$8,000 First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit or $6500 Homebuyer Tax Credit for people in Vancouver and Clark County Washington

For more information on the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit visit:

http://WAHomeowners.com

New day in the world of home inspections in Washington State

The licensing of Home Inspectors is now being phased in. Since 1991 home inspectors in Washington have only been licensed by the Dept. of Agriculture to perform Wood Destroying Organisms Inspections. The rest of the inspection was unregulated.

In 2008, new legislation established a Home Inspector Licensing Advisory Board to develop a Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, Reporting, Education, and Knowledge Testing requirements. Now, 24 hours of Continuing Education every two years are required.

Experienced inspectors had until 9/1/2009 to become “Grandfathered.” These inspectors are now licensed and their license number is to be on all advertising. Other inspectors are being “phased in” and all must be licensed by July 1, 2010, in order to operate in the state of WA

To become licensed, a new inspector without any experience has to complete 120 hours of classroom training, 40 hours of field training (including 5 inspections) and pass both the National and State Home Inspector Examinations. Realtors are to only refer “licensed” inspectors.

Oh Boy! It’s a New Year… We Get to Start Over – WHEW

And aren’t you glad.   We’re all hoping for a better year than last.  I found these interesting real estate statistics.  You can really see why newspapers are struggling – a lot of people don’t even read them anymore!

1999: 37% of buyers searched for a home online. 2009: 90% of buyers searched for a home online.

1999: median home value is $137,600. 2009: median home value is $172,600 (but not that some reports reflect that when accounting for inflation, the value hasn’t changed at all this decade).

1999: 82% of buyers purchased detached, single family homes. 2009: 78% of buyers purchased detached, single family homes.

1999: 46% of buyers choose suburban neighborhoods. 2009: 54% of buyers choose suburban neighborhoods.

1999: 68% of buyers were married couples. 2009: 60% of buyers are married couples.

1999 and 2009: the median age for buyers was 39.

1999 and 2009: “neighborhood quality, affordability, and convenience to work and school have consistently been top priorities.”

CHECK OUT THIS CHART!!!

 

Updated 2009 chart showing the National Average Mortgage Rates for the previous 46 years

Skwish’s Thanksgiving Tidbits

Dad got his name in the paper

Marketplace: Housing poised for recovery

Saturday, March 14 | 5:15 p.m.

BY JULIA ANDERSON,
COLUMBIAN BUSINESS EDITOR

Julia Anderson

Scott Mikel

 

Two longtime Clark County housing industry professionals — one on the construction side of the business, the other on the selling side — see reasons why our housing market is poised for some sort of recovery.

Builder Jon Girod of Quail Homes in Vancouver said last week that his company has seen an increase in first-time home buyer activity in the $180,000 to $280,000 price range.

“Prices have come down enough that our research shows about 19 percent of area households can again afford to buy a home,” Girod said. “That has been about the average for the past 20 years. With the $8,000 Obama tax credit to first-time buyers, home construction well below averages and (federal) bailout money in the pipeline, it looks like home building and sales might improve.”

Girod’s graphs show that housing starts spike after big downturns such as the one we are experiencing. He expects that to happen again.

“At the end of 2008, we saw home sales increase in six states including California,” he said. “We tend to follow.” He sees inventory and prices stabilizing and buyer interest improving.

“Home prices here increased at an average rate of 8 percent a year from 2000 to 2008,” he said. “That is twice as fast as the average increase of the 10 years from 1990 to 2000. The market had to have a correction of about 25 percent to get back to the average. That’s about what we’ve had.”

In the past year, the median price of houses sold in Clark County has dropped 8 percent to $239,000. But in upper-end categories — $500,000 and above — there have been more dramatic price declines.

Meanwhile, Clark County Realtor Scott Mikel also has been tracking data that give him hope for recovery.

Mikel looks at pending home sales, where a buyer has officially made an offer on a house. He compares pending sales to the total number of houses for sale in the market. A year ago, the ratio was heading into deep negative territory; this year the market seems to be clawing its way back.

Mikel said Clark County housing hit bottom in July 2008 when more than 5,400 houses were for sale here. That total has dropped to 4,180.

“Yes, there are a lot of foreclosures and yes, some people have pulled their homes off the market,” he said. “But if we get below 4,000 that will take us back to 2007.”

Pending sales grew by 11 percent in February and closed sales increased by 10 percent from January, according to the RMLS multiple listing service in Portland.

“Since a large part of the economy is driven by consumer confidence and attitude, I think we are missing an important component if we just report the transfer of title that is often old news and not people’s ‘intent to purchase,’ which is in many ways a better indicator of current confidence,” Mikel said.

