Better Seattle---Seattle Real Estate and Modern Lifestyle Blog

Seize the Day: Achieving Goals through Re-invention of Your Self-Concept

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:34:43 -0500

The Chicken or the Egg? Which comes first?

Self-concept (or self-schema) is far more important than given credit for. It is often believed that what we accomplish determines how we feel about ourselves, but it is quite possible the opposite is true.

Clinical Study Findings:

In an 8-week clinical intervention study with 29 cocaine and opioid-dependent clients, Avants, Beitel, and Margolin (2005) found a correlation between a shift in self-schema and drug use and other HIV risk behaviors. The self-schema (the specific beliefs about the self) of addicted individuals was found to be extremely negative, consisting of words such as "selfish, aggressive, evil, impulsive, irresponsible, manipulative and unmerciful". When activated, one's self-schema triggers an automatized repertoire of behaviors, actions, plans, and scripts.

As addicted individuals are more likely to view themselves as "bad" people, the addict self-schema (the way the individual views themselves in light of their addiction) maintains addiction behavior. Assisting addicted individuals in substituting a negative self-schema for a positive self schema provides the foundation for meaningful change and is correlated with change in drug use and HIV risk behaviors.

Real Life Application:

If you have resolutions pining on your doorstep or patterns and behaviors you wish you could alter but have been unable to do so, consider the relationship between your perception of the goal and your self-concept. What words do you use to describe yourself in relation to the as-of-yet not accomplished the goal?

Viewing yourself negatively for not yet achieving the goal maintains the likelihood that you will continue the current pattern. It's not enough to attempt to send the negative self-schema to oblivion; its void must be filled with something, or the negative self-schema will re-emerge. Exchange the negative self-schema for a postive self-schema. To do this:

Become aware of your self-talk. Example of negative self talk: "If I take on ___ goal, I may fail, and it says something negative about me that I haven't accomplished it / I may fail."

Practice positive self-talk with yourself and rephrase. Positive self-talk isn't largess; it's acknowledging your humanness. Break your goal into smaller steps if necessary. Positive self talk: "I'd like to reach this goal, and I recognize that any challenge to do so doesn't reflect negatively on me. Instead, it reflects positively that I am undertaking it, and little by little, step after step, I will get there".

Act towards your objective.

Reward yourself upon reaching your objective through positive self-affirmation. Part of developing a positive self-schema acknowledges that reaching a goal is not a "should", but something worthy of feeling good about.

Reference

Avants, S. Kelly, Beitel, M., and Margolin, A. (2005). Making the shift from 'addict self' to 'spiritual self':Results from a Stage I study of Spiritual Self-Schema (3-S) therapy for the treatment of addiction and HIV risk behavior. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 8(3), 167-177.

Text and Real Life Application authored by Sara Washburn, Picture by Sara Washburn

The Joy of Christmas

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:21:29 -0600

Years ago, when I first began my career in real estate,

one of my associates, gifted as he was connecting with clients and of delightful demeanor, was easily breaking 6 digits every year. He was new to the industry, but exceptional with clients and a great fit for the industry. In that one year where we both worked for the same company, I saw my associate purchase one new luxury car, and then another (owning two simultaneously), a luxury home, a new wardrobe, and the list went on and on.

I set up my associate with a charming girl friend in my social group, and the two hit it off and became an "it" couple. It seemed to me my friend had everything.

There was only one thing that was troubling to me. My associate talked endlessly about what he was going to purchase for himself.

As I sit here contemplating, asking myself what life is really about, what Christmas is really about, and as I have pondered this year the same question, I've thought back to how Christmas came to be. A little over 2000 years ago, a baby boy was born into the world, grew up, and his public life changed the course of the world to follow. What was his basic premise?

Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." Matthew 11:28-30

I spent years of my younger life working hard to acquire. Acquire, pay bills on what is acquired. Acquire more, pay more bills to maintain what is acquired! I had bought into the basic premise my associate believed. More things would make me happy, more things are what I needed. More = success! Success equals others thinking well of you. And that equals...happiness...? But there was no rest for my soul. I became depressed under this burden. There had to be more...

Bono of U2 volunteered in Ethiopia with World Vision. Bono promotes volunteering as the cure for depression. How can he do this?

How can someone propose giving of oneself to others as the cure for loss of purpose, loss of meaning in life?

Jesus, that little boy who grew up to forever change the world, had something to say about this. When a rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to to have eternal life, Jesus responded that he must keep the 10 commandments. The young man replied,

"I've obeyed all these commandments. What else must I do?"

Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, and follow me."

But when the young man heard this, he went sadly away because he had many possessions. Matthew 19:20-22

The United States is panicking, now.

What is in the future? People are losing homes, and many are hording money. Fear is seeping into nooks and crannies. What happens if we lose all those possessions that we deem so crucial for our "happiness"? What hope is there?

Let me pose another question... What is the purpose of our life? Is it to live, acquire, and die?

Some asked, upon hearing of a rich man's death, "what did he leave behind?" The grim response...... "all of it."

How can we make our life meaningful, purposeful, and enriching? How can all our toil amount for something?

No matter what you believe about Jesus' teachings, I challenge you to something...

"Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means caring for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refusing to let the world corrupt us." James 1:27

What are you willing to do with your life, your money, to shake off the "more stuff, more stuff" mantra and to give something or help someone that will leave a lasting legacy? What burden are you tired of carrying? What exchange, from burden to joy, do you want more of?

In the true spirit of Christmas, Merry Christmas everyone!!!! Merry Christmas. May your heart be light, and your walk be gentle, and may you be blessed as much and more as you bless others, and may your cup "runneth over" with true and lasting joy.

With love,

Sara Washburn

A way to make a difference...

Top 7 Must Have & FREE iPhone Applications for Busy Real Estate Agents

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:56:38 -0500

Chrystie, I really enjoyed your post. So I'm reblogging it...

Via Chrystie Corns | Southern Maine Real Estate Agent:

Let me preface this by saying, I am an iPhone evangelist. Love Love Love it. I love finding apps that make my life easier, and as a real estate agent and social marketer, I'm always looking for ways to stay connected and multi-task effortlessly. The release of the iPhone 3G and robust app store have launched real estate agents and brokers into a whole new realm of connectivity.
Here are 7 iPhone applications (according to me :) that can make your life substantially easier.

Trulia Real Estate Search
What it does: Find homes for sale using built-in location finder.
Why it's cool: Tap quick links to see nearby Open Houes today or this weekend.
Find out More: www.trulia.com
Download: Trulia iPhone Application

Where(TM)
What it does: WHERE delivers essential information about what's around you right to your cell phone.
Why it's cool: Partnerships with Starbucks, Gas Buddy and Yelp make this a great tool to help you show off your knowledge of the local area.
Find out More: www.where.com
Download: WHERE iPhone Application

Evernote
What it does: Lets you remember anything and everything that goes on in your real estate career. From notes to ideas to snapshots, put them all into evernote and have them instantly availale from your phone to the web to your desktop.
Why it's cool: Allows you to snap a photo of a business card and it makes the text in those images searchable. Brilliant.
Find out More: www.evernote.com
Download: Evernote iPhone Application

Envirian Mortgage Calculator
What it does: Designed to make quick mortgage calculations based on amount to be borrowed, your monthly income and other expenses
Why it's cool: Allows you to look like a math genius on the fly!
Find out More: http://envirian.com/
Download: 3in1 Mortgage Calculator iPhone Application

Puluwai Real Estate Search
What it does: Quickly search for homes near you or in the town of your choice. View search results in a list on a map, or in a photo gallery.
Why it's cool: Ability to save your favorite properties and share them with your clients via email and contact the seller directly.
Find out More: http://puluwai.com/
Download: Puluwai Real Estate iPhone Application

RulerPhone Lite
What it does: Ever been at a house showing and forgot your tape measure? Now you can use your iPhone as a ruler. You can measure anything.
Why it's cool: Take a picture of an object, measure it up against a credit card and RulerPhone will give you the dimensions!
Find out More: www.benkamens.com
Download: RulerPhone Lite iPhone Application

Expense2Go for Salesforce users
What it does: Allows you to create and sync expense reports from your iPhone
Why it's cool: You have the ability to use your iPhone camera to capture receipts and attach them to the expense record. How cool is that?
Find out More: www.modelmetrics.com
Download: Expense2Go iPhone Application

This of course, is a list of my top 7, however if you have an application that you want to add, leave it in the comments section!

Feel free to Stumble, Digg or Bookmark this post if you wish! :)

Chrystie Corns is a real estate agent in Portland, Maine specializing in first time home buyers. She also is a social marketing manager for uLocate Communications (WHERE.com) and full time mother to two darling children.

The Cookie Thief-- Humanity and Humility

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:17:31 -0500

Valerie Cox must have truly been inspired

to come up with a poem that I've cherished for years not for how it makes me feel, but for how I'd like to avoid feeling. Perhaps she caught the idea like a virus or experienced it first hand and it plagued her until she shook it out of herself on paper and clamped the book shut on it. One of my favorite poems, it captures the intimate message of some of my own botched experiences and also what at times I so earnestly wish I might convey to a few others.

Humility is not exactly revered in our culture. Humble people are often seen as weak or pushovers, perhaps not intelligent, or maybe ignorant of what they're "worth". In some parts of the country, humility is viewed as a disease. If you know you have value, you should promote it, right? But how much? Where does the buck stop? Is it wrong to admit you're wrong, or to suspend judgment of others and weigh the likelihood of a non-fully objective lens?

Have you ever been convinced of something that later you realize you had wrong? I certainly have. Sometimes even as much as a decade later I realize the mistake of my ways.

The realization jarred me. Now I can't presume utter "correctness". I've banged into the wall of objectivity and found that I'm not the "point of beginning". I am not truly objective, no matter how much I desire to be.

Jesus, the greatest teacher, modeled humility in such a way that the most revered and popular individuals of his day belittled and mocked him for it. He countered the thinking in his culture, associating with people everyone else frowned upon. "Don't you know your value lies in how good you are? How many good things you do?" Jesus didn't think so. He spoke in love even when they took his life for it. He represented a truth people couldn't live with, couldn't accept.

Jesus has shaped my life in endless ways. He is my greatest teacher, and I desire to love others, honoring their humanity ("fragility") and they're intrinsic worth as he did.

