julie booth: Invest $500k in the SR 520 Bridge & Receive Green Cards for you and Your Family! - 09/10/11 06:08 AM
Invest $500,000.00 in the SR 520 Bridge & Receive Green Cards for you and Your Family! 
Yes, that was one of the many things that I learned at the South King County Chapter of the Womans Council of Realtors luncheon last week.  I was so surprised at this, that I had to learn more about it.  So it isn't quite that easy, of course.
There are some other considerations like being able to employ at least 10 U.S. workers and your family members must all be under the age of 21.
This government needs money and so they are thinking outside the … (0 comments)

julie booth: International Principals are Discussed at Yesterdays South King County WCR Luncheon - 09/02/11 09:41 AM
International Principals are Discussed at Yesterdays South King County WCR LuncheonJason Watabe, John L. Scott and Jess Salazar, Benchmark Realty and Elizabeth Davidson, Coldwell Banker Danforth were the speakers.  The discussion focused on the importance of email communication, the nature of some cultures need to start with a low offer (not to offend) make sure that your seller is aware of this and also asking the client if they would prefer to be referred to a broker/lender that speaks their language.  Jason brought up a statistic that was somewhat surprising to me:  25% of all Bellevue buyers are Asian.  1 in 4.  Flyers were handed out … (0 comments)

julie booth: I Finally Make the Splash and Go West of Westport! - 09/02/11 09:22 AM
I Finally Make the Splash and Go West of Westport  I am a Pacific NW Native and have heard stories of the tumultuous waters out of Westport all my life and as a result, I have a serious respect for the ocean and spent my time in the Puget Sound and Lake Washington.  August 20th, I decide to join my fisherman, John and give it a whirl.  If you can't beat em', join em', right?  The harbor was crystal clear and glassy when we left.As soon as we got past the bar, the water kicked up pretty seriously - by the time we got back late that afternoon … (0 comments)

julie booth: Putting Washington back to work this Labor Day - 09/02/11 06:24 AM
Putting Washington back to work this Labor Day
OLYMPIA – “Success! Offer received today!”  That’s just one of many jubilant messages from those who used WorkSource to get a wide variety of jobs, from aerospace to software testing and composite manufacturing. 
Already this year, WorkSource has helped more than 4,000 job seekers navigate the complex hiring process at Boeing and other firms through special workshops in Skagit, Snohomish, King, Kitsap and Pierce counties.  In Snohomish County alone, the heart of Washington’s aerospace industry, 22 percent report getting hired after using the important skills they learned.
Michael Jee of Seattle is one. 
… (2 comments)

julie booth: World Championship Sand Sculpting is here thru September 5th! - 08/31/11 07:51 AM
The Tournament of Champions competition for the World Championship Sand Sculpting is taking place right here in Federal Way, Washington through September 5th.
The tournament takes place outdoors in a large parking lot - the key word being outdoors.  The Pacific Northwest is a pretty rainy area and when I brought my granddaughter, Kayla last year I didn't expect too much as it was raining alot.   It really was amazing how intricate some of these sculptures get!  The rain did take its toll on some but not that bad.
This year Kayla & I brought some friends to see what was … (2 comments)

julie booth: U.S. Department of State Issuing New Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards - 08/15/11 10:20 AM
Retailers: U.S. Department of State Issuing New Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards
OLYMPIA – Aug. 15, 2011 – Retailers should be aware that the Office of Foreign Missions in the U.S. Department of State is issuing new Diplomatic Tax Exemption Cards.
The redesigned cards authorize the exemption from sales, occupancy, restaurant/meal, and other similar taxes on the official and personal purchases of foreign diplomatic and consular missions and their members in the United States.
The new cards contain security features intended to defeat any attempts to manufacture counterfeit cards.  The Office of Foreign Missions began issuing them in June and expects to … (0 comments)

