Sandy's Blog

KAREN GEORGES MESSAGE

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 17:34:49 -0500

I have been in and out of the Rain recently (and I don't mean to stir up emotions again), so I missed hearing the news, but sadly, yesterday I read a post about the passing of perhaps one of the best bloggers here in the Rain on August 23rd. As Brad Andersohn so beautifully wrote in his post, we lost an Angel. That Angel was Karen George. And Karen has a message to share with everyone!!l!

I did not know Karen personally but only a couple months into my coming to AR I saw a post by Adam Waldman asking the AR family to rally together and help raise much needed funds for Karen and her battle with cancer. I had read some of her posts and felt the need to help too so I wrote a post as well, Helping Karen George . The outpouring was amazing and a sense of community was felt in the Rain.

While Karens presence on Active Rain helped countless members with their own blogging, her message should NOT be forgotten. After reading Brad's and all the other tribute posts and comments, I went to Karens outside blog fighting-breast-cancer.com to read about her long battle with breast cancer. Throughout her entries the message was clear...

DO NOT BE COMPLACENT WITH YOUR HEALTH!!

When Karen found her breast lump her doctor misdiagnosed it and didn't order any

further tests and time was lost! By the time all tests were finally completed the following year Karen was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer!! The battle was on!

The purpose of this post is not to hash out the what "ifs" for Karen, but to spread her overwhelming message!!

DO YOUR BREAST SELF EXAMS!

MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER SO BE AWARE OF YOUR BODIES TOO!

IF YOU FIND A LUMP DON'T IGNORE IT!

ALWAYS ALWAYS GET A SECOND OPINION!!

JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT IN THE "HIGH RISK" AGE OR CATEGORY DOESN'T MEAN CANCER WON'T GET YOU! KAREN WAS ONLY 29 WHEN SHE FOUND THE LUMP!

DEMAND TESTS AND A MAMMOGRAM AND IF YOUR DOCTOR WON'T LISTEN, FIND ONE THAT WILL!

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! IT TALKS TO YOU WITH PAIN OR SYMPTOMS!

IF YOU ARE DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER SEEK ONLY THE BEST TREATMENT AVAILABLE! (Karen recommended the Mayo Clinic.....see her blog for more info)

WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT, JUST ACCEPT "IT'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT" UNTIL YOU KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT IT'S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT!!

EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY TO BEATING CANCER!!!

Karen you were a gallant fighter of a terrible disease.
May you soar in Heaven, free from pain and misery.

Your fight may be over but your legacy lives on and your voice
will be heard! Rest In Peace Angel!

As always help support the fight against breast cancer by supporting organizations like the Susan G Komen Foundation and October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Get your mammograms.

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandy@sandynoll.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
http://youreastsidehomespecialist.activerain.com/
Your Kirkland, Woodinville, and Bothell Home Expert

Winterizing & Protecting Your Real Estate Investment

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:52:17 -0500

With school back in full swing, the days getting shorter and the leaves starting to change colors there's no denying fall is in the air and it's time to start thinking about securing your vacation home and winterizing it to protect your investment.

Pemco Insurance has provided the following useful tips to help you get ready for the winter. Many of these tips are also useful around your primary residence as well.

Some of the things to do around your primary residence
to winterize would include disconnecting garden hoses,
insulating pipes in the crawlspace and attic, checking the
sump pump and cleaning your gutters. Trimming dead
limbs from trees and storing your patio furniture will
prevent damage during a wind storm.

For more information
on protecting your home during the winter contact your
local insurance agent. Realtors this is great information to pass on to your clients as well.

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandy@sandynoll.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
http://youreastsidehomespecialist.activerain.com/
Your Kirkland, Woodinville, and Bothell Home Expert

Prayers for Duane Ranstrom

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:40:47 -0500

My oldest son Chandler, began playing junior football this year and I'm VERY excited that he's a Viking at my alma mater Inglemoor High School. The Inglemoor Junior Football league is part of the Greater Eastside Junior Football Association and the love they have for one man runs very deep!

Duane Ranstrom who was a coach and long time member of the extremely close knit family of football suffered a life threatening condition on June 7, 2008. His heart suddenly stopped while watching his sons indoor arena football game. He was deprived of oxygen for some time and is now in a persistive vegetative state. Duane is only 44 years old!!! In addition to his love of football, he was a member of the Circuit Riders, a country gospel band, and through his music he shared his faith with so many.

Duane is now living near his families home in an assisted living facility and makes progress everyday. Beckey, his courageous wife has set up a website at CaringBridge to tell his story and track his progress for all those who care so much about him. Here's Duanes' story. I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Duane but he sounds like an amazing man!

I would like to ask for everyones prayers for Duane, his wife, kids and brand new grandbaby. Please pray for the Miracle of his coming out of the coma and pray for a full recovery so Duane can continue to touch the lives of many.

