Archive for April, 2008
April 18, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, April 20th 1-4pm
20518 73rd Dr SE
Snohomish, WA 98296
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Molbak’s Café, Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream’s Café, and Lyon’s Den. On a beautiful day you can walk to get ice cream and get a little exercise to work off that ice cream – a 2 mile round trip walk.
Favorite places to go: Flower World, Molbak’s, Sammamish River Trail, Downtown Woodinville, Downtown Snohomish, even Mill Creek. This area is definitely a gardener’s paradise. No wonder Flower World and Molbak’s are nearby. For an active lifestyle, both the Sammamish River Trail and the Centennial Trail are easily accessible.
Favorite restaurants in the area: Maltby Café. Hands down the best cinnamon rolls and breakfasts. For a quick, cheap meal — $1.50 hotdogs at the Woodinville Costco. Of course, that’s also that Purple Café in Woodinville. There’s no shortage of choices that are less than 10 minutes away.
Best features of the home: The neighborhood! Modern craftsman on over .5 acre. It’s quiet here but still really accessible to all the great things in the northern part of the Eastside. I love the wrought iron stair rail and the wainscoting. There’s something timeless about both those features that accommodate many home décor styles.
Favorite rooms: The living room. It’s my favorite spot to read. I also enjoy the master on the main. I never realized how much I would appreciate having my own private sanctuary away from the noise of a busy family.
Any remodeling since last purchase?: The house in only 6 years old. New exterior paint.
Most romantic spot: The trails. Each .5 acre property backs up to a forested walking trail that’s well maintained.
What’s in the neighborhood: Park for kids and many walking trails. Quiet, beautiful neighborhood of houses that is also connected to similar neighborhoods.
What I will miss the most: The setting. It’s nice not to live in a cookie cutter neighborhood. Privacy is supreme. Your neighbors are nearby so you have all the advantages of a neighborhood without know what they’re having for dinner!
April 15, 2008
Recent Posts on Sweet Digs Seattle:
It’s April 15th–tax day! But, no worries, you say. You are actually getting a refund this year. But think beyond the notorious April 15th, think, “April 30th,” the day to commemorate the other biggest tax bill you receive every year–your property taxes. April 30th is around the corner and one half of your property taxes are due.
Be sure and send this one off early because ignoring ( or simply forgetting) your state property tax can be an extremely expensive proposition. For example, let’s use the example of a $10,000 tax bill each year, which would make $5,000 due on April 30th and $5,000 due on October 31st. Now, just for grins, let’s say that you forgot to dig out that 2008 tax bill you received in February to pay your first $5,000 at the end of this month. Starting May 1st, Washington State assesses you an interest rate of 12% per year, computed at 1% per month for the entire tax bill of $10,000. In other words, you will pay $100 per month in interest for every month you are late in getting your taxes in.
But wait, there’s more fun ahead. Let’s say that you totally forgot about that April tax bill. If you go past June 1st, 2008 you will be assessed an additional 3% penalty on the entire $10,000 of property tax. By the time June 30th rolls around, you will owe a $300 penalty plus $200 of interest (for two months), or $500 total for being 60 days late. The King County Tax Assessor’s office will likely send you a delinquency notice after this June date (if you’re lucky), but if for some reason you miss that notice also and remain in ignorant bliss past December 1st, an additional 8% penalty will be applied to the original $10,000 amount. Your $10,000 tax bill has now grown to $1,100 in penalties and $800 interest for a grand total of $11,900!
So, if you happen to read this and find yourself thinking, ”Holy $%^%! I completely forgot about that April 30th property tax payment!” You owe me a latte!
April 15, 2008
We’ve all heard of buyer’s remorse – but what about builder’s remorse? It would be an understatement to say that homebuilders have enjoyed their share of profits during the housing boom. As real estate is cyclical, those builders that moved in early to purchase empty lots and tear-downs in 2004 and 2005 have done very well – maxing out lot lines and squeezing the most profit out of new construction for hungry buyers during the peak of the market. The builders that paid for overpriced, overvalued shacks in 2006 and 2007 are now experiencing the sobering reality that all bubbles must burst – and the current supply of spec houses way outnumbers the demand.
