Irene Dorang's Active Rain Blog

Corey Hubbell Blown Glass in Redmond is a Treat for Seattle Gift Shoppers

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:10:41 -0600

From my TeamIrene blog:

A few weeks ago I stopped by Corey Hubbell's glass design studio in Redmond at the urging of my friend Charles from AquaSports, and I was simply amazed at the quality and quantity of beautiful blown glassware Corey has for sale. Here are some shots I took of his warehouse with my Blackberry.

Prices that I saw ranged from around $20 for small pieces such as a Christmas ornament, to several hundred dollars for larger, ornate pieces. Right now he's having a moving sale, with discounts of 15% to 50% off, so it's a great time to stop by.

Also, Corey's work helps support his own efforts as part of a mission team that aids in the maintaining and rebuilding of a school for disabled children in Peru - an even better reason to stop by! :)

18080 NE 68th St. A-110, Redmond, WA 98052 (Map below) 425-882-4971

View Map

New Listing - Redmond Home Near Microsoft For Sale

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:45:30 -0600

From my TeamIrene blog:

This is a fabulous home just blocks from Microsoft and Nintendo, and minutes to Redmond Town Center, Marymoor, 520 and Grass Lawn Park. Light and bright kitchen with hardwoods and maple cabinets, new dishwasher and stove. New paint, new vinyl and tub/shower surrounds in baths, remodeled family room perfect for media room, double pane windows throughout. Large fully fenced yard is great for relaxing or play. Mud room, spacious garage with a shop area. Central air conditioning for those sweltering summer days! Wired for FIOS. Lake Washington school district. Not a short sale, just move in! For more information or a showing, call me at 206-335-3335 or click here to email me.

Click here to view more photos

Details:

3 Bedrooms
2.50 Baths
1680 Square feet*
Built 1969, remodeled
5309 159th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052
MLS# 29155125

Information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. Buyer/Selling Agent to verify all info.

New Listing - Kirkland Condo For Sale

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:23:21 -0600

From my TeamIrene blog:

I've just listed this gorgeous 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath top floor condo in a rare 4-unit building in the desirable Tanager complex. Big kitchen with granite counters, pantry, lots of cupboard space, great for entertaining. 2 large bedrooms, each with its own bath. Very private setting surrounded by trees. Minutes to Google, Microsoft, Evergreen Hospital, Cascadia College, and just a few blocks from Trader Joes, QFC & Starbucks. Very near Park & Ride and the new HOV access to 405. FHA-approved complex, not a short sale! For more information or a showing, call me at 206-335-3335 or click here to email me.

Click here to view more photos

Details:

2 Bedrooms
1.75 Baths
923 Square feet*
Built 1990, remodeled
Tanager Complex - 11301 NE 128th St. #A201, Kirkland WA 98034
MLS# 29155047

Information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed. Buyer/Selling Agent to verify all info.

Seattle Housing Inventory Stats for October 2009

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:22:58 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Here are the October 2009 housing inventory supply numbers going back five years for selected Seattle areas.* Months of Inventory (MOI) refers to the number of months it would take the current housing supply to be completely sold if no new listings were added.

The geographical area is marked at the top left of each chart. You can also click here to view stats for all Seattle and Eastside areas (opens as a pdf.)

*All reports published October 2009 based on data available at the end of September 2009. This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the NWMLS. Neither the Board nor the MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data supplied by the Board or the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Report reflects all activity by brokers participating in the MLS.

Eastside Housing Inventory Stats for October 2009

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:13:16 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Here are the October 2009 housing inventory supply numbers going back five years for selected Eastside areas.* Months of Inventory (MOI) refers to the number of months it would take the current housing supply to be completely sold if no new listings were added. (Lower numbers = more seller-friendly market.)

The geographical area is marked at the top left of each chart. You can also click here to view stats for all Seattle and Eastside areas (opens as a pdf.)

