National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors is the promise to the public that when dealing with a real estate agent that is a REALTOR, they can expect honext and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters. Only REALTORS pledge to abide by the Association's Code of Ethics and only REALTORS are held accountable for their ethical behavior.Some of the basic principles of the Code of Ethics include:

~ Protect and promot your client's interests, but be honest with all parties

~ Avoid exaggeration, misrepresentation and concealment of pertinent facts. Do not reveal facts that are confidential under the scope of your agency relationship.

~ Disclose present or contemplated interest in any property to all parties.

~ Avoid side deals without your client's informed consent.

~ Accewpt compensation from onl one party, except with full disclosure and informed consent.

~ Keep the funds of clients and customers in escrow

~ Assure, whenever possible, that transactional details are in writing

~ Provide equal service to all clients and customers

~ Be knowledgeable and pempetent in the fields of practice in which you ordinarily engage. Obtain assistance or disclose lack of experience if necessary.

~ Do not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.

As you can see as a consumer, We are dedicated to serving America's property owners and have a strong commitment to follow the Code of Ethics. The National Association of Realtors is the largest professional association at over 900,000 members strong.

So whether you are buying or selling, look for that trademarked "R" of which we are so proud of and look for a REALTOR, as not all licensees are REALTORS.

Karen Villa Schweinfurth, REALTOR, ABR, CRS, SRES, e-PRO, ACRE

Send Out Cards

Don't know if any of you have seen this program; it is called Send Out Cards.

It's an online service where you can join and have the capability of sending cards (real cards by real mail) to your family and friends. You have a choice of ove 12,000 cards in varying categories.

You have the capability to upload photos of yourself, family, friends, animals, sporting events of the kids and add them to your cards. You can add your business logo, and you can even do it in your own handwriting.

The program can catalog your names by groups so that if you want to send an invitation to your family for a summer bar-be-que, you, with one click, can send the same invitation to all the members in your "family group". It's so easy. Or say your tennis club is going to have a surprise birthday party for Mary, and Mary is in your group, you can uncheck Mary's name and everyone in the group will get the invitation except Mary, keeping the surprise. Or Christmas cards, keep it easy and send them from here. There are so many ways to use this cleaver program.

Want to send a gift card, a box of chocolates or decadent cookies - you can all with one click in this sytem. It's amazing.

Click here and trying sending A FREE CARD ON ME. If you are interested in using this fabulous, easy system, please email me at karen@karensvillas.com and I'd be happy to get you started and explain fully the system.

Again, just another way to connect with my clients and help them. This is a fabulous tool. Forget driving to Hallmark and spending a bundle on cards, forget ordering cards on line, forget those email cards, send a REAL CARD, WITH YOU HANDWRITING, BY U.S. MAIL, ALL WITHIN ONE MINUTE!

Call Karen at 425-308-3669

Snohomish County Real Estate Market Report

Frigid Air Affects Home Sales

"A rapid shift in February to frigid air in much of the country had a cooling effect on home shopping that went beyond normal seasonal factors. Weather factors have continued since, reported David Lereah, the National Association of Realtors chief economist." You will see this is true for both the King County and Snohomish County housing markets. But, even though sales slowed, prices rose in both counties.

Active listings in King County increased in February 2007 by 1,708 homes or 28 percent compared to the same time period in 2006. In comparison, sales in February decreased by 2 percent or 78 homes. The average market time in February increased by 31 percent. An increase of 15 days compared to February 2006.

King County continued to experience healthy appreciation, with the average sales price 12 percent higher in 2007 than 2006, bringing the average sales price to $463,444.
Year to date, sales weakened by 3 percent, while prices strengthened by 11 percent and market times increased 30 percent.

Likewise, Snohomish County had a 13 percent decrease in sales. Down 202 homes from February a year ago, while the number of homes sold in February was, also, down by 203 homes or 18 percent.

The number of active listings increased by 13 percent from February a year ago and market times increased 35 percent or 17 days. The average sales price increased by 11 percent compared to February 2006, increasing to $366,016.

Year to date, sales declined 17 percent, market times increased 32 percent and the average sales price increased 12 percent.

These statistics above are EXTREMELY good news for Washington home buyers. Coming into the spring, there are more homes on the market to choose from and fewer buyers to buy. Sellers are becoming very comptetitive in their pricing to attract today's ready, willing, and able buyers. On top of this, interest rates have been inching down over the past 3 weeks. Buyers, it is time to buy!!

If you are thinking of buying a home? You can get a daily email list of new homes for sale as they hit the market by visiting WashingtonHousesR.us. It is fast, easy and FREE!