By Scott in Homes For Sale, News and Information, Real Estate on May 21 2008
I have been noticing a trend lately that really disturbs me.
In the agent comments there have been some comments made that seem like a “poison pill”  The listing agent requires the selling office agent to be present at all showings including inspections, appraisals etc. otherwise a 25% referral fee will be paid. This makes me think the listing agent is either greedy or difficult to work with.
I understand that listing agents do not want to open up the house if someone calls and asks to show it and they say they have a real estate agent. I know that sometimes agents get lazy and will really put a lot of the responsibility on the other agent (this works both ways you know). I know that some of the discount companies that will refund part of the buyers commission to the buyer after the transaction is completed have been sending out buyers without an agent and this puts the listing agent on the spot to show the house but not to say anything to the prospective buyers.
Yet by doing this is that you are telling prospective buyers agents that you are difficult to work with. With the volume of listings on the market is it not in your clients best interest to make the home as appealing to both buyers AND agents? By making statements in the multiple listing service that discourage agents to show the house how does that benefit the seller?
I have noticed this with numerous listings in my market with a number of them being listed with a specific company. While by no means is this limited to one company there are many of these listings that are adding more and more restrictions on the commission paid to the buyers agent. Some of these listings are short sales as well. Given the financial challenges the sellers have already how is this policy helping them sell their home in a timely manner?
If you’re a listing agent in any market and you require buyers agents to be present at all showings etc. I would really like to hear from you. Why do you make the requirement? Am I missing something?
I know on the homes I have listed I do everything I can to make the house as easy to show as possible. Including being there if needed for an inspection or an appraisal. After all my clients want the house sold. They don’t care if I have to be there a few hours more than I might like to do the buyers agents job. They care that the house is sold.
Contact Scott Cowan, Rainier Real Estate. Licensed real estate salesperson in Washington at 253-219-1194 to list your property for sale or purchase a home in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and the rest of Pierce County Washington.
Gladly accepting referrals.
Copyright © 2008 By Scott Cowan, “Are Selling Agents Representing Their Clients or Are They Getting Greedy?”All Rights Reserved.
Call us today at 253-219-1194. Contact us by email if you prefer by using the email link on the right side of this page under my profile.
Disclaimer: Information provided within this post and blog is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. All information is provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Entries on this blog are the opinions and ideas of the author and are not necessary those of Rainier Real Estate, Inc.
By Scott in Gig Harbor, Homes For Sale, News and Information, Real Estate on May 19 2008
Gig Harbor Washington Market Update April 2008
During the month of April 2008 26 houses sold in the Gig Harbor area. Compared with 71 homes sold in 2007 during the same time period.
Average Sales price in 2008 was $479,378 vs. $513,274 in 2007
Days on market 168 in 2008 vs. 147 in 2007
Average prices have dropped by almost 7% compared to sales a year ago.
If you are a buyer now is an amazing time to be looking for a home! With a large inventory to choose from and interest rates hovering around 6% for a 30 year fixed rate loan the Gig Harbor area is a prime area to be looked at.
If you are interested in selling your home in Gig Harbor you need to make sure you are working with a real estate agent who will do everything possible to expose your home to as many qualified buyers as possible. You also need to be comfortable working with your agent to make sure that your home is ready to market. Just putting a sign in the ground does not work anymore. Call today to discuss how we can market you home and get it sold as quickly as possible and for as much money as possible.
Contact Scott Cowan, Rainier Real Estate. Licensed real estate salesperson in Washington at 253-219-1194 to list your property for sale or purchase a home in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and the rest of Pierce County Washington. Gladly accepting referrals.
Copyright © 2008 By Scott Cowan, All Rights Reserved. Gig Harbor Washington Market Update April 2008
Call us today at 253-219-1194. Contact us by email if you prefer
Disclaimer: Information provided within this post and blog is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. All information is provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Entries on this blog are the opinions and ideas of the author and are not necessary those of Rainier Real Estate, Inc.
By Scott in Gig Harbor, Hilltop, McKinley, N. Tacoma, News and Information, Real Estate, Tacoma on May 11 2008
Do You Want to Buy a Home but You Don’t Have the Down payment?
Are you tired of renting? Do you want to own your own home but have not saved up the traditional down payment? There are programs available to buyers today that will help you buy a home!
Today we will spotlight the Nehemiah Program and how it can help you with your down payment.
The Nehemiah Program is the largest privately funded down payment assistance program. The program provides gift funds to qualified homebuyers who purchase homes using FHA financing or conventional loans that allow gift funds.
The funds provided to homebuyers are an actual gift with no repayment required. There is no 2nd. mortgage. There are no income limitations and no location restrictions. There is a processing fee that is charged and it can be paid by the buyer, the seller or the lender.
The funds are requested on behalf of the homebuyer by the mortgage originator. The request can even be completed online.
