Comments for The Seattle Specialist

Comment on Washington Legislature Proposes “Anti Common Sense” Legislation (satire) by Our New Responsible Mortgage Lending law | Seattle Real Estate ~ Rain City Guide

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:33:53 +0000

[…] Our New Responsible Mortgage Lending law June 17, 2008 Just when you thought you had seen the most stupid law from our legislature regarding real estate omitting common sense, here comes another! House Bill 2770 aims to make what was a federal offense a state class-B felony. While it is aimed at mortgage brokers, it has wide sweeping implications to real estate agents, buyers, sellers, home inspectors, contractors, and just about anyone else who has even a limited financial interest in a real estate transaction involving a mortgage. […]

Comment on New Construction in the U-District by Link Round Up | urbnlivn on Seattle condos

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 06:44:22 +0000

[…] Seattle Specialist says that Duncan Place Condos is creating quite the buzz as new construction in the U-district. First I’ve heard of the project! […]

Comment on Even Case-Shiller Shows Seattle as Relatively Strong by Jim Reppond

Thu, 29 May 2008 02:48:24 +0000

Interesting article on the conflict of interest Case-Shiller has regarding their indices called "Getting Case-Shillered"

Comment on Generic Ballard vs. Googie by Seattle Real Estate | The Seattle Specialist

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:34:42 +0000

[…] A classic example of where NIMBY-ism has gone a muck is the Ballard Denny’s fiasco. Citizens have gotten all up in arms over the planned demolition of a run-down out of date eyesore. Neighbors complained loud enough until the Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board caved in and granted it historical landmark status. It appears that finally some sanity has returned and they may allow the developer to demolish it anyway. But not without a lot of teeth sucking. […]

Comment on Maple Leaf Community vs. Development by Seattle Real Estate | The Seattle Specialist

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:03:23 +0000

[…] Mapleleaf townhouse project […]

Comment on The Seattle Real Estate Podcast - Fun and Wacky Websites by Jim Reppond

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:06:48 +0000

Found another wacky properties page:
6 Shockingly Eccentric Converted Properties

Comment on Lender Paid vs. Borrower Paid Mortgage Insurance by Mike Howshar

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:54:25 +0000

Another benefit of LPMI is that the borrower does not have to worry about the deductibility of the mortgage insurance, as the MI premium is built into the interest rate and therefore deducted as interest. The federal income tax deduction for borrower paid MI is phased out for homeowners earning more that 100,000. Of course, check with your tax professional.

Comment on “Get back in the house! Get back in the house!” by C

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:40:13 +0000

Start background checking shifty clients when you can. In the state I live in, circuit court records are freely accessible through the internet for all the world to see. I check everyone I know, especially friends and fellow employees.

If I’m working with a nut or potential nut, it’s just something I like to know. Some days as I go about my merry way, I can’t help think to myself, this country was founded on trust?, what trust?!?

How often do you hear people say “I don’t trust anyone!”

Comment on Figuring Commute Time by Jim Reppond

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:43:06 +0000

I hadn't noticed til now, but Galen over at RCG posted a blog about Microsoft's new ClearFlow, which kinda does the same thing. Microsoft is trying to take it a step further by introducing alternate routing suggestions, with some limited success. Some have reported the back-up alternatives tend to have the same congestion problems, making the detour just as bad, or worse. For now it might make the most sense to use a GPS with real-time streaming traffic data (my Acura RL has this), or your Nokia smartphone, then make up your own mind if you think an alternative route is going to be any better. But then you would have to blame yourself if you are wrong....

Comment on Seattle’s Central Disctrict in Forbes “Most Lucrative Neighborhood” list by Cathy

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 10:27:21 +0000

Cathy…

I just came across your blog and wanted to drop you a note telling you how impressed I was with the information you have posted here. I also have websites & blogs so I know what I am talking about when I say your site is top-notch! Keep up the great w…

Comment on Fictional Seattle: Local Books for Kids by Jim Reppond

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:51:17 +0000

We also have a fun little coloring book for children of clients that are relocating.

Comment on “Get back in the house! Get back in the house!” by Jim Reppond

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:07:42 +0000

All in the line of duty! I’m not sure agency law says we have to take a bullet on behalf of our clients. Did you stand between your clients and the gun-pointing SWAT member to protect them?

Comment on Maple Leaf Community vs. Development by PrideOfAustin.com

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:41:27 +0000

PrideOfAustin.com…

Should a Buyer Trust Real Estate Websites? Why the Holidays Are a Great Time to Sell Your Home Thousand-…

Comment on Renters and Marketability by Austin Tx Realtor

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 23:37:08 +0000

Austin Tx Realtor…

The Los Angeles Times??? Ruth Ryon this morning broke the story of Austin??? s listing of his contemporary- style house. Public records show that Austin, 42, purchased the house through his real name, Steve Williams, in September 2005 for 3,100,000….

Comment on Seattle’s First Green Festival by Jim Reppond

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:30:00 +0000

The 2008 Regional "Top Ten" Green awards have been decided in a competition by the AIA Seattle's Committee on the Environment: DOJ Article: What do you think are the greenest projects in this region?

Comment on Expo 62 by Austin Real Estate Investment

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:15:00 +0000

Austin Real Estate Investment…

business marketing software internet technology real estate online service health music travel advertising video management poker education mobile web 2….

Comment on Seattle’s Central Disctrict in Forbes “Most Lucrative Neighborhood” list by Jack

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:10:28 +0000

Jack…

Geat post. I added you to my blog roll!…

Comment on Starbucks downturn because of Real Estate? by Jim Reppond

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:37:05 +0000

Now it’s not just Howard that’s crying over spilled coffee grinds, it’s causing some pouty lips to shrink too.

“Subprime Contagion Hitting Botox Market”
http://housingdoom.com/2008/04/07/subprime-hitting-botox/

Comment on Seattle’s Central Disctrict in Forbes “Most Lucrative Neighborhood” list by buyer connecticut first home time

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:36:34 +0000

buyer connecticut first home time…

Well spoken. I have to research more on this as it is really vital info….

Comment on The Many Roles of the Buyer’s Agent by Debra Sinick

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:19:17 +0000

Perhaps it is both what Ardell said in her post on raincityguide.com that you reference above and the expertise in negotiation you discuss.

The first step for an agent who represents a buyer is to point out the pros and cons of a home so the buyer can make an educated decision when purchasing. If we share our knowledge about pricing, builders, style of homes, neighborhood, schools, etc or direct buyers to the right source for information, we have done our job.

The second step is to take the buyer through the entire offer process, negotiating on their behalf with all the terms of the original offer and on through the inspection.

Knowledge of the housind and negotiation skills are both important.