Author Archive for Factotum

Creative Thinking to Make Deals

In today’s market, clients and real estate agents must be creative.  To bring the parties together and reach mutual acceptance, the parties must think outside the box.
In the strong sellers’ market of 2005-6, financing the transactions was relatively simple:  the buyer got a loan or paid cash.  In that strong sellers’ market with low inventory [...]

What Headquarters Can Provide to Franchised Real Estate Offices

Several real estate companies in our State operate with “franchisees.” There is a main service company and then there are the independently owned offices. The individual offices carry the common brand and find advantage in the advertising and reputation that the mother company generates for that brand. Other than brand, there are other services the mother company can and does provide: e.g., education, bridge loan programs, web sites, marketing, a common charitable foundation.

NWMLS Report – Waiting for a Sign

The Norwest Multiple Listing Service issued its report on November 6, 2008, giving the state of the market.  Here’s a summary.

Sales off. October’s pending sales fell more than 27 percent from the same month a year ago, and dropped nearly 26 percent from September. All counties reported double-digit drops.
Buyers in stays. A unique and historic [...]

Washington Foreclosure Rate Low

The Washington Realtor News (Nov/Dec 2008) tells us that Washington State stands pretty well on foreclosures in the housing market. Washington is currently performing 62% better than the national rate.

Economic Insights – Schwab Center for Financial Research

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors has stated in his forecast for 2009 that new existing home sales should rise despite economic struggles.

Washington Center for Real Estate Research Supply/Demand Assessment for First Quarter 2008

The Washington Center for Real Estate Research (Washington State University) has produced its Supply/Demand Assessment for the First Quarter 2008. Some time has flowed beneath the bridge since close of report, but most assumptions continue to ring true.

Rates Up or Down After the Election

One mortgage advertiser puts forth that this is a good time to refinance the present mortgage. There was mention that after every presidential election, rates went up. Really? So with a presidential election about to be decided the time was ripe to make that call and get the new loan at lower rates. After the election might be too late.