The homebuyer can receive a gift of between 1% and 6% of the purchase price of the home. The gift can also be a flat amount. The seller or homebuilder is the one that is providing the funds for the gift. The money is given to the Nehemiah Program and the homebuyer is gifted the money from the Nehemiah Program. The gift funds can be used to cover closing costs and or your down payment!
Buyers win because they can now afford to buy a home if they have the income to qualify but do not have the necessary funds for a down payment or closing costs. Sellers win because they can now sell their house.
To be successful with using the Nehemiah Loan Program buyers need a strong team working with them. Make sure your real estate agent and your lender are up to date and knowledgeable with the requirements and process of using a Nehemiah gift.
If you are tired of renting and want to buy your own home. Now could be the best time for you to take action. Call us today for more information.
Contact Scott Cowan, Rainier Real Estate. Licensed real estate salesperson in Washington at 253-219-1194 to list your property for sale or purchase a home in Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and the rest of Pierce County Washington. Gladly accepting referrals.
Copyright © 2008 By Scott Cowan, All Rights Reserved. “Do You Want to Buy a Home but You Don’t Have the Down payment?“
Call us today at 253-219-1194. Contact us by email if you prefer by using the email please do.
Disclaimer: Information provided within this post and blog is supplied by several sources and is subject to change without notice. All information is provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied. Entries on this blog are the opinions and ideas of the author and are not necessary those of Rainier Real Estate, Inc.
By Scott in Homes For Sale, News and Information, Real Estate on April 16 2008
There is a law on the books in the State of Washington that makes it much more challenging for people to buy homes with the intent of flipping them for a profit. If you buy a home and spend more than $500.00 on repairs and sell it less than 12 months after the repairs are completed you are required to be a licensed General Contractor.
The law was signed into law on July 23rd. 2007 Bill 1843 reads as follows.
Bill 1843, Sec.1. (1) (1) “Contractor” includes any person, firm, corporation, or other entity who or which, in the pursuit of an independent business undertakes to, or offers to undertake, or submits a bid to, construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, develop, move, wreck, or demolish any building, highway, road, railroad, excavation or other structure, project, development, or improvement attached to real estate or to do any part thereof including the installation of carpeting or other floor covering, the erection of scaffolding or other structures or works in connection therewith, the installation or repair of roofing or siding, performing tree removal services, or cabinet or similar installation; or, who, to do similar work upon his or her own property, employs members of more than one trade upon a single job or project or under a single building permit except as otherwise provided in this chapter. “Contractor” also includes a consultant acting as a general contractor. “Contractor” also includes any person, firm, corporation, or other entity covered by this subsection, whether or not registered as required under this chapter or who are otherwise required to be registered or licensed by law, who offer to sell their property without occupying or using the structures, projects, developments, or improvements for more than one year from the date the structure, project, development, or improvement was substantially completed or abandoned.
The law does not apply to someone who inherits a home and plans on selling it. If this is not the case then you must obtain a General Contractors license, $250k liability insurance policy, state master business license, IRS employer id account and a few other licenses.
The stated goal is consumer protection against poor quality workmanship.It is now a gross misdemeanor. This is punishable by the department issuing a minimum $ 1,000 fine to a maximum of $5,000 for non-compliance to RCW 18.27 and you could be sentenced to up to a year in jail.
What do you think?
Best,
Scott
By Scott in Gig Harbor, News and Information, Tacoma on April 5 2008
The Puget Sound region has fantastic farmers markets. I cannot think of a better way to buy my fruits and vegetables than directly from the person who actually had a hand in producing them. Since spring is now here the areas farmers markets are starting up again. I am going to put together a series of posts about the various markets and the communities that host them. Without further introduction allow me to share with you the Gig Harbor Farmers Market.
The Gig Harbor Farmers Market started today and will run every Saturday through September 27th.
Located at the Kimball Drive Park and Ride running from 8:30 to 2:00
Driving directions from Tacoma Take the Narrows Bridge on Highway 16. Take the Wollochet Drive exit. Right at the first light. Take the next right on Kimball Drive. You will see the signs and the market will be on your right.
Gig Harbor is just across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma yet it seems worlds away. Once a small fishing village Gig Harbor has grown in recent years as more and more people find that they want the quiet and slower paced lifestyle yet want to be by the “big city”
The Gig Harbor Farmers Market has over 100 vendors offering fresh flowers, produce, wood crafts, food, jewelry and other handcrafted items. There are activities to keep the kids busy. Hot food to help keep you warm during our crisp spring days.
Downtown Market at Skansie Park is held every Wednesday June through August from 11am to 4pm So when we are in the peak of the produce season you will have two opportunities to come and support local vendors in Gig Harbor.
If you would like more information directly from the Gig Harbor Farmers Market they have a website that provides a list of entertainers and other information.
I hope to see you out at our local farmers markets this year!
