tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29622035976565874792012-02-16T02:40:53.420-07:00As a dual US-Canadian citizen with strong family ties to both countries, and 8 years of very successful Real Estate work in Washington state, I now live in Arizona, and my focus is real estate business for potential Snowbirds,investors,and people relocating to the Sun Belt. The winters are long, and when you are longing for some warmth and sunshine, don't just take a vacation to the sun belt, own a piece of it!Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.comBlogger601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-73578886554328543142012-02-02T10:41:00.000-07:002012-02-02T10:41:49.188-07:00

When I read this article by Richard Cohen of the Washington Post, it resonated with me. Then, when I heard that the Susan G Komen Foundation had halted its support of Planned Parenthood, for obvious political reasons related to the abortion issue (nothing whatever to do with breast canceer prevention,) something inside me turned cold. The thin edge of the ultra-right wedge is already inserted in

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-20485470829825274102011-12-15T13:35:00.000-07:002011-12-15T13:35:31.235-07:00

I just reviewed the Cromford Report today, and it is exciting to see in their Daily Market Snapshot, just how the market is turning around: For example, in 2010 as of December 15th, there were 89,265 sales reported on the MLS. This year, we are up to 101,100. The inventory of homes available for sale has dropped to almost half of what it was: from 184 days' supply of homes to 96 days, or 3.7

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-81279650643841828522011-11-23T09:26:00.000-07:002011-11-23T09:26:57.037-07:00

I doubt there is a beating, compassionate heart in the state that has not been shocked, disturbed, and angered by the stories of Jhessye, Janie, Jacob, Anays, Danielle, Justin, and Kyleb- innocent children murdered by those responsible for protecting them.  The failure of the police and CPS to correctly read the situations of these kids and get them to safety is completely unacceptable.  When a

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-83604489960649791982011-11-22T14:15:00.000-07:002011-11-22T14:15:40.594-07:00

Here is the Arizona Multiple Listing Service Market Update through the end of October 2011. Please note that the Valley Wide graph represents all of the MLS. The table below that graph just represents recordings for new and re-sales for Maricopa County. (Phoenix Metro is in Maricopa County.)  Inventory (All Areas & Types in MLS): Total active listings have risen by 190 units over the

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-69539735288043555212011-11-11T16:23:00.000-07:002011-11-11T16:23:39.271-07:00

Selecting a broker is one of the most important decisions a real estate agent must make. I’ve had to do this 3 times, in 3 different states.  When I began in real estate, I selected my broker because my friend referred me to them, but also after interviewing several other brokers, I realized I had been impressed with the professionalism of not only the broker-manager, but also the office as a

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-31573312602875406262011-11-05T09:54:00.000-07:002011-11-05T09:54:52.474-07:00

As a REALTOR, as long ago as 2008 when the housing crisis became really noticeable, I was frustrated by banks insisting on going to foreclosure, even while a viable and signed offer to purchase was on the table. Here's what I saw:  Underwater homes were listed as short sales. Buyers and sellers would agree to a sale price, and then had to wade through the daunting process of obtaining bank

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-57850540460730286032011-11-02T14:44:00.000-07:002011-11-02T14:44:40.011-07:00

Last weekend, cooling my heels at the Atlanta airport waiting for my connection, I had a conversation with a software programmer/consultant that went something like this: Him: I think real estate is something you could just program and that way you could sell 500 houses a month and make more money. You could do it all online. Me: Someone has already done that, (Redfin) but it doesn't appeal to

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-15507934532087359042011-10-18T12:40:00.000-07:002011-10-18T12:40:54.008-07:00

This is a challenge to all those who send out physical cards via snail mail as part of their seasonal marketing plan.  I intend to do all mine as e-cards.  Yes, we love getting "real" things in the mail and holiday cards are high on the list, but to be kind to the environment, AND to save the increasingly onerous expense of snail mail, it's time for a change. Of course, if you don't have

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-37061621360005248362011-10-17T10:09:00.000-07:002011-10-17T10:09:49.492-07:00

Tempe Town Lake bridge opening with sunrise ceremony

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-61172954342951233192011-09-21T17:11:00.000-07:002011-09-21T17:11:14.176-07:00