The following listings are examples of builder’s remorse: get out and recoup what you can before sinking deeper into the hole. Many of these are listed at, or just slightly above, the original purchase price. For those of you looking for land to build your dream home, the Builder Blues might translate into a Builder Bargain!
844 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Bellevue
MLS 28031721
Last purchase: $929,900 (08/07/2007)
Current price: $949,000
7852 NE 14th St, Medina
MLS 28019314
Last purchase: $1,250,000 (07/31/2007)
Current price: $1,100,000
8650 NE 7th St, Medina
MLS 28037813
Last purchase: $1,249,950 (01/12/2007)
Current price: $955,000
9827 NE 14th St, Bellevue
MLS 28061466
Last purchase: $1,050,000 (08/14/2006)
Current price: $925,000
3108 92nd Ave NE, Clyde Hill
MLS 28056873
Last purchase: $825,000 (12/01/2006)
Current price: $999,000
April 14, 2008
For one thing, homeowners know how to worry (not that we needed any sophisticated poll to tell us that). This morning, AP-AOL Money & Finance released the results of a recent poll of homeowners. Among the major findings:
- More than one-quarter of homeowners worry that their home will lose value over the next two years.
- One in seven mortgage holders worry that they won’t be able to make their monthly payments on time over the next six months.
- 60% of homeowners definitely will not buy a home in the next two years (53% said the same thing in September, 2006).
- 11% of homeowners are certain or very likely to buy soon.
- One in four homeowners believe that prices will continue to fall, versus four in ten, who believe that prices will rise.
- 35% feel that house prices are just about right, half say homes are overpriced, and about 10% feel that housing is underpriced.
- One in ten homeowners have adjustable rate mortgages, which is just about half the number who had them two years ago.
The bottom line–nobody knows which way the market is heading next, though I think the people who stand to benefit the most (or lose the least amount) are non-contingent, qualifying home bu
yers who take public transportation (or own a Prius), prefer McCafe’s to Starbucks, and are actually capable of making mortgage payments. If you’re one of this elite group–high five!
Second up, homeowners who are just plain old staying put for the duration should do just fine as well. Theoretically, this is totally logical, but it looks to me like even those of us who are laying roots right where we stand are feeling a little pessimistic about things also. I conducted my own highly scientific poll this weekend (the sample consisting of contractors who have come through my house this weekend), and among my major findings:
- Home remodeler’s predicted an increase in business due to the stagnant real estate market; typically when people stop moving around, they invest in home remodeling and upgrades instead.
- The expected uptick in remodeling has not occurred (yet, if it will at all).
- However, while there hasn’t been a big increase in the remodeling business, there hasn’t been a big decrease either–it’s been pretty steady.
(And hey, these “poll results” didn’t cost a me a fortune in survey fees either, like it did AP-AOL–er…I guess maybe it did, depending on how you look at it.)
April 11, 2008
It wasn’t that long ago, that searching for “bargain” homes was searching for a needle in the haystack–and in fact, those needles were in the low $200′s/square foot range. But, boy, have times changed! Now, there are needles throughout the haystack and they are more in the $100′s/square foot range to boot! Check out these Bellevue bargains that I spotted for less than $200/square foot. There are the usual suspects who try to dilute square footage by including freakish basement space in the total square footage, but there are couple certainly worth peeping at in here.
2906 165th Pl NE
6 br/3 ba, 3,190 sq.ft.
Price $500,000 ($157/sq.ft.)
MLS 28059011
4635 119th Ave SE
3 br/1.75 ba, 2,860 sq.ft.
Price $469,950 ($164/sq.ft.)
MLS 28039873
6710 123rd Pl SE
4 br/2.75 ba, 3,170 sq.ft.
