Kate's Blog

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Victory Heights

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:35:44 -0500

Victory Heights is bordered on the west side by 5^th Avenue, north by Northgate Way, east by Lake City Way and south by 90^th or 95th Avenue NE.

It became part of Seattle in 1954. The neighborhood was named after the Victory Highway which is now Lake City Way. Northgate Mall sits on the west side. The new Northgate Library and Community Center has its' home here as well.

There are a couple of things I love about this neighborhood:

First Thornton Creek meanders through and there are a couple of green areas designated by the city including Thornton Creek Park #2. This is a lush, cool, secluded woodsy spot with a path taking you to a surprising urban oasis.

Secondly, Victory Heights is a pretty, old-fashioned neighborhood with mid-sized one-story homes built in the 30's, 40's, and 50's. The town homes, and condos that are transforming many Seattle neighborhoods have not made it to Victory Heights yet.

It is still possible to find a nice small home on a quiet street for a great price in Victory Heights. Homes range from $400,000 - $800,000.

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Ballard

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:27:00 -0500

Ballard was settled by Danish and Finish immigrants in the mid 1800s and continues to maintain its' Scandinavian, small town qualities.

It has been one of Seattle's favorite neighborhoods for years and within the last ten years, has become a trendy, happening area for locals. It is a hot spot for restaurants, entertainment, boutiques, galleries and a monthly art walk.

Ballard is home to my favorite theater, the renovated Majestic Bay Theater; also to the Ballard Locks and Golden Gardens Park and Beach.

There are several smaller neighborhoods: Sunset Hill and Loyal Heights have Puget Sound view homes. Whittier and Salmon Bay are more affordable. In the right market condition, new listings sell quickly here. In the 20's, 30's and 40's, Ballard's homes were built to last. Currently, prices range from $200,000 to $2,000,000.

Northgate's New Urban Village

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:00:09 -0500

Northgate's Thornton Place is really starting to take shape as a new urban village; an enjoyable spot to get coffee, lunch or just take a walk along Thornton Creek.

The new Regal Cinema opened in May with a charity event and low priced movies for the first week.

The next business planning to open is the Jewel Box Cafe (hoping for an August 15 grand opening) serving sandwiches, crepes, yogurt and espresso.

Coming up we will have Thai Fusion, Subway and Sushi Tengu, Subway and (Obama's favorite burger) Five Guys Burger to choose from.

The condo complex is well designed with green materials, different floor plans and is situated on the meandering Thornton Creek. They are currently offering specially priced Hot Dot homes and may be worth taking a visit to!

A Fun Evening in Downtown Seattle

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:13:40 -0500

I saw one of my favorite performers, at one of my favorite venues last night: Michael Sicoly at the Triple Door - it was a fantastic evening!

The first time I met Michael was in Whistler at the Chateau. I was skiing with a group of friends that knew Michael and they took me out for a fun night of dancing and listening to good music. Michael really knows how to engage the crowd and create a fun atmosphere.

This was the first time I saw Michael more as a true showman rather than playing music to dance to. (He is excellent at both!). He always entertains and was definitely in his zone, not only playing but impersonating Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan to name a few. I was super impressed with his three Italian songs, even though I didn't understand the words, the performance was so moving, it brought a tear to my eye. There were also fun sing-along songs. I loved it all but what I think I loved the best were his original songs. I hope to hear them all again, maybe on the radio one of these days soon!

If you ever get the chance to see Michael Sicoly perform, take the opportunity!

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Jackson Park

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:10:21 -0500

Driving North on I-5, just before the Northeast 145th Avenue exit, you see a big green space. That's Jackson Park golf course. It is also a small neighborhood located north of NE 125^th and Roosevelt, east of I-5 (and 5^thNE), south of NE 145th and west of 15^th NE.

The 160 acre Jackson Park golf course takes up most of the neighborhood. Recently renovated in 2001, The golf course has been around since 1928 and was renovated in 2001 to allow Thornton Creek to flow through in a more environmentally friendly way. Rumor has it, that Tiger Woods has even golfed here, with a record score of 65.

Southeast of the golf course is a community p-patch garden and a couple of wooded areas with trails for walking.

The rest of the neighborhood includes single family homes, a condo next to the golf course and a couple of apartment buildings, There is a Starbucks in the neighborhood as well as a couple of other small businesses. Easy access to the express bus route and freeway make this a really easy neighborhood to commute from.

