When "Common Sense" Fails in Real EstateBy Greg PerryKirkland, Realtor There are many examples in life when common sense and following gut instincts lead us in the right direction.  It doesn't always work in real estate.  Here's an example of what I mean.Mr./Ms. Seller, of course you want to make as much money as you can on the sale of your castle.  Your "common sense" strategy will be to want to start with a higher price and lower the asking price when nothing happens.  You think that there is a chance that someone out there will pay your (over)price........and I understand what you're thinking.  I really do.  But this thinking may undermine your NET proceeds on your sale.You don't want to market to an exception, you want to market to the masses to get your house SOLD.   If you are ove... 08/01/2007

What is Escrow?By Greg Perry, Eastside RealtorThe Escrow company assembles all the components of a real estate transaction, then processes and records the transaction, transferring ownership from the Seller to the Buyer. The escrow agent is a disinterested (neutral) third party acting on behalf of the buyer and seller under the guidelines set forth by the State of Washington - Department of Financial Institutions. The Purchase & Sale Agreement is drawn up between buyer and seller. The Escrow company receives a copy of the Purchase & Sale Agreement, along with copies of the buyer's loan application and the title search on the prospective property. The Escrow company then reviews and clears title on the prospective property while awaiting the buyer's loan documentation. The Escrow company... 07/30/2007

Things to do with mom in KirklandBy Brian Perry, Eatside RealtorThere are many reasons Kirkland is one of the very best places to live, not only on the Eastside, but in the country!  My wife stumbled across this fantastic information at The Red Tricycle blog about things to do for mom's with their kids in the city of Kirkland.Play:Parkplace Cinema: Baby's Day At The Movies 404 Park Place - 425.827.9000 http://www.kirklandparkplace.com/cinema.html The Parkplace cinema opens its doors to parents with babies every other Friday. Unlike other "child-geared" cinema programs, all screens are open, not just one, so there's a lot of choice for parents and kids alike. Doors open at 9:15 am; shows start at 9:45am. Peter Kirk Open Air Pool (and Wading Pool) 202 Third Street - Pool Hotline: 425.587.... 07/30/2007

Moving Checklist -- Two Weeks Before Your MoveBy Brian Perry, Eastside Realtor This is part two of our moving series.  Moving is just another one of the stresses associated with buying or selling a home.  Proper preparation can alleviate a lot of the stress and make your transition much more enjoyable.  If you missed it, check out part 1 of our moving series "Moving Checklist--One Month Before you Move" here.Here is a checklist of things to do one to two weeks prior to moving:Switch utility services to your new address.  Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscriptions, telephone, and cable of your move. Arrange for help on moving day.  Time to cash in with the friends and family! Confirm travel reservations Reserve elevator if moving into an apartment Have appliances... 07/30/2007

I'm having fun!  I'm having a great year!I love this market!Let's face it. Fishing for clients was pretty easy the last couple of years.  When the fish actually jump into the boat as it's drifting down the river, you don't have to be too good.  The trouble with "easy", is that "easy"  can be harder for professionals.The market is turning, and I love it!  Now it takes a little skill to land a fish.  We're entering into a professional's market and I couldn't be happier.  This "harder" market is better for professionals.I'm receiving more referrals for both Buyers and Sellers.  Friends know their friends need professional help because they sense the market is turning.In yesterday's market, we really didn't have to be all that precise on pricing a Seller's house.  No problem....if we misse... 07/19/2007

Eastside Real Estate -- Condo Market Statistics -- June 2007 Eastside Real Estate -- Condo Market Statistics -- June 2007 Like residential Single Family Residences, June 2007 Eastside condo inventory (NWMLS areas 500-600), rose substantially from last year (June 2006).  Overall in these areas there were 840 ACTIVE listings in 2007 and 543 ACTIVE listings in 2006 for an increase of 54.70%.  Total Eastside Pendings were 382 for June 2007 and 432 for June 2006 for a decrease of -11.57%.  Eastside Median prices for SOLD units were $334,990 in June 2007 against $274,425 for a staggering 22.07% increase! Year to date, the condo Median prices are up 12.10%.Area 500, So. Bellevue/Issaquah had the largest hike in median prices at 32.7%.  Area 550 Redmond was the only area that was under last yea... 07/17/2007

