Greater Puyallup Area

May 2009 Resale Data Available!

Our May 2009 Greater Puyallup Area Market Stats Report is ready for viewing.

We go directly to the county database when we gather our statistics. This way, we can account for every transfer of ownership rather than just those listed via the local multiple listing service. Our Talon Market Stats report uses the following criteria for reflecting monthly sales:

• Current use code of single family homes. (look for a condo sales report in the near future!)
• The sales price is greater than 35% of the assessed value. (eliminates quit claims with no monetary consideration and other like tranfers)
• Sale dates are recorded and reported by the county within the reports timeframe.

For more detailed information, please contact our friendly Property Information department. 

December 2008 Statistics for Greater Puyallup Area

Our December 2008 Greater Puyallup Area Market Stats Report is ready for viewing.

We go directly to the county database when we gather our statistics. This way, we can account for every transfer of ownership rather than just those listed via the local multiple listing service. Our Talon Market Stats report uses the following criteria for reflecting monthly sales:

• Current use code of single family homes. (look for a condo sales report in the near future!)
• The sales price is greater than 35% of the assessed value. (eliminates quit claims with no monetary consideration and other like tranfers)
• Sale dates are recorded and reported by the county within the reports timeframe.

For more detailed information, please contact our friendly Property Information department. 

County Recorder's Office Closure Dates for 2009

In our market a transaction is "closed" once the new deed has been recorded.  So wouldn't it be helpful to know which days your county recorder's office is closed?  Keeping those dates in mind as you schedule your real estate transactions should make everything run smoother for you and more importantly, for the consumer.  Regardless of whether the transaction is closing in King County, Pierce or Snohomish County, The Talon Group would like to be your preferred service provider for both title and escrow.

Click on the appropriate underlined county up above for a schedule of their 2009 closure dates.

Local School District Recognized in Fourth Quarter

The reputation of a school district can carry a lot of weight when deciding where to buy a home.  In October, the Puyallup school district was honored  with regard to its' reading and math achievements. Parents of school age children say the recent recognition gives them confidence in the quality of their children's education and the accomplishment speaks well for Puyallup when home buyers are searching in Pierce County.

A New Storm to Ring in the New Year?

The storms seem to have pummeled us here in the South end for weeks now and according to the experts, the storms aren't over yet?   As we all know, mail has been delayed, and has not only affected our receipt and delivery of Christmas gifts, but has also hampered businesses from operating in a usual, productive manner.  We at the Talon Group rely heavily on courier/overnight services for timely delivery and receipt of documents pertinent to closing transactions.  The challenges posed due to our recent snow and freezing precipitation have not gone unnoticed with our teams.  Great effort has been directed at overcoming the obstacles and presenting "business as usual".  We appreciate the patience of our customers and the dedication of our employees.  Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays!

What an unusual holiday season we've had!  Please make sure  you keep an eye on the weather and have plenty of supplies at home. 

If you find yourself experiencing some cabin fever this winter check out Things to Do When You Get Snowed In.  I was snowed in last weekend and unfortunately all I could think of was baking!

ps Click on the picture to download a .pdf of this eCard.

HUD Launches New Website to Help Consumers!

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has recently announced a comprehensive website aimed at assisting homeowners with "improving financial literacy, sustaining healthy homeownership, and achieving financial security".  The website will have tools available that will help homeowners make more responsible decisions about homebuying and finances.

The site includes a self assessment tool, which will help users find information on many aspects of homebuying and homeownership.  The user will have to answer a few general questions, and information will be tailored to the users specific needs. 

Meaningful Drop in Mortgage Rates!

Last week's press release from the Federal Reserve has made an immediate impact on reducing the rate of interest lenders charge for home purchases and refinancing existing debt.

Combine today's recent drop in mortgage rates with The Talon Group's low priced escrow fees for huge holiday savings!

Tips For Reducing Holiday Stress

We all know how stressful the holiday season can be. In the spirit of keeping this time of the year festive and "stress-free" as possible, we dug up some valuable tips for reducing holiday stress. 

Please let us know which tips helped you out the most. After all, 'tis the season of sharing you know ;)

The Talon Team shares their Thanksgiving secrets!

If you're looking for a little help for the holidays, the Talon Team can help.  We've decided to gather up what works best for each of us and make it available to everyone.  Our clients and customers are the one's that make Talon successful, and this is just a small token to show our appreciation.  For a detailed recipe, just send us a quick email and we'll send it right over to you.

 

Christina's World Famous Turkey Recipe     by Christina LoPinto

"I don't do anything special while cooking.  I find normal oven roasting with foil works best.  The trick is to brine the turkey first. if you soak it the day before, you'll get a heavenly moist turkey every time".

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes      by Chris Lodge

We make roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and we usually make a triple batch since they are so good.  It's basically sour cream, butter, roasted garlic, and potatoes whipped all together.  You'll want to make a double or triple batch (we always have to) and if you have left overs you can make pan fried potato cakes for the next few days. 

Kym's 3rd Generation "Is it called dressing or stuffing?"      by Kym Kennedy 

Hotly debated in the Kennedy household as to whether it's called dressing or stuffing, it's great nonetheless.  Sauteéd vegetables and turkey remnants are the key.  If it's been passed down for 3  generations, you know its good.