The Home Inspection 5 - What it is NOT (Part II) - 11/30/10 03:06 PM
The Home Inspection 5 - What it is NOT (Part II)The Home Inspection  is not to have the seller give you a brand new house for the price of a used one.It may be tempting to take this long list of things the home inspector pointed out and assume it is the list that the sellers should fix.Not so.For example, when you buy a bank owned home (listed through the Multiple listing service) you get to do a home inspection, but it is for your informational purposes only. Your response is to go ahead and buy it “as is” or turn … (0 comments)

The Home Inspection 4 - What it is NOT (Part I) - 11/29/10 08:12 PM
The Home Inspection 4 - What it is NOT (Part I)The home inspection itself is not primarily designed for you to decide whether or not you should buy the house.There is some confusion here.Our Multiple Listing Forms are written with a number of contingency clauses, or “subject to” clauses. The purpose of that is to allow you to make an offer, negotiate the price, put up your earnest money, and check out a number of issues to make sure you do indeed want to go through with the purchase. During the first 10 days, you are to review the “Form 17” … (4 comments)

The Home Inspection 3 - The Physical Process - 11/29/10 04:28 PM
The Home Inspection 3 - The Physical ProcessWhat actually happens at the home inspection?What are you allowed to do?What are you NOT allowed to do?This is to help you understand, so you don’t feel awkward and uncomfortable at your own home inspection...You have made the appointment. I gave you a day and several blocks of time that I could free up. You have let me know which day and which block of time ended up being scheduled for the home inspection. (The times are usually 9-12 am or 1-4 pm, Monday to Friday) Then I called the listing agent. They called … (2 comments)

The Home Inspection 2 - How to get Maximum Value - 11/29/10 10:24 AM
The Home Inspection 2 - How to get Maximum ValueYou are paying a lot of money for an home inspection that lasts around three hours. There is a way for it to pay off in ways you did not even imagine. Here are five rules for you to get maximum value from your home inspection.1. Be present at your own home inspection.I insist that you be there for the inspection. If there are two or more adults who are buying, make sure you are both there, or all there. Take time off work. Get some one to take care of the … (2 comments)

The Home Inspection 1 - How to Choose the Inspector - 11/29/10 09:49 AM
The Home Inspection 1 - How to Choose the InspectorYou know that having a professional home inspection is a critical part of the home buying process.The next step is, how do you go about choosing which home inspector and which inspection company should do the work?What do you look for? 1. The home inspector needs to be bonded, insured and  licensed. For many years in Washington State, any handyman with a ladder and a screwdriver in his back pocket could set up business as a home inspector. Several years ago a law was passed, and now inspectors need to have a … (0 comments)

News Flash! Real Estate Office Dominates East Side! - 11/28/10 05:17 AM
News Flash! Real Estate Office Dominates East Side!November, 2011A single real estate office is now recognized as dominating the market east of Seattle known as the East Side. Just one year ago, the Kirkland Keller Williams real estate office hired mega team leader Tracey Forde.Who is Tracey Forde? Powerful. Purposeful. Passionate.She was an athlete in high school. Worked her way through college. Studied to be a teacher. Very competetive and loves a tough challenge.Part of her impressive resume includes a stint at Century 21 Sheetz where she was responsible for recruiting 125 agents to that real estate office. “It was the … (3 comments)

The Quest for the Perfect Christmas Tree - 11/27/10 09:59 AM
The Quest for the Perfect Christmas TreeAfter the hustle and bustle of a family breakfast, it was time to pile into the SUV on the quest for the perfect Christmas Tree. With 7 people and two car seats, we needed all the space. The destination? Farmer Browns Christmas Tree Farm, a Fischer Family Christmas Tradition. We were on the quest for the perfect Christmas Tree.The highway became a side road with horses and cows. Then it became a small paved lane, surrounded by trees. Then the pavement ended and the rutted gravel road began. Then pot holes. Soon we were crawling … (9 comments)

