U.S. rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.71 pct.

Published on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 06:28:38 PDT

Average rates on fixed mortgages rose this week, the first increase in seven weeks. But mortgage rates remain near historic lows, boosting prospects for home sales this year.

Westlake Is In The Numbers – Are You Thinking About Listing Your Westlake Seattle Floating Home?

Published on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:25:55 -0700

  Seattle Floating Homes Sales By Year:

If you are interested in further data or more detail info, please contact:

Courtney Cooper

Seattle floating homes Realtor

206-850-8841

Courtney@CooperJacobs.com

2012 Seattle floating homes SOLD  (as of May 8th)

2011 Seattle floating homes sold

2010 seattle floating homes sales

2009 seattle floating homes sold

2008 seattle floating homes

Bainbridge Island Houseboat For Sale – The Most Inexpensive of the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Homes?

Published on Wed, 02 May 2012 19:37:50 -0700

Bainbridge Island Houseboat?  Yes!  Check Out This Lifetime Opportunity!

Bainbridge Island Vintage and Historical Well Kept and updated Housebarge.

Hard to put all those words in one sentence all the time, but this gem has it all, truly.  I was absolutely delighted to get the call from the seller who knew I sold houseboats.  He called me and I was on board this beauty the next day and so happy that I did it because it is special.  There are many words for this beauty, but special is very fitting. 

• 1+ Bedroom (also has den/sunroom that could be used as second sleeping space if needed)
• 1 FULL bathroom (yes – spacious, big counter, and full sized bathroom)
• 800-900 square feet according to last survey
• recently hauled out with documentation
• very inexpensive monthly moorage
• new roof top deck with view of Seattle skyline – this would be great for fireworks!!!
• kitchen, dining room, and large living room
• high ceiling
• skylights
• entry haul with front doors on either side depending on how you are docked
• closets galore

The only opportunity to own well known houseboat in Eagle Harbor Marina on lovely Bainbridge Island.

Classic structure is extremely well done with new features:  roof top deck opens to Seattle skyline, sunroom expands out to deck via sliding doors & full bath has on demand hot water and porthole window to Cascade views. Living spaces warmed by multiple sources of heat and clubhouse has laundry, sauna, gardens, storage & ample parking.

 Built in the 1950s on Bainbridge Island, this lovely home is called Le Barge and decked out perfectly.  It is the very quintessential houseboat in the Seattle area nestled in Eagle Harbor Marina on sought after Bainbridge Island. Live among high end Bainbridge Island waterfront homes and enjoy life afloat with views of the city, island, sound, and more.   This houseboat is great for weekend get away or full time live aboard owners.

$145,000

Full listing with photos: Bainbridge Island Houseboat for sale

For more information:  Courtney Cooper: courtney@cooperjacobs.com  206-850-8841

Avoid These Eight Mistakes When You Buy Or Sell A House

Published on 06/16/2012

For most people, buying or selling their primary home, vacation property or rental property can be among their most important and expensive business transactions This article offers advice on how to avoid some common mistakes in the process and make the best use of your time and money

Home in Los Angeles’s Holmby Hills Sells for $11.5 Million

Published on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 19:43:16 EDT

Former Microsoft executive Mich Mathews pays $11.5 million for Dawn Ostroff’s Los Angeles home; a Northern California ranch sells for roughly $20 million; the price of a Las Vegas estate is slashed nearly 75% to $6.9 million.

Rocky Mountain High-End

Published on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 10:00:09 EDT

An 11,058-square-foot castle in the Rocky Mountains near Calgary, Alberta, is asking $11.4 million.

Brookfield Wants Billions

Published on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:54:17 EDT

Brookfield Asset Management is looking to raise one of the largest real-estate funds since the financial crisis. … And Fred Segal has left the real-estate business.

Large Investors Swim on Their Own

Published on Wed, 23 May 2012 04:01:03 EDT

Put off by high fees and disappointing performance of so-called pooled funds, major institutions are building in-house real-estate investment divisions to acquire property directly.

