Bruce's Blog

Fall Colors in the Northwest!

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 11:21:37 -0700

The Northeast may be famous for it's "Fall Colors" but the Northwest has them too! The recent cooler temperatures have been instrumental in bring fall colors to the Cascade Mountains. Here in the Puget Sound, the streets of Seattle and it's surrounding suburbs are vivid with the bright reds and yellows. The many deciduous trees are getting ready for Halloween, dropping leaves and turning to the beautiful scenery we call the Puget Sound area. This is just one reason we enjoy living in Washington. Check out the mountain passes before the winter sets in, enjoy the beauty of Washington.

Here in Woodinville, we are enjoying it now! Don't forget, "The Salmon are coming!"

New boardwalk in Woodinville Rotary Community Park

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 01:13:57 -0700

There's a new boardwalk in Woodinville! On October 6, 2007 the City of Woodinville will formally celebrate the recent addition to the Woodinville Rotary Community Park. The recently completed project was a concerted effort of the Woodinville Rotary Club, local businesses, King County employees, numerous environmental organizations, students from Adventure School (Kirkland), and the Woodinville High School track/cross country team. This boardwalk has also received national acclaim through careful construction planning to protect the wetland environment and the use of recycled materials.

From this boardwalk, visitors can view Little Bear Creek's habitat. Fall run salmon can be observed in their natural environment. Woodinville Rotary Community Park features a BMX/skate area, a rock climbing wall, as well as picnic areas, and children's playground.

Even if you can't make the October celebration, make sure you stop by to see the fall salmon run! It's proof that with a little help from the people, even "City" salmon can thrive.

An Impeccable Tanager Condominium

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:52:41 -0700

Just listed! Walk right into an impeccable unit in Tanager Condominiums. Located in the "Eastside" of Seattle. This Kirkland unit is close to Bellevue and makes commuting to Microsoft or Redmond a sweet thing!

An extremely well maintained 2 bedroom 1 bath condominium in the Heart of the Totem Lake area. When the Totem Lake Mall Renovation project is completed, this property will be in walking distance of retail services, restaurants, movie theaters, medical and dental facilities, a hotel, and more. The Totem Lake mall is forecasted to be a mixed use area, with retail and condominums in the same area.

Tanager was totally rebuilt in 2006, so there's new roofing, new siding, all new Vinyl windows and sliding doors! All appliances are 2006 models! With a newly renovated clubhouse, and a community pool, Summer time will be a good time at Tanager.

Call me for more details. Property is offered for $305,000.00 Click here for a virtual tour of this property.

Walk out to the deck and enjoy the peaceful greenbelt out back. Listen for the birds and watch urban wildlife from the privacy of your own covered patio.

Harbour Pointe Village - a Mukilteo community in Puget Sound

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:49:48 -0700

If you want a good sense of community, like to walk or bike ride to services, or need a quick commute to Seattle, Harbour Pointe Village is the neighborhood for you.

Located in the city of Mukilteo, it is a short drive to the Whidbey Island ferry terminal where you will be whisked away to Clinton on Whidbey Island. Parts of the neighborhood line the fairways of Harbour Pointe Golf Club adding a bit of a country club feeling to those fortunate enough be adjacent to the course.

There are only two street entrances to Harbour Pointe Village making this neighborhood an almost enclosed community. There is very little traffic in here because it is primarily residents travelling thru Harbour Pointe Village.

School age residents will attend Mukilteo School district learning institutions.

Timberlane Village - a Skykomish community

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:23:30 -0700

As one drives past the city of Skykomish heading east along Highway 2 towards Stevens Pass, you enter the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Just past the rangers station you would pass an inconspicuous road guarded by stone pillars on each side of the entrance. You have just passed Timberlane Village - a very lucky Skykomish community tucked away in the midst of the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest.

This neighborhood belongs to the community of Skykomish. It's a privately owned hideaway for people who like skiing at Steven Pass Ski area in the winter or enjoy a cabin along side the Tye River in the summer. Hiking trails abound in the area. There are several types of buildings in there ranging from log cabins to A frames. Timberlane Village a true country hideaway.

Crown Ridge - an Arlington community

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sun, 20 May 2007 15:39:54 -0700

Crown Ridge is one of Arlington's favorite neighborhoods. Situated on the eastside of Highway 9 a few blocks north of WA 531. The entrance to Crown Ridge is a covered bridge.

This neighborhood of affordable family homes features 2 story and rambler style homes. Wide tree lined streets greet it's residents and many homes have a view of the Cascades in the near distance. The wide streets allow for more than adequate parking for your visitors. Several neighborhood parks are scattered throughout the development making this a very family oriented community. School aged residents can walk to Arlington High or Pioneer Elementary. If you like bike riding, this is the neighborhood for you.

