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!

South King County Real Estate Online

South King County Real Estate Online

Today's Real Estate clients are more sophisticated than ever; their time is valuable and convenience is a priority. So I want my clients to have the most up to date property search tools available.

With this in mind, I am providing you with an easy search widget that should help you find just what you are looking for at the South King County Real Estate Website. All the northwest multiple listing service listings are easily found there. You can create your own search parameters, save them, and set up automatic alerts putting you in the driver's seat.

It is a great tool for communicating everything your heart desires in a new home! Enjoy the search!

Happy Christmas and New Year from South King County Real Estate

Happy Christmas and New Year from South King County

From my humble beginnings in Maple Valley, to expanding my goals to South King County I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who have helped me learn so much this year. I don't have to tell you what you already know - it is just that I need to say it - this is a wonderful community of people.

Looking forward to another year in Real Estate in South King County Washington, and the opportunity to meet and be of service to more of you!!

Blessings!

Roseanne Campagna

Real Estate Professional

Windermere RE/South Inc.

253-854-8900

Maple Valley
Real Estate Statistics

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ZILLOW.COM AND PROPERTY LISTINGS

CAN I REMOVE MY HOME FROM ZILLOW.com?

DO you know where Zillow.com gets their property information? This short video will tell you where, how to manage your property listing, and more...

Maple Valley
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2010 Real Estate Market Stats

Annual Recap for the
2010 REAL ESTATE MARKET

If you have given any thought to the current situation in the Real Estate Market whether listening to the news, or word of mouth, it is always nice to know what the actual numbers are in your area.

Below you will find some information that shows trends and the current results for 2010 for the Enumclaw/Maple Valley/Black Diamond areas in King County. It varies a little through out King County.

Trends Chart for:




Solds* for the years 2007 - 2010:

2007 - 1470 (when prices were high and the market was booming)
2008 - 884 (first year after the huge decline in the market)
2009 - 860 (basically flat)
2010 - 869 (basically flat)
2011 - TBD

*numbers are based on the MLS results

** Average Days on Market
2009 - 161
2010 - 118

** Average Price per Sq Ft
2009 - 156
2010 - 144

** numbers are pulled from Trendgraphix

It will be interesting to see where we go from here.

Wondering how home values are doing in the Maple Valley, WA area?

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Beautifully Designed Maple Valley Home

This beautifully designed home just had a price reduction. It is impressive on line and you will appreciate it in person too. Lots of space inside and out! The following link will take you to more information.

26122 SE 220th St, Maple Valley, WA | Powered by Postlets

Click on photos for larger view...

Beautiful Immaculate Maple Valley Home

Beautiful Immaculate Maple Valley Home

Click the Virtual Tour Button to See More

Click for more Information
or call for a showing
425-569-6900

S.H.A.D.O.W. - Frog Frolic Event

What is S.H.A.D.O.W.?

Its an acronym that stands for Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands. The aim is to preserve unique habitats in the Jenkins Creek Basin in King County Washington. Primarily the protecting the sustainability of Shadow Lake Bog through education and preservation.

I have participated in this event over the years and enjoyed it both as a fun thing to do, but also because of the importance of being mindful of the environment for future generations.

(from the website)

"Shadow Lake Bog is recognized by the King County Council as a significant wetland and wildlife habitat for Southeast King County. The significance of the bog, as stated by King County Council, is that it is "an important wetland which functions as a natural deterrent to flooding by absorbing many times its weight in water," that if "left wet and undisturbed plays a vital role in protecting the environment and serving as a wildlife habitat."

Through the efforts of the founders of SHADOW, an area that was previously known as a dumping ground for old refrigerators, cars, and other trash has been cleared out and the area restored through planting and persistent maintenance of native plant species. Further, the Prinsens, with the help of volunteers, excavated an amphibian pond on the dump site. The amphibian pond is being used by scientists as a study site for research on frog reproduction.

Volunteers, including the Washington Conservation Corps and local Boy Scouts, helped to construct a boardwalk into the bog wetland. The boardwalk trail enables visitors to experience the sights and sounds of the unique bog habitat without the difficulty of navigating the uneven terrain and without disturbing the habitat. Another major project on the site was to renovate an old building to include a ground level shop and activity area. The second level houses the Richter Interpretive Center which includes the education room, with an extensive resource library of books and literature pertinent to our cause, covering topics from birds and amphibians to ecologically sensitive gardening practices and wetland habitats. The interpretive center is also available as a meeting room for interested groups.