Most homes were built in the early 1950's with few newer homes sprinkled in. Homes are currently selling between $365,000 and $500,000.

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Olympic Hills

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:05:33 -0500

This neighborhood is near and dear to my heart because as a teenager, I walked up and down the hills delivering the Lake City Journal Newspaper to the residents.

The Olympic Hills neighborhood has peaks and valleys surrounding a steeper slope north to south and is located east of 15th Avenue NE, south of NE 145^th, west of 30^th Avenue NE and north of NE 125^th.

The community is very quiet and a caring residential spot with a few businesses along the edge. On 15th Avenue northeast, across from the Jackson Park golf course is the Caroline Tavern, a friendly place to stop for after golf beverages. Other buildings include an elementary school, a church, a bank, and the library.

West of the hill sit many 1950's rambler style concrete block houses. On the hill and east are several charming homes. Built mostly in the 1950's and some as early as 1926, there are a few newly built townhouses as well.

Homes range from $260,000 to $550,000.

Green Lake Has A New Look

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 19:33:24 -0500

As I was recently jogging around Green Lake in the last couple of weeks, I've noticed the work being done around the inner jogging trail and the new benches installed. Then I noticed the beginnings of a new arch and trail leading to the eastside pool area.

I always like to know what's going on and figure others do too so I did some research:

The project replaces existing asphalt paving with new compacted crushed rock paths and concrete paved focal areas. The project will also include the restoration and relocation of an arch from the demolished Martha Washington School. This project was originally due to complete in 2008 and then the Parks Department was shooting for this March. Still not quite done but the progress can easily be seen.

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Wedgwood

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:35:55 -0500

Where is it:

Like all Seattle neighborhoods, Wedgwood has no official agreed-upon borders. The unofficial boundaries are:

North - NE 95th Street; East - 45th Avenue NE; South - NE 75th Street; and West - by a route coming north from NE 75th Street along 25th Avenue NE, then jogging west along NE 85th Street and winding up Lake City Way NE to NE 95th Street.

Why it is a Great Neighborhood:

It is a pocket of affordability among more expensive neigborhoods. Single family residences are currently selling from $283,000 to $1,050,000.
The schools have a good reputation for high academics and parent involvement.
Easy access to I-5 and the 520 Bridge make it within minutes to Downtown Seattle and Bellevue.

Dahl Park is on the western border; The Burke-Gilman Trail and Magnuson Park are just a few blocks east. "Downtown" Wedgwood has all the necessary amenities and more: Two grocery stores, a Post Office, banks, gas stations, a Seattle Public Library, a dry cleaner, yoga and dance studios, hair salons, a variety of churches, a bakery, a community p-patch garden and even Seattle-based Top Pot Doughnuts. The Fiddlers Inn, a cozy, live music venue sits near the Northern boundary.

Neighborhood Trivia:

The Wedgwood neighborhood is named after the English bone china-maker of the same name.

Started sometime in the 1960's, the P-patch garden is the oldest community garden in Seattle.

The Wedgwood neighborhood branch library is the largest branch library and the 2nd busiest public library in the city.

When the neighborhood was developed during the 1940's, many of the large trees were preserved.

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Pinehurst

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 18:59:33 -0500

Another north Seattle neighborhood not well known is Pinehurst.

Determined by the very active Pinehurst Community Council the boundaries are NE 130th Street to the north, NE Northgate Way to the south, I-5 to the west, and Lake City Way to the east.

Geographically, the eastern area slopes east and many homes enjoy a great territorial view. East of 15^th NE, is the Pinehurst Green Grid with a model natural drainage system. The grid is 12 beautiful, meandering, tree-lined streets and the project incorporates new sidewalks, roadways, and landscaping with native and non-native plants to enhance the pedestrian experience.

The western area of Pinehurst borders Northgate Mall on the north boundary and many businesses outline the arterials.

Homes are currently selling from $288,000 to $625,000.

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Cedar Park

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:44:52 -0500

Okay, I didn't even know about this neighborhood before I became a Realtor.

Cedar Park is a hill rolling up from Lake City Way (west) down to Lake Washington (east). The southern boundary is NE 125^th and the northern boundary is NE 145^th. The steep hills and very little traffic toward the lake make for excellent bicycle hill training!

This residential area has no retail or business except on the border of Lake City Way.

