Armchair Quarterbacks in the Blogosphere

June 28, 2007 at 1:50 am · Filed under Bremerton Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Buyers, Sellers, Sparks from Sparky

My family and I lived in the Midwest for 15 years, 5 of that was in Chicago. We moved there shortly after the Bears had won the Super Bowl with the likes of Jim McMahon, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, and William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

In the seasons that ensued, the Bears struggled to find the right fit at the quaterback position (there’s been 24 players who have taken the snap between McMahon and Grossman).

During our time in the Windy City, the debate was raging between Jim Harbaugh and Mike Tomczak. Never before in the history of spectator sports have so many fair weather fans and critics hotly voiced their vast wealth of expertise and knowledge by second-guessing the decisions of Coach Ditka and the boys up in the front office. Who better to pass judgment on the professionals disciplined in the skill of football than those who, week after week, sat wedged in the comforting confines of their Lazy Boy recliners, sucking down ice cold brewskis and stuffing their faces with smoked brats?

In similar fashion, the Blogosphere has long been the breeding ground for such self-proclaimed ‘Armchair Quarterbacks.’ Anyone with a blog, an expanded vocabulary, and a condescending attitude gains immediate credibility as an expert in any field, profession, or discipline. Subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, or quote the latest market trends from the Economist or Fast Company, and your opinions carry even more weight.

Nevermind that these ’Armchair Bloggers’ have never actually ’played’ the game. Oh, to be sure, they’ve probably watched a few times from their sheltered corporate skyboxes while sipping on the lastest trendy microbrew. Most are obviously quite intelligent, possessing a basic understanding of the rules. Heck, some are even well-versed in the latest team/player stats.

But the fact still remains, they’ve never really actually played the game.

Playing any sport well requires commitment, knowledge, discipline, lots of hard work, and practice. This is especially true in the realm of professional sports. Or, perhaps, even with a career in, say, real estate, for example. Personally, I wouldn’t presume to know enough about being an NFL quarterback that I would be willing to step in for Hasselback at Qwest Field on a Sunday afternoon. And I certainly don’t think I’m qualified to critcize him for throwing an occasional interception, or blaming him when the team doesn’t win. It’s not Matt’s fault that  a domestic beer costs $6.50 a bottle, or that buying a ticket to watch him play requires an arm, a leg, and my firstborn child.

A good friend of mine flies for Alaska Airlines. He’s a retired Navy pilot. Over years and years of commitment, acquiring knowledge, exercising discipline, consistent hard work, and practice, he’s become a very successful and accomplished commercial pilot. He’s responsible for the lives of hundreds of people everyday. Now, even though I have a fairly good understanding about the law of aerodynamics, I would never begin to think of critcizing the way he handles a 737. It’s not his fault that my flight last January went to LA, but my bags ended up in Phoenix. Do I write him a nasty gram every time the plane is late leaving the gate? Or do I verbally flog him over the fact that I have to refinance my house to buy a round trip ticket, and only get a small packet of stale peanuts?

But, hey, what do I know? I’m just a licensed, professional real estate agent here on the Kitsap Peninsula WA. I can’t control the market, whether the bubble is bursting or homes aren’t affordable. I just work hard at genuinely and relentlessly representing the best interests of my client’s to the very utmost of my abilities, through constant continuing education, discipline, hard work, and daily practice, helping them to successfully achieve their Next Adventure in Life! 

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“Countdown to Crabbing!”

June 25, 2007 at 11:07 am · Filed under Bites of Washington, Bites of Kitsap, Sparks from Sparky

Well, as hard as it may be to believe, even real estate professionals need an occasional day off, or time to relax and re-energize.

As much as I truly enjoy my chosen vocation as a licensed real estate agent with Windermere Real Estate, in Silverdale, here on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State, there are times when I need a reprieve from the stress, a moment to escape, to find solace amidst the majestic splendor of the Pacific Northwest.

One of my favorites ways to accomplish this is by taking my boat out crabbing on Hood Canal.

The crab season for Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) officially opens on Wednesday, July 4th (Check the WDFW website for additional area openings and regulations).

The season runs Wednesdays through Saturdays, and will close the evening of Sept. 3rd for a catch assessment.