Both Girod and Mikel have been in the business a long time and use numbers, not emotion, to plan strategy. Both see a housing recovery on the horizon.

 

Skwish’s Tidbits

 

Skwish’s Tidbits                                Marketing Mogul for Scott Mikel & Associates March 11, 2009   IN THIS ISSUE 1. News from Skwish 2. A Contest! 3.  National News 4.  Local News 5.  What We Can Do For You             Scott Mikel & Associates Over-the-Top Training          http://www.agentmikel.com       Name-The-Mini Contest Think of something real fun – you know, like “Skwish” – only for a girl Rules:  Only 7 letters – it’s gotta fit on a license plate Deadline:   March 30 Email your name ideas to: skwish@agentmikel.com Prize: $25 Gift Certificate to Vancouver Pizza It’s the Best You Know                 I’m Just a Bill - But tomorrow I may be a Law Click on my Picture to hear my story                           News From Skwish Hi Friends,   Skwish here – you probably don’t even remember me it’s been so long since I got my turn at the computer.  I’m the Marketing Mogul for Scott Mikel & Associates and everyone used to know me and I used to have great parties for all my friends, then something happened and my parents – Scott and Sam – started talking about the B word – “BUDGET!    It’s been awful – they said, “no birthday party this year” – I didn’t sign up for this – my contract doesn’t say ANYTHING about a budget – they won’t listen to reason!   And that’s not all.  They just about froze me to death – first a budget – then SNOW.  The shop is full of tools and my garage is full of wood – go figure.  The white stuff might look pretty to you but you probably don’t have to sleep in the street!    But I’m told it’s not all about me although I can’t figure out why :(                                   We’re Having a Contest On a brighter note -  Valinda Beasley, one of our agents, showed up at the office meeting last month with new wheels – and it looks like we may have been born in the same Country. It’s real pretty  - must be a girl.  It doesn’t have a name so I was told we could have a contest (no party mind you – just a contest).  Valinda  and Ms. Mini hang around in Battle Ground a lot, but she does get around to other parts of the county so be on the lookout for her. And be sure to honk and wave when you see her – she hardly knows anyone.  She has a Scott Mikel & Associates sign in her back windows just like mine so you’ll recognize her.                         Green is a state of mind And we’re almost GREEN (I checked – I get to stay red ).  All of our agents have set up Home Offices (in their homes J ).  We are able to connect with each other by computer meetings when necessary (like if someone is on the beach in HA), we have training meetings (not just an “announcements” meeting) every week, which makes us about the best trained agents in town. We are now printing an average of perhaps 10 pages per transaction rather than 300.  Agents are able to turn in their paperwork electronically and the customers don’t have to have all that paper either – unless of course they insist.  It’s been a lot of work but it’s starting to work like a well-oiled machine (and I know about that!) What about Bill. And did you hear about Bill!  I could get into politics if the training was like this!  Click on Bill’s picture to see how a Bill becomes a Law.  This one’s great for kids as well as adults.                  Now on to real estate:  Here’s what you may want to know or need to know about the real estate market and some other stuff, too.  I’ll let the real estate “people” take over here and warn them to be brief.  In my opinion, that stuff can be pretty boring.     Back to top   National Real Estate News NATIONAL (Don’t zone out – there’s some good stuff here) 1.     NAR (that would be the National Association of Realtors) is actually predicting a modest improvement in home sales from last year and an increase in national average prices.  Prices have dropped nationally about 12% from their peak in 2006, from a national median of $221,900 to $198,600.  Some markets have dropped even more, with as much as 30% in LA and 24% in LV.  Still NAR expects sales to turn a corner in 2009.  Here’s what they are saying: Existing Home 2007 2008 2009 Price changes -1.4% -9.3% 1.1%   New Home 2007 2008 2009 Price changes .3% -7.7% 1.4% Housing starts are expected to continue to head down, which is not good for builders, but is good for inventory levels.  Delinquencies and short sales are projected to rise in 2009 which will keep a downward pressure on prices.    Our office tracks New Listings and Pendings every week and has for 2 years – in fact Scott is on the phone w/ the Columbian right now. The inventory is finally starting to go down and sales are starting to go up   2.    Realtors supported the $8,000 “tax credit” for first-time (those who haven’t owned in at least three years)  home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence in by December 1, 2009.  The repayment requirement is eliminated if you hold the property for at least three years (Click here for details).  We are already showing homes to people who want to take advantage of this legislation.   3.    There are excellent loan programs for first-time buyers and FHA loans are very popular again with a 3.5% down payment.   4.  Here’s Info on the Making Home Affordable program.   This is for those who believe they owe more on their mortgage than your home is worth.  Click here for more info               Back to top LOCAL   1.   The market was really, really slow from fall through mid-February.  Now we are busy showing houses.          Last weekend both Scott and I showed properties.  We checked about 90 listings to show 12.  When we called to make appointments that day, 3 of those had just sold.  There are some very nice homes available at excellent prices – and lots of not-so-good houses which still won’t sell when they are priced even lower than they are now.  It pays to buy the “really good houses” though as those will be the best investments when it’s eventually time to sell.   While there is still a lot of inventory, the buyers are starting to pick the cream off the top.   Low prices have started driving sales up.  It is the best time to buy a house we have ever seen.   There are a lot of choices, prices are excellent and interest rates are very low.   2.     Some of you have asked about Short Sales or Foreclosures.  In Clark County, about 1 of 4 sales is a short sale or foreclosure.  The average dollar per square foot between homes just “sold” and those which were Short sales or Foreclosures is about $6.  Many, not all, of those homes are not in real good locations or/and they need work.  So if you are talking about a 2000 square foot home, you might pay about $12,000 less if it is a short sale or foreclosure.  Here’s how they work.   Short Sale:  Seller owes more than the house is worth on today’s market; often referred to as “upside down”.  The seller puts a price on the home at market value (difficult to establish sometimes in this market). That price is lowered periodically until there are, hopefully (for the bank that is) several offers.  That usually takes a month or more .  