Check Out Mike Mueller’s Facebook Business Fan Page Service

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:00:29 -0500

From my Tools For Real Estate blog:

A Facebook business page (also known as a Facebook fan page) can be a great way to promote your real estate business, even taking the place of a standard website if you don't have one yet. (Facebook business pages are free, versatile and easy for non-techies to edit and add content to.)

The problem is that 90% of agents who want to gear up on the social media scale end up never getting around to it. If that sounds like you, I recommend checking out Mike Mueller's AreWeConnected site and possibly hiring him to set up your Facebook business page for you. I haven' t used this service myself, but I'm a fan of his own Facebook business page and I can tell he's really active on there and on Active Rain; overall, he seems to really know his stuff.

Here's the link: http://areweconnected.com/facebook/ - if you scroll down the page you'll see samples of Facebook business fan pages he has created.

Good Reviews on Seattle Electricians and Plumbers

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:47:35 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

I've been passing out a resource list of my top recommended service providers for Seattle and the Eastside to my clients (if you're a client and are wondering why you haven't gotten one yet it's just because I haven't given them all out yet - you'll get one soon!)

Anyway, it's great to get feedback from people who use the list, and I thought it was worth mentioning that just in the past week I had clients use and give good reviews to the two electricians and the plumber I recommended. Here they are again:

Roger Hill, Hill Electric
(425) 485-4321
Eastside for sure, don't know how much of Seattle he covers.

Brian McManis, Eagle Electric
(206) 271-3678
All of Seattle and Eastside.

Jeff Morelli, New Concepts Plumbing
(425) 418-3304 or (206) 948-1617
All of Seattle and Eastside.

Tips on New Condo Buying in Seattle

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:56:56 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

If you're shopping for new construction condominiums in Seattle in fall of 2009, here are a few things to keep in mind based on my recent experiences helping a condo buyer:

Expect large price drops for new Seattle condos and structure the offer accordingly.

You're not guaranteed the result you want, but even with the general uptick in the Seattle housing market that we're seeing right now the odds are still definitely in your favor.

Keep an ear out for 'things in the works'.

Developers are using condo auctions as a way to sell large quantities of inventory and set a trend for pricing of remaining units at the same time. Current examples are Gallery in Belltown, and Brix Condos in Capitol Hill (both links now go directly to the auction website.)

Remember functionality and re-sale criteria when shopping for Seattle condos!

Regardless of how cool or famous the condo designer is, people need space to store their clothes, cook a meal, and fit a king sized bed comfortably into the master bedroom. These are the major issues I hear about from buyers when they're deciding to not purchase a property.

My client and I did a massive tour of multiple units in five new Seattle condo buildings a couple of weeks ago, and out of all of the ones we saw (one-level, loft and brownstone styles) there were only four units total in two buildings that we thought were worth considering. Most of the rest ruled themselves out with a small master bedroom, and one highly touted building had a master closet the size of a broom closet, with a washer and dryer stuffed into it to boot.

I realize that you can get away with more funkiness in Seattle than you can on the Eastside, but as I told my client, if you buy a place like that you have to be OK with your future target market for re-sale being the itinerant artist who only needs space for a pair of pants and an easel in the master closet. (Rule out most couples, and even many singles.)

Home buyers typically have an eye for at least some of these things, but I've found that most of them still need someone to point out the things they don't notice that affect functionality and re-sale, and to back them up when they have a feeling that something isn't right but they think they might just be too picky - usually they're on target.

Walking out of well over a thousand homes for sale over the past 10 years and hearing exactly why my client will or won't buy it is the best training for coaching people on re-sale value that I can think of. You would think that building designers would be in tune to the same things, so it really surprises me to see new Seattle condo units with features that are deal-killers for many home buyers. Fortunately there are some good ones out there too - it just pays to be picky!