Characteristics of Highly Successful People - 11/27/10 01:37 AM
Ahhh persistence.
More persperation than inspiration.
More tenacity than talent.
More long term repetition than short term razzle!
As we are coming to the end of one year and the beginning of the next, this is a very good word indeed.
Phil
Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):
    
Motivational Power Quote
Characteristics of Highly Successful People
"If I had to select one, quality on personal characteristic,
That I regard as being most highly correlated with success,
whatever the field, I would pick that trait of persistence."
Richard De Vos, Amway co-founder  
   
As I … (1 comments)

Mystery Guitarman, You Tube Sensation - 11/26/10 10:13 AM
Mystery Guitarman, You Tube SensationI stumbled across a You Tube video that had me transfixed. I watched another, then another. The author, Jeo Penna, is what I would call - Frenetically Creative! He is the musician, star, director and main player of the immensely popular You Tube Channel - Mystery Guitarman.I have gone back to his channel many times. He just confirmed on a question and answer session that he is ADD. Of course, if you have watched more than one of his videos, you knew that already. His antics, unique music and creativity have not only captured my attention.His videos … (3 comments)

It snowed on Thanksgiving! - 11/26/10 09:40 AM
It snowed on Thanksgiving!It snowed on Thankgiving in Seattle! Early in the morning I woke up and the flakes were coming down the way they are supposed to. Fat flakes floating gracefully from the silent sky. There was well over an inch that had stuck. Maybe two inches!I enjoyed it quietly before my wonderful wife woke up, to begin her day of preparing a feast for her family.Later on I went out to pick up her mom. There was still snow, but it was already getting warmer and some of the snow was starting to leave us. As sofly and silently … (8 comments)

Locksmith Shot and Killed During Homeowner Eviction in Miami Dade County Today - 11/24/10 12:10 PM
The loss of your home at the foreclosure auction is the end of a long hard and painful period in a persons life. As people leave their homes, some do damage on their way out, some take what they can - appliances or more. Some leave it clean and spotless - their expression of their own good character. It is rare for a homeowner to stay after the auction. It just feels weird to have someone coming around saying they are going to evict you from your own home. If the homeowner does not respond to the visits, the postings on … (3 comments)

The First Snowfall of the Season - 11/24/10 08:04 AM
The First Snowfall of the SeasonWe got our first snow in the Seattle area a couple of days ago.There were reports of people taking 7 hours to get home from downtown Seattle.Car pileups.And kids playing.I love the snow!!!



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Bank Owned Townhouse for Sale in Shoreline Washington - 11/24/10 07:25 AM
Here is an opportunity to buy a bank owned townhouse for sale in Shoreline.This bank owned townhouse for sale in Shoreline was assigned to me yesterday, so I went out immediately to rekey it and prepare it for sale.The bank owned townhouse for sale in Shoreline is in a tidy little neighborhood of eleven townhouses all built in 1990.This bank owned townhouse for sale in Shoreline has its own one car garage with room to park a second car in front of the garage.Step inside this bank owned townhouse for sale in Shoreline and you find a spacious living room with … (1 comments)

Ten Pitfalls of buying a short sale home - Part 2 of 2 - 11/22/10 07:28 AM
6. The sixth pitfall of buying a short sale home?The price is often artificially low.Let me tell you a story. To prepare to sell bank owned homes, I began doing a lot of broker price opinions for banks. (We have now done over 1300 broker price opinions, or BPOs) A while ago we were pricing a home that was listed for sale. We were puzzled by the price on the listing. It was a full $100,000 BELOW market value. The file was brought to me by my team for review. I researched carefully. It was listed as a short sale, but … (6 comments)

Ten Pitfalls of buying a short sale home - Part 1 of 2 - 11/22/10 07:01 AM
- Part 1 of 2I am working with a lot of buyers right now. Some of the best bargains on the market are short sales. Can they be a good deal? YES!Might there be complications and pitfalls? YES!I am often asked the following question: “I notice this is the best priced house on our list, but it is a short sale. What exactly does that mean?”I am always happy to show and sell a short sale house, but there are some pitfalls that you need to be aware of.1. The first pitfall of buying a short sale home?The seller is getting … (2 comments)

