Jen Hudson's Blog

Property Management Q & A - Can a tenant break the lease?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:25:54 -0600

Property Management q & a

Q: A tenant of mine was the victim of a "home invasion" break-in (it was a co-worker who was mad at him for some reason that broke in). He says he is breaking his lease (he is in the first month of a 12 month lease) and moving out. Does he have the legal right to break his lease? If not, what do I do now?

A: The legislature has identified certain circumstances where a tenant has a legal right to break a lease. For example, where the landlord fails to perform a repair obligation, one of the tenant's alternatives is to terminate the lease and vacate )see RCW 59.18.090(1)).

Even where the landlord has not defaulted in his or her obligations, some tenants still have the right to termination of their lease without penalty....

In your case, the tenant was a victim of criminal conduct.... Actually, merely being victimized by criminal conduct does not constitute a legal ground to terminate a lease, whether or not the tenant is acquainted with the perpetrator....

...Christopher T. Benis an attorney with Harrison, Benis, and Spence, LLP, with offices in Seattle. The information contained herein is not legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with your attorney before relying on anything contained herein.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/1021. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Condo Financing Made Even More Difficult

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:24:31 -0600

FHA announced that it will put new requirements into effect for condominium financing. As of the writing of this article, the new requirements were schedules to take effect October 1, 2009. However, there was talk of delaying enactment until November 2009 to facilitate closing of first time home buyer tax credit transactions. Buyers should consult with their lender to determine whether the regulations will impact their purchase efforts.

In some cases, the new requirements will eliminate FHA loans to entire condo projects while for others, it will make the process of obtaining an FHA loan considerably more difficult and time consuming.

FHA financing will still be available for condo projects that are existing, conversion, under construction and manufactured housing condominium projects....

With the new requirements, the SPOT loan approval process was eliminated....

The following conditions are among those that must be avoided or mitigated. It is unclear how these conditions can be mitigated so if any of these conditions exist in a condo project, the parties should understand that these conditions will likely affect the availability of FHA financing.

· The project is located in Special Flood Hazard Area.

· Potential noise issues if the condo project is located within 1000 feet of a heavily travelled road, 3000 feet of a railroad, one mile of an airport or five miles of a military airfield....

These new and revised regulations will have a dramatic affect on the availability of FHA financing for condominiums. Condo buyers who are relying on the availability of FHA financing must be certain to build sufficient time into their closing dates to insure project approval for the condo project....

...The preceding is an opinion from Annie Fitzsimmons, the attorney who answers questions for the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. The Legal Hotline lawyer does not represent Washington Association of REALTORS® members or their clients and customers. For additional questions or information, please contact Jen at (206) 293-1005 or send me an email to jen@jenhudsonhomes.com.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/1020. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Can I still get a tax credit with seller financing?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:22:53 -0600

Question:
Can a buyer claim the first-time homebuyer tax credit if buyer purchases using seller financing?

Answer:
Yes. So long as the buyer obtains the "benefits and burdens" of ownership of the property, then the buyer can claim the credit. This is true even if the seller retains legal title as seller would if the financing document used was a real estate contract instead of a note with deed of trust. Factors that indicate that a buyer has the "benefits and burdens" of ownership include:...

...The preceding is an opinion from Annie Fitzsimmons, the attorney who answers questions for the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. For additional questions or information, please contact Jen at (206) 293-1005 or send me an email to jen@jenhudsonhomes.com.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/1001. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

What if my sale is closing late? Can I still receive a tax credit?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 14:21:20 -0600

Question:
First time tax credit buyer entered a purchase agreement several weeks ago, intending to close by November 30 to take advantage of the first tax credit program. Closing will not happen by November 30, but should happen in December. Do buyer and seller need to rewrite their purchase agreement to reflect a different date or do anything else to allow buyer to take advantage of the extended tax credit program?

...The preceding is an opinion from Annie Fitzsimmons, the attorney who answers questions for the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. For additional questions or information, please contact Jen at (206) 293-1005 or send me an email to jen@jenhudsonhomes.com.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/1000. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

It's Official! Tax Credit & more...

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:04:47 -0600

It's official!

Our voices in the real estate industry have been heard and we have reason to celebrate!...

Not only was the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit extended, we also have a NEW $6,500 tax credit for homeowner who have been in their homes for a consecutive 5 of the last 8 years....

