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	<title>RainCityHouses.com: Seattle Real Estate &#187; Seattle Sellers Guide</title>
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	<link>http://raincityhouses.com</link>
	<description>Seattle Neighborhoods &#38; Suburbs Real Estate</description>
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		<title>Broker &amp; Seller Etiquette While Your Home Is Listed</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/broker-seller-etiquette-while-your-home-is-listed/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/broker-seller-etiquette-while-your-home-is-listed/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 May 2010 20:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sellers Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattl ehomes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle listing agents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle seller tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://raincityhouses.com/broker-seller-etiquette-while-your-home-is-listed/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Seattle real estate market has been pretty interesting for the last few years – I guess it is always interesting, but this last year has been a ride! I spent a lot of time – more than usual – previewing Seattle homes over the last few days and although some sellers were gracious about [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft" style="margin: 12px;" title="Seattle real estate" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/051310_1959_BrokerSelle1.jpg" alt="" align="left" />The <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com">Seattle real estate</a> market has been pretty interesting for the last few years – I guess it is always interesting, but this last year has been a ride! I spent a lot of time – more than usual – previewing Seattle homes over the last few days and although some sellers were gracious about letting me preview their beautiful Seattle homes, I ran into <strong>a whole host of third degree questions or showing constraints from listing agents or sellers that didn&#8217;t seem so interested in selling their homes…</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>One Seattle home had in it showing instructions</strong> to please give the seller and hour and a half notice. No problem &#8211; I made the phone call like a good girl and left a message with the time I wanted to preview. As I read further on, the agent only notes instructed me not to go show unless I got a call back. At appointment time I had not gotten a call back yet so I called the listing agent and asked if I could go take a peek. He told me no and that I needed to wait until she called me back. <strong>Guess what. I am still waiting. My buyers will pass on this one most likely since they can&#8217;t buy a home they can&#8217;t see.<img class="alignright" style="margin: 12px;" title="Seattle staged home" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/051310_1959_BrokerSelle2.jpg" alt="" align="right" /><br />
</strong></p>
<p>One seller hesitated and said to call his agent. I thought okay – maybe with the strange Matrix software conversion in the MLS their house might be sold, but he could have told me that himself. I went ahead and called his agent as instructed to find out about previewing the home. Instead of telling me whether or not it was available to preview she began to interview me about who my perspective client is and how qualified they are. <strong>WOW.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Client info is privileged. My client confides in me and their information is PRIVATE. Your job is to tell me:<br />
</strong></p>
<p>1. Is the home available or not?</p>
<p>2. Does the seller want to sell it or not?</p>
<p><strong>Listing agents, it is none of your business who my client is or what their qualifications are.</strong> That is MY job. I don&#8217;t waste my time with nonqualified buyers or I would not be in business. You should be able to reasonably rely on my abilities and qualifications as a Realtor to screen my client. Maybe instead, you should focus on helping your seller make sure that their home is readily available for a buyer who is ready willing and able to buy their home. This is why sharing listing data (when it works) is so successful and is why we all share information in the NWMLS.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft" style="margin: 12px;" title="Seattle staged home" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/051310_1959_BrokerSelle3.jpg" alt="" align="left" />These are just a couple examples. Overall, I think there are two problems clogging up real estate in Seattle this Spring. The lending environment has opened up so I won&#8217;t blame lending on this issue. <strong>Brokers need to train their agents to make showing easier</strong> – greasy wheel and such, and those listing agents need to make sure that the <strong>sellers are allowing buyers and buyers agents to show these homes.<br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>If your listing agent is doing some screening with prospective buyers as they try to make appointments to see your home, then you need another listing agent. </strong>There are of course rare circumstances – maybe you are Brad Pitt or in one case I represented an NFL star and all their expensive and sentimental football memorabilia was around the house. Those are outstanding cases, but overall your listing agent should not make it more difficult for a buyer&#8217;s agent to show your home!<img class="alignright" style="margin: 12px;" title="Seattle realtor that stages" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/051310_1959_BrokerSelle4.jpg" alt="" align="right" /></p>
<p><strong>Seller Tips for showing</strong>: If you as a seller are going to put your home on the market, then do everything in your power to make sure that every buyer interested in it can see it. You do not want them to go on to the next house and put an offer in that one because you wouldn&#8217;t let them see yours…I know putting your home on the market is stressful and difficult. I personally was a crazy woman the last time I had to go through it, but it is just part of the process and will pass eventually. There are some things you can do to make it easier – especially if you have kids or pets (I have both). I am happy to email you a set of tips I wrote up if you think it might help (<a href="mailto:courtney@cooperjacobs.com">courtney@cooperjacobs.com</a>), but just hang in there! Your new house will be great and you have to get through this! You want every buyer possible to see your home in the best light!</p>
<p>End Rant<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></p>
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		<title>Tax Credit Impacts &amp; Tactics According To One Seattle Suburb…</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/tax-credit-impacts-tactics-according-to-one-seattle-suburb%e2%80%a6/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/tax-credit-impacts-tactics-according-to-one-seattle-suburb%e2%80%a6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:46:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[$8000 tax credit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Buyers Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sellers Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lake forest park real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax credit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://raincityhouses.com/tax-credit-impacts-tactics-according-to-one-seattle-suburb%e2%80%a6/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Want to learn more about the tax credit and how it is impacting Seattle Suburbs? There were interesting stats over on LakeForestParkView.com about how the tax credit incentive might be affecting pending sales for Lake Forest Park homes for sale. We all expected that the tax credit would impact sales, but as the deadline approaches [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Want to learn more about the tax credit and how it is impacting Seattle Suburbs?</strong> There were <a href="http://www.lakeforestparkview.com/homes/lake-forest-park-homes-for-sale-market-update/">interesting stats over on LakeForestParkView.com</a> about how the tax credit incentive might be affecting pending sales for <a href="http://www.lakeforestparkview.com">Lake Forest Park homes for sale</a>. We all expected that the tax credit would impact sales, but as the deadline approaches it is particularly interesting to watch the pending sales jump up.</p>
