Listed for $559,500 – Click here for more details

This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two story home is situated in the quiet neighborhood of Rosewood. The home features rich hardwood floors, wood windows, white molding, and 6 panel doors. The sunken formal living room has a brick wrapped, wood-burning fireplace and sunny windows overlooking the front yard. Generous formal dining room with hardwood floors and windows overlooking the rear yard. The gorgeous Chef’s kitchen has been completely remodeled! Cherry cabinets, slab granite counters, big breakfast bar, gas range with stainless hood and warming shelf, and a full compliment of stainless appliances included. The family room has a decorative brick gas fireplace, large windows, and opens to the deck for entertaining. A tastefully updated powder room for your guests completes the floor. Upstairs, the spacious master has a dormer window and a walk-in closet. The luxurious master bath is fully updated with a new soaking tub, double shower and double vanity, and decorative tile. Two additional bedrooms are oversized. The full bath in the hall has been updated with a tile floor and newer fixtures. Large & private, the rear yard has an entertainment sized deck with gas BBQ connection, lawn for play, ample garden beds and a matching storage shed for all your garden tools or supplies. Outstanding Northshore Schools. Easy access to shopping, job centers and the Woodinville wine district.

KIRKLAND, Wash. (May 6, 2014) – Brokers report some skittishness among both buyers and sellers, but the latest statistics from Northwest Multiple Listing Service indicate the housing market is continuing to rebound. Both the number of pending sales and the number of new listings added to inventory during April reached their highest levels in 11 months.

Closed sales of single family homes and condominiums were slightly below the year-ago volume, while the median sales price rose slightly (up about 1.9 percent).

“The residential market is red hot,” reported J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate. He said multiple offers are the “norm” for new listings, with about two-thirds of homes near job centers selling in the first 30 days. That’s about twice the normal rate, according to Scott.

Many areas outside the Greater Seattle job centers also show signs of positive activity, but at a more moderate pace.

“The real estate market continues to show positive signs both locally and nationally,” stated John Deely, one of the directors of Northwest MLS.

MLS members reported 9,590 pending sales of single family homes and condominiums during April, about even with the same period a year ago when brokers tallied 9,600 mutually accepted offers. Last month’s total marks the highest level since May 2013 when the MLS reported 10,045 pending sales across its 21-county area.

Improving inventory is helping to boost sales, but MLS officials say the number of distressed sales in some areas, and shortages of the “right kinds” of inventory persist, are causing some drag on activity. Some brokers also expressed concern about the sluggish pace of new construction.

Members added 11,043 new listings to inventory during April, about 700 more than a year ago for a 6.7 percent gain. At month end, there were 21,390 listings system-wide, up nearly 7.9 percent from twelve months ago when active listings totaled 19,826.

“A lot of potential sellers who would like to move up are reluctant to list due to uncertainty that there will be something on the market they would want or be able to purchase,” said Northwest MLS director Diedre Haines. Changes in the new construction segment are also affecting activity, she suggested.

Other brokers had similar comments about current inventory.

“We are still desperate for inventory in spite of statistics indicating we have more listings,” commented MLS director Kathy Estey. Inventory is being held back because potential sellers fear they will sell their home and not find one to move into, said Estey, the managing broker at John L. Scott in Bellevue.

The result is a catch-22 situation “because nearly no one will accept a contingent offer,” according to Estey. Also, she explained, “bridge financing is scarce and risk tolerance is low” as a result of the hangover from the recession.

The imbalance between supply and demand is reflected in the market indicator known as months of supply, a ratio of active listings and sales. Industry experts say a balance occurs (favoring neither buyers nor sellers) with four-to-six months of supply. The National Association of Realtors® tends to use six months of supply as its gauge.

MLS figures show there is slightly less than 3.5 months of supply area-wide, but amounts vary widely around its service area. Eight counties are below the 6-month threshold, including three counties with less than four months of supply: King (1.74 months), Snohomish (2.47) months, and Pierce (3.6 months).
Tight inventory is creating bidding wars in some sought-after neighborhoods, resulting in some price escalation.

The median price on last month’s sales area-wide was $275,000, rising from the year-ago figure of $269,950 for a gain of nearly1.9 percent. Twelve counties reported year-over-year increases. For single family homes the median price was $287,500, up about 2.7 percent from a year ago. The median price for condos that sold last month jumped nearly 8.3 percent from a year ago, rising from $203,000 to $219,750.

In the Puget Sound region, price changes for sales of single family homes and condos were mixed. King County had the sharpest gain at 9.7 percent versus a year ago, followed by Snohomish County, up about 7.6 percent. Prices dipped slightly in Pierce County (down 0.9 percent) and were basically unchanged in Kitsap County (down 0.15 percent).
Deely, the principal managing broker at Coldwell Banker Bain in Seattle, noted a surge of sales of high-end properties in King County. His analysis of year-to-date sales shows the number of closed units is up about 25 percent, rising from 377 for the first four months of 2013 to this year’s total of 473. He cites research by Core Logic that shows a correlation between million dollar homes sales and stock market gains. “We are experiencing that effect here as well,” he remarked.