Check out the link below for a Tour of Crown Ridge in Arlington, WA.

Skykomish - A King County Jewel

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sat, 19 May 2007 15:33:23 -0700

Nestled deep in the valley leading up to Stevens Pass, this King County city of Skykomish is a quiet gem waiting to be discovered. When the sun is shining, one can see why the oldtimers called it SKY. A former railroad stop that catered to the logging industry, the Skykomish mascot is a Rocky Mountain goat named Rocky. An aspiring tourist destination type town, Skykomish has a very scenic river front motel, a gas station, several restaurants and drinking establishments, a school and a post office.

Skykomish gets it's beginnings from the logging and railroad industry. Vacation cabins benifit from the locals who provide the basis of permanence in the area.

Sky is the last town just west of Stevens pass. Situated on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualime National Forest, part of the US Dept of Agriculture, Skykomish is an interesting town to stop in and check out a view of the past.

Meadowview Village - A Redmond Sanctuory

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sun, 13 May 2007 15:27:44 -0700

If you have never taken up birdwatching, move to Meadowview Village,and you just may take up a new hobby. Located in Redmond, WA just a few blocks from Bella Bottega shopping center, this townhouse development is meant to help those who want to do a lot of walking or bike riding.

Meadowview Village is a well planned neighborhood that makes the most efficient use of location, terrain, with the blending of modern architecture designs. Situated a few blocks north of the city of Redmond, residents can walk to theaters, banks, the post office, numerous restaurants, grocery and drug stores, just about everything one would need including city hall!

Work anywhere near the City of Redmond? One could bike or walk to work. If your company is close to the Burke-Gilman Trail, commuting by bike is a reality. Think of all the disposable money that one would have if the gasoline bill was eliminated or just reduced.

Most of the 42 buildings are multistory structures, but a select few corner units are ramblers. Tandem garages are the norm with driveways. The complex includes a large pond that is part of a water mangement system that assists in controlling storm water runoff. The perimeter of this pond has a wide buffer of natural plants, bushes and flowering shrubs that encourages wild birds to call this area home. During recent spring walks around the pond, the songs of many birds can be heard and a family of wild mallard ducks have adopted the pond. Concrete walks meander around the complex.

Move to Meadowview Village and take up several new activities.... walking, biking and Birdwatching!

Wallace River Estates - A Gold Bar Development

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Fri, 11 May 2007 20:15:09 -0700

Wallace River Estates, Gold Bar's newest residential development is progressing quite rapidly. There are currently 9 homes being constructed with 3 more on the planning books starting real soon. This development offers many features not found in homes of this price range.

MD Moon Construction is taking great pains to upgrade much of the electrical and electrical fixtures in their properties. Things like brushed aluminum chandeliers, and numerous canned lighting fixtures augment the 5 piece master bath rooms in their first 2 homes. Instead of plain canned lighting fixtures, circle lined and chrome lined cans have been installed. Rotating "eyeball" lights are featured in the main living areas and master bedrooms. The company plans to install tile entryways and oak cabinets to add even more value to the new homeowners.

Unity Construction, the other builder in the development currently has one home presold. Watch this blog for continuing updates on the progress at Wallace River Estates.

Thomas Farms - a Monroe community

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Tue, 08 May 2007 01:33:57 -0700

The city of Monroe has become a major force in the Snohomish valley since the early 90's. This sleepy town has deep agricultural roots from it's early beginnings. Today it is a modern city with all the growth (and problems) of metropolitan areas. That's because it is part of the Puget Sound metropolitan area like it or not! Many of the city's inhabitants work for or commute to the east side of Lake Washington and even to Seattle.

One of the communities in here is named Thomas Farms , keeping up with the agricultural heritage. This community is located on the west end of town near an area called The Fryelands. Thomas Farms is one of the last developments in the area and it benefited from much planning.

The homes here are mainly 2 story types with a smattering of ramblers. Wide streets with sidewalks and many round culdesacs make for a very intimate feeling of a close knit neighborhood. It is safe for the children to play in these culdesacs which tend to dramatically reduce vehicle speeds. This is an excellent neighborhood for raising families or starting a family. Residents here attend schools in the Monroe school district.

The foresight of the developers to install a walking and biking trail on the perimeter that joins the other trails of the neightborhoods in the Fryelands area is an added bonus to living here. It all ends up at a City park called Lake Tye - where biking and walking trails continue for miles.

