Archive for the ‘Bellevue’ Category
September 2, 2008
Photo Source: DeMaria Design Associates
I’ve been seeing these interesting little blurbs lately about “container” housing, one of those quirky little trends that started in California. People are making their homes out of recycled containers! These homes, touted as eco-friendly and affordable use 8 x 40 foot steel containers to construct the rooms of the home. By stacking anywhere from 4 to 8 of them, you can add solar panels, radiant heating, and other amenities and there, you’ve got your new home.
Reportedly, there are about 75 of these box type homes around the country, and they cost 20% less than traditional construction to build. Home designer DeMaria Designs offers homes beginning at $150/square foot, and has received the 2007 AIA Honor Award for Design Excellence/Special Innovation for one of their homes.
It sounds like these mavericks who were the first to give this concept a chance might be just a little quirky themselves (and maybe it’s a requirement of unconventionalism). The Pirkls, the owners of DeMaria’s award winning home describe themselves as sports fanatics, and they don’t sound like your ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill sports fanatics either. The Pirkls planned to put a zip line down a hallway for rides to the next room. Also on their agenda–swings, and gymnastics rings!
Further discussion about these container homes includes the potential for using them anywhere from housing for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, to emergency housing, to low income housing. Maybe these homes are the innovative solution to housing and recycling issues!
In case you’re wondering what else can you get for the same price/sq. ft. on the Eastside–I wondered the same thing and found these properties for around $150/square foot (land included!):
7720 139th Pl NE, Redmond
4 br/2.5 ba, 3,080 sq.ft.
Price: $410,547 ($133/sq.ft.)
12921 NE 192nd Pl, Bothell
2 br/a ba, 1,000 sq.ft.
Price: $133,000 ($133/sq.ft.)
20424 128th Pl NE, Woodinville
5 br/2.5 ba, 3,618 sq.ft.
Price: $550,000 ($152/sq.ft.)
503 157th Ave SE, Bellevue
5 br, 2.25 ba, 2,920 sq.ft.
Price: $445,950 ($153/sq.ft.)
14725 149th Ave NE, Woodinville
4 br.3.5 ba, 4,150 sq.ft.
Price: $699,900 ($169/sq.ft.)
13730 SE 23rd Ln, Bellevue
6 br/2.75 ba, 3,140 sq.ft.
Price: $549,000 ($175/sq.ft.)
August 27, 2008
Though many of the nation’s housing markets are experiencing serious price declines, the Puget Sound area has remained somewhat insulated from the brunt of the economic storm. Yes, home prices in many areas are in decline, but the sky hasn’t fallen for us in the Seattle area, and the big MS continues to add to the stability of the region.
The outlook for the company remains bright. At the end of June, Microsoft employees worldwide totalled over 91,000 with over 39,000 of employees in teh Puget Sound area. According to the state economic and revenue forecast council, quoted in a recent Seattle Times article, new 2,500 software industry jobs will be added each year for the next three years to the Seattle area, so lucky local homesellers hang on–sometimes the grass is greener on your side of the Windows.
Some examples of late summer sales in the Microsoft area:
17818 NE 26th St
3 br/d ba, 1,990 sq.ft.
Sold on (8/13) for $520,000
16712 NE 21st St
3 br/2 ba, 1,310 sq.ft.
Sold (8/08) for $472,500
2713 142nd Pl NE
4 br/3 ba, 3,100 sq.ft.
Sold on (8/4) for $723,001
Now listed for $1,247,900
17705 NE 29th St
4 br/2 ba, 2,500 sq.ft.
Sold (8/1) for $589,000
16834 NE 18th St
4 br/2 ba, 2,690 sq.ft.
Sold (7/30) for $507,000
1815 169th Ave NE
5 br/3 ba, 2,100 sq.ft.
Sold (7/21) for $519,000
4674 140th Ave NE
3 br/5 ba, 4,060 sq.ft.
Sold (7/18) for $1,2000,000
16525 NE 27th St
3 br/2 ba, 1,730 sq.ft.
Sold (7/16) for $579,000
16423 NE 50th Way
4 br/4 ba, 3,940 sq.ft.
Sold (7/15) for $899,000
August 22, 2008
Since we’re getting down to the last few weekends of summer, it seems that open houses are the topic of conversation. Of course, as the season winds down, the price reductions are also rolling in. Here are the Eastside single family homes which have reduced their price in the last week AND will be open this weekend for your viewing pleasure.