Where To Get a Mortgage if you're Not a US Resident Today I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa Mendez, branch manager of BBVA Compass bank in Gilbert, Arizona. BBVA Compass is an international bank, headquartered in Spain, and they have a significant presence in the American Southwest. For foreign nationals, obtaining a mortgage in the USA can be a bit of a nightmare- cultural confusion,

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-71316500897685694162011-09-13T11:12:00.000-07:002011-09-13T11:12:15.712-07:00

I've now spent a total of 6 weeks living in the Arizona desert. Coming from anyplace where rain and moderate temperatures are the norm, there are adjustments we've had to make and interesting discoveries. Here's my list of Top 10 Ways you Know You Live In The Desert: 10.  You can take a shower using only water from the "cold" tap. (In fact you wonder why Arizonans have a hot water heater at all

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-52187130243795253922011-08-26T13:07:00.000-07:002011-08-26T13:07:37.530-07:00

This week's MLS market data has just arrived.  In 3 sample cities in metro Phoenix, namely Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale, there are signs of life. Median Single Family Home Prices this week: Phoenix:      $130,000 Scottsdale:  $599,000 Glendale:     $109,900 Home sales have been exceeding new inventory for several weeks.Since this is a Buyer's market prices are not yet moving higher as

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-32239072283785791502011-07-27T09:24:00.000-07:002011-07-27T09:24:21.305-07:00

According to Ekmark & Ekmark, Arizona attorneys, this new legislation affects condominiums and planned communities, effective July 20, 2011. There are a number of provisions forcing board meetings and committee meetings to be open to members, and there are additional provisions for owners to speak at the meetings. A number of similar provisions regarding amount of notice to be given of meetings,

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-41304914846409704022011-07-21T12:38:00.000-07:002011-07-21T12:38:34.894-07:00

'NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., said home sales should be higher. “With record high housing affordability conditions thus far in 2011, we’d normally expect to see stronger home sales,” he said. “Even with job creation below expectations, excessively tight loan standards are keeping many buyers from completing deals. Although proposals being

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-47154504639224272682011-07-19T07:24:00.000-07:002011-07-19T07:24:52.247-07:00

Often I've had buyer clients move a long way and discover that, surprise surprise, homes aren't the same as where they have come from. Besides looking different, they can have different types of community layouts,different sizes, and different features. For example, here are 3 different regions, with comparisons of size and so on, including price: KIRKLAND, WASHINGTON USA Age: 10 yrsSize:

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-5146225130683189542011-05-24T12:24:00.000-07:002011-05-24T12:24:20.801-07:00

It's spring now, the trees create a lush canopy of green over the city, and birds are busy building nests and hatching their chicks. As the weather improves, the people of Toronto are quick to take advantage, jogging, cycling, walking, and enjoying the end of the winter. This makes it a challenge to think about next January, when you may be saying to your spouse or best friend, "I wish I could

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-44684329151043333832011-02-16T16:00:00.000-07:002011-02-16T16:00:48.354-07:00

Well, I did it. I registered a domain for my future website:  apieceofarizona.com! Kinda has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? I can't set up the website until I have my Arizona real estate license.  To that end, I am now signed up for a class starting April 11th in Scottsdale. I'm excited. I've also been in touch with Angie Bellanza, and Library Information officer at Toronto's Enterprise Centre,

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-46366869266391574542011-01-24T14:46:00.000-07:002011-01-24T14:46:33.306-07:00

Last September, my husband and I and our 2 dogs left Kirkland, WA, to live out one of our "bucket list" items- spending the winter skiing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. As I write, we've had about 250 inches of snow so far this season, conditions are fabulous, and the sun is shining. I've had 26 days of skiing so far- more than the previous 5 years combined. We've met many wonderful people who

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-12108675417392634212010-07-30T18:58:00.001-07:002010-07-30T19:09:15.566-07:00

I just read this news post on the KOMO website: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/99666274.html, about a kindly but perhaps gullible real estate (agent) broker who was previewing a home in the Montlake area. Someone asked him if they could use the bathroom in the house, the broker said "yes," and next thing he knew he was being attacked.So what can we learn from this incident? Comments on