Seattle Area Community Events for September 2009

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:12:35 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Evergreen State Fair
August 27 to September 7, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe
The fair is on again in Monroe! There will be rides, food, competitions, farm animals, arts, crafts, and all types of family fun.
14405 179th Avenue Southeast, Monroe | (360) 805-6700

Bumbershoot
September 5 to 7, Seattle Center, Seattle
This year's entertainment lineup includes The Black Eyed Peas, Sheryl Crow, Modest Mouse, Jason Mraz, Kay Perry, and many others.
305 Harrison Street, Seattle | (206) 684-7200

20th Annual Bremerton Blackberry Festival
September 5 to 7, Waterfront Boardwalk, Bremerton
The Bremerton Blackberry festival will be packed with free entertainment, including musicians and entertainers performing all three days.
2nd Street and Washington Avenue, Bremerton | (360) 377-3041

44th Annual Lighthouse Festival
September 11 to 13, Rosehill Community Center, Mukilteo
With a grand parade, fireworks, children's activities, art, live entertainment, and food, there will be something for everyone!
304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo | (425) 355-2514

Puget Sound Bird Fest
September 11 to 13, Yost Memorial Park, Edmonds
Residents and visitors will have a chance to observe birds and learn about ways in which habitats for birds and other wildlife can be preserved.
9535 Bowdoin Way, Edmonds| (425) 771-0227

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival
September 13, Seattle Center, Seattle
Featuring live performances of the hula and mele as well as historical exhibits, films, Hawaiian crafts, keiki activities and ono food.
305 Harrison Street, Seattle| (206) 684-7200

Edmonds Classic Car Show
September 13, City of Edmonds
The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce hosts a car show featuring selected awards for sponsor's choice, the fun award, the community award, and the people's choice award.
121 5th Avenue North, Edmonds | (425) 775-2525

Corn Maze Opening
September 12 to 13, The South 47 Farm, Redmond
Venture into the corn maze, greet the farm animals, enjoy refreshments, and enjoy live music.
15410 Northeast 124th Street, Redmond | (425) 869-9777

Puyallup Fair
September 11 to 27, Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Puyallup
One of the top ten highest attended fairs in North America, the Puyallup Fair offers grandstand entertainment, livestock contests, youth shows, food booths, and the Extreme Thrill Ride.
110 Ninth Avenue Southwest, Puyallup | (253) 845-1771

Fremont Oktoberfest
September 18 to 20, Fremont Ship Canal, Seattle
Celebrate the beginning of fall with three beer gardens, a huge selection of microbrews, two entertainment stages, a Dog Day, and a dedicated children's area.
Phinney Avenue North and North 35th Street, Seattle | (206) 633-0422

Chinatown International District Art Walk
September 19, Theatre Off Jackson, Seattle
The indoor and outdoor walk will include works and performances by local artists at various venues throughout the Chinatown International District.
409 Seventh Avenue South, Seattle | (206) 640-1049

Decibel Festival
September 24 to September 27, Seattle
This critically acclaimed multimedia art and music event is dedicated to live electronic performance, visual art, and new media.
701 Pike Street, Seattle | (206) 461-5800

West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium
September 25 to 27, Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend
The Symposium is a collection of the finest kayak manufacturers, speakers, and instructors, all brought together in one place so paddlers can experience everything that is sea kayaking. For beginner and veteran paddlers alike.
200 Battery Way, Port Townsend | (360) 344-4400

October Fall Harvest Festival
September 26 to November 1, Remlinger Farms, Carnation
Start the day in the Family Fun Park with the Farm Theatre, 4-H petting zoo, and Mini Canoe Adventure. Also explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze while sampling food from various vendors.
31904 Northeast 8th Street, Carnation | (425) 333-4677

Review of FIOS Installation in Redmond, WA

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:46:06 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

If you're thinking of switching to FIOS in the Seattle area, here's some feedback from one of my clients who recently had FIOS installed at his home in the Redmond area right near Microsoft. I thought it would be helpful to share, since so many people are curious about it.

