I went to France this past weekend. Ok, I didn’t really, but last Saturday I imagined I was transported to France when I sat down with a glass of wine in my hand and looked out over the valley in Woodinville. It felt like spring was almost here in the Seattle area. Spring was almost…Read More »
It’s time to accept the reality of the market in Seattle and on Seattle’s eastside. More than likely, it’s going to be the way it is for a few more years, with single digit appreciation after that. It’s a more realistic market. It doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s still challenging to sell a home, but…Read More »
It’s hard to believe, the new year is here. It’s a time for reflection, a time for planning, and a time for partying. It’s a time to make those new year’s resolutions we all hope to keep. Most of all it’s time to have fun, appreciate what you do have: your friends, family, and health.…Read More »
It’s ironic that the articles about schools linked below were recently published, as last week I met with a past client who raised this very issue. My last post commented on home values and school systems. My client bought his first home from me 5 years ago. It was a new home in a…Read More »
Who will survive in 2012? Apparently, not many of us, according to the new movie coming this fall. It looks like the end of the world will be happening in 2012, so my previous article about the state of the real estate market and when there will be a rebound in the market, is kind…Read More »
Recently, I wrote about my experience with the “new and improved” real estate appraisal process, the HVCC, House Valuation Code of Conduct, a misguided attempt to right the wrongs of past appraisals. The appraisal process needed to be revamped, but I’m not alone in seeing how difficult the new appraisal system has been for…Read More »
The Newsweek that arrived at my door this week is different. The Newsweek of old is gone. Newsweek’s table of contents is now entitled a “New Week”. Newsweek is working hard to get it. The May 25th issue heralds the reinvention of the magazine. Jon Meachum talked about the “new’ Newsweek” online this past week:…Read More »
Have you thought about refinancing your home? I’m in the process of refinancing right now. I looked at my existing loan and realized I probably wouldn’t get another chance this great to refinance my home. Not only is my current rate just “okay,” it’s an adjustable mortgage, so it’s a good time to trade this…Read More »
Ever since I moved to the Seattle/Eastside (or the Eastside) in 1986, there’s been a rivalry between the eastside of Lake Washington, the eastside, and the westside of the lake, Seattle. I remember picking up a postcard back then with a drawing of a car crossing over to the eastside on the 520 bridge. The…Read More »
The news is full of stories about the stimulus package. The stimulus package is shown in full on the Huffington Post. It’s pretty dry reading and only recommended if you need something to help you sleep at night. If you want a shorter, more concise version, check this summary from CNN. The package is now…Read More »