The New Nontraded REITs

Published on Fri, 04 May 2012 22:12:07 EDT

A controversial real-estate investment is getting a makeover—and while the critics still aren’t sold, some advisers say it is worth considering for investors comfortable with the risks.

Mortgage Borrowers Need Improved Access To Credit To Help Distressed…

Published on 06/16/2012

The Federal Reserve and HUD demonstrate leadership to help mortgage borrowers and sweat equity buyers gain access to credit. Home Destination, a Certified Distressed Property Expert, professional…

(PRWeb June 15, 2012)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/mortgage-borrowers/access-to-credit/prweb9608826.htm

Magnolia View Home Just Listed – Over 3000 Square Feet!

Published on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:59:00 GMT

4046 Williams Ave W Seattle, WA 98199

Sitting high on the NE slope of Magnolia, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath Seattle view home with soaring water and territorial views awaits you. Main floor features hardwood floors throughout, formal living and dining rooms, grand kitchen, powder room, and large entertainment deck. Upper floor highlights include master suite, 2 bedrooms, full bath, and utility room. The Lower level presents 4th bedroom, ½ bath, and a large family room. 2-car garage and beautifully landscaped yard complete this lovely home.

$889,950

Listed by Stephanie Stanford – stephanie@cooperjacobs.com

• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 baths
• 3150 Square Feet
• Built in 1999

Permalink | Comments

Current Magnolia Homes For Sale

Published on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:21:00 GMT

Back to school is in the air and students are moving around early to make it to class on time. Watch for them crossing our streets. The holidays are fast approaching and time to start thinking about making home improvements for Winter. Have your home heating furnace cleaned and serviced. Replace batteries in all smoke detectors and consider purchasing a carbon monoxide sensor for your home. And it’s always a good time to be in the know about current Magnolia real estate market values. If you would like to know, contact us!  206-236-9696

Currently, there are some wonderful listings of Magnolia homes for sale.  Let us know if you would like a private showing with one of our Magnolia Realtors

3701 W. Barrett Street MLS#: 265049 Traditional Magnolia home design with modern amenities, panoramic views and 5 bedrooms in a house walking distance to Seattle’s public and private schools 

 2577 W. Viewmont Way W. MLS#: 223196  Classic Magnolia Tudor charm in an updated package as kitchen features Wolf, Subzero & Bosch appliances and heated tile floor and double walk in shower. Sound and Olympic views from deck off master

3209 W Lynn Street MLS#: 254688 - A delightful Magnolia town home with lower level work suite plus two car garage with secured parking, 3 bedrooms, media room and elevator

Permalink | Comments

Newer Magnolia View Home For Sale (Over 3000 Square Feet!!!)

Published on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:17:38 -0700

4046 Williams Ave W Seattle, WA 98199

Sitting high on the NE slope of Magnolia, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath Seattle view home with soaring water and territorial views awaits you. Main floor features hardwood floors throughout, formal living and dining rooms, grand kitchen, powder room, and large entertainment deck. Upper floor highlights include master suite, 2 bedrooms, full bath, and utility room. The Lower level presents 4th bedroom, ½ bath, and a large family room. 2-car garage and beautifully landscaped yard complete this lovely home.

$889,950

Listed by Stephanie Stanford – stephanie@cooperjacobs.com

• 4 Bedrooms
• 3 baths
• 3150 Square Feet
• Built in 1999

Seattle Floating Homes Historical Sales Data: Looking To List Soon? You NEED These Numbers!

Published on Tue, 08 May 2012 17:22:52 -0700

  Seattle Floating Homes Sales By Year:

If you are interested in further data or more detail info, please contact:

Courtney Cooper

Seattle floating homes Realtor

206-850-8841

Courtney@CooperJacobs.com

2012 Seattle floating homes SOLD  (as of May 8th)

2011 Seattle floating homes sold

2010 seattle floating homes sales

2009 seattle floating homes sold

2008 seattle floating homes

Phinney Ridge “Treehouse” Open this Weekend in Seattle

Published on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 23:09:40 -0700

Looking forward to Kim having this open house in the office – If you want to know anything about Phinney Ridge or Green real estate, then this is the ladsy for you to talk to!  I am so thrilled to have her as one of our fine Seattle real estate brokers at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate!!!!  (Go Kim!!!)