South Puget Sound seeing impact of distressed properties
Distressed properties are still influencing activity and prices in the South Sound, reported Dick Beeson, principal managing broker at RE/MAX Professionals in Tacoma. According to his analysis of Northwest MLS data, about 30 percent of April’s sales in both Pierce and Thurston counties were distressed properties, either bank owned or short sales. He noted this appears to be more than twice the ratio in King County.

Buyers are indecisive, Beeson noted, explaining, “They can’t decide if they like a bigger selection or not, especially if much of the inventory is not in the greatest physical condition, which describes many distressed properties.”

Despite the relatively high proportion of distressed properties in Pierce and Thurston counties, multiple offers are occurring on “right priced, right conditioned” listings, remarked Beeson.
Commenting on the minor price drop (down 0.15 percent) compared to a year ago, Beeson believes it is due to the high number of bank owned properties and short sales that were in the mix. He indicated his analysis revealed a median price of $240,000 for non-distressed single family homes, or about 30 percent higher than the distressed component. The gaps in King County, with a smaller proportion of distressed sales, were not as pronounced.

Snohomish County hoping for more balanced market
Haines, who is Coldwell Banker Bain’s regional managing broker for Snohomish County, said even though brokers there have seen “a slight increase in active listings, there are still shortages, especially in the south portion of Snohomish County.” Buyers, sellers, and those in the industry “long for a more balanced market,” she stated, adding, “Of course, to reach that goal, we need more inventory.”

Haines said brokers in Snohomish County aren’t seeing as many widespread multiple offers as during some prior periods. “Multiple offers do exist but seem to be located more in pockets within south and north Snohomish County,” she reported.

Opportunities abound in Kitsap County
Most of Kitsap County continues to experience a healthy balanced market with a 4.3 month supply of inventory, said MLS director Frank Wilson. “As a result our prices are stable with plenty of opportunity for buyers who wish to move to Kitsap,” he added.

Wilson also commented on multiple offers in Kitsap County where his office is located. Sales for homes priced from $200,000 to $350,000 are “pretty fast paced,” he commented, often drawing multiple offers. “Bainbridge more closely resembles the Seattle market, with only about a 2.2 month supply, and thus attracts many multiple offer situations,” added Wilson, the district manager and branch managing broker at John L. Scott Real Estate Poulsbo.

Slower pace of new construction and “buyer fatigue” worrying some brokers
In reviewing the latest MLS report, some brokers commented on changes affecting new construction.
“Most of the new construction we are seeing are by big builders who were able to buy up much of the foreclosed approved plats, raw land and new developments that were lost by the smaller builders during the recession,” noted Haines, a broker in Snohomish County. “The smaller plat developers and builders who are trying to recover and rebuild their business are, understandably so, a bit gun shy.”

Also, Haines continued, “We are seeing for the first time the big developers/builders utilizing in-house employees to manage and sell their plats as opposed to the historical practice of listing them through NWMLS by using traditional real estate firms and their brokers.”

Beeson also noted some “problematic” shifts in this segment. “New construction is mostly limited to a few large production builders,” he observed.

Other sources of worry for some MLS members are “buyer fatigue” and consequences of bidding wars.

“We are seeing some “push-back” by buyers who have seen prices rising so fast and are tired of competing in multiple offer situations,” reported Estey. For example, she noted, sellers sometimes set a “review date” for considering offers. Buyers preview the house but may wait to make an offer until that date passes. “In some situations the day to review comes, but offers do not. Then one or two days later, several offers materialize.” This same phenomenon took place late last spring, according to Estey.

In markets where multiple offers are common, “it is even more imperative that sellers demand that their home be exposed to the full market,” Wilson urged. Such full exposure to all MLS brokers and active buyers will help ensure sellers receive full market value, he explained.

Despite some anxiety, Beeson characterized the market as “stable and slowly healing, save new construction.” Despite a shaky start, he said he expects “a smooth real estate ride into 2015, as excitement builds in Pierce County and beyond when the men’s U.S. Open Golf Tournament will take place at Chambers Bay, a public course owned by Pierce County. Organizers project the event will have an economic impact of $144 million.

Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 21,000 real estate brokers. The organization, based in Kirkland, Wash., currently serves 21 counties in Washington state.

Members of the MLS reported 9,183 pending sales (mutually accepted offers) during the month, about 300 fewer than the same period a year ago for a 3.2 percent drop. Compared to February, pending sales surged 26.7 percent in March, or by 1,936 transactions.

“The only thing holding back sales is the lack of inventory,” said John Deely, a member of the Northwest MLS board of directors. He said one recent listing priced at a fair market value drew more than 40 offers. “The depth of buyer demand appears to have no bottom in the most popular price ranges,” added Deely, the principal managing broker at Coldwell Banker Bain in Seattle.

Closed sales were about the same as twelve months ago – 5,753 completed transactions last month, which compares to the year-ago total of 5,745 closed sales.

The median price on last month’s sales of single family homes and condominiums that sold across the 21 counties in the MLS report increased 6 percent, rising from the year-ago figure of $258,500 to last month’s price of $274,000.