<p><strong>Seller Tactics on The Tax Credit Getting &#8220;Out There&#8221;</strong> I also have been somewhat flabbergasted by some of the different approaches agents are taking on the tax credit for their listings. There is a tactic going around in the listing remarks where it says &#8220;all offers to be reviewed on&#8221; x date. And then that date happens to be right before the deadline. <strong>To me, this seems stupid</strong> because buyers scrambling around last minute to try and get something locked down under contract are going to seriously consider skipping the property and moving on to something they have the opportunity of locking down NOW.</p>
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		<title>Brier Homes For Sale – Seattle Suburbs Real Estate Offerings…</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/brier-homes-for-sale-%e2%80%93-seattle-suburbs-real-estate-offerings%e2%80%a6/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/brier-homes-for-sale-%e2%80%93-seattle-suburbs-real-estate-offerings%e2%80%a6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Feb 2010 21:41:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Seattle Suburbs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brier Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buyer Bonus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lynnwood WA market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lynnwood homes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lynnwood real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle neighborhoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brier real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle equestrian property]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://raincityhouses.com/brier-homes-for-sale/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate: Brier Homes For Sale: We have some great Brier homes for sale right now, but Brier in general has some cool properties at very good prices. Brier is a Seattle suburb which happens to be quite convenient to all directions of commuting. On top of that all the best shopping and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Seattle Suburbs Real Estate:  Brier Homes For Sale:</strong>  We have some great Brier homes for sale right now, but Brier in general has some cool properties at very good prices.  Brier is a Seattle suburb which happens to be quite convenient to all directions of commuting.  On top of that all the best shopping and restaurants are all in close proximity. Schools are good and homes are well priced – especially now.</p>
<p><img src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/021810-2141-brierhomesf1.jpg" alt="Brier real estate" align="left" />The transit system all around Brier is quite advanced with newer transit stations in all directions..Canyon Park, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace are all newer transit stations  (MLT even has solar) for quick commutes to Eastside (Bellevue and Kirkland or Redmond0, North (Everett) or South to Shoreline and Seattle.  Even in heavy traffic, Downtown Seattle is a half hour bus ride tops form the Mountlake Terrace Transit Station.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/index.cfm/page/49807/parent/49800/Brier_Real_Estate.html"><strong>Brier homes for sale</strong></a> right now:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/23985">2931 224<sup>th</sup> PL SW</a>:  This is a 3 bedroom spacious home right in the heart of Brier – close proximity to all city offerings and good floor plan – large lot – ask about Bonuses. 3 bedrooms/2.25 baths  1812 sq ft Built in 1984 on a large lot – 12632 sq ft!  2 car attached garage, large rec room, more – private quiet road $309,950</p>
<p><img src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/021810-2141-brierhomesf2.jpg" alt="Brier real estate" align="right" /><a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/10609">19207 Locust Way</a> – not quite in Brier city limits, but close to Brier and enjoys all great Brier amenities.  3 bedroom/1.75 home on 2.42 acres!!!!  This home is in a great location in Lynnwood and has wonderful park like spaces  &#8211; Big bonus on this one, too…  $887,400 or Best Offer</p>
<p><a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/29117347">22424 Old Poplar Way</a> – practically a stone&#8217;s throw from Brier City Hall – giant horse or farm property with AMAZING spaces – this one even has a giant 5 car garage with RV parking and a shop. Expansive 1933 home with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths – 2558 sq feet – It is like Sunset Boulevard in Brier – horse facilities already in place and only a quick jaunt to Brier&#8217;s own Equestrian Arena! Looking for a <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/29117347">Seattle Equestrian Property</a>????  THIS IS IT!</p>
<p>Want to see these and other <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/index.cfm/page/49807/parent/49800/Brier_Real_Estate.html">Brier Real Estate</a>?  We are happy to show you anything in this nice Seattle Suburb. Brier has a lot to offer! <a href="mailto:realestate@cooperjacobs.com">realestate@cooperjacobs.com</a></p>
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		<title>Mill Creek WA Real Estate:  $500,000 to $600,000</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/mill-creek-wa-real-estate-500000-to-600000/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/mill-creek-wa-real-estate-500000-to-600000/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:05:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Mill Creek real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sellers Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle neighborhoods]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://raincityhouses.com/mill-creek-wa-real-estate-500000-to-600000/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are in the market for Mill Creek real estate right now, I can tell you that I spent a major portion of the last few days touring what is available in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. I have sold and listed Mill Creek homes quite a bit, but I am always delighted to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you are in the market for <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/index.cfm/page/49809/parent/49800/Mill_Creek_Real_Estate.html">Mill Creek real estate</a> right now, I can tell you that I spent a major portion of the last few days touring what is available in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. I <strong>have sold and listed Mill Creek homes quite a bit, but I am always delighted to go on a great tour</strong> a really compare apples to apples for a particular buyer. As a result of the tours and showings, I have found myself bombarded by <img src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/092209-0105-millcreekwa14.jpg" alt="Mill Creek homes for sale" align="left" />listing agents asking me for feedback.</p>