Shadow Lake Bog is open to visitors, and if you would like a guided tour, please call or email to schedule an appointment"

Every year they hold a fund raising event for this project. This year the Frog Frolic is Saturday, September 18, 2010.

It is a fun event in picturesque setting.

For more information, go to S.H.A.D.O.W.

You can also find them on FACEBOOK.

Lake Walker Waterfront

Lake Walker Waterfront
$69,500

Quiet Lake Walker Community - 40 Feet +/- of lake front property on half acre. Selling as vacant land because the cabin is not currently livable, but also has area for RV parking. Water and power already on property. The previous owner planned to put in a gray-water system and use a composting commode. Septic would need approval from King County. Lake is approx 50 feet deep - fishing too! Please inquire for more information.

PNW Economic Report

This post is a bit long, but has relevant information on today's economy here in the PNW. The information is for the PNW Region and includes Real Estate stats. Hope you find it worth a look.

The Gardner Report
Second Quarter 2010, Volume X

Macro & Regional Economics

Last quarter I said that “Signs of Stability” was my key phrase relative to the economy, as well as our region’s housing market, and that appears to continue to be the case. It is clear that we are making progress, albeit at somewhat of a snail’s pace!


Local employment conditions continue to improve and I am glad to state that, on a year-over-year basis, there was just one county, Jefferson, which saw an increase in its unemployment rate. The greatest improvement was found in Cowlitz County, where the rate dropped from 12.9 to 11.9 percent. Other noticeable improvements were found in Whatcom, Kitsap, Lewis and Pierce counties, all of which saw their unemployment rates drop by 0.7 percent.



Of course, reductions in the overall unemployment rate do not tell the whole story. In fact, declining unemployment rates can have little, if any, relevance to employment gains on a year-over-year basis; in many cases individuals either quit looking for work or dropped off the pay rolls as their benefits expired. That being said, when comparing this quarter’s figures to those of last quarter, I found that, across the board, our state gained jobs in the second quarter. This was led, not surprisingly, by King County, whose pay rolls grew by over 25,000 jobs. Pierce County was second, with growth of 5,200 jobs; other gains in the region were far more modest, but gains all the same.


It remains my anticipation that this recent growth pattern will continue into the second half of this year. I do not expect to see drastic improvement, as businesses both large and small remain wary of hiring in the current uncertain economic environment. How will this affect our real estate market? Well, the most pronounced effect will be on the new construction sector that relies on job growth and new household creation to fill their homes. On the resale front, we are certainly affected by new employees moving into our region, but more important is the security of existing employment and its effect on the decision making of buyers. If they are comfortable in their own situations, it makes the important decisions relative to buying a house just a little bit easier.



Conclusions
Mortgage rates remain at all-time lows and are defying, for the time being, my forecast for them to rise this year. This is due to a flight to the relative safety of the dollar by many European nations. That being said, I see this pace of debt purchase slowing, and that will certainly add upward pressure to rates.


Overall, I would say that this quarter’s report card is a solid ‘C’. I can see improvement over the past quarter, but we are not out of the woods yet. Foreclosures in our state are still elevated and that is applying pressure to prices. Transactions are up nicely, but pending sales have slowed dramatically following expiration of the tax credit, and the next quarter will tell us how much future demand we have stolen.

If you would like a copy of the full report, let me know and I'll get it to you.

About Matthew Gardner
Mr. Gardner is a land use economist and principal with Gardner Economics and is considered by many to be one of the foremost real estate analysts in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to managing his consulting practice, Mr. Gardner is a member of the Pacific Real Estate Institute; sits as a trustee for the Washington State Center for Real Estate Research; the Urban Land Institutes Technical Assistance Panel; and represents the Master Builders Association as an in-house economist.

He has appeared on CNN, NBC and NPR news services to discuss real estate issues, and is regularly cited in the Wall Street Journal and all local media.

Shared by permission of author Economist, Matthew Gardner

Necessities of Life are Changing

I recently read an article on the National Association of Realtors that I thought I'd share with you. I'd love to know what you think!

A survey was done by MainStay Investments with 1,049 consumers aged 45 to 65 asking what they considered to be basic needs. The answers were not just food, shelter, and clothing. Now those basic needs include an internet connection, pet care, and travel.

Some other responses include the following: - Weekend getaways, 46% - Professional hair color/cut, 43% - Children, grand-children's education, 42% - Dining out, 38% - Domestic travel, 35% - Ordering takeout, 34% - Movies, 30%

What's on your basic needs list?