BELLEVUE
13730 SE 23rd Ln
6 br/3 ba, 3,140 sq.ft.
Reduced by $15,900 to $549,000
MLS 28131724
4615 123rd Ave SE
3 br/2.5 ba, 1,810 sq.ft.
Reduced to $489,999
MLS 28076435
Open Sunday, August 24th 1-4 pm
KIRKLAND
1224 5th Pl
3 br/4 ba, 3,585 sq.ft.
Reduced by $50,000 to $1,050,000
MLS 28057982
Open Sunday, August 24th, 12-3 pm
11239 NE 91st St
3 br/2 ba, 2,350 sq.ft.
Reduced by $14,050 to $624,950
MLS 28129494
Open Sunday, August 24th, 1-4 pm
127 10th Ave
4 br/3.25 ba, 3,370 sq.ft.
Reduced by $15,500 to $949,500
MLS 28134085
Open Sunday, August 24th, 1-4 pm
REDMOND
16628 NE 118th Way
5 br/2.5 ba, 3,270 sq.ft.
Reduced by $20,000 to $729,500
MLS 28097201
Open Sunday, 2-5 pm
August 22, 2008
Driving along Richards Road in Bellevue as it intersects with I-90 and creeps into downtown Factoria, I always glance towards the south hills and think, “This weekend, I’m going to check out those neighborhoods.” I have never actually followed through on that thought. Two years and counting. This weekend, however, I’m doing it! And I’m going to visit a few open houses too.
If you’ve been to Factoria, you have likely shared the same thoughts. The hills are enticing, beautiful and somewhat mysterious. Do the homes have lackluster views? What about the sunsets? Are the home prices reasonable? Can I pretend I’m driving through the Hollywood Hills (as in California, not Issaquah).
I don’t know the answers, but I do know two open houses this weekend are calling my name. Are they calling you?
4615 123rd Ave SE
$489,999, 3 bed, 2.5 bath
Reduced Aug 13 – original list $510,500
Open: Sun, Aug 24 1 – 4 PM
6429 131 Ave SE
$569,000, 4 bed, 2.25 bath
Reduced – original list $334,990
Open: Sun, Aug 24 1 – 4 PM
August 22, 2008
Open House Dates and Times:
Saturday & Sunday, August 23th & 24th, 1-4pm
17142 SE 47th Ct
Bellevue, WA 98006
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice:
Starbucks..of course! Perfect 3 block walk on Sunday mornings, cozy fireplace with big overstuffed chairs.
Favorite Restaurant in the Area:
Nicolino’s for pasta, Thai Ginger, best Thai food on the Eastside. Palomino, new to D.T. Bellevue and Yea’s Wok, also the best on the Eastside!
Favorite Places to Go:
Abundance of nightlife in downtown Bellevue (10 minutes) or hiking to alpine lakes and waterfalls in the Cascade foothills nearby.
Best Features of the Home:
The feeling of seclusion and privacy is the highlight of this impeccable home. French doors from the kitchen/family room open to a spacious entertainment size deck overlooking what feels like acres of protected parkland. Professionally landscaped perineal gardens and bluestone pathways delight. Even with the air of privacy and seclusion, this home is just minutes away from “tony” Downtown Bellevue.
Favorite Room:
The heart of the home, the kitchen and family room. Especially in the morning with the sunrise.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price?:
Professionally remodeled kitchen with new slab granite, Travertine tile backsplashes, stainless appliances, Franke sink/faucet, cabinets in 2006. Refinished Hardwoods on main floor. Main floor powder has new marble slab on counter. Interior/exterior paint. Complete yard re-landscaping by professional landscape designer in 2006 with new sprinkler system and lighting, all new plantings to include evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees, perenials and bluestone pathways.Most Romantic Spot:
The views from nearby Newcastle Golf Course and their Calcutta Grill are pretty hard to beat!
What’s in the neighborhood?:
Just a short 3 block walk to Lakemont Village you’ll find all the conviences you could want or need.
Starbuck’s, Matthew’s, a gourmet Thriftway, Blockbuster, a drycleaners, veterinary, dentist, nail salon and day spa, and Motivo home accents and gifts. Nature abounds with Lakemont Park, a skate park, baseball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts. Miles and miles of nature trails, wildlife and wetlands.
