Tim Roche

Tyler and Terry are correct. Your home inspector and the health department are great resources. Also think about going to the manufacturer. Very often the age of an appliance is part of the serial number. With older homes your home inspector should be able to identify the age of someupgrades such as electric panels and other building materials.

Lastly you could try a reputable general contractor that has a long track record of local work. They wil be tuned into the changes in building practices over time and may help identify the lineage of upgrades and remodels. - Tue Jul 8 2008, 09:04

Mike,

The link below is the revision to the Contractor Registration Law. If that link below doesn't work it is the Wa State Dept of Labor and Industry that oversees this new change.



http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Contractors/files/3-27… - Sat Apr 5 2008, 13:26

De De,

Thank you for your response. It is good to see that there are other Realtors out there that understand the FSBO role in our marketplace. Your advice for MIke to introduce himself and his experience level to the local brokerages is right on target.

I firmly beleive that in order to have a healthy marketplace acceptance of different buisness models (fsbo, limited service, etc) must be understood. It is our job as professional Realors to know the entire marketplace, not just what is on the mls.

De De, I will share your advice with some of the fsbo sellers I have/will encounter. - Sat Apr 5 2008, 11:49

Mike I think I am in the minority in light of the other agents remarks.

To clarify my thinking just a few items. When I am working with a buyer that wants to view/pursue a FSBo the first thing I do is have a long discussion with them about some of the differences in dealing with a FSBO vs. a listed home. Most notably is the uncertainty of the FSBO's understanding of the contract they may sign and the etiquette inherent to a sucessful transaction. This is also the best time to discuss the ways in which I will get compensated for taking on the different tasks working aFSBO. I do not say more difficult because I have had some very clean and professional transactions with FSBO sellers.

When it comes to approaching the FSBO two things are paramount to my thinking 1: there is a mutual goal to be accomplished and 2: FSBo sellers deserve all the professional respect and courtesy that would be given to any agent on a listed property.

The code of ethics that all Realtors follow dictates that regardless of who we represent we have a duty to act in a manner that does not harm another party. Certainly we can represent a buyer in a FSBO transaction without representing the seller.

Agents working with a FSBO must be comfortable with contracts they are assembling for their clients. Windermere Services has done a great job in arming Windermere agents with the legal verbage appropriate for FSBO situations. Agents also need to recognize to refer the FSBO seller to an attorney for any contract questions.

Yes FSBO can be more work and liability but they will always be a part of our real estate marketplace and for that reason agents need to take the time to ask the questions necessary to prepare themselves for the eventuality that they will at some point be in a FSBO sale situation.

Happy Flipping! - Tue Mar 18 2008, 09:05

I am uncertain what Britney John is talking about in regards to havign to be under contract in order to represent someone. Agency law is clear that by engaging to provide brokerage services you are bound by agency law and there is nothing that states you have to be under contract to represent a party in searching for or making an offer on real property. In fact certain elements of agency law endure beyond the closing of a sale.

An agent approaching a FSBO for a buyer would be wise to have a buyer agent agreement so that if the seller does not pay an SOC the agent knows thye will be paid by the buyer.

The NWMLS optional clauses addendum includes a paragraph for commissions to be paid on an unlisted property. This is where an agent would specify their desited amount for an SOC. If the seller accepts the contract and then refuses to pay the commission then there is a breach of contract issue.

I applaud MIke for being open to working with buyers agents. He obviously has the experience, skill and determination to make his fix and flip business a success.

Agents that don't work with FSBO's because they are worried about their commissions really need to 1: reread the purchase and sale agreement to understand the addenda available, 2: need to become familiar with buyer agency agreements, and lastly need to check where their motivation lies. Is it with the pursuit of commissions or helping their buyer clients find a home. - Mon Mar 17 2008, 18:50

Try contacting a local Realtor. They should have access to the last listed sale price.

If that does not work try going to the county assessors office. They will have a copy of the last recorded deed. The county offices will give what is public information and the sale price may not be public.

There are online resources such as Realist.com and Realtor.com that may have what you are looking for.

Zillow pulls much of their information from county records and other sources.

Again, a local Realtor should be able to help you with this information. A Realtor will most likely be a lot more accessible than the county offices and it is often hard to tell what level quality you get with online information. - Mon Mar 3 2008, 19:23

There are many resources for finding out the last sale price of a home. The two best are either a local Real Estate professional, or the Assessor/Treasurer for the municpal area. A third place to look is a title company in your area. They may be limited in what information they can share but still worth contacting.

Realtors have access to the Multiple Listing Service for your area and the sale price should be archived for future reference. If it was a for sale by owner or other non-listed sale the county offices will always have a copy of the last recorded deed. - Mon Mar 3 2008, 19:15

Bamboo is a great, sustainably produced flooring material. Look for local sources that can give you referal and reference on the many different products and producers. I like 'strand' bamboo which has more hardwood look. Check out the link below. It is an Enviromental Home Center in the Seattle are, but may very well be able to point to resourses in your area. - Mon Mar 3 2008, 16:51

A great area to look into is the Kitsap Peninsula. Cities such as Bremerton, Silverdale, poulsbo, Bainbridge Island and Gig Harbor. All of these communities offer easy access to the greater Seattle area yet retain a great rural feel. An hour from Poulsbo can put you in Seattle or in the Olympic Mountains! All of this without the Seattle prices. - Mon Mar 3 2008, 16:46