I have learned that I can never go wrong in giving love. When I think someone deserves less, even with actions damaging to my professional life, they deserve to be treated with dignity. I am not the judge. I am not the one to dish "revenge". Sometimes that may even mean not defending myself, if necessary, if doing so would humiliate them. Sometimes showing love in the way a person needs it most is what costs you the most. And love given, or mercy shown, may never be appreciated.

Just as years later I've come to see my own wrongs against others, it is feasible that some of my wrongs I have not realized yet, or may never realize. Without love and unmerited generosity towords others, our world could have never made it as long as it has.

I have hope, though, that the love that Jesus modeled is enough to save us yet.

The Cookie Thief

The Cookie Thief
by Valerie Cox

A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shops.
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be.
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between,
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock,
As the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock.
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, "If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye."

With each cookie she took, he took one too,
When only one was left, she wondered what he would do.
With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, as he ate the other,
She snatched it from him and thought... oooh, brother.
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude,
Why he didn't even show any gratitude!

She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat,
Then she sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise,
There was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair,
The others were his, and he tried to share.
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

The Best of the Shower Curtain: Urbanizing your bathroom to sell your home

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 10:40:33 -0500

Whether you're listing your property for sale or redesigning your bathroom for your own aesthetic enjoyment, swapping out the shower curtain with an edgy design is the easiest and most affordable way to quickly improve bathroom ambiance.

1) My favorite, this "Tree" Shower Curtain, in dark brown on a white background, is made of washable polyesterl and brightens up the room with a clean, simple silhouette.

Almost any color pairing can do. White towels will give the bathroom a minimalistic, refreshing look; coral pink will play up on the age-old "retro" brown and pink theme; sage green will invoke the outdoors and a peaceful aura.

Available at UrbanOutfitters online for $40, and a bargain for the impression it makes!

2) PlushLiving's selection of vintage-inspired modern shower curtains are serious showstoppers in the bathroom. "Links" Shower Curtain (second picture) in blue and white combines the best of old and new. PlushLiving's curtains come in a delightful array of colorful bursts, $36 at AldeaHome.com

If you can't match the towel colors perfectly (or close enough) the safe bet is to defer to white. While traditional and contemporary decor often involves an amalgam of colors, truly modern decor is palette sensitive, often either monochromatic, a pairing of two colors next to each other on the pie chart, or two or three smartly matched but strongly opposing colors.

3) Another superb pairing with either white or other strong colors (avoid pale colors, or you might get the "washed out look") is the Paris or Empire State Building shower curtains. These are stellar examples of "usable art"! They are engaging conversational pieces and will create flair in even the dullest bathrooms. Paris Shower Curtain or Empire State Building, $26 each.

Trick: To keep costs low, purchase one to two new sets of towels, depending on how much hanging space you have. Use your old towels for showers and put them away when you step out of the house for a buyer showing. Leave the new towels out and in perfect condition. Fresh towels make the entire bathroom fresh! Modern=clean!!

Three exceptional artists discovered at the Bellevue Festival of the Arts

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:45:04 -0500

Yes, she is giving you that look. Yes, that look.

And it's something to write home about, too. With an asking price of $17,000 Juli Adams' deeply quizzical artwork pierces the thin veneer of polite society and into your soul. You'd brush it off, if you could, but you can't. It's exceptional.

Piece by piece, Juli Adams delivers wrenching, penetrating images that both inspire and frighten you at the same time. You look. And you look again.

Jennifer Bowman changes the tempo with
works that my mother would swoon for.

Free-flowing, interpretive pieces of gardens and countrysides that you could come home to day after day, brilliant color in a creative "loosing of the tie".

Chardonnay, anyone?

Our quest for the striking would not be complete without a hefty appreciation for a bit of the modern, specifically bronze, stainless steel, and stone sculpture that belongs in the gardens and houses of those not merely content with magnificence on the wall.

James Kelsey's sculpture is an experience in scale, playfulness, and presence.

While a painting can sit amicably by itself, Kelsey's sculpture demands dialog. Its strong, clean lines belong on the edges of pools and lakes, gracing zen gardens, and in the recesses of your imagination.

Seattle's Firecracker5000: The followup!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:01:36 -0500

Seattle's annual Fourth of July Firecracker 5000 was a supremely delightful run, with slightly over 700 particpants showing up to strut their stuff in the late wee hours.

About one mile in, as the course curved back around toward the stadium, my twin sister explained with glee, "We're almost there!!!" She became less than exicted when I shared we had only run about one mile and that in fact the course would snake around Belltown for another two miles before heading back for the final dash.

Congratulations, Anne!!! She is now training for her first full marathon this fall!

Left picture: My sis is directly in front of me with the light pink shirt and hair up in a long pony tail. We're running up Denny with the Space Needle in the background.

Bottom picture: My sis on the right, her first race ever, post run.

The Firecracker 5000 walk/run, downtown Seattle, midnight on July 4th!!!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:44:23 -0500

Ok, Ok, what is this, you're thinking??

It's an invite to participate with me and several other stoic Brio-ites who're just as excited as I am in the Firecracker 5000, a delightful 5k walk/run happening in downtown Seattle the night of July 3rd at 11:55pm, and running into July 4th.

Have you ever run under the stars before? If today's weather is indicative of our summer, this special night will be perfect temperature-wise for those of you who'd love to live out your wild side! Or run it, if you're up to it!