<p><strong>Most of the Mill Creek homes have just been very nicely presented and all together great choices</strong>. I can tell you that there were a few comments from my buyers that Mill Creek sellers should think about &#8211; not because I am the expert or my buyers are the only buyers around, but just because it is the general consensus really.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 36pt"><strong>Wall paper</strong>. I only saw one room that was pretty neutral, but overall buyers do not want wallpaper. It does not matter how designer or how pretty it is (or how awful), they <strong>just DO NOT WANT wallpaper</strong>. I always recommend to my sellers that they removed wallpaper prior to putting their home on the market. It is pretty general knowledge and so I was surprised to still see so much of it. I personally liked most of it, but most buyers do not and as easy as it is to take off (it really is most of the time, I swear!), it is a big factor when it comes to how a buyer feels about a home.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 36pt"><strong>Landscaping </strong>– well thankfully I was within the Country Club boundaries most of the time and Mill Creek is known for its rigorous CC&amp;R&#8217;s and landscaping so the yards were nice although I will say that I would highly recommend that you FULLY fence your back yard. Let&#8217;s face it – the majority of Mill Creek prospective buyers will most likely have children, but at the very least they will have a pet if not kids. Again, I know – small thing, but having big gaping holes in your fence line not only takes away from the privacy of the backyard, but overall just doesn&#8217;t quite feel homey to most buyers.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 36pt"><strong>Updated kitchen</strong> – this was the biggest complaint. For half a million and up a buyer should expect to have at least granite tile in the kitchen and not the original cabinetry.</p>
<p><strong>There are some impressive Mill Creek homes in the $500k to $600k range</strong> – if you might be even thinking about living in this highly organized community, then I would recommend looking now. Sellers, if you are thinking of moving out, there are some great buyers looking for quality homes. They like clean lines and updated kitchens. Updated baths are a bonus (please take the carpet out of the bathroom when you update it – no one likes that anymore).</p>
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		<title>Don’t Give Up If You Are Trying to Sell!</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/don%e2%80%99t-give-up-if-you-are-trying-to-sell/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/don%e2%80%99t-give-up-if-you-are-trying-to-sell/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:24:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate 2010]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sellers Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://raincityhouses.com/don%e2%80%99t-give-up-if-you-are-trying-to-sell/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Selling your Seattle house in a buyer&#8217;s market doesn&#8217;t have to be so frustrating! You just have to really try and think outside of the box just a little. It can be such an emotional and scary time – even for the most experienced home seller, but know that this is absolutely normal! What is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/120808-0024-dontgiveupi1.jpg" align="left" />Selling your Seattle house in a buyer&#8217;s market doesn&#8217;t have to be so frustrating!  You just have to really try and think outside of the box just a little.   It can be such an emotional and scary time – even for the most experienced home seller, but know that this is absolutely normal!  What is not normal is the doom and gloom portrayed by many in this industry. You don&#8217;t have to be happy about the market, but you really do have to be a creative hard working listing agent to sell a house this year.  You also have to be a flexible seller who is willing to do their part to get the best return on your investment.</p>
<p>As a result of the uncertainty being pumped into our environment, many sellers decide to throw in the towel and rent out their house or just wait for a better time.  That time really is now.  There are buyers out there and they want to see your house.  The interest rates are just a tiny bit over 5% right now and expected to drop even further in the next week or so.  These buyers need choices!!!!</p>
<p>No, your house won&#8217;t sell if you want to just hire a limited service agency or discount broker or let&#8217;s be honest, even a full service broker who just sticks a sign in the ground and waits for the buyers to come to them.  Your <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com">Seattle Realtors</a> need to go out and get those buyers for you by getting your house marketed in the way it needs to be for today&#8217;s market:  all over the web.  The new stat is that over 84% of buyers start on the web on a huge variety of sites.  Simply getting your house on the NWMLS will not do it.  Simply getting your house on your agent&#8217;s company website won&#8217;t do it either.  Your house needs to be blogged about and listed on all of the major places that the consumer looking for a Seattle house will look for to find you.   When I list a home, after I have made sure that it is <img src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/120808-0024-dontgiveupi2.jpg" align="right" />presented in the best possible way through professional quality Staging and photography, I spend an unthinkable amount of time getting the house actually seen by the buyers who are out there looking.  And when I ask how they found that house, the answer is 90% of the time &#8220;on the internet&#8221;.   Is your agent a techie? You need a techie agent!</p>
<p>Are you interested in <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com">Seattle real estate</a>? Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services is a full service real estate company. Member Built Green, e-PRO, working on ECOBroker certification.  If you need your house sold or you are frightened by what you are hearing or seeing, please feel free to drop me a line – I am happy to let you pick my brain.  I am the designated broker for Cooper Jacobs  &#8211; serving Seattle &amp; Seattle suburbs. Courtney@cooperjacobs.com</p>
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		<title>Seattle Seller Tips In a Slower Market…</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-seller-tips-in-a-slower-market%e2%80%a6/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-seller-tips-in-a-slower-market%e2%80%a6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 20:47:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Sellers Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle wa real estate]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Seattle real estate is still good – the market has cooled off a bit, but houses are still selling – with multiple offers in some cases – if they are positioned correctly within the real estate market. There are some properties that are probably always going to demand more interest when it comes to being [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Seattle real estate is still good – the market has cooled off a bit, but houses are still selling – with multiple offers in some cases – if they are positioned correctly within the real estate market. There are some properties that are probably always going to demand more interest when it comes to being on the market – waterfront or water views are usually in high demand and anything close to a hot urban area such as Green Lake will command a higher price in most cases. This doesn&#8217;t mean that you can just stick a sign up in the ground and wait for a buyer. Selling a house in Seattle neighborhoods or Seattle suburbs requires a bit more!