The love for this family runs very deep throughout the community. In less then a weeks time, a spaghetti fundraiser was put together and over $37,000 was raised in one night! That's LOVE! At our very first practice another parent told me there is a lot of love in the Inglemoor family of football and I'm beginning to see it.

I am not going to ask anyone to send a donation, but if anyone feels the call, a benevolent fund has been set up at Washington Mutual. This information has been provided by:

Billie Hartline, President
Inglemoor Junior Football
206-898-9021

"Thanks to everyone for demonstrating their love and support for Duane and his family. To date over $37,000.00 has been raised in support of the family. This far exceeds the initial goal of $25,000.00 and will be of real support to the family. I personally was overcome emotionally by the love and support demonstrated at the Spaghetti feed.

If you were unable to attend this special event and are a Washington Mutual account holder you can donate at any WAMU bank directly to an account in Beckey Ranstrom’s name (account # 4420333447). If you do not bank at WAMU you can simply stop in at any branch and make a donation to the before mentioned account number.

For anyone unable to the bank mail your check to Beckey Ranstrom to:

IJF
PO Box 8992
Kenmore WA 98028

And we’ll get it into the account"

PLEASE PRAY FOR DUANE AND HIS FAMILY

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN AND PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
http://youreastsidehomespecialist.activerain.com/
Your Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Home Expert

6th Annual Community Carnival in Woodinville

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:39:57 -0500

Come join the fun this Sunday August 24th from 12-4pm as the community of Woodinville gets together for it's 6th annual community carnival. This event is sponsored by The Woodinville Community Church and is FREE and open to everyone!! The location is 17110 140th Ave NE, Wdvl (across from McDonalds & KFC). Look forward to seeing everyone there!!

Flyer provided by sponsor

Sandy Noll

Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
http://youreastsidehomespecialist.activerain.com/

Your Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Home Expert

Northshore School District Back-To-School Fair

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 22:34:41 -0500

It's just about time to return to school and the Northshore School District is hosting a Back-to-School Fair. This fair is an opportunity for families to prepare for the coming school year.

Families are invited to join in the
Northshore Back-to-School Fair
Aug. 20, 4-6:30 p.m
Maywood Hills Elementary
19510 104th Ave NE
Bothell, WA 98011

The fair will provide free haircuts, appointments for child immunizations, food, children's activities, and music

Information will be available for assistance with school supplies, before- and after-school programs, district information, parental involvement, community resources, and the Northshore Family Center's classes.

Children who feel welcomed and well prepared for school achieve at higher levels.

Many thanks to the wonderful sponsors of The Back-to-School Fair
Northshore Human Services Consortium
Northshore Family Center
Northshore School District
Hopelink
King County Community Organizing Program
Bothell Police, Fire and Clergy.

So come join in the fun and get ready to head back to school well prepared!!

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
Your Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Home Expert

Buyers Agency Agreement.....The Great Debate

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:50:54 -0500

Ah the great debate......To Use Or Not To Use A Buyers Agency Agreement. I have read many a posts with varying opinions on using the form. All good legitimate reasons to or not to use it. Personally I do not require my buyers to sign one. I believe that they have chosen to work with me because they want to work with me and I count on their loyalty in exchange for all the hard work I do for them.

Has my opinion changed?????

My Scenario:

Recently I had a listing and an interested buyer who was driving around the neighborhoods, saw the home and called me to schedule a showing. My first questions is always "Are you working with an agent?" to which he replied "no". Because he was going to be coming from work, which was 5 minutes from the home, I agreed to meet him there but not before getting a faxed copy of his drivers license and yr make and model of his car. He promoptly sent that information over but forgot to send his license plate number so when I arrived I quickly texted it to my husband who had all the other information. I discussed dual agency with him and phoned my sellers and all parties were fine with a dual agency arrangement.

Upon arriving I showed him the home. He liked it and wanted to write an offer so we went downtown to Denny's and wrote up an offer. It was rather low, so I told him I was almost certain my sellers would submit a counteroffer. He said "ok and would I look for other properties for him as well". Additionally he had not gotten preapproval from a lender yet and asked for a referral to a lender. I gave him the name of my preferred lender and he said he'd call first thing the next day. I said I don't generally have my clients sign a Buyers Agency Agreement as long as they assured me they weren't working with other agents. He said "oh no I'm happy to work with you, things have gone well, I'm pleased".

I left the meeting and called my sellers and we discussed the offer. Long story short.....they submitted a counter, buyer submitted a counter, seller submitted a counter and buyer declined. The day we had met to view the home, my sellers had dropped their price $20k and we were generating quite a bit of activity. The day Mr. Buyer declined, we got an offer and had mutual acceptance. That property was now off the table.