All crab fishermen 15 years and older must carry a valid up-to-date Washington State fishing license, as well as a crab licensing endorsement. You must also carry and complete catch record cards to account of all Dungeness crab you catch. These cards must be turned into the WDFW at the end of both summer and fall/winter seasons, or you now have the option of reporting your totals via the Internet.

(The Sportsman’s Warehouse here in Silverdale WA is your ‘One-Stop’ crabbing shop for all license and equipment needs)

The primary catch regulations have remained the same:

1.  Daily limit of five (5) Dungeness crab per licensed person; and six (6) Red Rock crab

2.  Dungeness, Males only, measuring 6.25″ across the body shell; Red Rock crabs, any sex, 5″ across

3.  All crabs must be in hard shell condition

(for additional rules and regulations, consult the Fishing in Washington Rules Pamphlet)

Over the next week or so leading up to the Opening of Crabbing Season, I’ll be sharing some insider tips on the “How-to’s” of Crab Fishing on the Hood Canal, so stay tuned!

                                                      another quality article by Sparky of SoundBiteBlog

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Sparky’s Weekly ‘Top Pick’ of Homes on the Kitsap Peninsula WA

June 24, 2007 at 11:43 pm · Filed under Bites of Kitsap, Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Bainbridge Island Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Buyers, Sellers, Sparks from Sparky, Gig Harbor Real Estate

The inspiration for beginning this on-going series of ‘Top Picks’ was the result of a recent backlink ’click-through’ experience I had while frequenting one of my favorite blogsites, “The Real Estate Tomato.” The Ketchup King himself, Jim Cronin, was plugging an article by 1st-time RET contributor, Edde Anderson, of C.F. Anderson, who posed the question, “Should MLS Brokers be Allowed to Blog about other MLS Brokers Listings.”

Many of the people who responded did so from a negative ‘fall-out’ viewpoint - one of those ‘half-empty/half-full’ kind of deals. I tended to see the brighter side of the equation. What if the Listing were one the best things to hit the market since HDTV? What if it was an amazing value amidst a sea of over-inflated inventory? Would the competiting Broker, Listing Agent, and Sellers all call to complain that I was using my blog to positively promote the sale of the home?

Now, obviously, it doesn’t take a Ben Wiseley to realize that negative ‘Listing Flaming’ would definitely NOT be appropriate. Critical commentary like that could lead to some rather costly consequences, let alone have adverse affects on one’s integrity. I can just see the agents out on the playground during recess, “My Listing’s better than Your Listing!”

But what about simply offering ’truthful’ feedback? How many agents get a phonecall from the Listing Agent after a showing, requesting feedback. What would be the difference in providing this information over the phone versus on a blog post? Does it change your opinion any? Are you any less truthful in your assessment? Would the information you provide be helpful to Sellers and Buyers in your market?

Well, at this point, I’ll err on the high side, and simply offer up my week’s ‘Top Pick’ from among homes here on the Kitsap Peninsula and surrounding areas. That’s not to say that at some point I may also include ‘honest’ and ‘undilluted’ opinions of other ‘less-than-desirable’ homes. You’ll just have to check back again later to see….

So, without any further ado, here it this week’s Homes in Kitsap ‘Top Pick!’

4995 Alpenglow NW, Bremerton, WA 98312

This was one of those homes you see on tour that leaves you speechless. Situated on 5 private acres in the highly desirable Bridle Tree gated community, this classic contemporary home fills you with awe and wonder as you roam the nearly 6,000 square feet of luxury living.

The massive Top Chef Kitchen comes complete with slab granite counters and Viking Commercial Range.

The exceptional Master Suite rivals the best room at Alderbrook Resort with dramatic vaulted ceilings, romantic gas fireplace, complimented by an equally expansive Master Bath using very generous amounts of quality marble on the floors and surrounding the soaking tub, Dual vanity with slab granite counters, and skylights.

Step through the slider to your adjacent private hot tub.

Make some popcorn and enjoy a movie night in the Media Room flooded with 6-way Stereo Surround System.

Step out onto the full length deck for Summer entertaining, and enjoy the stunning Olympic Mountain Views.