Please invite your families, kids too! Friends, neighbors, anyone who'd enjoy this funtastic event! The event costs $25 if you register by the 2nd of July, and $35 for after that.

On Race Day (July 3rd):

10pm Day of race registration and bib and chip pickup in Memorial Stadium

11:55 Start of Race

12:30 Brief awards ceremony with music and refreshments inside Memorial Stadium after the run

The Memorial Stadium is located at the Seattle Center at 305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98109.

The direct link: http://www.promotionevents.com/events/events-08/FC5K-08/registration.htm

Call me with any questions about this superb walk/run on my cell at 206-724-6500. Come and have fun!! Look forward to seeing you there!!!!

Happy Fourth!!!!

A Greater Seattle Steal of a Deal: A Super Hot House can still be Found!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:54:05 -0500

While I rave about Bellevue proper, and I rave about Seattle proper,

(granted, both of these cities are smoking hot, and their obstinance in maintaining their values despite greater market turmoil elsewhere testifies to this...)

...some of you may be wondering, "Sara, sure these areas are great, but what about a terrific larger home for a price I can afford?"

With the median home price in Belleuve at $635,500, and the median condo price at $324,995, many are feeling priced out of the market. If you work in either of these two great cities. promising homes can be found just a short commute away, and no, you don't have to sacrifice on the bedrooms, or the space!

The following home is a terrific example.

This is one of my listings, located in Bothell, on a quiet street with quick access to 405 and a short dash to I5. It's tucked into the edge of a cul de sac, in a friendly neighborhood of like houses, and comes complete with three bedrooms, a bonus room, a supersized entertaining deck, and a hottub below, as well as the preliminary living and dining room. The kitchen features newer modern and visually appealing cabinetry, and all three bedrooms are reasonably sized with generously large windows. The home is fully fenced with visibly high quality wood fencing (new), and the landscaping maintenance is minimal, yet aesthetically inviting.

The price? $349,950, just an elbow above the median price for a condo in Bellevue. What a steal!!

The home is owned by an executive who commutes to Bellevue, and he is downsizing because he no longer needs such a large home. It's been maintained exceptionally well, and if this is the home for you, you're guarranteed to love it as much as he did.

Feel free to take a drive by to see the home, or give me or your agent a call and I'd love to show you the home (or any others you're interested in).

Home Facts:

Address: 20616 13th Drive South East, Bothell, WA

Square Feet: 1,650 as per seller

Beds: 3

Baths: 1.75

Year Built: 1975

Details: Two car garage, laundry room, well-maintained bright and airy Bothell home, close to 405, quick drive to I5, nearby grocery and shopping, great Bothell schools! Large Deck, hot tub, fully fenced, fabulous home for entertaining, on cul de sac in quiet, friendly neighborhood! Steal of a price!

Good future for Bellevue, Seattle's sister city!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 03:00:25 -0500

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest,

it was common for residents of the Bellevue/Eastside and residents of Seattle not to intermingle, viewing Lake Washington as a great expanse separating two very different worlds. I still encounter people who won't jump the "pond" to the other side, but for those in the Emerald City ignoring their eastern neighbor, an almost seemingly overnight transformation is taking place.

Calling Bellevue Seattle's sister city may be a bit presumptious, but no doubt this shining star is becoming a neighbor with which to contend. Why?

Bellevue residents have the "hots" for Bellevue,

and the temperature is rising: In the city's annual performance survey, 95% of respondents said they believe Bellevue is an excellent place to live, up two percent from last year. 94% rank the quality of life in their neighborhood as good to excellent, up 4%.

Bellevue is being "urbanized":

Aside from the stunning additions such as Bellevue Towers and Washington Square in the downtown district (and a new nightlife!), Bellevue's Bel-Red Corridor will be transformed into a more urban environment, with mixed use development, new neighborhoods (including affordable housing), parks and open areas, improved transportation, and more streets, bike lanes, and trails.

Preparing for the commuting future:

Bellevue's Light Rail Best Practices Commitee issued a report on the development of light rail after firsthand observation of the light rail systems in Portland, San Jose, and San Diego. What you need to know: connections will include downtown Bellevue, the Bed-Red area, Overlake, and Seattle, while preserving and enhancing Bellevue's character. Your ongoing participation is sought by the Best Practices commitee.

Commitment to environmental stewardship:

By the close of 2008, the City of Bellevue vehicle fleet will include 31 Hybrids, as well as several "flex" fuel vehicles which run on a combination of gasoline and ethanol. Thirty-two diesel vehicles have been retrofitted with "diesel particulate filters" that trap pollution normally emitted into the air. The entire fleet (as well as maintenance equipment) recycles its engine oil, antifreeze, fluids, tires, batteries, metals, mercury switches, and brake components.

No longer in Kansas, Toto! Shopping is stepping up:

Neiman Marcus is moving into the Braven (under construction, on the corner of 8th and 112th), as well as the emergence of other stores like Burberry and Lacoste in Bellevue Square. We knew you'd finally get here!

[Picture of Bellevue Towers taken from my car heading west on Bellevue Way. These are my favorite new addition to the city!]