From our first meeting I started sending Mr. Buyer listings and I kept him apprised of where things stood with my listing. He had given me a cell number that didn't have a voice mail set up and his email address. I could see he was viewing the listings I was sending and I suggested we meet on a Tuesday at 5pm. On that Tuesday at 2pm he called and said yes lets meet at 5pm. I drove out to the home he was interested in and showed him around. He was somewhat interested but a little concerned about things like the roof and wanted his father to see the home on Saturday. I told him I was probably not going to be able to make Saturday, but I'd let him know for sure later in the week. As it turned out I was not available so I tried his cell and got no answer. I then emailed him and suggested we meet on Tuesday at 5pm.

I continued sending listings and trying his phone and got no response. I sent out my 4th of July ecards. No response. Finally on the 8th of July I got a call from my preferred lender. His exact words were "Sandy, I have some not so good news......Mr. Buyer has submitted an offer with another agent!". I thought I had been punched in the stomach and all my air was gone! My lender felt at a loss because of course he was going to provide the loan, but that was supposed to be my client and it made him uncomfortable. I told him "well you can't win'em all" and I tried really hard not to let it bother me.

Later that evening I called Mr. Buyer and he finally answered. Here is our conversation:

Me: Hi Mr. Buyer, just touching base, I've sent several listings and wanted to set up an appointment to show you some of them
Mr. Buyer: Oh well I think I've found something so I won't be needing your services any longer
Me: Well I have to say I'm a little disappointed given our conversation about not signing a Buyers Agency Agreement and yet you sought the services of another agent.

Mr. Buyer: Well I didn't plan to, but thank you for your time.

End of conversation!

I can hear it now, "if only you'd had a Buyers Agency Agreement". But I still won't use one. You see after getting over the shock of being cheated I realized that the hardest part of the whole thing was wrapping my head around someone being so disloyal and dishonest. I am a very loyal and honest person and I just couldn't fathom doing that to someone. My lender told me that Mr. Buyer had told him he was out driving around and just had to jump on this home they'd come across. Ironically, I had asked him to go out that Sunday and look at several listings.

I would like to hope that this was an honest mistake. Adam Waldman summed it up quite well and said "half the time they don't even realize that they just cost you money".

As a Realtor® I work very hard for all my clients. There are many behind the scenes things happening including countless hours spent combing through properties on the MLS or previewing properties. Sometimes we get lucky and it's one property, one offer and off to closing. Most often though that is not the case. Being someones Realtor® is more then simply writing up an offer and collecting a commission. It's about really getting in tune with your clients needs and helping them to achieve their dream of homeownership!

Buyers and Sellers: Please be loyal to your Realtor®, we work hard for you even when you don't see it! It goes back to "Do unto others........."

Sandy Noll
Realtor®
Keller Williams Realty
NWREA, LLC
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com

My Baby Goes To Camp

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:46:25 -0500

My baby is actually 9 years old and would probably give me that look for calling him a baby!

Chandler went off this morning, for the first time ever, to a week away at Camp Berachah, a Christian summer camp experience!

With activities like swimming, go karts, climbing wall, putt putt golf, waterfort, target range and many other things, who wouldn't have a great time!!!!

Well......Chandler was a little nervous. He didn't know any of the kids going and to make matters worse, I dropped his camera and the battery door broke! So here he is about to board the bus and he's in tears. Not very common for him, but I think his emotions were over flowing and the broken camera was just too much!!! I felt terrible and told him to see if they had some duct tape at camp and maybe they could tape it closed so he could take some pictures. The other issue that weighed heavily on his mind is that he has Night Terrors. (If you are unfamiliar with night terrors, click on the highlighted words for my post on them). I spoke with his counselors and assured him it would be ok. At 9 you hate to be different and I know that was what he was worried about. I'm hoping he just gets so pooped out that he'll sleep all night. I have also reminded him not to overindulge at the snack shack and keep the sugar consumption to a minimum!! Well it was time to board, so he wiped his eyes, gave me a hug and boarded the bus.

As the bus rolled away the emotions then caught up with me. This was my baby boy, on a bus, going an hour and a half away from home for a whole week!! I love all my children equally but I waited a very long time for Chandler to come along. he's my little Chan-Man, so it was especially difficult to put him on a bus to be in someone elses care for the week. We waived goodbye and my eyes filled with tears. I know he will have a great time despite his nervousness and it will be a great experience for him. But it wasn't easy waving goodbye.

Perhaps sensing my reservations (I had on sunglasses so he couldn't see my eyes), one of the other parents standing there commented how most of the kids will be homesick tonight but by Saturday they won't want to come home! This is not new territory for me. My daughter attended Camp Wahoo for several years, which was over two hours away in the middle of the wilderness with no modern amenities!! I recall the first time we dropped her off it was difficult too. I put up a brave front for Chan, not wanting to add to his fears, but when he was gone it hit like a mac truck.

Throughout the day I have wondered if Chandler is having a good time and if he's made friends. I'm sure he will, he makes friends easily. When he learned he couldn't take his cell phone he said "well what if I want to call you?" He didn't know but I almost let him break that rule. But I remembered back to the days of dropping off Brittney and we were told that if they are able to keep contacting home, it only makes it worse on them. So I will sit and wait it out.

