Come out to Kent Station and support local vendors and participate in an opportunity to build a better community with the Children's Therapy Center. 100& of all proceeds will be donated to CTC,which enhances the development of children with developmental delays and disabilities by providing individualized, family-centered intervention services.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact CTC at 253.854.5660, visit the main center at 10811 SE Kent Kangley Road, Kent, WA 98030, or online: www.dynamicfamilies.org
During the first weekend in June; Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7, participating Kent Station merchants are extending special offers with the purchase or your Shop For A Day, Change Lives Forever shopping card.
Participating Merchants:
Merchant
Special Offers
Bella Home & Garden
20% Off - does not apply to food
Chico's
$25 off purchases of $100 or more
Christopher & Banks
$15 off purchases of $50 or more
Cold Stone Creamery
15% off
Coldwater Creek
$25 off purchases of $100 or more
Dilettante Espresso & Mocha Café
20% off; Coffee Beverages Only
Duke's Chowder House
Free Appetizer
FedEx Kinko's
20% off all non-retail services
Hairmasters
20% off entire purchase regular priced items only
J.Jill
10% Off
Jamba Juice
20% Off
Johnny Rockets
20% Off
Just the Thing
20% Off
Justice Just for Girls
25% off
Kay Jewelers
20% off; Some restrictions apply
Kent Station Family Dentistry
20% off Zoom & Sonicare Toothbrushes
The Mac Store
20% off selected merchandise and accessories including AppleCare, Internal Hard drives, and RAM Upgrades (see store for complete details
Marie Haggin Accessories
20% off
Mama Stortini's
20% off
Optic Gallery
20% off Non prescription sunglasses
Pac Sun
20% off
Panera Bread
10% off
Peridot Nail Salon
20% off
The Ram
20% off
Renaissance Yarns
20% off
Seattle Sun Tan
20% off
T-Mobile
$25 referral credit for existing customers Free Activation fee for new customers
Topaz
20% off
United Studios of Self Defense
20% Off Martial Arts supplies, apparel, and services
Waxen Art
25% off
Zao Noodle Bar
20% off
The Shopping Cards Are:
$20
100% Tax Deductible
100% of the proceeds from the purchase of the shopping card are donated to Children's Therapy Center
Shopping Cards can be purchased Wednesday, May 13th through June 7th at:
Children's Therapy Center - call 253.854.5660 for directions
Kent Station Management Office
Bella home and garden
Marie Haggin Accessories
Optic Gallery
Renaissance Yarns
Cash or check will be accepted at Kent Station and Kent Station merchants, please make checks payable to CTC or Children's Therapy Center. To pay by credit card, please call Children's Therapy Center at 253.854.5660.
Return the top half of your shopping card to the Kent Station Management Office by June 15th and enter to win $500 Kent Station shopping spree. Winners will be notified by phone or email and will be listed on the Kent Station website home page.
Sometimes the task at hand can seem a little bit challenging...
BEFORE Pictures:
AFTER:
What's a stager to do? Well, here is what we did:
Banished the clutter
Banished the card table
Rearranged the armoire
Packing boxes went to storage
Selected New Lighting from Home Depot
Hooked up the homeowner with an Electrician
Hooked the homeowner up with our favorite painter
Had the carpets cleaned
Brought in a new table
Brought in accessories for staging the home
Pulled it altogether in a GREAT SPIN!
So, technically the furniture rental budget was zero for this project... but the dining room was so important, we worked it into our "accessories" package. If it's worth doing at all it's worth doing right!
Because there are quite a few of us who like to gather "stuff"... I would like to talk about that today. It ends up being a problem when we try to fit it all into the limited square footage that we have. Too many items and improper placement can actually make people more tired, more irritable, and generally uneasy, yet they don't know why!
For a home buyer, it is even more pronounced when they walk into a space. How can they imagine themselves living there? Although some people can see to the "bones" of the home (the flippers and the super savvy bargain hunters) a homeowner isn't usually targeting that market, so it is important to Lighten up and Let it Breathe! ... let the space flow, air, sunshine, and life dance about the room!
Moving into a home and making it your own is a challenge for first time -- and seasoned homeowners alike. But each circumstance brings it's own special challenges. Our recent Interior Redesign Project in Bellevue, brought us a client who fit both categories. She knew the exact "feeling" she wanted to create in her home... but sometimes capturing all those ingredients and combining them into the final outcome can get overwhelming.
