The Snohomish County Camano Association of Realtors® held it's Annual Installation and Awards Banquet recently at Floral Hall in Everett, WA.
It was time to install new offices and recognize Realtor® members for their contributions to the Realtor Association over their tenure.
Beth Cooper was installed as our new President. The Board of Directors was also duly installed.
I was humbled to receive the "REALTOR® of the Year 2008" Award from last year's winner, Paul Chrysler. It certainly is an honor to follow in the footsteps of the previous winners.
It seems that with each season many of us are faced with some type of potential disaster, i.e., flood, tornado, winter storm, hurricane or wildfire. It's important to organize an emergency kit with necessary items to sustain you and your family for a few days.
Hope you find these tips helpful.
Sign up at emergencyemail.org to be notified by phone, email or text when dangerous weather is approaching.
Emergency Kit Must Haves: One gallon of water, per person per day, canned food items and kids' favorite nonperishable treats, manual can opener, battery powered radio or tv, flashlight and extra batteries, whistle to signal for help, change of clothing for each person, several blankets or sleeping bags, toilet paper, personal hygiene items and garbage bags for disposal, first aid kit and supply of prescription medications, matches in a waterproof container, a tool kit, local maps, cash or traveler's checks
Critical Data: Keep these documents safe and accessible in a waterproof container in your emergency kit or burn copies onto a CD: wills, insurance policies, mmortgage/property deeds, bank account and credit card numbers, passports, military records, social security cards, birth, marriage certificates.
Don't forget about your animals: Divvy up duties, who will crate the cat or grab the dog, write out your plan and stick it inside the parntry so you'll know where to look. Give an extra set of keys to a friend who will rescue your pet in case you are not home on evacuation day. Have your vet insert a microchip under your pet's skin.
Keep your emergency bag in a handy place where it can easily be accessed. Check it twice a year--when you set your clocks back and ahead.
Above all keep calm and keep the family and pets together.
The members of the Snohomish County-Camano Association of REALTORS® are committed to giving back to the communities in which they live, raise their families and derive their incomes. We provide community service, both individually and as a group, donating money talent and time to many worthy causes. The philosophy of our Association is that as members of this community, and as real estate professionals we are on the front lines to provide affordable housing. Since there is a lack of affordable housing for those above the poverty level, there certainly is an even greater need for those under the poverty level.
The Snohomish County REALTOR® Homeless Endowment Fund was established in 1991. The fund provides rental security deposits and emergency housing vouchers to individuals and families in need of housing. Many families or individuals qualify for a rental, but need assistance with the security deposit so they can get into their new home, and who otherwise might be homeless.
The Volunteers of America Western Washington screen the tenants, set up a no interest loan and repayment plan, provide casework services and counseling. The Association, upon receiving a signed note, writes the check directly to the landlord. The tenant repays the loan on a payment plan which takes into consideration their particular financial situation. Since the fund started operating in September 1991, we have raised over $550,000 and assisted over 4000 families.
This year's event will be a little bit different The 2009 Homeless Endowment Fund Gala will be held at the Everett Train Station. It will be an elegent evening which will include; A High End Silent Auction Lip Reader Palm Reader Magician Live Band Gourmet Hors D'ourves 2 Local Wineries A Local Brewery Opportunity to win a one carat Diamond!
While the Homeless Endowment Fund Auction has been an SCCAR tradition for the past 18 years, this is the first ever SCCAR Homeless Endowment Fund Gala. Because this is a more intimate, upscale event space is limited. Make sure you reserve your tickets as soon as possible.
As Past President 2007 of this Association, I can tell you we are so proud to assist the Volunteers of America Western Washington in a worthy cause.
Great news today. The IRS has revised it's Form 5405 that allows a first time homebuyer to get a tax credit for $8,000. The most important change is they can claim it on their 2008 TAXES!
That's correct, if you purchased a home in 2009 you can check a box that states you are collecting the $8,000 credit on your 2008 taxes and get the money immediately. If you have already filed your return for 2008, you can use this form to amend your return and re-submit. You will get your tax rebate in a few weeks.
The caveat, you must not have owned a home in the last three years and need to buy a home between now and December 1, 2009.
This is great news, buyers. Get that cash that you need NOW instead of waiting.
For all your real estate needs, contact me: Karen Schweinfurth, ABR, CRS, SRES, e-PRO, RE/MAX Northwest Realtors - 425-308-3669 or visit my web site for more buyer information.
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit and purchase a home this year before Dec. 1 have a special option available for claiming the tax credit either on their 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on their 2009 tax returns next year.
Qualifying taxpayers who buy a home this year before Dec. 1 can get up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married filing separately.
For first-time homebuyers this year, this special feature can put money in their pockets right now rather than waiting another year to claim the tax credit. This important change gives qualifying homebuyers cash they do not have to pay back.
The IRS has posted a revised version of Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit, on IRS.gov. The revised form incorporates provisions from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The instructions to the revised Form 5405 provide additional information on who can and cannot claim the credit, income limitations and repayment of the credit.
This year, qualifying taxpayers who buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009, can claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 tax returns. They do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their main home for 36 months after the purchase date. They can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.
For All Your Real Estate Needs contact: Karen Villa Schweinfurth, ABR, CRS, SRES, e-PRO, ACRE, RE/MAX Northwest Realtors, Mill Creek WA -425-308-3669 or visit my web site.
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I am your Snohomish County REALTOR® with 25 years of experience, integrity and service. My combination of high tech and professionalism are what you are looking for. You deserve the best, call Karen.