The bank then negotiates with the seller as to terms on which the bank will agree to take less than is owed on the house.  From offer to finish, a short sale may take 4-6 months.  Of course, if you are the buyer, you may not know if the bank will accept your bid for several months – which means you don’t want to get to attached to the property.   Foreclosure:  The bank has already foreclosed on the house and can sell it readily without more negotiations with the previous owner, not much different from buying a house from a seller except no emotion,  more paperwork and fewer disclosures from the seller.   3.    So what about prices of the rest of the homes.  The prices on the Short Sales and Foreclosures have driven the prices down on other listings, those in which the seller is NOT “upside down.”  These are often the bargains.  They are often the ones in the best condition and can be in better areas.    4.    Will prices go back up.  We assume so.  They always have.   5.    Are we at the bottom.  Don’t know, but it certainly feels like we are close.  There is a hazard in timing the market.  Once prices are headed back up, you will again be competing for the best houses.   6.    My tax bill is too high.  What can I do. On March 11, Scott and I went to a meeting w/ the County Assessor.  We were curious about the assessments vs. current value as we know many properties are worth more than they are assessed at and I’m sure there will be a lot of people appealing their assessment.         There is a budget to fill and this is the way it is filled:  Budget divided by total assessment of all county properties = Rate.  So even if the budget remained the same, and the total assessment of all county properties went down  – then the rate would go up – hence your tax bill wouldn’t change.          There’s lots of info on the county site at:  www.clark.wa.gov/assessor    7.       What about improvements.  Check out this websites for federal tax benefits:                           Click for more information:  Federal Tax Benefits   PUD also has some great low interest loans for furnaces and weatherization.  There’s lots of good information right here.    There’s lots of good information   http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com/search.SearchableText=loans   ___________________________________________________     Things we can do for you: 1.     VERY COOL PROGRAM - If you are thinking about thinking about buying a house, and want to start watching the inventory , just e-mail or call us and tell us the price range and any other details, and we can set up an MLS search that will send you all the listings with your parameters and then will receive an automatic update daily for new listings AS SOON AS they hit the market. You can change the areas of your search or unsubscribe any time. 2.    If you would  like to watch the market on homes similar to yours, or homes in your neighborhood – to see what they are selling for – we can set the same search up for that.   Once we set up these searches, they run automatically until you tell them to stop so it doesn’t bother us.  It is a service for you that we purchase for you; it doesn’t cost you anything.   3.    If you are thinking of selling and buying and you may need to sell at a price lower than a couple of years ago, remember that the house you will be buying will also be lower than you would have paid.  It’s nice to sell high and buy low – but that only works in dreams!  Plus, the interest rates may be lower than you are currently paying (which is a big plus) and there are lots of properties to choose from.  4.    If you need a referral for a painter, fix-it person, real estate attorney, or whatever, we have a fairly complete Who Does It list.  If you have had particularly good luck with anyone, let us know and we’ll add that person/company to the list.  It helps everyone when we help each other. On that note, one of our friends – and customer Mona Moyer has spent so much time helping her friends that she just started a business to do that.  If you just want someone to come in and work with you on your computer to learn Outlook, Word, Power Point, you-name-it, she is the one to call.  She has lots of experience, very reasonably priced, has a Senior Discount – and is a wonderful (and gentle) person.  Check out her web site at www.computermentor.net  and if you’re not even sure how to do that, give her a call at 360-448-7227. 5.    If you just want to know if you can buy a home – or if now is the time – and are not sure what you can afford, just let us know and we’ll get you “pre-qualified.”  It doesn’t cost you a dime J 6.     On a non-real-estate note, some of us are doing Volkswalks on Saturdays.  Those are organized 6 mile walks usually starting about 9:00 a.m.  It takes 2 hours, plus whatever time you want after for coffee or lunch.  Let me know if you’d like to be on that e-mail list.  They are in pretty fun places around Portland and Vancouver.  Saturday we met in NW Portland and walked up into the neighborhoods to the west and ended back down past all the fun shops and stopped at Elephants for muffins and coffee.  It was wonderful.  Skwish usually gets to go, too (not on the walk of course).    Check out these web sites:   http://walking.about.com/library/walk/blcrvc.htm http://www.walkoregon.org/eventlst.htm   7.  Just got a note from our friend and local author Robin Gunn.  There’s a writers workshop (for men and women)Sunday March 14 and she says there’s a few places left so if that’s just the thing for you, e-mail me at Skwish@AgentMikel.com and I’ll send you the details   OK folks,  sorry this is so long, but that’s what happens when we don’t talk for a long time – there’s lots to catch up on.    If you don’t want to get these, just send us an e-mail… certainly don’t want to bother you – not a good way to make friends – and we know how irritating e-mail is anyway.  Or if you know anyone who wants to be on my e-mail list, let me know that, too.    Honk when you pass.  Don’t forget about the “CONTEST.”   If you want to say anything nice about me (well about any of us), just jot a note and we’ll post it in our “nice things” postings. The sun is out and I’m thinking it’s time for an LCD (Long County Drive for those of you who don’t know)! Remember, I don’t want to BUG anyone, and I know you get way too much e-mail, so please just reply and write UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line and I’ll understand.  My email address is Skwish@AgentMikel.com   Affectionately, Skwish, Marketing Mogul             With a little help from Scott and Sam Scott and Sam Mikel Scott Mikel & Associates 3502 Washington Street Vancouver, WA  98660 sam@agentmikel.com Scott@agentmikel.com Skwish@agentmikel.com Direct.  360.921.0068 http://agentmikel.com   Back to top   Scott Mikel & Associates 3502 Washington Street Vancouver, WA 98660 Phone: 360.921.0068   If you wish to unsubscribe, just e-mail me at Skwish@AgentMikel.com w/ Unsubscribe in the Subject Line (P.S.  I have to know which e-mail to Unsubscribe or I can’t do it) Also, feel free to contact me if you have real estate questions.  I’ll forward them on to the real estate people in the office!

