Freddie and Fannie offer summer deals

June 28, 2011

Looking for a deal where the home seller pledges in advance to contribute potentially thousands of dollars to your closing costs? If so, check out the summer sale terms available from two of the largest and most motivated sellers of foreclosed homes in the country: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I’ve toured several of these [...]

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Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

June 15, 2011

Have you ever wondered about bed bugs? Over the last few years, a bed bud epidemic has been sprouting around the United States. Here in Seattle, the apartment building across the street from me has been dealing with the problem at a cost that’s been in the thousands, not to mention the irritation of the [...]

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The real estate minute

June 7, 2011

Some perspective on the market. If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home or condo, don’t wait, contact Blair today!

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Are you considering a tax deferred, 1031 exchange?

May 22, 2011

A 1031 exchange, otherwise known as a tax deferred exchange is a simple strategy and method for selling one property, that’s qualified, and then proceeding with an acquisition of another property (also qualified) within a specific time frame. The logistics and process of selling a property and then buying another property are practically identical to [...]

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Coldwell Banker Real Estate Survey Finds Spike in Gas Prices is Impacting Where Home Buyers Choose to Live

May 18, 2011

A recent survey by Coldwell Banker shows rising gas prices drive desire for shorter commutes and home offices PARSIPPANY, N.J. (May 18, 2011) – The high cost of gasoline is not just emptying wallets; it is also impacting where consumers choose to buy a home. According to a new Coldwell Banker survey among its network [...]

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What to do when your tenant abandons

March 28, 2011

If a tenant abandons a rental property, the landlord must store the tenant’s belongings for 45 days after learning of the abandonment? The courts have stated that there must be, “clear, unequivocal and decisive evidence” of “an absolute relinquishment of premises by a tenant.” The landlord must attempt to notify the tenant of the place [...]

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Selling tenant occupied property

March 21, 2011

When a property is sold with a tenant in place, the purchase and sale agreement needs to address how all deposits and pre-paid last month’s rent will be transferred to the buyer? The buyer will also need a copy of the original move in inspection report. Without one, the tenant cannot be charged for any [...]

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How to prepare for a Seattle Earthquake

March 18, 2011

The other day I was chatting with a friend about the earthquake in Japan as well as reminiscing about the Nisqually quake some 10 years ago (I was on the 10th floor of Bell Plaza in Downtown Seattle). It dawned on us that now might be a good time to create our own earthquake preparedness [...]

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Fair housing & tenant applicants

March 6, 2011

Did you know you must treat all rental applicants and tenants the same in even the subtle aspect of the rental process? Examples include: – If one tenant moves in mid-month and you allow him/her to pay pro-rated rent rather than a full month’s rent, then you must do the same for everyone. – If [...]

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City code and rental property

February 28, 2011

Did you know that different cities have different codes regarding rentals? For instance, the Seattle Municipal Code* includes requirements that there be deadbolts on entry doors, dead bolts or other approved locking devices on all sliding patio doors, that locks be re-keyed between tenants and the prohibition against double cylinder deadbolts. It also specifies the [...]

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