History of Real Estate Crowdfunding Part II – The JOBS Act   If you haven’t read The History of Crowdfunding Part I, it is the early history of Crowdfunding. Pabst Blue Ribbon, believe it or not, was instrumental in paving the way for Crowdfunding to be legalized.   Ironic that a bunch of beer drinkers helped the American Public to invest but hasn’t beer always helped the American People?   Pabst Blue Ribbon brewing Corp was for sale and two marketing executives, Patrick and Brian, heard about Crowdfunding, and as a joke started a website called BuyABeerCompany.com and they collected $282M in pledges before the SEC shut them down.  U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry heard about this and realized that there was a new and different way to invest, or for business to raise money.  He thoug... 05/31/2016

   By Matt Stark Lead Broker | Search Homes NW GroupSearchHomesNW.com Bidding wars are very common in the current real estate market, most notably when it comes to higher-end properties that are in desirable locations. More recently, in the Seattle area aggressive bidding wars are more prevalent and can be very nerve-racking, even discouraging if you are on the losing end. Having watched hundreds of bidding wars over the past several years, there are a few results that are seen more often. The bidder coming in with the crazy offering price makes the decision simple – money almost always wins.It is not uncommon to have multiple winners. In a typical batch of offers, there are usually low, medium and aggressive bidders with the aggressive bids landing in an extremely similar price range. ... 05/28/2016

APRIL 2016 was another RECORD SETTING MONTH FOR SEATTLE REAL ESTATE!!!  The median price of a Seattle home is now $ 624,975.  This is a new record.    There were 495 PENDING sales in April | 680 transactions CLOSED | There were 298 ACTIVE listings in the Seattle real estate market.There is .6 of a month supply of inventory | The .6 ratio is a strong SELLER’S MARKET INDICATOR.Any ratio under 3.0 is a seller’s market indicator. Any ratio between 3.0 and 6.0 is a neutral market indicator. Any ratio over 6.0 is a buyer’s market indicator.   The story remains LACK OF INVENTORY. EPIC RECORD SETTING LOW INVENTORY!!!In the month of April, the AVERAGE list price vs sales price for Seattle was 106%. So the average home sold for 6% over the asking price.   The AVERAGE days on market for a Seattle ... 05/28/2016

Flying out of Seattle yesterday ...Robert Vegas Bob Swetz flew into Seattle Washington early Tuesday morning and spent the rest of the day playing around the city.And wow what a huge city Seattle is compared to little old Anchorage Alaska!Later that evening I flew to Las Vegas Nevada where I am now taking care of some business before I head out to California.Here is a photo of Seattle I took from the jet.  05/11/2016

2500 Western Ave #406, Seattle 98121 One bedroom condo near everything you need! Walk to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Downtown Seattle or hit up any of the nearby restaurants. Washer and dryer in unit. Secured building with onsite manager, landscaped courtyard, gym and community room. Don’t forget about the rooftop with city and water views. NO RENTAL CAP and pets allowed. Zachary Allen(206) 457-7714Keller Williams Western Realty  05/09/2016

2721 NE 145th St, Seattle 98155 Here's the fixer upper you've been waiting for! Where else in Seattle proper can you find a 3 bed, 1.75 bath property for $300,000? Bring your contractors and your ideas. Original hardwoods through are just waiting to be brought back to life. A partially fenced yard, 2 car garage and deck are just a few of the nice features of this home. Alicia Shope(206) 939-3623Keller Williams Western Realty 04/22/2016

Robert Swetz wants to work at Facebook, Google, YouTube, Apple or Microsoft Robert Swetz is wondering how he can get a job at one of these companies with no college degrees in technology, computer programing, etc. Robert Swetz has been fascinated by the computer industry for so many years that he would like to be more involved then through personal activity.And at my age I don't feel like going back to college in order to get qualified to land certain employment at these companies.If anyone reading this post knows how to achieve employment at Facebook, Google, YouTube, Apple or Microsoft without certain college degrees please call Robert at:  702 443 7156 Or email Robert at: VideosByVegasBob@gmail.comAnd until Robert Swetz figures out how to find employment at one of these Tech Corporat... 04/15/2016

