Archive for April, 2008
April 24, 2008
Recent posts on Sweet Digs Seattle:
My mind wanders–alot, in fact. Actually, I think this is pretty characterstic of the female gender. By nature, it’s more difficult for us to fall asleep because we just don’t have that on/off switch that males do. In fact, instead of shutting down at night, we go into some hyper warp speed processing mode that causes us to get even crazier at night. Our minds wander from topic to topic and pretty soon, we’re in an all out frenzy about stuff that has to be done, stuff that should be done, stuff that didn’t get done–there’s no way that we’re gonna fall asleep! And so the thoughts just keep coming… Well, last night…this morning…whatever it was…I don’t know how I got there, but I started to really think about the true meaning of granite.
I mean, hey, you hear it all the time–put your money into your kitchen and master bath–that’s what sells homes! But what is it that makes granite so special? Why are we conditioning our children to grow up and revere granite? Is it so rare that people are willing to pay tens of thousands more for a home with granite countertops? Last time I looked, you could get it at Home Depot or Costco, so it can’t be a scarcity issue. What is the hidden agenda behind granite? Well, here’s my theory.
I don’t believe that it’s the actual granite that sells the home. I think it’s what the granite represents that sells the home. For one thing, granite is a relatively new material for homes. I mean, it just wasn’t used in the 1950′s for example. Richie, Potsie, and Ralph Malph did not snack around Mrs. C’s granite countertops. So the existence of granite really just means that the home has been updated somewhat recently. And if the home’s been updated, this really just means that the somebody cared about the home.
Therefore, the real meaning of granite is just that somebody gave a rat’s a$#! about the home. Period.
So sure, granite has a reputation for being costly, but really, unless your house is wallpapered in granite, you’re talking about relatively small amount of the stuff. What? Maybe $10,000-ish for the countertops in an average-ish sized home. Add $10,000 to the cost of any home and you could actually choose the granite that you like! Why pay a premium for granite that somebody else chose?!
Whew! Now that I’ve finished with my rant on the over-importance of granite, maybe I’ll sleep better tonight.
Zzzzzzzz…….
April 21, 2008
Tucked away on the Eastside, still within easy commuting distance, is the quiet community of Woodinville. Home to a collection of fine wineries including the famous Chateau St. Michelle, Woodinville also boasts the Red Hook Brewery, the Purple Cafe, and Molbaks. These are all probably things that you already knew about Woodinville, but here are a couple more secrets that only insiders know about this peaceful community:
1. Starting a generator and driving a ride-a-long-mower are rites of passage for 12 year olds.
2. You can experience all four seasons in one day. (See photo above.)
3. At some time or another, you will be affected by a bolt of lightening. Sad, but true. It’s the reason why I’m typing this blog into my itty, bitty cell phone. Don’t worry, though–if you think I’m bad off, you should see my neighbor.
4. You will learn to look at trees differently. As part of a beautiful greenbelt out your back window, as gentle shade for a walk around Cottage Lake, or as an insurance nightmare lying across the roof of your home.
5. Always be presentable. Wherever you go, you will always run into somebody you know. Also related, don’t do anything in Woodinville you wouldn’t want your spouse to know about.
6. The Woodinville Costco has all the cool stuff.
7. On television weather forecasts, the synonym for Woodinville is “convergence zone.”
8. Junior high kids still like to “TP” people’s houses. Even in the rain.
9. Hundreds of basset hounds line the street during the community’s All Fool’s Parade, but you’ll never, never see these dogs around at any other time.
10. You will always find a neighbor willing to lend a helping hand–it’s truly one of the best places to live on the Eastside!
Some Woodinville housing gems to peruse:
21740 NE 181st Pl.
4 br/2.5 ba, 3,330 sq.ft.
Price: $695,000
MLS 28005077
22511 NE 165th Ct.
4 br/2.5 ba, 2,850 sq.ft.
Price: $750,000
MLS 28038748
19613 226th Ave NE
4 br/3.25 ba, 3,600 sq.ft.
Price $745,000
MLS 27159807
April 18, 2008
Open House Dates and Times:
Sunday, April 20th, 1-5 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 26th & 27, 1-5pm
727 18th Ave E
Seattle, WA 98112
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice:
Tully’s is just a block away and if you go there you’ll miss some of the best coffee in town across 19th Ave. at Vios. Vios is a wonderful Greek family restaurant with its own playroom for kids. Grab an espresso and sit outside on the patio and you can smile and wave at the folks at Tully’s.
