Maple Valley Real Estate

Maple Valley Real Estate http://activerain.com/blogs/mvbrkr5 Maple Valley WA Real Estate Broker, RE/MAX Select, Maple Valley Homes, King County Real Listings, Covington WA Listings, Auburn WA Listings, Kent WA Listings, Seattle Realtor,Colleen Fischesser, Renton Homes, Buying a Home Seattle, Home Sellers, Home Inspections King County, Tahoma School District, Lake Wilderness, Ravensdale, Hobart, Lake Webster, Belmont Woods, Valley Green, Four Corners, Cherokee Bay en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1325776/rambler-elk-run-golf-course-just-listed Rambler Elk Run Golf Course-Just Listed <table cellspacing="0" height="100%" cellpadding="0" width="100%"><tr><td bgcolor="#D4D9CF"><div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://img.vflyer.com/render/images/2932670/6.jpg" /></div></td></tr></table><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="754"><tr><td><div style="text-align: left; background-color: #EDF1E8; border: 1px solid #555242;"><div style="border: 5px solid #555242; color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #555242;"><b>Photo Gallery</b></div><div style=""><table cellpadding="10" style=""><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884467_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884465_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884466_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884471_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884472_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884469_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884470_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/9/3/2/6/7/0/images/6884468_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td></td></tr></table></div><div style="border: 5px #555242 solid; color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #555242;"><b>Description</b></div><div style="width: 700px; color: #7A7A7A;">Welcome to the golf course community of Elk Run! This open concept rambler features Formal Living Room as well as Family room off Kitchen. The Formal Dining room has a bow window which overlooks the large treed backyd. Kitchen & Family Room have laminate flooring & skylight for gray days. Large patio is perfect for outdoor entertaining. Vaulted ceilings, wood-burning fireplace, newer furnace, roof, gutters & cedar siding! Fridge stays. Boat or RV Parking (subject to restrictions.) Close to shopping PLUS Tahoma Schools!<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="border: 5px #555242 solid; color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #555242;"><b>Features</b></div><div style="color: #7A7A7A;"><table style="color: #7A7A7A;"><tr><td><b>Bedrooms: </b></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td><b>Bathrooms: </b></td><td>1.75</td></tr><tr><td><b>Year Built: </b></td><td>1990</td></tr><tr><td><b>Subdivision: </b></td><td>Elk Run</td></tr><tr><td><b>Lot Size: </b></td><td>7245</td></tr><tr><td><b>Garage Size: </b></td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td><b>School District: </b></td><td>Tahoma</td></tr><tr><td><b>Square Footage: </b></td><td>1380</td></tr><tr><td><b>Agent Name: </b></td><td>Colleen Fischesser</td></tr><tr><td><b>Broker: </b></td><td>RE/MAX Select Property Management</td></tr></table><br /></div><div style="border: 5px #555242 solid; color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #555242;"><b>Location</b></div><div style=""><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=27427+227th+Pl+SE+Maple+Valley+WA+98038" style="color: #7A7A7A;">27427 227th Pl SE Maple Valley WA 98038</a><br /><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="5" style="color: #7A7A7A;" width="100%"><tr><td>Powered by vFlyer.com</td><td style="text-align: right;">vFlyer Id: 2932670</td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:31:25 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1325776/rambler-elk-run-golf-course-just-listed http://activerain.com/blogsview/1321830/oseattle-short-sales-the-theme-of-the-week- oSeattle Short Sales-The Theme of the Week! <big><p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/0/0/4/ar125745119240036.jpg" height="225" alt="" style="float: right;" width="300" />Seattle Short Sales (try saying that three times fast) seems to be <strong>the theme of the week</strong>. <a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com" title="Seattle Short Sale Team" target="_blank">Our team</a> has closed 2 this week, will close another sale tomorrow, signed an extension on a listing currently in escrow and I'll be bringing two new <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> Short Sale listings on the market today and tomorrow.</p> <p>It's not surprising that <a href="http://www.nwhomeblog.com/2009/04/quick-short-sale-facts/" target="_blank">short sales</a> are becoming a larger part of the real estate landscape here in the greater Seattle area. According to <a href="http://www.realtytrac.com/trendcenter/wa/king+county-trend.html" target="_blank">Realty Trac</a>, one in every 37,000 homes in <strong>King County</strong> has received a foreclosure filing notice. Some smaller communities such as Snoqualmie (1 in every 159 homes), Maple Valley (1 in every 394 homes) and Auburn (1 in every 447) have a higher concentration of homeowners facing foreclosure. These owners are beginning to understand there are <a href="http://www.nwhomeblog.com/2009/03/70-of-distressed-owners-never-get-help/" target="_blank">alternatives to foreclosure</a> and in some cases, <a href="http://www.nwhomeblog.com/2009/03/10-reasons-to-avoid-foreclosure/" target="_blank">advantages</a> to selling their property as a short sale, versus letting the bank take it at auction.</p> <p>We pride ourselves on continuing to help Seattle area home owners successfully sell their homes in order to avoid foreclosure.</p><big><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:01:44 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1321830/oseattle-short-sales-the-theme-of-the-week- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1320631/good-news-almost-for-1st-time-buyers-in-maple-valley Good News (Almost) For 1st Time Buyers in Maple Valley <big><p><a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/homesweethome.jpg"><img title="Ready to Buy in Maple Valley?" src="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/homesweethome.jpg" height="200" alt="Ready to Buy in Maple Valley?" width="183" style="float: left;" /></a>Home buyers in Maple Valley and across the Country got one step closer to getting the first home buyer's tax credit extended past the November 30 deadline.</p> <p>The Senate has approved the Homebuyer Tax Credit and we now await a vote in the House of Representatives.</p> <p>Industry experts feel it's likely the bill will pass and then will be signed into law by President Obama.</p> <p>I haven't read the bill, but according to <a href="http://www.warealtor.org/" target="_blank">a release</a> by the Washington Association of Realtors, the $<strong>8000 credit would be extended to April 2010</strong> (sooner than the June date which had been floating around) and will also include a <strong>$6500 credit for buyers who have lived in their homes for at least 5 years.</strong>Whether they will need to purchase that home as a primary residence or be able to use the credit for investment properties remains to be seen.</p> <p>Stay tuned!