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-5004182775600542042010-07-05T10:38:00.001-07:002010-07-05T11:55:46.584-07:00

Having recently applied for US citizenship, I've been learning about how this country came to be. I was intrigued by an article last week in the Seattle Times, about a discovery, through enhanced imaging techniques, about the writing of the Constitution by Thomas Jefferson. It appears that Jefferson smudged out the word "subjects," and changed it to "citizens," while writing the Constitution.It

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-9440263132988389602010-05-25T13:19:00.000-07:002010-05-25T14:05:02.741-07:00

My favorite home inspector, Jesse Longman of A-Pro Home Inspections, sent me this today."The 10 most commonly found defects during (home) inspections have been identified:1. Roof leaks due to poor flashing and/or roof material failure due to poor installation.2. Water penetration in the basement or crawlspace due to poor surface water control.3. Electrical safety issues due to age of home or

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-23644927271608411002010-05-15T16:23:00.000-07:002010-05-15T16:30:59.913-07:00

What a great day! In the morning, my husband, Art, and I took his show 1984 Porsche to a show with many other spectacular cars in Fife. His car is the middle here, between a Corvette and a '57 Chevy.Then after lunch, we took our Old English Sheepdogs to downtown Kirkland to walk around and greet other dogs (and humans) at Marina Park. Here are a couple of photos of the dogs and people:

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-30657692775888181542010-05-12T11:14:00.000-07:002010-05-12T11:26:23.719-07:00

I've found my clients receive better service and a better chance of an on-time closing when they use a reputable mortgage broker rather than an individual bank. Why is this? The info below came from an experienced mortgage broker I've worked with who prefers to remain anonymous:"Licensed loan originators (bankers and brokers) share of the overall loan origination pie has decreased significantly

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-60217969085046535682010-05-10T18:57:00.000-07:002010-05-10T19:03:39.452-07:00

Just now, the Seattle-King County area and much of Washington State is undergoing a software conversion for our MLS. This is the site all agents use to enter and modify listings, add photos, and also to search for properties for their clients.Anyone who's gone through a software conversion or upgrade knows it is never perfect, and this conversion is no exception.Training for agents on the new

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-12378887777153658492010-04-29T12:22:00.000-07:002010-04-29T13:13:17.648-07:00

Here's a great article I found on CNN, citing 5 common mistakes homebuyers make: http://tinyurl.com/y52kkfxI thought I'd add my opinions as well. Here are CNN's "mistakes" followed by my comments, especially geared to the greater Seattle market:1. Not knowing your credit score: There are plenty of ways to know your credit score. Don't just know the score, but look at the details of your

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-79756195996932478582010-04-27T09:41:00.000-07:002010-04-27T09:54:51.395-07:00

April 27, 2010Breakfast Chat #3Comments on buying new construction. Also, the Bravern, a luxury complex of office towers, high-end shopping and luxury condos, has decided to turn one of its condo towers into apartments until the market improves.

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-83034184528966606442010-04-16T15:26:00.000-07:002010-04-16T15:36:35.689-07:00

I just signed a new listing on Wednesday night for a wonderful 4 year old home in Renton's Highlands, specifically the Maplewood neighborhood designed and built by Burnstead, one of the region's top builders. You may be surprised how much work goes into getting a listing up and running. Here's a short summary:enter the listing into the MLS. This gets a listing number assigned and assures the

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-964293324965613812010-04-01T13:31:00.000-07:002010-04-09T18:12:55.249-07:00

If you are new to home buying in the USA, it can be pretty confusing! Here's a summary of the various fees and charges you can expect to pay, and when you will have to pay them:EARNEST MONEY: When you write an offer, you also write a check to indicate your seriousness and financial ability to buy the home. Earnest money is usually 1-2% of the purchase price of the home. This check will be

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-40845370714429232422010-03-17T18:41:00.000-07:002010-03-17T18:44:26.328-07:00

Since my last post I have sold 2 more properties and am likely to sell a third very soon. Buyers are coming out of the woodwork and I sold a multi-family property in 3 days. Definitely an improvement out there!If you are hesitating because you think you must have 10% down to purchase a property, the lenders are loosening the reins a little bit so there is money available for 5% down purchases and

