tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-277040142012-01-13T00:37:31.424-08:00Flat Listing Fee MLS - FSBO $299 includes Realtor.comFlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.comBlogger881100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-3726585507664559252011-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:002011-07-06T08:13:06.005-07:00

In June, HUD launched a new grant program that offers homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payment a 2 year interest free loan of up to $50,000. There are 1 billion in funds to be used for this program: Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program.Elegibility screening will begin on June 20th and run through July 22, 2011.More information can be found at HUD.gov, search Emergency Homeowners' Loan

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-13408590418714400882011-06-30T12:32:00.000-07:002011-06-30T12:35:37.287-07:00

608,615 homeowners received permanent modifications under the Making Home Affordable Program. Another 843,479 started but dropped out. The program was intended to help about 3-4 million homeowners and is scheduled to run until 6/30/2011.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-24221749744586866892011-03-18T14:08:00.000-07:002011-03-18T14:14:39.800-07:00

Many flat fee service providers allow the seller to advertise as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) by using their sign and contact information in the yard.Another significant advantage to Flat Fee is most service providers stipulate that if the seller finds his own buyer without the use of a buyer's agent, then the buyer's agent commission is eliminated, and the seller owes no agent a commission.Other

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-48653002223238800222010-11-18T09:36:00.000-08:002010-11-18T09:39:40.007-08:00

Mortgage rates have been pressured higher the last few days but remain in the low 4’s for well-qualified borrowers.The Fed’s goal with QE 2 (round two of quantitative easing) is to create inflation and avoid a deflationary spiral. Inflation is bad for long term securities like bonds and mortgage backed securities because it makes the bond you hold now worth less in the future. Who wants to hold a

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-61481634322875905672010-11-18T09:33:00.000-08:002010-11-18T09:35:08.786-08:00

Click here to view...

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-85180294058603223412010-07-13T08:02:00.000-07:002010-07-13T08:12:19.000-07:00

Do you qualify for a loan modification with your lender. Please visit the Federal Gov site and take their questionnaire. Follow their instructions on finding out more about modifying your loan. Banks have become more aggressive on making this program available for homeowners. If you are behind on your payments, don't wait to call, as the banks give precedence over those who are behind.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-4860316283569458922010-05-05T12:10:00.000-07:002010-05-05T12:11:35.481-07:00

For Members of the MilitaryMembers of the Armed Forces and certain federal employees serving outside the U.S. have an extra year to buy a principal residence in the U.S. and still qualify for the credit. An eligible taxpayer must buy or enter into a binding contract to buy a home by April 30, 2011, and settle on the purchase by June 30, 2011.For more details on the credit, visit the First-Time

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-23918618141089497332010-04-26T11:55:00.000-07:002010-04-26T11:56:11.740-07:00

From 1965 to 1981 the top individual marginal income tax bracket in the U.S. was 70%, double the 35% top bracket for 2010.45,000 manufacturing jobs were created in the U.S. in the 1st quarter of 2010. 606,000 were lost in the 1st quarter of 2009.Under the “Making Home Affordable Program” of early 2009, 227,922 of the 3.4 million delinquent homeowners have received permanent modifications.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-39449481937348761902010-04-20T11:25:00.001-07:002010-04-20T11:26:23.923-07:00

47% of home buyers in 2009 were first-time buyers, a record.The total cost of TARP has been revised down to just $117 billion from the original $700 billion cost.The average price of a used car has increased 16.3% in the 1 year ending 3/31/10.There were 4.3 million births in the U.S. last year, a record surpassing 1957’s.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-5922143201139879812010-04-20T11:25:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:26:23.463-07:00

47% of home buyers in 2009 were first-time buyers, a record.The total cost of TARP has been revised down to just $117 billion from the original $700 billion cost.The average price of a used car has increased 16.3% in the 1 year ending 3/31/10.There were 4.3 million births in the U.S. last year, a record surpassing 1957’s.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-23073644250672724472010-04-19T11:01:00.000-07:002010-04-19T11:38:14.639-07:00

On Friday, April 16, 2010, City Bank, Lynnwood, WA was closed by the Washington Department of Financial Institutions, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was named Receiver. No advance notice is given to the public when a financial institution is closed.All deposit accounts, excluding certain brokered deposits, have been transferred to Whidbey Island Bank, Coupeville, WA ("