When Chandler returns Saturday, we'll get to hear all about his experience and hopefully get some great pictures. (We'll be sure to post part two next week). To those of you thinking about camp, it is hard to let your babies go, but it is really a wonderful experience.

Next up.....full on tackle football beginning in August!! UGH!! Not sure I'm ready for that!

Sandy Noll
Realtor ®
Keller Williams Realty
NWREA, LLC
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
Your Kirkland, Bothell & Woodinville Real Estate Expert

Graduation Day

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:24:17 -0500

This post is long overdue, but it seems this summer marked some endings and new beginnings and firsts.

We began the summer with my youngest, Ethan, graduating from preschool. It was an emotional moment for me as I realized that this is the last of my kids to graduate from preschool .

Ethan attended Evergreen Academy, a Montessori based preschool for two years. By the time he graduated he could write his name, numbers 1-11 and I Love You Mama, I Love You Daddy, I Love You Chandler and I Love You Sissy and all the lower case letters of the alphabet.. His teacher said he could read, but he didn't seem to agree! Ethan's first year there he spoke to no one, but his second year he actually got the Shhhhh, a few times. It was nice to see that through their nurturing he was able to overcome his shyness.

We had am amazing experience at Evergreen Academy. Both boys attended and the teachers and staff were wonderful. For anyone looking for a great preschool experience or beyond, I would highly recommend researching Nobel Learning Communities to see if there is a center in your community. It may cost a little more, but the experience is worth it!

Ethan will be heading to full day kindergarten in September at the same school as his older brother. He has mixed emotions about going to a new school, but after an adjustment perioed I'm sure he'll settle in just fine. If you asked the boys they'd tell you I did the "happy dance" when I learned we had gotten into the full day class. Not because I don't enjoy being home with Ethan, of my three kids he was actually the easiest, but becuase I've been a mom for a LONG time (my daughter turns 21 in December) and I'm ready to work on my career. Also, because Ethan is so good on his own, I feel bad when I'm working at home and he has no one to play with. So it should be a win win for both of us!! Here's to new beginnings!

Sandy Noll
Realtor ®
Keller Williams Realty
NWREA, LLC
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
You Kirkland, Bothell & Woodinville Real Estate Expert

Charming South Everett Home SOLD

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:45:52 -0500

This charming home has been beautifully updated but maintains some of it's old world charm! There are 2 bedrooms downstairs & the loft has been finished as a 3rd bedroom but the options are endless...playroom, guest room, den! Original fir floors have been refinished & new carpet has been put in throughout the home. The yard is just about completed and will be a wonderful place to gather this summer! Very quiet & peaceful neighborhood. (Finishing touches done this week including yard).

$249,999
MLS #28085328

Virtual Tour

For More Information Or To View Contact:

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty, NWREA LLC
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
Your Kirkland, Bothell, Woodinville Home Expert

Wonderful 3bed/1bath Rambler with Park Like Yard!! SOLD

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Wed, 14 May 2008 23:59:24 -0500

Welcome home to this wonderful 3bed/1bath rambler with a HUGE park like yard! BRAND NEW garage door & opener just installed 5/12/08!
Exterior paint & new composition roof in 2007!

This home offers a woodburning fireplace in living room with blower to heat the entire home. Vaulted ceilings create a spacious feeling. Fresh paint throughout and new carpet.

Don't miss the wood shed ~ it's more than a shed! Quite large with a window ~ it could be used for anything!

2nd shed/playhouse in back of the property

Yummy fruit trees too!

The flowers are about to bloom ~ come make this your home and enjoy the summer surrounded in beautiful color!!
Virtual Tour
$274,950
***$10,000 BUYERS BONUS for acceptable offer by June 30th***
MLS #28083105

For More Information Contact:

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty, NWREA LLC
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
Your Kirkland, Bothell, Woodinville Home Expert

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 17:30:50 -0500

I received an email today from my mother-in-law with these photos and while I don't usually forward things I felt this information was VERY important. I personally know a man who almost lost his foot to a Brown Recluse bite a couple years back. If bitten don't delay, seek treatment right away.

My mother-in-law asked a friend of hers who uses Essential Oils for everything, and this is what she recommended:

"The best thing I have for spider bites is Redmond Clay. You take the powder and make a paste with mustard consistency. Then you put this over the bite and let it dry. As it dries it will suck out the poison. Then before repeating this process I would treat it with Helichrysum oil which neutralizes toxins. Then I would repeat the clay, then the oil, etc... until symptoms are gone.

The thing about brown recluse is their venom never stops eating/digesting/poisoning the flesh. It keeps going and spreading and going on. If you get it sucked out, and then neutralize the area and repeat this process it will have amazing results.

There is a lady who was bit by a brown recluse and treated it successfully with the clay alone. In 2 days she could not even see the bite.