</p></big><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:36:07 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1320631/good-news-almost-for-1st-time-buyers-in-maple-valley http://activerain.com/blogsview/1318379/i-m-glad-this-is-almost-over I'm Glad THIS is Almost Over <big><p>For whatever reason, many local cities have become sign nazi's when it comes to A-boards for open house notifications. Mind you, we usually have 4-5 signs out for a 3 hour period of time...and those signs are on street corners directing traffic to the property we are marketing.</p> <p>Here in Maple Valley, <strong>many local Realtors have left our open houses to find the City has taken one or more of our signs </strong>(not cheap I might add). If they are too close to the sidewalk, in the "right of way" (define that on some of these roads please) or as I was told by a City Hall employee once "somewhere that a council member doesn't like", they'd run the risk of being picked up and hauled off.</p> <p>I think these signs are pretty close to the sidewalk...in fact probably smack in the middle of the right of way area (if anyone really knows <em>where </em>that is)</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/9/3/2/ar125729196823954.JPG" height="254" alt="" style="vertical-align: middle;" width="400" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/7/7/3/ar125729201437719.JPG" height="266" alt="" width="400" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p>Funny....there seems to be a different set of rules if you're running <em>for</em> that City council position.</p> <p>They'll be gone soon.</p> <p>Hopefully.</p></big><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:51:11 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1318379/i-m-glad-this-is-almost-over http://activerain.com/blogsview/1314239/sunday-virtual-open-house-sneak-a-peek-at-this-acreage-home-in-maple-valley Sunday Virtual Open House-Sneak a Peek at this Acreage Home in Maple Valley <big><p>Enjoy this virtual "open house" from the comfort of your home today!</p> <p>This 4 Bedroom basement rambler is located just off Sweeney Road in <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a>. <strong>The home is surrounded by trees for maximum privacy and has been meticulously maintained by the original owners.</strong> The floorplan has a spacious Great Room, Kitchen (with newly installed slab granite counters), Formal Dining and 2 bedrooms upstairs. Downstairs is a large Rec Room (pool-table sized), laundry, unfinished workshop/storage room and 2 bedrooms. Off the Great room is a deck which overlooks the beautifully lanscaped side yard as well as the private wooded acreage beyond.</p> <p>The detached 2 car Garage is larger than average and has plenty of surrounding room for the parking of boats, RV's, guests.....??</p> <p>If you know someone looking for a very private setting, please forward the tour onto them.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>This property is being offered at $359,900. </em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <object height="344" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" width="425"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JofGjkKWjBE&hl=en&fs=1&" /> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JofGjkKWjBE&hl=en&fs=1&" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="425"></embed> </object> </p></big><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:13:59 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1314239/sunday-virtual-open-house-sneak-a-peek-at-this-acreage-home-in-maple-valley http://activerain.com/blogsview/1312536/property-taxes-due-november-2- Property Taxes Due November 2! <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/4/3/0/2/ar125695883020342.jpg" height="350" alt="" width="350" style="float: right;" />Many of us are so busy worrying about whether we'll remember to set our clocks back on Saturday night, that King County's property tax deadline may accidentally be forgotten. Normally, property taxes are due on October 31, but because this date falls on the weekend, homeowners who either own their properties outright or have opted out of escrow impound accounts will need to make their payment online or have their mail postmarked no later than Monday, November 2 in order to avoid a penalty.</p> <p>Payments can be made out to <strong><em>King County Treasure</em></strong>r and mailed to: </p> <p><em><strong>500 Fourth Avenue, Room 600 / Seattle, WA 98104</strong></em></p> <p>If you've misplaced your coupon or are unsure what your 2nd half balance is, you can look up your tax account <a href="http://payments.kingcounty.gov/metrokc.ecommerce.propertytaxweb/PropertySearch.aspx" target="_blank">here. </a></p> <p>Make sure you include your property tax id number on your check. The County website also has an option for e-check/online payment, but only if the payment is being made by Monday.</p> <p>Late payments can only be mailed.</p> <p>As <strong>Mark Twain</strong> once said:</p> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><em><em>"I shall never use profanity except in discussing house rent and taxes." </em></em></span></span></h2> <p>With home values having declined significantly since the assessment period for which we are now paying, my guess is there will be more than a few tax payers grumbling <em>a la</em> Mr. Twain. </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:15:23 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1312536/property-taxes-due-november-2- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1312476/south-king-county-sept-09-ytd-home-sales-report-by-community South King County Sept '09 YTD Home Sales Report by Community <p>Single family homes in South King County Communities which have sold & closed through September 30 numbered 2885 and over $8.75 million in volume.</p> <p>The combined average sales price was $307,915, which was 97.1% of the $317,110 Average List Price.*</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.movingkingcounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/image.png" height="241" alt="" width="400" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.movingkingcounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/image1.png" alt="" width="400" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><em>*These numbers reflect Single family home sales listed and sold through NWMLS and do not represent private party sales. </em></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:23:22 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1312476/south-king-county-sept-09-ytd-home-sales-report-by-community http://activerain.com/blogsview/1305016/maple-valley-home-sales-market-report-10-26-09 Maple Valley Home Sales & Market Report-10/26/09 <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/5/5/4/ar125661150645534.jpg" height="103" alt="" width="100" style="float: right;" />Homes sales within the Tahoma School District continue to favor the under $400,000 price ranges as first time home buyers jockey for the November tax credit finish line.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Of the 127 Pending Sales in Escrow, 82% are under $400,000.   </strong></p> <p> </p> <p>Here's a Monday Market Snapshot of Residential Single Family Homes within Tahoma School District boundaries listed and/or Sold through NWMLS</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ACTIVE LISTINGS:</strong>  277     <strong>AVERAGE LIST PRICE:</strong> $424,703   <strong>HIGH</strong>: $3,375,000     <strong>LOW:</strong> $99,000</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PENDING SALES:</strong> 127    <strong> AVERAGE LIST PRICE:</strong> $331,414    <strong>HIGH:</strong> $1,049,000  <strong>LOW:</strong> 124,900</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>SOLD: </strong>529     <strong>AVERAGE LIST PRICE</strong>: $362,814      <strong>HIGH:</strong> $3,800,000    <strong>LOW: </strong>65,000</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">It will be interesting to see with all the short sales pending, what the final SOLD numbers will look like at year's end.