It is unfortunate when verbal promises are broken, no matter what the subject. In real estate it is easy to make those words stick: write them into the transaction. In this Seattle Times article a buyer laments that what was promised verbally by both her own agent and a seller was not the case. It doesn’t matter what the issue is, …
Study Identifies Areas of Fastest Growth, Aging…..
The following is an article taken from REALTOR Magazine Online, November 30, 2006. If you are considering a transfer into, or out of, our area, this is an interesting synopsis of what to expect in various markets across the country. The most significant factors affecting housing during the coming years will be whether aging baby boomers decide to grow old …
Bubble-Proof Seattle Among Top 5 by CNN.COM-Business 2.0
Local buyers and sellers alike should take note of this report from CNN: “5 Bubble-Proof Markets” Seattle is the newest to join this elite group. Part of the reason is the shortage of land, which won’t change soon, given yesterday’s defeat of Initiative 933.
Housing Bubble? Ken Harney Doesn’t Think So. Neither Do We.
For several weeks/months we have asserted that there is no housing price bubble. The media, in general, has inaccurately portrayed the slowing market as sign of a meltdown. Kenneth Harney, syndicated real estate columnist for The Seattle Times, is a lonely voice of reason in the media. He’s right on! His 10/15/06 article sets the record straight on all issues/concerns …
Rare Kudos to Elizabeth Rhodes-Seattle Times Home Forum Article 10/1/06
It is a rare occurrence, but this week we tip our respective hats to Elizabeth Rhodes for an excellent, insightful response response to a reader’s question regarding “suicide loans” and the impact they may have on the market. The reader, as many people have inquired of us, wonders if there will be a bounty of foreclosed properties properties to choose …
“How’s The Market?”
Nearly everywhere we turn, we are asked this question, “How’s the market?” Our answer: ” Locally, due to the strength of Boeing, Microsoft, Paccar, etc., the market is neutral i.e., the balance between sellers and buyers has become balanced to the extent that sellers are still getting good prices, and buyers are finding more properties from which to choose”. However, as the Forbes.com …
Appraisals In Slowing Market: Ken Harney, Seattle Times 9/15
There are a couple of nuggets to be gleaned from reading Ken Harney’s article about appraisals. (1) good appraisers work to get the right numbers by calling agents to find out if concessions were paid by the Seller and ; (2) insight into the list/re-list game played by some agents in a slowing market. Fortunately, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service …
Foreclosure Investing/Seattle Times 9/9/06 Article
Kudos to Sarah Jio for her article on foreclosure investing in the Seattle Times on Saturday, 9/9. She interviewed an experienced, successful investor who imparted some key knowledge about the process of buying and selling foreclosed homes. However, an interesting bit of advice is where the invester recommends that one should not pay more than 85% of a home’s market value …
Median Price Increases: What Does It Really Mean?
We’ve touched on this before, but this Friday’s July 7 front page Seattle Times article by Ms. Rhodes (we like it better when she is away on assignment) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003110149_homesales07.html prompts a serious response: Median price means that 1/2 of all unit sales were below that price, and 1/2 of all unit sales were above. A rise in median home prices means that …
LP Siding: There is a 25 year warranty from the date of install!
In case your home has LP siding, you should know that you have a 25 year warranty from the date of installation. To make a claim call 1-877-677-6722 to speak to an LP representative. It takes 4 to 7 months to complete the process, so it is best to get it started sooner than later. An excellent siding replacement company …