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"Fios is actually working really well now. We had an initial snafu with the installation where basically it got installed into a switched outlet, and we didn’t realize. So every time we’d shut off the lights in the garage our TV and internet would go out. The package we got is $119/mo. (w/o taxes) and it includes unlimited domestic calls, not sure if it includes Canada or not, tons and tons of channels including over 80 HD ones, and super fast internet that I’ve been happy with so far.

We use the streaming Netflix service through the Xbox 360, and up until we got Fios we weren’t able to watch any of the streams as HD. Now any of them that have HD enabled stream as HD. It’s actually a bit cheaper than what we were paying before and we have more functionality (we had Comcast with Boost), but recently Comcast has released a $99/mo plan for similar services. However, I am now convinced that Fios internet is more reliably fast.

A couple gotchas that aren’t clear from the marketing material:

The bundled deal doesn’t include any set top box. They cost $6/mo to rent one that doesn’t support HD, or $20/mo to rent one that does support HD (and is a DVR). However, you can also get cable cards instead for $3/mo, so if you have something like a TiVo HD it’s better to choose that option. In addition, the sales rep will tell you they don’t have M-series cards, but that’s incorrect. We have an M-series card now. The M-series allows you to use multiple tuners, where as the old cards only allow a single tuner.

By default Verizon will actually remove the copper line coming into your house. It’s not clear why they do this outside of the fact that they are legally required to lease that line to competitors where as they don’t have the same restriction with their fiber optic cable. That means that reverting to your old phone service or changing carriers is more difficult since you would need to get the line replaced (this shouldn’t affect internet or TV)."

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Seattle Area Housing Inventory Continues to Shift Towards a More Balanced Market

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:37:02 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

The Seattle and Puget Sound housing inventory numbers for July 2009 show that the real estate market is continuing to become more balanced. In the heat maps below red indicates a seller's market, green indicates a buyer's market, and yellow indicates a balanced market.

(Click on the map to see a larger image.)

A seller's market is generally defined as 0 to 3 months worth of remaining inventory, meaning the time it would take to sell everything on the market if no new homes were listed, while a buyer's market is generally seen as 6 months or more.

(Because of the traditionally high real estate activity level and shorter market times in the Puget Sound area, some people feel that a buyer's market for Seattle area real estate starts at under 6 months of remaining inventory.)

There were some trade-offs, notably the Redmond and Sammamish plateau markets moving from a buyer's to a balanced market, while the south Bellevue and Issaquah regions made the opposite shift.

Recommended Resource: Furnace Contractors for Seattle and the Eastside

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:48:37 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

If you're looking for a heating and cooling contractor in the Seattle or Eastside areas, here are three recommendations. (Two I've used successfully, and one was recommended by a long-time agent who has sent me good people in the past.)

Eastside:

Tom Duff, Highlander Heating and Cooling: (425) 868-2971 *

Seattle and Eastside:

Bassett Home Heating Inc.: (425) 398-1666

Seattle (and maybe Eastside):

Mark at Matrix Energy Services: (206) 682-0212 *

(The * means that I've used this contractor.)

As always, I recommend the best people I know but don't assume any liability. Feedback on your experience with anyone I recommend is greatly appreciated!

Have You Tried Eyejot Videos for Real Estate Marketing?

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:37:13 -0500

From my Tools For Real Estate blog:

Eyejot is a cool real estate marketing tool that agents can use for sending short video messages via email. My friend and colleague Greg Perry (a self-made techie and one of the first local agents to become a powerful blogger) pointed it out to me a few months ago, and I just noticed what a great job he did of branding himself on his Eyejot page.

Click the graphic on the left to see his profile on Eyejot, and I highly recommend checking out this video about the Home Buyer Tax Credit deadlinethat he is sending out to his real estate clients today for an idea of the type of useful videos you could create.

Eyejot has a free option, and their premium option that allows longer videos and more branding is around $99 per year. Check out Eyejot's membership options here.

