money?Where does it go? When does the check have to be good? Who gets the benefit?Let’s follow both the paper check used for earnest money, and the money behind the check. They both do some travelling during the period of the purchase of the property.When you make an offer to purchase, you need to write a check for the amount of the earnest money and give that check to the real estate agent. You are trusting that that person is honest, … (1 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 4 Is The Earnest Money Part of the Down Payment? - 03/09/11 09:39 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 4Is The Earnest Money Part of the Down Payment?The Earnest Money - Part 4Is The Earnest Money Part of the Down Payment?For the most part, the answer is, “Yes.”Here is a partial definition of Earnest Money from Wikipedia: "Earnest money" is nothing more than a deposit of part payment of the purchase price on a sale to be consummated in the future. In the context of a real estate transaction, several courts have defined earnest money as a comparatively small sum of money paid down as an assurance that the party making the offer is acting … (4 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 3 Who Does the Earnest Money Belong To? - 03/09/11 06:11 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 3Who Does the Earnest Money Belong To?The Earnest Money - Part 3Who Does the Earnest Money Belong To?Ownership of the earnest money changes over the course of the transaction.It starts out as money that belongs to the buyer.When it is deposited into the Escrow Company’s Trust Account, the ownership changes. It is now held in trust for the seller. It does not fully belong to the seller. It does not fully belong to the buyer. And, of course, it does not belong to the escrow company.At closing, it goes to the seller as part of the … (36 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 2 How Much Should The Earnest Money Be? - 03/09/11 05:25 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 2 How Much Should The Earnest Money Be?The Earnest Money - Part 2How Much Should The Earnest Money Be?Ahhhhh! That is a great question!From the Perspective of the Buyer.The earnest money should be as little as possible. If in the worst case the earnest money was forfeited, that amount should be minimal. As an active and aggressive real estate investor, I have taken many investor seminars. I have heard trainers boasting of using a Note for earnest money. That is no money at all - just a promise to pay. I have heard trainers boast of … (2 comments)

Wonderful in Wallingford - 03/08/11 04:34 PM
Wonderful in WallingfordPristine two bedroom condo in the heart of Wallingford. Walking distance to Gasworks Park, Lake Union, Burke Gilman Trail, and Fremont. Bike to downtown, Seattle Pacific University or University of Washington! This two bedroom condo in The Biscayne At Lake Union, features dark hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar, and a living /eating area with large sliders leading to a small deck. Besides two light filled bedrooms and a bath, there is a full utility room that holds full sized washer dryer as well as some storage. The building is secure, as is the underground parking. There is … (1 comments)

The Earnest Money - Part 1 - 03/08/11 11:21 AM
The Earnest Money - Part 1The Earnest Money - Part 1What is Earnest Money?When you sign an offer to buy real estate, you must put up something of value to show that you are earnest.“An earnest payment (sometimes called earnest money or simply earnest, or alternatively a good-faith deposit) is a deposit towards the purchase of real estate or publicly tendered government contract made by a buyer or registered contractor to demonstrate that he/she is serious (earnest) about wanting to complete the purchase. When a buyer makes an offer to buy residential real estate, he/she generally signs a contract and pays … (1 comments)

Puzzles Pieces and Power - 03/04/11 09:02 AM
Puzzles Pieces and PowerPuzzles Pieces and PowerIt started out with puzzles. Our grandson is getting pretty good at putting the right shape into the right hole. He is, of course, nothing short of brilliant!!Then on to pieces. I wanted to make the tallest tower, with the most unusual combinations possible. The kid kept messing up my plans. I could have so much fun putting the pieces together if he didn’t keep taking my latest string of pieces and putting them into his own creations!Then, just to prove he is all boy, he grabbed his monster truck and laid waste to all … (2 comments)