 

Skwish on the Economy

So, you say, what does a Mini Cooper know about such things!  Well, I know that I’m not allowed to go out to eat as often… and it depends on how much Premium is whether I get to stop at all!  And once I had to drink Regular… yuckth.  And I need new tires – and I don’t have them yet – never had to beg before.  They keep saying the “b” word – (that would be “budget”).

People keep asking how our real estate business is – so here goes:

Interest rates are excellent – incredible prices – scared buyers – lots of inventory – that’s it. 

We have little doubt that the housing market will come back – it’s just a matter of when.  If you have thought about purchasing an investment property or a different home, there is no better time than now.  There are a lot of people who would like to sell and move but don’t want to “lose” money doing so.  “Losing” means losing perceived equity – you never “gained” it if you didn’t sell, you just felt good because you believed you would have a larger equity than you do now.  Most sellers, in our experience, actually have less equity than they think – even in a great market.  Something about human nature I guess.  (When we sell a house, we have another agent come in and help price it, because we turn into a “regular” seller and think our house is worth more than the market will bear - totally normal behavior :)  So a seller really isn’t ”losing,” he just isn’t gaining as much as he would have if he had sold in 2005 – 2006. 

Many sellers want to wait until the market “comes back.”  It might be several years for prices to get back to 2005-6 levels. 

Let’s say you wait – let’s say 3-4 (or whatever) years – to sell, and you are now able to sell for what you think is an acceptable (to you) price, what has happened to the property you wish to purchase?

There will definitely be fewer properties to choose from, which makes you paying a “premium” for the “best” properties – just like people were doing in the past few years.  Interest rates may very well be higher – that’s an unknown.  And the property you wish to purchase will also have increased in value.

