So what do you think of the new look? We’ve had Linda’s real hair and glasses up for a couple of months now, and you probably noticed that in the newsletter. The property search interface and display is all new as is this blog column.
When I was younger, I would say that if I wanted more money, I needed to get more debt. As I’ve matured, I abandoned that theory, however pressure can create action. Mike has been busy with other major clients and developed our new look at his leisure, or at least without pressure. Changing the house banner was easy. Revamping the site was major. Then I wrote in the newsletter about the updated website and invited you here. Mike said, “let me know before the newsletter goes out.” Whoops, already in the mail. I think he worked yesterday and most of last night, but here we are. There is plenty left to do and you should check in to make sure we get it done.
We’re pleased with the listing property displays from the search results. You immediately see all the photos available. I like the Google map. I’ve probably already pulled up the satellite view and looked at your house. Vacant property search will come online soon. It requires a different database and display.
If you’re like me, you click the button and view without thinking about how the computer makes the picture. A web programmer like Mike says it aint that simple. Mike said that the reason he’s missing half his hair today is because he was having problems making the search data display correctly in IE6&7 and Safari. I use Firefox and it looked fine to me. A large part of the world uses Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, so that was not good, and Safari is the Apple Browser, so he was knocking out all MacIntosh users; bad again. As of this writing, it all works and Mike won’t need a haircut soon.
And, what do you think of those 2009 tax assessments that just came out? The law says that assessed value should be the same as market value. We all know that our house is worth less than the assessor says, right? That is until it’s time to sell. Now guess what we think it’s worth. OK, that’s an old joke. Linda and I have a couple of properties. One went down and one went up. I’ve checked with others and found the same. We know the market is slower right now with more propertys for sale, and more foreclosures than the recent past. So we would expect the Assessor to be a little understanding. As an appraiser, I did an analysis and decided that both our valuations are reasonable. I haven’t always felt that way in the past. So, we won’t appeal this year. The state audit report for 2007 says the the median assessed value for Spokane County is 96% of the median market value. Some times the Assessor really misses the mark. If he has on you house, you should appeal, but have your facts straight and data in hand before you go. And good luck. It isn’t easy to convince government that they are wrong.
I’ve talked a lot in these opening posts. This is intended to be a conversation, and while I can talk all day, we want to hear from you on these issues. Make a comment, or send an email to say Hi. And remember; WE HATE SPAM. You will not get unsolicited email from us ever and we won’t ever knowingly give your address to anyone for any reason. Oh yeah, just a small disclaimer, we always give it up for cops with court orders.
I’ll be back