julie booth: The Importance of Title Insurance - 08/05/11 08:26 AM
The President of ALTA Discusses the Importance of Title Insurance Anne Anastasi, then President of the American Land Title Association spoke at the Conference in Texas  on the issue of Robo Signings and ownership.
Who pays for the title coverage?  The seller pays for the title coverage that insures the buyers into title and the buyer pays for the title insurance coverage that insures their lenders loan.
In a previous issue, I discussed the 3 different types of owners title coverages as how they relate to mechanic liens.
Here is a link to a site that offers you the differences between the Standard Title Coverage and the Homeowners Title Coverages.  (Keep in mind that … (4 comments)

julie booth: Washington States Average Wage Increased in 2010 - 06/24/11 04:16 AM
Employment Security Department/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 23, 2011 / #11-038
 Washington's average wage increased in 2010
 OLYMPIA - Washington's average annual wage increased in 2010, due in part to the toll the recession took on lower-paid workers.
 The 2.1 percent increase pushed the average annual wage to $48,162. That's an average weekly wage of $926.
 "An increase in the average wage can be misleading, because it's not caused solely by raises," said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause.
 The average wage can go up when employers eliminate a lot more low-paying jobs than higher-wage jobs. It also can rise if … (1 comments)

julie booth: Are Joint Ventures OK or a RESPA Violation? - 06/23/11 11:22 AM
Are Joint Ventures OK or a RESPA Violation?
Frank and Brian with Think Big, Work Small raises the question in this episode. 
Personally, as an Independent Escrow Company, my thoughts are that it is a violation, especially with the years and years of title background I have (remember the OIC??) but it doesn't appear that RESPA has had time to address these yet.
Real Estate Brokers are consistanty discussing the need for leads and talking about its challenges.  Well, YOU are my leads and if I can't gain access into your office, I cannot provide the skill set that I have to your buyer or seller.  A skill … (0 comments)

julie booth: More and More Judges are Ruling Against Banks - 06/21/11 09:34 AM
More & More Judges Are Ruling Against Banks
The implications are downright scary.  According to this article from the Wall Street Journal June 1st, Judges in at least 9 States have ruled against banks in foreclosure cases. Owners are not making their payments. Why would a Judge rule against the banks??  These Courts are following the paper trail and are coming up short.   The lack of Assignment documents and backdating different documents is named as a prominant activity by the "robo-signors".  What is backdating?  Working up a document today and signing/notarizing it as if the document was completed in the past.  I have seen many people … (0 comments)

julie booth: Collecting Unemployment Requires Real Job-Search Effort - 06/06/11 04:56 AM
Collecting unemployment requires real job-search effort
 OLYMPIA - Congrats on your wedding, but we're going to need our money back.
That was Employment Security's response to a Washington woman who received unemployment benefits for the week she was in Texas getting married. The woman said she fulfilled her job-search requirement on the way to the church by stopping off at an El Paso movie theater to inquire about a job.
"Unrealistic," said an Employment Security investigator. After closely examining the woman's job-search efforts, the department billed her for $1,400 in benefits she shouldn't have received.
This is just one of thousands … (3 comments)

julie booth: Comeback continues: Washington State added jobs again in April - 05/18/11 08:57 AM
Comeback continues: Washington added jobs again in April
 OLYMPIA - Washington's black-and-blue economy continued its comeback in April.
The state added an estimated 5,800 jobs last month, while the unemployment rate dipped from 9.2 to 9.1 percent.
Since April 2010, Washington has added an estimated 41,500 jobs.
"We're beginning to see job growth pick up some real momentum," said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause. "It's tough to not feel optimistic about where we're going."
Industries that posted gains in April were construction, up 2,400; professional and business services, up 1,700; manufacturing, up 1,200; retail trade, up 900; transportation, warehousing and utilities, … (0 comments)

julie booth: Ken Perry with Broker Knowledge Group has new Video Blogs - 05/18/11 05:12 AM
Ken Perry with Broker Knowledge Group has New Video Blogs!
If you have the opportunity to listen to this guy teach live, sign up.  He has tons of enthusiasm and has a unique teaching style that I really enjoy.   In the meanwhile, Sign up to receive his new video blogs here .
You can thank me later.
Have a great day!
Julie
… (2 comments)

