June 2009 Archives

It was announced recently by a major player in area real estate that they were including a new feature on their website. News Article.

Truth be told, this feature has been around for ten years. Several companies, including Lake and Co, have been using it. Just click on the link that says open house search in the middle of the task bar on our website. In the agent input area of the NWMLS, any listing agent who is planning an open house can simply click on a link and write a few words about their upcoming open. The whole listing becomes available to anyone that knows where to search for it.

I look forward in the coming weeks to other area major players inventing such a feature. All cynicism aside, I'm happy these other companies have finally decided to join the wave of the future and are now taking advantage of this free to the agent, free to the consumer, method of exposing listings to the entire market.

If you are wondering if the $8,000 credit for first time buyers applies to you, please read the article by Kenneth Harney in a recent Seattle Times issue. Here's the link:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2009305447_harney07.html

If you have questions, you can post them here, as many of our agents have had experience with helping buyers jump through the hoops. It isn't hard, and it is $8,000. The offer ends December 1, 2009.

Of course, it is always advisable to talk to your accountant whenever you are making moves that affect your relationship with Uncle Sam.