John's Blog

While I'm on the subject of fuel oil

John Paulson (RE/MAX Northwest) — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:51:11 -0500

My in-laws have an active oil tank in their backyard. I wanted to see what could be done to protect their interests and found that, as a result of the Heating Oil Pollution Liability Act of 1995, a fund is available in Washington to cover the cost of leaks and other environmental damage up to $60,000 This program is available to owners of registered residential oil tanks only, and does not cover pre-existing oil leaks. More information is available at the Pollution Liability Insurance Agency.
The Real Property Transfer Disclosure Statement, which most sellers of residential property in Washington are required to complete, specifically asks the question: "Are there any tanks or underground storage tanks on the property?" In most instances, the existence of fuel storage tanks must be disclosed prior to transferring property. Many times I see the 'No' box checked when the seller really doesn't know, which is why I, personally, don't always trust the answers given.

The high cost of fuel oil - clean up!

John Paulson (RE/MAX Northwest) — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:49:09 -0500

I drove past it most every day, a cute blue older house in the Northgate area of Seattle. I didn't pay much attention to it until I saw the heavy equipment and trucks parked around the house as if cornering their prey. The house was coming down to make way for a much larger house for the owner's growing family.

The following week the excavator uncovered an abandoned fuel oil tank and the owner was informed that the tank had leaked a considerable amount. The soil had to be removed and decontaminated costing him around 30 grand.

I have, for several years, counseled my buyer clients to understand the liability they may incur if they buy a house with an oil tank, active or not, decommissioned or not. I recommend, in writing, having a professional determine whether a tank is present and to test for oil contamination in the soil.

It is an annoying expense now, but when contrasted against the potential cost of clean up, it is a prudent move.

2008 Summer Concert Series

John Paulson (RE/MAX Northwest) — Sat, 26 May 2007 21:59:44 -0500

Thursdays in July & August
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saint Edward State Park

The popular Kenmore Summer Concerts at St. Edward State Park are all set to begin on Thursday, July 3rd. Bring a picnic or buy a hot meal and enjoy the marvelous summer evening in the park. The lineup is lively and diverse, so there is always something for everyone to enjoy!

Thursday 7/3 Clinton Fearon & Boogie Brown A Reggae Party!	Thursday 7/10 Eileen Jewell Timeless Country Blues
Thursday 7/17 Steven Espaniola Hawaii's New Artist of the Year	Thursday 7/24 Chuck Prophet Americana Rock & Roll
Thurs 7/31 Red Stick Ramblers Louisiana Roots Music	Thurs 8/7 Carlos Cascante - y Su Tumbao Latin Jazz
Thursday 8/14 Pearl Django The Gypsy Jazz of Django Reinhardt	Thursday 8/21 Big World Breaks Funk/Dub/Soul Party

Grab a copy of the flyer here!

Saint Edward's Park

John Paulson (RE/MAX Northwest) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 23:43:50 -0500

This 316-acre day-use park has 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Washington. It was once a Catholic seminary, the buildings are still there but most of them are in sad shape. The park has a rich history best seen in its grounds and architecture. This park has it all, picnicking, hiking, soccer, mountain biking, fishing, bicycling, swimming, bird watching, softball, horse trails, and a fantastic playground. Additional details and driving directions are on the Washington Parks website.

One thing to keep in mind, parking is not free. By a parking permit here.

History of the park from the City of Kenmore website:
In the late 1920's the land for Saint Edward Seminary was donated by Bishop O'Dea to the Diocese of Seattle for use by the Sulpicain Order of Catholic Priests. In 1931 Saint Edward Seminary was constructed. In 1956 the ground breaking ceremony took place for a new Saint Thomas Seminary designed by architect John Maloney. The Rev. Thomas A. Connolly had contributed many ideas in the initial design that had a major impact on the project. The Seminary was completed in 1958 and became a school for theology and collegiate students. In 1977, because of declining enrollment and changes in the education of seminarians, the diocese sold 316 acres, including Saint Edward Seminary to the state of Washington for use as a state park. In 1978, the property was dedicated and received its current name, Saint Edward State Park. Saint Thomas Seminary which is just adjacent to Saint Edward park was renamed Saint Thomas Center and became a full-time conference center. Saint Thomas Center is now leased to Bastyr University from the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle and is no longer used by the church. Due it it's superb acoustics, the 5 story main chapel has become one of the premiere film scoring stages in the US.