Bellevue WA Bank Owned Homes Report for October 2009 - 10/31/09 12:32 PM
If your looking for Bank Owned Properties in Bellevue WA here is the report of what happened in October 2009.
 A Bank Owned home is property that goes back to the mortgage company after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction. You see, most foreclosure auctions do not even result in bids. After all, if there was enough equity in the property to satisfy the loan, the owner would have probably sold the property and paid off the bank. That is why the property ends up at a foreclosure or trustee sale.
Foreclosure sales begin with a minimum bid that includes the loan balance, … (1 comments)

Trilogy at Redmond Ridge: Senior(55+) Living at it's best in the Northwest - 10/31/09 12:12 PM
Trilogy at Redmond Ridge is the premier active adult community for Redmond WA area residents.  If your looking for a community to retire in or live a seasoned active life, then the Trilogy community is for you.  Residents of Trilogy at Redmond Ridge enjoy events in the Cascade Club where they can enjoy live music and tall cocktails.  You connect with other residents through community events.
Don't forget about the fabulous on-site amenities that include: the nationally-recognized championship golf course, Tranquility Spa, the Cascade Club, dinning option at the Redmond Ridge Grill or Cyber Cafe, tennis and an indoor pool.
Enjoy all that … (1 comments)

Adding insult to injury - Identity Theft can follow you around! - 10/30/09 01:57 PM
This months item of value is a comprehensive review of Identity Theft.  Most would be home owners are never aware of impact that Identity theft has on their ability to get a great rate and it may not allow them to even get a loan.  As you begin the home buying process it's important to ensure you aren't a victim of Identity Theft.  Here is how to prevent it from happening to you!
 
ATTEMPTS TO SCAM PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HARD-EARNED MONEY ARE NOTHING NEW,BUT WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, SCAMMERS ARE BECOMING MORE SOPHISTICATED.
LEARNING HOW TO QUICKLY SPOT THESE SCAMS … (1 comments)

First time Homebuyer Tax Credit given new life! Extented and Expanded?? - 10/29/09 11:02 PM
I was originally going to post some information on the reported extension of the homebuyer tax credit, but I thought is prudent to wait for more news to materialize about the details of the proposed extension and expansion of the first time home buyer tax credit.
I first heard of the extension from a blogger on Active Rain. In classic fashion senators said it's a done deal. Leaving out that there are many issues still unresolved.  Here is where we stand as of October 29th.  The tax credit would be extended through the end of June.  The home must be in contract by … (0 comments)

First Time Homebuyer Tax has Been Extended!?! - 10/28/09 06:58 PM
It looks as though Congress has moved to keep the housing market moving...through the winter.  Makes my heart warm!
Via Rich Cederberg- Northwest Albuquerque Real Estate Expert (RE/MAX Elite):
KRQE News in Albuquerque is reporting that the first time home buyer tax credit has been extended through the end of April.
 
There will also be a reduced $6,500 tax credit available to repeat buyers who have owned their current home for 5 years.
 
Buyers will have to close by the end of June 2010.
Albuquerque Realtor Rich Cederberg Has worked for RE/MAX Elite and the Vaughan Company for 5 years. He specializes … (2 comments)

Sammamish WA REALTOR Tips: To sell your home for top dollar(AKA Staging!) - 10/28/09 06:09 PM
As a Sammamish WA REALTOR I have seen first hand the effects of staging a home.  It is my recomendation that before you show your home to any potential buyer be sure to go through your whole house with your agent to finish the Staging process. Meanwhile, here are some quick tips to help you start.  Follow these general tips and your home will look better than the competition. Staged Homes sell faster and/or for more money!
INSIDE
• Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Keep decorative objects on the furniture restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 … (1 comments)

