booth escrow: Today Marks the Day the Loan Officer Compensation Rule Takes Effect - 04/06/11 10:58 AM
Today Marks the Day the Loan Officer Compensation Rule Takes Effect (4-6-11)
As Independent Contractors, I think that you can all agree that Free Enterprise is an important part of what makes us a great Country. Today marks the day that the Loan Officer Compensation Rule takes effect.We have moved through many significant changes in our industry over the last several years and is clear that changes (reform) will continue for some time.  I really don't understand how the ability of a loan officer to charge whatever they want to charge, can be limited under our free enterprises system.  Somebody needs to call and explain … (4 comments)

booth escrow: Free Workshops Expand to Help Jobseekers in Boeing Hiring Blitz - 04/05/11 06:28 AM
Free workshops expand to help jobseekers in Boeing hiring blitz 
 EVERETT - More aerospace jobs are concentrated in Snohomish County than anywhere in the world, and the number is growing.  But getting the attention of Boeing and other aerospace companies can be daunting for some jobseekers.
 "For every 100 applicants, Boeing screens out about 75 of them, often because they didn't know how to accurately describe their skills," said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause.  "WorkSource is turning that trend around by teaching job seekers how to develop résumés and applications that get screeners' attention."
 As recruiting ramps up, WorkSource is … (0 comments)

booth escrow: No Fooling: You May Have Unclaimed Property! - 03/31/11 06:11 AM
No Fooling: You May Have Unclaimed Property
OLYMPIA - April 1, 2011 - It's time to check the Department of Revenue's unclaimed property database again even if you didn't find anything last time.
"No fooling. Your odds of finding unclaimed cash are better than ever," Department Director Suzan DelBene said.
That's because the Department has added 623,000 names and $91.5 million to its huge online database at www.claimyourcash.org after businesses reported new unclaimed property late last year.
While the Department was able to pay $44.5 million to more than 98,000 claimants during Fiscal Year 2010, the database has grown to about … (0 comments)

booth escrow: Telephone Scammers are targeting Washington State Businesses again - 03/22/11 10:50 AM
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE NEWS RELEASE
Telephone Scammers Are Again Targeting State BusinessesOlympia, Wash., March 21, 2011 - Scammers posing as Washington Department of Revenue employees are again calling Washington businesses to direct them to a bogus international phone number that charges them for the call, the Department warned today.The automated phone calls state that the Department of Revenue has been trying to reach the business about its tax account, and to call 1-800-631-4228. When the taxpayer calls that number, another recording prompts them to call 10-15-15-8000. If the business calls that number, approximately $7 will be charged to its telephone account."This … (1 comments)

booth escrow: City Park, New Orleans is a gem! - 03/20/11 07:39 AM
City Park, New Orleans is a gem and have you seen the cemetaries?
Imagine 1300 acres right in the City of New Orleans!  I read that $17 million dollars was donated to bring the park back from its ruins after Katrina.   This park is so beautiful with ancient oak trees, the Museum of Art and a Sculpture Park. If you have considered going to New Orleans - just do it!  We will be going back next year for their Jazz Festival.
I just loved my 7 nights in the Gulf Coast area, the people were so friendly and shared their stories of Katrina with us. 
I really felt … (0 comments)

booth escrow: Booth Escrow is now accepting Escrows on Mobile Title Transfer Only's - 03/20/11 07:32 AM
Booth Escrow is now accepting Mobile Home Only Escrows!
As a closer who has worked for title companies for the last 28 years, I have always referred these transactions out to independent escrow companies, which I have continued to do since I opened.  Hey - wait a minute:  I AM an independent escrow company now!
I get a number of phone calls each month on this topic and since about 19 independent escrow companies have closed their doors in the South Sound area, I need to fill the need.
So give me a call and I would be happy to assist … (2 comments)

booth escrow: We Celebrated Fat Tuesday in New Orleans this year! - 03/20/11 07:24 AM
We Celebrated Fat Tuesday in New Orleans this year!
This has been on my list of things to do since I was about 18.  We spent months planning the trip - where we wanted to stay - close to everything, but not in the middle of what I expected to be chaos.It was sensational!  7 nights, many parades, a jillion beads, the best food and so many friendly local people.    We enjoyed a dining experience at Emerils Delmonico on St. Charles one night and then walked outside to enjoy the parades with the locals.  Beakfast at Brennons was a treat too, not to mention Aligator Cheesecake … (5 comments)