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-85581209795403595302010-03-04T18:18:00.000-07:002010-03-04T18:21:26.377-07:00

One of my past clients sent me this email today, expressing her feelings about my services. I thought you might like to see it:Dear Ann,I am more than happy to provide a testimonial to your outstanding capabilities and the services you provided, not only in selling my home in Kirkland, but also the purchase of my new home in the Renton Highlands. As you recall, I listed the Kirkland home with

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-81646866120836488962010-03-01T17:26:00.000-07:002010-03-01T17:30:13.389-07:00

From the dream house you have in your mind when you first decide to purchase a home, reality often intervenes in ways that can make the process stressful. This document gives a picture of how the process will mold your home expectations, so you’ll encounter fewer unpleasant surprises along the way.There are 3 key variables, when you search for a home, which must come together in order for you to

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-167839069897768102010-02-21T14:54:00.000-07:002010-02-21T14:57:19.674-07:00

All the factors we would expect to see to feel confident a housing recovery is underway, are here:foreclosure rate is downpending sales are upclosed sales are upprices are starting to inch up in some marketsnew construction starts are upTo those wanna-be homeowners sitting on the fence: get your act together and buy a house now, before interest rates and prices force you to buy less of a home

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-14267598642079754352010-01-26T14:26:00.000-07:002010-01-26T14:30:49.720-07:00

Short Sales, Foreclosures, Auctions and Bank-owned properties are all different and have different challenges associated with them. Here's my summary on these properties:A bank-owned property is one where a foreclosure has already happened, and now the bank, which has no interest in being a landlord, owns the property and wants to sell it to recover some of their capital. Great prices can be had

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-79116177529442525632010-01-25T12:21:00.000-07:002010-01-25T12:29:16.881-07:00

In King County, closed sales of single family homes dropped from 1550 in November 2009 to 1396 in December 2009, a 10% drop.This is a far cry from the "worst drop in 40 years" bleated by the internet. Housing markets are local, local, local.Before you take an article online or in the newspaper seriously, look at where it was written and what area its writing about. National real estate news is

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-73567010753539555582010-01-18T17:55:00.000-07:002010-01-18T18:30:42.273-07:00

I was at a home inspection the other day with some clients of mine, and they asked me where the property line was. (I get this question often, and the best I can do is indicate an approximate location, and refer them to a plat map, unless they choose to get a survey done.)This time, we noticed that the neighbor had added a retaining wall in terraces between the two homes, but it seemed his

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-65916814303829242762010-01-06T11:13:00.000-07:002010-01-06T11:53:49.466-07:00

I read this morning in the Seattle Times an article by Eric Pryne the gist of which was that things have improved in King County real estate since last year. He quotes NWMLS statistics indicating total single family home sales for December '09 were up 62.1% from December '08 in Seattle, and up 77.8% on the Eastside. I decided to delve a bit into the comparable statistics for Kirkand, part of the

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-11506241738162499362009-12-31T12:26:00.000-07:002009-12-31T12:54:33.692-07:00

I know, everyone is doing 10 year reviews of the decade almost over- although technically it isn't over for another year but what the hey- so I decided to do my own reviews:My Best AccomplishmentsBecoming a Grandmother to 2 lovely little boys.Reaching my 10th Wedding Anniversary (my hubby, Art, shares the honors on this one.)Becoming a Realtor! I love this job!Singing with the best choir in the

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-84575100396789592062009-12-27T15:33:00.000-07:002009-12-27T16:06:22.260-07:00

According to this article in the Puget Sound Business Journal, http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/21/daily24.html the population of Washington State increased by approximately 90,000 people in 2009.The figure includes people from all walks of life. What all these people have in common is the need for housing.In the past two years I have noticed a lot of the people moving

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-8856209708624795602009-12-15T11:37:00.000-07:002009-12-15T11:45:34.809-07:00

At our office meeting this morning, we learned that our office is one of the very few that has grown over 2009. Our branch grew because of 20 new agents, plus 18 from Bellevue Central.Over 4000 agents have left the business throughout the Northwest MLS area in the past year.This says a lot about being committed to doing what it takes to make a living in Real Estate. Members of the public are

