Team Reba’s No Fluff level 1 home buying class in Seattle, January 21st 10am-12pm!

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Reba Haas

Cancelled due to weather….No Fluff Savvy Home Buying – Level I January 21st, 2012 01/21/2012

10:00 am – 12:00 pm RE/MAX Metro Realty office at 2312 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle WA 98102

RSVP to Classes@TeamReba.com by 01/19/2011

If you’ve been wondering what the state of the real estate market is like in Seattle and the general King/Snohomish/Pierce County area, now is your chance to get a No Fluff reality check. We’ll have Team Reba real estate brokers and a 30+ year veteran local mortgage lender (Eric Aasness of Wells Fargo) on hand to help you learn how to navigate today’s new realities of buying real estate.

On the agenda will be 3 major topics:

1) Credit repair processes, how credit is scored, what to look for in your credit report,

2) Lending products and options for buyers/refinances in today’s marketplace, including loans that allow for modifications to a property (FHA 203k loans) for those “less than perfect” purchases like cosmetic fixers, bank owned or short sales, and

3) An explanation of the real estate purchase process as well as an overview of today’s marketplace and the types of transactions most commonly seen. Including, short sales, bank owned and “traditional” real estate sales.

We hope you can join us and we look forward to seeing you there! If you can’t make it, or this class might be better suited for someone you know (friends, family, or colleagues), again, please feel free to forward the invite – all are welcome.

Coffee/Tea available onsite.

REMAX Office Address: 2312 Eastlake Ave E Seattle WA 98102

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HomeSavvi brings their Savvi Speed Dating event to Tacoma area!

Posted on April 22, 2009 by Reba Haas

A good friend of mine works at HomeSavvi, an online resource for home remodeling. I’ve been kept in the loop of their happenings since their start up days and one cool thing they’ve been doing in Seattle area is putting together meet ups between the public and the contractors and designers that are the resources on their site. They call this “speed dating” much like the version being used for men and women to meet. Well, now they’re bringing the Savvi Speed Dating event to the south end so that people in the Tacoma, Federal Way and other south end cities can benefit. Details are as follows:

May Savvi Speed Dating in Tacoma

Hosted by Couch’s Appliance South

Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Address: Couch’s Appliance South
5306 Pacific Highway E.
Fife, WA 98424

RSVP by Monday, May 11th to reserve your spot!

What it is:

At Savvi Speed Dating, you won’t find a new mate, but you will have an evening of fun, education, and an easy and efficient way of meeting some top home remodeling professionals – all while enjoying wine and snacks in a beautiful casual setting.

Spend an evening talking one-on-one with up to four remodeling professionals about YOUR specific remodeling needs. We know that cost effectiveness is on everyone’s minds these days. These professionals will point you in the right direction. So, bring your questions, photos and ideas – we’ll help you get started!

How do I participate?

After you register, answer five simple questions and HomeSavvi will match you up. From architects to landscapers, from solar installation to lighting designers, we’ll help you find what you are looking for. It’s only $15 per household to attend.

Don’t wait! Space is limited to the first 15 households who sign up!

As HomeSavvi likes to put it….

Homeowners + Remodeling Professionals = Perfect Match!

Savvi Speed Dating event by HomeSavvi

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Team Reba adds Certified Distressed Property Expert designations to its ranks

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Reba Haas

Earlier this week a couple of days were spent sitting on less than comfortable chairs in the local Renton Holiday Inn just off of Grady Way. Why were we willing to spend numerous hours of butt-numbing time in a jam-packed meeting room? For the benefit of getting the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation.

All of us at Team Reba have been working in the realm of short sales for many months and years so the large influx of short sale and distressed homeowner status is not new to us, but this designation is and it’s one of the fastest growing designations in the USA. With default rates climbing along with the unemployment rate (thankfully not in direct relation) it’s worth it to know the proper way to handle a short sale if a client needs assistance in doing it to close on a sale of a property that they can no longer afford.

In many cases a short sale can be better than a foreclosure or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, as I’ve mentioned in prior posts. Plus there are other good reasons not to allow a foreclosure to be completed on the courthouse steps – and that is the long term employment picture. The 2 biggest reasons that someone loses their home, or the ability to keep paying at the same level, is because of either job loss or medical bills – or both of them combined. If unemployment is the reason then the last thing you’ll want to add to this is a foreclosure since many companies do credit checks prior to hiring new employees. A short sale is not reported in the same manner as a foreclosure and the timeline of impact on a credit report is much shorter in time. Foreclosures can show up on a credit report from 7 to 10 years later. For people whose jobs include security clearances or access to financial records, a foreclosure can mean the loss of a job or of position.