<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Deep Cleaning:</strong></span> Hire a housekeeper to come in and really get down to the nitty gritty! Most of us live with messes that we don&#8217;t even see and an outside professional eye will really help!<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Simplify things</strong></span>: Basics like cleaning and sprucing the place up are important, but also really weeding through the stuff in your house is vital! I can&#8217;t tell you how many times I have taken a buyer through a house crammed full of stuff and had them run out thinking it was not the house for them. All these possessions we have really make our houses feel smaller than they are – the buyers feel this!<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Staging</strong></span> – Hire an ASP to help you move your furniture around to make it the most ideal for being shown on the market. Make sure it is a Stager who has exhibited success and is recommended by your REALTOR.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">More <a href="http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-sellers-is-your-home-sitting-on-the-market-my-top-ten-tips-for-seattle-sellers/">Seattle Selling Tips</a>.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Wanting to find the perfect house in a <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Neighborhood</a>? Looking for <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Suburb Real Estate</a>? Interested in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Brier real estate</span></a>? <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Lynnwood WA real estate</a>? <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Mountlake Terrace real estate</a>?  <a href="mailto:realestate@cooperjacobs.com"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">realestate@cooperjacobs.com</span></a><br />
</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; text-decoration: underline">Courtney Cooper </span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">&#8230;.For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Washington Real Estate</span></a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</span></a>: Broker and Realtor serving North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Real Estate</span></a> and Seattle Suburbs!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</span></a>:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in <strong>Seattle</strong> (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com" title="seattle suburbs homes"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Suburbs Homes</span></a> in <strong>Shoreline, Edmonds, Redmond, Kirkland, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett</strong>, or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Suburbs</span></a>!<br />
</span></p>
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		<title>Short Sale News! New for April 2008:NWMLS Changes The Rules</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/short-sale-news-new-for-april-2008nwmls-changes-the-rules/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/short-sale-news-new-for-april-2008nwmls-changes-the-rules/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:21:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Foreclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Short sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle real estate 2008]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Short sales are popping up more and more across the Seattle area. Buyers need to be aware of whether not a potential property is a short sale because the offer process is quite different. Here is the NWMLS definition of a short sale: &#8220;A &#8220;Short Sale&#8221; is a sale that does not produce sufficient funds [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/040908-1921-shortsalene1.jpg" />Short sales are popping up more and more across the Seattle area. Buyers need to be aware of whether not a potential property is a short sale because the offer process is quite different.</p>
<p><strong>Here is the NWMLS definition of a short sale:<br />
</strong></p>
<p><em>&#8220;A &#8220;Short Sale&#8221; is a sale that does not produce sufficient funds to cover the existing monetary encumbrances against the Property, closing costs, real estate commissions, and other financial requirements of closing. Seller&#8217;s creditor(s) are those third parties who have an interest in the Property in the form of a deed of trust, some other security, or a lien (e.g. tax lien).&#8221;<br />
</em></p>
<p>See my problem with a <a href="http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-short-sales-in-seattle-the-seattle-suburbs%e2%80%a6/">short sale listing</a> is that buyers go into the process without the full knowledge of how different it is from a &#8220;normal&#8221; transaction. The NWMLS has come up with a form to help, but making sure to use a short sale agent in the process is the best plan of attack. Short sales can be great deals, but knowing what is involved is key.</p>
<p>Knowing that a listing is a short sale is also key since there are no guarantees as to price or commission in a short sale. The offer is (or should be) always signed subject to lien holder approval. The lien holder almost always inevitably comes back with a higher price even if you offer the list price and they also usually come back with a lower commission amount for the two agents involved. False advertising all around in my opinion. The MLS is now stating that a short sale listing must be disclosed. This is a step in the right direction in my opinion.</p>
<p>Another really needed change: Short sale properties typically stay marked as &#8220;active&#8221; in the MLS while the approval from the lien holder is being obtained. This is frustrating for buyers out there and also bad for the MLS stats. I think the short sale numbers are actually seriously dragging down the area stats overall and the new rule is a helpful one in that. The properties with offers which are waiting for approval will be marked &#8220;pending – BU&#8221; until they go to &#8220;pending&#8221; and then &#8220;sold&#8221;. I am extremely pleased with this development which will be good for everybody. Other sellers in the neighborhood who may be waiting for a distressed property to come off the market before they put theirs on can now have an easier time without false lower priced competition.</p>
<p><strong>Introducing Form 22SS:<br />
</strong></p>
<p>The MLS&#8217;s short sale addendum for Washington state (Hallelujah!). It isn&#8217;t perfect, but it is going to help clarify a lot of the process and steps that have been unclear in the past. First of all the from states that the property is a short sale and that the lien holder has to approve the offer. The form then gives the seller so many days (default is 30 days) to get that approval. Mutual acceptance is explained as when the lien holder approval is delivered. 22SS Gives the buyer the option of checking a box to either say that the seller can accept other offers for lien holder approval while they wait for their answer or not. My advise on that to buyers is check the box that allows your deal to be the only deal in town. Of course, my advise for a seller is usually the opposite depending on the situation. Lastly, the new from gives the buyer the right to back out of the deal at any time prior to lien holder approval.</p>