Price $539,950 ($170/sq.ft.)
MLS 28035262
6024 123rd Ave SE
4 br/2.5 ba, 2,560 sq.ft.
Price $479,000 ($187/sq.ft.)
MLS 28046874
4065 173rd Pl SE
4 br/2.75 ba, 3,930 sq.ft.
Price $749,950 ($191/sq.ft.)
MLS 27200506
6517 121 Pl SE
4 br/2.5 ba, 3,120 sq.ft.
$599,950 ($192/sq.ft.)
MLS 27191778
12210 SE 61 St
5 br/2.75 ba, 3,060 sq.ft.
Price $588,800 ($192/sq.ft.)
MLS 28037135
11606 SE 47th St
4 br/2.5 ba, 3,030 sq.ft.
Price $585,000 ($193/sq.ft.)
MLS 2718040
1440 173rd Ave NE
2 br/1 ba, 1,980 sq.ft.
Price $387,500 ($196/sq.ft.)
MLS 28054394
11828 SE 66th St
4 br/2.25 ba, 2,610 sq.ft.
Price $509,950 ($195/sq.ft.)
MLS 28036201
2604 123rd Ave SE
4 br/3 ba, 3,050 sq.ft.
Price $599,000 ($196/sq.ft.)
MLS 28053426
April 11, 2008
Real estate ads are all about marketing. They are all about putting a positive spin on whatever it is that you have to deal with–but then again, that’s just the definition of marketing anything. Crafting an appealing real estate ad is a real art. You can certainly spot a good one and a bad one is just as easy to find. However, there’s also a little bit of science to it also. First and foremost, there’s setting the appropriate sales price to maximize the seller’s gain while at the same attracting potential buyers, there’s taking and selecting appealing photos to list on the ad, and then there’s the wordsmithing of a sexy ad that will capture the attention of potential buyers.
A Chicago study found that certain terms like granite, maple, state-of-the-art, gourmet, and Corian have all been associated with higher prices, while other terms like fantastic, spacious, great neighborhood, and charming have all been associated with lower prices. Then of course, there’s the usual double-speak that’s associated with real estate descriptions. Take for example, this ad, which your lips read as:
Charming, 3 bedroom home in a desireable neighborhood, conveniently located to shopping centers and freeway access. Distinctive decorator touches are a rare find in this family-friendly neighborhood.
If you’re a real estate newbie, this might sound just fine and dandy to you, but if you’re a seasoned real estate vegeteran, your lips read one thing, but your brain hears something entirely different:
Old 3-bedroom house in an overpriced neighborhood, with lots of traffic and noise. Ugly decor stands out in this kid and dog infested neighborhood.
So next time you find yourself perusing those real estate listings, start with the listing stats and the photos, then take a critical eye to the description, and see how fast you can translate from marketing speak to just plain English.
April 11, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, April 13th 1-4pm
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.
April 11, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday & Sunday, April 12th & 13th, 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 11, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday April 13th 1-4pm
2141 NW Boulder Way Dr
Issaquah, WA 98027
Your coffee shop of choice: Every Sunday morning you can find us at the Starbucks off Gillman Blvd. which is just a few minutes away from the house. The staff is very friendly and efficient. It is one of the larger Starbucks around so there is plenty of comfy chairs available, or tables if you need one for your laptop or game of chess.
Favorite Restaurant: Our favorite local restaurant is just 5 minute drive away and is a small, family owned Thai restaurant called The Noodle Boat. The Noodle Boat’s Thai cuisine is the Eastside’s best. This little restaurant is quaint and the staff makes you feel like family. You can expect excellence in their food, but be patient because this small restaurant causes a wait due to its popularity.
Favorite Place(s) to Go: Because we are just 15 miles from Seattle, one of our favorite places to go is Kerry Park in Queen Anne. Kerry Park offers a breath taking view of the Seattle Skyline and Mt. Rainier on a clear day, especially in the evening. Walk a little further to the west and you can catch an amazing sunset behind the Olympic Mountains. Another favorite place to visit is the Gillman Village which is less than 2 miles away in Issaquah. You can find unique shopping and great food throughout this little village.
