I recently saw a Facebook post from a real estate agent mentioning that a consumer looked at 250 houses with eight different practitioners before finally making a purchase. You should have seen the comments on that post. You’d think that wretched consumer should be burned at the stake! What heresy! How dare a consumer waste professionals’ time like that!

Excuse me. Why is everyone so sure the consumer is the bad guy here?

We all know some clients are more difficult to work with than others, but that doesn’t automatically put them at fault when things don’t work out between you. They might have moved on because you didn’t up

This is yet another reason to buy instead of rent if possible. Otherwise you're subject to mandatory government inspections inside your house whether you or your landlord consent to it or not. No matter what the intent, that kind of thing always grinds my gears. Very "Atlas Shrugged-ish".

The intent with this is good and noble. Minimum living standards should definitely exist. However, they are already set with the current landlord tenant law. Of course slum lords do and always will attempt to skirt their responsibilities. And, currently it's pretty much up to the tenant to report violations, and/or demand repairs. Still, this seems to me like "Big Brother" sticking his nose into others' business and throwing his weight around.

Seems like a

If you’re new to homeownership, you’ll definitely want to avoid these boneheaded but easy-to-prevent mistakes that could cost you big time.

We know so well the thrill of owning your own house � but don’t let the excitement cause you to overlook the basics. We’ve gathered up a half dozen classic boo-boos new homeowners often commit � and give you some insight on why each is critically important to avoid.

1. Not Knowing Where the Main Water Shutoff Valve Is

Water from a burst or broken plumbing pipe can spew dozens of gallons into your home’s interior in a matter of minutes, soaking everything in sight – including drywall, flooring, and valuables. In fact, water damage is one of the most common of all household insurance claims. Quick-twitch

Today is the day!

I WILL BE COLLECTING CRAYONS FOR DONATION AT THE QFC ON HOLMAN TODAY FROM 12PM-4PM. 9999 HOLMAN RD, SEATTLE 98117

If you cannot make it, you can also call me to make other arrangements. 206-948-4320

AS A SPECIAL BONUS, EVERYONE WHO DONATED TODAY WILL RECEIVE A FREE MARINERS SCHEDULE MAGNET

Since the housing market started going downhill in 2006, more than 9 million homeowners have engaged in some form of distressed sale, according to research by the National Association of Realtors. This includes those who were foreclosed on, engaged in a short-sale or handed over the deeds to their home to avoid foreclosure.

Getting back into the market

The NAR finds that as many as 950,000 distressed sellers already are eligible for financing through Federal Housing Administration or other programs. (Read 7 crucial facts about FHA loans.) NAR expects that