Wordless Wednesday's: They fit!!! - 10/28/09 05:14 PM



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Freaky Friday: A conversation with a Big Box Bankmart Loan Officer.. - 10/27/09 11:31 PM
This is hilarious... enjoy. ( I do like Wells Fargo) :)
Via Ruthmarie Hicks (Keller Williams Realty):
Over the past couple of months, I have written some scathing blogs about the big banks (Big Box Bankmarts) and their inability to fund loans in a sane, reasonable and timely manner.  I’ve had loans stalled, delayed and otherwise mired in underwriting for months on end for no apparent good reason.
Just the other day Chris Berg created a “movie” using XtraNormal about Big banks and foreclosure sales.  If you want a good laugh – you should take a look.  This inspired me to try … (1 comments)

Bellevue WA Home Prices, Values, Market Data October 2009 - 10/27/09 11:04 PM
Bellevue WA Home Prices, Values, Market Data: The market data is telling us that the continued trend in Bellevue WA is a strong downward trend in median list price, price per square feet.  The housing market continues to show Average days on market increase, however the market action index is up again this week.
Supply & Demand: Home sales have been exceeding new inventory for several weeks. However because of excess inventory, prices have not yet stopped falling. Should the sales trend continue, expect prices to level off soon and potentially to resume their climb from there. Watch prices as the … (2 comments)

November and December provide the best opportunity for homebuyers to buy! - 10/26/09 12:49 PM
As homebuyers approach the holiday season, the last thing on their minds will be the housing market.  For this reason, for some, November & December will proved to be the best opportunity to purchase their future home.  Every year home sellers that are motivated to sell, keep their homes on the market.  Many have moved out of the area, some are eager to sell before the holidays.  See in the charts below how the Inventory in Sammamish goes down and listing prices also take a hit.
 
The bottom line is in many cases buyers can use these factors to … (0 comments)

Set the stage to get top dollar in every market! - 10/25/09 10:11 PM
Lights, Camera, Action!
That's right - you must showcase it to show it!  In a buyer's market with stiff competion for a sale, sellers must do everything they can to get the advantage.  Pricing a house right is number one.  Work with a great REALTOR to review the facts when it comes to pricing a home.
But...in today's market you need to be more than competetive - you need to be compelling!
Once that you have established a competetive price, how does your house stack up?  Take some time, view the competition.  I will often take my sellers to see properties they are competing … (3 comments)

Things To Do: A October day in Issaquah WA - 10/24/09 09:29 PM
One of my favorite things to do on a fall day in Issaquah is to visit the Fish Hatchery! 
 

Residents of Issaquah WA know all to well that Salmon Days Kick off the October celebration of the annual pilgrimage for salmon returning home to spawn on the Issaquah Creek. 
 

Today the the sun was out, but it was still pretty windy!  What a great day to walk around downtown Issaquah WA.  From the fish hatchery you can visit the Issquah Library, Issaquah Brewhouse, Art by Fire and many more downtown shops!
So if you find yourself with … (1 comments)

Short Sale Tips: A Deceased Homeowner Without a Will - 10/23/09 11:41 PM

Via Angie Francis (StepStone Realty LLC):
Short sales are a great tool for many situations in which a homeowner is facing foreclosure.  Most of the time the hardship is loss of income, divorce or rising expenses.  However, if you do many short sales you will likely encounter a risk of foreclosure due to a homeowner death.  I have actually had two of these and would like to pass along a few pointers I picked up along the way.
In both cases, the husband who died was the only borrower on the loan. Also in both cases there was not a will.  This … (2 comments)

Lake Sammamish Waterfront home - $1 Million Dollars! - 10/23/09 07:14 PM
… (1 comments)

Smart Off-Season Tips for Buyers - 10/22/09 11:11 PM

Via Andy Yakubovsky (Century 21 Prevete Real Estate):
Smart Off-Season Tips for Buyers
Everyone's been saying "Now's the time to buy," for quite a while, but for many who've been waiting on the sidelines, the autumn "off-season" of real estate may indeed be the right time to act."Anybody who is trying to sell a house going into the winter months has to be flexible, and you should be able to get good deals," says Guy Cecala, publisher of Inside Mortgage Finance. With mortgage rates at record lows and favorable home prices, buyers should be active.
Here are some tips for buyers to … (1 comments)