The Burke Gilman trail runs through Cedar Park, although there are no entrances to the trail available from this neighborhood. East of the trail are waterfront homes.

The two plus acre park in this neighborhood, appropriately named, Cedar Park, was created with the help of several neighborhood volunteers.

This neighborhood has the most affordable, nice water view homes in North Seattle. Prices currently range from $360,000 to over 2 million.

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Broadview

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:26:41 -0500

Broadview is a quiet residential neighborhood, tucked away in Seattle's northwest corner and many locals have never heard of it, even though it is an easy commute to downtown. It is one of my favorite neighborhoods as I find it very charming. On the western edge of Broadview is a bluff, overlooking the Sound and below runs the Railway. Its western boundary is the Puget Sound; northern is NW 145^th street; Greenwood Avenue N is the eastern boundary and south is NW 105^th Street and Carkeek Park.

Despite its low-key demeanor, the neighborhood is not small. 13,000 residents live here and turnover in the neighborhood is relatively low. Residents stick around which has built a strong sense of community.

Just west of Greenwood between 110th and 120th, are a couple of my favorite Seattle streets. Beautifully designed by Seattle's pilot Street Edge Alternatives project, are curving, natural landscaped roads with sidewalks and improved drainage systems.

Carkeek Park offers more than 6 miles of trails. A pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks takes you to the sandy beach with views of the Olympic Mountains.

The northwest side of Broadview holds one of Seattle's best-kept secrets, Llandover Trail, a 9-acre "open space" at 145th and Third Northwest. This is an escape into nature with Native Animal and Plant Species such as owls, eagles, mountain beavers, and old-growth trees.

Broadview is also home to EB Dunn Gardens and can be toured Thursdays-Saturdays, by advance reservation.

West of Third Avenue Northwest, and along the waterfront, are the more-expensive homes, many with large lots and Puget Sound views. East of Third, up to Greenwood, buyers can find smaller, more affordable homes. Many buyers love the open floor plans of Broadview's mid-century homes. Currently, homes are selling from $225,000 (without a view) to over 4 million (with a view).

Northgate Update

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:09:25 -0500

Wow! Lots of progress since my last update.

Thornton Place is really a breath-taking, beautiful 5 acre village with walkways meandering through green spaces and across the exposed Thornton Creek. The creek has been under cover for over 40 years and the developer, Lorig, worked with the City to improve and naturally filter storm-water runoff bound for Lake Washington. The newly designed Thornton Creek serves as an improved filtering system for drainage often polluted by oil and pesticides.

This photograph shows the Thornton Place Condominiums on the right and the Aljoya Senior Housing Community on the left.

121 Condos have been built at Thornton Place and move in dates are currently set for June. The preview center is located just off of NE 103rd and is open 11am - 6pm daily. The MLS currently lists studios (600 square feet) at $300,000. One-bedrooms start at $370,000 and two-bedrooms start at $466,000. Recent new incentives have just been added!

Aljoya is the ERA Living senior housing building. 143 units are slated to open this summer as well. Their preview center is located south of the project on NE 100^th Street.

And the big building with no windows?

This is the highly anticipated new 14 screen cinema and IMAX theater due to open this MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! Seattle north-enders have been without a nearby movie theater (besides the deteriorating Oak Tree) for decades. This is exciting! The cinema will include stadium seating, high-back rocking seats, and digital surround sound in all 14 auditoriums, as well as an IMAX screen with digital projection and the IMAX sound system.

In addition, there are two apartment buildings with 266 units available for rent beginning in July. Retail and restaurant space is available on the ground floor.

This lovely community is Green focused and LEED Certified. LEED Certification Has requirements in various areas of design and construction, including storm water design, water efficient landscaping, daylighting, indoor chemical & pollutant source control, ventilation levels, recycled content levels, and use of regionally-produced materials. During construction, air quality is consistently monitored and waste items are recycled. This rating will result in lower operating costs and a healthier environment for residents. Also, the residences feature water efficient fixtures and Energy Star appliances. Interiors are finished with low-emitting paints, adhesives, and carpets.

All of this is surrounded by three acres of green space to be enjoyed by the residents and the general public. It is a welcome sight to have the Northgate area revitalized!

North Seattle Neighborhoods: Licton Springs

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:37:05 -0500

Seattle's Licton Springs neighborhood is not well know by its' name but we all know where it is. Referred to as North College Park and frequently called Green Lake, it is located west of Northgate, north of Green Lake (NE 85^thStreet), east of Greenwood and Aurora (Highway 99) and south of Haller Lake.