Here's a potential horror story for pet lovers!  (You could also apply this to message to small children)We live in a 2 story house and have about a 20 foot drop to the deck from the back windows. This afternoon, our girl Hattie, alerted to the neighbors dog from the back of a chair against the window. She jumped against the window screen -- it popped out-- and she went flying through the window. There is good news, here. Last year, we built a patio cover, and she landed on it. Whew! Val (my wife) was in the the room, and jumped on the cover to retrieve her. What could have been disastrous turned out to be an elevated heart rate.We keep our windows open more this time of the year.  For any pet owners who have second story windows...... pet proof them! The first pic shows where the scree... 07/16/2007

Kirkland waterfront homes will take your breath away.  Located in a beautiful setting in one of the most booming, sought-after towns in the region, residents of Kirkland waterfront homes experience the best King County has to offer.Kirkland waterfront homes are typically spacious and modern.  The few that weren't constructed in the last 10 years have been remodeled with the latest designs and technology.   Layouts often include enormous decks, high ceilings, and entire walls made of windows.Due to their sizes and neighborhoods, many residents find Kirkland waterfront homes perfect for raising families.   Averaging about 4 bedrooms and well over 3,000 square feet, homeowners have plenty of room to roam. Parents and children alike enjoy the large, well-manicured yards, as well as the safe... 07/15/2007

Kirkland homes have recently become the most sought-after houses in King County.  The city has experienced an economic boom in the last decade, resulting in Kirkland's status as the hippest, most popular city outside of Seattle.  Thus, Kirkland homes are more popular than ever.These single-family houses vary widely in style, price, and location.  The diversity of Kirkland homes reflects the diversity of the population.   Residents are of every age, ethnicity, religion, and stage in life.  Recent college graduates immigrate to Kirkland to take advantage of the exciting job market, and retirees enjoy the peacefulness, cleanliness, and convenience of the city.   Also, the great schools and safe neighborhoods are perfect for raising children.A vast majority of Kirkland homes were built from... 07/15/2007

Kirkland condominiums are some of the most desirable homes in King County.  Convenient, classy, and comfortable, Kirkland condominiums are always a wise investment.These condos are adaptable to any lifestyle.  Ranging from under 600 square feet to over 6,000, Kirkland condominiums are the perfect place to raise a family, escape to on a vacation, or simply be the relaxing abode you have always wanted to come home to.   Also, Kirkland condominiums start in the mid-$200,000's, making them some of the most affordable housing in the region's most booming town.Kirkland condominiums also provide some of the region's most luxurious housing.  Of these, waterfront condominiums are particularly popular.  Typically valued anywhere from $400,000 to over a million dollars, these units are significant... 07/15/2007

Kirkland commercial real estate is hard to come by.  The city's economy is so strong - its per capita income ranks 13 th out of 522 areas in the state - that existing businesses are flourishing and are therefore hesitant to give up their property.  However, zoning changes and the occasional relocation allow smart investors to find the highly sought-after Kirkland commercial real estate.The desired lots and buildings can be found throughout the city.  The largest section of Kirkland commercial real estate is located downtown.   Popular shops and restaurants surround busy Central Way.  Parks and government offices are also nearby, drawing even more traffic into the bustling area.   If a business can survive purely on "location, location, location," this Kirkland commercial real estate pro... 07/15/2007

Kirkland waterfront condominiums provide the best of both worlds - the luxurious, paradise escape, as well as the conveniences of urban living. All of the Kirkland waterfront condominiums are located on magnificent Lake Washington, the second largest natural lake in the state.   On any given day, one can find kayakers, sailors, and commuters on the lake (both in boats and driving on the impressive bridges).  During spring, summer, and fall, incredible yachts are frequently seen floating the lake, often entertaining dozens of guests at a time. The views from Kirkland waterfront condominiums show all that activity and more.  Whether in the penthouse of an enormous complex or the first floor of a small building, residents of Kirkland waterfront condominiums are able to look out their windo... 07/15/2007

Kirkland real estate is the hottest market in the Pacific Northwest.  The city boasts a booming economy and attractive residential neighborhoods, making Kirkland real estate desirable on every level.The town seems to be invincible from any negative trends affecting the real estate of surrounding cities.  Though its giant leaps in values occurred around the same time as Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, and similar areas' real estate, median prices and pending sales continue to climb while the other cities' are not.   The city's well-planned neighborhoods and economic strategy can take credit for much of Kirkland real estate's past and guaranteed future successes.With the per capita income ranked at 13 out of 522 areas in Washington, it shouldn't be surprising that Kirkland's economy is going ... 07/15/2007