Net Neutrality- Is It More Interference With Your Online Business? - 10/22/09 10:40 PM
I don't like government over-involvement, however I don't like Comcast's death grip. I think this debate is a bit of a red herring.  Because Clearwire and other cellular wireless internet companies will open it up and innovate. That is what the FCC should focus on.  Wired Internet will be dead in 5 to 10 years tops!
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
Net Neutrality is going to be voted on tomorrow at the FCC. The vote is going to be to begin drafting the network rules.
The internet is the last free speech and free enterprise place. The internet … (0 comments)

Sammamish Waterfront Home - 10/22/09 07:37 PM
Sammamish waterfront home with easy access to freeways, shopping, schools and Microsoft Campus.  Imagine living on one of the most desirable lakes in Washington state.  This lakeside retreat boasts sweeping views of Lake Sammamish and Mt Rainier. Custom built waterfront(Dock permit application pending), low footprint with the environment in mind.  This Sammamish waterfront home boasts the finest finishes in a scrumptious palette - Slab Granite, Italian tile, Acacia hardwood floors, gourmet kitchen w/ stainless Dacor appliances. Master suite includes gas fireplace, private deck, walk-in closet with organizers, custom tile work, double headed shower. Each bedroom has en suite bath w/ same luxurious finishes. Asking $1,000,000
… (1 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Feet!(work hard, play hard) - 10/21/09 06:20 PM

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Sammamish WA Home Prices, Market Data - 10/20/09 10:22 AM
Sammamish WA Home Prices, Values, Market Data.
October 16, 2009 Signle Family Properties
 


 
PRICE
This week saw relatively little price change in home prices from last week. However, home prices continue to demonstrate a nice up trend in general over the last several weeks.
Supply and Demand
Local conditions in Sammamish WA are currently quite strongly in the Buyer's Market zone(below 30)The 90-day Market Action Index stands at 14. With several months of inventory available at the current sales rate,buyers should find ample choice.
In conclusion while inventories have been tightening, days on market and the Market … (3 comments)

Large Home in Renton; Small Price $500,000 - 10/19/09 10:23 AM
If you looking for a large home in Renton, look no further! 

Room for everyone!!! Well maintained home with great natural light, crisp white trimwork. Spacious kitchen w/ island, pull out shelves, walk-in pantry, eat-in area. Family room has gas fireplace & custom built-ins. 2 master suites - each w/ dual vanities, walk-in closets. 2nd Kitchen upstairs, Bonus Room, Walk-in closets in every bedroom. Garden backs lush greenbelt. Sprinkler system. 3 car garage. Central A/C, high efficiency furnace two water heaters!
This home is located in the Liberty Ridge area of Renton WA.  This newer neighborhood has quick … (1 comments)

The Landing in Renton WA not just for Boeing jets. - 10/18/09 09:54 PM
The Landing in Renton while it's right next to Boeing, is not for Boeing jets.

The city of Renton has transformed a large formally industrial area of downtown into a vibrant community commerce center for the residents of Renton. 
"Wide, vibrant sidewalks—lined with lively cafes, dynamic retail shops and cozy residential buildings—will encourage pedestrians to stroll throughout the varied streets. A collection of restaurants surrounding a strong retail core will create a venue vibrant enough to be a year-round destination.
At the heart of The Landing is The District at The Landing, a pedestrian friendly area that will offer the … (2 comments)

Sammamish WA City Council Candidates Debate - 10/17/09 05:38 PM
This Thursday I had the pleasure of watching the Sammamish WA city council candidates debate. 
This month the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce hosted a panel discussion of the hot button issues.  This November Sammamish residence will decide on 4 of the 7 positions for the City council. 

