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Short Sale or Foreclosure? A Homeowner’s Comparison

By Toby Barnett | Published: February 8, 2012

Despite the discussion of recovery and being at the real estate bottom, many homeowners are still faced with the tough decision: Short Sale or Foreclosure? People facing a short sale or foreclosure have a lot of choices to make and [...]

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Residential Home Inspections: Why Are They Important?

By Toby Barnett | Published: December 29, 2011

On the surface the residential home inspection may seem like a insignificant item that could be done without yet when buying a home it is a critical step. What appears to be a little elbow grease work can really mean [...]

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Real Estate Jargon & Terminology for the Rest of Us

By Toby Barnett | Published: October 20, 2011

Real estate is full of jargon and terminology that can confuse anyone learning the process to either buy or sell a home. In law world, terminology gets a cool name like legalese but in real estate its just plain ol’ [...]

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How to tell if HUD Homes are still Available and Active?

By Toby Barnett | Published: September 13, 2011

The Snohomish County real estate market has an abundant of bank owned properties comprising 41% of current inventory levels. A small portion, in the grand scheme of things, are HUD homes. Like bank owned properties, the question, “is the home [...]

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8 Questions Every For Sale By Owner Should Ask Themselves

By Toby Barnett | Published: June 23, 2011

Selling a home For Sale by Owner (FSBO) is easy enough: Advertise, procure buyer, write a contract, collect payment for the property, and transfer title. As a real estate broker that is pretty much it, unless something crazy arises. 8 [...]

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Have You Considered a Short Sale or is it Easier to Walk Away?

By Toby Barnett | Published: June 10, 2011

Recently, it seems I have been speaking to families and close friends who are contemplating giving their home back to the bank because they are still unemployed, facing a loss of employment, hours have been cut at work, and/or other [...]

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Buying a Short Sale, Bank Owned, Fannie Mae, or HUD Home

By Toby Barnett | Published: April 29, 2011

Purchasing a home in 2011 is different in many aspects than it was in 2003 when it the inventory was comprised of equity based homes. Like the four seasons, the real estate market has changed to encompass distressed and bank/institution [...]

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How to Sell a Home with a Rent or Sell Comparison

By Toby Barnett | Published: April 5, 2011

Here is a excellent infographic from the Mint.com on Selling a Home with a Rent or Sell comparison.

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Buyer and Seller Representation – Who Represents Who?

By Toby Barnett | Published: January 31, 2011

It is said that everyday is full of experiences and there is an opportunity to learn something. I fully agree and this weekend a potential home buyer and I encountered one of these experiences. The concern was around the role [...]

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47 Ways to Make Your Home Sell Faster

By Toby Barnett | Published: January 19, 2011

In a day and age where real estate purchases are price driven; it is important to not to forget items that greatly improve first impressions. Here are 47 items a real estate seller can do to gain a competitive advantage [...]

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Home Buyer & Seller Advice

  • Snohomish County flood season; what is your homeowners policy like?

    According to the Insurance Information Institute, “homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it”. The winter of 2007-2008 has been excellent for winter adventurers with one of [...]

County Activities, Events, & News

  • Everett’s Marine View Drive to See Improvements

    Anyone who has driven Marine View Drive From the North heading South to the boat launch, Anthony’s & Woodfire, and/or the Everett Marine knows how bad the pavement condition is. I personally hate coming down of the bridge from Legion [...]

Real Estate Statistics & Updates

  • Residential Real Estate Statistics for December 2011

    Snohomish County is well into 2012, with another day of snow, and December 2011′s real estate statistics are published for review. Personal Experience Moment: To the disappointment of current clients, I noticed many homes in the $75k – $150 price [...]

Washington Recreational Activities

  • Snoqualmie Falls and the Salish Lodge & Spa

    Snoqualmie Falls is one the great natural treasures of Washington and receives 15 million visitors annually that come to witness its beauty. Through the season the falls takes on many different looks depending on recent rainfall. During heavy rain falls [...]