Seattle Auto Swap Meet - in Monroe

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sun, 06 May 2007 22:28:33 -0700

If you are a car buff, you won't want to miss this! The 34th Annual Seattle Auto Swap-meet in Monroe is being held on May 19 and 20, 2007. This is a huge draw for car collectors and tractor buffs and is being held on the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, a Snohomish County facility. You can find the Fairgrounds by going east on Highway 522 from Woodinville till it meets Highway 2 in Monroe.

At this event you can find old cars (whole and in parts), auto related collectibles, car tools, and general car stuff. Tractor clubs often have their own section.

Admission is FREE. Hours are 8-5 on Saturday, and 9-2 on Sunday. Bring that old chrome bumper you've been saving. Maybe you can strike a deal for that antique gas pump you've always wanted for your garage.

Woodinville recycling event - May 19, 2007

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sun, 06 May 2007 13:40:04 -0700

It's time for spring cleaning. The city of Woodinville is having it's spring time recycling event. Located in the parking lot of Woodinville's Park & Ride just west of the community of Woodinville Heights. Clean out your residence and help save the environment. If everyone just does a little, totally it adds up to a lot.

If you're thinking of moving or selling your property, remember that a clean uncluttered home gives a great first impression and helps get top dollar in today's market.

If you are a landlord or real estate investor, keep your property maintained to justify rental rates.

If you just want to do your part in helping to save the earth, this is the right event.

This is a one day event, so mark your calendar.

Verdera - a Bothell Diamond

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sun, 06 May 2007 01:55:25 -0700

Sometimes a neighborhood just feels right. Not to big, not too small, just right. Sort of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Ha! Verdera in Bothell is one of those communities that exudes that atmosphere. Completed in 2006 this neighborhood contains homes that have smaller backyards (read low maintenance) and good sized homes. This would be a great location for small families and young professionals just starting out. Located off of 35th Ave SE and 162nd St, near Mill Creek. The construction quality is great, and most homes have all the high technology built right in. There is a community playground, and a fairly large field to make up for smaller backyards. Families will get to know each other by socializing and having the little ones play in a safe area very near the residence. Check it out Verdera in Bothell..... it just feels right!

The Highlands at Canyon Park - a Bothell community

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sat, 05 May 2007 00:37:21 -0700

The Highlands at Canyon Park is a Bothell community graced with sidewalks, excellent landscaped homes and a quiet atmosphere. Located southeast of the Canyon Park shopping area, it is an friendly community with great freeway access. The homes are primarily 2 story structures but ramblers can be found scattered in the neighborhood. Cedar shake roofs are found on most homes. School age residents in this neighborhood attend the highly desirable Northshore School District.

Winchester Hills- Woodinville's most westerly neighborhood

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Thu, 03 May 2007 18:01:03 -0700

Located high on the bluffs overlooking the western side of the Sammamish Slough, Winchester Hills is a well kept neighborhood has a lot to offer. Very close to Evergreen Hospitaland Redmond's office complexes this neighborhood is an Eastside commuters heaven. Just minutes away from the freeway, it's an easy drive north or south along I-405. The neighborhood is quiet, and the homes show pride of homeownership. Most of the homes have cedar shake roofs, making for great community continuity. Winchester Hills a great place to come home to.

Nolan Woods - A Woodinville Exclusive

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:36:22 -0700

In 2005, Nolan Woods was developed for The Street of Dreams. Located in the Wellington area of Woodinville, WA it is the area's Builders showcase for that year. Selected homebuilders were chosen to develop this neighborhood utilizing the latest technology and architectural designs. Many homes featured waterfalls, pools, and extensive landscaping both front and backyards. The gated community has wide streets and lots of privacy.

Woodinville Heights - Walk to downtown Woodinville

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Tue, 01 May 2007 19:00:29 -0700

Woodinville Heights is a community that was built before it's time. Built when gas prices were just a dollar, little did the developers know that high gas prices would make this community priceless. This close in neighborhood is located just north and east of the city of Woodinville. This neighborhood is built with no commute in mind for it's inhabitants. You could walk to downtown Woodinville in just minutes. Banking, post office services, restaurants, pubs, medical clinics, dental offices, shopping, and even movie theaters are readily available. Most of the homes are two story or tri levels due to the topography of the development. Ramblers are found on the lower portion of the hill. The homeowners enjoy their own Woodinville Heights Park complete with a childrens jungle gym.

Windsor Park - A Woodinville community

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:37:38 -0700

Windsor Park a smaller neighborhood in the northside of Woodinville. This neighborhood develpment shows pride of ownership in every home. A unique feature of this community is that it resides in Snohomish county but the school district is in the highly desireable Northshore School District. Underground utilities, wide clean streets with mature landscaping makes this a nice modern hideway in Woodinville. Great access to the freeways, makes a quick shopping trip very easy.

