Author Archive

  I was browsing Zolve.com blog and found this strange home.  When on earth was this permitted? Could we ever do this here in Seattle?  Just plop a home right in the driveway? Sort of the original zero lot line! Must have been prior to zoning, building,permitting codes. I think the minimum size for a permitted bedroom is 88... »

This downturn in real estate is so much different than the one we ‘older than dirt’ agents experienced in 1980’s. Then, with inflation over 12% and interest rates over 20%, we knew why we were in so much trouble and saw only long term effects since it was a problem with our national... »

Don’t forget to set up your new solo401K by December 31.  You can set one up at ThinkorSwim.com in just a matter of hours.  Probably take a lot longer than that if you’re using your solo401K to invest in real estate, but you’ll be glad you did. Check with your CPA or Attorney. PenscoTrust or Guidantfinancial have excellent educational sites... »

Yesterday, The Mortgage Foregiveness Act of 2007 was passed effectively getting rid of the question, “will I be taxed on a short sale?” Prior to this action, the forgiven mortgage debt due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu of foreclosure was potentially taxable to the borrower. As agents we always have had to warn our... »

  Are we throwing out a program that works, the FHA Down Payment Assistance Program, in this case the baby, while trying to fix the sub prime mess, the bathwater? I guess it all boils down to how valuable home ownership is and how well it helps drive a healthy economy. A lot of realtors, including myself, have... »

I’ve blogged a couple of times here at RCG about the benefits of using a self-directed IRA as an investment vehicle in Real Estate. When I originally set up my self-directed IRA I loved that I could control my retirement funds not only in securities but also in real estate.  I had to educate myself by going to... »

I’m greatful that I get to work in this wonderful world of real estate sales.  Every family that is buying or selling a home has a story to tell me.  Every investor renting, buying or selling a building or entrepreneur buying or selling a business brings the agent into their lives during the transaction and often long lasting friendships are forged. What... »