"If Google is the Web's reference library, Technorati is becoming its coffee house." This is a quote from Time Magazine and, frankly, they got it right. Last month I was having a conversation with Larry Cragun, the founder of the Undressed Network of Community Blogs, regarding how bloggers can find out more about the phenomena of blogging, how blogs are ranked and if there was an organization that tracked the "best blogs" He immediately said TECHNORATI.COM. For those of you unfamiliar with Technorait, it is (in its own words): "is the recognized authority on what's happening on the World Live Web, right now." I highly recommend Technorati for those of you who are currently blogging. There are a huge number of valuable resources to help you navigate the HUGE world of blogging. Required ... 11/21/2008

What do you believe? I don't mean your religious dogma. If you could express your most powerfully held individual beliefs derived from your experiences and motivations in life, what would you tell the world? How would you do this? Read further for an answer: In 2005 one of the most inspiring and insightful radio programs of the last century was revived by two producers connected with National Public Radio, Dan Gediman and Jay Allison. This I Believe was created by Edward R. Murrow and was broadcast on CBS Radio from 1951-1955. The show featured five-minute essays by both famous and regular folks read over the air and broadcast on many CBS stations, on the Voice of America and on the U.S. Armed Forces Network to over 97 foreign countries. Over the years, several print versions of the ess... 11/10/2008

1st, the Brutal Facts The euphoria of this week's Presidential election is quickly wearing off. The ten-million pound gorilla, ECONOMIC CRISIS, is sitting smack-dab in the middle of our national living room. Friday's press conference by President Elect Obama was sober and somber. President Bush's reassurances that his administration will help with this difficult transition helped magnify the fragility in the current American economy. Then, there were the Real Estate market reports and press releases from the local multiple service and newspapers. I must say, up-front, that there is little in these reports that makes one want to rush right out and buy a house. In fact it's obvious that the self-appointed leaders in the area aren't facing facts: The NWMLS press release from November 6th ... 11/09/2008

We elected a new President on Tuesday. It sounds so simple, yet, it’s the single most important right we have in America. This week brought about a huge shift in our awareness as a nation and as a people. Unless you’re a dead stone, it’s impossible to ignore the renewed sense of connection with our culture and politics. For the first time in many years a sense of hope pushed aside the angst and uncertainty that has permeated our society in the midst of war, financial collapse and indifference. And yet, you and I both know that we face huge challenges in the coming years. Our industry, which is at the heart of the financial crisis, has suffered greatly this last year. Many of my colleagues have left the real estate business. Several have had to file for bankruptcy. There’s been a lot of... 11/08/2008

The Federal Reserve again lowered a key interest rate by .5% to 1%. This interest rate is called the “federal funds rate” which is the interest banks charge each other on overnight loans. From an historical perspective, this rate has not been lower since 1958 and represents an aggressive move by the Fed to restore confidence in the market and stimulate banks to make loans. But here’s an important question: What impact does this interest rate cut have on the consumer’s mortgage rates, credit card interest or other loans? Does a reduction in this rate matter? Will home owners in Seattle, Kenmore or New York City be able to get a better rate on their mortgages? Well, the short answer is yes. In the long-term the theory is that lowering this interest rate exerts downward pressure on the wh... 10/29/2008

In a former life, I was Mr. Freeze. I'm not kidding. I was a licensed bill collector in 50 states and my pseudonym was Mr. Richard Freeze. I was in the Credit Industry for many years and I worked both sides of the business. I collected and I also educated the public on sane money management. Before Mr. Freeze went "underground" he also worked for Consumer Credit Counseling Service which was one of the best jobs ever. I became the Financial Curmudgeon because, for so many years, I observed how most Americans get themselves into financial trouble: simply put, they don't know the meaning of the word "enough." In a larger sense there is a certain "class" of individuals who feel they are above the law (let's call them what they are: the wealthy elite financial class) who have perpetrated hu... 10/27/2008