I love the home design book, Creating a Beautiful Home by Alexander Stoddard. Inside is timeless advise on how to create lovely spaces. A favorite quote of mine, appearing in the book, comments on a sensible yet enriching approach to life, and it translates very nicely into key elements in making a "house into home."
"To develop in taste, quality, and personality one is obliged to respect the past, accept the present, and look with enthusiasm toward the future.~ Eleanor McMillen Brown
This is how I feel a home should be accomplished. I love a home that feels evolved, accumulated, designed, and perfected over time, with also a feeling of flexibility and change that reflects seasons and life.
In the dining room, we took some beloved china belonging to our homeowner's Grandmother and placed it in the shelves of a cabinet picked up on our "Power Shop", that had a hand-finished look of age and patina, and although new, it also captured a feel of timelessness, and at the same time, bringing new life to the china, spring posies were arranged in teacups and tucked behind vignettes, to reflect the beautiful outdoors and season of life. The rustic trestle table (also new) with fresh daisies echos the whole feeling. A few personal and precious mementos and we capture the look, with past, present, and future, creating a harmonious space.
Another Great find at Chair and Trellis at Kent Station!
I want to share with you another great find... a slipcovered parsons chair that has a totally "fitted" look... how is it done? The manufacturers of this chair actually use hook and loop tape and secure tailored slips underneath the chair for a totally customized look that can be interchanged for different patterns and colors... VERY EASY ON STORAGE SPACE... and a great way to change the look of your room! I love these for STAGING, and gotta have a pair for myself for LIVING as well!
Before...no slip ;-)
Ater... Slip... and all dressed up to impress!
The "edge" is trimmed with fabric-covered cording, for a upholstered, finished look!
A loss on your current Kent, Washington Home may be a gain in your NEW Kent home!
In Kent, many homesellers feel they have been hit hard when it comes to the market slow-down due to the wide availability of mid-range homes, thus contributing to the "buyers market" we are currently experiencing.
So, while the market is adjusting, does that mean it's time to make due, putting off your dream home, the space you need, and the features you want by waiting to list and sell your current home and stay put where you are?
Not necessarily!
Take a look at these two homes... here we see how a loss on the sale of a home in Kent can be made up by a gain on one of the area's larger, newer, yet higher priced homes.
You see, many homes, even new homes, in higher price ranges have also dropped in value, thus creating an opportunity to buy at lower costs than what we are used to seeing. This results in a net savings for today's home seller.
Other important considerations are further financial gains by purchasing homes in other areas, and the costs of renovation to make a current home livable.
Moving up does make sense, and a "Buyer's Market" can work in your favor, even when selling is part of the game plan! Call or email julianna@kw.com, let's take a look at your current situation, this make be the opportunity you've been waiting for!
You remember playing Monopoly on a Saturday afternoon... and making up "House Rules" as the game progressed -- just to keep everyone it it? I found this fascinating quote today that reminded me of those "House Rules":
Modifying a bank-owned mortgage loan is sort of like working out a deal with your local bank in the good old days. Because the bank owns your loan instead of merely servicing it, the bank owners can make a decision without having to consult investors, because they are the investor. While the bank may have a list of eligibility requirements and guidelines regarding standard concessions it's willing to make, it is more able and apt to make exceptions based on extenuating circumstances. The bank owner can make a case-by-case determination faster than when the servicer must consult a third-party investor.Loan Modification Blog | Keep My House | Mortgage Modifications, Feb 2009
If you haven't watched HGTV's many programs regarding real estate home staging you should. These programs include: Get It Sold, The Unsellables, The Stagers, Designed to Sell and many more. Visit the HGTV website for additional information. All of these programs will help you prepare your home for the real estate marketplace. All of the professions on these programs have tips to share with you about preparing your home.
There are however some myths that have been perpetuated with these television programs. We have to remember that the producers of these shows sometimes feel the need to exaggerate certain aspects of their shows and they often ignore critical costs of Home Staging.
Here are some HGTV myths regarding Real Estate Home Staging:
1) You can purchase a house full of new furnishings for relatively little money.
2) A finish carpenter can come into your home to build an entire entertainment unit for only the cost of the materials. The carpenter's time has no value and they will do it at no cost.
3) Renting furniture is inexpensive.
4) Renovating a kitchen or bathroom is inexpensive because the contractor and laborers are free. You only have to pay for the materials.