Best Features: One of our best features of our house is its spacious deck that overlooks the protected greenbelt. The deck is perfect for entertaining throughout the year. In the summer, it makes for a great get-away retreat. Set up a lounge chair and make yourself a drink and take in the sun and the songs of the birds. Another favorite feature is the large living room and its fireplace. This living space provides plenty of space to entertain. In the winter, the fireplace is an excellent place to cozy up. The surrounding trees and protected wetlands are a great feature for those of you who enjoy nature. There are also plenty of trails to enjoy hiking, to relax, or take in wildlife viewing from one of the discovery stations.
Favorite Room: The kitchen is a great place to cook up a gourmet meal or entertain with its large counter space. Storage is not an issue with all the maple cabinets. The granite countertops and the stainless steel appliances give the kitchen that sense of elegance that makes you want to cook.
Has there been any remodeling since you purchased the home?: We purchased this home brand new in 2004 right after construction was completed and haven’t felt the desire to remodel anything.
What’s in the Neighbor: The Talus community is a friendly community tucked away in the lush slopes of Cougar Mountain. There are multiple trails that run throughout the community and hook up with over 200 miles of other trails that run throughout Squawk and Tiger Mountain. Within the neighborhood, you will find various discovery stations to view the local wildlife. If you have children, you will enjoy the various parks found through this charming neighborhood. There is a future bus loop for the Issaquah Park and Ride and future retail, both will be complete this year.
Romantic Spot: In the winter, the living room serves as one of the most romantic spots within the house. Turn on the fireplace, turn down the lights, grab a couple of blankets, and cozy up with your loved one for a warm evening. Together you can watch the flames dance around within the granite lined fireplace. During the summer, the deck is the most romantic spot. Enjoy the evening sky and the sounds of the birds, while sitting out on this large open space. Light a candle and sit and relax late into the evening.
Miss Most: Besides the great neighbors, the natural surroundings will be greatly missed. In the summer, it’s relaxing to open up the windows and listen to all that nature has to offer. In the morning, it’s nice to wake up and look out the oversized windows out into the trees. If you have guest or children, they will love the view of the Cascades from the second bedroom. This view is especially breath taking in morning when the sun rises above the Cascades emitting the soft tones of red and orange.
April 11, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, April 12th 12-2pm
4927 131st Pl SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
Coffee shop of choice:
Starbucks – Loehmans Plaza or Seattle Best in Factoria Mall
Favorite restaurant in the area:
Yees Wok, The Keg, and McCormick & Schmicks in Bellevue
Favorite place to go:
The hiking trails around our neighborhood are a wonderful asset to have so close.
Best features of the home:
Fantastic floors – Lots of tile, marble, hardwood and berber carpets – Easy to keep clean!!
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price:
We changed all floor coverings in the whole house along with the fireplace from outdated dark stone to beautiful marble with oak mantel. We opened up the downstairs area for bigger family room, defined a separate laundry room. Also the kitchen was completely redone with new tile floor, new cabinets and granite counter tops. The master bath shower was also redone in stone.
Favorite room:
Family room downstairs – it’s quiet and cozy – great for watching TV or reading a good book
Most Romantic Spot:
We love our deck. It is very private, large and surrounded by evergreens and ivy. It’s the perfect place for a BBQ, family get-togethers, enjoying the sun or just everyday unwinding under the umbrella.
What’s in the neighborhood:
The neighborhood has a very well planned trail system; you can start your daily walks from your doorstep. Half a block from our house we have a park and a playground for kids with a surrounding walking path. There is also the Somerset Health Club close by and a short distance away is Newcastle Golf course.
What we will miss the most:
Phenomenal location right between I-90 and I-405. Fast accessibility to all shopping, dining, entertainment and health clubs.