Activated charcoal is similar in its use for this. I hope this helps."

If you are comfortable with essential oils or homeopathic remedies, give this a try otherwise get to a doctor immediately!!!

These photos get progressively worse......but they show just what a spider bite can do to a person! It's springtime & cleanup is going on. Be careful where you put your hands. They like dark spaces & woodpiles. Also areas in the attic.

..............................................
This guy was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider.

Day 3

The following illustrates the progression of a brown recluse spider bite. The affected skin actually dies on his body!

Day 5

Day 6

Day 9 as you can see by the photo, the man is now in the hospital!

Day 10 DISGUSTING!!

The Dangerous Brown Recluse Spider ~ We should all know what the spider looks like.

Please be careful. Spider bites are dangerous and can have permanent and highly negative consequences. If left untreated a person can die from it's bite.

They like the darkness and tend to live in storage sheds or attics or other areas that might not be frequented by people or light. If you have a need to be in your attic, go up there and turn on a light and leave it on for about 30 minutes before you go in to do your work! PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS! People will be digging around, doing yard work, spring cleaning, and may have a need to go in their attics.

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Home Expert

PS: My mother-in-law just emailed me that our family friend had his foot amputated last Thursday! They believe the nerve and tissue damage occured two years ago when he was bitten by a Brown Recluse and delayed seeking medical treatment. He also has diabetes so that probably prevented proper circulation necessary for healing. How sad!

2008 Camping Season Kickoff!!

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:32:09 -0500

Every year we do a lot of camping. We love to camp! So last year we made the experience a little more comfortable and purchased a tent trailer! My requirements were for it to have a heater, as I don't do cold well, and a refrigerator would be nice. Eliminates the need for ice in a cooler!!

WELCOME TO OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME!!!

2 King size beds on either end, the table folds down to a full size bed as well. Stove/Sink which we don't use!! Notice the heater right next to the refrigerator? There is also a port-a-potty!

We kicked off our 2008 camping season last weekend........
rain and all!!!

The beginning of the week was of course sunny although it was chilly, and low and behold, Friday morning arrives with a slight drizzle and a blistering 43 degrees!!!
Both my kids could hardly wait to hit the road!

Ethan, my 5 year old, was up bright and early at 7am and
without being asked,
he packed his own bag and got
dressed for preschool!

Chandler, my 8 year old, was on his first day of spring break and hadn't realized we weren't leaving until the afternoon......you can imagine the disappointment.

So.....we drop Ethan off at preschool and I head to the gym for a quick workout. Gotta burn up a few calories before heading to camp to eat hot dogs and s'mores!! As we head north to Lynnwood, the rain starts falling harder and by the time we get to the gym it's a down pour!! By the time I finish my workout, it's raining even harder. What to do??? The boys were so excited to go. Ethan was already packed! I called my husband and he didn't really want to go, but I reminded him that Camano Island where we were heading, in in the banana belt and it might not be raining. He asked me if I was actually saying we should go, thinking I'm the one who doesn't want to camp in the rain! I said yes, we should go, we don't want to disappoint the boys and our friend and his son were up for the trip rain or shine! So I went home and we packed in the pouring rain!!

As we head north on I5 toward Camano Island State Park, which is something like 80-100 miles northwest of Seattle, the skies looked clearer on the horizon. When we got to the park, there was no rain and the sun was shining! It was cold but not wet!!!

We set up camp, lit our Tiki torches, had some hot dogs and s'mores around the campfire and called some friends who were supposed to join us but chickened our for fear of rain! We told them we were looking at the stars in the sky and that we had an amazing view of Puget Sound from our campsite! They were missing out!! (No campfire photo's this time, but much like this photo from a campout last year).

Saturday we spent the day bike riding and beach combing. The boys love to turn over the rocks looking for crabs, eels, and starfish. We saw a bald eagle courtship in the air over our heads. It was amazing!! It was a spectacular dance in mid air between three bald eagles, two were vying for the attention of the other one!

EEL

CRAB

There was time for building beach forts out of old driftwood.

They also made a teeter-totter and yes that's the dads taking their turn! They felt that later!!

Dads trying to be cool "Look no hands!!"

Ethan holding on for dear life ~ sort of!

Despite the cold, we only had a few sprinkles all weekend! To fight the cold and cutting wind we all bundled up and I even resorted to wearing a camo beanie and many layers!

All in all it ended up being a great weekend. We got back into the camping groove and enjoyed time with family and friends. Our fair weathered friends ended up coming up Saturday night for a few hours to roast marshmallows and share a few memories around the campfire. Can't wait for the next camping adventure!

Click for more information about Camano Island State Park It's a short drive from the greater Seattle/Eastside area and you are almost always guaranteed a site, without reservations. Even in the summer! A great place to beach comb, relax, fish, clamming or have a BBQ.