Seattle Real Estate Bar Camp March 3, 2011 - 03/04/11 01:25 AM
Seattle Real Estate Bar Camp March 3, 2011Seattle Real Estate Bar Camp March 3, 2011Today was the Seattle ReBar Camp. It promised to be the biggest one they have ever done, with 700 confirmed and another 105 on the waiting list.Excitement was palpable before we began. Jim Marks was the keynote speaker to start the event off. He is an expert on SEO for web sites.There were indeed, some 700 plus attendees.After the first session, there were breakout groups for many different aspects of social media, branding and seo.Here is the board of the different sessions at all the different rooms.Great … (2 comments)

Bank Owned Two Bedroom Condo at Lake Union, Seattle Washington - 03/03/11 06:16 AM
Bank Owned Two Bedroom Condo at Lake Union, Seattle WashingtonBank Owned Two Bedroom Condo at Lake Union, Seattle Washington3401 Wallingford Ave, Seattle Wa 98103Coming soon, this bank owned two bedroom condo in Fremont, Seattle Washington is freshly painted, and just had the kitchen appliances replaced with sparkling new ones.This bank owned two bedroom condo at Lake Union, Seattle Washington is located in The Biscayne complex. It is a community of just 59 condominiums just north of Lake Union.The famous Gas Works Park, on the north shore of Lake Union is one block away from this bank owned two bedroom condo at … (4 comments)

Did the Homeowner Burn the House Down on His Way Out the Door? - 03/02/11 09:36 PM
Did the Homeowner Burn the House Down on His Way Out the Door?Did the Homeowner Burn the House Down on His Way Out the Door?I was assigned to do price opinion on a property in Wallingford. Yes, tony Wallingford, Seattle with its close access to downtown Seattle, views of Lake Union, grand old houses and an active and involved neighborhood.I am always hired by a bank, and the properties are always at some point in the foreclosure timeline. Perhaps 2 months late on payments, perhaps a short sale offer, perhaps the foreclosure auction is looming. Occasionally I am called as the … (4 comments)

Legos and Monster Trucks - 03/02/11 05:33 PM
Legos and Monster TrucksLegos and Monster TrucksMy grandson was over yesterday.I wasn’t here when he came, so he was already set up when I got to start playing with him.The table was full of legos. We played with them for a while. I built a super tall tower. Was going to film it, but it got demolished before I got the camera out.He had brought over not one but TWO monster trucks. So we watched the little monster truck climb over legos for a while. It was wind up, and seemed to go forever.The big monster truck was battery powered. It … (2 comments)

Home in Trilogy, Redmond, Washington - 03/02/11 06:14 AM
Home in Trilogy, Redmond, WashingtonHome in Trilogy, Redmond, WashingtonI was instructed to determine the market price of a home in Trilogy, Redmond, Washington a couple of days ago.First to go out and take pictures. It was a short sale, so was already listed and even had an offer in place.My place was to give a third party opinion of the value for this home in Trilogy, Redmond, Washington. I went through, and noticed it was a fairly new home, in very good condition. I noted that.I took a video while I was there, of this home in Trilogy, Redmond, Washington. The … (1 comments)

Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo in Kirkland Washington - 03/02/11 05:55 AM
Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo in Kirkland WashingtonBank Owned One Bedroom Condo in Kirkland WashingtonJust steps away from beautiful Lake Washington is this bank owned one bedroom condo in Kirkland Washington. Juanita Beach Park, newly renovated, with its waterfront amenities, the baseball diamonds and tennis courts is close by.The new Urban Juanita Village is just across the streets, with restaurants, coffee shops and some shopping. It is abuzz with professional young people, dining out or just hanging out.This bank owned one bedroom condo in Kirkland is in the Waterford, a small community of condos, with just 24 units. The roofs and … (3 comments)

 
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Phil Leng Team Residential Real Estate Experts & Bank Owned Property Experts

Your Best Interests Are Priority One 206-409-6600

Kirkland, WA

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Keller Williams Eastside Market Center

Address: Kirkland,Redmond,Yarrow Point,Overlake, Medina, Clyde Hill, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, WA, 98033

Office Phone: (206) 409-6600

Cell Phone: (206) 317-3300

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