booth escrow: Washington State Reports Job Gains in February - 03/15/11 12:42 PM

Job gains continued in February
 OLYMPIA - Washington added an estimated 800 jobs in February and the unemployment rate dipped to 9.1 percent from January's revised rate of 9.2 percent.
The big gainer in February was the construction industry, which added an estimated 3,900 jobs. Other industries that grew last month were government, up 1,700; and leisure and hospitality, up 1,600.
Growth in the public sector is attributed primarily to military jobs and higher education.
Jobs were lost in retail trade, down 1,500; wholesale trade, down 1,400; financial activities, down 1,300; professional and business services, down 1,300; and transportation, warehousing … (0 comments)

booth escrow: M.A.R.S. is in Effect. Does it Affect You? - 02/11/11 08:46 AM
M.A.R.S. is in Effect.  Does it Affect you?
By now we have all heard about this new Rule by the Federal Trade Commission and everyone has different takes on it.  I have talked with Agents that are not concerned - I have talked with Agents that are very concerned. 
Richard Zaretsky, a Florida Real Estate Attorney has written this article on M.A.R.S. via Active Rain.
Kevin Hardin, CMB, CMC, CMPS with Thomson Law in Arizona has also written a good article that breaks down this new law.
Of course, we each need to check with our own independent legal counsel on this matter.
Enjoy … (0 comments)

booth escrow: The Science of Sound in Satsop - 02/11/11 08:42 AM
The Science of Sound in Satsop
Part of Satsops unused nuclear power plant has just been leased by Ron Sauro, president of NWAA Labs for the purposes of testing sound absorption and transamission properties of building materials such as windows, doors and acoustical materials used in wall structures, ceilings and floors, cubicles and even materials used on rockets. 
Gail Greenwood Ayers writes about this lease in the new South Sound Magazine and Jeff Hobson offers a pretty nice photo.
Thanks for reading!
Julie
(2 comments)

booth escrow: Do You Know Who is Closing Your Bank Owned Sale? - 02/11/11 08:38 AM
Do You Know Who is Closing Your Bank Owned Sale?
More and more out of state escrows are jumping in to close the sales of REO's due to arrangements with the banks.
Be sure that the individual is either:
1)  A licensed escrow officer in Washington State
2)  An escrow closer working for a title company that is licensed in Washington State
3)  An attorney licensed in Washington State
More and more out of state individuals are closing or attempting to handle the closing of REO properties.  Washington State's Department of Financial Institutions has very clear language that requires that the individuals be licensed in Washington State.  Unfortunately, … (4 comments)

booth escrow: Washington State offers first-ever amnesty program! - 02/08/11 06:44 AM
Waives penalties and interest on certain unpaid Washington State business taxes
OLYMPIA - Feb. 1, 2011 - The Department of Revenue's first-ever tax amnesty program begins today.
Qualifying businesses with overdue taxes can apply to pay them without associated penalties and interest from Feb. 1 through April 30.
"Hardworking business owners have faced some very tough economic times over the past several years," Department Director Suzan DelBene said. "This program will help them meet their tax obligations without the additional burden of penalties and interest."
The amnesty program was authorized by the Legislature during its special session last December at the … (0 comments)

booth escrow: Washington States Department of Revenue seeks business imput on tax simplification - 01/28/11 07:08 AM
Washington State's Department of Revenue Seeks Business Input on Tax Simplification
OLYMPIA - Jan. 27, 2011 - Have an idea on how Washington can simplify its tax system to help small businesses? If so, the Department of Revenue would like to hear from you through an online survey at http://dor.wa.gov/TaxSimplification.
The Department is soliciting tax simplification ideas in response to a directive from Governor Chris Gregoire.
The Department is in the process of scheduling meetings with stakeholders to gather information on the burdens and costs of complying with the tax system. The online survey is intended to supplement that process and … (0 comments)

booth escrow: Washington State Business to get $43 million tax break on 2010 taxes - 01/21/11 08:06 AM
Washington businesses to get $43 million tax break on 2010 taxes  OLYMPIA - Washington employers will save an estimated $43 million in federal taxes in 2010 because they hired certain hard-to-place job seekers.
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit provides up to $2,400 in tax savings per worker to businesses that hire veterans, the disabled, ex-inmates, food-stamp recipients and those who receive Supplemental Security Income.
"This tax credit is an incentive for businesses to hire individuals who have a particularly hard time finding work," said Paul Trause, commissioner of the Employment Security Department. "It's a good tool for reducing hiring costs."
To … (0 comments)