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-76014174622917446152010-02-08T11:43:00.001-08:002010-02-08T11:43:53.292-08:00

Based on the fiscal 2011 budget, the U.S. government will borrow $1 out of every $3 it spends. That’s like earning $100,000/year and spending $149,000/year.In fiscal 2001, the government took in tax receipts of $2 trillion and spent only $1.9 trillion. The $128 billion excess was the last year the U.S. had a surplus. 1 year ago on 3/9/09, the S&P 500 hit a bear market low of 677. Since then it’

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-83621240542593879972010-02-08T10:03:00.001-08:002010-02-08T10:03:43.563-08:00

When comparing the week of January 25-31 with the week prior, the number of times an RMLS™ subscriber opened a Supra lockbox increased 9% in Washington and 1.6% in Oregon.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-66796458524312725422010-02-02T11:12:00.000-08:002010-02-02T11:20:41.945-08:00

Conventional 30 year fixed rate mortgages continue in the 5.0% and under range for well-qualified borrowers. The consensus opinion has been that rates will climb when the Fed ceases their MBS purchases on March 31st. However, an article in the Wall Street Journal noted that several analysts surveyed believe it will only raise mortgage rates .15% (as opposed to the expected 1%). That’s good

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-67939281362497875642010-01-26T12:19:00.000-08:002010-01-26T12:23:51.999-08:00

30 year fixed-rate conventional mortgages for well-qualified borrowers remain in the 5.00% and under range (5.2% APR). 140 banks in the U.S. failed in 2009, up from 25 in 2008. There are 8,099 banks nationwide.Evergreen Bank of Seattle, WA was seized last Friday by the FDIC and acquired by Umpqua Bank of Roseburg, Oregon.The 4 largest banks in the U.S. control 56% of all domestic bank

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-8325666309194256662010-01-19T12:40:00.000-08:002010-01-19T12:56:07.609-08:00

American auto sales totaled 10.4 million in 2009, down from 13.2 million in 2008. In China, 12.7 million autos were sold in 2009 – the first time anyone has ever beaten the U.S.The U.S. collected $219 billion in taxes in December 2009 but paid out $311 billion in expenditures – a $92 billion dollar deficit.Property and casualty insurance companies paid out only $22 billion in claims for 2009,

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-67395247209744799592010-01-19T12:39:00.001-08:002010-01-19T12:40:13.258-08:00

Mortgage rates are very low, home prices are down and the $8000/$6500 tax credit remains an attractive benefit for purchasing before the end of April. On a $300,000 mortgage, just a 1% rise in the rate from 5% to 6% increases the payment by $188.19/month. That difference is enough to cover most homes’ PUD bill for the month, the car payment on a $10,000 loan, or 59 decaf tall mochas at Starbucks.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-15129501726039384832010-01-15T12:12:00.000-08:002010-01-15T12:14:32.292-08:00

It's Now Illegal to Trash that Computer or TV! The New Year brings an important reminder to all Oregonians: Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, it's illegal to dispose of computers, monitors or TVs in the garbage or at disposal sites such as landfills, transfer stations and incinerators.This disposal ban is part of the same law that created Oregon E-Cycles, which provides free recycling of computers,

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-5848877110331104682010-01-13T10:53:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:54:34.512-08:00

We have launched our new For Sale By Owner website! You can place a fsbo listing without being in the MLS for FREE! Lots of resources are available, including fsbo flyers, open house postings, and much more.No obligation or contracts, just a free by owner ad:http://www.advertisefsbo.com/

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-76016136106048740522010-01-13T10:50:00.000-08:002010-01-13T10:56:06.605-08:00

If you need help with pricing your property before you list in the MLS flat fee with us, please email us and we will send you the market data from the MLS to assist you in pricing your property right the first time:Email the property address, beds/baths, lot size (based on property type).send to: company@flatlist.comWe will send you the information within 24 hours!