Both of our tax credits will be available through June 30, 2010, but you'll need to plan ahead. In order to qualify for the new tax credits, both buyers will need to be under contract no later than April 30, 2010 and have the sale closed no later than June 30, 2010. Sounds simple enough, right? If you're a first time buyer who is considering any sort of financing, you'll need to give yourself more than enough time....

We also have wonderful news as the income limits were increased...

To help even more, this particular bill also provides an additional 20 weeks unemployment benefits...

Here's some of the details:...

...Thinking about buying? Now's the time! Give me a call at (206) 293-1005 or send an email tojen@jenhudsonhomes.com.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/999. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Changing/ Starting Out With Condominuim Property Managers

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:30:59 -0600

Changing/ Starting Out With Condominuim Property Managers

Once Upon a Time...

"All your condominium documents are in a box -- somewhere. Someone passes the box to another person. The box ends up somewhere else.

"Everything gets taken care of. Everybody lives happily ever after."

The End.

__________________________________________________

...Too many condominium owners and board members believe that story of what happens to the business of condominiums; that the property managers fix/ repair/ adjust/ moderate/ mediate/ pay/ collect and so forth, and pay themselves out of your assessments. All based on the contents of a box of documents.

Start With The Board

Finding or changing a condominium property manager takes several steps and the board takes the first step....

The age of the association is also a consideration. A twenty-five year old association where the same six or seven people serve as board members faces a different set of requirements for a property manager from an association still within or fresh out of the declarant control period. Most associations exist with ages in between.

No two condominium associations are exactly the same....

Seek Candidates with Condominium Expertise, Experience and Competency

In Whatcom County, a board can find many property managers with experience managing real estate. This means they know how to order services -- municipal and aesthetic -- and pay bills....

Unless these managers have educated themselves about condominiums and condominium property management, they cannot effectively partner with you as a condominium board....

CAI establishes best practices which effectively set the bar in several function-specific areas. For example, you can find (free) best practice reports on community harmony and spirit, community security, energy efficiency, financial operations, governance, green communities, reserve studies/management, strategic planning and transition on their Web site.

http://www.cairf.org/research/best_practices.aspx...

Check References...

...The above information is courtesy http://wacondominiumreference.blogspot.com. To read the complete article and download any attachments, please http://wacondominiumreference.blogspot.com/2009/10/changing-starting-out-with-condominuim.html

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/998. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Foreclosures, Mortgages & Boundary Line Adjustments.. oh my!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:10:53 -0500

Foreclosures, Mortgages & Boundary Line Adjustments.. oh my!
...
Question:

Property owner owned two adjoining lots. Each lot was separately mortgaged. Owner completed a boundary line adjustment through the county, effecting an equal land trade between the two lots, but never notified either mortgage holder of the BLA. Subsequently, one mortgage holder foreclosed and took title to one of the lots. What was the effect of that foreclosure on the BLA?

Answer:

The BLA is still effective, meaning that it is still recorded and the county still acknowledges each parcel as having the property boundaries established by the BLA. However, the foreclosing lender could only foreclose on the property covered by the legal description set forth on the deed of trust, in other words, the property boundaries that existed prior to the BLA.

As a result, the foreclosing lender now owns the parcel that was foreclosed and a portion of the adjoining parcel, the portion that was connected to the adjoining parcel through the BLA. However, the bank does not own the portion of the foreclosed parcel that was added to the foreclosed parcel by the BLA....

The preceding is an opinion from Annie Fitzsimmons, the attorney who answers questions for the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. For additional questions or information, please contact Jen at (206) 293-1005 or send me an email to jen@jenhudsonhomes.com.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/949. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

How long does it take to buy a house today?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:53:15 -0500

This summer brought two monumental changes to the lending industry. First, the HVCC eliminated a mortgage broker's or lender's ability to deal directly with an appraiser. Second, the Regulation Z was modified effective July 30, 2009.

So, what does this mean and why should you care?

For the HVCC rules, when your lender can't communicate directly with an appraiser, it drastically slows down the process. This new rule has made it virtually impossible for mortgage brokers or lenders to order the appraisal at the time necessitated by the circumstances of the transaction. In addition a mortgage professional is now going to get whatever appraiser is assigned to the transaction through a new, unnecessary third party....

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/938. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

First-time home buyers face deadline.