The Detached Garage has an extensive shop area and a large upper living space in progess. This home has something for every member of your family, and for all the people you invite for parties and entertaining!

Priced at $ 849,000 and marketed by Molly Ells of Windermere Real Estate/West Sound, Inc.

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Adverse Possession: “Exorcising Property Dispute Demons”

June 20, 2007 at 7:16 am · Filed under Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Bainbridge Island Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Real Estate Bites, Buyers, Sellers, Sparks from Sparky, Gig Harbor Real Estate

Adverse Possession is one of those terms we learn early on in our real estate career. You’re guaranteed to see it as one of the multiple choice questions on your license exam, along with riparian rights and appurtenances.

It’s always interesting to me how these terms can take on a whole new meaning when, as licensed real estate professionals, we actually encounter them in the real world.

Our ever-helpful Wikipedia defines it this way:

“Adverse possession is the name given to the process by which title to another’s real property is acquired without compensation, by, as the name suggests, holding the property in a manner that conflicts with the true owner’s rights for a specified period of time.”

In other words, Adverse possession is a way that Property Owner Jones can take Property Owner Smith’s property, or a portion of Smith’s property, without paying for it.

What a deal, Lucille! Where do I sign up, right?

Well, there’s a catch. (Isn’t there always?)

Adverse possession requires that three components exist before possession/ownership of the property can occur:

1. physical (actual, visible, notorious, exclusive, open)
2. mental (hostile)
3. temporal (continuous)

Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve had a few neighbors who were ‘notorious‘ and ‘hostile,’ but that’s not really what is meant here.

From ExpertLaw.com:

Open & Notorious- You engage in acts of possession consistent with the subject property in a manner which was capable of being seen. (This does not mean that you must have been observed in your acts of ownership but, had the actual owner or members of the public been in a position to see you, your acts must have been observable). You need not use the property in a manner that exceeds that which would be expected of the actual owner - that is, it may be possible to claim adverse possession of a vacation property on the basis of use only during the vacation season, or to claim adverse possession of a vacant parcel of land by engaging in typical acts of maintenance for the parcel.

Hostile - Hostility exists where a person possesses the land of another intending to hold to a particular recognizable boundary regardless of the true boundary line. That is, possession is “hostile” to the title owner’s interest in the property. You cannot claim “adverse possession” if you are engaged in the permissive use of somebody else’s land.

Continuous & Uninterrupted - All components of adverse possession must be met at all times through the statutory period in order for a claim to be successful. It may be possible to claim adverse possession even if there is a transfer of ownership through the principle of “tacking.” For example, a previous owner’s 12 years of adverse possession can be “tacked” to the present owner’s eight years, for a cumulative twenty years of adverse possession

In basic laymen’s terms, this means that those attempting to claim the property are occupying it exclusively (keeping out others) and openly as if it were their own. Some states allow accidental adverse possession as might possibly occur with a surveying error. Generally though, the openly hostile possession must be continuous (although not necessarily constant) without challenge or permission from the lawful owner, for a fixed statutory period in order to acquire title. The possession time-frame may vary from state to state. Here in Washington, the duration of such possession is 7 years. The person claiming title by adverse possession must also pay taxes and assessments on real estate during the time of adverse possession.

 If you want to read a rather lengthy, yet absolutely amazing account of attempted Adverse possession here in the Seattle WA area, go here (opens into a separate window)

Another quality SoundBiteBlog article by Sparky

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Extra! Extra! “Sparky & Buckwheat make front page news!”

June 19, 2007 at 1:53 pm · Filed under Bites of Kitsap, Sparks from Sparky

Our local newspaper, the Kitsap Sun, ran a recent article for their Sunday edition on the front page, entitled ” Most Kitsap Sellers Missing Out on Trend Towards Higher Prices,” written by Steven Gardner.

Steven called me at my office and asked me for an interview. He had found me through here on SOUNDBITEBLOG.

Wow! Is that cool or what? Since I began posting articles on my blogs, I’ve been interviewed on several occasions. But this is the first time somone local has honored me with the request. And it thrills me to no end that Steven found us online through SoundBiteBlog!