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-23626385018556291572010-01-11T11:52:00.000-08:002010-01-11T11:54:38.137-08:00

30 year fixed mortgage rates continue in the low 5’s to start the week. It’s earnings season for stocks so good reports could pressure bonds and drive rates up. Alcoa reports 4th quarter earnings after the close of the market today. Several forecasters are predicting a 10-14% rise in the stock market this year. Some Fed members have said in recent speeches that the Fed should continue

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-26442236682075385062010-01-11T11:42:00.000-08:002010-01-11T11:42:33.461-08:00

Lockbox Activity Rebounds After the HolidayHouse Hunters Hitting the Pavement Again When comparing the week of December 28 - January 3 with the week prior, the number of times an RMLS™ subscriber opened a Supra lockbox increased 51.9% in Washington and 59.2% in Oregon.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-15289446811363536002010-01-09T14:01:00.000-08:002010-01-09T14:09:29.736-08:00

Sales Stats from 2001 to 2009 for ARMLS (covers Maricopa/Pinal counties)Sales Stats for TARMLS (covers Pima and some parts of Pinal counties)

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-59758733563623513462010-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:002010-01-08T15:30:02.588-08:00

RMLSweb - Photo Viewer

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-32548286578282044972010-01-08T15:20:00.000-08:002010-01-08T15:20:46.343-08:00

RMLSweb - Photo Viewer

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-8697122183379535252010-01-06T12:31:00.001-08:002010-01-06T12:31:43.625-08:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125902556993561567.html

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-21110771046351323542009-12-23T11:03:00.000-08:002009-12-23T11:08:23.866-08:00

We appreciate you, your referrals and your continued support! Wishing you a very relaxing holiday season and all the best in the new year!

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-42981783109507189562009-12-23T11:01:00.000-08:002009-12-23T11:03:56.038-08:00

2010 loan limits are out for FHA and VA:VA – the maximum 0 down loan in Snohomish/King/Pierce Counties is $481,250 for 2010. That’s down from $550,000 in 2009.FHA – the maximum loan amount for Snohomish/King/Pierce Counties is $567,500 for 2010. No change from 2009.FHA has issued guidance stating that borrowers are not eligible for FHA loans if they pursued a short sale agreement just to take

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-61599281368114754902009-11-06T12:16:00.000-08:002009-11-06T12:19:09.439-08:00

Breaking News: President Signs Tax Credit Extension & ExpansionPresident Obama signed into law legislation that extends and expands the first-time homebuyer tax credit this morning. This enacts the legislation into law making the extension and expansion effective immediately after today. To learn more about the jobless benefit extension and the extension of the homebuyer tax credit visit: Obama

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-53439278176393579712009-11-05T13:22:00.000-08:002009-11-05T13:29:29.129-08:00

House and Senate pass Homebuyer Tax CreditUpdate as of 12:30pm 11/5/09The House passed the Tax Credit [ within the Unemployment Benefits bill] by a vote of 403-12. It now goes to the President for signature, as early as Friday.Notice from yesterday....The US Senate voted 98-0 to pass the Homebuyer Tax Credit [within the Unemployment Bill]. It now goes to the House. We expect the House to pass the

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-14375181702188014522009-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:002009-10-12T10:12:36.265-07:00

Despite the Bond market being closed on Monday in observance of Columbus Day, the Stock market will be open, and the week ahead has plenty of market-moving economic reports on tap.On Wednesday, the Retail Sales Report will be released. This is the most-timely indicator of broad consumer spending patterns, so the markets will be watching to see if it comes in near expectations.Thursday brings us

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-73171368878520456452009-10-12T09:57:00.000-07:002009-10-12T09:59:30.121-07:00

Home Price Reduction Levels Stay Above 25% for Fourth Consecutive MonthRISMEDIA, October 12, 2009—Trulia, Inc announced that 25.6% of homes currently on the market in the U.S. as of October 1, 2009 have experienced at least one price cut. More than one in four current listings on Trulia have been reduced in price for the fourth straight month. The total amount slashed from home prices is $28.4

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-37586340327130274902009-10-07T13:24:00.000-07:002009-10-07T13:26:53.158-07:00