Home Once Owned by Versace Lists for $125 Million

Published on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 05:02:47 EDT

A Miami Beach, Fla., home once owned by Gianni Versace lists for $125 million; a Beverly Hills, Calif., estate of Iranian fashion designer Bijan Pakzad goes on the market for $12 million.

Resort Living in Indonesia

Published on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 21:36:31 EDT

This beachfront villa on the Indonesian island of Batam spans 7,000 square feet and comes with a pool, a Jacuzzi bathtub and free yacht rides to Singapore.

Beachfront Flat in Pattaya

Published on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:01:06 EDT

This three-bedroom apartment in Pattaya, Thailand, overlooks the beach and has a Jacuzzi on the wraparound balcony.

Beachfront Homes

Published on Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:30:50 EST

Beachfront homes in Dana Point, Calif., Osterville, Mass., and Loveladies, N.J.

German Real-Estate Funds Liquidating

Published on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 04:17:10 EDT

German real-estate funds facing redemption demands from investors are planning to liquidate about $25 billion in assets, a move that could put pressure on property values in markets throughout Europe.

Nice Arlington Community (Arlington) $140000

Sold by Electronic bid only

Great home in a nice community! Beautiful hardwoods in kitchen & bathrooms. Cozy gas fireplace in the elegant living room/ Lower level family rm, bedroom, & full bath. HUD Home Sold AS-IS by electronic bid only.

Marv Nicholson, HUD Specialist. Call today for a private showing and help in bidding electronically, 206-227-6278.

Click here for property details, neighborhood trends and future property alerts.

Listing courtesy of Michael D. Killmer, Century 21

6906 Upland Dr

(google map)
(yahoo map)

• Location: Arlington

Enjoy living, effortless choice for fascinating homes in Rainier Valle (Rainier Valley Seattle) $200000 3bd 1100sqft

These 13 cozy and functional homes is the ideal place for you as you settle in the Rainier Valley community. VIEW FULL DETAILS AND HIGH DEFINITION IMAGES.

Charming and inviting adorable homes well within your reach in Rainier Valley. Make that call now!

North Beacon Hill, North Admiral, Gatewood, White Center, Highline, Industrial District East, Beacon Hill, Mercer Island, Newport

• Location: Rainier Valley Seattle

Award winning Mukilteo Schools and a nice home to boot! (Everett) $194950 4bd 1715sqft

Great home with a vaulted ceiling in the entry and living room. Roomy kitchen complete with a breakfast bar and storage. Spacious master bedroom and a large deck with a view of the Cascade Mountains. Located in a cul-de-sac with easy access to I-5 and Boeing. Award winning Mukilteo Schools and a fully fenced backyard. Very fairly priced, so make an offer today.

Marv Nicholson, CFS, REO, HUD Specialist. Call today for a private showing 206-227-6278.

Full Details

Listing Courtesy of Robert Knoles, The Force Realty

310 74th St SW

(google map)
(yahoo map)

• Location: Everett

Queen Anne Light & Airy 3 Bed Home (Queen Anne) $399000 3bd

Bright & airy 3 bed Queen Anne home with nice finishes.

Location: Queen Anne

3 Bed 3.25 Bath Home in Seattle (Seattle) $280000 3bd

Imagine living in Seattle’s hippest neighborhood? Farmer’s Market, & cool eateries that foster community. These homes feature 3 br ea. w/their own attached bath, lower level has kitchenette and separate entrance. Offering a wonderful blend of traditional style & modern convenience. Welcoming & cozy open spaces complimented by high ceilings, natural light, fireplace, & energy efficient systems. 1 car gar. ample fenced in yard w/patio. Fantastic & EZ access to Seattle, make it home today!