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 13:43:57 -0500

Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11:19am PDT

First-time home buyers face deadline

Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle) - by Jeff Clabaugh Washington, D.C. Business Journal

The government's first time homebuyer $8,000 tax credit has helped stimulate home sales, but buyers still hoping to take advantage of it will have to beat the clock.

The tax credit expires Nov. 30, giving buyers about 12 weeks to find, contract and settle on their purchase....

"... first-time homebuyers starting today can close on time and quality for the $8,000 federal tax credit,"...

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Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Home Sales Soar 7.2 Percent in July

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:52:47 -0500

Home sales soar 7.2 percent in July

First-time buyers rushed to take advantage of tax credit

The Associated Press

updated 7:59 a.m. PT, Fri., Aug 21, 2009

WASHINGTON - The U.S. housing market is improving quicker than expected, with home resales in July posting the largest monthly increase in at least 10 years, as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit that expires this fall. The National Association of Realtors said Friday that home sales rose 7.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.24 million in July, from a pace of 4.89 million in June. It was the fourth-straight monthly increase and the highest level of sales since August 2007. Sales had been expected to rise to an annual pace of 5 million, according to economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters....

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32505389/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/931. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Mortgage Applications Rise as Refinancing Demand Jumps.

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:49:03 -0500

Business News

Mortgage applications rise as refinancing demand jumps

08:47 AM EDT 8-26-09

By Julie Haviv

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. mortgage applications rose for a second straight week, with demand for home refinancing loans rising to its highest level since early June, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday.

Applications for loans to buy a home, an early indicator of sales, rose slightly, but nevertheless gained for a fourth consecutive week. The trend bodes well for the hard-hit U.S. housing market, which has been showing signs of stabilization.

The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications, which includes both purchase and refinance loans, for the week ended Aug 21 increased 7.5 percent to 566.4.

Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, in an interview with Reuters, said that while recent data on home sales and prices point to stabilization, certain consumers are missing from the market....

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/932. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Filing Bankruptcy & Selling your Home?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:42:22 -0500

Filing Bankruptcy & Selling your Home?

Below is today's opinion from Annie Fitzsimmons, the attorney who answers questions for the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. If you or someone you know is facing a hardship with their property, please talk to an expert to determine the best way to proceed forward. For additional questions or information, please contact Jen at (206) 293-1005 or send me an email to jen@jenhudsonhomes.com.

Question:

Property is listed and the owner just filed for bankruptcy. Can listing agents continue to list the property and try to find a buyer?

Answer:

When a bankruptcy case is filed, ALL property comes under the immediate control of the appointed trustee. What happens to the further disposition of that property depends on a number of things.

First, if there is equity in the listed real property, i.e., meaning that there is enough to pay all recorded mortgages or liens in full, costs of sale and the debtor's homestead exemption amount, then the trustee will likely assert control over the real property. The trustee literally steps into the shoes of the debtor and has sole discretion to sell the property and handle its marketing. The trustee can choose to retain the current listing agent or appoint one of trustee's own choosing....

...Hotline Attorney Annie Fitzsimmons writes the Legal Hotline Question and Answer of the Week. The Legal Hotline lawyer does not represent Washington Association of REALTORS® members or their clients and customers.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/933. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Home Sales Spike! An update on our local economy.

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:44:25 -0500

Home Sales Spike! An update on our local economy.

Published: Sunday, August 9, 2009

Biz week

Home sales spike

After months of bad news, real estate agents got some good news last week with word that home sales had risen by 19 percent in July in comparison with the same month a year ago. It was the second straight month that sales had risen after a two-year skid. Prices continued to fall, which helped the sales hike, agents said. Interest rates also have stayed low....

...Mike Benbow, Herald Writer
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA

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Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Property Management Q&A.... repairs by your tenant?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:42:47 -0500

Property Management Q&A.... repairs by your tenant?

p r o p e r t y m a n a g e m e n t q & a

This question seems to arise more and more frequently and came from the Washington Realtor News May/June 2009.

Q: A tenant gave notice on 2/25 to repair a leaking toilet, saying that the handle was broken and it needed internal repairs. I know that I had three days to perform this kind of repair, but I didn't respond in time. Although the initial repair request did not include an estimate, she went on to request that a plumber replace both toilets in the house. I estimate the repair she original called about would cost $100 - $200, but replacing both toilets was $868. She has now withheld this amount from her March rent.