Some quick facts for the week:The S&P 500 is up over 51% through last Friday since its Bear Market low of 677 on 3/9/09.Only 29% of Americans think they will return to their pre-recession spending habits when the current recession ends. It began in December of 2007.61% of the residential mortgage-backed securities issued from 2005-2007 rated AAA by Standard and Poor’s have been downgraded to BBB

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-60319968655247958402009-10-07T13:02:00.000-07:002009-10-07T13:03:16.690-07:00

Follow this link to read more about Jackson County home sale stats:http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091007/NEWS/910070325

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-39458536560830835252009-09-14T19:46:00.000-07:002009-09-14T19:50:09.192-07:00

The $8,000 first-time buyer credit is set to expire on December 1st. There is some talk that it won’t be extended which makes it a great time to get moving.Here are a few scenarios related to the $8000 credit…….If parents coborrow with their child, but have owned a home in the last 3 years, can the buyer still claim the $8000 credit? Yes, but the parents may not claim any part of it.If a wife

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-9312610822921363902009-09-01T10:27:00.000-07:002009-09-01T10:39:00.079-07:00

Home prices have dropped to a point that is allowing families to purchase a home...two years ago the same home would have been out of reach. Read about 5 families that are able to make "affordable" purchases because of the adjustments in the housing market.http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2009/real_estate/0906/gallery.affordable_homes_luring_buyers/index.html

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-29106291247939286202009-09-01T09:20:00.000-07:002009-09-01T09:21:37.532-07:00

At the end of 2007, 6% of mortgages were at least 1 payment past due and 2% were in foreclosureAt the end of 2008, 8% of mortgages were at least 1 payment past due and 3% were in foreclosureAt the end of June, 9% of mortgages were at least 1 payment past due and 4% were in foreclosure67% of the foreclosure filings in July 2009 were in just 7 states – California, Florida, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-55182264530283888442008-12-11T07:18:00.000-08:002008-12-11T07:46:23.221-08:00

Lesson 1: Setting prioritiesHere's help for the first -- and often the hardest -- step in achieving your financial goals: deciding which goals to pursue. 1. Narrow your objectives.You probably won't be able to achieve every financial goal you've ever dreamed of. So identify your goals clearly and why they matter to you, and decide which are most important. By concentrating your efforts, you have

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-73464853941455438662008-12-05T11:02:00.000-08:002008-12-05T11:07:03.248-08:00

Mortgage rates have held steady most of the week with 30 year fixed rate conventional loans in the 5.125 -5.25% range for extremely well-qualified borrowers. FHA/VA rates range near 5.50% depending on loan type, property, and FICO score.You may have heard people talking about rates going to 4.5% soon. It would be nice, but I think people are confusing a couple different news stories…..Bill Gross,

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-72747730312131069402008-10-20T12:42:00.000-07:002008-10-20T12:43:20.700-07:00

Conventional 30 year fixed rate mortgages continue in the 6.125% range, depending on loan type and borrower strength. FHA/VA loans are improved and near 6.25 – 6.50%.Here’s a quick comparison of the Great Depression and TodayJobless rate – 25% vs. 6.1% todayMortgage Default – 43.8% vs. 2.75% (foreclosure) and 6.41% (1 month or more behind)Bank Failures – 40% vs. 15 banks year to dateSo despite

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-7207298135186458652008-09-11T13:50:00.000-07:002008-09-11T14:03:45.968-07:00

Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dipped below 6 percent for the week ending Sept. 11, as investors who buy securities that fund loans reacted to a government bailout plan that includes explicit backing of the debt of mortgage financiers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.Borrowers seeking 30-year fixed-rate mortgages paid an average of 5.93 percent and 0.7 point for the week, down from

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-1637455034011224562008-09-08T12:12:00.000-07:002008-09-08T12:18:33.695-07:00

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-43624767588840080572008-09-08T11:42:00.000-07:002008-09-08T11:43:54.750-07:00

Mortgage rates are improving today after the government announced a bail-out of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Investors are more confident to step in and buy Mortgage Bonds which carry a higher return than Treasuries, but now have the same guarantee. Now if you own common stock in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, it’s not a very good day at all. Both stocks were down over 83% earlier and trading under

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-69724347769300752202008-09-08T09:52:00.000-07:002008-09-08T09:59:31.075-07:00