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		<title>Seattle real estate:  2008 Market Conditions in a Nut Shell..</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-2008-market-conditions-in-a-nut-shell/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-2008-market-conditions-in-a-nut-shell/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:01:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Buyer News]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Seattle real estate has softened, but we certainly are not &#8220;in the tank&#8221; as I read another broker put it. Instead, the 2008 market is very different, and those who are used to the easy flow of the past few years need to step up to a different ball field. This includes all parties to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img align="right" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/032108-0001-seattlereal1.jpg" /><span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong>Seattle real estate has softened, but we certainly are not &#8220;in the tank&#8221; as I read another broker put it.</strong><br />
</span></p>
<p>Instead, the 2008 market is very different, and those who are used to the easy flow of the past few years need to step up to a different ball field. This includes all parties to the transaction!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 20pt"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Buyers</strong></span><br />
</span>need to understand that there are some incredible deals out there right now! Prices are generally very good as sellers try to compete with short sales and foreclosures that are sneaking on to the market. Seattle buyers have been complaining about a seller&#8217;s market for years and now find themselves in a buyer&#8217;s market finally! Even with this combined with the lower interest rates, there is still some reluctance to pull the trigger! I personally think there could be a few reasons for this hesitation which include uncertainty based on our political climate, uncertainty in the economy, and also a general lack of confidence in the strength of the housing market. Well, I have no idea who will end up in office, but I can tell you that our Puget Sound Economy is generally very good and jobs were up the last time I checked. People are also still buying and selling real estate even if prices have come down in some areas. Seattle is still one of the most undervalued West Coast cities and we are a major metro. If you are on the fence, get off.</p>
<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/032108-0001-seattlereal2.jpg" /><span style="text-decoration: underline"><span style="font-size: 20pt"><strong>Sellers</strong></span><span style="font-size: 12pt"><br />
</span></span>– Price your home reasonably and please be open to a negotiation. It isn&#8217;t personal –it&#8217;s just business. The buyers in 2008 like your house a lot, but they have a lot to choose from and they want to negotiate. De-clutter it, have it professionally Staged by an accredited Stager, and make it easy to show. Don&#8217;t skimp on commissions either – this is not the time to be choosing any other REALTOR except for a FULL service REALTOR – oh and make sure they in fact are an actual REALTOR. Did you know that not all real estate agents and brokers are REALTORS? The term is REALTOR, not realtor – it is a proper noun – and REALTORS actually abide by a higher standard of practice including a code of ethics. You need someone with a high level of expertise in marketing your home. This is also not the time to try a FSBO – stick with a market expert to guide you through 2008!</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-decoration: underline">Agents &amp; Brokers:</span><br />
</strong>Be free with your information – that is what 2008 and beyond is about. There is value in sharing information rather than guarding it. In the past, we have tended to keep our knowledge close to the vest and in this changing market the consumer is looking for answers well before they make a purchasing decision. Open, honest, and down to earth advice and guidance is a must for a new market.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Courtney Cooper </a>&#8230;.For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate">Seattle Washington Real Estate</a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</a>: Broker and Realtor serving North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Real Estate</a> and Seattle Suburbs!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</a>:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in <strong>Seattle</strong> (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), <strong>Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett</strong>, or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs">Seattle Suburbs</a>!</p>
<p> If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/" title="seattle real estate">Seattle Relocation</a> services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment! </p>
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		<title>Seattle Real Estate:  Short Sales In Seattle &amp;The Seattle Suburbs…</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-short-sales-in-seattle-the-seattle-suburbs%e2%80%a6/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-short-sales-in-seattle-the-seattle-suburbs%e2%80%a6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:33:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[House Financing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Misc...]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Seattle real estate is in a buyer&#8217;s market, but are you looking for a way to get into a Seattle house even cheaper? Seattle buyers: You might consider a short sale, but be prepared to wait and wait and wait. Not only will you not get an answer immediately when you put in an offer [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/"><img border="0" align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/031708-1833-seattlereal1.jpg" /></a><strong>Seattle real estate is in a buyer&#8217;s market, but are you looking for a way to get into a Seattle house even cheaper?</strong></p>
<p>Seattle buyers: You might consider a short sale, but be prepared to wait and wait and wait. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Not only will you not get an answer immediately when you put in an offer for a short sale, you will more than likely have to wait for weeks and weeks.  The bank is in no hurry to sell you this house for $50,000 or more under market, and they also like to drag their feet to wait for a better offer.  If you want the deal, you have to be very patient and understand what you are getting in to.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><strong>What is a short sale?</strong><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><em>Simple Short Sale Definition:  A Short sale is when the seller owes more than the house can be sold for in the current market, so the bank has to agree to write off the difference and sell the house for less than they are owed.</em>. Coming up with an acceptable price for the bank when they are losing money on a loan can be tricky and requires someone who is willing to go to bat for both parties – the buyer who wants to get a good deal and the seller who wants to get out of a loan without a foreclosure on their record. It is also in the bank&#8217;s best interest because they want to save on the time and money it would talk to foreclose on a property that is in arrears.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><strong>The problem?</strong> <br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"> There are no guarantees that just because a house is listed for a certain price that it will sell for that price or even close to it.  The listing agents list these short sale homes as <em>&#8220;subject to lien holder approval&#8221;</em> in the agent only remarks.  I strongly think that this lingo should also be put in the public comments so that a prospective buyer is well aware that the price is not a definite and that even the sale is not a definite until a lien holder approves of it. In fact, in most cases if you put in a full price offer, the bank will likely counter back at a higher price than the property is listed at! Doesn&#8217;t seem fair does it? There is a difference between an approved short sale and a short sale. With an approved at least there is some guarantee of price range, but the fact of the matter is that most short sales listed are not approved short sales. It is just too difficult to get a bank to pin down a number without an offer in front of them!<br />
