Happy Thanksgiving!

What is the MLS?

It is the trademarked term for Major League Soccer, however in real estate it is the Multiple Listing Service. It refers to a place where real estate brokers can go and share information about properties that have been sold, or are being sold. 

It is a service that is subscribed to by brokers, it is a place for brokers to list new properties for sale as well as a place they can search for properties to show their clients.

In western Washington we have the NWMLS. When we talk about a MLS number it is a specific number assigned to a particular house for sale. It is a way of easily identifying the house, and follows the property for the whole time it is on the MLS.

If you choose to sell your house FSBO (For Sale By Owner) you do not have the access to post your home directly on the MLS. That is one of the important reasons for working with a licensed broker so that they can get your house on the MLS.

Craigslist and other web searches are good places to look at properties, however working directly with an agent can be more direct and can get you the most current homes available. Also because they can get on the MLS they are often able to get more information for you on specific properties that you are not able to see as a buyer.

Moisture and mold in my house... What do I do?

Mold is a type of fungus. It thrives on its surroundings including soil, decaying plant pieces, food, fabrics and clothes and wood materials. It thrives in damp places and multiplies by sending spores into the air that land and start thriving on their own. Mold can withstand freezing temperatures, it can also withstand dry spells.

The key to mold is moisture control.  Damp areas of the home are a trouble spot for mold growth. The spores that mold produces can create allergens that can be problematic to sensitive individuals. It is important that if you see mold in your home you take corrective measures to ensure ridding the area of the problem.

When you see mold in your house you need to clean up the mold but also assess the situation and see where the problem is starting. It could be rot in the floor, a leak in the roof, or excessive moisture in the bathroom or kitchen area. If you don’t fix the problem than most likely the mold will present itself again.

Mold can be removed from a surface by scrubbing the area with warm water and a detergent. Then it is very important to thoroughly dry the area. You can also take an additional step of disinfecting the area with a 1/4 cup of beach diluted with a gallon of water, then let it air dry. This will get rid of the surface/visible mold. Next you should dig deeper and find out the cause. It may be as simple as adding better ventilation. Dehumidifiers can help with the moisture, so can running the kitchen and bathroom fans.  If you have condensation gathering inside your windows and on your windowsills it can be a smart move to dry those often as well.

Seattle has very wet fall winter and spring seasons. With precautionary measures and proper ventilation in your house there should be no major need for concern. Just be attentive to the issue and if you are concerned with the problem go ahead and give an expert a call.

King County median home price up 15% over year ago - Seattle Times

The Seattle Times is reporting an increase of the value and prices of King County's homes.
Over the past year they have increased by  15% on average.

"Buyers closed on 2,187 homes, 10 percent more than in the previous October, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reported Tuesday."

King County median home price up 15% over year ago | Business & Technology | The Seattle Times