FICO or FAKO? August 26, 2008by Edward Jamison, Esq.We've all seen them - the never-ending television ads and radio commercials with the catchy jingle for free credit reports and scores.Nowadays a number of similar companies are offering free credit reports and scores. With all of these ads for freebies, it's no wonder that so many consumers believe that all credit scores are created equally.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-83235998583745606152008-03-16T16:44:00.000-07:002008-03-16T16:47:47.235-07:00

Simplified disclosures would save borrowers $8.35 billion!Simplifying the disclosure forms provided to home buyers could save them an average of $668 at the closing table -- an estimated $8.35 billion a year -- by helping them find the best deal from mortgage lenders and settlement service providers such as title insurers.That's the claim officials with the Department of Housing and Urban

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-56602149093046033312008-03-16T16:42:00.001-07:002008-03-16T16:42:46.293-07:00

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-45769362503170406312008-03-10T13:31:00.000-07:002008-03-10T13:32:06.313-07:00

New loan limits and local home prices Posted by Elizabeth RhodesThree of the biggest providers of home-mortgage money, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA, announced significant increases in their loan limits, effective Thursday. Details are available in a story in Friday's paper.How the higher loan limits may improve local homebuyers' purchasing power was spelled out in numbers just provided by

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-50040840831947763882008-02-20T15:21:00.000-08:002008-02-20T15:24:27.436-08:00

How does the Fed rate cut affect mortgage rates?Many consumers have misconceptions about the FED, and its affect on the long term interest rates. I thought I would give you a crash-course on the truth behind the Fed’s meeting and the affect it has on long-term rates. This may be a refresher course for many, but always good information to review.The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is a

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-91172940432812374872008-02-04T09:31:00.001-08:002008-02-04T09:31:57.969-08:00

Acting aggressively to spur the U.S. economy, the Federal Reserve on January 30 reduced the federal funds rate (the rate at which banks borrow from one another) a half point from 3.5% to 3%. The cut followed a .75% cut on January 22, the largest one-day reduction in more than two decades.The most recent Fed cut came on the same day the Commerce Department announced that the nation’s gross

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-23119977921840557332008-01-31T18:07:00.001-08:002008-01-31T18:07:47.407-08:00

Inmate Scammed Homebuyers From Behind Bars Wednesday, January 30, 2008 -TALLAHASSEE, FL - Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum announced that a Polk County couple has received prison sentences for running a widespread real estate scam that defrauded victims out of more than $1 million.Thomas “Sal” Salvati and his wife, Dawn, both previously pled no contest to criminal charges including

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-61081060769897148152008-01-24T14:06:00.001-08:002008-01-24T14:06:40.302-08:00

2007 Housing Slump Alters Moving TrendsThe housing slump and mortgage crisis combined to reshape population flows in 2007, according to demographic estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau in early 2008. “The hot housing market cooled off, and it’s stopping people from moving,” said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution that analyzed the Census estimates.In particular, the

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-60155587081555048012008-01-24T14:02:00.000-08:002008-01-24T14:04:49.449-08:00

The Nightmare After ClosingThursday, January 24, 2008 -SAN JOSE, CA - United States Attorney Joseph P. Russoniello announced that a federal grand jury in San Jose has indicted 14 individuals in California and Florida for their role in defrauding, and extorting fees from, hundreds of moving customers throughout the United States. The defendants named in the indictment are:Amit Ezyoni, 36, of Boca

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-19332025606188234682008-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:002008-01-07T13:02:02.191-08:00

The nation’s unemployment rate jumped from 4.7% in November to a two-year high of 5% in December, the Labor Department reported January 4. Together private and government employers added just 18,000 new jobs last month, far from the 70,000 new jobs that analysts had predicted. Average hourly earnings for jobholders rose to $17.71 in December, a 0.4% increase from November.The Institute for Supply

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-24529517213165836242008-01-02T12:20:00.001-08:002008-01-02T12:20:56.812-08:00

Did you know that New Year's Day was first observed about 4,000 years ago? Back then, the Babylonians celebrated New Year's at the beginning of spring with festivities that lasted up to eleven days.As we head into our own New Year's celebration, it's a good time to look back on the events and traditions that have shaped how we ring in the New Year. To test your knowledge, try to answer the five

