Michael Mesa

Hi Madaline,

As my fellow real estate pros have mentioned, we are very fortunate in this area of the world to be in a great real estate market, especially for members of the armed forces. Having done my share of PCSing ( I am prior service), I can imagine how hectic things can be on such a short window.

To better answer your questions, I havea few of my own. First being, do you have a home that needs to close before you can purchase something else? If so, does your husbands certificate of eligiblity need to be re-issued?

You mentioned family friendly with kids activities. What family events do you like to do? Outdoors, fairs, art & crafts? Coming from North Carolina and the Fort campbell area, median pricing might be a little higher here than what you are used to. I know it was for me when I arrived here.

First step is to meet with a lender and determine your options, then with your husband decide what YOUR personal maximum comfort level is and then go from there. With over 60 miles surrounding Fort Lewis and housing in two counties that are close to Fort Lewis, chances are very good that all of your needs can be met fairly easily.

Foreclosures can be an option, but painfully slow and with our new state distresssed homeowner law in effect, not as alluring of a deal as once thought.

Hope this helps. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warmly,

Michael
michael@thevermilliongroup.com - Fri Aug 1 2008, 17:15

Depending on the area of the county there are two bedroms satring at $199k and 4 bedrooms ending up in the low $500's. However, right now is an excellent time to get great pricing or upgrades from builders. Don't be afraid to negotiate when you see a home in a subdivision that you think you may want to own. - Thu Jul 10 2008, 16:08

Chad,

That is a very awful thing that has happened to you. Unfortunately because of the Realtor Code of ethics we are bound to, giving you a specific answer is very difficult. I hope the following helps point you in the right direction.

By nature a listing contract can be terminated at any time, by either you or the broker. While I cannot give you the total specifics of how to accomplish this due to my commitment to uphold the code of ethics, I can tell you that it should not be this difficult. What I can also tell you is that you have and always will have the right to seek the advise of a real estate attorney in the event you feel that you have been harmed or damaged.

If you feel that your ability to market and sell your properties is in jeopardy until this is resolved, my professional advise will be to seek an attorney that can guide you on the most prudent course of action.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any more questions or need any more guidance. - Sat Jun 21 2008, 18:58

Great question! Despite all of the market hype and forecasts and predictions, it is important to note that the seller is operating on their own set of plans and predictions.

The great thing about real estate is that EVERYTHING is negotiable. If you feel that $415,000 is a reasonable offer, or at last where you want to start, your agent should be prepared to argue the case for yo. He/she should be armed with the offer, but also, recent comparables and other market points and statisitics that will help plead the case for the seller to accept less.

You must however be willing to negotiate with the seller if he/she can porvide evidence supporting their asking price. In the end, if both you you are willing to give as much as you take, you sound end up with an agreeable purchase price that all will be happy with.

Feel free to email me directly if you want more tips and pointers, or to dicuss how my staff and I can help you purchase this home.

Michael - Thu May 8 2008, 10:37

Dudley,

As an active Realtor with Keller Williams Tacoma and a Team owner I can tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, it is the culture of our company to comply and even to seek out the best win-win scenario for our customers, clients and business partners.

The NWMLS actually just created a new short sale addendum which should help all agents to properly disclose to potential buyers and sellers the terms and risks involved in buying and selling a shortsale. They have also created a new rule which explains how to properly manage a listing that is, or will result in a shortsale.

Hope that clears the confusion

Michael - Fri Apr 18 2008, 19:37