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
sandynoll.point2agent.com
Your Kirkland, Bothell, Woodinville Real Estate Expert

$304,950 Great Bothell Rambler -EXPIRED-

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:26:19 -0500

Please bring offers now!!!! This quaint 3bed/1.75bath rambler is close to I405/I5, Alderwood Mall and a short commute to Seattle. You'll love the warmth & coziness of the living room with it's wood burning fireplace. The dining room/family room & kitchen are just around the corner offering a great space to entertain! All three bedrooms have lots of closet space. New vinyl floors in the baths. Skylight in main bath offers tons of natural light. New construction all around! Virtual Tour Here

Call me today for a showing and lets make your dream of homeownership a reality!!

Sandy Noll
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com

Puppy.......Kitty.......

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:27:35 -0500

It's that time of year again when animal shelters all over the country start receiving unexpected and unwanted puppies and kittens.

Making things worse this year are the number of homeowners who have fallen behind in their mortgage payments who must move into a rental that won't accept pets!

GUESS WHAT HAPPENS TO FIDO??? I've recently read a couple stories where the homeowners vacated a foreclosed home and just left the family pet behind with a bag of food and water!! I certainly understand these are trying times, but please don't abandon your pets!!

Fortunately there are shelters that will take in as many and often times more animals then they can accommodate. Through the love of foster families, cats and dogs are temporarily housed until a forever family can be found.

If your family has considered adding a pet to the family, won't you check with you local shelters? Ever adoption fee charged helps those animals still waiting for a loving home. Check you local area shelters for how you can help, even if you don't want a pet.

Locally here in Woodinville is a wonderful shelter, Homeward Pet, that has several events during the month of March and beyond to help support their efforts.

St. Pooches Day - Off Site Adoption Event!
Sunday, March 16th from 11:00am-2:00pm at Riverdog in Issaquah.

2008 Easter b'Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 22nd from 11:00am-2:00pm. Homeward and Camp Charlie present the 2008 Easter b'Egg Hunt! Large Dogs from 11-12:30pm and Small Dogs from 12:30-2:00pm. $10 donation per dog helps our shelter dog program. Camp Charlie - 124th Street-Duvall, WA.

Homeward Pet "Become a Foster Parent" Open House
Saturday, March 29th from 12:00pm-3:00pm.

The 10th Annual Animal Benefit Auction and Dinner, Saturday - May 10, 2008
Champagne reception at 5:30 p.m. (Cocktail attire)

For more information on how you can volunteer, donate or adopt visit their website.

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
www.sandynoll.point2agent.com
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Homes

Woodinville All Fools Day Parade

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:41:30 -0500

It's that time of year! Gather up your lawn chairs, blankets, and an umbrealla (just in case) and mark your calendars to attend the annual Woodinville All Fools Day Parade and so much more!

You can begin the morning with a PANCAKE BREAKFAST, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., Woodinville Fire & Life Safety District Headquarters, 17718 Woodinville-Snohomish Road. Suggestion donations: $4.00/Adult; $2.00/Child; 6 and under eat free! For more information, contact the District at 425-483-2131.

Then grab you seats for the parade which is from 10:30am-12:30pm down 175th Street.

If that's not enough for you, you can also take in the BASSET BASH & BRIGADE, 1 to 4 pm at the
Carol Edwards Center Sports Fields. For more information, Basset owners/lovers should contact:
Woodinville Weekly, (425) 483-0606
or Gary & Patti Greene at (425) 788-2211

For more information on other events taking place that day, go to Woodinville Announcement Details!!

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
www.sandynoll.point2agent.com
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Homes

PS I'll do a follow up post with new pictures for 2008!!

WONDERFUL WOODINVILLE WASHINGTON

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 04:29:15 -0500

If you are thinking about relocating to Western Washington, you should consider Woodinville.

Woodinville was once a small town that equestrian lovers called home. Now it's a thriving little city about 45 minutes northeast of downtown Seattle, 30 minutes to Boeing and 20-30 minutes to the Microsoft Campus. With shopping including Target, Costco and Barnes-n-Noble, spas, restaurants, a movie theatre, Molbaks Nursery and the wineries you never have to go far to find what your looking for. There is also a Golds Gym, and Ride Motor Sports and Three Rivers Marine & Tackle for the outdoor enthusiasts. This is a great link to the history and demographics of Woodinville.

Woodinville is well known for it's numerous wineries. Most notable are the

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Columbia Winery

An absolutely wonderful place to stay for a romantic get away is Willows Lodge. Pamper yourself and your partner with a couples massage in a room with a beautiful fireplace, candles and soft music. If your lucky you might even get real thunder to add to the ambiance!! The lodge is ranked #80 in the world and #12 in the US/Canada as best hotel. Situated on the Sammamish River with the Red Hook Brewery next door and the two wineries above close by, you'll have plenty to do. For the ultimate in dining try the Herbfarm Restaurant or the Barking Frog.

