Vintage photos of our Veterans…

The Tri-City Herald is seeking photos of vintage photos of veterans.  They would love photos from all eras and wars.  If you would like your photos in this special publication, be sure to include your name, hometown and dates or era of service with your submissions. They also want to make sure that the photos are clearly marked with the veteran’s name.  The deadline to submit photos in Nov. 1.  The special publication will be be available in newspapers and on tricityherald.com on November 11, 2010.

Have questions? Contact Cindy Church at 509-582-1502.

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Vintage photos of our Veterans…

Interested in TC Real Estate?

Check out the weekly real estate statistcs from Distinctive Properties!!!

http://bit.ly/ad6WGI

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Interested in TC Real Estate?

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Mary Kaye Hergert for receiving the 2010 Outstanding Educator Award from the Richland High School PTSA.

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Congratulations!

Looking for a second career?

Richland has been named one of the best places for a second career in America!!!  This study was based off of

  • Below-Average Unemployment
  • Cost of Living
  • Access to Medical Facilities and
  • Recreational Opportunities

Many jobs are being creating in the Tri-City area thanks to WSU Tri-Cities and Pacific Northwest national Laboratory (PNNL).    The area also provides affordable homes and the availability of recreation.

Too see a list of available homes in the area, visit us at www.distinctiveprop.com.

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Looking for a second career?

Tri-City Real Estate!

Want to know the latest statistics about Tri-City Real Estate???

Check out the details here…http://bit.ly/c03YJf

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Tri-City Real Estate!

Changes to Real Estate License Law on July 1, 2010

Changes to the real estate license law haven’t been made in decades until now.  As of July 1, 2010, the first review and comprehensive changes were made.  Changes were made to:

Real Estate Salesperson Titles
The titles of real estate sales persons have now changed to the official title of real estate broker.  The titles of current real estate brokers and associate brokers  have now changed to managing broker.  Along with the changes to their titles, responsibilities have also changed. 

EPA’s New Lead Paint Restrictions
Do you know anyone who is updating/remodeling a home older that 1978?  Starting April 22, 2010, anyone paid to work on homes before 1978 are to provide homeowners or residents with an EPA pamphlet.  Homeowners or residents can also be sure to hire someone with the appropriate certifications by reviewing their real estate licensees.  The requirements for the regulations can be waived by the homeowner if no children are presently living with the home, although, lead based paint poisoning can affect many people and it is best to know all the facts.  A list of certified professionals can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm

New Tenant’s Rights Law
Homeowners with a property going into foreclosures, which is currently occupied by a tenant, could affect the use of the rental property.  There are limitations on terminating a tenant’s lease in this situation. 

To see the rest of the changes and all of the details for these changes, check out the full article here!
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/realestate/docs/REnewsltr-winter2010.pdf

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Changes to Real Estate License Law on July 1, 2010

Reasons to Shop Around for a Mortgage

1.  Find the best interest rate possible  – Finding the best interest rate possible can either save or cost you a large dollar amount.

2.  Find loans with lower fees – Once you have applied for your loan and received the good faith estimate (GFE), don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation of the fees. 

3.   Lock in the rate period you want – Upon finding the mortgage rate and terms you want, be sure to get a written commitment, also known as a “lock,” to secure those rates and terms. 

4. Find a lender that you are comfortable working with – A lender responsive to your questions and who is willing to give written  details will aid in avoiding surprises.

5.  Avoid a prepayment penalty– Be acquainted with the terms of the loan to know whether there is a penalty for early payoff. 

http://www.distinctiveprop.com/files/files/9.20.2010Stats.pdf

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Reasons to Shop Around for a Mortgage

Oh What a Beautiful Weekend! Isn’t that a Song?

The weather is great right now. All the better to view an open house or three dozen. Activity was on a roll during the sunny days and the weather is supposed to remain for a few days. Take advantage and contact the professionals at Distinctive Properties, Inc. to discuss your housing needs. The link below contains our latest weekly statistics for property listings in Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, Finley, Burbank, West Richland and the surrounding area.

http://bit.ly/cxnOGY

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Oh What a Beautiful Weekend! Isn’t that a Song?

The National Association of Realtors

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has published a great source of information for members of the NAR.  The geographic area in the report covers the Kennewick, Pasco, Richland metro area of Benton and Franklin Counties.  We at Distinctive Properties, Inc. are certain our clients and local residents will enjoy the comparisons between this area and the rest of the United States.  Please access the link below to share the wealth of information this report offers.

http://bit.ly/aQSk3X

Posted in Mortage/ Finance News, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on The National Association of Realtors