ARTIST NANCY CARY
SOUTH PRAIRIE, CUMBERLAND & BEYOND
April 8th – May 3rd, 2011
Opening
April 8th 3-5pm
Gallery 2011 is at 1339 Griffin Ave.
Hours are 8a.m. - 5p.m.,
Monday through Friday (closed Tuesday)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Village Steps Mission - Serving Children in Zambia
Village Steps Mission - Serving Children in Zambia
Village Steps will be going to Zambia this July 2011 to work with vulnerable children at the schools they support.
They are looking for volunteers with a desire to help children.
Projects will include a vision book, bible school, life-skills building, some construction, and possible field trips. The needs are great, and we want flexible and compassionate workers to communicate love and respect for the children and to assist them in setting goals and in gaining a sense of their place in the world.
The costs of this mission will be around $1500 per participant, excluding airfare. $500 of this will go directly to funding the learning program at the schools and providing scholarships.
Dates are July 3-8 with an optional add-on trip 2 day trip to Victoria Falls for those interested.
Call for details and how you might contribute to this hands-on mission serving children in Zambia.
VillageSteps - 360-825-5865
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
TOP FIVE Home Improvements That STILL Add Value to Your Home
If you’re thinking about selling your home in the coming months, and you want to maximize your asking (and selling!) price you may want to make some enhancements to your home before putting it on the market. But don’t worry -- you needn’t make major renovations. In 2010 the most profitable returns on your enhancements are projects that are small in both scale and cost.
According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010 Cost vs. Value Report, here are the top five small –scale renovations that recouped the most in value.
1. Replace your front door with a mid-range steel door. Cost: $1,200; Investment recouped: 102%
Again this year, the front door is tops on the list, and for good reason. Potential buyers follow their instincts when it comes to first impressions, and your front door is what welcomes them in. Remember to choose a door that complements your home—and your neighborhood—rather that what looks best in the home improvement store showroom.
2. Replace your garage door. Cost: $1,300; Investment recouped: 84%
Many buyers today intend to use the garage for more than just vehicle storage. Replacing your garage door with one that is insulated and has windows for natural light will instantly add value to your home.
3. Replace exterior siding with fiber-cement siding. Cost $13,000; Investment recouped: 80%
For the past five years, this project has ranked #1 in projects costing over $5,000. And with good reason! Buyers understand the value of new siding, especially if it has been pre-painted. Not only is it an upgrade that will last them for many years, the bother of painting their new home less often is a definite plus for them.
4. Upgrade your kitchen. Cost: $21,000; Investment recouped: 73%
A mid-range upgrade includes replacing counters, cabinet doors and hardware, adding a new sink and faucet, replacing older appliances with newer energy-efficient models and replacing the flooring. One caution —too often homeowners over-improve their kitchen. Unless you plan to stay in your home for another 3-5 years, stick with the basics to gain the most value.
5. Add a wood deck. Cost $11,000; Investment recouped: 73%
When adding a deck, consider creating a space that is small enough to keep the cost down, but large enough for an eating area and for small gatherings. If you live in a climate where outdoor living is very important, adding a deck will be an attractive bonus for potential buyers.
The first impressions of a home will draw potential buyers in, or send them on their way before they even take a look inside.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Favorite Business
I've decided to write a series of posts about my favorite businesses in
South King County.
The first one I'd like to mention is the Arts Alive! Gallery in Enumclaw, WA. 
It is one of those small town venues where local artists are able to present their work ranging from fine art in painting and sculpture - to artisan crafts in jewelry and pottery. There are metal artists, textile artists, designers, actors, singers, dancers, and writers who are all involved in the activities organized by the Membership and Executive Board Members.
This arts organization has been in existence for a very long time, and raises funds to support the arts and artists on the plateau. Since their beginning they have held 26 annual auctions, with proceeds close to $200K going to individual artists and art programs. The auction is especially fun because of the costumes - it is a costume party.
Some of the other yearly events that they do to raise funds includes and Art in the Garden which happens in the summer, and several other smaller events through out the year giving artists lots of opportunities to participate and show off their work.