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Time will tell!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:46:36 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1305016/maple-valley-home-sales-market-report-10-26-09 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1303768/so-why-would-a-seller-choose-short-sale-over-foreclosure- So Why WOULD a Seller Choose Short Sale Over Foreclosure? <big>Until the process of short sales is streamlined and made to be more uniform, it will continue to be a frustrating experience for most parties involved; the home seller, the home buyer, the real estate agents involved, closing parties. They require more time and tenacity than most "regular sales" on the part of all who are trying to keep the home from going to foreclosure. I'm asked on a regular basis why a homeowner would put him or herself through this stressful process, rather than just walking away and letting the bank have the house back. The other day I found this video on the RE/MAX International youtube channel. I will let this seller explain it. She does it far better than I ever could.</big> <p style="text-align: center;"><object height="315" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" width="400"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0ybVmas7gWs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0ybVmas7gWs&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="315" width="400"></embed></object><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:37:36 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1303768/so-why-would-a-seller-choose-short-sale-over-foreclosure- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1303055/a-year-later-spooky-houses-still-don-t-sell-very-well A Year Later...Spooky Houses STILL Don't Sell Very Well <big><p>This is a post I wrote a year ago about an actual showing I'd had that day. It was so fun because Halloween really was just around the corner, and this house really was the creepiest I'd ever shown in almost two decades of real estate.</p> <p>So in the spirit of Halloween, I'm dusting off this old blog post and giving it new life.</p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p><em>Originally published October, 2008</em></p> <p>_________________________________</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/0/2/6/ar125652461262062.jpg" height="200" alt="" style="float: right;" width="300" />I should have taken it as a sign when the listing agent told me that the property I was calling about was <em>"very</em><em> </em><em>interesting"</em>. I<strong>nstead I got excited and told him how much I loved to see interesting homes.</strong>...he just chuckled. (and in hindsight I think his laugh actually sounded a little diabolic) And now I know why.</p> <p>The original plan was for me to go preview this home first for a client, but at the last minute he called to say he was available to go with me....which was a <em><strong>VERY</strong></em> good thing. <strong>Little did I know this house was<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> hands down</span> <em>the</em> spookiest listing I'd ever seen!</strong></p> <p>Think of any scary movie...<strong>it starts with the closed gate at the road, all overgrown- the house completely hidden from the road</strong>. No driveway. Had to park in the road and walk through the gate just to see where we needed to go next. Walking carefully, not knowing what might be hiding in the thick vegitation, we finally found the house and keybox. I must have told my client 5 times on the way to the door how glad I was that he was with me. A little dog came out from across the street and I was convinced he was about to grow a second head or open his mouth and warn us to leave. But after sniffing around he trotted off.</p> <p>And the house? <strong>Well, I won't "out" it here, but <em>interesting</em> doesn't even begin to describe it</strong>. Odd....bizarre... eerie..... or how about flat out spooky?</p> <p>In fact, my client referred to the movie "The Ring" on more than one occasion. (are you getting the picture?) <em>He</em> was willing to walk through the house while I hovered indecisively; not sure whether to follow to make sure he didn't disappear (you know how often <em>that</em> happens in the movies right? The one who leaves the room never comes back?) or stay close to the exit in case he let out a sudden scream.Fortunately he did come back after deciding he'd seen enough. <strong>We locked up and <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">ran</span>/walked back to the car.</strong></p> <p>It made for good conversation, but in fact remains this is a home <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>for sale</strong></span>. It's on the market for buyers to consider. <strong>Maybe the owners should un-spook it a little.</strong></p> <p><strong>Can you imagine that staging conversation?</strong> "You may want to open up the creepy little room because it will conjur images of b-aaaaa-d things".</p> <p>I wish the sellers and the agent well and hope someone can see this house in a different light and restore it to a happy place.</p> <p>It may take a while though because spooky houses just don't sell very well!</p></big><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:40:43 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1303055/a-year-later-spooky-houses-still-don-t-sell-very-well http://activerain.com/blogsview/1301774/a-sale-not-celebrated A Sale NOT Celebrated <p> <p class="MsoNormal">I closed a sale yesterday. <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/9/6/8/ar125643696486945.jpg" height="315" alt="" width="350" style="float: right;" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There were no celebrations, no high fives. <strong>The sellers said good bye to a dream, which for them had started about three years past; before everything went crazy and when anything seemed possible. </strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong> </strong>I worked hard on this short sale,  harder than I have since the early 90’s when appraisals were coming in low and you didn’t have to look far to find a difficult transaction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Little did I know….</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think the buyer is happy with the purchase, although that process wasn’t an easy one either. It had all of us wondering “if?” and “when?” .</p> <p class="MsoNormal">These owners didn’t <em>have</em> to do “the right thing”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">They were put in a very crappy loan under ridiculous terms. <strong>They were doomed the day they closed escrow.</strong> After months of trying to get a loan mod, they chose to navigate the hurdles of the short sale path in order to avoid the stigma and consequences of foreclosure.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After approximately 8 months (a year since first trying to get a loan mod) they have a clean slate and can now begin to rebuild. They are young and awesome people. I have no doubt they will be fine.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And hopefully, after they are able to recover and regroup, I’ll  be able to help them with something we can celebrate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> I look forward to that day!