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-70842708671546713602007-12-28T08:07:00.000-08:002007-12-28T08:09:28.148-08:00

Recovery Expected in the Second Half of 2008Thursday, December 27, 2007 -WASHINGTON, D.C. - With help from the Congress and an accommodating policy from the Federal Reserve, the housing industry will begin its recovery in the second half of 2008, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said in a year-end housing forecast teleconference.“I think the best bet is that 2008 is the year we

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-88777149103140754472007-12-21T20:52:00.000-08:002007-12-21T20:53:20.542-08:00

CMPS Legislative UpdateUpdate # 1 - Mortgage Relief Passed by Congress & Signed Into Law by the President!On Thursday, December 20th, President Bush signed into law a bill passed by Congress: HR 3648 –Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. The three major points are:· Elimination of the “phantom tax” on foreclosures, short sales or other discharges of debt on a primary residence.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-77318720162931126412007-12-20T08:09:00.000-08:002007-12-20T08:10:55.089-08:00

Real Estate Outlook: Economy Solid and Encouragingby Kenneth R. HarneyDespite the impressions you might get from the network news, the U.S. economy continues to churn out solid, even encouraging, numbers -- and that's important for anyone interested in real estate.Last week the federal government reported retail sales up by 1.2 percent in the past month, strong growth in new jobs, exports and

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-71356345147006498572007-12-17T13:45:00.000-08:002007-12-17T13:47:42.346-08:00

"LIFE IS NEVER BORING...BUT SOME PEOPLE CHOOSE TO BE BORED." Wayne Dyer Yet even if Traders had wanted to be bored last week, the financial markets had other plans. Volatility reigned supreme, with large swings throughout the week in Stocks, Bonds, and home loan rates — and once the smoke cleared, home loan rates were slightly worse than where they began the week.What caused all the volatility?

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-55933831215540313522007-12-13T10:27:00.000-08:002007-12-13T10:31:25.842-08:00

Existing-Home Sales to Trend up in 2008Wednesday, December 12, 2007 -WASHINGTON, D.C. - Existing-home sales are projected to trend up in 2008, with pending home sales showing a slight near-term rise, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®. However, a recovery for new-home sales is unlikely before 2009.Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the worst part of

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-49194504642206258562007-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:002007-12-12T12:39:14.813-08:00

When It Comes to Remodeling, It’s What’s Outside That Counts, Realtors® ReportWASHINGTON, December 03, 2007 -Many buyers judge a house by its exterior, or so it seems from the results of the 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. Three of the four projects with the highest national percentage of costs recouped this year were exterior upgrades.The most profitable project on the national level was

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-61451716890585723532007-12-10T11:00:00.001-08:002007-12-10T11:12:37.891-08:00

Mark Nash, author of four real estate books including “1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home”, has completed his annual survey of 886 real estate agents in all fifty states in the U.S. and the eight provinces of Canada. “What’s in, What’s out with Homebuyers” illuminates what’s popular with home buyers, and what can sour them. Compiled annually from-the-trenches, it offers a spectrum of tips

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-519212754080400592007-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:002007-12-10T11:11:30.999-08:00

Mark Nash, author of four real estate books including “1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home”, has completed his annual survey of 886 real estate agents in all fifty states in the U.S. and the eight provinces of Canada. “What’s in, What’s out with Homebuyers” illuminates what’s popular with home buyers, and what can sour them. Compiled annually from-the-trenches, it offers a spectrum of tips

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-64992482242664582072007-12-06T12:39:00.000-08:002007-12-06T12:43:58.052-08:00

Home Prices Fell 4.5 Percent In Last YearWASHINGTON, D.C. -Home appreciation rates vary significantly among the nation’s top markets, according to the latest monthly S&P/Case-Shiller home price statistics that track the nation’s 20 largest metro areas.“We need to put these numbers in proper historical context by analyzing them over the long term, rather than in one-year increments,” said Brian

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-76992988202366116362007-12-04T12:47:00.001-08:002007-12-04T12:47:50.372-08:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Builder confidence in the market for new single-family homes remained unchanged in November due to continuing mortgage market problems, a substantial inventory overhang and ongoing concerns about the effects of negative media coverage, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The November HMI held even with October's