Start With The End In Mind - 11/20/10 10:18 AM
A question I often ask the person I am consulting with is the following:
It is December 2011. You are looking back over the year. What are you the happiest that you achieved? What are the things that you can point to with pleasure? What are the goals that you laid out that you accomplished? Where do you want to be, one year from now?
Start with the end, then work back to the beginning. Make your goals and set out the steps needed to achieve them.
Phil
Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):
   
Motivational … (11 comments)

Four Bedroom Rambler with full Master Bedroom Suite! - 11/20/10 10:06 AM
Four Bedroom Rambler with full Master Bedroom Suite!Where can you find an updated and remodeled 4 bedroom rambler with a full master bedroom suite for under $170,000?This home has a fenced yard. It has a territorial view. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A separate utility room. All this for $169,900?Yes, it is bank owned. Yes, they are looking to move it quickly. Yes, you do need to call me NOW before it is too late!
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Find U-Cut Christmas Tree Farms in East King County - 11/19/10 10:37 AM
If you live in the Seattle area and are thinking of cutting your own Christmas tree, here is a comprehensive list of places to find one.
Dan has done a great job of compiling this list. Thank you Dan.
Via Dan Edwards, REALTOR® Your NW Home reSource.™ (Northstone Real Estate, Inc.):
Looking for a U-Cut Christmas Tree Farm in East King County? Here is a great resource for you and your family to get out and enjoy cutting down a grand noble or a bountiful douglas fir.  Every year my family and I head out to our favorite U-Cut Christmas Tree farm in … (0 comments)

Tidy Townhome in Beautiful Bellevue - 11/19/10 10:28 AM
Tidy Townhome in Beautiful BellevueThis spacious townhome has all the features you want. A small private community. Close access to Bellevue or Microsoft. Attached two car garage in front and a fully enclosed yard in back. There is a full formal dining room, as well as a family room off the kitchen with a fireplace. The living room has soaring ceilings that go up two stories. Both bedrooms have their own bath. Call me today before it is gone.



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The Technician - 11/19/10 05:07 AM
The TechnicianWho to call when your smart phone breaksTook my broken phone in to this amazing technician.I was so impressed.He was attentive, and smart, and fastand,and,s-o-o-o-o cute!



Phil Leng
Keller Williams Kirkland
Cell: 206-409-6600
Office:425-285-3200
pleng@kw.com

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High End Remodel of a One Bedroom Condo in Bellevue - 11/17/10 10:11 PM
High End Remodel of a One Bedroom Condo in BellevueLive in this private community tucked away against the hillside, yet close to downtown Bellevue, I405, 520 and a hop away from Microsoft.Granite counter tops, hardwood floors, and beautiful bathroom help describe this beautiful spot.



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Bubba do it - 11/17/10 11:14 AM
Bubba do itI am fascinated by how God has designed life.At every stage in life there is the drive to know, to learn, to explore, to advance.My adorable little grandson has a favorite saying. “Bubba do it.”We get him during the day, two days a week. Fortunately for us, his mother (our daughter) works two days. Otherwise, she would never relinquish him!I love to incorporate him into the regular things I am doing. Today you get to see us in action.Allowing a boy to know, to learn, to explore, to advance.“Bubba do it!”
 

 
 
Phil Leng
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Bank Owned Family Home in Maple Valley - 11/17/10 10:49 AM
Bank Owned Family Home in Maple ValleyThis home is on a private cul-de-sac in a great community, with a neighborhood park nearby. There is a living dining area with soaring ceilings, an open kitchen with an eating area and a family room with a second fireplace. The three bedrooms upstairs are complemented by the den downstairs. With three bedrooms and three full baths and a three car garage, this home is perfect for three or more people.