</p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:21:31 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1301774/a-sale-not-celebrated http://activerain.com/blogsview/1291320/lakefront-home-for-lease-maple-valley Lakefront Home for Lease-Maple Valley <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/lucernegazebo.jpg"><img title="Waterfront for sale in Maple Valley" class="size-medium wp-image-723" src="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/lucernegazebo-300x225.jpg" height="225" alt="Gazebo & Dock on Lake Lucerne" width="300" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Absolutely darling one-of-a-kind waterfront home now available for lease in Maple Valley. Small on size but BIG on charm, this one bedroom 1930's cabin has been remodeled over the years. It has one bathroom, a large loft bedroom, sunroom, valuted great room and roomy Kitchen with S/S fridge.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/lucernefrontview.jpg"><img title="lucernefrontview" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-714" src="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/lucernefrontview-300x190.jpg" height="190" alt="lucernefrontview" width="300" /></a></p> <p><br /> Wrap around deck leads to lawn and Dock with gazebo on 85' of Lake Lucerne waterfront. Located in Tahoma school district.</p> <p><strong>Lease terms: $1100 /month</strong>.12 month lease, first & security deposit prior to move in. Adults over 18 pay screening fee. Pets subject to restrictions.</p> <p><a href="mailto:colleen@maplevalleyrealestate.com">Email</a> for more information or to schedule an appointment</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:12:57 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1291320/lakefront-home-for-lease-maple-valley http://activerain.com/blogsview/1290159/south-king-county-bank-owned-market-report South King County Bank Owned Market Report <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/0/6/9/ar125582341396091.jpg" height="96" alt="" width="120" style="float: right;" />In the real estate industry, we refer to Bank Owned properties as "REOs". <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>REO stands for Real Estate Owned</strong></span>. I don't understand <em>why</em> they're referred to as that because afterall, isn't <em>all</em> real estate owned....by someone?</p> <p>REO property inventory has certainly had it's impact on both the Residential and Commercial market across the country, and the South King County market is not immune.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Here's what's going on with REO properties in South King County*</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Active Listings: </strong>#134<strong>         Average List Price: </strong>$287,119 <strong>        High Price: </strong>$999,900<strong>       Low Price: </strong>$269,450</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Pending Listings: </strong># 162<strong>   Average List Price: </strong>$234,883<strong>            High Price: </strong>$700,000<strong>        Low Price: </strong>$223,950</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Sold Listings  </strong>#346<strong>      Average Sales Price:  </strong>$237,036      <strong>   High Price : </strong>$690,000<strong>       Low Price: </strong>$224,500<strong><br /></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p>*This Market report is for single family homes listed in Auburn, Federal Way, Enumclaw, Black Diamond, Covington, Maple Valley, Renton and Kent and represents only properties listed and sold through NWMLS. Sold listings are for last 6 months only.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sat, 17 Oct 2009 18:51:50 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1290159/south-king-county-bank-owned-market-report http://activerain.com/blogsview/1280082/buying-new-construction-in-maple-valley Buying New Construction in Maple Valley <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/0/1/3/ar125530122531047.jpg" height="300" alt="" width="300" style="float: right;" />For the last eighteen months or so we have seen new construction inventory slowly being absorbed. Builders (wisely) halted many of their planned new starts; offered enticing incentives and made aggressive price reductions in order to get many finished product off their books.</p> <p><strong>An encouraging sign for the Maple Valley housing market can be found in a few new recently listed projects</strong>. Although these are "presale only" inventory (which means the builder will not start the house until an offer is signed around) <strong>the fact that money is flowing again and builders have the ability to get these projects moving forward is step in the right direction.</strong></p> <p>Of course, builders have to adjust their product to what's in demand, and right now that's first time home buyer (aka affordable) price ranges.</p> <p>If you're thinking about buying a home from a builder, <strong>it is wise to bring your own agent with you to the site and help you negotiate the contract. </strong> An experienced agent  will be able to help you with lot selection....looking at the pros and cons for resale down the road as well has help you determine points of negotiation with the Builder. <strong>Many times the builder will ask that you use a proprietary contract,</strong> which is very much slanted in the seller's favor. It's a good idea to have someone looking out for your best instead of the the builder's bottom line.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here's what's going on today with residential New Construction in Maple Valley:</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Currently <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>52 Active Listings</strong></span>:   Average List Price: <strong>$375,534</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Currently  <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>20 Pending Sales</strong></span>:   Average List Price: <strong>$304,189</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Last 6 Months: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>13 Closed Sales</strong></span>:   Average Sales Price: <strong>$333,931</strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Notice the higher number of pending sales. These reflect the Presale inventory which will stay pending for the roughly 6-7 months it will take for the builder to complete the home. These homes were listed within the last few months and are being well received by buyers who can wait on a finished product.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:49:34 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1280082/buying-new-construction-in-maple-valley http://activerain.com/blogsview/1279622/-almost-speechless-sunday (Almost) Speechless Sunday <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/6/9/3/ar125527484139647.JPG" height="333" alt="" width="500" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p> <p>I don't think I'm capable of posting anything "speechless" (just ask my husband). I'm a morning person and have been blessed to witness many spectaular sunrises outside my home office window.</p> <p>You've heard the saying "red sky at morning, sailor take warning?", well it was true in this case. Beautiful sky morphed into some nasty weather later that day.The morning view was worth it though!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 11 Oct 2009 10:29:05 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1279622/-almost-speechless-sunday http://activerain.com/blogsview/1268713/it-s-the-4th-quarter-how-will-the-year-end- It's the 4th Quarter....How Will the Year End? <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/7/9/2/ar125467324929741.