Favorite restaurants in the area:
Well, there’s Vios as mentioned above; it’s hard to beat Greek food, but the Kingfish Café comes awful close. Just two blocks away it is our favorite “walk to” restaurant with great comfort, gourmet, Southern cuisine and soul food. It’s hip and delicious.
Favorite place to go:
We love to walk to Volunteer Park and being on Capitol Hill we’re close to downtown for shopping. And there’s Trader Joes just a few blocks away.
Best features of the home:
We love our entertaining in our backyard. It feels like its own separate room.
Favorite room:
Inside, our favorite room is the master suite that we added. I mean, c’mon, a large shower with Italian tile and heated floor for those chilly Seattle mornings? You can’t beat it unless you’re just soaking there in the Jacuzzi tub.
Any remodeling since last sale price:
Yes, upgraded lighting and utilities in addition to the master bath.
Most romantic spot:
Sitting in the backyard patio night with candles.
What’s in the neighborhood:
Volunteer Park, 15th Ave with all types of shops, Coastal Kitchen, St. Joseph Parrish, Holy Names Academy.
What I will miss the most:
Neighborhood walks with our bulldog, Mobey. We’ll also miss Halloween on Capitol Hill, where neighbors really put on a show!
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, April 20th, 1-4 pm
10825 Glen Acres Dr S #A
Seattle, WA 98168
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Glen Acres Clubhouse, Starbucks in Burien
Favorite restaurants in the area: The Clubhouse at Glen Acres with it’s unbelievable view of all of downtown Seattle, beautiful by day, breathtaking at night. I also love Anthony’s on the water in Des Moines, the Elliott Bay Brewery and The Keg in Burien.
Favorite place to go: Seahurst Park on the Sound and Lincoln Park in West Seattle are both terrific places to walk along the water. Visiting the Art Gallery in Burien, hopping a ferry to the Kitsap Peninsula, or making par on the golf course at Glen Acres are all great ways to spend the day.
Best features of the home: There are so many: the gorgeous grounds within our gated community, the golf course, club house, friendliness of the neighbors, and the overall safety and security with a nighttime guard patrolling the complex. The quiet, park-like surroundings ensure that your sleep is never disturbed by noise. A free game of golf is also included each month for homeowners (your purchase also gives you an ownership share in the golf course.)
Favorite room: The living room, especially in the morning when the sun shines. The beautiful outdoor background and the morning sun flooding the living room, dining room and kitchen is a glorious sight. Sunrises from the east-facing windows can be wonderful too. The living room is also huge with a beautiful gas fireplace, making it ideal for entertaining guests or family.
Any remodeling since last sale price: There has been updating on an ongoing basis during the entire time I have lived here (19 years) to make it a light and bright home. Appliances are recent and top grade.
Most romantic spot: The deck off the living room at dusk and after dark is definitely the winner – the bubbling fountain in the background and custom lighting within the community sets a very romantic mood. A gas spigot for a BBQ grill makes for a wonderful setting for some “shrimp on the barbie”, a glass of wine and your favorite companion.
What’s in the neighborhood: Glen Acres Golf Course offers a reduced membership price for homeowners (one of Seattle’s most affordable golf memberships). There is so much more that this home has to offer: a 15 minute commute to downtown Seattle on the uncrowded Burien freeway, a quick commute to the airport and easy access to Burien, which is becoming a “go to” spot with lots of exciting new restaurants, wind shops, and major renovations.
What I will miss the most: I’ll miss everything that I’ve mentioned and truly wish that I didn’t have to relocate. I’ll miss feeling safe, knowing all my neighbors in the building are there for me. The large rooms and single floor living of this comfortable and pleasant condo will be hard to do without. I’ll also miss being able to take a short walk from my door to the lovely restaurant for meals or a glass of wine with neighbors and friends in the lounge.
April 18, 2008
Starting this May, the IRS will be actually sending out checks of up to $1,200 per couple, plus $300 per child to qualifying U.S. households. Now, for many people, the gotcha is that you may not qualify. To see if you qualify, and to determine how much you will receive, the IRS has been kind enough to develop a simple online calculator.
If you are on the higher end of the income spectrum, you may find that your rebate check is going to be nowhere near to $1,200 or in many cases, it may not exist at all. Under the rules setup by Congress, couples lose 5% of the rebate check amount for every dollar they make over $150,000/year.
