Who's to blame if you overpay?

A couple who bought a $1.2 million home in Carlsbad, CA, are suing their real estate agent, claiming that he provided poor counsel, which lead them to allegedly overpay for their home. They are accusing him of failing to inform them that similar properties in the neighborhood had recently sold for $100,000 less than they paid.

When I first heard about this story, I was momentarily taken aback. But that feeling quickly disappeared when I stopped to think about the safeguards I take to ensure that my clients are fully informed about the market value of any home they consider purchasing. Indeed, all good agents do diligent research on comparable properties before advising their clients concerning offers on properties they are considering. (Note: According to the news article, the agent in question provided information on over 40 comparable properties, so it is difficult to understand how this couple hopes to prevail in court.)

So why am I bringing this story to your attention? Simply to point out the importance of working with an agent you know and trust. The following links provides guidelines and suggestions concerning how to choose the right agent for you. How to find and choose a buyer's agent:
http://media.reliancenetwork.com/dyna_images/clients/1974690/20085411315.pdf
How to choose and find a seller's agent: http://media.reliancenetwork.com/dyna_images/clients/1974690/20085411055.pdf

Magnolia condo Open House

I will be holding open my newest listing this weekend -- a 1 bdrm. condo in the heart of Magnolia -- both Saturday and Sunday from 1-4PM. Freshly painted and with new carpet scheduled to be installed next week. Make an offer this weekend and you can choose the carpet yourself! A great price on this 1050 sq. ft. unit. $285,000. The address is 2858 32nd Av W #203. Here's a link to a flyer with more info: http://media.reliancenetwork.com/dyna_images/clients/1974690/200827311311.pdf

Or go to my Prudential website for more complete details and additional photos: http://www.alicekuder.pnwrealty.com/

Current loan rates

Just a reminder that I post current mortgage loan rates -- courtesy of Troy Chambers at Arboretum Mortgage -- on this site every Friday. Here's the link: http://media.reliancenetwork.com/dyna_images/clients/1974690/200844163112.pdf

Planning on filing an extension?

As we all know, tax time is here and the April 15 deadline is quickly approaching. Should you find that you are unable to file by the due date of your return, you can request an extension of time to file. However, it's important to note that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. You will owe interest on any past-due tax and you may be subject to a late-payment penalty if payment is not made timely. To receive an automatic 6-month extension of time to file your return, you must file Form 4868 by the due date of your return.

More survey results

As with earlier posts from last week, here are some more results from an annual survey of recent home buyers/sellers conducted by the Washington State Realtors Association.

* 25% of recent home buyers purchased newly-built homes.

* 72% of homes purchased were detached single-family homes.

* The typical home buyer purchased a home 13 miles from their previous address.

* The typical buyer purchased a home that was 1790 square feet in size.

* Recent home buyers plan to live in their home a median of 10 years.