I issued her a three day notice. She has now hired and attorney. I don't want to escalate this into an expensive legal battle, but I need to know where I stand legally, before I decide what to do.

A: When a question like this arises, I follow this "checklist" to analyze the situation.

1. Does a repair duty exist on the part of the landlord? The only relevant duties are in RCW 59.18.060, in this case subsection (7) which states: "[the landlord shall]... (7) Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and other facilities and appliances supplied by him in reasonable good working order;" Thus, as long as the toilet was in "reasonably good working order", you don't have a duty to perform a repair. The statute does not require that a device be in "perfect working order" or some such thing. Obviously, there is a lot of gray area here, but it should be noted that an older but still functional piece of equipment may not necessarily require repair.

2. Did the tenant cause the problem?...

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/774. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Federal Laws, Tenant Occupancy & Foreclosures...

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:41:04 -0500

Federal Laws, Tenant Occupancy & Foreclosures...

Here's a great tidbit from the Washington Association of REALTORS® legal hotline regarding federal laws, tenants & foreclosures....

Question:
Are there new state and/or federal laws affecting tenant occupancy of rental property after a foreclosure sale?

Answer:
Yes. Both Washington State and the United States recently created new law addressing a tenant's right to retain occupancy of housing after a foreclosure sale. The Washington law takes effect July 26, 2009. The federal law is effective immediately. Both laws will impact a buyer's ability to occupy real property purchased at or immediately after a foreclosure sale....

...This question was answered by the Washington Association of REALTORS Attorney, Annie Fitzsimmons. The Legal Hotline lawyer does not represent Washington Association of REALTORS® members or their clients and customers.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/807. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Are you involved in a Short Sale SCAM?

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:38:32 -0500

Are you involved in a Short Sale SCAM?

If you know me, you know that I rarely get so passionate about something that I need to spread the news... however, THIS is an exception and needs to be understood so you don't get caught up in a Short Sale Scam!

The opinion below is from the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. This information is highly important and should be spread to everyone you know. There are a million "guru's" out there who are trying to "help" people with their short sales, but the way they are going about it is illegal... not to mention unethical or immoral. Please save your family and friends from these sharks, and have them talk to someone who knows what is going on today in our market.

Below is today's opinion from Annie Fitzsimmons, the attorney who answers questions for the Washington Association of REALTORS® Legal Hotline. This should be read and understood by all.

Question:

Short sale negotiator, who is not licensed as a real estate agent, mortgage broker, credit counselor, appraiser or lawyer contacts lenders on behalf of sellers and negotiates the short sale purchase as low as possible.

If there is a big enough difference between her negotiated price and the market value of the property, she buys the property at the low price and immediately resells to a real buyer, pocketing all of the equity.

If she cannot get the price low enough to make that program work, then she takes whatever price she can get by representing the seller and, knowing that the lender will not pay her fee, waits until a buyer is interested in the property at the established price and then goes to the buyer and tries to convince the buyer to pay her fee by agreeing to try to get the price even lower.

Whether she can get the price any lower or not is irrelevant to her because by then she already has the buyer's signature on an agreement to pay her fee.

Is any or all of this illegal? If so, who should broker report to in an effort to stop her?...

... Hotline Attorney Annie Fitzsimmons writes the Legal Hotline Question and Answer of the Week. The Legal Hotline lawyer does not represent Washington Association of REALTORS® members or their clients and customers.

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/808. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

New Appraisal Nightmare???

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:36:59 -0500

New Appraisal Nightmare???

The article below was published in the Everett Herald, Sunday, June 21, 2009. Yes, the new appraisal rules can be challenging.. but just like everything else, I have no doubt this will eventually work itself out. For those buyers who are trying to buy now with a Conventional Loan.. hang in there.

New rules create an appraisal nightmare
By Steve Tytler

Question: We read your column last week about the person who was having trouble getting a copy of his appraisal. We are refinancing and we have a slightly different problem with an appraisal. We locked a loan with a mortgage company a month ago to take advantage of the low interest rates. It has now been almost a month and the mortgage company says they still don't have the appraisal back. We are about to lose the 4.375 percent interest rate we had locked in because our lock is about to expire and they can't close the loan without the appraisal. Now that mortgage rates have gone up, we may never get a chance for that low rate again. We are very upset and we complained to our loan officer and he says there is nothing they can do about it because of some new law that makes it illegal for him to talk to the appraiser. That sounds crazy to me. Is there really such a law, and why would they make it illegal to talk to the appraiser? We are going to lose our mortgage rate because the appraiser didn't do his job on time.

