Archives for January 2011

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle Realtor with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about putting your personal possessions away when preparing your home for the market. These items should include: jewelry, personal photos, perscription medications, financial statements, and anything of sentimental value. It is important to keep this in mind during the entire time your home is listed! If you have any questions or comments, please send your email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit www.mackerman.com. … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle Realtor with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about the auction at The Gallery Condominium in Seattle. The auction will take place March 5th at 5PM at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. There are 25 remaining homes that will be auctioned that day and there are no hidden reserves or buyer's premiums. For more information go to www.auctionthegallery.com. If you would like assistance with the auction or you have any other questions, please send an email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, recaps real estate trends in Washington State for 2010. The year showed some improvements from the previous year, and Michael shares news about sales volume, values of homes, interest rates and foreclosures. If you have any comments or questions, please send your email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit www.mackerman.com. … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about not forgetting to have fun when you are selling or buying a home. Everyone knows that real estate transactions can be stressful and challenging but they can also be motivating and enjoyable. Make sure that you are working with an agent that is fully educating you on every step of your transaction - this takes alot of the fear out of the experience. There is nothing more exciting than purchasing a new home, whether it's … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, talks about how final utility bills are handled in Washington State when purchasing a home. Buyers have the option of directing escrow companies to pay the final utility bills for the seller so the buyer isn't responsible for any outstanding bills after the closing. If you have any comments or questions, please send an email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit www.mackerman.com. … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about getting your financing in order at the start of your home buying process. Lending institutions have much stricter guidelines for borrowers and, as a buyer, you want to get approved for your loan at the beginning of your home search. There is no better way to strengthen your position as a buyer, than to have your lending approved before you make your offer. If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about receiving the Seattle Magazine Five Star Real Estate Agent Award for 2010. This is an annual award given to 5% of the agents in the Seattle area. An independant survey company (Crescendo Business Services) surveys clients that have sold or purchased real estate in the past year, and has them rate their agent and their experience. Agents that consistently receive five stars are honored with this award. Michael would like … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, takes you on a tour of his Haller Lake listing in Seattle. The home is cute as a button and has been meticulously maintained by the current owner. This home is currently off the market but will be back on in the Spring of 2011. If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit www.mackerman.com. … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about how he works with buyers. Michael doesn't care how long it takes for the buyer to find his/her new home. Purchasing real estate is a process and Michael respects the fact that the "right" house may come on the market 1 month, 6 months or even 1 year into a buyer's search. If you have any comments or questions, please send your email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit www.mackerman.com. … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about real estate agency. Real estate agency is the relationship you have with the agent or broker that you hire to represent your needs in a transaction. In the state of Washington, it is legal for a broker to represent both parties - this is called Dual Agency. Michael prefers not to be a Dual Agent, and only represents one party in any transaction he is involved with. If you hire Michael to represent you in a real estate … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, discusses how kitchen use in homes has changed over time. Kitchens are now much more of a social hub rather than a utilitarian room used to just prepare meals. Michael talks about this evolution, and also about some easy ways to make your current kitchen a welcoming gathering space! If you have any questions or comments, please send an email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit www.mackerman.com. … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about Olive 8 - an upscale "Leed" Silver-Certified luxury condominium building in downtown Seattle. Olive 8 is a Hyatt Hotel/condominium building and features outstanding views, sensational finishes and world class amenities. The building has recently adjusted their pricing and has sold 50% of the units to date. This is one of Michael's favorite buildings in all of Seattle. For more information go to www.olive8.com. If you have … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about wearing slip on shoes when touring for your new home.  More often than not, sellers are requesting that perspective buyers take their shoes off when viewing their homes. This not only keeps the toxins out of their homes, it is also a respectful practice. Slip on shoes are going to make removing them much more easy - especially if you have a large number of homes to see! If you have any questions or comments, please send … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about marketing your home in the winter months. We all know that the weather and lack of light in the winter months can make it more challenging to emphasize the emotional appeal of your home. Michael gives you a few useful tips that will maximize the appeal of your home, and will help to capture potential buyer's attention. If you have any comments or questions, please send your email to michaelackerman@cbbain.com or visit … [Read more...]

  Michael Ackerman, a Seattle real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Bain, blogs about using your agent to communicate with the other party during a real estate transaction. In this new era of social media, it is very easy for parties in a transaction to get personal contact information for each other. You should not communicate directly with the other party during the transaction, but, instead, use the agent that you have hired to represent you. If you have any comments or questions, please send an email … [Read more...]