Newmark Tower Condos, Seattle, 1.5 blocks from Pike Place Market

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Wed, 28 May 2008 01:56:19 -0500

The Newmark Tower

in downtown Seattle, on the corner of Pike and Second Ave, is an established building with a full concierge, indoor pool, gym, spa, and an overnight guest suite.

The high rise on the left is the "Newmark", in which I sold a comfortable condo to an earth-friendly client. The Newmark Tower is a short 1.5 blocks from Seattle's renowned Pike Place Market, two blocks from Westlake Center and the shopping district, and one block from the beautiful Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony.

My client loved the location, a short bus-ride right off 2nd into south Queen Anne. She often frequents Belltown via an even shorter bus-ride, or a brisk walk. Eco conscious, she eschewed owning a personal vehicle, proving how pedestrian friendly a city Seattle really is.

The Newmark underwent extensive renovations in 2002-2003 and is a good catch for a building to buy in, if you can get it!

I captured these pictures of the building from the 9th floor of the parking garage on the corner of 2nd Ave and Union in downtown Seattle.

The next picture captures the view looking west from the parking garage, and the edge of the Newmark on the rightmost.

Being MeMe’d - E-mail Chain Letters on Steroids

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:44:46 -0500

I just got meme'd, compliments Rich Jacobson, and since this is the second time I've been meme'd, I thought I'd just do it...

Question 1: Who is my favorite Musical Artist?

This is tough to narrow down, I am very broad-spectrum!!! It'd have to be a three-way tie between Luciano Pavarotti, Bono of U2, and Peter Furler of Newsboys.

Question 2: Who is my favorite Artist?

William-Adolphe Bouguereau, hands down.

Question 3: Who is My Favorite Blogger?

My favorite RE blogger is Jessica Horton! And I love Kevin Tomlinson for the pure entertainment factor. Both exceptional people, btw!

Question 4: If I could meet anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and what is interesting about them?

I would want to meet Jesus. I want to love others the way Jesus loved them.

Question 5: What did I want to be when I grew up?

A doctor, a pilot, an archeologist, and journalist, a New York Symphony violinist, and a shrink.

Question 6: What is the most interesting piece of Trivia that I know?

LOL that depends on how you define "trivia"! Actually, I can't think of anything... nothing seems like "trivia" to me! Rhodedendrums and Azaleas like shade. (Is it trivia if it has a practical application?)

Visceral fat is very dangerous, as it functions as its own organ in the body and correlates directly with life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease... (Also has practical application...marathon, anyone?)

Question 7: If you could live in any point of history when would it be and why?

Right now. I can't imagine a better time in history where individual people have been empowered to make the world a better place, caring for the disenfranschised and those in need. I am excited about the opportunity to live right now.

Question 8: What is the most interesting job you’ve ever had?

I thought of a few that matched perfectly for this, but then I opted to be non-traditional and speak about a "job" that's been close to my heart for over a year.... specifically, what it means for me to be a good steward of my life, my opportunities, my friendships, my money, etc. I've been taking steps to live more intentionally, with the choices I make, how I spend my money, even my entertainment... I can either live accidentally, or I can live on purpose. I used to feel powerless to change the world, until one day I realized that my powerlessnes came from the every day choices I made. Being a steward of my life is the most interesting "job" and meaningful one I could ever have.

Is your broker watching out for you?? Things you should know before you hire a discount broker

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Tue, 20 May 2008 22:13:41 -0500

Is your discount broker watching out for you??

What services will you be doing without, that you just don't know yet?

Today I came across a listing in Somerset that I've never paid much attention to. It's been listed for sale for nine months, dropped in price by 75k but still erroneously listed about $50k above market value. In the marketing remarks it says: "Seller to offer buyer up to $30,000 cash bonus at closing".

My first instinct was to ask, "What does it matter if the seller will offer 30k in cash bonus if potential buyers are searching the market for homes $30k less? What the seller has done is artificially inflate the price of his home above the range that potential buyers would look for it in.

I thought about calling the listing agent and passing along my suggestion as an act of realtor cameraderie, when I noticed the listing office: a discount brokerage to whom you pay $500 to list your property for up to a year. This was not the sort of brokerage that offered any real representation to the seller.

In fact, it was unlikely they had ever counseled the seller on either price or strategy. So why did the seller choose a discount broker that as of today has cost him more in mortgage payments since listing (and that he could have saved) than he would have paid out to a qualified area specialist for proper representation?

The answer lies in the prejudice in percieved value.

Let's consider another market:

The real difference between international real estate representation and US real estate representation lies in the perceived value of the agent, not in the difference between the services rendered.

This should make us wonder why we devalue our real estate experts in the US and why we think a discount broker is just as good.

When visiting my cousin in Lake Como, my husband and I had the opportunity to enjoy the company of a local agent. In Italy, the agent explained, you pay your agent up front. You pay fees to them to search for a house for you, and you continue to pay them cash out while they negotiate the deal and secure your property. Likewise, you pay them to find a buyer should you be selling.

In the US, not only do we not pay our agents upfront, we treat them like they are trying to rip us off. "You want us to pay how much? And what for?"

...the prejudice in perceived value...

That's exactly why to some there is no perceived difference between a discount broker and a highly experienced market specialist.

Some questions to consider:

Will my discount broker consult me on market pricing and strategy backed up by qualified and ample research?