How are you dealing with all of the technological changes in your life? Let's face it, iPods, computers, telecommunication technology and other tools have literally transformed our world. I don't know about you in your career but as a Realtor (c) it's incredibly important that I keep up with a MASSIVE amount of information. I must also adapt to new communication technology (phone and computer) and I need to distill all of this "stuff" into a coherent package (or toolkit) that I can use to be effective in my work as a real estate agent. This very blog is the result of a huge number of technologies working together. Trying to keep up is like drinking through a fire hose. It wasn't so long ago that things were........different. A good friend of my sent me a link to an interesting and help... 10/20/2008

King 5 News is a large, local news dynasty in Seattle, WA. Today they published an interesting link to an on-line test for would-be millionaires. The test was developed by Jeff Lehman, author of the book: The Frugal Millionaires.For those of you who would like to know if you're  "millionaire" material just click the picture below and take the test: This is a fun test. Nothing too heavy-duty, but after you've beaten yourself up, it would be great to administer it to your spouse or children. Use it as a "teaching moment." For many years I gave money management & Credit seminars to high school students and adults (I worked for Consumer Credit Counseling Service). I always tried to focus my audiences on the fact that most wealthy people in America got that way by being FRUGAL. One of the b... 10/15/2008

Redfin began it's adventure into the Real Estate world in 2004 which was a very different time than today: home sales were easy; everyone had a real estate license or was a loan officer; houses were selling quickly and an irrational exuberance permeated the world. Then Redfin came along with some new ideas about working with clients (buyers and sellers) and this model was an immediate hit with some of the public. Obviously, Redfin had found a need and filled it. Good job! Yes, and the media rewarded Redfin's CEO, Glenn Kelman, with interviews, print articles and a wonderfully provocative spot on 60 Minutes. I recall how many of my colleagues were angry and frustrated that yet another "business model" had entered the marketplace. So why would the current real estate community be so angr... 10/14/2008

The ad above appeared in the Northwest Magazine insert of the Seattle Times today. Geoff Wood, the CEO of Windermere Real Estate has exerpted the words of his agent Leanne Finlay who wrote these timely words in her blog. The message: TAKE YOUR HOME OFF THE MARKET! When I read this, I almost dropped my coffee in my lap! Finally, a reputable real estate company coming clean and telling the truth: The market doesn't need more overpriced houses. Sellers, revisit your priorities and do the right thing. Stay put for the time being. After all, didn't you buy your home to enjoy? In my post yesterday , I suggested that both the real estate industry and the sellers need to be more honest about the current market. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. 10/12/2008

Read this story about Joe Sixpack and the Subprime Crisis.  Then come back here and tell me who is to blame in that story. Was it Joe...who by the end of the story becomes "Joe Sixpack"?  Was it the Realtor?  Was it the Lender?  Was it the diappearance of the lenders who were supposed to do the re-fi in two years?  Maybe it was the purchase of the puppy that broke the camel's back. I'm sure you can all relate to this story and how it just crept along to where we are now...hard to find the villains in it.  But we're all experienced professionals, so let's give it a try. I look forward to reading your comments.   10/11/2008

I finally had an opportunity to listen to This American Life's program entitled: "Giant Pool of Money." My friends, this should be required listening BY ALL AMERICANS. It is  the most articulate explanations of this complex situation I've found. This program brings the listener right into the heads of the brokers, sales people and banks that are at the root of our current situation. Just click on the picture below...........enjoy..... 10/10/2008

Here in the Pacific Northwest, in spite of what the media proclaims, we are experiencing a serious slump in housing sales. I like the picture above as it's emblematic of what the sellers and the real estate agents need to do: they all need a serious brain scan. As a Realtor (c), I spend a lot of time pondering the market to discover the best way to solve my clients' challenges. After taking a few moments to look at the current market in Kenmore (my home town) I'm convinced that the same old process of selling one's home (e.g. hang a sign in the front yard, putting flyers out, doing open houses, running an ad in the local paper, etc.) with or without an agent is an inadequate strategy in the current market. Allow me to point out some facts about Kenmore today: There are currently 204 ac... 10/10/2008