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="300" style="float: right;" />For every real estate professional, the new year starts out with uncertainty and no small amount of anxiety. We do not pull a bi-monthly paycheck, or have an annual salary upon which to base our budgets. <strong>I don't care how experienced or successful, no one in real estate sales knows exactly what the year ahead will bring.</strong> Which is why so many of us like to plan and analyze and look to industry experts for forecasts and predictions.   </p> <p>This year has been much stronger for real estate sales than many of us had anticipated (or hoped for).<strong> But if there's one thing the last few years have taught me it's that nothing in real estate is "ordinary" any more</strong>. </p> <p>While  <a href="http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2009/10/streak_continues" target="_blank">NAR</a>, tells us that pending homes sales have increased for the seventh straight month (longest streak since 2001), I know that in <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">my market</a>, a large portion of these sales are because of first time home buyers. Folks who have watched prices come down and who are anxiously moving now to take advantage of the expiring $8000 tax credit.</p> <p>There have been several bills introduced in Washington to extend or change the Home Buyer Tax Credit but really <strong>no one knows what Congress will do</strong>. There is <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2009/10/01/weigh-in-should-congress-extend-the-first-time-buyer-tax-credit/" target="_blank">debate back and forth</a> amongst Economists and "experts" but there's no doubt in my mind the credit has helped to stimulate home sales in South King County, and more specifically my community of Maple Valley. On a Nationwide scale, the <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1217019/the-trickle-down-effects-of-home-sales-on-the-economy" target="_blank">numbers speak </a>for themselves.</p> <p>So what will happen if the credit isn't extended?  <strong>No one knows for sure</strong></p> <p>In years past I would have told my clients that at the end of October we can expect to see a <strong>Seasonal/Holiday slowdown</strong>...but this<strong>,</strong> this year I'm going to admit that <strong>I have no idea what this year's end will bring</strong>. (Other than a slew of predictions and prognostications).</p> <p>Interest rates, tax credits, unemployment numbers and consumer price indexes....they <strong>are all things beyond my control which may or may not dramatically affect sales in my area. </strong></p> <p><strong>I have no idea what lies ahead</strong>, but I do know that I'm going to keep taking it one day at a time, keeping a keen eye on market trends and law revisions, embracing new technologies and marketing strategies and <strong>always remaining grateful for the clients and friends I've met along the way and for my fellow Associates who like me, are survivors</strong>.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:26:49 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1268713/it-s-the-4th-quarter-how-will-the-year-end- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1268078/maple-valley-condominium-market-report Maple Valley Condominium Market Report <p><img title="Looking for a new home for your cat?" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/7/9/5/ar125461086159796.jpg" height="225" alt="maple valley condos" width="300" style="float: right;" />Single Family homes are make up the majority of Residential real estate in the Maple Valley market, however there are several PUD and Condominum complexes for buyers looking for lower maintenance living.</p> <p>Water Gardens and Lake Wilderness Villa are 55+ gated communities, but there are Townhome, Zero Lot Line homes and true "condominium" style flats also available in communities like Parkhaven, Valley Green, Valley Meadows, Glacier Valley, Tiburon and Cedar Downs.</p> <p><strong>The year has not been a good one for Condo-sales throughout King County</strong> however it seems things may be starting to pick up (as prices have come down).</p> <p> </p> <p>Here's what's going on right now with Condominium sales within the Tahoma School District (as published by NWMLS):</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>ACTIVE  Listings: 12        Average Price: $278,312         Average Days on Mkt: 95</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>PENDING Sales: 1           Average Price: $179,950         Average Days on Mkt: 4</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>YTD SOLD : 4              Average Price: $276,000         Average Days on Mkt: 198</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sat, 03 Oct 2009 18:06:07 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1268078/maple-valley-condominium-market-report http://activerain.com/blogsview/1260963/your-agent-s-communication-style-what-and-how Your Agent's Communication Style-What AND How <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/0/5/8/ar125423653885044.jpg" height="225" alt="" width="300" style="float: right;" />I was blessed to have been trained by an amazing broker when I first began my real estate career. She held the most fabulous sales meetings which were motivating and enlightening.</p> <p>One meeting in particular sticks in my mind where she was creatively impressing upon us the lesson that <strong>it's not enough to say the right thing, but rather, the right thing must be said in the right way.</strong> She passed out a piece of paper to about 5 of us. On the paper was written the phrase</p> <p><em>"you're not getting your earnest money back" </em></p> <p>and then below that an emotion: angry, sad, happy, embarrassed. Then each person read the phrase with the accopanied emotion out loud to the group.</p> <p>Even though we had some theatrically challenged agents iparticipating, the point was well made.</p> <p><strong>How we deliver news and information is equally as important as the content delivered. </strong></p> <p>When considering hiring a real estate professional, many Sellers or Buyers ask good questions:</p> <ul> <li>What's your experience in the industry? <br /></li> <li>What are your fees? <br /></li> <li>How many homes have you sold in my area? <br /></li> </ul> <p><strong>But equally important, and in many cases more important to evaluate  how the agent presents him/herself. </strong>I don't mean dress, car, jewlery.<strong> </strong>But rather how well do they communicate with you? Do they come across as knowledgeable and articulate?</p> <p>There have been times when I'm talking with another agent on the phone and am tempted to press record (I don't have this capability so don't worry if you decide to call me)and play the conversation back to them. </p> <p>Agents can be unknowingly rude and aggressive, inordinately passive and indecisive or extremely articulate and professional....<strong>and many have no idea that their verbal skills (both good and bad) are influencing the transaction and negotiations.</strong></p> <p>So when choosing a real estate professional to market your home, or help you make your next purchase, make sure they are not <em>only</em> qualified, and competent, but ask yourself,</p> <p>"Am I comfortable with this person speaking on my behalf?"</p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:15:47 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1260963/your-agent-s-communication-style-what-and-how http://activerain.com/blogsview/1259286/one-more-time-a-spoonful-of-sugar-helps-the-medicine-go-down- One More Time...A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down.. <p>Is it rude to Reblog yourself? This was actually my first, or second post here on Active Rain, and it's something I wanted to share with agents in my office as well as anyone out there geering up for their 2010 business planning.