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What is a Short Sale? - 11/17/10 09:44 AM
What is a Short Sale?There are three things that must be present for a house to be considered a short sale.It cannot be one or two of the three. It must be all three. So, what is a short sale?1. What is a short sale? Qualification #1.More is owed on the mortgage than the property is worth.This requirement is where the name “short sale” comes from. We all know the title does not refer to how much time it takes to close. It refers to the fact that at the closing, the money brought in by the buyer is “short.” It … (2 comments)

Pitfalls of buying a home at the foreclosure auction. - 11/15/10 11:23 AM
Pitfalls of buying a home at the foreclosure auction.Every buyer I work with these days wants a deal. Some buyers are realistic, realizing that even in a down market everything has a price. Others are not realistic, thinking they can offer any price that comes into their head, and the seller will jump at it. That is simply not so.But the best buys today are to be found at the weekly foreclosure auction, held on the courthouse steps at each county courthouse, and in a designated place at the Factoria Shopping Center.So, if it is the source of the best buys, … (9 comments)

Homes for Sale in Woodinville Washington between $500000 and $750000 - 11/15/10 07:51 AM
I did a tour for an out of state client on home for sale in Woodinville Washington, yesterday.The first home is very unique, with both outdoor and indoor special spaces. It is on a golf course in a gated community. There is a breeze way in front. A courtyard in the middle. A deck with a fireplace behind, and a deck with a hot tub behind. A pathway leads to a meditation area. Inside are four more fireplaces. A sunken family room. A living room with a soaring ceiling. A master bedroom with a fireplace and a view of the golf … (2 comments)

Blog Shmog - 11/15/10 01:28 AM
Here is the third post I ever wrote, after being disappointed that no one was reading what I wrote... Saturday, January 31, 2009 Blog Shmog Blog Shmog, who cares anyway?There is already too much opinionating in the world, why add more?It is just as well that my blog career ended quickly and miserably.Otherwise I might have been induced into writing my opinion every day on a number of topics. But who cares, anyway?Blog ShmogGo get a life... Here is my latest accomplishment on Active Rain
Phil Leng
Keller Williams Kirkland
Cell: 206-409-6600
Office:425-285-3200
pleng@kw.com



http://www.philipleng.com
http://www.kirklandhomevalues.com
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Why all the ruckus? - 11/15/10 01:15 AM
Why all the ruckus?Swooosh!It came out of nowhere, and scared me half to death. The Blue Angels lead jet, flying low.Then the R-O-A-R !!!!It engulfed me. The ground shook. My heart nearly came out of my chest.Then I saw the other 4 jets, coming together in an upward spiral, up up into the blue sky.I stood, transfixed, for the next 45 minutes as they did rolls, spins, spirals and overpasses. The roar after they passed was always deafening, and exciting!I had been walking downtown and now I heard a marching band. It was a full blown parade! But what was the … (18 comments)

I’ll take your big screen if its free. But only if it works. - 11/12/10 02:45 PM
I’ll take your big screen if its free. But only if it works.I was helping a renter move out.So I could sell the home he had been renting, which now the bank owned.He said, “There is a problem. I hope I won’t be penalized.”“Why?”, I asked.“The former owner left a giant old TV. We have never used it, but we won’t be removing it either.”“Have you contacted the former owner?”“Many times. He will not do anything, not even remove his old TV.”“We have to get rid of it. Do you have any friends that want it?”“No.”“I’ll tell you what. I will … (9 comments)

Would you hire this guy to rake your leaves? - 11/11/10 02:28 AM
Would you hire this guy to rake your leaves?He came over. Seemed to be in good spirits. I thought we were going to accomplish a lot.Not a lot of leaves got raked!