How qualified is my discount broker (if at all) on the particulars of my neighborhood market? (Consider that two blocks out from your home could be the end of your neighborhood and the start of another. How intimately does the discount broker know neighborhood boundaries and values?

Is my discount broker out in the field selling every day? Or do they sit behind a desk?

If I choose my discount broker because they give me the commission savings I want (meaning, they don't negotiate with me at all), how can I know they're any good negotiating the price I want?

How much money and time am I prepared to lose (think mortgage payments, lost opportunities on contingent purchases, etc)

Do I believe a worker is entitled to fair pay for their work? Am I being realistic in what I hope to get for what I pay?

Is there anyone on my side (as buyer or seller) watching out for me that's not scared to give it to me how it is (speak the truth to me, even if I'm not excited to hear it) to help me sell my home?

A SUPERB Bellevue Expo!! City Residents, Bellevue wants your opinion!!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:52:28 -0500

Mark your calendars!!

Only two days away, residents in Bellevue, Washington have the opportunity to participate in an innovative "Spring Forward Expo: Projects Affecting Your Future" event/open house Wednesday, May 15th, where experts on over 40 city and regional projects affecting the city will offer presentations and seek your feedback. The event will take place at Bellevue City Hall at 450 110th Avenue NE, on the first floor concourse. (This is your opportunity to visit the gorgeous new City Hall if you haven't done so!)

Some of the projects featured and seeking your input:

The Light Rail Best Practices Committee draft report regarding light rail practices to be applied in Bellevue. (EXCITING!!)

Aquatic Center Feasibility Study north of Main Street

Boeing/Eastgate Property Master Plan

Meydenbauer Bay Project and Land Use Master Plan (I Blogged about this earlier, here's the master plan we've been awaiting!)

Sound Transit East Link (To be created off the Freeway)

Neighborhood Sidewalk Program (Livability, Livability!)

...and there's a whole lot more!!! In fact, so much more, that it's guaranteed something here's going to affect you directly if you're a Bellevue resident... More info on Spring Forward Expo

Bellevue is truly a proactive city. Whereas some our neighboring cities face grumbles regarding mismanagement of resources, Bellevue deserves kudos for improving the quality of life of its residents and for its wise stewardship of resources and opportunities.

Preview of my new video blog: Eastside.in

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:09:54 -0500

Hi folks!

I'm planning on launching my new video blog eastside.in over the weekend. A couple realtors from Brio Realty and I will be showcasing the best of Seattle's Eastside, including restaurants, shops, people, events, and of course real estate!

Although it is a bit scary I am thrilled to embark on this journey. This first video blog below is an introductory video, shot at Kirkland's Marina Park, and accompanying me is Brio's Nina Knaevelsrud. I hope you enjoy it!!!

Working with Brio Realty

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:56:29 -0500

Hi Folks! Here's a look at the serious side of Brio, featuring an interview with Jeremy Keener, Brio's 2007 Agent of the Year, telling it like it is. Thank you, Jeremy, for being my Guinea Pig in my trial and error with my new Flip camera, and for your mercy to me after discovering I posted the interview on ActiveRain. ;)

PS. The voice behind the camera is me.

Bellevue Golf Course goes Green: Wildlife Sanctuary and Environmental Stewardship

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:18:05 -0600

"Backyard Habitat" comes full circle at Bellevue Golf Course, aka "Bellevue Muni" among locals, where the course serves both avid golfers and the environment, strengthening the community and preserving the sport. As an avid enthusiast of backyard habitats, news of Bellevue Muni caught my particular attention, especially as my husband and ActiveRain's Jon Washburn, ActiveRain's Bob Stewart, and MTG's Tyson Knavelsrud regularly play there.

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for golf courses is an opt-in program. Receiving certification requires passing stringent tests, and the public course at 5500 140th Avenue NE, managed by Premier Golf Centers, is a stellar recipient.

Ponds are protected by a buffer, with cart paths steered away from them. Native plantings replace invasive blackberry and ivy. Brush piles and feeder boxes foster safe breeding grounds for local birds.

Although not the first course to go this route (Bellevue GC is the eleventh course in the state to win certification, Bellevue's Glendale Country Club gained certification in 1998), the move toward greater environmental responsibility challenges the notion of "business is business".

To Bellevue City Council, "business as usual" means making the world a better place, and what better place to start than at home. With a rich tradition of stewardship, Bellevue passed numerous resolutions last year including reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions, further implementation of green building practices, and measures such as promoting greater rainfall absorption into the ground through open spaces and permeable sidewalks/asphalt.

Kudos to both Bellevue Golf Course, and our exceptional City Council. Keep up the good work!

Bellevue City Council Press Release

Steps you can take: Become a Green Golfer and support your local golf course in becoming green.

To Resolve or not to Resolve: How to make Meaningful Resolutions

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:12:37 -0600

Ever wonder how to make worthwhile resolutions that you can actually attain and feel good about in the process?? Here's my homemade strategy for making the next 365 something to rave about:

1) Ask yourself, "What do I care about, have convictions towards, or have daydreamed about for my life?"
The key here is to identify desires, hopes, goals, or beliefs that you hold that you want to move towards. Remember, if you say something matters to you but you do nothing, the reward (positive or negative) that you get from inactivity is greater than the perceived reward you'll receive through activity. Ex: If you have a fear of change, your desire for comfort may outweigh the perceived benefit of moving towards your goal. This may play out in the case of an employee or agent who wants to work for an office with good morale and camaraderie but they're scared of leaving the familiar.