If you are one of those left with the empty feeling that you are going to get nothing out of this economic stimulus package, let me remind you again that in addition to approving rebate checks, the economic stimulus package of 2008 also temporarily increases the limits on conforming loans in King County to $567,500. Assuming a 20% downpayment, buyers can now consider homes priced to just under $710,000. In reality could be a much bigger gift from the government to high income earners looking to purchase or refinance their homes.
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, April 20th, 1-4 pm
2430 238th Pl NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Starbucks
Favorite place to go: Pine Lake Park, we spent many evenings at summer concerts performed by the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra or watching July 4th fireworks. It’s also an ideal place for a day out fishing or picnicking.
Best features of the home: The first thing that strikes you about the house is the dramatic 2-story entry which leads to vaulted formal living and dining rooms. The sky lights in the living room and bathrooms open up the spaces and provide a light and airy feel. The master suite is huge, at approximately 420 square feet, including the walk-in closet and 5-piece bath set. The backyard is exactly 100 feet wide, fully fenced and surrounded by 18 foot tall evergreen trees for privacy.
Favorite room: The family room, because the set up is perfect for TV/movie nights or enjoying a small get-together with friends.
Any remodeling since last sale price: New cedar siding was installed and a garden shed (6’x8’x8’) with matching siding with the house was built in year 2000.
Most romantic spot: The breakfast nook with bay window facing the backyard; there, we spent many meals together while watching the hummingbirds, finches, and juncos, etc. frequent the feeders
What’s in the neighborhood: There are some great city parks and recreational facilities nearby.
What I will miss the most: Abundant space for living and entertaining. The hummingbirds that show up in the backyard during summer. The friendly and quiet neighborhood.
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, April 20th, 1-4pm
526 1st Ave S #222
Seattle, WA 98104
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: There must be half a dozen great coffee shops within a few blocks of here. The most notable among this group are Zeitgeist, Cafe Umbria, and Grand Central Bakery. Starbucks lovers can find a couple outlets nearby, too. You should have no problem finding a good cup of coffee, not to mention a pastry or two.
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Again, there are plenty of good options. We’ve turned into fans of the Elysian Fields Restaurant, located next door to the condo building. The food and drinks are top notch, with atmosphere to match.
Favorite Places to Go: We loved being so close to downtown and the waterfront, not to mention Pioneer Square and the International District. With the bus tunnel nearby, and easy access to the freeways, getting pretty much anywhere was never an issue. We enjoyed frequent walks up to the downtown library, Pike Place Market, and all the other downtown destinations.
Best Features of the Home: The high ceilings and slate floors give the place a nice open feel. It has a modern, yet comfortable, vibe.
The custom-built office has also been really nice. It has plenty of room to work, and tons of built-it storage.
Having two parking spots in a Pioneer Square condo has also been handy.
Favorite Room: I’m going to cheat a bit and say the living room and the kitchen. The two rooms are right next to each other, and there is a large counter space between the two that really tie the two spaces together. The result is comfortable space to spend time with friends and family.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Yes!
• Brand-new carpet in the entry and bedroom
• New waterheater
• A new over-the-range microwave
• Fresh paint throughout the entire unit
• Replaced the dishwasher when we moved in five years ago.
And, even though it isn’t in the unit, the building recently got a new roof.
Most Romantic Spot: There is a stretch of Occidental that is blocked to traffic, paved with brick, and lined with tall stately trees. A few years back it snowed, and with the snow on the ground it made for a picture perfect scene. That block is also nice when there isn’t snow, and it forms the heart of the monthly First Thursday art walk.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Pioneer Square is packed with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The two sports stadiums are nearby (a perfect location for a sports fan!). The International District has its share of fun restaurants and shopping, too.
We’re profiling many of our favorite spots on a website we’ve set up: http://1stAve.wordpress.com/
What I Will Miss the Most: The vibrant, exciting, walkable neighborhood.
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday April 19th 1-4pm
535 Lake Washington Blvd S
Seattle, WA 98144
Your coffee shop of choice:
Starbucks across from the Leschi marina
Favorite Restaurant:
Daniels at the Leschi marina is great. That’s Amore on 31st is a cozy Italian restaurant with great views of Seattle.
Favorite Place to Go:
We love walking through Frink Park (which turns into Leschi Park) down to the marina and beach.