Some of their other programs include art workshops taught by local artists ranging from drawing and painting to bookmaking and children's art programs. Just last night there was a potluck for all the participants and their supporters to celebrate, mingle, and just catch up on the local activities and plans for the new year.
So if you are ever looking for an activity related to the arts or looking to pick up a special gift in South King County, this is a wonderful place to stop and shop for something unique and interesting.
They are located at:
Arts Alive! Gallery
1429 Cole Street
Enumclaw, WA 98022
360-802-6787
One of their long term members has done a great job managing the Gallery and spear-heading many events for this organization. She's been committed to the organization since she joined in 2009, and really stands out in my mind. Her name is Elaine L. Stop by to say hello, and tell her Roseanne sent you.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Deck Maintenance - Make or Break a Home's Presentation
Deck Maintenance - Make or Break a Home's Presentation
Attention all Sellers!!! I simply must address this topic - you may even call it a pet peeve.
I know this isn't the normal time to discuss deck maintenance, but it won't be long and another year will have gone by without taking care of that deck!! So instead of New Year resolutions, what about a New Year's goal to take care of them in 2011!
I see so many homes for sale that are beautifully staged including manicured landscapes, but totally loose it when you see the neglected deck surface. I just don't get it. It is one of those areas that for some reason folk's turn a blind eye. I can understand perhaps liking the weathered wood look - but the most and slime, really?
Here's a link from a Pacific Northwest Contractor who provides a really good overview on deck care with pictures on the difference it makes! Most of his work is done for the Eastside of King County, WA, the the information is worth a read especially for DIY's.
So whether you are selling a home in the Pacific Northwest from South King County to the Southeast Atlantic Coast - P-L-E-A-S-E take care of those decks and wood surfaces!!! It will pay off!!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Homes Values - Moving Forward
Bull's Eye! Congratulations if you are one of the many folks who took advantage of the great interest rates in the 4% range along with the great home values in 2010?
For those of you that are still concerned that home values will continue to drop in 2011, I'd like to suggest you breathe easy for the following reasons:
First: The interest rates have started to rise 
slightly, so congratulations on your wise decision in 2010.
Second: Even if the values drop some this year - you should ignore it and enjoy your home because you shouldn't be selling yet. I know this seem obvious, but many folks forget to see the big picture. If you did sell, even in a good market, you would lose money because of the cost of selling a home. Your home's value will be improved by the time you would normally sell in 5 - 7 years, and you should have equity in your home. You won't lose a thing, all the while enjoying the benefits of owning a home.
If you are still a buyer on the fence, then please take note of the interest rate increases. Get pre-qualified with a lender you can trust. It may be time to stop straddling that fence, find your ideal home, and make that purchase. Make this truly your Happy New Year and start your search here for King County Real Estate.
If you would like more information, just take the next step forward and ask me!
Roseanne Campagna
Windermere RE/South, Inc.
253-854-8900
Friday, December 31, 2010
Last Snowfall of 2010 in South King County
Just couldn't resist sharing this view from my deck just before dawn this morning. It was just before the sun broke over Mount Enumclaw, and is one of the reasons I love living here. We have about 5 inches of snow this time (our last snow Thanksgiving week was 15") and the air is crisp and fresh.
Of course the roads are icy, but if you are careful you can take a walk with the dog in the Winter wonderland and throw a few snowballs just for the fun of it! Wave to the neighbors and maybe share of few stories.
Nothing brings back good memories like the snow, and remembering when we were kids how we used to sled down the hill on State Street in the South King County Seattle area, and the grownups blocked it off for us to be safe. Wheeee!!!
Sometimes it would get so crowded we had to take turns, so we had barrels stoked with a low burning fire to keep us warm when it was our turn to take a break.
So this is the kind of day to curl up listening to the crackle in the fireplace and reading a good book. Of course this is after building the snowman with the neighborhood kids! Oh yes, please don't forget the hot chocolate, or maybe a hot buttered rum! Happy New Year and be Safe!
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