2)   What's the next step that you could comfortably move towards and be able to implement naturally into your life?
This step is about getting your feet in the water. Don't make it harder than it is. If your goal is to get back to your college weight, resolve to take 10 minute walks every evening. The resolution would be the 10 minute daily walk (the behavior change), not the end result (back to your college weight).

3)   Build in a reward for following through with your resolution.
For many, this may be simply feeling good about doing something that matters to you. Think of it as good "self-care". You matter and have worth, and you're worth making goals and working hard for. Allow yourself to feel good about what you accomplish!
4)   Ditch the guilt!!!
If you steer from your resolution, forget about the "yesterdays" and focus on the present. If you set a goal for regular daily walks, but you miss a whole week, the week doesn't mean it's undo-able. Simply recommit to your goal and feel good about being able to chart through new territory (staying true to what you'd like to implement into your life).
5)   Remember, resolutions are about adding value to your life.
If you do the things that are inherent to your goal, you will eventually get there. For example, to get to a certain weight, you'd implement regular exercise with eating more whole fruits, vegetables, and made from scratch foods. Find out what you have to do to reach your goal, and make those particulars your resolutions.Don't make the end goal your resolution, or you may be taking on more than you can chew. Plus, each step along the way is a resolution in itself that should be celebrated!

So, what would you do for yourself if you got serious about yourself? It's never to late to "seize the day"! If you can tell I've been thinking about exercise, that's because I'm training to run the Austin Half Marathon the second week of February. For those of you who can't imagine yourself running any length of race (trust me, I didn't either, and neither did my husband, who ran his first marathon last summer) check out ActiveRunners, a group for runners and those wanting to get into the running (or just plain healthy) lifestyle.
Have a Happy 2008!

Sustainable Christmas "Rent a Tree"?? Anyone up for the challenge? Perfect Christmas Holiday Balance!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:32:17 -0600

An annual tradition...
...(aka "Challenge") for all you environmentally focused and sustainable living gurus (and those who are flirting with becoming more so) is the fantastic IKEA "Rent-A-Tree" event, where for a mere $14.99 (and $10 deposit) you can "rent' a delightful live 5-7 foot Douglas Fir to ring in the holidays.
Need I mention that you'll be hard-pressed to find a nursery to sell you a live fir for $14.99 (or $24.99) of similar height, and that a similar non-living (aka "cut") Christmas tree at a Christmas tree lot runs from $30 upwards (or $50 or $60!)

At the end of the holidays, you can return the tree to be recycled (not tossed out or composted, but re-used) January 4-6th, and claim your deposit refund in the form of an IKEA giftcard, or plant it in your front yard.
The biggest challenge to becoming a greater environmental steward is not "not knowing" what to do, but learning a new pattern, and for Christmas, establishing a new "Tradition". So here's the scoop:
Visit your local IKEA Friday November 30th through Sunday December 2nd to claim your tree. You'll need a total of $24.99 (tax may be applicable). Take the family, the kids, a friend, a long lost relative, or maybe someone you want to shock by your new "tradition". (After all, this Christmas tree comes in a pot!!!)
Take it home, decorate it, make hot chocolate, light a fire, sit next to it and tell stories or bribe your children with the benefits of being good (isn't that what Santa is for?). If you're going to learn a new tradition, you may as well start or re-adopt all the other traditions you've been fond of, especially if they've been neglected since your childhood or you've not made time. Allow your "Rent-A-Tree" to motivate you into fostering other Christmastime or life changes.

Call ahead to confirm your local IKEA is participating, and have a merry time! IKEA is a 1998 recipient of the Evergreen Award for their environmental and conservational practices.

"God's Biggest Leaf" and Somerset's Friendly Five Foot Spider

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:00:04 -0600

I'd call this "God's Biggest Leaf", but am wary of stealing the title from some enormous six foot leafed flower in Australia. None the less, here it is! I've never seen one so big! (Evidently, I'm not the only one enamored with giants leaves. Yesterday I drove past a lady collecting these massive leaves while walking her dog.)

And another humongous pleasantry:

Halloween comes and goes, but this spider is planning on sticking around all year! So far as I know, this Somerset Homeowners Association hasn't yet requested Mr. Spider's hibernation. (I'll let you know how long he sticks around...)

ActiverRain Sponsorship and KIVA, classy all the way!

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:39:24 -0500

While logging in today, my eye was drawn to an ActiveRain Sponsorship banner on the right side of my screen, www.KIVA.org. It's true I'm "tighter" with the AR crew than most Rainers, if marriage to the team leader constitutes "special connections", but generally speaking, other than being my husband's confidante, I operate on a rather independent level professionally and interpersonally. My thoughts are my thoughts, so to speak.

So like every other Rainer dealing with hesitation or full blown speculation at anything new (we really like a good thing when we like a good thing, and we don't like it to change!) I didn't know what I thought about ActiveRain sponsorship when it first came out. I liked the idea of it, but simultaneously, it repulsed me. I imagined obnoxious blinking banners with dancing insects (or whatever it is I seem to come across on other sites). Would the classiness of AR go away?