Banks are still loaning money – it’s just really nice to have a down payment, like old times (you know, 10 years ago or so).  FHA and VA have some really good programs with low down payment – some are Zero Down, and sellers who are anxious to sell are pretty happy to help you out in obtaining those loans.  That isn’t necessarity the case after the market “comes back,” especially with new restrictions on appraisers and lenders who are under additional scrutiny.

A few years ago, we had buyers who wanted to buy, but needed to find a home under $200,000.  Finding them a house was darn near impossible.   They were often sold within hours with buyers bidding against each other.   According to the local Multiple Listing Service, today there are 475 homes on the market between $149,900 and $200,000 and there are 874 homes on the market between $200,000 – $250,000.  So whatever price range you are in, just think about the choices you have – you won’t have them when your property gains that value back you believe you have lost.

Just one more thing to think about… we hear buyers say they don’t want to buy until the market hits bottom.  When is that?  We won’t know it hit bottom until it starts going up – then it’s too late to have the choices and prices you do today.

Great big question:  If you do want to move, will waiting be worth it? 

That’s car talk on the economy for the day.  Think about it.  (Bet you didn’t realize how much I do know about what’s going on, huh… whew  – that took it out of me – time for a nice drive in the country… oh yeah, gotta check the “b” word to see if I can have a tank of gas.)

Your friend, Skwish

P.S.  Thanks for honking and frantically waving when you see me on the road.  I always try to respond but my drivers are a bit slow on the uptake.

To Remodel or Not    to Remodel?   That is the question…	SKWISH Tidbits                            Fun Reliable Honest
Go Look at my Blog for Pictures	Dads Remodeling again! Dad is tearing up the kitchen.  The guy just gets bored I guess.  They’re taking out a bedroom and enlarging the kitchen.   Mom wanted to know what the prospects for resale would be so I told her to look at this website. Thought you might like to know. IS A REMODEL PROJECT WORTH THE MONEY?  TAKE A LOOK!http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/portland.html
Fun Reliable Honest

Wild Weather!

Boy, we had some wild weather last Thursday.  About noontime Vancouver had an F-1 tornado touchdown, starting in the Vancouver Lake area, moved east toward Hazel Dell, bounced along and ended somewhere in Brush Prairie.  The last recorded tornado in this area was in 1972.  So don’t rush and pack your things up.  I would say Clark County has rather mild weather compared to the mid-west (as far as tornadoes go). 

A sister to one of our peeps here in the office lives in northeast Vancouver near Brush Prairie, reported that the tornado touched down in their back pasture.  Thank God it didn’t touch their house!  We’re sorry to say they lost several trees, snapped the tops off several more and uprooted a 100-year old oak tree that was about 200′ tall.  That oak tree could be a furniture makers delight – it’s a straight oak for about 75′.  Know any takers?  Here are a few pictures:

                 

To the daughter’s dismay, down with the trees came a handcrafted (rather cool) tire swing and a zip line the kids often enjoyed.  The daughter’s response was “I don’t want to live here anymore where they have tornadoes I want to live somewhere safe like Hawaii where they only have Salami’s”.  Her mother figured out and clarified that what she meant was ”Tsunami’s”.  The daughter was explained that fact that both tornadoes and tsunami’s can be very dangerous and deadly.  (to be eight years old again-such innocence-what a wonderful thing!).

SKWISHmas 2007

Hi everyone,

Thank you sooooo much for coming to our Christmas Open House on Friday.  Wow, I think we managed to stuff about 150 people in 1100 square feet.  It really got this old house into the Christmas spirit.  As you can see by the pictures a good time was had by all.  Merry Christmas to all from SKWISH and the GANG!!

Lori Walker goes off the market!!

One of my favorite agents, Lori Walker, was married this past week to Derek. I even got to go to the wedding, and yes, we ALL cried! I cried so hard that I think I need more wiper fluid. We are all excited for her. The couple honeymooned in Cancun, and she didn’t even take her computer. (How she gonna do real estate without email?) anyway,her body will be back to work Tuesday the 9th and her mind will be here shortly thereafter.  

                                   

CONGRATULATIONS DEREK & LORI!!!!       

Skwish’s  Tidbits

Marketing Mogul at Scott Mikel & Associates

Well, the market may be a little dizzy but my folks have been too busy to sit down with me and decide what to tell you folks.  It’s been a bit crazy around here but I finally got the big folks’ attention so I can write to you all.And for those of you who are new here, may I introduce myself.  My name is  “Skwish” – I know it’s spelled funny but if you get in my backseat, you will know where I got my name.  I’m a 2004 Mini Cooper  and I was hired as the Marketing Mogul for Scott Mikel & Associates and I consider all of you my friends.  They pay me all the premium unleded I can drink.  Very Important:  If you don’t want to receive these tidbits,  just e-mail me at Skwish@agentmikel.com and ask to be removed from my “Tidbits.”First and Foremost – here’s what’s going on in our office:

1.       Carrie Weaks has been promoted to Office Manager;  she will retain her real estate license and can help her customers as needed;

2.       Lori Walker got married yesterday!!!!  (So obviously she isn’t of much use right nowJ)  Congratulations to one of my favorite peeps. 

