Dogs

Dogs use their environment in part to let them know where they rank in the pack. A

dog's bed or den should be below the humans' beds in the home, as the top ranking

individual in the pack sleeps on higher ground than the lower ranking individuals. The

top ranking dog is responsible to feed and protect the pack. That should be your job

and your job alone! This is especially important with small dogs. Be careful how much

you carry your small dog and how often you hold it above people. It will begin to

believe it has a higher rank and responsibilities it just can't fulfill, leading to anxiety

and aggression.

Give the dog a comfortable nest in the room you spend the most time in. I love the

donut style beds with a washable removable cover. As much fun as snuggling on the

sofa with your dog is - if you over-do it, you might confuse them, giving them the idea

that they rank higher than they actually do in the pack.

Make sure you don't plant anything in your yard that could make your dog sick. I was

surprised to find my puppy eating crocus bulbs I was about to plant, a couple of days

later she had a seizure. She is fine, but they could have killed her! Do research and ask

your vet!

Use safe cleaning products. Animals have smaller bodies than we do and they have

their little noses closer to the surfaces we clean. With the variety and availability of

natural cleaning products, there is no reason to use anything poisonous in our homes.

Cats

It's about nests and toys and scratching pads

While you want to keep dogs close to the ground, with cats it's about giving them a

safe place to get up above it all. Give them a folded up blanket on a table next to a

window and they will go there instead of sprawling out on the dining room table.

Zero tolerance and consistency are important concepts for you to embrace as a cat

keeper. When you see your cat do things you disapprove of - redirect right away.

NEVER allow destructive behavior in your presence, no matter how cute that kitten is.

Offer many scratching pads in the locations where your cat wants to scratch. \

A tame cat is a happy cat. Handle your cat often when they are young so you can

handle them if needed when they are older - trim their nails, look at their teeth and

anything else a vet might need to do so they are used to being touched this way. This

will make their lives, and yours much easier later on.

(For help animal proofing your home, or making furniture choices that will be animal friendly -

call Renate Ruby interior design.)

Source:

Renate Ruby

design

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interior design

206.499.6220 renateruby.com

One of my biggest passions in life is helping raise money and awareness for different causes, whether they be for health care, animals, people, or music, to name a few.  I started my quest back in Rhode Island and brought it here to Seattle.  When I moved here and started my real estate career, I wanted to help animals.  I contacted PAWS and that is how it all began.  I started through small happy hours to help raise awareness, money, and necessary supplies.  It has now been 8 months and the effort is growing.

A few months back, I connected with Tracy Oklander Anderson from Tread Light Gifts and Carol Walter from Solace Essentials who had the same passion to help people and animals in need.  Each month, the three of us host a happy hour at a local Seattle establishment.  We invite the charity of that month in to talk about their mission and how we can help.  It has been very successful making small dents in a huge need. 

Thursday night we hosted an event for Northwest Animal Rights Network (NARN.)  It was small crowd of people who are all passionate about the same thing.  It is a great way to help a charity and at the same time bring likeminded people together.  In October, we have a huge event planned with some local sponsors.  If you are interested in attending one of our events, know of a charity that you would like us to support, or would like to support past charities we have helped, email me at rlani@kw.com. 

Robert Lani
rlani@kw.com
www.lrgroupseattle.com
206 919 1755

Our Business is built on referrals.  Whenever you come across friends, family and coworkers who are thinking about buying or selling a home, make sure to call or email us with their name and contact information so we can follow up with them.

Your referral helps us change lives.

Being a real estate agent is not an easy job and trying to differentiate yourself while keeping your buyers and sellers your main focus is tough.  I do think I stand out because of my many tattoos and my informal way of doing business.  Our team at L + R Realty offers a unique approach because we are complete opposites and can help wide range of buyers and sellers.  Referrals are what drive our business and what we try to do in return for our clients is be a value-added resource for them. 

The first and, what we think is the most important, step in getting a house on the market is hiring Meg Angell from Less Clutter.  She spends 1-2 hours with our client going through the house determining what needs to be done before the house goes on the market.  We recently had Meg out to our listing at 4019 1^st Ave. NE to help the client get her house ready to list.  Meg spent a couple of hours with the owner and was able to put what needs to be done in perspective.  Once this was done, we then could determine what other services may need to be ordered.  We then help by getting the landscaper, window washer and the house cleaner.  By going the extra mile and being who you are, you will stand out from all the rest.

We feel that this is our way of differentiating from the thousands of other agents and we provide excellent customer service to our buyers and sellers while do so. 

L + R Realty Group
www.lrgroupseattle.com
206 919 1755

If you are a dog lover or know someone who is Pete and Maya need your help.  They have been living in their foster home for the last 6 weeks.  Pete is a little Chihuahua-mix and Maya is a Cairn terrier.  Both were rescued out of a high-kill shelter in California by Ginger's Pet Rescue.  They were both scheduled to be euthanized a few hours after their rescue. We need to find a home where these two can go together because they become inseparable.  They are both about 2 years old and need your help.  

Spread the word and help these 2 find a good home together!! 