Kayaking Photos from Snoqualmie Falls

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:21:17 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Photo by Chris Peele

When river levels get low in the summertime, whitewater kayakers like me head over to the Powerhouse run below Snoqualmie Falls to practice on little holes and surf waves. Putting in at the base of Snoqualmie Falls takes some extra effort - you have to carry your kayak nearly to the end of the boardwalk, hoist it over the rail and then use several people or a rope to lower your boat down to the rocks - and then there's another jaunt across boulders to the edge of the pool below the falls.

But... it's all worth it! I was so glad my friend Chris Peele took these shots last time she was up there because I never seem to bring my video camera when I go there.

Heading up to Snoqualmie Falls - Photo by Chris Peele

Wind and spray from the falls make it feel like a blizzard. Photo by Chris Peele

And on sunny afternoons there's always a rainbow.... Photo by Chris Peele

Video: How to Get More Online Traffic to Your Real Estate Website Using Google Trends

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:27:18 -0500

From my Tools For Real Estate blog:

For your real estate marketing, you probably know that you get more online traffic to your real estate website, blog, and social media pages when you use the same keywords in your page titles and text that people use in their online searches. But... how do you know what keywords your prospective real estate clients are actually using?

(After all, our real estate prospects don't always think like we do!)

Well, Google Trends is a great free tool that helps you quickly choose the best keywords and keyword phrases. Here's an example, using a screenshot I took when I was deciding on the title for this post:

By typing these keywords into Google Trends I can quickly see that 'online traffic' is searched for on Google more frequently than 'web traffic' or 'website traffic', so 'online traffic' is the term I should prioritize in my title and text.

You can do the same thing when preparing your real estate website, blog and social media pages. For example, if you're writing tips for home buyers, check to see if more people search for 'home buying' or 'buying a home' so that you can prioritize either the term 'home buying tips' or 'tips on buying a home'.

(Bonus! Click here to see those two keyword phrases compared for you on Google Trends.)

(A slight caveat: If you really delved into research, you might find that while the general public uses one term most frequently, your prospective clients use another. However, this would take a ton of time, and if you just start thinking more about optimizing your website text and page titles with keywords using Google Trends you'll be miles ahead of where you were. Plus, it takes just a few seconds!)

To see how easy it is, check out our video showing how you can boost your real estate marketing using Google Trends:

Like this video? Subscribe to the Tools For Real Estate YouTube Channel!

Seattle Area Community Events for August 2009

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:49:55 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Keybank Air Show at Seafair
July 31 to August 2, South Lake Washington, Seattle
The fastest powerboats in the world, Unlimited Hydroplanes, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, fabulous northwest food and a spectacular Saturday evening fireworks show.
Various locations around Lake Washington | (206) 461-5800

Awesome August Celebration
August 1 to 2, Country Village, Bothell
A celebration for kids, with pony rides, games, train rides, face painting and much more.
23714 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell | (425) 483-1042

Evergreen Classic Horseshow
August 5 to 9, Remlinger Farms, Carnation
The best horses and riders in the Northwest region compete in hunter/jumper events at Remlinger Farms.
32610 Northeast 32nd St., Carnation | (425) 333-4135

Auburn Good Ol' Days
August 7 to 9, Auburn
A diverse festival featuring live music, model boats, a car show, and many vendors.
25 West Main Street, Auburn | (253) 931-3043

South Lake Union Block Party
August 7, South Lake Union Discovery Center, Seattle
Summertime fun starts at noon. Enjoy local food, live music, and an outdoor movie.
101 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle | (206) 342-5900

Celebrate Shoreline
August 11 to 16, Ridgecrest Elementary School, Seattle
It's a birthday party for Shoreline, with a jazz walk, teen skate, a parade, and a sand castle contest.
16516 10th Avenue Northeast, Seattle | (206) 361-4272

Taste of Edmonds
August 14 to 16, Civic Center Playfield, Edmonds
Three days of food and entertainment, with arts and crafts, children's performers, and beer and wine available for purchase.
Sixth Avenue North and Bell Street, Edmonds | (425) 771-0268