I think AR has done a superb job. I came to this realization not by an externalized imposed opinion (meaning, it wasn't just my desire to believe this), but by experiencing the benefits of sponsorship. If AR sponsorship is done right, it should result in sponsors connecting with those interested in what they offer, a "meet-up" of sorts. I had a meet-up like this myself!

Today I found KIVA, a life-inspiring non-profit organization that gives micro-loans through the help of donors to those in other countries for whom the micro-loans are a life-saver.

Recipients "apply" for micro-loans, to be used in a their small business (often one-man /woman operations) that enable them the resulting income to buy food, clothing, and provide for the imminent needs of their family. The felt result also benefits the community, thus bringing sustainable development and lasting quality of life improvements. Through their small business revenues, recipients pay the micro-loan back to KIVA, who then lends that money out again to another small business recipient.

"Make a loan, Change a life".

Micro-loans are small, and set up so that helping does not have to break the budget. I clicked over to their site, and was delightfully surprised to find that my husband had already created an account! (He sometimes uses my computer.) His information was saved on my Kiva homepage.

Not to be outdone (but mainly because I like to track my own spending and contributions, even though we share a bank account) I created my own account and donated $40 to support KIVA. (Donations start at $25, the price of a meal!) I've wanted to participate in micro-loans for two or three years now, and am excited that now they are part of my life!

Contemporary Art Glass Auction at the Westin, Seattle, black tie affair

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 18:20:41 -0500

As an avid art glass collector, I am enthralled to report Seattle's Pilchuck Glass School Auction to take place Friday, October 26th, at the Belltown Westin.

The annual contemporary art glass auction will feature the best of international masters and inspiring new talent, in a black tie gala that includes a five course dinner, one live and four silent auctions. Individual tickets start at $250 and range all the way to "Gold Benefactor", where "support at this elevated level provides enough glass for the school’s furnaces for one session".

Support of the arts has always been community-dependent (even in the days of Socrates), and Seattle has been a star. Seattle's rich legacy in art glass can be evidenced from downtown Tacoma's Museum of Glass, to a Chihuly chandelier in a private residence currently listed for sale on Mercer Island at $35M, to the opulent and delightful art glass display suspended mid-air at Bellevue's Lincoln Square entertainment center.

For more information and to receive and invitation to the Pilchuck Art Glass Auction, call Amanda at (206) 621.8422 ext. 50, email ALee@pilchuck.com, or download the RSVP form in pdf format from the Pilchuck Glass school's website.

Alternatively, those who are unable to attend in person can bid using the online auction catalog and join the live auction bidding through Bidspotter.com. Contact Pilchuck Glass School at 206.621.8422, Ext.28 or e-mail esnyder@pilchuck.com for more info.

Shown here clockwise from top left, glass art by Stephen Powell, Bryan Jablonski, and Paul Marioni, to be auctioned at the gala.

Double bonus Points!!! Can you name this??? A modern egg?

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 05:28:20 -0500

It does rather look egg-like, but no, this is not the future offspring of some android-ostrich. Can you name it??

Possible answers:

1) A special pouch for packing down comforters with a zipper seal,

2) A modernist, super-light carry-on suitcase that has three multi-directional mini-wheels and a compact extending handle-grip,

3) A new temperature-moderating urban composter that can be placed in a cupboard or under the sink, remedying the requirements of property ownership/leasehold estate with land...

If none of these sound right to you (bummer!!! I agree, I really liked the idea of an "urban under-sink composter") that's because these pieces are actually modern designer Denis Santachiara and Enrico Baleri's Tato Collection flexible seating. This piece above is the Tato DS 855. Other pieces include the spherical Tatino ED 860 and the longer Tatone ED 870.

Where to find Tato Collection

Is it furniture or child's play? Louise Campbell's seesaw

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:43:37 -0500

Just the sort of thing that fits perfectly into a modern Seattle lifestyle...

For those with expansive, modernist homes, Louise Campbell's modern take on good ole' fashioned seesaw makes it on-limits for those above 12.

Manufactured by Erik Jorgensens Mobelfabrik and constructed with upholstered wood and steel frame, this delectable piece was originally designed for lounge and waiting areas, where strangers are encouraged to intermingle beyond their normal boundaries. Believable, as Louise claims:

"Sitting alone on the seesaw is awkward, sitting two or more is a hell of a lot of fun!"

Louise Campbell's studio

Blessings in small doses

Sara Washburn (Realty Executives Brio) — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 21:02:49 -0500

Today I find myself at the "Bright and Bold" in Renton, a coin laudromat where I wash towels, casual wear and intimates in light of the plumbing problem in my new home's laundry room. It's near possible to locate a coin laundry in Bellevue (but no problem at all to find cleaners who are willing to do laundry service. However either I'm a prude or it's just too weird to have someone else do my intimates). I've been thinking about just how blessed we are. I could compare myself to the next person, to either feel good about what I have or to feel bad, but I don't think that's right either. It's not "either I have more or I have less, as if we are either above or below zero (or a zero sum game). Gratitude is win-win. I could have nothing, but i have something. Whether I claim I deserve it doesn't matter (or change anything than maybe my ability to appreciate my blessings). If others have more or less, I still have what I have. And they are still worth appreciating.