FHA Mortgage Insurance Increase

$ $ $ $ $

I have an awesome mortgage person who keeps me posted on changes both good and bad. She has performed some ethical miracles for our office.

Today she sent the following on the increase of monthly payments by quite a bit, all due to the increase in FHA mortgage insurance.

If you know of anyone who may be considering a home purchase, let them know to act before October 4th 2010. I'll be glad to help them through the purchase process.

FHA Mortgage Insurance Increase

$ $ $ $ $

Roseanne Campagna
Windermere Maple Valley
425-569-6900

Open House - Glacier Pointe, Maple Valley, WA

It's a Randolph!
$279,950
You are invited to an Open House this Sunday
22326 - SE 284th Street in Maple Valley, WA 98038
New Construction - Incredible Value

Roseanne Campagna
Windermere Maple Valley
425-569-6900

Modular Homes Are More (or less) Than They Use To Be!!!

Modular Homes Are More (or less) Than They Use To Be!

Have you seen the modular homes made from alternative materials? Does anyone you know have one?

Since I learned about the 'Tumbleweeds', I've been working to increase my knowledge on all types of building construction. Not because I know of any like this in my area - mostly because I find it really interesting.

Shipping or Storage Containers are pretty useful too!

From This --- To This

The number of alternative materials is astounding! All types of structures including freight train containers, concrete slab products, and any number of recycled materials that can be re-recycled again, and of course solarized heating. These are not just for temporary shelters in disaster areas - rather really beautiful uniques living spaces.

The ideas behind it:

Use Less Space

Preserve Natural Resources

Leave a Smaller Ecological Footprint

More Affordable Housing

Lower Energy Bills Up to 40%

I love the idea in theory, but has anyone you know lived in one? A cabin retreat maybe?

And what a great studio space for artists too! Yikes! I think I want one!!!

Selling? Tips on Presentation

STAGING Your House for On-line Photos

Presentation, also known as Staging, can be the most influential step in marketing your home.

Since your home will likely be marketed on-line with photos, these photos must provide the best possible impression to potential buyers.

When buyers are previewing - even on-line - they are looking at the space available for living. They may even begin to imagine their own furnishings in the rooms. So when it comes to those photos...

1) Make sure to include photos of the exterior of the house front and back yards. And make sure the areas are well-maintained, groomed and landscaped. This is your buyers first impression of your home on-line or in person. Be sure you make it say 'welcome.'

2) Always include pictures of the interior of the house on-line - especially the primary living areas and master bedroom/suite/bath. When there are no pictures of the inside of the house, potential buyers are subconsciously wondering why and will likely move on.

3) Make sure your photos are light, bright and show off the home's features and focal points. Make sure potential buyers see that crown-molding, wood floors, living room fireplace and all that your home has to offer.

4) Have the toilet seats down in your photos and during showings. No-one wants to see what's in the toilet until inspection time comes around.

5) Remove all out of season holiday decor (including outdoor holiday lighting) before you take your photos. For the do-it-your-selfers, your potential buyer may think the house has been sitting on the market a long time if out of season photos are in the on-line presentation. And once again, the potential buyer is wondering - why hasn't it sold.

6) Make sure the beds are made, clothes put away, kitchen and bathroom counters are clear of all personal items, toys put away. No-one wants to see your personal stuff - and if the house is messy, it reflects on the underlying condition of the house.

7) Open all the curtains and blinds for your photos and during viewings. Turn on lamps too.

8) Pack up most collectibles and excess furniture before you take your photos. Your on-line photos have to show how spacious and airy it is. Potential buyers should be able to see the features and focal points in the photos of your house not your collection of model cars. Sometimes they can also get caught up in those family pictures and forget about the business at hand to purchase your home. This is especially true for viewings.

9) Make sure your furniture and accessories are placed for optimum visual flow and appeal and that your walls are painted in neutral colors. A poorly designed room in photos with a color scheme that clashes with a potential buyer's belongings can dissuade them from even going to view your home.

10) Leave your pets and their food bowls, beds, cages, etc. out of photos. Some people have allergies and other pet-related issues and if they seem them in your photos it takes away from the home.

Use these tips for taking photos, and you'll have more potential buyers view your home. Before you know it, your house will be SOLD!

Art In The Garden - Enumclaw

ArtsAlive! presents the 7th Annual Juried Artist Invitational!