Fresh Paint Festival
August 15 to 16, Arts Council of Snohomish County Gallery, Everett
The Everett Marina Promenade is turned into a sidewalk gallery filled with artists at work. This year the Hot Shop from the Tacoma Museum of Glass will be featured.
1507 Wall Street, Everett | (425) 257-8380

Arts in Nature Festival
August 22 to 23, Camp Long, Seattle
Wandering performers, string quartets, dance troupes, and fire performers expose people to eclectic art in a beautiful natural setting.
5200 35th Avenue Southwest, Seattle | (206) 684-7434

Evergreen State Fair
August 27 to September 7, Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Monroe
See the farm animals and enjoy arts and crafts, rides, and great local food.
14405 179th Avenue Southeast, Monroe | (360) 805-6700

Maritime Fest
August 29 to 30, Port of Tacoma
Spend the day on the waterfront taking in boat races, boat building, boat tours and a variety of art and food.
1 Sitcum Way, Tacoma | (253) 383-5841

Riverfest
August 30, Downtown Bothell
A family event that includes a car show, inflatable rides for kids, live music, and crafts for sale.
18305 101st Avenue NE, Bothell | (425) 485-3256

Beware of House Rental Scam on Craigslist

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:32:06 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

If anyone you know is shopping for house rentals on Craigslist, please make sure they know about a scam that apparently has been going on for a while.

It was brought to my attention by an agent in my office whose client had called on a house advertised on Craigslist as available for rent at $2,200 a month. The client offered $2,000, to which the listing agent replied that the owner would not accept that.

The next day he saw the same home listed for rent at $1,800 a month, but with different contact information. He called and was told that before he could see the home he needed to fill out a complete application, which it turns out required ALL of his information, including his social security number and driver license number.

The client realized something fishy was up and called the person he had talked to the first time around to ask what was going on. As it turns out, the home was still listed with that agent and still for rent at $2,200.

The second listing was a fake, created by scammers to get people to divulge all of their personal information by filling out a phony rental application.

Bottom line? Be extremely cautious before giving out ANY information to people you are not sure are legitimate. I personally think Craigslist is a great resource and I know they're trying to crack down on this kind of activity, but ultimately it's up to us to keep ourselves safe.

If you know someone who is searching for home rentals on Craigslist, please make sure they're aware of this scam!

How to Create a Facebook Fan Page for Your Real Estate Business

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:51:26 -0500

From my Tools For Real Estate blog:

Love Facebook? Hate Facebook? Have a personal Facebook profile, but not sure how to use it for your real estate business?

(All of the above?)

Regardless of which category you fall into, here's what you need to know: Having a Facebook business page (also called a Facebook fan page) is a great way for you to market yourself online as a real estate agent. It's free, easy to set up, and easy to keep updated with content such as links to interesting articles, photos, and even videos.

How much or how little you put into it is up to you. But, here's the catch... most real estate agents don't know how to create a Facebook business fan page to begin with!

Fortunately, it's easy. Here's a video I made showing exactly how to do it, along with tips on choosing the right title for your Facebook business page.

Recommended Resource: Hydrophysics Pipe Inspection for Sewer Scoping

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:35:10 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Whenever you buy a home, even if it's new construction, it's a good idea to have the sewer line scoped. That means hiring a sewer scoping contractor to check for damage by running a video camera down the line from the home to the street by means of a long steel cable.

In the Seattle area this typically costs around $200 to $300. Considering that problems arising from sewer lines due to root intrusion, damage, degradation of materials, or simply poor installation can cost well into the tens of thousands of dollars (and are typically not covered by home insurance or the local utility company, since they usually fall outside the footprint of the home but are still on your property) it's an investment well spent.