Designations received in the industry through the National Association of Realtors.
Karen is an advocate of CMN (Children’s Miracle Network). Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle is the direct beneficiary of her work. She is Chairman of the RE/MAX CMN Charity auction and has been for the past four years raising over $180,000. She is also a member of the Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center Corporate Leadership Committee. Karen donates a portion of each commission check to CMN thru the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program. 
Karen Co-Authored the book, “How To Make Your Realtor Get You The Best Deal” Washington State Edition. Contact her for your free copy. Please visit her website for comprehensive real estate information at http://www.karensvillas.com.
Visit her blog at http://snohomishcountyrealestateblog.blogspot.com. Trust a professional, trust Karen 425-308-3669 or 866-558-HOME.
MAKE YOUR NEXT HOME A "VILLA"
I pride myself on achieving the following designations:
ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative - this is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist. The CRS is known for advanced study in listing, selling, investment, taxes and a proven record of experience in applied residential marketing.
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist - This certification gives us the opportunity to assist the senior buyer in matters of real estate, taxation and investments. A proven record of working with seniors is a pre-requsite of this designation.
Accredited Consultant in Real Estate
REALTOR® - A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when they become a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. The Voice for Real Estate, NAR is the world's largest professional association. The term REALTOR® is a registered membership mark that identifies their members and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Visit my web site at http://www.karensvillas.com to learn more about me.
SERVING: Everett, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Stanwood, Camano Island, Bothell, Lynnwood, Edmonds.
Karen has amazing marketing skills. I can't think of anyone but Karen who deserves the "Realtor of the Year". She is a remarkable person! Her knowledge of real estate was beyond my expectations and she listens and pays attention to detail. She is tops in courtesy and professionalism.
"Teresa Brenner"
Karen shines in her honesty and knowledge of the marketplace. We believe that Karen is the most professional agent I have ever worked with.
"Gil and Sharrie Duncan" - The Boeing Company
I want to thank Karen for her donation to Children's Hospital. When my son was 14 month old he was rushed to Children's. Not knowing what was wrong with him the staff at Children's found out what was wrong and saved his life. My son is now 19 and I know he wouldn't have made it without Children's Hospital. Thank you Karen for everything you have done for us. Your the best agent there is. We couldn't have done it without you.
"Ed and Jennifer Kraft"
As we head in a new direction I thought it appropriate to drop you a letter and let you know how much Barb and I appreciated the significant role, you, Karen played in the sale of our home. Having spent the past 23 years in the Human Resources discipline, I have had the opportunity to work with many real estate professionals. However, I can say without hesitation none finer than you, Karen.
One of the most critical decisions in business is selecting the right individual to do the job. Karen took the time to understand our objectives and had our interests first and foremost throught the selling process. Karen exemplifies all of the attributes sellers should be looking for when selling their home. She was, best of all, proactive in her communications, always keeping us apprised of her activities.
One final thing that impressed me most about Karen was her commitment to furthering her credentials. The fact that she donates a portion of her commission backChildren's Hospital also tells me a lot about her character, she believes in giving something in return. Karen is an excellent negotiator, her knowledge of real estate made me thankful that she was representing us. In closing let me say that I would witout hesitation, recommend Karen to anyone either seeking to purchase or sell their home. She is an outstanding agent.
"Barb and Drew Mac Afee"
Karen is the best. Her knowledge and expert attention to detail is what we wanted.
"Conrad and Carole Tovar" Tovar Properties
Karen had a clear idea of what we wanted and didn't waste our time showing us houses. This is our second purchase thru Karen. We won't use anyone else. She's the best and we've referred her to friends.
"Pete and Sue Castaneda"
We were in the military in Florida. Karen handled all the details for us. We just showed up and got the key. We appreciate her knowledge and dedication to us.
"Roy and Kristi Brubaker"
Karen's professionalish, positive attitued and excellent communication skills made this a great experience for me.
"Jason Rowsell"
Karen represented us on the sale of our home and the purchase of our next home. Her attention to detail and communications skills were tops. I would recommend her to anyone and will use her for future opportunities for us.
"Dr. Christopher Jean, D.D.S. and Dr. Stacey Lin, D.D.S."
Karen always kept us updated about what was happening. Karen is one really dedicated and knowldegeable agent. Karen, thank you for designating our home as a Miracle Home for Children's Hospital. That happens to be my favorite charity.
"John and Nancy Beeson"
We employed our realtor, Karen Schweinfurth, after interviewing three other agents. We are experienced home sellers and buyers and insist on interviewing whenever we are in the market to either sell or buy a home. For us, the interview process is extra work, but helps us to determine how well the Realtor will work with and for us.
In our case we decided on Karen for several reasons; we felt that Karen's enthusiasm and sales ability would be assets in the selling of our home. Also, Karen made us feel certain that the sale would go smoothly and professionally. We would employ Karen again and recommend her to anyone interested in purchasing or selling.
"Sarah and Peter Murray"
Karen's honesty and her committment to selling our home were her most outstanding features. She worked very hard to make selling our home a positive experience. After she sold our home my parents listed two homes with her. Thank you Karen for making selling our home happen quickly and pleasantly.
"Jim and Tami Henderson"
Mom, thanks for helping me find my first home and all you have done for me. I now fully understand how labor intensive your job is and appreciate your hard work.
"Your Son Jeff"
Karen, thanks for assisting my friend list his home and find a new one. You are a "Phenom" as in phenominal! We really appreciate you.
"John Carlson"
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