If you are a homeowner who is getting behind on payments and you don’t qualify for a loan modification program, please contact us to see if perhaps we can help you with your situation.

If you’re a buyer who wants to look at purchasing short sale, foreclosure, or bank owned homes it helps to work with an agent who understands the way these specialized sales work, including the potential pitfalls and delays that may occur.

We’ve got experience on both ends of the spectrum and can provide excellent guidance throughout the process.

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Let’s sit down over a couple of beers from Two Beers Brewing Co.

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Reba Haas

Last weekend, Michael and I went to support a friend’s appearance with his band, Ambience, at a South Lake Union event that was sponsored by the SLU Chamber of Commerce and promoted by the folks at Vulcan who would love for you to buy one of their condominiums in this up and coming downtown area. At the event several local vendors were displaying information about their businesses to those attending with the biggest focus being on the Arthur Murray dance school who was hosting the space. One of the vendors we met was Joel VandenBrink of Two Beers Brewing Co, a Seattle based brewer who is just beginning to reach out to the local pub communities to distribute product.

According to the gentleman we spoke to, their beers are in several north end Seattle pubs such as 74th Street Ale House, Sully’s Snowgoose Inn up in Phinney Ridge, and more. I recommended that he head south a little bit too and hit up Whistle Stop Ale House in Renton as well as Columbia City. I was reassured that they’re going to be doing just that along with a tour of Tacoma pubs in the next 1-2 weeks with one, The Red Hot, already drafting and there is one location on the Eastside too. The link above will give you all of their current distribution spots.

We were able to sample the Echo IPA and the 20:20 Blonde, and were duly impressed. I also liked that on the little flyers that were handed out the following notes were printed:

Take some time.

Look at the world.

Gain a new perspective.

Along with those great tag lines, when I asked Joel about where the name came from, he said, “it’s the idea that anyone can sit down across the table from another person over a couple of beers and talk about anything.” Now, that concept is something I can drink to. Cheers to you, Joel, and good luck with your budding brewing business!

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How to get your utility company to pay YOU for energy!

Posted on March 12, 2009 by Reba Haas

Do you pay attention to the flyers that come with your utility bills? If you have Puget Sound Energy as a vendor you should read them because there are all manner of special offers for upgrading the energy efficiency of your home. In prior month’s bills the flyer had the following offers and ideas:

Windows – replacement windows in today R-values have exponentially better efficiency than even those double pane windows from the 1980′s and most certainly better than old aluminum framed or single paned windows.

Siding – updated siding has the potential of saving upwards of 20% on energy bills.

Solar! - Ah, the crux of the post…. Puget Sound Energy is now offering hot water and electrical systems for both residential and commercial customers. By adding solar it is possible to get credits back from the local utilities and provide power that can be used elsewhere in your grid. All the while you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint and producing a clean, renewable energy.

Go to washingtonenergy.com for estimates.

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Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound gets on Twitter!

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Reba Haas

I was happy to find that the folks at RHA have joined the ranks of Twitter. I’ve got a feeling that they could get a really good following if they did a lot more tweeting.

Follow them at: http://twitter.com/RHACoach

You can follow Team Reba at: http://twitter.com/teamreba

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Need a copy of an oil tank decommissioning report?

Posted on February 23, 2009 by Reba Haas

Since there is an abundance of older housing stock in the City of Seattle, it’s not uncommon to have the question of whether or not an oil tank is on a property. To determine if a tank has been decommissioned it is possible to contact the local Fire Department and have them look up the address to the property and see if one has been filed. In this case I called the Fire Marshall’s office for the City of Seattle.

The Seattle Fire Marshal’s Office is located at:

220 3rd Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98104-2608

Phone: 206-386-1450
fax: 206-386-1348

Business hours are:

Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Most decommissioning reports have only been in place for roughly the past 10 years so if it was done earlier you may not have a record available to you. I’ve found that most municipalities are similar in process to this method of investigation so depending on where you live, you’ll want to contact the fire department responsible for your area whether in city limits or in an unincorporated area.

Most reports are faxed and not emailed, so be sure you can provide a fax number to whomever you speak to. Some lenders require a copy of decommissioning reports so be prepared to give a copy to your mortgage company/broker/lender, escrow and other parties as necessary.

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Another Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County

Posted on February 4, 2009 by Reba Haas

Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

February 3, 2009 — Due to deteriorating air quality, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency is issuing a Stage 1 burn ban for all of Pierce County, effective today at 2:00 p.m., February 3, 2009.