3.       Tina Coad is the one responsible for introducing Lori to Derek – hence Tina gets the task of taking care of Lori’s customers until Lori quits honeymooning (whatever that is all about.)

 4.    Terry Romel  is our newest agent.  He’s been around the real estate industry for many years and boy is he teaching us a thing or two.  He has to fold up a bit to get to ride with me, but so far no complaints (you never want to complain about the Marketing Mogul!)

5.       Parents (Scott and Sam) just keep at it – they actually can get boring – work, work, work!  Well, at least I stay gassed up. 

      Dad is  Chairman of the Realtors Foundation; it was just named one of the top 25 Charitable Foundations by the Vancouver Business Journal and he thinks that’s cool.  

      And the newest addition around the house is a funny looking 4-legged critter they named Smudge (you guess why).

 Next, Football and Cinetopia

Some of you know that Cinetopia is my favorite movie theatre.  (None of the others will let me inside – that’s where I had my second birthday party – see picture!) 

Well, they are going to have Monday Night Football there free – I guess you have to get there early to get a seat – then you get to see it on the great big screen.  Check it out on their website.

www.cinetopiatheaters.com 

Third, the Mayors’ and Community Leaders’        Sixth Annual Prayer Breakfast

Third, the Mayors’ and Community Leaders’ Sixth Annual Prayer Breakfast is next Wednesday (Oct 3) from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. (Yeah, that’s in the morning :))

I hear it’s really cool.  The big folks have some tickets to sell and seats are reserved, so if you would like to go, it’s $25 and the previous events have been excellent.  They’re looking at 400ish people to be there.  This year Rick Campbell and Karen Kingsbury are the featured speakers.  We’d love to have you sit with us if you’d like to come.  Just e-mail mom (that would be Sam – at sam@agentmikel.com) and she’ll save a ticket for you.  There’s still time to be a sponsor if you’d like.

Do they let Tigers in Church.  At Living Hope, they do!

There’s something cool happening at Living Hope Church this weekend and Monday:  Monday there is a free leadership event at 9:00 a.m. (Breakfast at 8:30 a.m.)  Taming the Tiger is a dynamic event involving live exotic animals – including a 350 pound tiger.  In this presentation, Dan Stockdale will be teaching principles for achieving success and mastering leadership while conquering the wild and unexpected challenges your team faces in the real world.  To register, go to Living Hope’s website or e-mail me and I’ll get you registered.  Did I say FREE – even breakfast.  I’ll be in the parking lot and greet you when you drive in. 

Dan is also in all the services this weekend – really cool, huh.  The pastor was hoping they fed the tiger first.  You’ll see them on the website – or e-mail me – I’ll let you know – we went this morning  (had to get Lori married yesterday).  (Again they wouldn’t let me in – a Tiger, but not a nice clean, tidy Mini Cooper). Boy were there lots of cars outside – which usually means lots of people inside.  You can go at 6:00 p.m. tonight or watch it online in a few days at www.livinghopechurch.com .

Fifth, (I know I’m supposed to keep my sermons to Three Points, but just stay in your pew a little bit longer), the females in my office are having a Jewelry Party on October 17 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  If you could please e-mail and let me know you will drop by, then that would be wonderful.  They probably won’t let me in for that either, but I can see from the back door.  Yessica Beckwith sells her jewelry in the summer at Farmers Market;  I’m told you are pretty lucky to get to check out her creations in the comfort of our office (w/ treats of course).  Jewelry really isn’t my thing, but if it keeps the ladies happy, then I’m happy – nothing worse than unhappy women – oh did I say that L

And FINALLY - THE MARKET!!!

So the Big Question:  Are you surprised that home prices are down. 

Some 18 months ago, home prices were rising about 7.5% nationally.  The historical average of price gains is 1-2% above the rate of inflation – making appreciation no more than 5% annually.  So I guess we shouldn’t panic when home appreciation rates are close to normal.  You know it is the what goes up, must come down theory. 

Well, guess I’d better sign off or none of you will be my friends.  Halloween is coming – anybody have any good ideas of what I should wear.   It’s really hard to find something when you are wider than you are tall, painted red all over and have white stripes!