Are you thinking of relocating but not sure what to do first?  My name is Robert Lani and I am a Real Estate agent with Keller Williams.  Over the past several years I have relocated twice.  One move from the middle of the East Coast to New England and the second was from New England to the Pacific Northwest. 

The first and big decision would be where you want to move.  For some of us, we are moving for a job, so location has already been selected for us.   The most important step in relocating is to fly out and do a scouting mission.  Check out all neighborhoods of interested.  Check them out first online at Wikipedia, a local Chamber of Commerce, ask a friend who lives in the area, or even just do a Google search. 

Walk the neighborhoods and talk to local residents to get a real feel for the area.  Don't just go to the tourist areas.  Instead, go to local stores, supermarkets, and theatres.  Get a flavor of what that city or town is like.  Make sure you check it out at all hours of the day and evening to make sure you are happy and feel safe.  For example, if you were looking at an area with lots of bars, you might want to check the level of noise at night.

Check out the local real estate while you are there.  Go to open houses on Sundays and before going out, check out Trulia, Zillow, and other local websites like Keller Williams to see what prices are like in the areas you are targeting. 

I would not recommend buying a house right away unless you really know the new city and neighborhood well.  Renting is the best option just in case you made a mistake on the neighborhood of your choice. 

Once you have decided on the place you are moving to it is time to put things in place.  First getting your house sold where you presently live or let the apartment building know you will be moving on a certain date.  Moving across country is expensive.  If you are considering a long-distance move, you may consider selling your furniture and downsizing your possessions.  The cost of moving furniture 3,000 miles can be prohibitive and I have found that furniture in one apartment or house does not always fit the size and style of a new space.    

You have several options when moving.  You can pack it and use a POD-type service or you can use a moving company.  Both companies can also store your belongings while deciding on where to buy a house or a condominium. 

Below is a short check list to get you started.  It is by no means comprehensive. 

Fly out in advance for a scouting mission

Talk to locals

Look for jobs if you do not already have one

Check out real estate online and at open houses

Secure a place to live

Hire a mover or storage company

If moving across country, decide whether to drive, fly, or some other means

Make arrangements to move your pets

Once there and you do want to buy a home, interview several agents to make sure you like the company they are with and the agent.  Make sure you are getting what you want from the company.

If you would like more info contact Robert at rlani@kw.com or 206 919 1755 or if you would like a market snapshot of the area you are interested in follow the link and sign up. 

http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?3CPKO68NH2MH

Seattle Neighborhood News

What's happening in your neighborhood?  In my hood there are many changes.  For many of us we have seen The Corydon Apartments being built over in the University District.  So far we have three signed leases for a BECU branch, a sushi restaurant and a coffee shop.  The coffee shop will be Forza Coffee Company.  

Over at the University Village there are many changes as well going on.  Starbucks just opened their remodeled store and if you have not been it is a huge improvement. According to Arthur Rubinfeld who wrote the book Built for Growth called the remodeled location modern with environmental and organic materials.  The store used chalkboards and parts of the student lockers From Garfield High School to make shelving for the store.  The bulletin boards used in the store were made from retired espresso makers.   Three very long tables were made from a fallen ash tree that came from the Wallingford neighborhood.  A new addition to the University Village is a Tiffany's store which is slated to open around September 4.  The Tiffany University Village store is a new type store which is less formal and smaller this will be the second of its kind.  Smith & Hawken will be closing their doors at the University Village by end of the year.  The company is closing 56 stores due to weak economy and other factors. 

Over in Bellevue the Neiman Marcus is slated to open at The Shops at the Bravern on September 11. 

Housing Stats:  

Week Ending July 8          Avg. Listing Price             Median Sales Price

Wallingford                            $541,334                  $499,995

Green Lake                            $581,790                  $519,975

Fremont                                 $489,025                 $561,000

Phinney Ridge                       $617,667                  $425,000

University District                  $416,060                   $437,500

If you have news about your neighborhood share it with us we would love to here.  If you would like a market snapshot of your neighborhood contact rlani@kw.com.

Your referral helps us change lives.

I have been writing a blog for over six months without really saying who I am. Yesterday I had coffee with a friend and was told I need to write about me, my tattoos, and how I really feel about big banks especially when it comes to mortgages. After all, I am the Rock Star Realtor! I come from the east coast where I have lived my entire life. I came to the Northwest last year to start my life over and that is what I am doing. I have over 20 years of sales, marketing, and product development experience, but when I came here I wanted out of that career, so I jumped into something I loved. That is how I started a new career in real estate. The one thing that most people don't know about me is that I started getting tattoos when I turned 40 as an artistic expression of my "mid-life crisis," and I have kept going ever since. I have 1 ½ sleeves and will have the ½ plus many more finished by next year. I am here in Seattle to make my mark as the real estate agent with the most tattoos and as the wildest and craziest one out there, among other things of course. I embrace life and enjoy each and every day.

