Folks frequently ask us, “how’s the market?” Our response is generally, “inconsistent, fits & starts, up & down”. When asked what the future holds we have responded, “it depends greatly on the local job market. If we can get an infusion of positive news in that regard, the benefits to the housing market should be felt immediately”. Today’s news that …
Get Rid Of the Negativity Already
We refuse to succumb to the relentless diatribes of agents and buyers citing every listing as “overpriced”. These lightly informed opinions have become so ubiquitous we are eliminating “what do you think of the price?” from our showing/previewing email follow-up questionnaires for all of our listings. If the answer is always the same, why ask the question? Things were quite …
Sunday Seattle Times Article Nov 20, 2011
“Potential Cures For Appraisal Headaches” by Ken Harney Yes, appraisals are a challenge these days. We have a relatively simple solution that somewhat echoes Harney’s suggestions, but from the sellers’ perspective. His is aimed at buyers. I’ll start with the most relevent/helpful info first, then explain why this process has become problematic. Out of area appraisers aka low bidder. The quick fix …
First Quarter of 2011 Ends With a Weird Fizzle
I should post more often. Sorry that I don’t. But when the weathervane keeps spinning as if in a hurricane, it’s difficult to gather one’s thoughts as to where the real estate market is headed. January, with a couple of mild weeks of weather, showed promise. Then the snows in February shut the door just as it was beginning to …
2011-Fast Start
It appears that 2011 is off to a more robust start than 2010, or maybe it’s just the way I feel, or maybe it’s the way you feel. This is admittedly conjecture on my part, but it feels as if everyone has a little more energy, a little more positive outlook than a year ago. Is it that the bad …
Federal Way Sign Ordinance: Not Rocket Science
I’ll be brief: Real estate open house signs are a time honored tradition. The regulation thereof should be simple and straightforward. Her is how I would propose that any municipal and/or county sign ordinance should read. Open house signs shall be no larger than 24″ by 24″; Said signs shall bear the name of the licensed real estate brokerage that …
Seller Responsibility: Clean the House and Take Your Junk!
What is it with Sellers that think it is OK to leave all kinds of garbage behind for their Buyers to deal with? We’ve seen it all, from engine blocks to garbage bags filled with used diapers. A favorite is old paint cans with colors that haven’t been used in the house in 20 years, or old broken hollow-core doors …
Housing Predictions For King County and South Snohomish
Everywhere we go people ask us the same question, “how are things in real estate?” Depending on our energy level at that point in time, our answer might take 10 seconds, or 10 minutes. Sometimes people ask because they are truly interested from a personal standpoint. Sometimes it’s too find out if we are suffering as much as the media says …
Housing Pessimism: Get Over It….
I suppose it is not fair to ask today’s prospective home buyers what all the fuss is about. Given the daily onslaught of negative media coverage of housing and the economy, it is permissible to be concerned about whether or not to take the plunge. However, I don’t understand the hand-wringing, mind warping fear that has gripped many home shoppers to …
Hallelujah!
After 3+ years of refuting, critiquing and criticising the writings of The Seattle Time’s Elizabeth Rhodes on real estate matters, the Times has finally heard our pleas and replaced her with a new, actual Real Estate Editor. Meet Cindy Zetts. In her first article for the Times in yesterday’s Real Estate section, Cindy quickly demonstrates that “SHE GETS IT!” She has …