Phil Leng
Keller Williams Kirkland
Cell: 206-409-6600
Office:425-285-3200
pleng@kw.com



http://www.philipleng.com
http://www.kirklandhomevalues.com



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I was paid a tip today! - 11/09/10 06:55 AM
I was paid a tip today!She said, “I’m leaving you something” and pulled out some money and put it on the front seat.“Thank you,” I replied, “I appreciate it.”“You were very helpful with Johnny.”“He reminds me of my grandson.”We had seen 5 hand picked view houses. I had taken pictures and videos of each one and sent them to her in advance.I had pulled out the stroller from the back of the car and unfolded it. She opened her suitcase to put in all the materials I had given her.Johnny came out of the car seat and into the stroller. I … (5 comments)

Duvall Wa Real Estate And Homes For Sale - 11/08/10 10:07 AM
Duvall Wa Real Estate And Homes For Sale There are 93 homes for sale in Duvall Washington right now. If you would like information on Duvall Wa real estate and homes for sale click on http://philipleng.com/search.html and type in Duvall in the bar at the top. Every one of the homes can be clicked on to see pictures and full information.My team was called on to do a price evaluation of one of the more beautiful Duvall Wa real estate and homes for sale this week end. It was a beautiful day and we were happy to do the work.This particular … (2 comments)

Four Bedroom Two Bath Bank Owned Home in Tukwila Washington - 11/08/10 08:19 AM
Four Bedroom Two Bath Bank Owned Home in Tukwila WashingtonHere is a sneak preview of a bank owned home in Tukwila Washington. It is a four bedroom two bath bank owned home that is just getting prepared to come on the market.The large living room of this four bedroom two bath bank owned home in Tukwila Washington has a brick fireplace, and you could heat much of the home with an insert.There is an updated kitchen in this four bedroom two bath bank owned home in Tukwila Washington with lots of cupboards and lots of counter space. Two sliders off the … (2 comments)

Short Sale Home Kingsgate, Kirkland Washington - 11/08/10 12:17 AM
We were called on to give a price opinion on a short sale home in the Kingsgate area today.My research showed that the owner had bought this short sale home in Kingsgate in 2006 for $438,500. He remodelled the home and did a beautiful job.In 2007 he tried to sell it, rightfully expecting a profit for his investment and labor. That attempt was not rewarded, nor was an attempt to sell it in 2008 or in 2009.Now, in 2010 he tried to sell it for $450,000. That sale price would not pay any of his remodel costs at all. He would … (0 comments)

Houses for Sale in Kenmore, Washington - 11/08/10 12:16 AM
Houses for Sale in Kenmore, WashingtonKenmore Washington is located at the top of Lake Washington, half way between Seattle and Bellevue.Perfect location whether you work Eastside, on the Seattle side, or up in Everett.We were called on to price this long low rambler in Kenmore. It is at the end of a long driveway, next to trees. Very private, with a large flat yard.If you are looking for a home to buy in Kenmore Washington, give me a call.



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The Magical, Magestic Mountain that Dominates our Area - 11/08/10 12:15 AM
The Magical, Magestic Mountain that Dominates our AreaMount Rainier reigns supreme in the southern Puget Sound region. There are many areas where she can be seen in all her glory.The other day I was travelling toward Tacoma at sunrise.Magical.Majestic.The Mountain that dominates our area.



Phil Leng
Keller Williams Kirkland
Cell: 206-409-6600
Office:425-285-3200
pleng@kw.com



http://www.philipleng.com
http://www.kirklandhomevalues.com



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Bank Owned Home for Sale In Tacoma, WA - 11/07/10 12:12 AM
Bank Owned Home for Sale In Tacoma, WAThere are a lot of bank owned homes for sale in Tacoma, WA these days.I was called on to give a price opinion on this bank owned home for in Tacoma, WA. I jumped in my car early in the morning to get the photos and get back to the office before the staff came for the day.This was a very unusual house. It is completely square, in a neighborhood of traditional houses. I did research on this bank owned home for sale in Tacoma, WA before I went to take pictures of it.It … (0 comments)

Comfortable Rambler in Mountlake Terrace - 11/06/10 06:43 AM
Comfortable Rambler in Mountlake Terrace
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Two Story Bank Owned House in Mountlake Terrace Washington - 11/06/10 06:23 AM
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The Executive Helps with Lunch then takes a Nap - 11/05/10 02:43 AM
The Executive Helps with Lunch then takes a NapMy grandson was over a few days ago. He loves to watch the videos I make. In my chair he looked like a junior sized executive.
The executive helps with lunch then takes a nap.
 
