CW Title and Escrow Newsletter | 5.2016 by CW Title and Escrow

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.

Taco Libre Truck Showdown in Fremont mobilefoodrodeo.com Tacoma City Marathon tacomacitymarathon.com Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Seattle elcentrodelaraza.org Opening Day for Boating in Seattle | nwboatinfo.com

 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

May I M P O R TA N T D AT E S Sunday, May 1 May Day

Sunday, May 8 Mother’s Day

Tuesday, May 3 National Teacher Appreciation Day

Saturday, May 21 Armed Forces Day

Saturday, May 7 Opening Day of Boating

Monday, May 30 Memorial Day

Celebrating MOTHERS: GIFT IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY 2016 Since its birth as a national observance in 1914, the second Sunday of May has been dedicated to showering the moms in our lives with love and appreciation. Here’s a helpful list of suggestions that may lead you to the perfect gift: Unique Mom — For a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift, check out etsy.com. You’ll find everything you need to make Mother’s Day a very special day for Mom: decorations, 3-D hand-cut greeting cards, jewelry, art and more. You can even personalize many items with her name or her children’s names. Cinephile Mom — The world-renowned Seattle International Film Festival begins May 19, with passes and ticket packages on sale right now at www.siff.net/festival-2016.

Sentimental Mom — Create a custom photo book full of fun family memories from the past year. There are several sites online that make it easy to create a unique layout. Try costco.com, shutterfly.com, blurb.com, mixbook.com or montagebook.com. Fitness Mom — Wearable technology is currently all the rage, and items made by companies such as Apple, Jawbone, Nike, Garmin and Fitbit allow Mom to monitor her activity levels and set fitness and health goals 24/7.

Foodie Mom — You can’t go wrong with brunch at her favorite restaurant. Call as soon as possible to reserve a table for your party. Whatever you give for Mother’s Day, remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Happy Mother’s Day!

May ON THE RUN Here are a few events in our area raising awareness and funds; many of them include a kids run or walk event. Now, lace up your sneakers and get moving, or cheer on your favorite runner while enjoying the spring air! May 1 May 7

Boys & Girls Club Sammamish 10K/5K | Sammamish | sammamishrun.com Free Them 5K run/walk | Shoreline | worldconcern.org/getinvolved/events

May 7 May 7 May 7 May 7 May 14 May 15

May 15 May 21

Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes 8K, 3- or 1-mile fun run | Seattle and virtual | beatthebridge.org Dawg Dash Tacoma 5K run/walk, kids run | Tacoma | depts.washington.edu/alumni/blogs/dawgdash

May 21 May 22 May 22

May 30 May 30