</span></p>
<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/031708-1833-seattlereal2.jpg" /><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><strong>Good news!<br />
</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">The good news is that a Seattle short sale can work out for all parties involved and benefit all! Make sure you are working with someone that knows how to do a short sale! Search for <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com">Seattle Short Sales</a>.<br />
</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Courtney Cooper </a>….For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate">Seattle Washington Real Estate</a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</a>: Broker and Realtor serving North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Real Estate</a> and Seattle Suburbs!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</a>:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property realestate (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in <strong>Seattle</strong> (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park) &amp; other Seatle neighborhoods, <strong>Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett</strong>, or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs">Seattle Suburbs</a>!</p>
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		<title>Seattle Real Estate:  Too much money, Good investment, Progress, Poor Planning</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-too-much-money-good-investment-poor-city-planning/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-too-much-money-good-investment-poor-city-planning/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:44:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[So I just read in the Seattle PI about Children&#8217;s Hospital looking at buying out an entire condo complex for possible future expansion. According to the PI, Laurelon Terrace condominiums is a six acre complex with 136 units. Children&#8217;s reported price according to this article? 93 million dollars! A jaw dropping 2.8 times the current [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/022708-2044-seattlereal1.jpg" />So I just read in the <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/352864_laurelon27.html">Seattle PI</a> about Children&#8217;s Hospital looking at buying out an entire condo complex for possible future expansion. According to the PI, <span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 9pt">Laurelon Terrace condominiums is a six acre complex with 136 units. Children&#8217;s reported price according to this article? </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 9pt"></span><span style="font-size: 16pt"><strong>93 million dollars!</strong></span><span style="font-size: 9pt"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 9pt">A jaw dropping 2.8 times the current value according to the PI! It isn&#8217;t a surprise that the majority of residents in the condo complex are willing to sell, but what does surprise me? There are some that don&#8217;t! I wish I had bought a couple of those condos a few years back – don&#8217;t you?</span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana"><span style="font-size: 9pt"><br />
</span></span>So how does this happen? In 1990 the state of Washington passed a measure which allows a condo to sell itself if at least 80% of the owners approve. That was not put in place for complexes built prior to that time, which are still under the 100% approval rule. So the neighbors at Laurelon who don&#8217;t want to sell still have a fighting chance of keeping their homes for now, but it seems according to the article that the condo board is looking at legal ways around that, too.</p>
<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/022708-2044-seattlereal2.jpg" />I understand someone not wanting to leave their home – take <a href="http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/333917_macefield02.html">Edith Macefield</a> for instance – the lovely woman in Ballard that refused to sell her home when she was offered something like a million dollars. I adore this woman, but driving by now and seeing her house swallowed up by giant concrete walls make me extremely sad. My favorite book as a child was <span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>The Little House</strong></span> and Ms. Macefield is the little house in real life. I wish the developer could have convinced her to let him move her house out to the country or somewhere with a lovely little view instead of the giant dark walls outside her kitchen window now. I lived in Ballard for a long time and I remember seeing her house in the middle of a parking lot for years and thinking how she must have lived there forever, but never did I think that Seattle would allow an older lady to have to finish out her long life in a house smothered by construction. I truly fault the city for what happened to Edith Macefield – I have no idea how it happened, but that building should have never gone up around her house.</p>
<p>So, progress happens in Seattle and although I love old Seattle and one of my favorite sites is <a href="http://www.vintageseattle.org/">www.VintageSeattle.org</a>, I would much rather sell my home to an organization such as Children&#8217;s Hospital than a developer putting in a Trader Joe&#8217;s or whatever else is going in there.  But then, we do love our Trader Joe&#8217;s too&#8230;.hmmmm.</p>
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		<title>Seattle Real Estate:  Primo buying window getting smaller…</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-primo-buying-window-getting-smaller%e2%80%a6/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-primo-buying-window-getting-smaller%e2%80%a6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:49:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Brier Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buyer Bonus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Builder perks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Buyer News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle neighborhoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle real estate 2008]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courtney Cooper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle buyers market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle seller tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-primo-buying-window-getting-smaller%e2%80%a6/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Seattle&#8217;s real estate market may be a bit soft right now, but the rates are incredibly low for qualified buyers and as a result the good Seattle lenders I have talked to recently