5) Real Estate Home Staging Professionals will work for free.
6) Professional Home Stagers are mean and they will denigrate you and your home in the initial walk- through.
7) Professional Home Stagers want you to buy all new items before they will stage your home because they cannot work with what you own.
8) Professional Home Staging always costs at least $2000.
Here are some of the realities involved with Real Estate Home Staging:
1) Professional Home Stagers ARE bargain hunters. They can tell you where to show to find the bargains and many will shop for you...but not for free.
2) Professional Home Stagers can refer you to carpenters and other trades people that can help you accomplish any phase of the home staging process. The trade's people establish their own price to accomplish a job.
3) Furniture rental company's fees can be expensive. A few companies that specialize in Home Staging have established fees that are more reasonable. Be aware that there may be a 3 month minimum rental contract. Many Home Stagers carry their own inventory of artwork and accessories and sometimes even furniture to help offset these costs.
4) Updated kitchens and baths are very important to the home selling process however the costs for renovating these rooms can be substantial. Do-it-yourself sellers have an advantage but they must be careful to spend their dollars wisely. Professional home stagers can help sellers understand where best to spend their renovation dollars before the process begins.
5) Professional Home Stagers do not work for free. They do not have television sponsors and producers to pick up the cost for their services. As business owners there's substantial overhead and costs to cover. Professional Home Stagers have a business license, insurance, association memberships, storage rentals and much more. Professional Home Staging fees vary according to location. When hiring a professional home stager ask them to show you their portfolio of locally staged homes and also ask for local references.
6) A Professional Home Stager should be truthful and honest about what needs to be done to a house to prepare it for the resale or new sale market. Professionals know that selling a home can be a difficult and emotional experience and they know how to be gentle with their recommendations. The goal is to help the owners SELL, not to demean them about their home or living conditions.
7) Most Professional Home Stagers work with occupied homes. They understand that they must work with the furnishings, artwork and accessories that are already in the home. Often they will ask the seller's permission to move furnishings, put some in storage and hunt through the home for items to help with the staging process. If the budget allows they will suggest ways to get the most bang-for-your-buck when making purchases of artwork, accessories furnishings and updating projects.
8) The cost for Home Staging varies greatly depending upon the home location, the size of the home and the needs of the project. DO NOT assume what it might cost. Call a Real Estate Home Staging Professional.
Dream Interior Redesign and Staging services the foothill and mountain communities out of Fresno and Madera, California. Call TODAY to discover how Professional Home Staging can help you sell your house. 559-877-2442
Are you Gardening in Kent, Washington? Tomatos, Corn, Carrots?...
Some people garden always... for the love of fresh produce, and creating something from the earth that is edible and good for everyone. We are seeing more and more people getting into gardening! And a term is being used once again... "Recession Garden"... it could also fall under the category of GREEN LIVING!
Recession Gardens are back in style again and are becoming popular through out the country. In the last few months I have seen more than one article referencing the phenomenon and its revival throughout our country. They require hard work and the effort of the community but the pay off is well worth it. Locals are joining together to "clear" vacant lots in their community of trash and debris and then planting vegetable gardens for each one of the members/families that helped to clear the lots.
By pooling their resources of time , manual labor and money the benefits for the many outweigh the benefit to any one member. We all know that seeds , some fresh dirt and fertilizer is not expensive , but what do you do with 142 green bean plants. Why you share them of course ! Recently there was an article on how 19 families joined forces and cleaned up an eyesore in their community in an effort to afford fresher greener produce than their current budgets allow for.
Should this curriculumn be required learning for our children inschool ?Does this inspire you to contact your local gardening club ? Have you ever wondered about the local co-op and how it can benefit you and your family ? I think these are questions many Americans should be asking themselves considering the current economy.
I walked through a Big Box store the other day and one whole aisle was dedicated to canning supplies. Cases of jars in all sizes and shapes , boxes of lids and rubber seals to match. In the book and media department they had displays set up promoting healthy living , How-to books on canning any many other back to basics ideas. My office is in no way located in the country so this is not a natural idea for our community but it does seem to be catching on. So for those of you that live in a farming community and can't figure out what the fuss is all about , remember this is all NEW to the urban environment.