Now, for those of you who don’t know, most of what you see when you access SoundBite is attributed to my esteemed colleague, Buckwheat (Mark Flanders). He created the site from scratch and fine tunes our SEO constantly. The guy is absolutely amazing. We meet for coffee every Thursday morning, and I keep hoping that some of his MOJO will pour over onto me. Even though we’ve only been up since mid-January, the amount of traffic we’re getting is incredible!

It certainly doesn’t hurt to get this kind of local exposure either. And not to mention what it does to further enhance our credibility as local real estate experts.

Yet another testimony to the power, value, and effectiveness of blogging!

Blog often, Blog Well…..

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Pre-Approval Letters: “Are you a ‘SERIOUS’ real estate buyer?”

June 10, 2007 at 7:33 am · Filed under Bites of Buckwheat, Bremerton Real Estate, Silverdale Real Estate, Port Orchard Real Estate, Bainbridge Island Real Estate, Poulsbo Real Estate, Buyers, Mortgage Bites, Gig Harbor Real Estate

The Kitsap County real estate market in particular, and the Washington real estate market in general are getting better for real estate buyers and tougher for real estate sellers. There are a variety of reasons for this and it is nothing unusual. The real estate market goes up and the real estate market goes down. It’s the nature of any market to move in both directions over time.

Falling mortgage interest rates in the past few years have allowed real estate values to rise significantly. As prices have risen, the number of potential real estate buyers have diminished. This is due in part to the fact that some families simply do not qualify for the higher priced properties. AND, as the number of qualified buyers dwindles, real estate that is listed for sale, sits on the market for longer and longer periods of time, waiting to sell.

This dynamic allows real estate buyers to get more aggressive with their negotiations. Good for the buyer; hard on the seller. Real estate sellers, faced with the prospect of receiving less money for their home or investment property, naturally want to know that the potential buyer can actually purchase. Rich’s article on the subject of Earnest Money, addresses one of the tactics for proving a buyer is serious about buying. This article addresses a way to prove a buyer can purchase.

Improve the odds of getting your offer accepted with a Pre-Approval Letter.

Your chance of being viewed as a Serious Buyer skyrockets when the seller and the Listing Agent are presented with tangible proof that you, as a buyer, prepared for this transaction in advance. The Pre-Approval letter indicates that you have taken the time to sit with a mortgage professional, discuss the details of your financial situation, applied with a Lender and been approved by that Lender, before looking at homes.

Pre-approval and pre-qualification are two entirely different processes.

Pre-approval is (in theory at least) much stronger. The pre-qualification process entails meeting with a mortgage professional and discussing your financial situation to determine:

• how much you can borrow
• how much you want to borrow
• what kind of roadblocks may need to be addressed
• what kinds of loan programs are availabe
• current interest rates
• what the loan will cost you

This is all valuable information needed by any prospective real estate buyer. But, it is not meant to prove that you can purchase. This meeting is a starting point for borrowers. Savvy real estate sellers and their Listing Agents are well aware of the difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval. Pre-qualification indicates some organizational skills on the buyer’s part. Pre-Approval indicates much more than that!

Loan officers don’t approve loans!

Just as Realtors® don’t approve acceptance of offers, loan officers don’t approve loans. Lenders approve loans. In both cases, the Realtor® and the Loan Officer are acting as facilitators of the transaction. Neither of them has the authority to legally bind the parties they represent.

A Pre-Approval Letter is such a strong buyer’s tool because it means that a Lender has reviewed the buyer’s application and supporting documentation (pay stubs, bank statements, W2’s etc.). In addition, the Lender has agreed in writing, that they will loan money to the buyer if they find an acceptable property. Loan officers can confirm to a buyer that they will be able to get a loan. The Lender will confirm that the buyer is actually approved for a  loan. This approval will have loan conditions to satisfy, but it is a real approval. The predominant condition will of course be that the buyer finds a piece of acceptable  real estate! Pre-approvals are issued without an address.

If you wish to be viewed as a Serious Real Estate Buyer, have your Pre-Approval Letter in-hand before shopping. The selling agent will take you more seriously. The listing agent will take you more seriously. The seller will take you more seriously. A pre-approval letter puts you in the driver’s seat when you are ready to negotiate.

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