Undeveloped Kirkland lots are a valuable find and a smart investment.  Located in every zoning area, buyers can construct their dream home, open their own business, or develop their own housing or office complex to make a solid profit. Some undeveloped Kirkland lots are available right downtown.  The bustling neighborhood draws thousands of visitors ever month, ensuring that any commercial enterprise will have customers.   By constructing on an undeveloped Kirkland lot instead of purchasing an existing building, business owners can customize the feel and atmosphere of their store or restaurant. Other commercial areas also boast undeveloped Kirkland lots.  Retailers, restaurants, and office complexes can find a rush of customers in the districts just off the Interstate 405 exits.   Chain... 07/15/2007

Today, Jillanye Schlicke posted this article on the Seattle PI blog about the Title Insurance Company tussle with the Washington State Insurance Commissioner.Here was my reply on her post:But Jillayne,Geez, who is kidding who? A $35,000 fine? That is chump change to a title company. They'll spend that much supporting an agent's ad budget.Early in my career, I asked the title company for support (Advertising $$, food platters for broker's opens). They couldn't give it to me fast enough.....anything I asked for (along with that disclaimer that they could only spend $25 per agent, per year with a wink). It was outrageous, (in my mind) and because I was fairly new to the industry, it didn't feel good to me. Because the relationship was inequitable, I felt like a "taker" and didn't like the... 07/14/2007

Moving Checklist -- One Month Before Your MoveBy Greg Perry, Eastside Realtor Moving is a huge job, but one that can be made easier with planning.  This is the first installment of a series of moving tips.One month before moving:Fill out change of address order form for post office. Fill out IRS change of address form. Make arrangements with moving company or reserve a rental truck. Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, rental car agency and hotels. Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations. Obtain medical and dental records, x rays and prescription histories.  Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions. Set up a new checking account in your new city. Check into laws and requirements in your new city for home based businesses, ... 07/10/2007

For residential sales in King County's Eastside NWMLS areas of 500-600 in June 2007, Median prices were up 10.8% ($691,922 vs. $624,687). Inventory numbers showed 3,107 listings on the Eastside this year compared to 2,168 last year (Up 43.3%). Pending sales for the month were only off 4.8% from last year (841 compared to 883 last year)NWMLS areas 510 (Mercer Island) and 520 (West Bellevue), 560 (Kirkland) and 600 (No Kirkland/Woodinville) had positive growth in the amount of Pending sales for the month.Overall the 2007 inventory levels for the Eastside are approximately the same as 2004 inventory levels.Here is the breakdown by NWMLS area.  These statistics are for SFH (single family homes) and do not include condo sales:NWMLS Area 500 (South Bellevue and Issaquah south of I90)Median p... 07/09/2007

  As opposed to a Single Family Residence where you own everything...land, house, outbuildings etc., a condominium is a form of ownership where you own the interior only of a dwelling -- from the paint in.  The ownership is shared in the common areas which include the grounds, recreational facilities and the actual building.One of the first things to consider is, "How much are the monthly dues?".  You will be assessed dues every month to cover management expenses and maintenance of the grounds, building and facility.  A portion of the dues go to a reserve account for emergency repairs and future maintenance.  The reserve account should be large and building.  If the roof on the complex needs repair and the reserves are low, the homeowners could be charged a special assessment to make up... 07/09/2007

 KIRKLAND, Wash. (July 5, 2007) - With inventory at an all-time high in the Northwest Multiple Listing Service system, buyers are becoming more selective and sellers are receiving fewer multiple offers, according to MLS officials. Condominiums remain a bright spot, they noted. Mid-year figures show the volume of pending sales of single family homes and condominiums (combined) is down about 7.3 percent from a year ago, while prices climbed 9 percent. Through June, members have reported 43,543 closed sales, off 3,430 units from the year ago total of 46,973. The median price for completed sales area-wide (through six months of 2007) is $326,000, up $27,000 (9 percent) from this time last year. For single family homes (excluding condominiums), the year-to-date median sales price is $345,000... 07/05/2007

Hoo-ray for the red, white and blue!For over 30 years, the Kingsgate 3&4 has held an old fashioned 4th of July picnic and celebration in their community park.  Yesterday's weather was fabulous and parents and kids came out in droves. Potato race, Kingsgate 4th of July CelebrationFestivities start with the raising of the flag and the Star Spangled Banner and a kiddie bike parade around the block. To eat and drink there were hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, pop and beer.  Games included sack hop, 3 legged race, wheel barrel races, potato race, balloon toss and egg toss.Enjoy the photos of an old fashioned 4th of July neighborhood celebration. Lining up for the sack race, Kingsgate 4th of July celebration On the backstrech...sack race.  Kingsgate 4th of July celebration 3 legged race.  Kin... 07/05/2007