Click here for Full Details

Listing Courtesy of Troy Anderson, Keller Williams Greater Seattle

5338 16th Ave S

(google map)
(yahoo map)

• Location: Seattle

Just Sold! Queen Anne Ave Condo

Published on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:16:00 GMT

1417 Queen Anne Ave N #204, Seattle 98109

From the NWMLS listing:

How would you like to live at the top of Queen Anne hill and enjoy all that living on Queen Anne can offer?  Molly and I just sold this great Queen Anne condo with the help from our great team! It was originally listed at $249,900 and on the market about a month.  Our Queen Anne buyer got this home at Galer Gardens for $235,000 – complete with roof top deck!

• 1 bedroom
• 1 bath
• 726 square feet
• Built in 1996
• Rooftop deck

Permalink | Comments

3408 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107 Open House Today Until 3PM

Published on Sat, 25 Feb 2012 13:53:00 GMT

Permalink | Comments

Current Magnolia Homes For Sale

Published on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:21:00 GMT

Back to school is in the air and students are moving around early to make it to class on time. Watch for them crossing our streets. The holidays are fast approaching and time to start thinking about making home improvements for Winter. Have your home heating furnace cleaned and serviced. Replace batteries in all smoke detectors and consider purchasing a carbon monoxide sensor for your home. And it’s always a good time to be in the know about current Magnolia real estate market values. If you would like to know, contact us!  206-236-9696

Currently, there are some wonderful listings of Magnolia homes for sale.  Let us know if you would like a private showing with one of our Magnolia Realtors

3701 W. Barrett Street MLS#: 265049 Traditional Magnolia home design with modern amenities, panoramic views and 5 bedrooms in a house walking distance to Seattle’s public and private schools 

 2577 W. Viewmont Way W. MLS#: 223196  Classic Magnolia Tudor charm in an updated package as kitchen features Wolf, Subzero & Bosch appliances and heated tile floor and double walk in shower. Sound and Olympic views from deck off master

3209 W Lynn Street MLS#: 254688 - A delightful Magnolia town home with lower level work suite plus two car garage with secured parking, 3 bedrooms, media room and elevator

Permalink | Comments

Lake Union Living: Eastlake Condo With A Lake Union View

Published on Wed, 02 May 2012 23:33:35 -0700

Lake Union View Eastlake Condo For Sale

2920 Eastlake Ave E #207 Seattle, WA 98102

Lake Union views, city park across the street, easy commute to downtown; this open 1 bedroom is all class. Brazilian cherry hardwoods compliment the modern kitchen with Viking SS appliances.  Custom built-ins for all the extra needed storage and defined space.

Common garage with direct access to unit. Secure entry, well maintained building, low dues. On busline with easy access to I-5, UW and downtown. Wander around Eastlake for your weekend breakfast spot or enjoy your favorite happy hour with lake views.

$262,500

• 1 Bedroom
• 1 Bath
• Fireplace

Listed by Staci Baldwin (staci@cooperjacobs.com) at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate LLC

Please, contact us if you would like to see this Eastlake view home or other Eastlake homes for sale.

Big Homes Are Back in Business

Published on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:46:14 EDT

As the economy slowly improves and some consumers’ anxieties ease, buyers are upsizing again.

Beachfront Flat in Pattaya

Published on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 01:01:06 EDT

This three-bedroom apartment in Pattaya, Thailand, overlooks the beach and has a Jacuzzi on the wraparound balcony.

A Canadian Island Retreat

Published on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:39:17 EDT

This waterfront home is on Thetis Island, one of the southern Gulf Islands between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island.

Picaboo Yearbooks Launches Groundbreaking Home Business Opportunity…

Published on 06/12/2012

The Picaboo Yearbooks Dealership Opportunity is an Ideal Home Business for Real Estate Professionals who Aren’t Achieving their Full Income Potential in the Struggling Real Estate Marketplace

(PRWeb June 12, 2012)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Real/Estate/prweb9587916.htm

Father’s Day Gift Idea Just Announced To Give Asset Protection and…

Published on 06/12/2012

Father Day Gift was just announced by Legalees allowing fathers to get a free book on asset protection and estate planning.