Woodinville's Cottage Lake Beach Club - Living in a natural forest

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 13:11:26 -0700

Cottage Lake Beach Club is a community graced with a rural feel in an urban setting. Located in Woodinville, WA near the junction of Avondale Road and the Woodinville-Duvall road is in a prime location for commuters to the Seattle's Eastside. Homeowners in this community have an exclusive private park and boat launch for direct access to Cottage Lake Park - a King County park. The general public access is off of Woodinville-Duvall Road. The neighborhood features the wide roads without sidewalks as directed by the original Woodinville founding fathers to emulate a country rural setting. Tall Douglas fir trees are scattered between homes and along streets togive the neighborhood a feeling of living in a natural forest. Homestyles include ramblers, two stories, and tri-level homes.

Wallace River Estates - New Development in Goldbar Washington

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 17:40:34 -0700

A brand new development in the making is taking place at the base of Wallace Falls in Gold Bar. The new Wallace River Estates is located in Gold Bar. Gold Bar, located in Snohomish county at the base of the Cascade mountains leading up thru Stevens Pass along Highway 2. This housing development is made up of ramblers, 2 story and Tri-level homes offering spectacular scenic views of the Falls from the front or back yards of these homes. The quality built homes are not "cookie cutter" styles and the builders-Md Moon Construction and Unity Construction have made an attempt to vary roof lines and layouts making it a quality development at affordable prices. Sidewalks, underground utilities, and a private park that graces the Wallace River makes this a very peaceful neighborhood with waterfront access. Wallace River Estates residents will be attending schools in the Sultan School district.

Nearby Wallace Falls State Park also gives the family a nice place to get away and explore. The new neighborhood will be within walking distance of the park. Down river from Wallace River Estates is a WA State Salmon Hatchery. Look for some escapees along the river banks!

Wellington Elementary attains Blue Ribbon status

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:28:05 -0700

Wellington Elementary, located in Woodinville, WA achieved Blue Ribbon status. This exclusive award is given to schools who have high achievements in math and reading. At the Elementary level the 4th grade is the measured class. In achieving this award, it reflects the high level of study that students and teachers work towards starting before the fourth grade.

Wellington Elementary was one of only 7 schools in the State of Washington to achieve this high recognition. A school in the Northshore School districtit serves the Woodinville community in the northeast end of the Seattle Metropolitan area.

Woodinville Little League - Meet your Neighbors

Bruce Ching (Brio Realty) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:13:59 -0700

In today's rush, rush world of hurry up and running down to the city to catch a Seattle Sonics or Mariner game can get to be a hassle. Frequently one meets about 2 hrs. early so you can make it through the traffic and find a parking spot close to the event. Paying a 20 spot for the privilege of parking close to the arena. The event can be very anticlimactic when one of the teams puts up a lackluster performance and that's after spending $30 on pop, some garlic fries and a foot long hot dog. Then it's the mad rush to join the thousands of vehicles jamming the streets in attempt to vacate the area.

There's got to be a alternative! Something that doesn't take a whole lot of time, doesn't cost a lot of money and yet every bit as exciting as professional sports. Welcome to Woodinville Little League. Your local up and coming stars of tomorrow. Parking is never a hassle, it's free and you don't want to park right at the front gate. Your car hood will get dented by errant fly-balls! Little League is age specific and the most exciting is the 11-12 year olds, known as "Majors". At this point in their short sporting careers, the players want to be there, they're knowledgeable of the game, and the skill level is one to be admired.

A Little League game usually lasts 6 innings or about 2 hours.There are volunteer coaches who would put the pros to task, umpires who must know the game (as any situation that can be imagined, happens in a Little League game), and of course loud friendly fans! Being a family oriented organization, there's none of the belligerent behavior like in professional sports. Obscenities are non existent, but the fans are still boisterous and exuberant. The seats are close enough to hear the player interaction, and one can see the excitement in the players eyes as they come up to the plate. It's great to be able to enjoy a "professional" sport without all the negatives.

The Little League season is just starting all over the country and you can find a team in almost every city. The outlying cities travel a little more if they don't have enough teams, but just like the big boys, they enjoy the change of ball fields. After the season, these kids make up a City All Stars team that goes on to participate in the tournaments that lead to Williamsport for the Little League World Series.

You can still get a pop and a hot dog for less than $5.00. Parking is free, and the TV rating is PG-13! Bring a pen and purchase a souvenir ball, autographs are gladly given.

So, check out your nearest little league ball park, find out the schedule, pull up chair, and enjoy a game.

"Hey, isn't that your neighbors in the other bleachers?"