are incredibly busy – and even backed up in some cases. Sure, there are going to be refinances in this mix of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/021508-2149-seattlereal1.jpg" />Seattle&#8217;s real estate market may be a bit soft right now, but the rates are incredibly low for qualified buyers and as a result the good Seattle lenders I have talked to recently are incredibly busy – and even backed up in some cases. Sure, there are going to be refinances in this mix of increased business, but the savvy Seattle buyers are out there in neighborhoods and suburbs <span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>right now</strong></span> trying to scoop up some deals before others realize that the market isn&#8217;t as bad as they thought! The truth is that Seattle has a booming real estate market in 2008 – it is just a very different market than we have seen in recent years. Seattle sellers, agents, and buyers need to adapt and stop looking to the media for &#8220;expert information&#8221; because the media seems to be gripping more of a doom and gloom Seattle bubble attitude. Instead, ask someone out there who is actually listing and selling houses in 2008! WAMU might be backed up because they cut their staff down to the bone, but other lenders are busy, too!</p>
<p>The weather is beginning to turn in Seattle – I always know when the woodpeckers start banging on my chimney to attract mates that spring is near! More and more buyers will be out as warmer days set in and with this will come some competition. Sellers should have their full service agents <strong>price their home competitively</strong>. They should pay the extra money and have an <strong>accredited Stager</strong> help them get their home ready for the market if their Realtor suggests it. Spring on its way doesn&#8217;t mean that Seattle sellers don&#8217;t need to put their best foot forward so that a buyer&#8217;s first impression is the best it can be. The 2008 Seattle market is still strong, but just trickier and it takes savvy on your agent&#8217;s part and on your part to sell your home.</p>
<p>Smart Seattle buyers who are out there right now: it is possible to get incredible prices, deals and bonuses from these sellers without completely low-balling them on your offer! Have your Realtor be aggressive, but write a strong offer and choose where you want to negotiate rather than beating down the offer from all directions. The window of primo opportunity is getting smaller as more buyers realize how enticing <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com">Seattle real estate</a> is right now!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Courtney Cooper </a>&#8230;.For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate">Seattle Washington Real Estate</a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</a>: Broker and Realtor serving Seattle neighborhoods and Seattle suburbs in both North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Real Estate</a> and Seattle Suburbs!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</a>:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in <strong>Seattle</strong> neighborhoods (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park) or Seattle suburbs (<strong>Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett)</strong> or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs">Seattle Suburbs</a>!</p>
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		<title>Seattle Real Estate: Green Remodeling in Seattle Neighborhoods &amp; Seattle Suburbs to Attract Buyers</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-green-remodeling-to-attract-buyers/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-green-remodeling-to-attract-buyers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 20:42:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Built Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle neighborhoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle real estate 2008]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cooper jacobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courtney Cooper]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[seattle wa real estate]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Built Green in Seattle neighborhoods and Seattle suburbs? In Seattle real estate, I have written about all the great Built Green properties in Seattle neighborhoods &#38; Seattle suburbs before, but I thought it was pretty cool that the Master Builders Association in partnership with both King and Snohomish Counties also offer a Built Green Self Certification checklist for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/021108-2042-seattlereal11.jpg" /><strong>Built Green in Seattle neighborhoods and Seattle suburbs?<br />
</strong></p>
<p>In Seattle real estate, I have written about all the great <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/courtneycooper/tags/seattle%20built%20green">Built Green</a> properties in Seattle neighborhoods &amp; Seattle suburbs before, but I thought it was pretty cool that the Master Builders Association in partnership with both King and Snohomish Counties also offer a <a href="http://www.builtgreen.net/documents/Remodeler%20Checklist.pdf">Built Green Self Certification checklist</a> for Seattle area remodelers, too!!! This is huge since I put all new energy efficient appliances in my house and also had Bamboo flooring installed throughout, but I also think it is so wonderful that Seattle buyers looking for a built green house can now look to existing properties for a Built <img align="right" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/021108-2042-seattlereal21.jpg" />Green rating!</p>
<p><strong>Return on Your Investment?</strong></p>
<p>Yes! Green for green! <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/courtneycooper/tags/seattle%20built%20green">Seattle Built Green</a> properties are popping up all over the place in the new construction arena. I think a great way to add value to your house before you decide to sell is to make sure that any remodels done are certified by this program as being green and better for the environment! It will add to your ability to market your home to all the savvy buyers out there looking for these types of properties, and it will be contributing to making Seattle real estate more green!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Courtney Cooper </a>&#8230;.For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate">Seattle Washington Real Estate</a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</a>: Broker and Realtor serving North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Real Estate</a> and Seattle Suburbs!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</a>:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in <strong>Seattle</strong> neighborhoods(Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), <strong>Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett</strong>, or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs">Seattle Suburbs</a>!</p>
<p> If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/" title="seattle real estate">Seattle Relocation</a> services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!</p>