Another not well-known fact is that it is also home to a natural spring, which exists in the northwest area of Licton Springs Park.

Licton Springs was once a healing center for Native Americans, who constructed sweat lodges and bathed in the mineral waters of the springs. Pioneer David Denny built a cabin near the springs in 1870 and hundreds of settlers drove for miles to immerse themselves in the spring water and in the mud.

A spa was built in 1935. Thousands then flocked to the springs to dunk in the thermal baths. In 1960 Seattle voters approved the site as a park, and the City bought the springs in 1961.

The park still exists with swing sets and fun hop scotches, bridges crossing over a creek, and large grassy areas.

Today, the residential area has mixed single family and town home residences with a few apartment buildings.

There are well over 300 Townhomes and new townhouses continue to be built. Two bedrooms are currently selling from $280,000 to $325,000 and three bedrooms run from $325,000 to $425,000.

The area is holding their holding value fairly well.

2008 Seattle Statistics

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:16:02 -0600

The data is pulled by the last quarter for the last three years:

Single Family Homes (not including townhouses)

Northwest Seattle includes these neighborhoods: Greenwood, Ballard, Northgate, Haller Lake, Phinney Ridge, Loyal Heights, Crown Hill, Green Lake, Bitter Lake, Broadview, Wallingford.

Northeast Seattle includes these neighborhoods: Northgate, Maple Leaf, Ravenna, View Ridge, Laurelhurst, Lake City, Jackson Park, Sand Point, Pinehurst Olympic Hills, Roosevelt, University, Bryant.

Condos

Townhouses

Licton Springs is the area north of 85th, east of Aurora, sometimes referred to as Green Lake.

Creating Time and Energy

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 20:53:23 -0500

It just seems like there are never enough hours in a day ... there is always more I'd like to get done.

When I first started my real estate career, I put in lots of hours to make sure I was doing and learning everything I could.

This year my motto is: more balance! And that includes having time to exercise. It took me until April to find my commitment to work out, a passion I am glad I found again.

And although, I have never been an early morning trainer, I found a great, intensive, non-routine way to get me going and start my day with enthusiasm and energy...

I get up rain or shine 3 days a week and go to the soccer field, or beach or park that we meet at for that day and work for an hour. I workout harder than I have ever worked out.

And I am rewarded with more energy and focus. I feel more creative with any tasks I have. I feel physically stronger and am inspired to get up to work out on the days I don't go to Bootcamp.

Everyday I have more enthusiasm and stamina and it gives me more time. I am a better REALTOR for taking the time to work out and take care of me!

Check this out for more details! http://www.seattlebootcamp.com/

Northgate Update

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:26:59 -0500

Construction progresses at Thornton Place, just South of Northgate Mall and is due to complete in 2009.

These are recent photos of the retirement community. Era Living owns a few other retirement communities around Seattle, including Ida Culver House in Broadview. This is an ideal location with community services, public transit and shopping so close.

This is the website for further information: thornton-place.com

Seattle Area Condo Stats

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:26:48 -0500

Just doing a little research on condos (studio to 2 bedroom units) around Seattle and thought this was interesting:

I looked at condo sales from mid January to mid March of 2007 and compared them to this years sales for the same timeframe:

Belltown has sold +37% more this year and the prices are up at +14%. Belltown has the lowest days on market at 53 days.

The Ballard/Green Lake sales are down by -16% and the prices are down minimally at -2%.

Bellevue sales are down by -51% yet their prices are up by +31%.

Federal Way sales are down by -55% and their prices are up by +6%.

Although, overall sales are down, it is very interesting to track by the different neighborhoods, which is really key in Seattle.

Is it Spring Yet?

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:20:04 -0500

I took these photos last week on one of our beautiful February "teaser" days. In Seattle, we were enjoying great Spring weather ... for about a week ... it happens every year ... we are almost ready to wear shorts and then winter returns ... "Will the rain ever stop?"! It was beautiful while it lasted though!

I found this garden several years ago as I was training for the Leukemia Stair Climb I do every year at the Columbia Tower (1,311 steps). This Sunday will be my 13th consecutive year. It is fun to keep in shape for it year round with sights like this wonderful garden to trek by.