Willows Lodge

Feel like spending the day at the spa? Willows Lodge offers a luxurious spa as does Oasis Spa & Salon.

Other things to do in Woodinville include golf, biking and riding in a hot air balloon.

So are you hooked and ready to move here???

Woodinville is serviced by the award winning Northshore School District.

Northshore School District
	Superintendent Larry Francois 425.408.6000		3330 Monte Villa Parkway BOTHELL 98021 Puget Sound Educational Service District 121		Updated: 8/31/2007

2006-07 WASL Results

Grade Level	Reading	Math	Writing	Science
3rd Grade	85.2%	84.8%
4th Grade	85.9%	74.1%	75.0%
5th Grade	84.3%	74.1%		55.5%
6th Grade	84.0%	72.1%
7th Grade	79.0%	73.0%	80.4%
8th Grade	76.5%	69.6%		61.4%
10th Grade	90.5%	73.4%	93.7%	57.9%

Real Estate in Woodinville ranges from $175,000 for a condominium to $5.9mil for a beautiful estate.

Condominimum is 1 bedroom,.75 bath 697 square feet in downtown. $189,900.00

This home is 3bedroom/2.5 baths 2783 square feet $598,950.00

For $1,000,000 you could own this beautiful 4bedroom/3.5 bath 4705 square foot home.

This lovely home is $2,650,000 and has 5bedroom/5baths,
6748 square feet of living space on 15.39 acres of beautiful land.

This home consists of 5 bedrooms, 6.75 bathrooms and 13,000 square feet of livable space all on 4.5acres in the beautiful Hollywood Hill area of Woodinville. $5,900,000.00.

There is something for everyone in Wonderful Woodinville Washington. A sought after family community!!

For more information on relocating to this area or to view one of these or other homes, please call me to schedule an appointment.

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
http://www.letsachieveyourgoals.com/
http://www.sandynoll.point2agent.com/
www.realestate411.ning.com/profile/sandynoll
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell Homes

March....Into The Homeownership Made Easy Workshop

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:57:21 -0600

Please join myself and Tom Lasswell of Liberty Financial for a FREE Home Ownership Made Easy workshop. It is being presented to educate first time home-buyers on how to find and finance their first home. Purchasing a first home or any home for that matter is a huge decision, in fact, for some it is one of the largest investments and purchases that an individual or family will ever make.

We are here to dispel the myths about the process of getting a home loan and finding your dream home. Currently, the reality is, there is so much information floating around about how consumers should approach getting the knowledge to make the right purchasing and financial mortgage choices, that for most the process is confusing and unclear.

This workshop is presented by local industry members, including myself, Sandy Noll, a Real Estate Consultant with Keller Williams Realty and Tom Lasswell a Sr. Lending Advisor with the Liberty Financial Group. We will be hosting an informational workshop regarding today's market strategies that first time home buyers need to both know about and understand.

Comments from clients to both Tom & I, indicate that many times first time home buyers did not have the right real estate representation for finding the right property, and did not secure the right financing that was congruent with a borrowers long and short term financial goals or their equity or payment objectives. "Simply the first time home buyer consumer needs to have more knowledge and a better understanding of the purchasing process."

As a free community service we will be sharing our expertise.....Won't you join us?

A 2 hour Jam-Packed Workshop of

Information to Assist You and Make Home Ownership Easy!!

We cover it ALL!

Learn How To...

   - Understand the Importance of Working With a Realtor to:
                                                - Find the Best Value in Real Estate
                                                - Negotiate Price and Terms

- Shop for a Home Loan

- Determine What Loan Program is Right for You

- Understand The Loan Process and Obtaining Loan Approval

- Obtain the Best Interest Rate

Homeownership
Made Easy!

Presented By

Tom Lasswell of Liberty Financial Group
Sandy Noll of Keller Williams Realty

Where: Alderwood Business Center
-(3400 188th Street SW in Lynnwood)

When: Saturday, March 15th @ 10:00am-12 noon

Please Call Me - Sandy Noll 425-890-0878 to reserve your spot!!

*Each person attending the workshop will be entered into a drawing for Mariners tickets!!*

Sandy Noll
Realtor®, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
http://www.letsachieveyourgoals.com/
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell

Wonderful Bothell Home and only $311,700!!!

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:23:45 -0600

This 3 bedroom 1.75 bath home is great for a first time home buyer, an empty nester needing to downsize or it would make an excellent rental property!

Centrally located on the King/Snohomish County boundaries the home is minutes to Canyon Park for groceries and dining. Also just up the road is Country Village. A quaint village with shops full of handcrafted items. This home is also a short drive to Alderwood Mall, I5 and I405 and about a 30 minute drive to downtown Seattle or Bellevue.

Please stop by on Sunday February 10th from 1-4pm for an open house! 1216 NE 227th Place SW, Bothell, WA 98021.