(PRWeb June 12, 2012)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/6/prweb9594936.htm

Leucadia Home Listings Now Available via LREP Mobile and…

Published on 06/12/2012

Luxury Real Estate Partners today announced a partnership with Smarter Agent to provide Leucadia Home listings on smart phones and tablets.

(PRWeb June 12, 2012)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/6/prweb9586787.htm

Seattle Floating Home Sales of 2012

Published on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 13:28:00 GMT

Seattle Floating Homes Current Market Report: How Will Your Seattle Houseboat Fare In Today’s Real Estate Market If You Put It On Now?

You already know what Seattle houseboats for sale are on the market right now, but let’s look at the Seattle floating homes that have sold this year so far:

•  3146 Portage Bay Place E #L, Seattle 98102:  1 bedroom/1 bath 850 square feet Seattle floating home on Portage Bay. It has one parking space attached which is a rare commodity for houseboats.  Listed for $399,000 and Sold for $350,000:  Built in 1940 and on the market for 30 days.  Here are the public remarks from the MLS:

                                 Floating Home at end of dock w/condo owned moorage. Irresistible price with assigned parking space & storage locker. Value in end dock location. Large sturdy log float, approx 42′x31′ Possibilites to do a Re-build to 2 story 18′ height. New roof (2+/- yrs) newer treated stringers… last 10 yrs. Cozy cottage style liveable but you will want to do major remodel. Small boat possibility. Community yard & friendly neighbors. Owner of 40 years is ready to move and is making an effort to de-clutter.

• 3146 Portage Bay Place E #M:  1 bedroom/ 1 bath Portage Bay floating home for sale.  Listed at $389,000 and sold in a bidding war for $400,000 .  This was a bank owned Seattle floating home.  Bank owned Seattle floating homes for sale (REO properties) are few and far between so this was an interesting house.  It had been on the market before and was pending but due to the DNR lease renewal pending, the buyers decided to walk allowing a new set of buyers to get a chance at this end of dock floating home.  Because of the sale falling through, the market time was increased at 339 days.   This one had some very Vegas-like touches and was definitely going to need some work, but what a great price for the end of the dock!  Here are the public remarks from the NWMLS listing:

                                  Portage Bay houseboat located at prime ind of dock location. 180 degree views! Relax outdoors on the dock or retreat indoor to the spacious great room with high vaulted ceilings. Cooks kitchen w/ concrete counter-top, gas range and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Master bedroom suite w/ large walk in closet, stone tiled shower with steam feature. Great opportunity to own a prime waterfront home at a reasonable price!

• 3310 Fuhrman Ave E, Seattle 98102:  2+ bedroom/2 bath, Seattle floating home with lots of extras – took a while to sell as it was nestled right between the University Bridge and the Ship Canal Bridge, but had  some amazing views from its end of dock position.  It was listed for $715,000 and sold for $600,000 in 316 days.  Here are the marketing remarks:

No Dues & Own Your Moorage For This Floating Home! Fabulous fee simple Lake Union oasis! Mixed use between residential & C140 Commercial waterfront property: live on the lake & run your biz here, too! 34+ feet of Lake Union End of dock (because it is the dock!!!) waterfrontage with a remodeled 2 bedroom floating home with companion float for kayaks, etc., an additional lakeside cottage, boat slip (+/- 35 feet), and an unheard of 2 off street parking spaces -PLUS a yard! Opportunity knocks!

• 2600 Fairview Av Ct E #HB13, Seattle 98122:  Mallard Cove! If you know about Mallard Cove then you know how coveted Mallard Cove houseboats for sale are!   Built in 1978, this 3/ bedrooms/ 2.25 baths, 1900 square feet, with a market time of 58 days floating home was listed for $995,000 and sold for $950,000. Extras include a fireplace, roof top deck, and the almighty parking.   Here are the public remarks for this beautiful Seattle floating home:

Imagine stepping off your living-room deck for a morning kayak adventure or evening boat cruise – this stunning 3bd, 2.75ba Mallard Cove floating home brings the waterfront to you with moorage included and rare, secured parking for 2 cars. Tie up every toy from yacht to paddle-board and step into the ultimate NW lifestyle. Beautifully remodeled in 2010 with new kitchen, baths, electrical, and plumbing. Three sun decks plus an enormous roof-top entertainment deck with 180° lake & mountain views.