Picture by Isobel T Most of us have heard of the 16th Centur Pahrmacist/seer Nostradamus who has been credited with the prediction of wars, Hitler, natural disasters, etc.. Unfortunately, or fortunately, he didn't have much to say about the current world financial crisis. One reason is that they didn't have the complex financial systems of today (can you say credit swap?) My point is that it's in our nature to try and make sense of the the trouble we find ourselves in. So who do we turn to for an opinion about the future of Real Estate? Who has the crystal ball? When it comes to real estate I usually turn to the predictions of economists.....at least for a little guidance. OK, I know what you're thinking: those bozos have predicted the last 10 recessions that never happened. Fair enoug... 10/08/2008

The City of Kenmore is celebrating its 10th Anniversary!  Saturday, August 30, 2008 Beginning at 4PM What's going on in Kenmore? The festivities begin at 4PM at Log Boom Park  and go all the way to a special outdoor showing of Ratatouille from 9PM to 10:50.  This one looks great!  Check out more details here for the scheduling of this and other events for the afternoon: Kenmore Birthday Party Kenmore is a great Seattle suburb on the Northern shores of Lake Washington - thinking about moving to Kenmore?  Search Kenmore real estate! 08/29/2008

Acapulco Fresh in Kenmore is a great place for Mexican Food!  The salsa is fresh and the food is wonderful!  Acapulco Fresh is a chain, but I love the Kenmore location.  Where can you find it? 6016 NE Bothell Way # DKenmore, WA 98028(425) 482-0334 Acapulco Fresh has a great menu with lots of choices - I love their Salsa Negra and they have wonderful vegetarian food alongside their juicy meat options.  There is always something for everyone here!  Go check out Acapulco Fresh when you get hungry!  08/19/2008

Friday's Did You Know? Before Kenmore was Kenmore... Did you know, that before Kenmore was a city that it was mostly dense forest owned by investors?  The major land holder was Philo Remington, the man who invented Remington guns.  Kenmore all began when Mr. Remington sold some of his property to Watson C. Squire, his son in law and last territorial governor of Washington, who promptly erected a water tower.  This water tower and availability  of water attracted Kenmores first residents... water squatters.  Once Kenmore became a city, the real fun began... prohibition, nudist colonies, speakeasy's and a brawling bloody nightlife!  Stay tuned for another Friday's Did You Know!Brian PerryEastside Realtorhttp://www.425realty.com/ 10/26/2007

Kenmore homes are some of the best values in the region.  The town's rich history, diverse population, and unique location provide numerous reasons to live in one of the many, desirable Kenmore homes.Some of the most beautiful homes in Pacific Northwest are Kenmore homes.  Magnificent water views, golf courses as backyards, and large, private lots are just a few of the traits one can find in Kenmore.  Since some of these incredible Kenmore homes were built in the 1980s or 1990s instead of the last few years, they are hundreds of thousands of dollars less expensive than brand-new houses with identical perks.   Extravagant houses do not dominate Kenmore neighborhoods, of course.  While many "average" houses within a short commute of Seattle cost well over a half million dollars, buyers ca... 10/06/2007

Kenmore condominiums provide superior living at affordable prices.  With hundreds of attractive units to choose from, one can find a Kenmore condominium to suit any lifestyle.Those at the start or in the midst of their career find living in Kenmore condominiums incredibly convenient.  Kenmore condominiums are only a few, short minutes from some of the region's main transportation routes.  Bothell Way runs through the city, and Interstate 405 is just minutes away from the town.  This quick commute is perfect for those working in Seattle, Kirkland, Redmond, or other urban hubs with significantly higher costs of living than Kenmore's.Many residents of Kenmore condominiums don't commute at all, however.  A self-sustained community, a number of condos are located just a quick stroll from sho... 10/06/2007

.style1 { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; } .style4 { font-family: serif; } .style5 { font-size: small; } .style3 { font-size: medium; color: #800000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; } Thursdays in July & August 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Saint Edward State Park The popular Kenmore Summer Concerts at St. Edward State Park are all set to begin on Thursday, July 3rd. Bring a picnic or buy a hot meal and enjoy the marvelous summer evening in the park. The lineup is lively and diverse, so there is always something for everyone to enjoy! Thursday 7/3 Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown A Reggae Party! Thursday 7/10 Eileen Jewell Timeless Country Blues Thursday 7/17 Steven Espaniola Hawaii's New Artist of the Year Thursday 7/24 Chuck Prophet Americana Rock & Roll... 05/26/2007