I love to hear from you – anything you’d like to see in my Tidbits.  Just e-mail me and I’ll run it past the Tidbit Committee.  And honk when you drive by.

Love,

Skwish

“Skwish”

Marketing Mogul

Scott Mikel & Associates

1516 Franklin Street

Vancouver, WA  98660

skwish@agentmikel.com

or sam@agentmikel.com

Direct.  360.921.0068

http://agentmikel.com

Wow! What a PARDY!!

My Word! That was a blast! Thanks to all of my peeps who were able to come. Daisy was pleased too. We are just finishing Mom’s cake. We both (mom and I) got lots of presents. I even got a bottle of windshield washer fluid from my friend Vicki. I needed it after all that excitement. Here are some pictures of the event. We are already planning next year so as soon as we have a date we will let you know.

Now I’ll tell you my secret. I met this cute little number down at the gym where mom and the girls and I work out. We got to talking and one thing led to another and now we’re “seeing” each other. She is an 07 and she is in great shape I guess cuz she works out! Here is a picture of us at the party.

SkwishStuff

Hi Everyone,Wow – Spring is getting here – we can tell. When you sneak out in the morning to pick up the paper off the porch, and it still is really cold, and it’s still dark. . . the birds are singing about something. It must be spring! And the trees – and the flowers and the sweet smells – it’s so predictable yet so amazing every year.And another thing – Sunday was April Fools Day. That’s Sam’s anniversary of starting to sell real estate. I guess she was the April Fool :) Would you believe that was 31 years ago! That’s back when the file for a house sale or listing was 2 pages instead of 2 inches.

In fact, speaking of being around a long time, we will have a booth at the Senior Connections 11th Annual Expo at the Vancouver Hilton on Sunday, April 15 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come on down! We went last year and it is very cool. It only costs $2. We will have our computers set up to show all the homes in the county WITH NO STAIRS! Besides we’ll get a chance to visit. There’ll also be an Art Show, a Fashion Show, Free Health Screenings, Live Music, Giveaways and Prizes. Parking is $1.50 at the Vancouver Center – and remember Farmers Market has started.

And speaking of real estate – well some companies say they are slow – but we’re busy so don’t know what that’s all about. The statistics are always slow to come out, but we do have February’s now. In February 2005, in Clark County, there was only a 2.7 month supply of homes (that is if no new ones come on the market, it would take 2.7 months to sell every home that was for sale at that time). That is very low and 7-8 months is a more balanced market.

In February 2006, there was a 5.3 month supply, and in February 2007, there was a 7.8 month supply. However, that is down from 9.7 which was the number for January 2007. Prices are pretty stable, interest rates are low and it looks like it is a good time to purchase a home. February 2006 to February 2007 showed appreciation of 10.7% for the average sales price ($294,900 compared to $266,300 a year ago). (This appreciation figure includes Clark, Cowlitz and Pacific counties combined but quite fairly represents Clark County alone.)

And remember, if you are “thinking about thinking about” another home – we can help! Let us know what you are thinking – you know price range, type of home, location, etc., and we can have our very cool program daily send the brand new listings to your e-mail.
OR another cool thing – if you are “thinking about thinking about” selling – we can set up the same kind of search only this one details your own house – then you can watch daily the listings that might be similar to yours – or just watch your neighborhood to see what’s on the market – to give you an idea of the value of your own home. Some very cool tools out there. Be very, very, very cautious about Zillow unless your house is like every other house in the neighborhood! It can be waaaaaaaaaaaay off. The third attachment to this e-mail is a recent Columbian article by Cami Joiner that talks about Zillow – and Scott was quoted so that’s way OK.

The first attachment is an article you may find interesting as we are close to tax time and below are several good real estate articles plus one on children and allowances (I know – how does that relate to real estate :) .

Housing Counsel: Mortgage Interest Deduction:
http://realtytimes.com/rtcpages/20070122_deduction.htm

Broker Agent News – Free Client E-letter Content
Should you use your nest egg to pay off the mortgage or keep the tax deduction? Bankrate does some eye-opening math to help you with retirement questions. …www.brokeragentnews.com/prtnr/consumer_content.htmlBuying a new home
10 biggest mistakes home buyers make — If you can avoid falling into these traps, you’re likely to get a much better deal. …www.bankrate.com/brm/news/real-estate/reguide/buying-intro1.asp Should you use your nest egg to pay off the mortgage or keep the tax deduction? Bankrate does some eye-opening math to help you with retirement questions. …www.brokeragentnews.com/prtnr/consumer_content.htmlShould your kids get an allowance? – MSN Money
Most money experts agree that children should be given an allowance in order to learn financial skills at an early age. “Giving your kids an allowance is …articles.moneycentral.msn.com/CollegeAndFamily/RaiseKids/ShouldYourKidsGetAnAllowance.aspx?page=all PLUS – for you geeks or wanna be geeks – here’s our Cyber newsletter with some very cool tips:

http://www.REcyber.com/cybertips/Sammikel
And it’s about time to think about starting to do those Volkswalks you promised you’d be thinking about. Here’s a schedule for those in the area beginning on April 14, 2007 – http://www.ava.org/gen3/data/events_results.asp?StShortName=OR