So  here you go...



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Two Story Treasure in the Terrace - 11/04/10 12:42 AM
Two Story Treasure in the TerraceWe just listed this great bank owned home yesterday.It is a solidly built two story home with hardwood floors upstairs and doors and trim updated.Add a private street and a great back yard and you get a two story treasure in the Terrace. Mountlake Terrace, that is...


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Solid Stance/ Long Low Ranch - 11/04/10 12:38 AM
Solid Stance/ Long Low RanchHere is a great opportunity to buy a level entry rambler with nary a step anywhere.Come in from the carport right into the master bedroom. Or walk up to the front door.A great yard awaits you. A “swing the summer away” tree in the front. A large side yard with a brick patio.The unhurried life in a long low ranch style home.Call me now to see inside!


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Two Story Bank Owned Home in Mountlake Terrace Washington - 11/03/10 10:45 AM
Two Story Bank Owned Home in Mountlake Terrace Washington6704 227th St SW, Mountlake Terrace Washington 5 bedrooms 2.5 baths Large lot Hardwood floors This two story bank owned home in Mountlake Terrace Washington was taken over by the bank in June 2010.By early August it was for sale on the multiple listing service. The first price on this two story bank owned home in Mountlake Terrace Washington was $262,400. That seemed like a reasonable price.This two story bank owned home in Mountlake Terrace Washington is on a quiet dead end street. A great place for a peaceful residence.In September the price … (0 comments)

The Encroachment - 11/02/10 06:32 AM
The EncroachmentIt creeps in quietly, but steadily. Like the blackberry bushes in my back yard.Either continually cut it back, or get overrun.I am talking about cynicism.I see it everywhere. In politics. Amongst Realtors. In my life.Bad things happen.I have been cheated, lied to, used, taken advantage of, rejected, stolen from. Sometimes my dearest friends act in ways that hurt and confuse me. Effort doesn’t always get rewarded. Things don’t always turn out fine.And cynicism creeps in.Either continually cut it back, or get overrun.A wise old pastor said to me that the sins of youth are obvious. Lying. Stealing. Cheating. Debauchery around … (2 comments)

Home on Acreage East of Auburn - 11/02/10 01:25 AM
Home on Acreage East of AuburnToday I was asked to evaluate the price of a home on acreage east of Auburn.Auburn is a small city almost an hour south of Seattle.This property is on a busy street, but out a ways from the city. Definately has a country feel.I got there and was taking my pictures.A nice lady came out of the house.“Can I help you,” she asked?I explained what I was doing, and why. She said she would ask the owner.I finished taking my pictures while she was inside. Even shot a little video.She came back out. The owner says, … (0 comments)

Long Low Rambler in Auburn Washington - 11/02/10 12:17 AM
Long Low Rambler in Auburn WashingtonToday I was called on to establish a price of a long low rambler in Auburn Washington.First, out to the property to take the outside pictures. I took this video at the same time.Then, pull comparable properties that are for sale right now, and ones that have sold in the last six months that are similar.Then fill out detail about the property, the area, the trendlines of value and the general condition of the area economically.Once that is all found and entered, submit the completed report to the bank who has the loan against this property.Another … (2 comments)

Who knew a blanket could be so much fun! - 11/01/10 01:47 PM
Who knew a blanket could be so much fun!Our daughter was over with her two kids.They started running with a blanket between them.Who knew a blanket could be so much fun!


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Phil Leng Team Residential Real Estate Experts & Bank Owned Property Experts

Your Best Interests Are Priority One 206-409-6600

Kirkland, WA

More about me…

Keller Williams Eastside Market Center

Address: Kirkland,Redmond,Yarrow Point,Overlake, Medina, Clyde Hill, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, WA, 98033

Office Phone: (206) 409-6600

Cell Phone: (206) 317-3300

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Interested in selling your home? Contact me to get a professional estimate.
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