Saturday, September 30, 2006

King & Snohomish County Market Report

Housing prices are expected to continue to have a limited fall throughout 2006, according to testimony submitted by the National Association of Realtors® at last week's Senate Banking Committee hearing on the economy. August home sales in King and Snohomish counties are defying this forecast, however. The statistics show a decreasing number of sales, but rising prices. Take a look at the numbers.

Active listings in King County increased by 1853 homes or 26 percent compared to the same time period in 2005. Sales decreased in August by 4 percent or 152 homes. The average market time increased by 14 percent during the same time period.

The average sales price is 12 percent higher than August 2005 and year-to-date prices are 15 percent higher or $458,509.



Snohomish County statistics look very similar. The number of active listings increased by 24 percent from August a year ago. And sales decreased by 97 homes or 5 percent with market times increasing 5 percent or 2 days.

The average sales prices in August increased by 14 percent compared to a year ago, while the year-to-date prices are up 17 percent or $299,159.



Double digit appreciation is continuing, but the competition for ready, willing and able buyers is getting tighter. Homes must be staged well and priced right. Contact me if you are thinking of selling your home. I have the experience, market knowledge and marketing expertise needed to sell your home in today's market! Also, visit my website. Here you can view all King & Snohomish county real estate listings, get the current market value of your home and more.

Statistics compiled by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service and are deemed accurate but not warranted.

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Friday, September 22, 2006

Home Energy Saver

Now that the first day of Fall is upon us, we will be experiencing cooler temperatures and higher energy bills. I found a great website about dedicated to helping you save energy in your home.

The site, Home Energy Saver, is designed to help consumers identify the best ways to save energy in their homes, and find the resources to make the savings happen. You can calculate how much energy and money can be saved with energy efficient appliances. It also calculates heating and cooling consumption. There is a database of state incentives for Renewable Energy, along with state rebates and tax incentives for upgrading insulationto DOE-recommended levels of insulation. As well as, links to over 4,000 electric and gas companies.

If you are interested in saving on energy costs, you will enjoy this site.

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Friday, September 15, 2006

Identity Theft



Identity theft is a serious crime impacting more than 10 million victims each year. Often, consumers first learn they are identity theft victims when they are in the process of buying or renting a home. The National Association of Realtors is working with the Federal Trade Commission to educate comsumers to minimize the risk of identity theft. This new initiative, Deter-Detect-Defend is focused on empowering consumers to protect themselves against identity and to minimize its impact.

‘Deter’ Tips to Share with Consumers

1. Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them.

2. Protect your Social Security number. Your Social Security number is the key to your identity and must be closely protected. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check. Give it out only if absolutely necessary or ask to use another identifier.

3. Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.

4. Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails; instead, type in a Web address you know. Use firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-virus software to protect your home computer; keep them up-to-date. Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information.

5. Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

6. Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.

‘Detect’ tips to share with consumers

Be alert to signs that require immediate attention:

1. Mail or bills that do not arrive as expected

2. Unexpected credit cards or account statements

3. Denials of credit for no apparent reason

4. Calls or letters about purchases that were not made

Inspect:

1. Your credit report. This contains information about you, including what accounts you have and your bill paying history.

** The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it.

** Visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com/ or call 1-877-322-8228, a service created by these three companies, to order your free credit reports each year. You also can write: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

2. Your financial statements. Review financial accounts and billing statements regularly, looking for charges you did not make.

‘Defend’ tips to share with consumers

1. Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports. A fraud alert on your credit report tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open any new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. Each of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies has a toll‑free number you can use to place an initial fraud alert. Only one call is necessary; the company you call will notify the other two. An initial fraud alert is active for 90 days. If you want to place an extended (seven-year) fraud alert, you must follow additional procedures.

** Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
** Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
** TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven’t contacted, accounts you didn’t open, and debts on your accounts that you can’t explain.

2. Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.

* Start by calling the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your authorization. Follow up in writing and include copies of supporting documents.

* Use the "ID Theft Affidavit," available at ftc.gov/idtheft, to support your written statement.
Get written verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts have been discharged.

* Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

3. File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials – for example, state or local police. It will help you work with creditors who may request documentation that a crime has occurred.

4. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission. Your information helps law enforcement officials across the country with their investigations.

**Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
** By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338), or TTY,1-866-653-4261
** By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse Federal Trade Commission 600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20580

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Thursday, September 07, 2006

Condominium For Sale In Marysville, WA

6309 53rd Ave. NE, Marysville, WA 98270

Take advantage of the conversion from duplex to condominium of this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Condo consists of 2 units on an oversized lot. Additional features include a cozy gas fireplace, patio and private yard. the master bedroom closet is the size of a small room. This home was built in 2002 and is in mint condition.





The kitchen is light and bright.

You'll enjoy coffee at the breakfast bar.

All appliances convey, saving you money.


Privacy abounds in the oversized, fenced yard.

You are only minutes to shopping and the freeways.

This is a unique opportunity...don't miss it!



Contact me for more information on this home or visit my website. Here you can view all real estate listings, get the current market value of your home, free reports and more.

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Friday, September 01, 2006

Freddie Mac Reports Lower Interest Rates

Lower Interest Rates for King County and Snohomish County.

"Mortgage rates continued to drift lower this week in large part because of the cooling in the housing market and in consumer confidence, thus giving financial markets reason to believe that economic growth will moderate and inflation will remain in check," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.44 percent yesterday, down from last week's average of 6.48 percent. This is the lowest the rate has been since the beginning of April 2006.

If you want to learn more about how the lower interest rates effect your buying power, contact me or visit my website. Here you can view all King County and Snohomish County real estate listings, get the current market value of your home, free reports and more.

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