julie booth: I Have Been Inspired - And Why Not?? - 05/15/11 04:33 AM
I Have Been Inspired-And Why Not?
This little girl is my daughters niece in California.  At the Federal Way Chamber's May luncheon, I won a prize from the Relay for Life group and decided to start a team.  Cyndi Jacobson, another escrow officer assisted with creating the team name:  WRECK Cancer, which stands for "WE IN THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY KICK".  I do believe in contributing or giving back and I am going to do something about it.  I started losing friends from cancer about 10 years ago and we all know, love and are thankful for our cancer survivors.After attending the Team Captains … (6 comments)

julie booth: Reasons why you should choose closing with an independent escrow company - 04/23/11 05:17 AM
 
Reasons why you should choose closing with an independent escrow company  
When you are considering which escrow company to use on your next transaction, consider the independent escrow company. Why?
#1 reason: Experience.
#2 reason: Broad knowledge of the views of many different title company's underwriting.
#3 reason: High level of insurance backing. Oh, you didn't know that one?
#4 reason:  Just like you, we are a small business and will go the extra mile for you and the client.
#5 reason (and very important in this economy): You are working with a small business in your own community - the funds STAY … (5 comments)

julie booth: More Help Wanted: Job Openings Up 31% in Washington State - 04/21/11 05:44 AM
More help wanted: Job openings up 31 percent
OLYMPIA - Washington's recession-ravaged job market is on the road to recovery, according to the Employment Security Department's fall 2010 job-vacancy survey released today.
Job openings were up 31 percent last fall compared to a year earlier, growing to an estimated 41,889 vacant positions.
Employment Security conducts the job-vacancy survey twice a year, in the spring and fall. Estimated openings increased by 8 percent between the spring 2010 and fall 2010 surveys.
"The increase in job openings is a sign that employers are gaining confidence, and that's good for our economic recovery," said … (2 comments)

julie booth: Washington State Cracks Down on Liars - 04/12/11 05:01 AM
Investigators finding more benefits fraud
  
OLYMPIA - Investigators identified nearly 7,000 people last year who lied, cheated, scammed and schemed in order to collect unemployment benefits.
This small minority of claimants collected more than $14 million in unemployment benefits through fraud - about 56 percent more than in 2009. 
"It's not completely clear whether there is more fraud, or we're just getting better at uncovering it," said Annette Taylor "Probably a little of both."
Employment Security's investigative team has expanded and improved its efforts to cross-match records with other state agencies, a strategy that is paying dividends, Taylor said.
The … (0 comments)

julie booth: Washington State will not interrupt UE Benefits if the Feds shut down - 04/08/11 11:22 AM
Federal government shutdown will not interrupt unemployment benefits or WorkSource job services
 OLYMPIA - Officials with the Washington State Employment Security Department are assuring unemployed workers that unemployment benefits will continue to be paid even if the federal government shuts down.
In addition, WorkSource offices will remain open to provide job-search, training and career development services.  There are about three dozen full-service centers across Washington, plus several dozen affiliates that provide a smaller array of services.
Although Employment Security and WorkSource operations are supported mostly with federal funding, Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause said, "We have funds on hand to maintain … (0 comments)

julie booth: Do you want to win a Northwest Multi City Vacation Getaway for Two? - 04/08/11 07:29 AM
Do you want to win a Northwest Multi City Vacation Getaway for Two? 
I sure do.  The lucky winner receives:
Round trip tickets on the Victoria Clipper plus a champagne continental breakfast aboard One night accommodation at Coast Victoria Harbourside Hotel & Marina Transportation via Cruise Victoria motor coach to the Butchart Gardens Admission for two to The Butchart Gardens including high tea Pacific Coach Lines transportation and BC Ferry between Victoria and Vancouver, BC One night stay at Delta Vancouver Suites in Vancouver, BC Tickets for the Hop On Hop Off Vancouver Trolley Tour Amtrak Cascades transportation between Seattle, WA … (0 comments)

julie booth: 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)