Do you want to sell your Seattle Floating Home?  Courtney@cooperjacobs.com 206-850-8841 

Permalink | Comments

Sunset Hill View Condo!

Published on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:19:00 GMT

Sunset Hill View Condo!

5615 24th Ave NW #46, Seattle 98107

$289,900

Light filled corner Ballard condo unit with open Northwest views of Olympics.  West end Ballard location in the heart of the best of Ballard.

You will love living here with bright sunny outlooks in all rooms, granite slab counter tops, SS appliances, cherry hardwood flooring, tiled bath & beautiful two sided gas fire place.

Enjoy gorgeous sunsets everyday from your private western facing corner balcony. 2nd bedroom converted from original home office/den w/ $5,000 custom built King size murphy bed

• MLS # 270308
• 2 Bedroom
• 1 Bath
• Built 2006
• 827 Square Feet
• Views!

If you are interested in Ballard real estate, please let us know!  Cooper Jacobs has great Ballard Realtors!  realestate@cooperjacobs.com.  Listed by Steve Craft, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate: (206) 478-2900

Permalink | Comments

Just A Few Hot In City Seattle Neighborhoods

Published on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 06:46:00 GMT

Permalink | Comments

For some, the gamble of an adjustable-rate mortgage pays off

Published on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:28:00 +0000

KPLU’s John Maynard bought a condo in 2007 – at the height of the market. He took out an adjustable-rate mortgage that’s “adjusting” in June.

That’s turned out to be good news for Maynard, who’s mortgage payment will go down considerably since interest rates are low right now and expected to be so for quite some time.

Laurelhurst Homes For Sale Stats On Solds

Published on Wed, 09 May 2012 19:44:35 -0700

So what has sold in Laurelhurst?

In the last 180 days, the Laurelhurst homes for sale sold by brokers in the MLS (NWMLS listings) have ranged from $450,000 to $1,950,000 with a median price of $873,000 and an average days on market of 60 days.   You can get a full run down here: Laurelhurst Homes that have sold
If you are interested in speaking to us about listing your Laurelhurst home with a Laurelhurst Realtor, I would welcome the opportunity to show you how we market your home differently than others.  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate has held the record for the highest priced Laurelhurst home sale sold since 2010  which also happened to tbe the fifth highest sale in all of Seattle.  We know Seattle luxury homes and we know Laurelhurst real estate and more importantly, we get results for you.
 

Laurelhurst Homes For Sale – For Sale Vs. Sold Laurelhurst Real Estate and then let’s look at months of Laurelhurst real estate inventory when compared year over year and throughout the year:

Courtney Cooper

Seattle Luxury Homes Broker

206-850-8841

courtney@cooperjacobs.com

Contemporary Palladian

Published on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 10:05:42 EDT

This seven-bedroom house, with indoor swimming pool and over three acres of land, is located close to London on the Wentworth Estate, home to championship golf courses.

Borrowers Miss Out on Billions in Savings

Published on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:53:15 EST

Millions of homeowners haven’t benefited from the lowest mortgage rates in nearly a half-century because they can’t or won’t refinance.

Blackstone Lodges Several Hotel Moves

Published on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:54:19 EDT

Blackstone Group LP, one of the world’s largest hotel investors, is playing both offense and defense these days as the lodging industry slowly recovers from the downturn.

Tensions Flare Over Stuck Sunnyvale Project

Published on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 18:57:32 EDT

An $800 million shopping center, hotel and office complex that was supposed to be built and operating in Sunnyvale, Calif., last year, remains an inactive construction site entangled in a fight between a developer and a bank.

CORE Group Real Estate Launches New Website -…

Published on 06/12/2012

CORE Group Realty, a two year old company, that was founded on the idea of Client Oriented Real Estate is now amongst the best in Idaho. The company is now recognized as one of the highest producing…

(PRWeb June 12, 2012)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/6/prweb9589173.htm