</p> <p>If I'm being rude, please forgive me ;-)</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Originally posted December 1, 2007 (the day I discovered Active Rain!) dates modified:</span></strong></p> <p><strong><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/0/7/8/ar125415332687003.jpg" height="241" alt="" width="175" style="float: right;" /></strong>If you're anything like the average Real Estate Professional, you're probably choosing to either ignore goal setting and business planning for 2010, or youre groaning and resisting and will "eventually get around to it". (Which means you'll procrastinate until November '10 when you'll start thinking about how you should have had a plan and maybe you'll do one for '11) And if that's you, then you're likely to continue to stay an <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Average</span></em> Real Estate Professional.</p> <p>Does every high producer have written goals and a written business plan? Probably not, but I'd venture to say that as high as eighty percent of the top twenty percent do. (Just can't escape that 80/20 rule can we?)</p> <p>What I've found helps agents to buckle down and get their goals and plans on paper, is to help them see <em>why</em> goals are important in the first place and how the plan is the road map for their achieving them.</p> <p>The "Sugar" I refer to in the planning process is <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">goal setting</span></strong>. I  find it motivating and energizing and it can really help change your mental attitude. But <strong>there's a system to goal setting which I think can help you be more  effective & efficient.</strong></p> <p><strong>So Why Have Goals?</strong></p> <p>Without written goals, your business is going to drift. You probably know this kind of agent who is side tracked by <em>this</em>, <em>that</em>, and <em>the other thing</em>? First they're prospecting one way, then another "latest and greatest" presents itself and gee, that's got to be even better, so they stop doing the first thing and move on to the next "best" thing", and so on and so on. If the shortest point between where they are now and where they want to be is a straight line, these folks are zig-zagging all over that line and it's going to take them forever to get to the end result!</p> <p>I'm sure many of you have heard what I refer to as the "Goal Story". The study done in 1979 & 1989 of the Harvard MBA Graduates. I believe this story is referred to in the book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-Teach-Harvard-Business-School/dp/0553345834" title="What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School" target="_blank">"What They Don't Teach You at Harvard Business School"</a>, but I've heard it told at many seminars as well. In case you haven't heard it or need a refresher, here goes:</p> <p><em>In 1979, Harvard MBA grads were asked whether or not they had clear, concise, written goals for their future, and detailed plans for achieving those goals. Here was the breakdown at the time of graduation: </em></p> <p><strong><em>3% of Graduates said Yes they had goals and a plan in writing</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>13% of Graduates had Goals, but not in writing and with no written plan</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>84% had no goals in mind at all</em></strong></p> <p><em>Ten years later, the graduates were reinterviewed and this is what they found: </em></p> <p><em>The <strong>13% who had goals were making approximately 2X the amount of the 84%</strong> who had no goals at all. But the <strong>3%</strong> who started out with written goals and a written plan were earning <strong>10X the amount of the other 97%</strong> of graduates. </em></p> <p>Why? Because the clearer and more detailed your goals and plans, the more quickly you will be able to achieve them. Of course many of these Harvard Grads went on to earn as much or more as those first 3% members, but the point is that the 3% earned more money much more quickly.</p> <p>So here's a good starting point..... <strong>Before you begin setting your goals, it's important to get a really clear picture of what you want.</strong>(Really want!)</p> <p> Get out a blank piece of paper and begin to ask yourself some really broad questions:</p> <p><strong>If money were no object, what would I be doing with my time?</strong></p> <p><strong>Assuming everything in my business was perfect, what would that look like?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Where am I working? </li> <li>How am I communicating with my Clients?</li> <li> Who am I working with? </li> <li>Where is my business coming from?</li> </ul> <p><strong>How much am I earning each month? Annually?</strong></p> <p><strong>How much am I saving each month?</strong></p> <p>Etc.</p> <p>These area the kinds of questions which will stimulate your thought process and help you begin to see what you'll need to do to convert this imaginary picture to reality.  </p> <p> <strong>This is a great time of year to work on your plan, sit down w/ a glass of wine (or two), a cup of hot chocolate with some relaxing music and let your mind go.</strong></p> <p> It doesn't have to be grueling!</p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:59:11 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1259286/one-more-time-a-spoonful-of-sugar-helps-the-medicine-go-down- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1258161/looking-for-something-to-do-this-fall- Looking for Something to Do This Fall? <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/3/5/9/1/ar125408364319531.jpg" height="225" alt="" width="300" style="float: right;" />Shorter days and cooler evening and morning temps (not to mention the mounds of pumpkins at Maple Valley Market) are sure signs Fall has arrived.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Rather than just hanging around the TV each night, have you considered taking a class through the Tahoma Learning Community?</strong></p> <p> </p> <p>My Fall schedule just arrived and there's something for just about any age and/or interest.</p> <p>Everything from Dog Obedience to Costa Rica travel.....Art classes for kids, photography, computer classes, boating safety, dance, art, cooking....you name it!</p> <p> </p> <p>The Mission Statement of the Tahoma Learning Community is as follows:</p> <p style="text-align: left; padding-left: 60px;"><em>"The Tahoma Learning Community is a collaborative partnership between business, schools, and community dedicated to enhancing inter-generational life long learning. By serving as a clearinghouse for educational resources and activities, the Tahoma Learning Community will provide opportunities for citizens of all ages to increase knowledge and skills and to share learning experiences."</em></p> <p style="text-align: left; padding-left: 60px;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">The ever popular Ski Bus program for Middle Schools, Junior High and High School is co-ordinated through TLC and sign-ups for Ski Bus will begin in October.