Wow 117% Over List Price!Impeccably maintained, this charming mid-century north seattle bungalow is situated back on a spacious lot in a prime neighborhood for walking/commuting. It sold for 117% over list price in only 7 days on the market.  If you are a home seller in the Pinehurst area, this is really good news. However if you are a homebuyer looking for homes here or in nearby Northgate, Maple Leaf or Roosevelt areas, it could spell trouble.Year over year prices are up 17.6%.  And homes here are selling fast, only 8 days on average.Market Snapshot - Pinehurst (98125)Some of the Single-family homes in the Pinehurst area have been on the market 84 days while the average time is 20 days. Homes that sold in the last 3 months have taken up to 150 days while the average time is 42 days. T... 04/06/2016

Hi all: As an outsider, I've been thinking about if we're due for another real estate meltdown. I would say yes but in a different way.The last meltdown was due to easy money and too much new inventory. Although lenders have tried to ease their lending criteria, it's still pretty tough to get a loan as compared to 2006, for example. Also, there is really no housing inventory to speak of. It may look like builders are building anew but not to the scope of earlier.The one thing I am seeing is an overbuilding of mutifamily. Rents are already flattening or slightly on the decline here. Housing prices are expensive here in Seattle. I wouldn't be surprised if these moderate a bit too.In sum, I could see a bubble on the commercial real estate side and a moderation of pricing on the residential... 04/06/2016

622 NE Banner Place, Seattle 98115 This gorgeous Green Lake home leaves nothing to be desired. Space Needle, lake and mountain views throughout the house create a tranquil environment. Custom kitchen includes top of the line appliances and plenty of counter space to spare. The thoughtfully designed (low maintenance) backyard provides a place to entertain guests with a built in pizza oven, fire pit, hot tub, and pool table. Cozy up by one of the two fireplaces or relax in the master steam shower. Skylights, french doors, surround sound speakers (indoors and out), and a 150 capacity wine cooler are just a few more of this home's many features. A couple blocks from the future light rail stop provides an easy commute to downtown and shopping. ADU in basement offers income or long term guest... 04/04/2016

 How is your 401K doing?  If you own a home in the Greenwood area, you might be glad you do.  Home values are up 21.6% over this time last year.Once again it's suppy and demand.  Just look at the number of new listings.  They are down 33.3%.  There are just no listings to be bought.  That leads to closed sales being way down.  You can sell something that isn't for sale.GREENWOOD  However, check out the median price of sold homes.  Up 21.6% over last year.  Will these conditions last in the Greenwood area?  Nobody knows right.  Here's what I do know - once supply increases, prices will flaten out.  So if you are seeking to sell at the top of the market, now may be your best opportunity.  03/24/2016

As a real estate broker in the greater Seattle and Bellevue areas, a question I get asked often is where are home values heading.  As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first-time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned only about price but also about the ‘long term cost’ of the home.Let us explain.There are many factors that influence the ‘cost’ of a home. Two of the major ones are the home’s appreciation over time, and the interest rate at which a buyer can borrow the funds necessary to purchase their home. The rate at which these two factors can change is often referred to as “The Cost of Waiting”.What will happen over the next 12 months?According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index,... 03/19/2016

North Seattle - You Are Sitting on a Ton Of Home Equity!We recently took a look at the growth (or decline) in home values for MLS Area 710.  That’s communities like Wedgewood, Pinehurst, Northgate and Roosevelt.  Here’s what we found: Home buyers who bought right at the bottom of the housing market, for the area, in this case February 2012, may have a ton of equity in their homes as the market has bounced back dramatically. For example, if you bought a home in early 2012, your home value may have increased an average of 75 percent. Many people are using that equity to move up to a home that better suits their current housing needs.  How about you?Check your home’s current value here.  Of course every home and every neighborhood are unique and have their own values.  So Let me know if yo... 03/18/2016