booth escrow: The Seattle Career Fair is open on Thursday, January 20th, 2011 - 01/19/11 03:54 AM
THURSDAY CAREER FAIR...Jobs will be available in Administration, Aerospace, Customer Service, Food Service, IT, Sales, Software Development and More. Please see web site for complete list..THE SEATTLE CAREER FAIRThursday, January 20, 201110:30am to 2:00pmThe Seattle Center(Northwest Meeting Rooms)For more information and to preregister, please go to www.choicecareerfairs.com LOCATION MAP:Held at the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms (NW corner of Key Arena), corner of 1st ave. N and Republican St. For a map of Seattle Center, marking the location of this event, please go to http://wa-jobs.c.topica.com/maaovz8ab2oxtbMtrvGb/JOBS AVAILABLE AT THIS CAREER FAIR INCLUDE:Accounts Payable ClerkAerospace Systems EngineerBartenderCashierCustomer Service CounselorElectricianFinancial Service Rep.Human ResourcesInsurance AgentMarketing AgentMortgage … (0 comments)

booth escrow: What is The Massachusetts Decision? - 01/14/11 08:49 AM
What is The Massachusetts Decision? On Friday the 7th of January, 2011 the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled against US Bancorp & Wells Fargo and reversed their foreclosures because the banks failed to prove that they owned the mortgages when they foreclosed.In an article in USA Today, The Associated Press goes over the details.This decision raises alot of questions for us all.  I have talked with 4 different title companies in King, Pierce & Snohomish Counties today (1/11/11) and they are all telling me about the same thing:  They have been instructed to carefully examine each title and if certain red flags present themselves, they must have … (2 comments)

booth escrow: What is MERS and How is it Involved in Our Housing Crises? - 01/14/11 08:45 AM
What Is MERS & How Is It Involved In Our Housing Crises? MERS stands for Mortgage Electronic Registration System. In the early 90's I started to hear about the creation of MERS and how it would streamline the payoff processes for mortgage loans.  It certainly was/is the "go to" place on the web to confirm who the servicing agent is for properties as most Assignments of Deeds of Trust are no longer recorded.  Now MERS is being brought up and tested in our courts.  Here is an excellent article written by Ariana Eunjung Cha and Steven Mufson with the Washington Post to explain it … (2 comments)

booth escrow: Washington Service Corps active in MLK Day activities - 01/14/11 03:45 AM
Washington Service Corps active in MLK Day activities
 OLYMPIA - The Washington Service Corps, a branch of the state Employment Security Department, will participate in an array of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events beginning on Jan. 15 in communities across Washington.
 The events include food and clothing drives, environmental restoration projects and special commemorative activities about Martin Luther King Jr.   
 "Dr. King believed everybody could achieve greatness through service," said Paul Trause, commissioner of the Employment Security Department.  "The Washington Service Corps embodies that belief, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy." 
 The Washington Service Corps gives civically … (0 comments)

booth escrow: Washington State's DOR Offers Free Workshops for Holders of Unclaimed Property - 01/13/11 12:25 PM
Department of Revenue Offers Free Workshops for Holders of Unclaimed Property
                OLYMPIA - Jan. 11, 2011-The Department of Revenue is offering free workshops for businesses, local governments and other organizations that must by law report unclaimed property to the state.
                The workshops scheduled for January through December of this year are intended to help businesses understand their reporting obligations, program audit manager Barbie Schneider said.  Organizations can register for a workshop at http://ucp.dor.wa.gov/.
Washington State law requires businesses and other organizations to review their records each year to determine whether they are holding unclaimed property. Typical types of property … (0 comments)

booth escrow: Taxable Retail Sales Increase 0.2 percent in WA State during Q3 2010 - 01/07/11 10:25 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/For more information, contact:  Mike Gowrylow (360) 534-1610
  Taxable Retail Sales Increase 0.2 Percent during Third Quarter 2010
 OLYMPIA - Jan. 5, 2011 - Taxable Retail Sales totaled $26.5 billion during the third quarter of 2010, up 0.2 percent over the third quarter of 2009.
 Retail Trade was up 2.5 percent to $11.9 billion.  Retail Trade is a subset of all taxable retail sales that counts only retailers and excludes sales stemming from construction and other industries.
 While total sales improved slightly over last year, they were still about $3 billion or more below the third quarters of 2006 … (0 comments)