Attitude

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:28:40 -0600

A few years ago when I got my real estate license and made a decision of where to work, I interviewed several firms. Then, I saw an ad for BRIO and met Jonathan, Sara, Bob and Amanda. I knew I had found a place that I would enjoy building my business at.

It is a relatively new company and I really like being part of something that is evolving to become the best in the industry. I like that I can give my perspective and it is heard and respected. I like that we strive to be on the cutting edge of technology. Mostly, I like that we put the client first, above us and above our company.

Our broker, Ardell joined our company as the managing Broker last year. Our office immediately had a face lift, including paint, pictures and even a new wall. I am constantly learning new and better ways to run my business, like how to take a better photograph, marketing strategies, key points of communication and of course with Ardell, we are destined to learn blogging etiquette. We spend less time in office meetings and have better communication. I love that Ardell came to one of my listings and spent the day staging it with me.

Ardell has a philosophy that resounds within me: "Leave everyone a little better than how you found them." This is the attitude I believe in and do my best to live everyday.

Pay It Forward

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:43:42 -0600

This was a nice surprise I thought I'd share with you:

I was at my favorite drive thru espresso stand yesterday. It was a long line - I was about the 10^th car. I finally got up to the window to pay and the barista told me the person in front of me had paid for my coffee!

What a nice way to start the day. So, of course I paid for the next one in line.

I'll START it next time. It makes me smile!

Seattle Mayor, Greg Nickels, Visits My Neighborhood

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:19:58 -0600

Yesterday, Saturday November 17, residents of Jackson Park met with Mayor Greg Nickels to address our neighborhood concerns. We met at the P-Patch and toured the path to Jackson Park Golf Course. From there we headed down 135th Avenue NE to NE 15th Avenue where his van picked him up to visit the next neighborhood on his agenda for the day.

It was a good visit as he listened intently and put us in touch with city representatives to assist us with our concerns. He was pleased about our focus on our Neighborhood Disaster Preparedness Plan and branded us "hearty" for weathering the pouring rain to visit with him.

Funny, how that torrential downpour always seems to happen just as you are walking out the door as it was in this case, just minutes before he arrived. As some of us walked back home we noticed one of several water flow areas that does not run to the drain properly. Mitchell and Roy rerouted the water as a temporary solution.

I feel lucky and proud to live in a neighborhood with wonderful and caring neighbors!

Northgate Mall Construction Update

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 12:18:15 -0600

It's great to have the parking lot back at Northgate Mall, along with some good restaurants and a couple of new stores! The Christmas shopping is going to be much easier this year! On the east side of the Mall, DSW is open and Bed Bath and Beyond will be soon.

Construction has begun on the southeast corner of the mall and it looks like the rumors are true. A new cinema in our neighborhood in addition to condos, senior housing and best of all - Thornton Creek running through a green area.

Completion is scheduled for 2008 and more details are on the website: http://thornton-place.com/ More renovation news includes LA Fitness, near 125th and Aurora seems to be completing construction soon. And Bartells on 125th and Lake City Way opened on November 5th.

We won't have to put so many miles on our car anymore with these new additions to our community!

Northgate Mall Construction Update

Kate Pedersen (Realty Executives Brio ) — Tue, 15 May 2007 13:24:01 -0500

Northgate Construction Update May 2007:

The new stores and restaurants under construction are looking close to completion at Northgate Mall!

It will be great to have Barnes & Noble, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Bed Bath & Beyond and The Ram in our neighborhood. Their Grand Opening is scheduled for Fall of 2007.

The parking garage opened before Mother's Day.

The revitalization of the Mall is just the beginning...

Ground has just started breaking for the Northgate South project which includes a new multiplex cinema with underground parking. Several buildings with retail shops and apartments will be added and best of all ... Thornton Creek will see daylight! It will meander through the site.

The Library and Community Center along with street improvements to 5th Avenue on the East side of the Mall were completed in Summer of 2006.

Northwest of Northgate, LA Fitness is being built nearby in the Haller Lake neighborhood. It will be located on the northwest corner of the same property occupied by Albertsons, Kmart and Staples. Across the street on the corner of Aurora and 130th is a new apartment complex and senior housing.

On Lake City Way, the buildings on the west side from 130th to 132nd have been demolished to make way for a newer and bigger Bartell's as well as other businesses.

The new amenities are a welcome sight for our north end neighborhoods, adding convenience and variety to our lives.