The company I recommend is Hydrophysics Pipe Inspection, owned by Tom Delamare. Sewer scoping is all they do, so they know how to handle complicated situations such as having to remove a toilet in order to access the sewer line. It also means that they have nothing to gain by diagnosing a problem, so there's no potential conflict of interest.

Over the years I've found their service to be excellent - although I have to say I'm always secretly disappointed that we never get any great footage of a dead cow floating nonchalantly by (sewer lines are pretty boring, for the most part.)

You can schedule a sewer scoping with Hydrophysics at (425) 775-8445 or (866) 775-8445.

A Mortgage Refinance Guide for Your Real Estate Clients

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:45:23 -0500

From my Tools For Real Estate blog:

Are you getting questions about mortgage refinancing from your real estate clients? I am, and I recently found a good consumer's guide to home loan refinancing by the Federal Reserve Board. One of the reasons I like it is that it seems to clearly explain some mortgage topics that people commonly get confused about, including:

Comparing home loan refinance options
Understanding ‘no cost’ refinances
Calculating when you recoup the expense of refinancing a mortgage
Home mortgage prepayment penalties

There’s also a glossary of home loan refinance terms that’s highly useful.

The pamphlet dates from 2008 and is 29 pages, it opens up in just a few seconds via pdf – here’s the link at the Federal Citizen Information Center:

A Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Refinancings

Seattle Area Housing Stats for June 2009

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:19:44 -0500

From my TeamIrene blog:

Residential and condominium housing market numbers for June 2009 show a 22% and 9% decrease in the number of listings, respectively, from June 2008. Median closed sales prices dropped by 15% for houses and 9% for condos over the same time period.

Note: Remember that homes closing in June probably went off market in April or May, and therefore reflect conditions during those months.

Link to the FHA-approved condominium complex search page

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:50:21 -0500

This morning a lender reminded me of how much harder it is to get PMI for condos these days when the borrower is putting less than 25% down and using conventional financing in a market that has been classified as 'declining.'

FHA financing may be a better bet for condo buyers with less to put down, and since I always have to hunt around for the HUD web page that lets you look up FHA-approved condo complexes I thought I'd share it here once I found it:

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Great Yahoo report on how home buyers and sellers choose agents

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 09:11:14 -0600

There's a really interesting report on the Yahoo broker's page that gives some valuable information about how people find, research and choose agents, online and off.

Go to the Yahoo Broker page, and then it's the second report in the list at the bottom of the page, called "Online Engagement Influences Agent Selection Proces." I think this is really useful info to know when considering how you're going to invest time and money into connecting with people, and what topics they are most concerned about.

I did a summary of this report on the Tools For Real Estate blog, so I won't go into it again here but you can visit that page if you want to. Either way, I recommend downloading the report from Yahoo (it's an easy read, plenty of graphs) and there's another good one on that page called "Embracing the Online Real Estate Market."

Picnik is THE place to easily edit your photos online

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:41:08 -0600

The other day I was looking for websites that let you easily edit photos online, and after a couple of hours of shlepping around I came across Picnik, finally - what a great find!

I love sites that are easy to use, and Picnik lets you upload photos and EASILY make all kinds of graphic and text effects. Compared to the other sites I found they were light years ahead - the results were professional looking, and you can do all kinds of complicated things, such as stretching parts of the image, etc (not useful for home photos, I know, but nice if you're creating graphics for your website) and the interface is so intuitive that I think even the most non-techy agent would not have a problem doing some pretty cool stuff.

There's a free level that offers a ton of options, and also a paid level for a mere $24.95 a year. I highly recommend you go and check Picnik out, it is a joy to use. Have fun!

I've been blogging, just not here!

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:31:17 -0600

A quick mea culpa so people don't think I'm insane for dropping off the face of the Active Rain map for a year - I've been blogging over at the Tools For Real Estate blog, and lately have been sharing what works and what doesn't for blogging consistently. The 'theme of the day' concept is kind of working....

Anyway, just wanted to say that I love Active Rain and am officially BACK, before launching into any new blog posts. :)