The Seatttle Times Friday the 13th Real Estate section Q & A by Elizabeth Rhodes sites a low appraisal problem on a condo sale. While the explanations offered are fairly brain dead with respect to what actually happens in such a situation, it inspired me to write about 2 recent transactions wherein the appraisals played pivotal roles unlike that which …
About the MS Rumour Regarding MLS Re-list Rule July 22
It has been a long-running problem that agents cancel and re-list properties merely for the sake of generating renewed interest for listings that are not getting any activity. It is also a means by which agents attempt to fool shoppers into believing a listing is actually new instead of 120 days old. This creates a number of problems and workload …
Buyers Getting a Leg Up?
In the Seattle Times 7/7/07 Saturday Business section, an article describes a slower market, and how it is helping buyers. We have predicted for some time that conditions were ripe for increased inventory and slower sales. However, we also believe that this condition will give way to increasing sales activity as the year ends, and will be stronger in 2008. …
Rhodes: What Commission For Agent Covers
There are many real estate issues with which we have disagreed with Elizabeth Rhodes of the Seattle Times. However, we genuinely have to thank her for accurately, and considerately, explaining commission structures. See her article here. Further, Ms. Rhodes is to be commended for the thoughtfulness that guided her to use the insightful remarks of the President of the Washington …
Prices Up and Market Slowing?…Explanation
I was looking in the Sunday Times for something to write about this week. Nothing much of interest. Rhodes wrote about finding a good agent: ask for referrals, credentials, interview 3 that are experts in your area of interest, pick one. Not complicated. Looking for something interesting to discuss in the Times archives, I came across an article from June …
Professional Knife Sharpening Includes Free Pick-up And Delivery
If you’re like us, you may have beautiful sets of carving and/or steak knives in your kitchen in desparate need of special attention i.e., they’re dull. If so, we happened upon a resource that you’re going to appreciate, AAA SHARPER EDGE. Based in Redmond, Eric Rose is the owner. Service includes pick-up and delivery. Eric just serviced all of our …
Reply From Elizabeth Rhodes Concerning Prior Post….
As follow-up to the prior post, I joined an on-line Q & A hosted by Elizabeth Rhodes and Matthew Gardner. I submitted several questions, all of which went unanswered. However, Ms. Rhodes was kind enough to take the time and send an email explaining several aspects of her reporting. Number 1, she is a reporter. I guess that justifies stories …
Sunday Seattle Times Cover Story May 20, 2007
Elizabeth Rhodes seems to relish the exposure whether her articles are news worthy or not. Imagine, the little real estate reporter gets the front page of the Seattle Times……..on Sunday! Well let’s take a close look at that article: 1. The young couple trying to sell their Redmond Ridge home for the last 2 weeks….yes, you heard right, a whole two …
Bank of America Plans to “Buy” Market Share…..
The 5/13/07 Sunday Times Real Estate Section features an article by Ken Harney that is worth reading. It concerns Bank of America’s stated committment to no fee home purchase mortgages. The article notes that there are skeptics. Our personal experience is that Bank of America provides excellent service at the branch level on items such as home equity lines of …
From Forbes: “America’s Most Overpriced Real Estate Markets”
Matt Woolsey at Forbes.com knows how to assess real estate affordability. Check out his analysis process and see how it applies to where you live. See the entire article and pictures of the 10 most overpriced, as well as the 10 most underpriced, markets in the USA.