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		<title>Seattle Real Estate:  Neighborhoods: Ballard, Wallingford, Greenlake, Fremont Market Update 2008 &#8211; Townhomes</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-ballard-wallingford-greenlake-fremont-market-update-2008-townhomes/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/seattle-real-estate-ballard-wallingford-greenlake-fremont-market-update-2008-townhomes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2008 17:36:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Buyer News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle neighborhoods]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle real estate 2008]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ballard townhomes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cooper jacobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Courtney Cooper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fremont real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle townhomes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle wa real estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wallingford real estate]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Seattle new construction neighborhood townhomes are a great way for a first time home buyer to get into the market with lower upkeep costs and usually no homeowner dues.  These townhomes usually have a cute little yard and lots of decks for increased living spaces and wonderful views of our gorgeous city!  Here are the Seattle [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img align="left" src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/012608-1736-seattlereal1.jpg" /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com" title="search seattle mls"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; text-decoration: underline">Seattle new construction</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"> neighborhood townhomes are a great way for a first time home buyer to get into the market with lower upkeep costs and usually no homeowner dues.  These townhomes usually have a cute little yard and lots of decks for increased living spaces and wonderful views of our gorgeous city! <br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">Here are the Seattle townhome market update figures for real estate in 2008 for the <strong>Ballard, Greenlake, Fremont, Crown Hill, Sunset Hill, </strong>and<strong> Wallingford</strong> neighborhoods in Seattle.  This is on townhomes priced $500,000 and less.<br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">There are 64 Seattle <strong>townhome listings on the NWMLS</strong> right now with a status of ACTIVE.  These range from a 2 bedroom/1 bath to a 3 bedroom/3.5 bath with an average of a 3 bedroom/2.25 bath layout.  Square footage ranges from 818 square feet to a spacious 2219 square feet with an average of 1531 square feet.  They range in price from $309,950 to $499,999 with an average of $427,678.  The average days on market for these townhomes is 73 days. <br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman">So what is happening in this <a target="_blank" href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/351867/Seattle-Real-Estate-There" title="ballard townhomes"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle townhome market</span></a>?  Well, while there are 64 listings to choose from, there are not a lot of new townhome listings coming on to the market.  This is probably due to the recent media scare tactics which may make some sellers or builder hesitant to put their properties on the market right now.  I have buyers who are very well qualified in this market, but the current inventory does not suit their needs for one reason or another, so we are actively looking for new townhome listings in this particular area of Seattle! <br />
</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/"><span style="font-size: 12pt; color: blue; font-family: Times New Roman; text-decoration: underline"><strong>Courtney Cooper </strong></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman"><strong>&#8230;.For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Washington Real Estate</span></a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</span></a>: Broker and Realtor serving North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Real Estate</span></a> neighborhoods and Seattle Suburbs!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</span></a>:   Experienced and with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle neighborhoods, Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Suburbs</span></a>! If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/" title="seattle real estate"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline">Seattle Relocation</span></a> services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!</strong><br />
</span></p>
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		<title>Navigating the Sales Process:  Seattle Real Estate</title>
		<link>http://raincityhouses.com/navigating-the-sales-process-seattle-real-estate/</link>
		<comments>http://raincityhouses.com/navigating-the-sales-process-seattle-real-estate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 22:52:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Courtney Cooper</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Seattle Suburbs Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle Washington Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seattle seller news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle real estate 2008]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cooper jacobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[seattle realtor]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[With all the do it yourself business models out there, it is important to get a realistic view of some of the nuts and bolts that go into a typical transaction. This being said, I have yet to see a typical transaction and buying a house in Seattle or the Seattle suburbs is not something [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>With all the do it yourself business models out there, it is important to get a realistic view of some of the nuts and bolts that go into a typical transaction. This being said, I have yet to see a typical transaction and buying a house in Seattle or the Seattle suburbs is not something you want to do yourself! Of course I am biased, but I equate it with me drilling my own teeth for a filling. Here is a general outline of how a &#8220;normal&#8221; real estate transaction flows, but it is not all inclusive and hiring a REALTOR is vital for your financial health as well as your sanity. A lot of buyers and sellers don&#8217;t realize just how much goes into the transaction between finding a house and closing on a house in Seattle! <img src="http://raincityhouses.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/011908-2252-navigatingt1.png" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline"><strong>Courtney Cooper </strong></span></a><strong>&#8230;.For all your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/" title="seattle washington real estate">Seattle Washington Real Estate</a> Needs! <a href="http://www.courtneycooper.com/">Seattle Area Real Estate Agent</a>: Broker and Realtor serving North King &amp; South Snohomish County.  <a href="http://www.raincityhouses.com/">Seattle Real Estate</a> and <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/"></a></strong>Seattle Suburbs<strong>!  <a href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/">Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services</a>:   Experienced and with a background in accounting &#8211; I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle, Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other <a target="_blank" href="http://raincityhouses.com/category/seattle-suburbs-real-estate/" title="Seattle Suburbs">Seattle Suburbs</a>! If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cooperjacobs.com/" title="seattle real estate">Seattle Relocation</a> services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!</strong></p>
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