Signs, signs, everywhere a sign

When ordering extra signage from us, it is important to be aware of your local sign ordinances and practices. While each community is different, here are a few links that may help:

Summary Chart of 2008 ordinances: from the REALTOR associations of Seattle-King County, Tacoma-Pierce County, and Snohomish County-Camano. You can check for updates on this matrix by visiting NWRealtor.com and clicking on the Tri City Sign-Code Matrix.

City of Redmond Sign Ordinance: from Redmond Neighborhood blog

The City of Bothell also sent out a notice on January 26, 2009 requesting compliance with its ordinance, which according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service states:

• Up to four off-premise open house signs may be used.
• Signs may be place in the public right-of-way (off the roadway) except where landscaped with anything other than a lawn.
• Signs may not be placed in an intersection or traffic island at any time.
• These signs may be placed where they do not block pedestrian, bicycle or handicapped access.
• Signs may be posted only during daylight hours when the agent or property owner is in attendance at the property.
• Directions/stake signs are not allowed.

For more information on sign ordinances in your city, please contact your local government office.

New Website for MLS4owners.com - Announcing Self Service Realty

This week MLS4owners.com’s new website debuts. The address hasn’t changed, but the design has been changed to provide more information than ever for sellers who are using Self Service Realty from MLS4owners.com. With Self Service Realty, MLSowners.com enables YOU – the seller – to be in control, while giving you access to all the essential tools of a listing agent. We provide massive advertising exposure, and we enable you to research and understand the market so you can complete your sale efficiently and cost-effectively. Among the new website features you will find are:

- Seller Contact information embedded in the marketing remarks of our customers’ listings
- Improved and indexed Questions and Answers
- Easy online payment system

Take a look around the new site and please let us know what you think. There is a short survey you can click on at Questions & Answers / Contact Us.

New Septic Inspection Rules for King County

Thanks to our friends at the Northwest Multiple Listing Service for alerting us to this new rule that went into effect on January 19, 2009. In King County, the seller of any single or multi-family residential property served by an on-site septic system is now required to have a monitoring and performance inspection prior to transfer of title. King County will require the inspection and report to be completed by a King County licensed On-Site System Maintainer (OSM). A copy of the inspection report must be submitted to the Health Department and the buyer prior to transfer of title.

To obtain more information, including a copy of the inspection form and a list of licensed OSMs, visit King County's website.

REALTOR® Association appoints MLS4owners.com broker to its Board of Directors

We are always trying to make the voice of our customers heard, so this is good news.

Chris Nye, founder and President of MLS4owners.com, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Seattle-King County Association of REALTORS®. “Chris brings a valuable perspective to the board with his business experience and vast amount of work with state and federal government on anti-trust and consumer issues,” says the Board’s President Keith Nelson. “We look forward to his expertise and input.”