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">For more information about classes or programs, you can call TLC 425.413-3405 or visit <a href="http://www.tahomasd.us/community" target="_blank">their website</a>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:34:56 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1258161/looking-for-something-to-do-this-fall- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1254797/maple-valley-short-sale-myths Maple Valley Short Sale Myths <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/5/8/6/ar125384583668544.jpg" height="178" alt="" width="200" style="float: right;" />There has been so much written in the news, reported on TV and talked about around the cul-de-sac with respect to Short Sales and whether they are worth a Seller's time or effort. I don't know why, but for some reason everyone in the Universe seems to think they are an expert when it comes to dispensing real estate advice.</p> <p>Here are a few myths I've heard recently:</p> <ul> <li><strong>If you're not behind in payments, the bank won't consider your short sale.</strong> <ul> <li>Not true! While you'll likely have to demonstrate <a href="http://www.nwhomeblog.com/2009/03/what-constitutes-a-hardship/" target="_blank">a hardship</a> to your lender, you do not always have to be behind in payment in order for the bank to consider your offer. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Once you've received a Notice of Trustee's Sale, there's no help for selling so you might as well hand the keys over to the bank</strong>. <ul> <li>Not True! Once you have a signed listing contract, some lenders will postpone the Auction Date to allow time for you to get an offer. If they aren't willing to do that, then they usually will halt the sale once an offer is on the table. An experienced Short Sale Realtor will be able to help you with this process. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>There is no advantage to a seller to work out a short sale with their lender vs. letting the house go in Foreclosure.</strong> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.nwhomeblog.com/2009/03/10-reasons-to-avoid-foreclosure/" target="_blank">WRONG!</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Short Sale offers never go through and the house ends up in Foreclosure anyway. </strong> <ul> <li>Of course there are no guarantees, but I review files daily...many of which are short sales and I can tell you that to a large degree, the success of a short sale being negotiated is directly related to the knowledge and experience of the Listing agent representing the seller. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Any agent can help a seller with a short sale. </strong> <ul> <li>True, but refer to the prior bullet point. </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>If you know someone in <a href="http://maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> or the surrounding market area who needs or wants to sell but is upside down in value, please have them call me or email my team or a Realtor experienced in the Short Sale process.</p> <p>Statistics show that prices in a neighborhood drop about 10% when a Foreclosure is listed....let's all help be part of the solution!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:32:57 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1254797/maple-valley-short-sale-myths http://activerain.com/blogsview/1242410/maple-valley-market-snapshot-what-s-going-on- Maple Valley Market Snapshot-What's Going On? <p> </p><big> <p><img title="Maple Valley Housing Market Snapshot" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/0/5/5/ar125315383255051.jpg" height="235" alt="Maple Valley Market Snapshot" width="250" style="float: right;" />First time home buyers are driving the entry level market, enabling "move-up" buyers to finally be able to consider a change. It will be interesting to see what happens come November when the first time home buyer tax credit deadline is imminent. It will be tough to tell whether a slowdown (if any) is to be attributed to the end of the credit, or a seasonal slowdown.</p> <p>But for now, this is what's going on with Single Family homes located within the Tahoma School District:</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Active Listings:</strong></span> 263 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Average List Price</strong></span> $431,761 <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lowest Price:</span></strong> $115,000 <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Highest Price:</span></strong> $3,375,000</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Pending Listings</strong></span>: 115 <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Average List Price:</span></strong> $344,786 <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lowest Price:</span></strong> $124,786 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> Highest Price:</strong> </span>$1,049,000</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sold (6 months) Listings</strong></span>: 488 <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Average List Price:</span></strong> $362,281 <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Lowest Price:</span></strong> $65,000 <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong> Highest Price:</strong> </span>$3,800,000</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;">There are several signs that our market is stabilizing and recovering, that's another blog post, so please check back!</p></big> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:19:29 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1242410/maple-valley-market-snapshot-what-s-going-on- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1240557/covington-park-tri-level-no-short-sale- Covington Park Tri-Level NO SHORT SALE!!! <table cellspacing="0" height="100%" cellpadding="0" width="100%"><tr><td><div style="text-align: center; font-family: georgia;"><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://img.vflyer.com/render/images/2812268/3.jpg" /></div></td></tr></table><table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="754"><tr><td><div style="text-align: left; background-color: #FFFEFD; border: 1px solid #455660;"><div style="color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #0353A5;"><b>Photo Gallery</b></div><div style=""><table cellpadding="10" style=""><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/8/1/2/2/6/8/images/6305346_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/8/1/2/2/6/8/images/6305344_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/8/1/2/2/6/8/images/6305343_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td></tr><tr><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/8/1/2/2/6/8/images/6305364_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/8/1/2/2/6/8/images/6305362_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td><td><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><span style=""><img src="http://cdn.vflyer.com/r1/prodinsts/2/8/1/2/2/6/8/images/6305348_gallery.jpg" style="" /></span></div></td></tr></table></div><div style="color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #0353A5;"><b>Description</b></div><div style="width: 700px; color: #353831;">NO SHORT SALE HERE! Excellent opportunity for 3 BR Tri-Level w/vaulted ceilings and open floorplan in Covington Park. Price reflects some TLC & cosmetic work needed. $1000 carpet allowance for carpet to be installed prior to closing in LR/DR. Fully Fenced rear yard and Entertainment-sized Deck. Room for RV parking. All appliances stay.