MLS #27178710
~~$329,900~~ ~~$324,950~~ ~~$314,400!!!~~ A SFR under $312k on the Eastside, it's unheard of!!!
Virtual Tour

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
http://www.letsachieveyourgoals.com/
http://www.sandynoll.point2agent.com/
http://www.snollwa.featuredblog.com/
www.realestate411.ning.com/profile/sandynoll
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell

Following in Mama's Footsteps!

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 01:43:42 -0600

It is with great pride and pleasure that I welcome my daughter, Brittney Gregg to Active Rain. She is just beginning her career in real estate, starting at Keller Williams Realty Kirkland as the Director of First Impressions. Here she will be able to learn from everyone in the Market Center and when she takes her licensing exam she will be one step ahead of the majority!! Welcome Britt!! I'm very proud of you and excited about what the future holds for us!

Sandy Noll
Realtor, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com/
www.sandynoll.point2agent.com/
www.snollwa.featuredblog.com/
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell

Washington Housing Market is Doing Well!!!

Sandy Noll - Realtor, eAgent (Keller Williams Realty Kirkland) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 02:45:37 -0600

A few months back Jim Cramer of CNBC appeared on the today show and decided to freak out all the potential home-buyers by stating "Don't buy real estate now, you'll lose money if you do!". While he did mention Seattle as a city of exception many would be buyers are now on the fence, even in the Seattle area.

Well I'm happy to report that Seattle is alive and still doing well in terms of housing prices and sellers gaining appreciation. Released January 2, 2008, here is the latest data.

Sales Statistics
for KING County WA

Realist's most recent recording date for this county is 01/02/2008

Single Family Residence
Time Period	Number of Sales	Median Sale Price
Nov 2007	1,606	$431,750
Nov 2006	2,362	$426,975
Oct 2007	1,813	$438,500
Oct 2006	2,673	$425,000
2007 YTD	25,866	$449,950
2006	32,984	$415,000

Condominium
Time Period	Number of Sales	Median Sale Price
Nov 2007	689	$286,650
Nov 2006	812	$280,000
Oct 2007	724	$289,900
Oct 2006	1,000	$265,188
2007 YTD	11,332	$290,950
2006	12,255	$256,950

Sales Statistics
for SNOHOMISH County WA

Realist's most recent recording date for this county is 01/02/2008

Single Family Residence
Time Period	Number of Sales	Median Sale Price
Nov 2007	530	$345,000
Nov 2006	900	$349,975
Oct 2007	634	$361,000
Oct 2006	1,061	$349,000
2007 YTD	9,868	$360,835
2006	13,526	$344,950

Condominium
Time Period	Number of Sales	Median Sale Price
Nov 2007	192	$247,825
Nov 2006	240	$234,450
Oct 2007	218	$264,495
Oct 2006	313	$240,000
2007 YTD	3,227	$262,950
2006	3,550	$229,995

While the number of closed sales has decreased slightly, the median price has increased across the board in both King and Snohomish counties from 2006 to 2007!

This is great news for sellers who are fearing prices are going down. Prices are merely stabilizing and are where they should have been to begin with. Not overinflated as they were two years ago. This allows more buyers the ability to qualify for the homes that are available.

And even better news is for all the buyers! Because of the increased inventory of homes, you can now actually negotiate the list price or perhaps request remedies on items found in an inspection. Whereas two years ago, the question would have been, "how high are you willing to go for this home, because there will be multiple offers and the inspection will be for informational purposes only".

It's really an awesome time to be a seller or a buyer. Once we educate and remind buyers that they really do have good lending options available to them, from honest mortgage companies, the market will pick up in terms of the number of sales.

Don't sit on the fence too long. Prices are slowly rising and rates won't stay low forever!!

Sandy Noll
Realtor®, eAgent
Keller Williams Realty
425-890-0878
sandranoll@kw.com
www.letsachieveyourgoals.com
Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell

Sandy's Blog

KAREN GEORGES MESSAGE

Winterizing & Protecting Your Real Estate Investment

Prayers for Duane Ranstrom

6th Annual Community Carnival in Woodinville

Northshore School District Back-To-School Fair

Buyers Agency Agreement.....The Great Debate

My Baby Goes To Camp

Graduation Day

Charming South Everett Home **SOLD**

Wonderful 3bed/1bath Rambler with Park Like Yard!! **SOLD**

Brown Recluse Spider Bites

2008 Camping Season Kickoff!!

$304,950 Great Bothell Rambler -EXPIRED-

Puppy.......Kitty.......

Woodinville All Fools Day Parade

WONDERFUL WOODINVILLE WASHINGTON

March....Into The Homeownership Made Easy Workshop

***Wonderful Bothell Home*** and only $311,700!!!

Following in Mama's Footsteps!

Washington Housing Market is Doing Well!!!

Charming South Everett Home SOLD

Wonderful 3bed/1bath Rambler with Park Like Yard!! SOLD

Wonderful Bothell Home and only $311,700!!!