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-18019662169100947322007-11-29T20:11:00.000-08:002007-11-29T20:13:03.655-08:00

Indianapolis, Ind. maintained its standing as the most affordable major U.S. housing market for a ninth consecutive time in the third quarter of 2007, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI).Meanwhile, nationwide housing affordability rose on a year-over-year basis but was down slightly for the quarter due to higher mortgage rates.“Today’

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-28320861013659456112007-11-29T14:25:00.000-08:002007-11-29T14:29:50.383-08:00

Every seller wants her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it's not luck that makes that happen. It's careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.1. Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.Say to

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-26381106400242509882007-11-28T11:05:00.001-08:002007-11-28T11:05:44.655-08:00

California October 2007 Home Salesby Real Estate Analyst John Karevoll-->November 15, 2007A total of 25,832 new and resale houses and condos were sold statewide last month. That's up 5.6 percent from 24,460 for September, and down 40.9 percent from 43,720 for October 2006. Last month's sales made for the slowest October in DataQuick's records, which go back to 1988. On a year-over-year basis,

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-78614156280576199102007-11-27T09:26:00.000-08:002007-11-27T09:40:50.529-08:00

Prepare Your Home to Welcome Old Man WinterIce, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on the coziest of homes. Last winter alone there was over $1.5 billion dollars in insured losses due to burst pipes, frozen gutters and other weather-related disasters, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)."It is when the leaves start to turn and not when the snow is beginning to

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-52259795749944319992007-11-26T11:56:00.000-08:002007-11-26T11:57:46.323-08:00

Is Washington Ready For Mortgage Reform?by Peter G. Miller as published in REALTYTIMES.comLenders and lawmakers have been clashing on Capitol Hill during the past few months, and now for the first time a serious attempt at mortgage reform has a chance of passage.So far, the House of Representatives has approved the so-called "Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act of 2007 by a veto-proof

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-35890921936405451532007-11-19T14:16:00.001-08:002007-11-19T14:16:59.125-08:00

A DAY OF THANKSThanksgiving is upon us! This popular autumn holiday traces its roots back to a three-day feast held in 1621 to celebrate the blessing of a bountiful harvest. It took more than 240 years, however, for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a national day of thanksgiving. Years later,

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-12613427269808081412007-09-18T15:20:00.000-07:002007-09-18T15:25:54.797-07:00

Fed's dramatic action lowers target on key short-term rate for the first time in 4 years - to 4.75% - and signals more cuts could be coming.NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The Federal Reserve cut the target on a key short-term interest rate by half of a percentage point Tuesday to 4.75% in a bold acknowledgement that the central bank is concerned the mortgage meltdown plaguing Wall Street and Main

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-76377183022200350532007-09-11T13:26:00.000-07:002007-09-11T13:47:27.690-07:00

Seller's now can find an affilate broker anywhere in the United States by using www.FlatList.com to list their property. Starting at $299, depending on the state, Flat List RE, formerly known as www.FlatListingFee.com is portal to a flat fee broker in every state. Many times we have had seller's call and have used our company before in one of our coverage areas and wanted us to list their

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-42894985504957239772007-07-03T10:00:00.000-07:002007-07-03T10:13:02.933-07:00

The History and Origin of Independence Day: By the middle of the 1700s, the 13 colonies that made up part of England's empire in the New World were finding it difficult to be ruled by a king 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. They were tired of the taxes imposed upon them. But independence was a gradual and painful process. The colonists could not forget that they were British citizens and

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-13013455416753013172007-06-24T05:58:00.000-07:002007-06-24T06:04:01.103-07:00

Rate on 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to to 6.74% in past week, highest level since July 2006.NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mortgage rates made their largest upward movement in nearly 4 years, and the 30-year fixed-rate reached its highest level since July 2006, Freddie Mac said Thursday.The average rate on 30-year fixed-rate loans climbed to 6.74 percent for the week ending June 14, from 6.53

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-18379048886943380572007-06-24T05:47:00.000-07:002007-06-24T05:54:30.181-07:00

The administrative hearing is underway for a Michigan multiple listing service accused by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission of setting restrictions on a type of property-listing agreement in violation of antitrust law, and early witnesses called to testify include a broker for a flat-fee listing company and a publisher for a real estate information company. Read more....