<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #0353A5;"><b>Features</b></div><div style="color: #353831;"><table style="color: #353831;"><tr><td><b>Bedrooms: </b></td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td><b>Bathrooms: </b></td><td>2.5</td></tr><tr><td><b>Year Built: </b></td><td>1990</td></tr><tr><td><b>Subdivision: </b></td><td>Covington Park</td></tr><tr><td><b>Lot Size: </b></td><td>.165</td></tr><tr><td><b>Garage Size: </b></td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td><b>School District: </b></td><td>Kent</td></tr><tr><td><b>Square Footage: </b></td><td>1670</td></tr><tr><td><b>Agent Name: </b></td><td>Colleen Fischesser</td></tr><tr><td><b>Broker: </b></td><td>RE/MAX Select</td></tr><tr><td><b>MLS #: </b></td><td>29128130</td></tr></table><br /></div><div style="color: #FFFEFD; background-color: #0353A5;"><b>Location</b></div><div style=""><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=26020+192nd+Pl+SE+Covington+WA+98042" style="color: #353831;">26020 192nd Pl SE Covington WA 98042</a><br /><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="5" style="color: #353831;" width="100%"><tr><td>Powered by vFlyer.com</td><td style="text-align: right;">vFlyer Id: 2812268</td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:50:11 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1240557/covington-park-tri-level-no-short-sale- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1224067/maple-valley-rental-market-update Maple Valley Rental Market Update <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/1/5/0/ar125203229505136.jpg" height="258" alt="" width="275" style="float: right;" />As Summer winds down, it seems there is suddenly a flurry of rental activity in the Maple Valley area. Many owners have made seasonal adjustments to prices and suddenly properties are renting right and left. Whether you're a would-be investor, tenant or landlord, you may find it helpful to stay on top of market trends with respect non-owner occupied properties.</p> <p>Here is a snapshot of rental activity within Tahoma School District boundaries as of today and what has rented within the last 6 months*</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Properties Currently Available:</strong></span>   14</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Average Rental Price:</span> $1600/month</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Properties Rented Last 6 Months:</strong></span> 30</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Average Rental Price: </span>$1570</p> <p> </p> <p>If you're an owner thinking about leasing your property, I encourage you to consider RE/MAX Select Property Management services. We are the only locally owned and operated company in Maple Valley. <a href="http://www.select-pm.com" target="_blank">Visit our website</a> to view current rental properties and learn more about our services.</p> <p><em><br /></em></p> <p><em>*These represent single family properties listed for rent through NWMLS only and do not reflect private rental transactions.</em></p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:51:16 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1224067/maple-valley-rental-market-update http://activerain.com/blogsview/1217019/the-trickle-down-effects-of-home-sales-on-the-economy The Trickle Down Effects of Home Sales on the Economy <big><p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/9/5/3/ar125165169035901.jpg" height="283" alt="" width="300" style="float: right;" />First time home buyers are driving the housing recovery however they may soon lose the incentive which has helped spark their interest and help them gain the confidence to buy in a down market. In order to qualify for the $8000 tax credit, sales must close on or before November 30. No one knows whether congress will extend this or offer an alternate solution, however as the November deadline looms <strong> NAR and other industry groups are lobbying Congress hard to take some kind of action. </strong></p> <p>According to NAR, the first time home buyer stimulus will have resulted in generating somewhere in the neighborhood of $350,000 sales, but <strong>w</strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>hat I find very interesting is that each one of those sales (again on average) pumps approximately $63,0000 back into the Economy</strong></span>.</p> <p>If you think about the typical new homeowner, they need furniture, washer and dryer, usually want to paint or recarpet.<strong> I know when my son closed on his first home earlier this month, there were numerous trips to Home Depot, craigslist appliance purchases, furniture, lamps...</strong>.etc. Money going into the private and public sector of the market.</p> <p>Unfortunately, many of these first time home buyers are only able to consider <a href="http://www.nwhomeblog.com/2009/04/quick-short-sale-facts/" target="_blank">short sales</a>, which can take 3 months or more to close, risky when you consider we've just hit that 90 day window until the deadline. Investors have priced them out of foreclosures in many markets and "regular sales" are receiving multiple offers with escalation clauses.</p> <p>It will be interesting to see what Congress ultimately decides to do; whether a new incentive will be offered or the current one extended.</p></big> <p>Let's just hope they make the right call.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/ activerain/Zfta" target="_blank"><img style="vertical-align: middle;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/6/8/ar125582139286967.png" alt="" width="132" height="69" /></a></p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.nwforeclosurerelief.com/" target="_blank"><span>Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyhomevalues.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth</span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleylistings.com/" target="_blank"><span>Find My Maple Valley Dream Home!</span></a></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a title="Join me on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/7/6/2/ar125582065426789.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=colleen+fischesser&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=c807e9ccc08a197a" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/9/7/ar125582067779259.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a><a href="http://www.twitter.com/colleenfish" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/6/8/3/ar125582069438668.png" alt="" width="64" height="64" /></a></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.maplevalleyblog.com/" target="_blank"><img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/0/9/ar125582032490114.jpg" alt="" width="58" height="102" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><a href="http://www.ColleenFish.com" target="_blank">Colleen Fischesser</a> is the Broker/Owner of <a href="http://wwww.colleen.select-results.com" target="_blank">RE/MAX Select Real Estate</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;">She has been successfully helping clients buy and sell real estate in <a href="http://www.movingkingcounty.com" target="_blank">South King</a> & North Pierce Counties since 1990 and specializes in the <a href="http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com" target="_blank">Maple Valley</a> area. Voted by clients and industry professionals as one of Seattle Magazine's 5 Star, Best in Client Satisfaction for 4 years running, she and her team are committed to remaining on the cutting edge of real estate marketing and technology while providing value-added, personalized service. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p style="text-align: left;"> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p></div> "The Maple Valley Specialist!" Colleen Fischesser Broker/Owner 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate) Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:19:04 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1217019/the-trickle-down-effects-of-home-sales-on-the-economy