Art in the Garden 2010

Located at the beautiful Country Gardens in Enumclaw
46626 - 228th Avenue SE
August 7th 9 am - 6 pm & August 8th, 9 am - 4 pm

This event is a must see this year!!
It is going to be bigger and better with live music for your entertainment
while browsing the artists' booths.

• blown glass • garden bells • original paintings • jewelry • rock art •
• wood turning • metal art • photography • pottery •
• whimsical garden art •


Call for more information at 360-802-6787 or visit the ArtsAlive! website.


Arts Alive! is a non-profit organization that support the visual, performing, and literary arts on the plateau.

CFL Light Bulbs - How To Prevent Mercury Poisoning

CFL light bulbs are a great product, just be careful of how you handle them.

The EPA tells us that if every household in America replaced one “traditional” light bulb with an energy-saving compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) light bulb, it would result in $700 million in energy cost savings each year. Not only would our energy bill be reduced, but a greenhouse gas savings equivalent to that of 800,000 automobiles would kick in.

They are pricey, but CFL light bulbs tend to pay for themselves in under a year, and can last for many years in some cases. It’s no wonder they’re so popular.

The actual presence of mercury 'contained' in these light bulbs doesn’t make them dangerous. CFL light bulbs contain an average of 4 milligrams of mercury per bulb. The health risks are minimal if handled properly, and if you follow precautions about how to dispose of them. These tips will help prevent breakage that can make CFL light bulbs potentially dangerous.

The Environment Protection Agency offers some tips:

1. Screw/unscrew the bulb from the base - not the bulb area to prevent breakage

2. Never force a CFL light bulb into a light socket

3. When the bulb burns out, bring it to one of 3,106 recycling centers

The EPA website also provides guidance for dealing with broken bulbs.
Among the recommendations: DO NOT wash mercury-covered clothing - this will prevent contamination of other clothing; and DO NOT vacuum up the poison. There are special handling instructions to prevent poisoning in your household.

The EPA’s CFL mercury fact sheet can be viewed on its web site.

CFLs provide long-term energy and environmental cost savings. Minimize the health risks with just a little thoughtful care of their handling.

Yee Haw and Tally Ho!!!

Washington State Horse Park Ready to Open the Gates!!

It's a proud moment for Washington State - it has its own major Horse Park! Of course all equestrians know that this isn't just for Washington. People from all over American and Canada will be competing in some grand events at this new facility.

The New Washington State Horse Park is about to open it's gates for all disciplines!

For more information you can go to www.washingtonstatehorsepark.org

In brief:

The Northwest Shoot Out I and II event - August 27th - 29th, 2010

Ride the Park Prize Ride event September 25th, 2010

Happy Trails!!!

Who Qualifies for a Short Sale?

Here in Washington State, there is a 3-part test to qualify for a Short Sale.

1) The property needs to be worth less than is owed.

2) There must be a hardship - death, disability, divorce, unemployment, etc.

3) Generally they must be in default (exception with VA and sometimes FHA)

Seems pretty straight forward to me.

There are numerous other points to consider after the 3-part test as to the level of difficulty and reasons to say NO to a listing that is doomed to failure. Things like mortgage insurance issues, and of course deficiency expectations, etc., but the important take home for SHORT SALES is that it is OK and appropriate to say NO - it is highly recommend a homeowner considering this option speak to a reputable real estate attorney. I think then everyone has a better chance of resolving the problem issues at hand.

LIKE TRAINS?

If you like trains you must see the Glacier Pointe Community.

I am hosting an open house for Norris Construction. I'm sure you will be as impressed as I am with the quality of their homes.

This community has a real full sized train running through (not very often)!

I checked to be sure of the sound levels and the stability of the home itself - BOTH CRITERIA PASSED THE TEST. No wine glasses rattling and white noise from the train when doors and windows are shut prove to be no problem. Exceptional quality in these homes based on these points alone.

I couldn't help but think about how impressed my grandchild would be with a real live train at Grandmas's house!!

Styling on these homes is very nice with several models to choose from - all nicely done to fit many budgets.

If you would like to know more, just send me an email!

What is Boomers 55Plus?

I have wanted to do a blog for some time and thought about how to best make it happen. So here it is!!

This blog is for 55+ interested in lifestyle changes and new dreams for their future. You will find ideas, real estate posts, and opportunities of interest. It's about you. I invite you to read and share your thoughts. Let's have some fun...