Best Features:
Open, spacious living areas with great attention to detail makes the home a joy to live in.
Favorite Room:
The family room, with large windows to take in the view. It is open to the dining room and kitchen and is great for entertaining or curling up on the couch.
Has there been any remodeling since you purchased the home?:
None inside, but major work done in the front to terrace the yard and to create a great play area for kids
What’s in the Neighborhood:
Two adjacent parks (Frink and Leschi) lead down to the shopping district and marina. There is also a small business district on 31st with a restaurant/coffee shop and the Sponge School (foreign language immersion school for kids).
Most Romantic Spot:
We love to walk to the I-90 overpass and take in the lake and the view of Mount Rainier.
What you will miss the most:
It’s great being close to the small neighborhood shops and restaurants. The Leschi Market is a great shop with a fantastic wine selection. They love to talk wine and will special order wines or other items for you if you like. The area is also very green and quiet, you can’t believe you’re just minutes from downtown.
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday & Sunday, April 19th & 20th, 1-4pm
14737 112th Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
Seller’s Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice:
Get Up and Go espresso, this place has great coffee and is owner-operated.
Favorite restaurant in the area:
La Corona is a favorite for Mexican food, it’s also owner-operated, and overall just a great little place. When the mood for Italian strikes, we head to Restaurant Paridisio in the art walk of Kirkland’s downtown.
Favorite Places to Go:
We often find ourselves at the downtown Kirkland marina for concerts and relaxing together as a family. Kirkland has so many things to offer, like boating and waterfront dining. The home has such easy access to Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond that everything is within reach.
What’s in the neighborhood:
E. Norway park, Edith Moulton park and Kingsgate park are all nearby, along with several schools and grocery stores.
Best features of the home:
The location is definitely one of the best features, being on the cul-de-sac of a safe and fun neighborhood has so many advantages. The house also has a big front yard which we’ve definitely enjoyed!
Favorite room:
We love the dining room because that is where the family gets together to eat and talk; the living room is another favorite, with a great set up for movie nights with family and friends.
Most Romantic Spot:
The back patio – it’s perfect for small get-togethers and summertime barbecues.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price:
Living room, dining room, kitchen, hallway, all 3 bedrooms, front yard, back yard, and one bathroom.
What I will miss the most:
The family and friends in the neighborhood; they’re the best!!!!
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, April 19th, 10am-12pm
15841 NE 91st Way
Redmond, WA 98052
Coffee shop of choice:
Victors is our favorite, an independent Eastside hot spot in the heart of Old Redmond with amazing espresso and treats. But take your pick! Starbucks, Tully’s and Soulfood Books are minutes away.
Favorite restaurant in the area:
Our favorite is Tropea, a small Italian place great for romantic nights. We also love Typhoon, a hip Thai restaurant with very quick take out.
Favorite place to go:
The Sammamish River Trail to walk, run, bike, rollerblade, and relax! It is just minutes from our door and is the main reason we were drawn to this community. We use the trail to go to Old Redmond, Redmond Town Center and to the Farmers Market on Saturdays!
Best features of the home:
Suburban living with the all the comforts of urban life! Catch the bus to Microsoft outside your door, or ride the express line to Seattle . Relax at the River Trail and watch eagles, deer and great blue herons.
Low Maintenance— Inside is move-in ready and outside is maintained for you!
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price:
- Woven Bamboo Hardwood downstairs
- Enlarged and Gated Patio
- Crown Molding downstairs
- Built-in Window Seat w/storage
- Custom Honeycomb Blackout Blinds in all 3 bedrooms for insulation and a restful sleep
- Custom/modular closet storage
- New Furnace with air filtration
- New Hot Water Heater
Favorite room:
All of them! The living room is a great place to relax on the window seat or sit by the fire. The family room enjoys a lot of southern sun exposure- so warm in the winter. The kitchen is large and has a gas range- a wonderful chef’s kitchen. The bedrooms are peaceful with custom blackout blinds for a great night’s sleep even in summer! The sunny gated patio is large and like an extra room for us in the summer.
Most Romantic Spot:
Definitely the master bedroom and private bath with a deep soaking tub and vaulted ceiling!
What’s in the neighborhood:
What’s not?! We are in the heart of Redmond— Suburban living with the all the comforts of urban life!
What we will miss the most:
All the upgrades we’ve done and living in downtown Redmond.