Now back to the mortgage industry and big banks, namely BOA. I am a home owner who has never been late on my mortgage for the past 13 years. Over those 13 years I have had a total of  5 mortgages (all paid in full) and 4 home equity loans (also paid in full) without ever a late payment. Due to personal circumstances I needed to do a loan modification and being a real estate agent, I thought that was the best way to go. When I called that big bank they told me they would not help, they were banking on failure, and they were waiting to take my home. I was shocked that a bank could say such a thing to a client who has been doing business with them for so many years. As a real estate agent, I went to many classes on loan modification and how it can help the seller who is need of help. Was I wrong about that....  BOA in my opinion needs to go away. That of course will not happen but something needs to happen to regulate banks and how they do business. Here I am trying to save my home by not being late on a mortgage payment, and instead I am being told I will fail and that I should let them take my home.

I am not alone in this situation - there are many others out there dealing with this big bank. After six months of talking to the big bank about my options I was told there were no options and they would not work with me. How as a real estate agent do I tell my clients go to this big bank or others like it when I see what they have done to me and other clients of mine? Buying a home is a big purchase, and you need to feel comfortable and that you can trust the bank because you are giving them all of your personal information and creating a relationship with them. I worked with one of the largest Northwest real estate companies who owns a mortgage company here in Seattle. They recently went into bed with BOA and they are proud of that. They preached how great our customers will be treated. I have seen how they treat their customers. You are a number and only a number to them. It is about the money and only the money.  I left that company because I did not want to be part of that environment, and I certainly did not want to subject my clients to it either.

There are good companies you can trust out there who can help you with your mortgages and treat you with respect. One such mortgage lender I recommend is Chik Quintans from Atlas Mortgage, (425) 771-2095, chik@blueskyadvisory.com. Chik works hard and looks out for the best interests of the client.  I went to him when I had the problems with the big bank. He invited me to his office no charge to sit down and crunch numbers to see if there was a way to make things work. Chik is a kind, hard-working man whom I highly recommend to anyone looking for a mortgage or needing advice. 

Being a real estate agent for Keller Williams, it can be tough to sometimes put my feelings about big banks aside to do an exceptional job in the industry I devote so much time to. Ultimately, I always have to put the client's needs first, and that includes watching out for them when it comes to their mortgage. Something needs to change in the banking industry, or our economy will suffer for a long time. People out there need help. Some have paid their dues and have never had issues with credit but because of a life change they now need help. Stuff happens, and a down economy makes it much tougher to pull through. Abusive banks don't help. I mean, does anybody really need a lender who boldly states that they want you to fail?

How do you feel about the big banks? What are your experiences with them? What do you think could be done differently?

As the son of a cancer survivor and having a passion for animals, I have decided to make my passions part of my work.  I am real estate agent with Keller Williams and donate my time raising money for cancer organizations, animal organizations, and other non profits.  I spend a great deal of time each month planning a happy hour to help bring awareness and to help raise money for PAWS.  I have also hosted happy hours for other non-profit organizations. 

Whatever charity you are passionate about, you can make a difference.  Spending a few hours a month raising money for them or volunteering can make that difference.  I recently volunteered for the Relay for Life in Green Lake and that was a long hard day, but it felt so rewarding to help my good friend Jacque, who is also a cancer survivor. 

If you have the time or the means to help and you are not sure where to begin, I can help you organize a fundraiser or an event of some sort.  If we all do a little, we can make a huge difference. 

I have included two websites for two charities that need help.  One is PAWS, who needs so much and the other is a special event being held on July 12 to help raise money for Breast Cancer.  If you can help please let me know. 

Check out the following websites on ways to create a cause marketing campaign. 

http://www.ehow.com/how_2056702_host-charity-date-auction.html

http://www.fundraiserhelp.com/charity-events.htm

http://www.celebrations.com/article/How-to-Plan-a-Charity-Event

http://www.celebrations.com/article/How-to-Plan-a-Charity-Event

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1679047/how_to_raise_money_for_charity_in_an.html

Good news!  Signs of the end of hard times are finally here.  Ballard, Green Lake, and North Seattle have suddenly reverted to a seller's market.  Other areas that have changed over to a seller's market is the Beacon Hill and South Downtown Seattle area.  The single-family supply of homes in those areas is down to a three-month supply.  In April and May, those five neighborhoods have seen pending sales rise.  In North Seattle, single-family home supply was 1.9 months and the pending sales increase was 61.9% while in Green Lake/Ballard, the month supply was at 2.5 while pending sales increased 10.6%. 

The North Seattle area includes Wedgwood, Ravenna, Lake City and several other neighborhoods.

Other parts of King County have also improved from a buyer's market to a balanced market, according to Matt Deasy, Windermere Real Estate East.  A balanced market means it would take three to six months to sell all homes in that area.

One reason for the market turn is because of the first-time home buyer.  Home buyers are taking advantage of the low interest rates and the $8,000 tax credit. 

Houses in Green Lake/Ballard had a median price of about $389,000 in May, which is down about 20% from the same time in 2008 and North Seattle is down 23% from last year with their median price for May at $415,000.

As an agent, I do see things changing; open houses are busier and I have seen several multi-offers in the past month.  With this good news, hopefully it will get those buyers stuck on the fence to finally jump.