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-79537659822878469672009-12-10T17:20:00.000-07:002009-12-27T15:32:44.538-07:00

I work extensively with buyers moving to the USA from other countries, and invariably there are a lot of questions that arise because of the differences in real estate law and services between the different countries. Here are some of the questions I've been asked:What documents should I have with me to make an offer?If you are meeting your Realtor for the first time, he or she may want to see

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-75345078955097090702009-11-26T20:20:00.000-07:002009-11-26T20:20:04.920-07:00

Ann Griffin, Realtor: Feeling Thankful#linkshttp://stthomasmedina.org

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-90621165584320766472009-11-26T20:04:00.000-07:002009-11-26T20:16:48.197-07:00

Those doing delivery sign up for a specific route. Volunteers in the church kitchen had over 100 turkeys to carve. Church kids make greeting cards. Lots of people participated.

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-71499342478328486492009-11-26T19:46:00.001-07:002009-11-26T20:04:15.901-07:00

My husband and I were privileged to participate in an annual event organized by my church, in which church members cook, pack, organize and deliver turkey dinners to over 700 needy persons on the Eastside for Thanksgiving Day. To give an idea of the scale of this event, over 170 turkeys were cooked (I did two) and over 500 lb. of potatoes cooked and mashed. The meals included yams, green beans,

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-70814477312674963592009-11-24T15:08:00.000-07:002009-11-26T19:46:06.274-07:00

This morning's Seattle Times features an article by Alan Zibel (AP) ("Sales Surge- Can it Last?", A10) discussing the surge of home buyers for the past 2 months, and the concerns that once the new Home Buyer Tax Credit ($8000) expires, these sales will slump and we'll be back where we were a year ago. Other concerns mentioned by Zibel include rising foreclosures, slow job creation, and the slump

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-55801151473506873282009-11-22T16:49:00.000-07:002009-11-24T15:07:50.010-07:00

I'm just about to conclude an Open House at a Bellevue property, 9827 NE 20th St. to be precise. In the past 3 hours I have had 12 people through the house, and I've chatted with all of them.What are a Realtor's goals for an Open House, and how do these fit with the public's perceptions and expectations?The first goal of an Open House is to attract members of the home-buying public to see the

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-89183371957779704032009-11-13T09:51:00.000-07:002009-11-13T14:17:55.996-07:00

My British friends are the "parents" of two Chinchillas, Sona (pronounced "shona") and Charcoal. These members of the rodent family were hunted almost to extinction for their soft, luxurious coats, in their native Chile, and are now protected. Sona is 7 yrs old and Charcoal is 6. Both males, they require separate cages which are side by side. They are nocturnal animals so are let out of their

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-10790003915686246572009-11-08T13:04:00.000-07:002009-11-08T13:18:23.095-07:00

A trip to another country is always a time to stir up one's preconceptions and standards. While Britain is not nearly so different from the USA as is, say, Bangladesh, and I'm staying with professionals who own a relatively recent (late 20th century) home, here are a few aspects of the home that would be considered disadvantageous in our own Pacific Northwest real estate environment:staircases

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-31208185178891875722009-10-30T11:31:00.000-07:002009-10-30T11:41:04.356-07:00

Newbie realtors are told numerous times during their initial training that Realtors may not engage in the unauthorized practice of law. As you can see from the link, there is some disagreement on what that means. Also there is a difference between practicing law without a license, and breaking the law by commiting fraud in a transaction.Just another reason for consumers to interview prospective

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-9404150022255401802009-10-12T20:47:00.000-07:002009-10-12T21:27:04.383-07:00

Many people I have spoken with over the past six months who would like to sell their homes have been doing a lot of hand-wringing over property values and the challenges they face trying to get a buyer at a price that doesn't give them heart failure.True, prices have dropped substantially in 12 months, so that equity everyone (including me) thought they had has evaporated. True, that's creating

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-79484378734313784832009-10-05T17:35:00.000-07:002009-10-05T17:44:55.995-07:00

Currently undergoing renovations, the Kirkland Public Library is at the corner of State St. and Kirkland Way. In front of it is a charming sculpture of several people on a carousel. I like the varied expressions on the characters' faces and the amount of movement in this piece of art. You can almost hear the calliope!

