Here in Ontario fines for missing alarms vary by locality but from the newsfeeds I monitor if a fire department finds a landlord with a missing smoke alarm or a dead battery fines levied can be $3,000 or so per alarm per instance.

But then again in WASH. you have excise when you sell and that is a big number on expensive houses.  15 to 20k.

@Levi T.

Originally posted by @Levi T.

@Irina Belkofer @Dustin Lavender @Levi Ballard @Rachel H.Thanks guys, all great advice.

Levi,Have you had any previous experience working Reis?

Our property taxes are pretty reasonable, although the recent boom means our valuations are increasing (causing a sharp rise in the amount of property taxes we pay) but the mill levies themselves are still pretty reasonable.Politically, we are a somewhat purple state, so people from all walks find commonality here (although we are definitely sliding towards blue as time goes by).  

Levi,I don't see why it being in a trust would raise any flags, i think the people who own the home just wanted an extra layer of privacy. 

Flood insurance is required because this is near a levy on the Mississippi river. 

That is, 2% of $300,000 sale is $6,000 excise tax to the state from the seller.