the
MAY 2016
Volume 7 | Issue 5
EYE ON THE market: WIRE FRAUD ALERT The spring market has blossomed early, as expected, and the outlook for the summer season is continued activity at the same brisk pace. For buyers fortunate enough to have their offer accepted, it’s an exciting time, and next steps through the escrow process can happen quickly. Regrettably, in recent weeks, wire fraud has hit the real estate industry across the country, prompting an alert from the Federal Trade Commission. The Puget Sound area’s strong economy and the swift pace of its real estate market have made it a prime target for this type of theft.
We’d like to caution everyone to take extra care and be smart during your real estate transaction dealings. Pay close attention to communications sent to you from all official parties involved. You want to be sure hardearned funds are sent to the correct place and the transaction can close without delay.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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Be vigilant when reviewing any nonsecure transaction-related emails, especially if you or someone else involved in your transaction uses a free Web-based email service such as Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo! Mail.
Check email addresses to
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ensure they match ones you’ve verified to be correct.
Instead of replying to potentially non-secure emails, forward the email, then enter in a verified email address you know to be correct.
Spread the word! The more awareness there is of wire fraud, the better the chance we have of preventing it. If you have questions about wire procedures, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and speak to someone you know and trust who is involved with your transaction.
ADDING A BIT OF CURB appeal
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Simple touches can make a great first impression! Create an inviting walkway.
Line your walkway with garden planters. Build them yourself from treated lumber, or use decorative weather-resistant pots and containers. Fill with seasonal flowers that will bloom during the spring and summer seasons. Power washing. Living in the Puget
Sound region, we all know how our moist environment can create a haven for moss. Patios, driveways and walkways can all become dirty, discolored and dangerously slick. Power washing annually with an eco -friendly detergent can keep your concrete spaces safe and clean.
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New house
numbers. A new set of house numbers is a simple yet impactful way to give your home a finishing touch. Research online to find a style that is in keeping with your home’s age and architecture. Exterior lighting. Having adequate
exterior lighting is a key component of your home security. As with house numbers, choose a fixture that’s in the same style as your house, or repaint your existing fixture.
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Kirkland Artist Studio Tour kirklandartiststudiotour.com Free Admission to State Parks discoverpass.wa.gov Mother’s Day Half Marathon in Kirkland promotionevents.com/md Ballard Jazz Festival ballardjazzfestival.com Gig Harbor Beer Festival gigharborbeerfestival.com Seattle Maritime Festival Harbor Open House seattlemaritime101.com Seattle International Film Festival | siff.net Armed Forces Day at Joint Base Lewis-McChord jblmmwr.com Edmonds Jazz Connection daybreakersrotary.com Paine Field Aviation Day painefield.com University District Streetfair udistrictstreetfair.org Northwest Folklife Festival nwfolklife.org