We have opportunities to work with short sale negotiators pretty often in this economy.   I bet many people may not know that not everybody can be a short sale negotiator.   According to Real Estate Law, short sale negotiator is required a real estate license and who work with under a real estate broker.  If short sale negotiators conducting unlicensed activity, they would be fined up to $5000.  For real estate licensees who assist in unlicensed activity would be charged as well.

Top 10 states and their average well-being scores (out of a possible 100 points):

• Utah: 69.2
• Hawaii: 68.2
• Wyoming: 68
• Colorado: 67.3
• Minnesota: 67.3
• Maryland: 67.1
• Washington: 67.1
• Massachusetts: 67
• California: 67
• Arizona: 66.8

http://www.livescience.com/culture/091110-fifty-happy-states.html

King County.gov just launched its new service to King County residents that you only need to select you zip, non-emergency contact numbers will show up.  Easily access contact numbers for utilities, police, fire, travel, health and more..

Visit:  www.kingcounty.gov/LinksByZip

Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.  http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/28/real_estate/homebuyer_credit/index.htm?cnn=yes

Top 5 America’s Safest Cities

1. Minneapolis, Minn.
Violent crime: 9 of 40
Workplace deaths: 1 of 40
Traffic deaths: 7 of 40
Natural disaster risk: 7 of 40

2. Milwaukee, Wis.

Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, Wis.
Violent crime: 24 of 40
Workplace deaths: 11 of 40
Traffic deaths: 4 of 40
Natural disaster risk: 1 of 40

3. Portland, Ore.
Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash.
Violent crime: 1 of 40
Workplace deaths: 10 of 40
Traffic deaths: 5 of 40
Natural disaster risk: 25 of 40

4. Seattle, Wa. (tie)
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Wash.
Violent crime: 3 of 40
Workplace deaths: 2 of 40
Traffic deaths: 8 of 40
Natural disaster risk: 31 of 40

4. Boston, Mass.
Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Mass.-N.H.
Violent crime: 10 of 40
Workplace deaths: 5 of 40
Traffic deaths: 1 of 40
Natural disaster risk: 28 of 40

Info from www.Forbes.com

According to NWMLS, both house & condo inventory is moving although the median price drop, especially condo prices.

i) Closed house sales Sep 2008 Vs Sep 2009,

Seattle +16.5 %

King County +14.3%

2) Median house prices

Seattle + 2.8%

Nationwide +1.9%

3) Condo

Seattle -9.9%

Nationwide -12.9%

4) Total condo inventory is also improving.

Seattle -10%

Nationwide -7.2%

WA has not banned styrofoam utensils in restaurants yet.  There was no company nor recycle centers would take it.  We had been trashing tons of styrofoam containers, cups, packing nuggets in landfills for yearsssssss.

Finally, the company who used to work only with trade, who does styrofoam recycling to the public.  Thanks, Lauderdale!   The company requires adequate styrofoam to operate the machine and keep the company survives.  Please contact them and support our local operation in Renton.

There are several collection centers in Puget Sound.  Check that out at www.styrorecycle.com.

It is a good start.  I recommend consumers or agents to hire home inspectors not only with licensed but review inspector’s credentials.  Members with associations in their field assured standard and requirement of practice, ie. ASHI – American Society of Home Inspectors.

Inspectors are expertise in various areas.  Some home inspectors may not do further chemical test, ie. energy audit, mold, building/structure, asbestos.  If you would like to do everything at once, you should better verify with your real estate agent or inspectors.

If you are behind mortgage payments, you may need help from professionals.

The WA Department of Financial Institution organizes FREE workshops:
•Thursday, July 23 – Everett (Cascade High School)
•Friday, July 24 – Seattle (Cleveland High School)
•Saturday, July 25 – Tacoma (Evergreen College Tacoma Campus)

Call 1.877.894.HOME for more information or you can visit www.dfi.wa.gov

If you feel there may be mistake of your property tax, you can show that the value does not reflect the market value, please contact:

• King County Equalization/Appeals:  www.kingcounty.gov/property/propertytaxappeals;
• Snohomish County: (425)388-3433

Good luck!