Air quality is being impacted by a slow moving high pressure system in the Puget Sound area. Impacts are greatest in Pierce County, and stagnant conditions and rapidly rising air pollution levels are not anticipated to improve before Thursday night.

During a Stage 1 burn ban:

* No burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves, unless this is your only adequate source of heat. Residents should rely instead on their home’s other, cleaner source of heat (such as their furnace or electric baseboard heaters) for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled.

* Natural gas, propane and pellet stoves or inserts ARE allowed.

* No visible smoke is allowed from any wood stove or fireplace, certified or not, beyond a 20-minute start-up period.

* All outdoor burning is prohibited, even in areas where outdoor burning is not permanently banned. This includes recreational fires such as bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

* Burn ban violations are subject to a $1,000 penalty.

This ban is in effect until further notice.

Puget Sound Clean Air Agency staff will continue to monitor the situation to determine when the burn ban can be lifted. You can check conditions and forecasts at http://m1e.net/c?89487606-XxEbnHP3NeOZI%403953177-J5J5PjcArMlJk .

The Washington State Department of Health recommends that people who are sensitive to air pollution limit time spent outdoors. Air pollution can trigger asthma attacks, cause difficulty breathing, and make lung and heart problems worse. Air pollution is especially harmful to children, people with heart and lung problems, and adults over age 65.

For additional information visit www.pscleanair.org.

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Washington institutes another disclosure policy for agents and those they do business with – this time it’s property inspectors

Posted on January 31, 2009 by Reba Haas

It’s been common for a while that real estate agents and brokers must disclose if they have any affiliated business arrangements with title, escrow, or financial institutions involved in a transaction. Also, agents are required to disclose if any other service they provide or refer gives compensation to the agent in return for the business. Examples would be cleaning services, staging companies, etc.

Now, this has spread to familial or business relationships with property inspectors. Typically I would think that this would be normal if there was some ownership of family relationship but it has spread to include if the home inspector has ever used the agent’s services in the past. I find that part a bit odd.

I’ve got many property inspectors who I know, having met them over the years we’ve been in business, and we list several on our website that our clients can choose from if they don’t have a preferred person of their own. One of those inspectors who we met originally via a client, and then again through the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, has used our services in the past but only because he saw over the years how we treated our clients and the level of professionalism that we offered. So far we have only done a couple of transactions together and none of these have had any sway over how we might do business with one of my own clients. But, we’ll create the disclosure form nonetheless and abide by the new rules.

What are your thoughts on this new rule?

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Burn ban in King, Kitsap, Snohomish and Pierce County has been cancelled

Posted on January 25, 2009 by Reba Haas

A notice came out yesterday with news that the burn ban has been cancelled for King, Kitsap, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. Details direct from PSCAA below:

Message from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2009

WEEKEND MEDIA CONTACT: 206-618-9734

Stage 2 burn ban cancelled for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties

January 24, 2009 – The Stage 2 burn ban for King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties is terminated, effective at 12:00 p.m., January 24, 2009. The stagnant weather pattern of this past week is finally eroding, bringing improved mixing and dispersion of the fine particle pollution – and ultimately, cleaner, healthier air.

We appreciate the public’s cooperation with the burn ban, and encourage people to check current air quality conditions and air quality forecasts at our Web site http://m1e.net/c?89487606-bMCZxSv.0mp/g%403924828-ZrxerqCoeRvSg before they burn. Conditions can change quickly this time of year.

For those who heat with wood, please remember that it is always illegal to emit excess chimney smoke and to smoke out your neighbor. You know you are burning properly when you do not see any smoke coming from your chimney. To learn more about the most efficient and cleanest burning techniques, visit http://m1e.net/c?89487606-HgGIbBSbvFxSQ%403924829-5j11WlO7tuLr%2e .

For additional information regarding burn bans or other air quality topics visit http://m1e.net/c?89487606-U47stkp7gBrhU%403924830-.WDqVDR102WEc .

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Team Reba Real Estate

Seattle real estate and related wealth management topics

Category Archives: Pierce County

Team Reba’s No Fluff level 1 home buying class in Seattle, January 21st 10am-12pm!

HomeSavvi brings their Savvi Speed Dating event to Tacoma area!

Team Reba adds Certified Distressed Property Expert designations to its ranks

Let’s sit down over a couple of beers from Two Beers Brewing Co.

How to get your utility company to pay YOU for energy!

Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound gets on Twitter!

Need a copy of an oil tank decommissioning report?

Another Stage 1 burn ban for Pierce County

Washington institutes another disclosure policy for agents and those they do business with – this time it’s property inspectors

Burn ban in King, Kitsap, Snohomish and Pierce County has been cancelled