Colored eggs, candy-stuffed baskets, and the chocolate bunny are all part of the pastel spring holiday of Easter. Community spirit comes to life as winter gives way to warmer weather, and households take their young ones out to play. This year, you can take your wee ones, tiny tots, and tweens out in Seattle for fun hunting Easter Eggs, treasure seeking, and creating pleasure-filled memories. Here are a few of the Easter and spring-themed community events going on this season in Seattle.Woodland Park Zoo is located at 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle WA 98103. Woodland Park Zoo is hosting their 15th annual Bunny Bounce and Easter Baskets for the Animals on Saturday, March 26th, from 9:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. This special event is for children ages 1 through 8. Little ones can experience egg... 03/08/2016

 3 Quick Painting Tips That Will Help Take Your Walls from Tacky to Tasteful  Whether you happen to be a painting pro or you’ve never dared to pick up a roller, there are a few tricks of the trade that professionals use to make a paint job look its best. If you want to take an old, outdated paint job and turn it into something you can be proud of, here are a few tips from those who know best. Start With A Perfectly Smooth Surface  If you’re trying to rush through it, sanding might seem like an unnecessary step in re-covering your walls, but it’s very important in order to level out the spackle paste and ensure that no ridges will appear in the paint around the nails. According to one professional painter, you should start by sanding from the baseboard to the ceiling with a fine grit san... 03/03/2016

Welcome to The Lake Union Dock in Seattle's Eastlake neighborhood.  Molly and I put this listing on and within a few days got multiple offers.  It is pending now and I look forward to sharing with you the exciting news when it closes in escrow. List Price $945,000  If you are interested in Seattle Houseboats, please let us know - Molly and I love this community and look forward to helping you whether you are buying or selling on Lake Union. Want more info:  2031 Fairview Ave E Marketing Remarks You can't get better than this 2007 Eastlake floating home nestled on the south side of the dock. Sweeping 365 degree views from the rooftop, large French doors open up to wide channel with room for a boat. Gorgeous setting and beautiful interiors with perks like a master walk in closet, marble t... 02/28/2016

802 23rd Ave E, Seattle 98112 Must See! Beautiful, North Capitol Hill residence w/Lake Washington views. Down-to-the-studs remodel in 2007 along w/2015 renovation gives this classic Seattle home all modern comforts. Fresh paint inside/out, refinished hardwood floors, SS appls incld a double oven, brand new cook-top, granite counters, & Master Bath remodel w/heated floors. Entertainer's paradise w/tropical hardwood deck, water feat, custom concrete firepit, & pro. landscaping. Convenience & space, this home has it all! Tyler Kirages(206) 579-9738Keller Williams Western Realty 02/22/2016

Of course, being a guy my age, the first Vulcan that comes to mind is Mr. Spock. I learned a lot about logic, loyalty, the greater good and being of service from him as a kid back in the mid 60’s and harbor many fond memories of the charismatic first and science officer.Though, if you live in the Puget Sound area you’re well aware of another Vulcan and it's HQ here in Seattle. I often drive by The Vulcan Building located between 4th and 5th Avenues where Pioneer Square meets the International District just south of downtown.Founder Paul Allen (and Microsoft cofounder) oversees his many businesses, investments, and philanthropic interests from here. I’ve become quite fond of the building and enjoy its many moods, depending on the weather and enjoy the reflections in the windows from buil... 02/14/2016

Wow, this was an eye opening article from the Seattle Times!  I knew that more people were moving to Seattle becasue of all the amazing job opportunites in companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, and T-Mobile.  I just didn't know that we have increase 9.8% since 2010.Seattle has made it on the Top 10 List for the 1st time on the List of the 50 Biggest U.S. Cities Population Denisity.  New York took the top spot with San Francisco coming in 2nd.  Seattle is just below Los Angeles.Here's a link to the article:  http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/seattle-density-doesnt-have-to-be-a-dirty-word/.Density is good and bad ... it's good for those who already own real estate, that just shows that the values are going to continue their steady growth because there is demand for hous... 02/12/2016

Seattle is ready to spice things up in your world of romance this Valentine’s Day. Whether your interests are in music, the arts, games, shows, cruises, or other sweet adventures, Seattle is buzzing with things to do this Valentine’s Day. Check out the complete list of 99 Things to Do in Seattle for Valentine’s Day RIGHT HERE  02/04/2016