Answer: The mortgage industry is in a state of chaos because of the implementation of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct on May 1st by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The valuation code prevents mortgage loan officers from having any contact with appraisers. Mortgage companies must now use an independent third-party firm called an "appraisal management company" to order their appraisals...

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Thought this was interesting & want to continue reading? The rest of this article can be found at http://jenhudsonhomes.com/blog/archives/809. If you would like to learn more about real estate in general, visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com.
Jen Hudson, GRI
Office: (360) 652-1200
Cell: (206) 293-1005
jen@jenhudsonhomes.com
Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Recently Remodeled & Ready to Go!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:22:57 -0600

3328 Rucker Ave, Everett WA 98201

MLS# 29012914

Offered at $215,000

All the work is done! This home is recently remodeled & ready to go! New carpet, hardwood & tile floors, paint, beautiful white trim, newer appliances & more! Kitchen features new counter tops, oak cabinets & a HUGE built-in butcher block! Dining room boasts a classic bay window complete w/window seat. No space wasted with storage galore below the stairs, an extra large utility room & an almost complete attic! Perfect for those holiday decorations! A classy open wood-rail staircase leads to 2 spacious bedrooms both complete with walk-in closets! Detached garage w/shop space outback & a fully fenced yard! From the upstairs you'll even enjoy views of Mt. Baker on a clear day. All this, and you're only a hop-skip-and-a-jump to almost anywhere. Offers great access for commuting from Everett!

Visit www.jenhudsonhomes.com for a virtual tour. Please call or email me with any questions, to request an informational packet or to schedule a showing!

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Want to learn more about real estate? Visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com

Check out the kitchen on this home!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:20:22 -0600

6510 81^st Street NE, Marysville WA 98270

MLS# 29006613

Offered at $248,000

Absolutely Gorgeous! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath is waiting to be yours. Enter into a spacious and open living room complete with a natural gas fireplace in the corner. Open kitchen features beautiful granite counters, tile back splash, and rich cabinets. Custom colors through this home. Master suite

features private bath, jetted tub & walk-in closet. Full-size washer and dryer are conveniently located upstairs!

Fully fenced backyard with room for kids & pets. Home is also wired for security system and is in safe dead-end cul de sac. Located across the street from Cedarcrest Golf Course & only minutes any direction for easy commuting!

Visit http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/55/71055/766424/index.ipv for a virtual tour. Please call or email me with any questions, to request an informational packet or to schedule a showing!

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Want to learn more about real estate? Visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com

Want to own a city block? Complete with 7 occupied rental homes!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:15:53 -0600

MLS# 28198218

130XX 23^rd & 24^th Avenue S

Seatac, WA 98168

Offered at $1,450,000

Incredible opportunity to own a city block! 8 parcels included in this sale that include 7 occupied rental homes and 1 building lot. Current zoning allows for up to 13 parcels, survey complete for an easy conversion to 11 lots.

All homes on all public utilities and vacant lot has working water/sewer hook-ups. Existing rental income roughly $84,900/yr and increasing soon.

Possible partial seller financing available. Countless possibilities! Keep homes for rental income or develop for the future.

For additional information, please contact:

Jen Hudson, GRI

(206) 293-1005 cell

(360) 652-1200 direct

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

www.jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Looking for a starter home or investment? This one is PERFECT!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:13:01 -0600

MLS# 28187683
16524B 41st Ave NE, Arlington WA 98223
Offered at $160,000

If you're just starting out, looking to downsize, or maybe want a new investment??? Opportunity is knocking!

3bd/2ba 1173sf townhome that is close & convenient to everything! Home has been very well maintained. Living room with vaulted ceilings, quaint kitchen, large attached garage, master with a private bath & so much more! Great Lakewood school district. Minutes to new shopping centers. Neighborhood also offers a great playground & athletic court!

For additional information or to schedule a showing, please contact:

Jen Hudson, GRI
(206) 293-1005 cell
(360) 652-1200 office
jen@jenhudsonhomes.com
www.jenhudsonhomes.com
Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

9.1 Acres Mixed-Use Commercial CORNER LOT!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:01:16 -0600

MLS# 28164230

9.1 Acres on Blaine Road, Blaine WA 98230

CORNER LOT!