The City Council Candidates are as follows:
Position 1 - John James v. Erica Tiliacos Position 3 - John Curley v. Tom Vance Position 5 - Don Gerend v. Michael Rutt Position 7 - Tom Odell v. Jack Barry  The candidates spent about 30 minutes answering questions in a panel format.  The questions ranged … (0 comments)

Looking for Wall Beds in the Northwest? - 10/16/09 01:43 PM
Murphy Beds, Wall Beds and more!
Need flexibility and the capacity to work from home most of the time, but periodically entertain house guests for a while.  If the room count they want and the price they need don't come together very well, suggest this; a wall bed system. 
Jack Schuster is the owner of Wall Beds Northwest.  He recently showed me an amazing display of some very nice furniture which offers incredible flexibility.  Bookshelves, entertainment systems and computer work stations that all have the capacity to easily shift modes and offer comfort for the overnight guest. 
    Office System
  … (2 comments)

Pumpkin Patches in King County - Pick your "perfect" pumpkin - 10/15/09 09:35 PM
If your looking for that perfect pumpkin in King County try these Patches!

Carpinito Brothers Farm: (253)854.5692 1148 N Central, Kent -Here, customers can enjoy finding their way through both our corn mazes, enjoy the sights on a tractor-pulled hayride or search for the great pumpkin on over 50 acres of farmland. We also sell seasonal vegetables such as fresh corn, squash and cabbage to accent this family-friendly atmosphere that operates until Halloween.


 
 

 Fall City Farms: 425/222.4553 3636 Neal Rd, Fall City- September and October satisfy the summer anticipation of harvest. And Fall City Farms … (3 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - To Do in Issaquah, Sammamish and beyond! - 10/14/09 05:04 PM
What are some great things to do in Issaquah, Sammamish and Beyond? I know the object of Wordless Wednesday is no words but this is what your looking at.  Gilman Blvd.  Husky Stadium and Pine Lake Park!  Great place to call home!


… (5 comments)

Sammamish Washinton Elementary School get "Great School" Award - 10/14/09 12:31 AM
Sammaish Washington's own Sunny Hills Elementary School get's "Great School" award.

The small but might Sunny Hills Mustaings have much to be proud of.  This year the Center for Educational Effectiveness (CEE) and the Washington Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa International bestowed the mighty Mustaings the "Great School" award.  The "Great School" award was given to only 55 elementary schools.
Sarah White the schools principal was quoted on Issaquah School District's website saying, "We are honored to be recognized with this award, and we are very proud of our students and our school," and "This is the result of a school … (0 comments)

Moving to Bellevue WA check out the Lakemont Neighborhood - 10/12/09 10:16 PM
If you are considering a move to the Bellevue WA area take a long hard look at the Lakemont area.  Lakemont is conveniently located just south of I-90.  If you new to the area I-90 is a freeway that runs East - West.  For many commuters into Seattle, I-90 is the most direct route.  While freeway access is great, Lakemont is also a community that has it all.  Starting with a excellent supermarket Matthew's Thriftway is perfect for everything you need, yet they have the specialty products you want from a smaller more discerning customer. 
Schools are always important. The majority of … (1 comments)

Issaquah Salmon Days 40th Anniversary set to kick off! - 10/07/09 10:49 AM
This Saturday Salmon Days 2009 kicks off it's 40th Salmon Days Grand Parade.  This year will be a great event with over 250 Artists, 40+ food vendors, Field of Fun and Live Entertainment.
The Grand Parade starts at 10am on Saturday October 3rd. The route travels donw Gilman Blvd from Front Street to 12th Ave.
Be Green and take your bike to Salmon Days!
Nestled at the Hatchery is a special place for those who love to cycle. Last year, Salmon Days again offered a bike corral! This allowed our attendees to peddle past the traffic and park their bike while … (2 comments)

Luxury in Lakmont $999,999 - 10/07/09 10:44 AM
Looking for affordable luxury in Lakemont? Welcome to this extravagant 4 bedroom 4.75 bath 2 story with basement in the heart of the highly sought after Lakemont neighborhood.  The owners spared no expense while upgrading every facet of this home. Step into this extravagant home with sweeping staircase, coffered ceilings, gleaming hardwoods.  
The wall of windows in the kitchen/family room allow for abundant natural light. Granite counters, stainless appliances, 2 pantries, wine refrigerator, wine rack, under-mont and pendant lighting adorn this chef's delight kitchen. Main floor boast formal living, dinning, mudroom and office.  Warm your home with 4 fireplaces (1 in … (3 comments)