Issaquah School District with the award winning Cougar Ridge Elementary just a 3 block walk.What I Will Miss the Most:
The “very best” lot in Stratford @ Lakemont. I will miss the privacy, the quiet, and my lovely perenial gardens.
Great commute (I-90: 20 minutes to downtown Seattle, 20 minutes to Sea-Tac, 10 minutes to Bellevue) with convenience to all amenities while maintaining a private and secluded feeling. Wonderful community of Lakemont with its parks and miles of trails.
August 16, 2008
There’s the high, there’s the low, and there are the everything-in-betweens. However here, I thought it might be interesting to take a look a the high and the low in each of the Eastside’s most popular areas.
The least variation between the high and the low is in Woodinville–makes sense, the community is considerably more homogeneous. Bellevue has the most city to rural extremes, while Kirkland and Redmond fall somewhere in between, each host to many waterfront properties. It’s interesting to note that the highs and the lows include a good number of condos on either end.
Bellevue:
10700 NE 4th ST, #4302
4 br/4.5 ba, 6,937 sq.ft.
Price: $9,249,000 ($1,446 sq.ft.)
On Redfin 34 days
5721 122nd Pl SE #202
1 br/1 ba, 663 sq.ft.
Price: $176,800 ($267/sq.ft.)
On Redfin 115 days
Kirkland:
2033 Rose Point Ln
5 br/4.5 ba, 6,180 sq.ft.
Price: $7,600,000 ($1230 sq.ft.)
On Redfin 168 days
9900 NE 124th St. #1312
1 br/1 ba, 690 sq.ft.
Price: $154,950 ($225/sq.ft.)
On Redfin 43 days
Redmond:
W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy NE
4 br/4.5 ba, 5,300 sq.ft.
Price: $3,950,000 sq.ft. ($745/sq.ft.)
On Redfin 46 days
6674 138th Ave NE #547
1 br/1 ba, 822 sq.ft.
Price: $164,950 ($201/sq.ft.)
On Redfin 64 days
Woodinville:
14320 186th Pl NE
4 br/4.5 ba, 6,370 sq.ft.
Price: $1,985,000 ($312/sq.ft.)
On Redfin 149 days
12921 NE 192nd Pl
2 br/1 ba, 1,000 sq.ft.
Price: $133,000 ($133/sq.ft.)
On Redfin 15 days
August 5, 2008
My first experience with Lake Sammamish was Vasa Park. The park is fun—so cool it’s actually called Vasa Park Resort—and it is surrounded by moderately priced and well kept homes. The area has a lot to offer Eastsiders. Walking distance to the lake and surrounding parks, a safe and family-friendly community, close proximity to businesses (eh hem, Microsoft) and easy access to I-90.
Nearly 45 homes are currently listed for sale within five miles of Vasa Park. The average listing price is $699,950. That’s actually not bad considering all the homes are at least two bedrooms and not pint sized as you would find with homes closer to Seattle. It’s not the “chepper chicken”, but it’s certainly not grim compared to homes near the water in Mercer Island, Kirkland or Lake Union. The more I think about it, finding a waterfront home with a private dock on Lake Sammamish for less than $1.5 million seems too good to be true – but not near Vasa Park.
Are you interested in living near a “resort” within walking distances to one of the area’s most popular lakes? If yes, then these homeowners recently listed their home just for you. Awe.
16557 SE 30th St – $469,000
4 bed, 3 bath
Needs work all around but great remodel opportunity
16666 SE 27th St – $648,000
3 bed, 2.75 bath
Lake views, impeccable hardwood floors, pleasant and fun kitchen and living area
16802 SE 28th St – $729,000
3 bed, 2.75 bath
Lake views, some updating needed, unique (but spacious) master bathroom, 900 sqft deck (my favorite!)
2500 W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE – $1,275,000
3 bed, 3 bath
It doesn’t get much closer to the water than this (see picture), private lot, handcrafted wood framing, neat loft and wind storage areas, vaulted ceilings
August 4, 2008
Every so often, it’s interesting to take a peek at what you can get for your money. Today’s magic number is $500,000, and for that kind of money, you can get yourself some pretty cool digs around town.
