Update: As of Oct 2022, the 4th stimulus check is going to be sent by 18 states as a response to record inflation. Read more here. 

The stimulus package has been passed and many Americans will receive a boost to their income in April.  If you meet the criteria set forth, you can receive at least $1200. But the question is; where will you receive this money?  Most of the money will be directly deposited to accounts tied to your last tax filing. But many members in our communities don’t have bank accounts. Whether it be from previous issues with a bank account you had. May it be mistrust, or a myriad of things, many in our community don’t have access to safe accounts.  

This means many people will receive paper checks and take them to an expensive check casher to get their money.  This doesn’t have to be the case! There are many financial institutions that provide bank accounts to people even if they owe another bank some money.  Aside from any previous bad experiences, the bank or credit union is the best, safest, and cheapest place for you to keep your money and conduct financial business. 

Click the links below to find out the stimulus criteria and banks and credit unions that can help you keep your money in your pocket. In addition, I have attached the BankOn Seattle-King County grid that will give you the list of banks in the state that can provide safe banking opportunities with their individual requirements. 

Stimulus Information

List of Financial Institutions

P.S. There are still no discussions of 4th stimulus check in Washington. 

The Great Debate

With social media abuzz around the great debate of ‘is this a new decade or not’, I for one am excited for what this year and the 20s will bring! My focus: setting strategic goals. I stopped practicing new years resolutions many years back when I realized, they just didn’t work as measurements that were going to be truly attainable in a new year.

What I have found effective is practicing setting strategic goals throughout the year. But, I do have specific goals I set at the top of the year to get me motivated for the year to come. The beginning of a year is a time of reflection, renewal, reworking, and revitalization for me; and this new year and decade (I chose a side) has come with a sense of accomplishment just waiting for me to get there!

In order to walk into what is waiting for me, I have a few things I do to prioritize:

1. Identify the most important thing(s) I need to accomplish this year with realistic dates set to accomplish them
2. WRITE IT DOWN and post it prominently so that I see them daily, weekly etc.….
3. Create a process and/or processes to ensure I have the tools and support necessary to achieve them
4. Revisit my list of goals at set times to ensure I am on track
5. Get started and stay committed to my process.

I am beyond excited about this year and what’s in store. Whether your decade started 01/01/20 or will start 01/01/21, I pray you to walk in His will for your life and blow your goals out of the water! I know I am!

Nicole & Bascomb Real Estate Group

Do you love the exciting and fast paced atmosphere of real estate? Bascomb Real Estate Group is hiring a Real Estate Broker, a real estate professional, to join our team and add value to our and your business. You will be tasked with educating our clients on the homebuying process; growing our customer base by generating leads; counseling clients on market conditions; home buying strategies; and contributing to the continued growth of the firm. You will also be in charge of creating lists of real estate properties and presenting purchase offers to sellers. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to grow their career in real estate with a brokerage that is focused on the value and commitment we offer our clients.

Real Estate Professional Responsibilities:

• Provide guidance and assist sellers and buyers in marketing and purchasing property for the right price under the best terms.
• Generate client leads to buy and sell the property.
• Determine clients’ needs and financial abilities to propose solutions that suit them.
• Intermediate negotiation processes, consult clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements, and related matters, ensuring fair and honest dealing between buyers and sellers.
• Perform comparative market analysis to estimate properties’ value for sellers.
• Serve as a buyer’s agent providing the required support needed to ensure the client finds the home they seek.
• Prepare necessary paperwork (contracts, leases, deeds, closing statements etc.….) as needed.
• Create lists for real estate sales, with information on location, features, square footage, etc.…..
• Cooperate with appraisers, escrow companies, lenders, and home inspectors.
• Develop networks and build a list of resources to include: attorneys, mortgage lenders, contractors, inspectors, and partner brokers.
• Promote sales through advertisements, marketing, open houses, and listing services.
• Remain knowledgeable about real estate markets and best practices.
• Ensure continuing education is always current including state and local licensing if applicable.

Real Estate Broker Requirements

• Must be a licensed real estate broker.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Must be in good standing with the local Realtor board, or an inactive broker who can immediately move his/her license.
• Experience with sales.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good knowledge of the local markets and properties.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be willing to work with first-time homebuyers and low to moderate-income communities in addition to ‘traditional’ homebuyers.
• Must adhere to the mission and values of the brokerage.
• Must have possessed your broker license for at least one year.
• Able to work independently and in a professional manner.

Real Estate Broker Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• Prospecting Skills
• Problem Solving
• Territory Management
• Legal Compliance
• Negotiation skills
• Lending background a plus
• Spanish speaking is a plus

Bascomb Real Estate Group is a certified black/woman-owned business committed to our communities and the positive growth of its citizens.  Our brokerage is dedicated to providing a positive and productive place to work and grow for our brokers and staff while serving the mission of the company.  As a growing firm, we are looking for dynamic brokers wanting to be a part of an amazing team making lasting impacts in the community.

This real estate professional position offers a very competitive commission split; access to an expanding network; flexibility around scheduling including working part-time; working virtually with no desk fees; continuing education opportunities; and the opportunity to join a dynamic, growing brokerage.

We have seemingly reached the end of our summer, and we don’t need a date on the calendar to let us know here in the Pacific Northwest weather. Our constant companion the rain has returned to the region to welcome us into fall.

I don’t dread the rain and cold, I am a sweater, coat, and boots kind of woman; but I must admit, I do like seeing the sun a time or two during the fall and winter.  But, don’t let the disappearance of the sun stop your spirit of motivation!  The coming of fall tends to start the hibernation process for folks, particularly in this region.

Don’t let the weather derail the great plans you put in place during the spring and summer. Continue to work on the to-do lists you have created and the long and short-term goals you put in place, including buying a home!  The fall/winter brings a slowing in the market people don’t like to buy homes in the rain and on shorter days, but this is the perfect opportunity for buyers as there is less competition in the marketplace.  Sellers, you too have an opportunity during this time to sell your property without the worry of inflated offers a lender may have a problem with or aggressive buyers and agents.  This is the time when the savvy buyer and seller thrive considering the current Pacific Northwest weather, so give us a call and make the fall/winter your time to act!