Best,
Scott
Contact Scott Cowan Rainier Real Estate at (253)-219-1194 to purchase or sell homes or property in the Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and greater Pierce County area.
I know the Tacoma, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, and Pierce County areas and will help you find your new home or sell your current home if you need to sell. Call today or Classic Homes Tacoma for more information.
By Scott in Gig Harbor, News and Information, Real Estate, Tacoma on April 4 2008
If you’re looking to buy a home in Pierce County you have over 8,000 choices to choose from this month. With rates holding steady and inventory levels where they are this is an excellent time to find a new home.
Prices in Pierce County are holding steady with the median home price just above $258,400.00
The Tacoma market is beginning the usual spring increase in activity. Soon our inventory will begin to be back at our usual levels. This is a window of opportunity that you should not miss.
Call me today if you would like more information on the Pierce County, Tacoma, and Gig Harbor markets
By Scott in News and Information, Tacoma, baseball on April 4 2008
I’m late reminding everyone that the Tacoma Rainiers season opener was YESTERDAY! The Rainiers won 2 to 0 behind excellent starting pitching.
One of the great things about living in Tacoma is the Tacoma Rainiers! Come out to the ballpark and see the stars of the Seattle Mariners before they are stars. Minor league baseball is all about the fan. Families can afford to come to the game and enjoy themselves without taking out a loan. The players are accessible, the ballpark is great, the food will make your arteries slam shut so fast (ok that’s not a good thing) and the fans are fantastic.
Tacoma has been a long standing baseball town! With the current ownership putting new touches on the ballpark that make it even more fan friendly we need to come out and support our team and our town….. civic pride is important. Tacoma has come a long ways in the past decade. We have much to be proud of. Just look around our neighborhoods and look at downtown! Tacoma is not your fathers Tacoma anymore. We’re hip and cool… baseball is hip and cool too. =)
Meet me at a Raniers game! we’ll talk baseball and Tacoma!
Best,
Scott
By Scott in Homes For Sale, News and Information, Tacoma on March 25 2008
Alright how’s that for a snappy headline!
For the first time since 1991 Seattle’s housing prices year to year have dropped. In December of 2007 prices dropped 1.8% vs sales in December 2006. January 2008 prices dropped 1.3% vs January 2007 prices.
Seattle had been one of the two housing markets in the top 20 to not have a drop during our recent housing “crunch” While we are nowhere near the drops in other areas the drop will make it interesting locally to see what buyers are willing to offer on homes now.
The S&P specifics can be found here if you would like to look at more details.
Contact Scott Cowan Rainier Real Estate, Inc. Puyallup, WA 98372 at (253)-219-1194 to purchase or sell homes or property in Tacoma, Puyallup, and the greater Puget Sound region.
I know the Tacoma Pierce County area and will help you buy a home or sell your home if you need to sell. Call today or visit my website for more information.
By Scott in Homes For Sale, News and Information, Real Estate, Tacoma on March 24 2008
The number of homes that sold in February rose 2.9% after six straight months of declining home sales. Prices in February dropped to a median price of $195,000 nationally. Annual sales project to be over 5 million units.
Here in the West our home sales fell in February we were the only area of the country to not have an increase in home sales.
The increase in home sales was not expected and is welcome news to all of us who either sell or own homes.
The full article from the Associated Press on the Seattle PI’s website can be found here.
Contact Scott Cowan Rainier Real Estate, Inc. Puyallup, WA 98372 at (253)-219-1194 to purchase or sell homes or property in Tacoma, Puyallup, and the greater Puget Sound region.
I know the Tacoma Pierce County area and will help you buy a home or sell your home if you need to sell. Call today or visit my website for more information.
By Scott in Homes For Sale, News and Information, Real Estate, Tacoma on March 21 2008
The available housing inventory in the Greater Tacoma Washington area has been increasing the past few months.
Recent number show that the inventory in the following areas has reached upwards of 14 months. The largest amount of inventory is in the Gig Harbor area with 16.7 months worth of inventory on the market.
- North Tacoma has 14 months worth of inventory
- Central Tacoma has 12.5 months worth of inventory
- South Tacoma has 11 months worth of inventory
- Southeast Tacoma has 11.9 months worth of inventory
Inventory levels are calculated by how many months it would take to sell the existing number of homes on the market at the current pace of home sales in the specific area.
I anticipate that the inventory levels will drop as we enter the spring and summer sales periods. With the existing inventory on the market there are many opportunities for buyers to find a home that will meet both their needs and their financial budget.
Contact Scott Cowan Rainier Real Estate, Inc. Puyallup, WA 98372 at (253)-219-1194 to purchase or sell homes or property in Tacoma, Puyallup, and the greater Puget Sound region.
I know the Tacoma Pierce County area and will help you buy a home or sell your home if you need to sell. Call today or visit my website for more information.
|
