Washington Realtors Leadership Institute Northwest

I have the privilege of having been chosen as one of seven applicants accepted from a pool of 25 applicants for 2008 to attend the Leadership Institute Northwest for Washington Realtors. It is an intense 9 day session broken into three two and half day sessions over six months. The goal is to identify future leaders of the Washington Realtors Association. They bring in national speakers, do leadership training sessions and prepare you to be a future officer and leader. We join in with the Oregon Association of Realtors in this venture so there are seven participants from each state. I am honored to have been accepted and humbled by my fellow participants.

Here is some information from the leadership web site:

Our Mission

The leaders of the Oregon and Washington Association of REALTORS® recognize that leadership development is an essential element in the process of improving our Associations and our profession. For that reason, we administer the Leadership Institute Northwest. Through this program, we attempt to identify emerging REALTOR® leaders, encourage them with motivation activites and assist in sharpening their leadership skills. We do this in the hope they will exert a strong positive influence on the future of the Association and profession.

Selection Criteria

Participation in the Leadership Institute NW is limited to REALTORS® living in Washington and Oregon. Seven REALTORS® will be selected from each state to participate in the program. Since the number of appointments in the program is limited, applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply in subsequent years. Participants will be chosen by the Leadership,Institute NW selection committee of each state based upon the information completed on this application. The Committee will be seeking representation from a cross-section of the profession. These leaders and potential leaders will be active in either business, education, the arts, religion, government, community-based organizations, or real estate specialty areas. Attendance at retreats and quarterly sessions is mandatory. Those who fail to attend may be asked to withdraw, with no refund of tuition.

Commitment

To graduate from Leadership Institute NW, a participant is expected to attend all sessions: Retreat format is to arrive the evening of the first date for an informal gathering and group mixer followed by two intensive days of workshops and discovery.

First Time Home Buyers in Washington State

First Time Home Buyers in Washington State

Do you fit that category? You will want to visit this website, a dedicated page on the Washington Realtor's Web site that will give you great information on the home buying process and a step by step guide to accomplish this.

Here's an sample of what is available to you:

Congratulations! You are thinking of buying your first home. We know this is a big decision for you with a lot of unknowns.Many first time home buyers will contemplate the decision for years before taking any action, even a first step. Our research indicates that once a first time home buyer does take that first step, they purchase their first home within three months.This site helps you take that first step.Once you purchase a home you will soon learn the tax advantages of home ownership and the opportunity to build equity (or wealth) over time. According to the Federal Reserve, the median household wealth accumulation for a homeowner was $184,000; in comparison, the median net worth of a renter was $4,000.You've probably already been using the Internet to search for homes, financing options and home buying information. You will find many of those resource links included in this brochure. We also encourage you to contact a Realtor® at the very beginning of your quest and put that Realtor® to work for you. He or she will help you find what you are looking for in a home, in the area you want, and at a price you can afford. When you find a home that you want to make an offer on, your Realtor® will research the market and let you know if the price is fair. He or she can help you negotiate an offer and advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

A Realtor® can help take the mystery out of the purchase of your new home and show you the ropes. There are hundreds of little details in buying a home and some details that are not so little-like property lines, easements, earnest money and the time allowed for home inspections (to name a few). Don't worry, you will be involved throughout the process and if you have any questions along the way, do not hesitate to ask your Realtor®.

Starting the home search
Determine how much home you can afford
Shop for a loan & research first time home buying programs
Decide on a home & make an offer
Get home inspected
Shop for homeowners insurance
Complete the transaction

The 28 page booklet is downloadable in a pdf format for your use or contact me to send you one at karen@karensvillas.com or 425-308-3669.

Remember to look for the REALTOR® trademark designation when contacting an agent. Not all licensees are REALTORS® and "NO ONE KNOWS WASHINGTON REAL ESTATE LIKE A WASHINGTON REALTOR®.

Senator Patty Murray Signs Bill

While myself and more than 80 Washington REALTORS® were in Washington DC advocating for issues on our industry's behalf, Sen. Patty Murray signed on to S. 413, the Community Choice in Real Estate Act, which maintains the longstanding national policy prohibiting the mixing of banks and commerce.

Other members of Congress from Washington state who support the companion bill HR 111 in the House of Representatives are Reps. Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Brian Baird, Norm Dicks, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert and Adam Smith.




Me with a view of the Capital.



Me with Congressman Rick Larsen

Visit my website for all your Washington real estate needs!