Proposed Mixed-Use General Commercial Zoning. Allows for Business, Commercial, Office, Residential, Retail & more! Bring your visions.

Survey Completed, Parcels are marked & easily visible. Level & completely DRY, ready to build. Birch Bay UGA of Whatcom County envisions "Civic Uptown Town Center". Walking distance to Birch Bay & the water, yet minutes from I-5, Semiahmoo, downtown Blaine & the Canadian Border. This location will be the heart of Birch Bay in the near future. Get started today.

Mixed-Use Commercial Acreage. 9.1-13.83 Acres Available ranging from $900,000 - $925,000. Possible Financing Available, ask for details.

Driving Directions:
West off I-5 Exit 270 (Birch Bay Square); West on Birch Bay-Lynden Road; Left on Blaine Road; All 4 parcels on right at corner of Blaine/SR 548 and Alderson are available.

Jen Hudson, GRI
Office: (360) 652-1200
Cell: (206) 293-1005
jen@jenhudsonhomes.com
Realtor with RE/MAX Signature
Want to learn more about real estate? Visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com

13.83 Acres CORNER LOT! Mixed-Use Commercial, Possible Financing

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:57:52 -0600

JUST LISTED! Mixed-Use Commercial Acreage. 9.1-13.83 Acres Available

MLS# 28164231

CORNER LOT! 13.83 Acres on Blaine Road, Blaine WA 98230

Driving Directions:
West off I-5 Exit 270 (Birch Bay Square); West on Birch Bay-Lynden Road; Left on Blaine Road; All 4 parcels on right at corner of Blaine/SR 548 and Alderson are available.

Proposed Mixed-Use General Commercial Zoning. Allows for Business, Commercial, Office, Residential, Retail & more! Bring your visions.

Possible Financing Available, ask for details. 9.1 -13.83 Acres ranging from $900,000-$925,000.

Jen Hudson, GRI
Office: (360) 652-1200
Cell: (206) 293-1005
jen@jenhudsonhomes.com
Realtor with RE/MAX Signature
Want to learn more about real estate? Visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com

Exquisite Privacy & Park-like Setting!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:51:54 -0600

791 Haven Place, Camano Island WA 98282

MLS# 28153170

Offered at $400,000

Live the way you want with plenty of room to roam on this shy 5 acre parcel. Talk about a park-like setting! Ideal level property with fruit trees, berries, garden space, mature evergreens, exquisite privacy and only minutes to the beach & boat launch!

Custom Built Home with 2x6 construction features floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace, tile countertops in kitchen, tile floors, tons of hidden storage, HUGE crawlspace and so much more.

Looking for Rental Income? Partially finished apartment and detached garage (currently in progress) with it's own septic system! Property has been professionally surveyed and is well marked. Multiple outbuildings on property are great for additional storage. These beautifully wooded grounds are worth owning.

Escape the ordinary today and live your life.

Please call me with any questions, to request an informational packet or to schedule a showing!

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Want to learn more about real estate? Visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com

Looking for a VIEW? Check this out!

Jen Hudson - Stanwood, Camano & Arlington,WA (RE/MAX Signature) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 10:45:17 -0600

1395 E Camano Dr, Camano Island WA 98282
MLS# 28134162
Offered at $211,000

INCREDIBLE VIEW!!! 2100sf 2+ bdrm home with gorgeous view of Port Susan, Olympics, Cascades AND your private garden below complete with a fish pond! Fully fenced backyard, dog run, 2 separate decks & patio create a luxury feel. Home boasts real hardwood floors, 2 gas FP, vinyl windows, & more when remodeled in 2005. Master suite complete with a private bath. Fully finished basement with patio cover. Community offers 3 private beaches, clubhouse & pool! Call for appointment. It's worth it!

For additional photos, check out the virtual tour online at http://marketing.remaxdesigncenter.com/55/71055/720253

Please call me with any questions, to request an informational packet or to schedule a showing!

Jen Hudson, GRI

Office: (360) 652-1200

Cell: (206) 293-1005

jen@jenhudsonhomes.com

Realtor with RE/MAX Signature

Want to learn more about real estate? Visit my website at www.jenhudsonhomes.com