For all of our high tech living and network socializing it just goes to show you that getting outside and playing in the dirt with the other children is still just as fun today's as it was all those years ago.It creates a belly to belly bond that creates memories and friends for a lifetime. I am sure that all of the people that worked together to create these "Recession Gardens" are happier and healthier in more ways than they realize and it sure beat surfing the internet on where to buy produce and have it delivered to their home.
Recession Gardens are back in style again and are becoming popular through out the country. In the last few months I have seen more than one article referencing the phenomenon and its revival throughout our country. They require hard work and the effort of the community but the pay off is well worth it. Locals are joining together to "clear" vacant lots in their community of trash and debris and then planting vegetable gardens for each one of the members/families that helped to clear the lots.
By pooling their resources of time , manual labor and money the benefits for the many outweigh the benefit to any one member. We all know that seeds , some fresh dirt and fertilizer is not expensive , but what do you do with 142 green bean plants. Why you share them of course ! Recently there was an article on how 19 families joined forces and cleaned up an eyesore in their community in an effort to afford fresher greener produce than their current budgets allow for.
Should this curriculumn be required learning for our children inschool ?Does this inspire you to contact your local gardening club ? Have you ever wondered about the local co-op and how it can benefit you and your family ? I think these are questions many Americans should be asking themselves considering the current economy.
I walked through a Big Box store the other day and one whole aisle was dedicated to canning supplies. Cases of jars in all sizes and shapes , boxes of lids and rubber seals to match. In the book and media department they had displays set up promoting healthy living , How-to books on canning any many other back to basics ideas. My office is in no way located in the country so this is not a natural idea for our community but it does seem to be catching on. So for those of you that live in a farming community and can't figure out what the fuss is all about , remember this is all NEW to the urban environment.
For all of our high tech living and network socializing it just goes to show you that getting outside and playing in the dirt with the other children is still just as fun today's as it was all those years ago.It creates a belly to belly bond that creates memories and friends for a lifetime. I am sure that all of the people that worked together to create these "Recession Gardens" are happier and healthier in more ways than they realize and it sure beat surfing the internet on where to buy produce and have it delivered to their home.
Building a deck for your summertime bbq's? Outdoor spaces are fun, but if you are going to take the time and expense to install one, make sure it is done properly.
You know the old saying; what you don't know can't hurt you. That logic is completely ludicrous. History is full of unknowns that have sickened or killed countless people because of ignorance. The use of lead and asbestos in buildings is a good example. Using these materials was done out of a lack of knowledge for the eventual consequences. Nothing bad occurred to anyone right away, it often took many years for an illness to manifest itself in an individual.
Let me take this in a slightly different direction. As a home inspector one of the most common added structures I see to a home is a deck. They are by far one of the most incorrectly built structures I find. Why? Because I believe most everyone assumes it is an easy structure to build. That includes professionals as well as homeowners.
I recently found a deck, actually two decks, and an addition with several serious structural flaws. In the picture at right is a deck attached to an elevated addition or more accurately an enclosed deck.
The yellow arrow is showing where a joist hanger would be expected to be installed. Not one was found along the entire length of this ledger. The joists instead were toe nailed to the board. This method does not prevent lateral withdrawal and is not a strong attachment.
The pink arrows indicate missing brackets for the support pier. Piers must be attached to the structure in such a way as to prevent lateral and vertical movement. The pier next to this one was beginning to defect at the base toward the addition.
The ledger board for the deck was attached to the addition structure with nails only. Ledgers should be attached to a structure using large bolts. Nails will rust and eventually fail.
There were several other issues found with these two structures, but for the sake of brevity I will save those for another blog.
Whether these errors were made out of ignorance, cheapness, laziness or a combination of all three is impossible to say. In fact some of these "errors" may have been acceptable building practices at the time of construction. There are many variables as to why to be entertained.
The bottom line is these two structures are unsafely built and some are beginning to fail. They require repair now, not later.
As simple as decks seem, there is much more to building a safe and lasting structure than there appears on the surface. A resource for good deck building practices and information can be found on the Simpson Strong Tie web site.
So you see what I don't know can very certainly hurt you.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
You remember playing Monopoly on a Saturday afternoon... and making up "House Rules" as the game progressed -- just to keep everyone it it? I found this fascinating quote today that reminded me of those "House Rules":
I recently found a deck, actually two decks, and an addition with several serious structural flaws. In the picture at right is a deck attached to an elevated addition or more accurately an enclosed deck.
;)
;)