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-76757108164310546152009-10-01T15:59:00.000-07:002009-10-01T16:12:02.600-07:00

Home sales are surging: http://blog.seattlepi.com/realestatenews/archives/180756.asp It's nice to see statistics, even though from August, confirm what those of us in the industry are experiencing personally: a surge in home-buyer activity. Yes, short sales will in many cases fail, but many of the buyers who don't get those homes will go on to buy other properties. Personally I do not expect the

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-13432623089756624662009-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:002009-09-30T16:32:02.719-07:00

Who would create a bronze sculpture of a couple of giant rabbits? You're thinking Walt Disney, Pixar and the like, but you are wrong. I do not know the artist, but these gigantic bunnies grace the sidewalk of Central Way just in front of a tobacconist's shop in downtown Kirkland.

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-18116612713382816522009-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:002009-09-30T16:09:13.770-07:00

My furnace isn't working. Two weeks ago, well, even 2 days ago this didn't matter, but right now my house is about 65 degrees and my hands are like lumps of ice despite a warm jacket and wool pants as I sit at my computer. My husband just called a serviceman so we'll be warm soon.At times like this one appreciates more the amazing amenities we take for granted, like central heating. I grew up in

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-57765919861736713172009-09-29T09:42:00.000-07:002009-09-29T16:02:09.621-07:00

I'm at an office meeting where we are discussing buyer agency agreements. These are contracts between Buyer's Agents and buyer clients, which create a business relationship obligating the agent to work on behalf of the client, and obligating the client(s) to utilize the specific agent's services, and, if the commission offered by the Seller to the Buyer's agent is below the amount specified on

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-56351885983568717572009-09-27T14:39:00.000-07:002009-09-27T15:03:11.105-07:00

My clients often ask me, "what is the process for writing an offer, and how does it get negotiated?"The first thing that must be decided when you are ready to write an offer is the price you will offer. The price needs to be realistic, meaning it is a reasonable and fair price for the property. An offer that is too low may insult the seller who may decide not to respond. An offer that is too high

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-9328421156336939592009-09-24T13:54:00.000-07:002009-09-24T13:59:20.295-07:00

Rose Hill, a subdivision in south Kirkland, has a lot of older homes still on septic systems, a number of which have failed, so the City of Kirkland is in the process of installing sewer lines on streets where these failed systems appear. (Of course, when new homes are constructed, they are required to be attached to the sewer system.)Right now they are working less than a block from my house.

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-34700650965982997882009-09-23T17:30:00.000-07:002009-09-23T17:32:53.391-07:00

I spotted this story in the Seattle PI real estate blogs about a new company call "Frogbox" (www.frogbox.com ) and someone who used them to move, avoiding all those wasted cardboard boxes and more. Check it out! http://blog.seattlepi.com/realestatenews/archives/179974.asp?source=pimail

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-66047814471757657162009-09-22T09:46:00.000-07:002009-09-22T09:54:45.325-07:00

This has been my toughest year in the real estate business, even tougher than my first year. However since April I detected the winds of change starting to blow, and now in late fall, things are moving very nicely. I've had four recent sales and several coming up, including listings.For buyers, the challenge is to actually decide to buy, and then to be realistic about pricing. Buyers are still of

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-4479164865002994802009-09-22T09:34:00.000-07:002009-09-22T09:55:46.934-07:00

It's amazingly warm in Kirkland for late September. Yesterday I went downtown and wandered around taking videos of other sculptures. Marina Park features this second sculpture of children running. It's located at the north end of the park on a hill and from a distance is easy to miss, backed as it is by dark trees. I love the sheer joy and excitement on the faces of the children. It reminds me of

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2962203597656587479.post-49831206248433261132009-09-21T14:45:00.000-07:002009-09-21T14:45:33.946-07:00

Hello Everyone and welcome to my blog. This is me with my Old English Sheepdog, Setta. She is an amazing girl and I think of her as an angel cleverly disguised as a dog. I've been experimenting with various blogsites to find one that is easy to use, and that will upload videos without a lot of complicated fiddling, so here's hoping Blogger will be the one. I have other blogs at http://

Ann Griffin, Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006474534419436010noreply@blogger.com0