Urban living on the Eastside in Bellevue’s Washington Square:
10610 NE 9th Pl, #500
1 br/1 ba, 683 sq.ft.
Price: $499,950
Lot Size: Zippo–It’s a condo!
Year Built: 2008
MLS 28084926
Wine tasting on weekends in Woodinville:
16860 128 Pl NE
3 br/2.5 ba, 2,000 sq.ft.
Price: $500,000
Lot Size: 5,941 sq.ft.
Year Built: 2001
MLS 28129544
Room to run in Redmond:
9743 159th Pl NE
4 br/1.75 ba, 2,658 sq.ft.
Price: $499,000
Lot Size: 9,800 sq.ft.
Year Built: 1977
MLS 28044794
A Kirkland cul-de-sac:
11332 NE 129th St
4 br/2 ba, 2,300 sq.ft.
Price: $499,900
Lot Size: 10,000 sq.ft.
Year Built: 1974
MLS 28058639
An Alki Beach cottage:
2252 Bonair Pl SW
2 br/1 ba, 1,930 sq.ft.
Price: $499,000
Lot Size: 2,720 sq.ft.
Year Built: 1927
MLS 28132024
A brand new Belltown beauty:
81 Clay St, # N427
2 br/1.5 ba, 944 sq.ft.
Price: $499,000
Lot Size: Zippo–it’s a condo.
Year Built: 2008
MLS 28107444
Captivating on Capitol Hill:
525 Belmont Ave E #4F
1 br/1.75 ba, 961 sq.ft.
Lot Size: Zippo–it’s a condo!
$499,950
Year Built: 1965
MLS 28067716
Charming in Fremont:
4002 Linden Ave N
3 br/a ba, 2,230 sq.ft.
Price: $499,000
Lot Size: 3,400 sq.ft.
Year Built: 1924
MLS 28119904
August 1, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, August 3rd, 1-4pm
4615 123rd Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: We constantly find ourselves at the Starbucks in Coal Creek Village for our caffeine fix.
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: We love Yea’s Wok in Coal Creek Village and McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant in Bellevue downtown.
Favorite Places to Go: Bellevue Arts Museum and Beneroya Hall in Seattle make for a great day out.
Best Features of the Home: The wonderful Newport Hills neighborhood, which was ranked #1 Suburban Neighborhood to live in by Seattle Magazine in 2007.
Favorite Room: The living room with brick fire place and vaulted ceiling.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Yes! The house is fully renovated. Kitchen: white cabinets, Whirlpool oven, Whirlpool microwave and GE Profile dishwasher. Sauna downstairs.
Most Romantic Spot: Gene Coulon Memorial Park is a great place to walk along the lake and watch the sunset in the evening.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Swim and Tennis Club. Factoria Mall just minutes away.
What I Will Miss the Most: The beautiful, quiet neighborhood.
July 24, 2008
Get out this weekend and sample urban style living on the Eastside with Bellevue’s annual street fair festivities. Browse for pleasure or pick up some treasures to decorate your home! These fairs run Friday, July 24th through Sunday, July 26th so there’s ample time to get those walking shoes ready!
Bellevue Festival of the Arts
Located in the Cost Plus World Market parking lot, this is an outdoor arts and crafts fair where you can find local treasures such as jewelry, glasswork, woodwork, and textiles galore. Over 200 artists are represented in this festival and it’s free to attend. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 10-8 and Sunday, 10-6.
6th Street Fair
If the Bellevue Festival of Arts isn’t enough, walk over to NE 6th St near 106th Ave NE where you’ll find another gathering of more than 120 other artists and their fine handiwork including baskets, beadwork pottery and more. Don’t miss the munchies, the music, and craft activities for the kids. Also, free to attend, hours are Friday and Saturday, 10-8, and Sunday 10-6.
Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair
Free admission into the Bellevue Arts Museum during the festivities brings you up close and personal with another 300 artists displaying their work in everything from glass blowing, to ceramics, to painting. The Kidsfair offers free painting, drawing, and chalk art projects for the kids, as well as the High School Arts Expo. Museum hours during the festival are 9:30 am-9:30 pm Friday and Saturday, and 9:30 am-6 pm on Sunday. Kidsfair hours are 9:30 am to 6 pm Friday -Sunday.