Make a note that Friday, April 27th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. is the Mayor’s Walk. This is part of the Discovery Walks weekend sponsored by local Volksporting Clubs. There will be visitors here from all over the world to participate in walking, biking, swimming, events, and the Mayor’s Walk starts at the Hilton to kickstart the events. It’s 3 miles (you call all do that much – takes 1 – 1.5 hours (if you daudle – or however you spell that). I think it’s about $12 to participate, but there will be lots of activities going on and a fun time to check out Vancouver’s cool downtown.If there is anything in here you feel is worthwhile, please forward this e-mail. Also, please know that we are always here for you if you have questions you think we may be able to help with – there’s never any obligations. If you know anyone who would like to receive Skish’s Tidbits, please send an e-mail to skwish@agentmikel.com . He’s always looking for a girlfriend and spotted a potential over in Portland – She is an “older woman” (like she’s probably 45 years older than he is) – but he said she was in very good shape – so we’ll let you know if anything comes of it. He’s known to be fickle, as he had his eye on one in Hood River a couple of weeks ago – red of course – 7 years old but not many miles – he’s still looking.Also, if you’d want NOT to receive Skwish’s notes, just respond with “Remove” in the subject line. Skwish may have his feelings hurt, but he’ll get over it ;]If you have anything you’d like to share with everyone on Skwish’s list, he’d love to hear about it. Also, if you have something you’d like to advertise to sell or give away – or have a need – let me know and we’ll get the word out.

Skwish & Sam

I’v been siped!

Hi Folks,

Skwish here. Wow! Did I have a scary experience last week. My front shoes were nearly worn out so dad took me to Les Schawb’s to get new ones. I was just about finished and they asked if I wanted to get Siped? What on earth is that? I soon found Out.

http://www.lesschwab.com/siping.asp They put my tires on a big machine and make little cuts in the side wall. Its like acupuncture, or maybe more like getting something pierced but it really didn’t hurt.

Anyway its supposed to increase my traction, and since its getting to be winter I guess we don’t want any mini coopers sliding around downtown.
I still don’t know if it works but then again it hasn’t snowed yet.

Till next time, Drive Safe,

SKWISH

Who the heck is Skwish

Hi, You found my Blog!

The name is Skwish S-K-W-I-S-H. Let me tell ya about my life so far. I’m a two year old born in Oxford, Britain. My trip here was lots of fun. Right after I got out of the hospital they put me on a really cool race track and I got to go really fast. They were testing for birth defects I guess. Then they put me on a great big ship for a cruise where I got to visit and socialize with a bunch of friends from the same hospital.The cruise was really a blast, but it was way too short. After I got off the ship these guys with funny accents told me I had to get up on top of a huge truck and ride to Portland. It was awful. Smelly fumes; and the dirt! I had to ride umpteen hundred miles with my nose up some Hondas exhaust pipe. I finally got to Portland and after some minor adjustments my new parents were called to come pick me up. I already had my name and my favorite radio stations picked out on the big day. They got me up real early and gave me a bath at the dealership. I met my new parents and I was so excited I almost emptied my windshield squirter.

I ended up with two parents, and I heard this was the best of all worlds. They are “older”, one is just my size and the other looks really tall to me, this is ok too except my seat adjuster is getting an awful lot of use. One of my friends got a family with a teenage boy; I feel bad for him. Anyway you don’t get to pick your parents so I was feeling pretty lucky.

When I found out what they did for a living I was not so sure. They sell real estate and they wanted to include me on the team. I was content taking them back and forth to work but dad insisted that nobody had tried to sell real-estate in a Mini Cooper and it would be really cool. I finally agreed (what could I say, he makes my payments and pays my insurance). Fortunately I don’t show houses except when there is single person looking. I mostly go on listing appointments and look cute around the office. I do get noticed since they put this sign in my back window.

Here is my commercial in case you didn’t see it. Be sure to have your Speakers turned up..
http://www.skwishonline.com/

Here’s my e-mail address mailto:skwish@agentmikel.com?subject=Blog

Good Luck,

SKWISH