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-67223058366719268812007-05-14T13:42:00.000-07:002007-05-14T14:00:54.853-07:00

There are many alternatives to the 6% commission and we think you as a consumer should understand them all.Some sellers really need to pay 6% and receive the services provided by a full service agent but for the rest of you there are many options available.60 minutes ran a special on Sunday evening describing the programs available through a discount broker in Washington. Their program provides

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-40514522916075877012007-04-17T15:25:00.000-07:002007-04-17T15:33:28.707-07:00

View the New Listing Chart for 2001 - 2007

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-51021790327440556282007-01-22T08:24:00.000-08:002007-01-22T08:25:54.912-08:00

Click here to view a directory of blogs with great information to assist you in selling or buying a home.

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-81881098253368099472006-12-10T14:19:00.000-08:002006-12-10T14:32:02.845-08:00

The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has put together a great informational brochure for consumers thinking of selling a home. It includes the differences in a real estate broker and a real estate agent, full service real estate companies versus limited service companies and the differences in listing contracts.Read the brochure...

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-3795312391850421202006-12-10T14:12:00.000-08:002006-12-10T14:15:43.738-08:00

Sales through November 2006: http://hicentral.com/pdfs/resalecharts_nov06.pdf

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-83275253082266151622006-11-27T13:39:00.000-08:002006-11-27T13:49:00.071-08:00

Our Washington office announced today that all sellers listing between now and Dec. 1st, shall receive a discounted flat listing fee rate of $399 instead of the regular charge of $499. The discounted rate includes a sign posting (where available), a listing in the MLS with unlimited changes, all state and federal disclosure statements and a listing on Realtor.com. If you want to list in December,

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-38037591637851471702006-11-27T13:29:00.000-08:002006-11-27T13:52:04.284-08:00

SPOKANE - across the state in the third quarter, prices continued to climb, with the median price topping $300,000, the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at Washington State University reported last week. Read More...

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-20759909951917246562006-11-18T13:43:00.000-08:002006-11-18T13:47:55.186-08:00

The Honolulu Board of REALTORS® released resale figures for the month of October. According to the analysis conducted by the Board, using data collected from its computerized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system, the statistics are...read more...

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-41997664292685412352006-11-17T09:50:00.000-08:002006-11-17T09:52:15.871-08:00

Flat List RE announced today that they have opened the Hawaii office and will cover all the islands. The flat listing fee is $399 and includes an enhanced listing on Realtor.com. Stacie Whitfield is the Principal Broker and the office is located at 300 Ohukai Rd in Kihei on Maui. As members of all three MLS's that cover the islands and the Board of Realtors, Flat List RE can list properties on

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-67569194377462471252006-11-16T11:51:00.000-08:002006-11-16T12:09:48.974-08:00

Commission to Litigate Against Two Groups; Settlements Resolve Competitive Concerns Relating to Five OthersThe Federal Trade Commission today charged two real estate groups operating multiple listing services in the Detroit, Michigan, area with illegally restraining competition by limiting consumers’ ability to obtain low-cost real estate brokerage services. The Commission also announced consent

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-1147041018593694422006-05-07T15:21:00.000-07:002006-11-16T11:23:07.811-08:00

With so much interest from other real estate brokers in the US, Angela Heit and Stacie Whitfield, co-owners , have decided to take their success nationwide. Flat List RE is planning on franchising their concept and business model to grow their company. Launch date is tentatively for Feb. 2007 for those individuals who want to be on our contact list when the offering circular is completed, you may

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-1147040456607937412006-05-07T15:16:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:55.143-08:00

Flat List RE listed $60,000,000 worth of real estate in 2005 that sold within 98.8% of list price, saving sellers over $1,800,000 in real estate commissions!

FlatList.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02925490865038464235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27704014.post-1147039913446796222006-05-07T15:04:00.000-07:002006-11-16T10:03:55.048-08:00

Northwest MLS Reports Inventory Gains, Along with Price Increases.http://www.nwrealestate.com/nwrpub/common/news.html

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