Adequate supply to meet demand is a continuing concern, according to Northwest MLS representatives who commented on the latest numbers. Many industry leaders expect the imbalance to persist.

“Once again we entered the year with a low inventory of homes for sale, and we believe the shortage will persist through this year and into 2015 in price ranges where 90 percent of sales activity is occurring,” said J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate.

MLS members added 9,598 new listings to the database during March, slightly more than a year ago when they added 9,332 new listings. While last month’s additions were about 33 percent more than February when 7,234 new listings were tallied, brisk sales meant supply remained low.

At month end, the Northwest MLS reported 19,736 active listings of single family homes and condos across its service area. That’s up about 6.7 percent from twelve months ago.

The MLS said there is about 3.6 months of supply, which is down from the end of February when the service reported about 4.6 months of supply. King County has only about 1.8 months of supply, while Snohomish County was slighter better with 2.2 months of supply.

In general, industry analysts say four-to-six months is the supply needed for a balanced market. “We need a housing supply of over 6 months to have a generally balanced market between home buyers and sellers,” stated Lawrence Yun, chief economist and senior vice president of research at the National Association of Realtors®.

“There are many reasons potential sellers should consider selling now,” said Mike Gain, CEO and president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate in Seattle. There is less competition now at the beginning of the spring selling season (usually the busiest time of the year) and interest rates are still very low but will likely rise, he noted.

“Now is a great time for move up sellers/buyers who can sell their home quickly and secure another at today’s prices and today’s lower interest rates,” Gain suggested, emphasizing, “Buying a home today is going to prove to be a smart investment in the long run.”

Commenting on March activity, OB Jacobi, president of Windermere Real Estate, said he expects market conditions of low inventory, strong competition among buyers, steadily rising prices – and rising rents – will continue in the foreseeable future. “Rents are on the rise, and when this happens, there’s often a shift where people get priced out of the rental market and move into home ownership. This leads to more demand for homes and upward pressure on prices,” he stated.

Stiff competition among buyers is creating frequent multiple offer situations, according to Gain. “We have way more people wanting to buy than we have appropriate homes to sell in the right locations and at the right prices,” he remarked, adding, “Our market is literally starving for good inventory in desirable neighborhoods.”

Gain also said there are more first-time buyers than he has seen in many years. “Many are very well qualified for a mortgage and have more than minimum down payments.” As an example, he mentioned a resale townhome listing in West Seattle with an asking price of $439,950. Within a few days of it being listed, it had four offers, all with accelerator clauses. The property sold for $459,950, prompting Gain to say, “It’s heartbreaking to have so many good purchasers and not enough good inventory to satisfy their needs.”

Not all markets in the MLS service area are experiencing the same pressure.

“Despite low inventory and falling market time, our prices are still flat overall in Kitsap County,” said Frank Wilson, Kitsap district manager and branch managing broker at John L. Scott Real Estate Poulsbo.

Wilson noted distressed properties (short sales or bank acquired homes) are still a factor. “Those home owners are now renting and most will not be able to buy again for a few years as they get the credit ding of a short sale or repossession behind them.”

As these sidelined buyers reenter the market, Wilson expects inventory will drop lower and prices will rise. Qualified purchasers who are thinking about buying “should take advantage of the stay of rate increases,” he suggested, referring to statements by Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen, who made assurances earlier in the week that the Fed intends to keep interest rates low for now.

Pending sales in Kitsap County were about even with a year ago, while 12 of the 21 counties in the MLS system reported declines.
The condominium component ended on a positive note during March, with pending sales rising nearly 7.9 percent from a year ago. MLS members reported 1,345 pending sales, up from the year-ago total of 1,247.

Closed sales rose 2.4 percent, but prices on those sales jumped 14.7 percent. The median sales price on last month’s condo sales was $220,000, up from twelve months ago when it was $191,750.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 21,000 real estate brokers. The organization, based in Kirkland, Wash., currently serves 21 counties in Washington state.

Yes, in fact it is one of the best investments you can make! The graphic above is based upon national numbers, here is what King County looks like:

Residential Median Price in 2000 = $250,000

Residential Median Price in 2013 = $415,000

Total Increase = 66%

As much as my investment adviser would hate for me to tell you this, the Seattle area’s real estate market remains one of the best places to invest your money!

Whether it be purchasing your first home, moving up or buying an investment property, I can help! With 25 years of experience, I will make sure you next real estate move is a profitable one.

Contact me here:

Tony Meier
425-466-1000

Or fill out this form:
[contact-form-7 id=”1448″ title=”Contact form 1″]

Following the usual pause during the holidays, activity picked up during January when members of Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported 7,044 pending sales, about even with the same month a year ago, and a jump of nearly 35 percent from December’s total of 5,224 mutually accepted offers.

Inventory, while improving, continues to be a source of worry.

“Lots of buyers and not enough of the right inventory to satisfy our buyers’ wants and needs,” was how Gain described current conditions. “Following the worst year for inventory I have seen in my 35 years of practicing real estate locally, we are expecting the number of homes for sale to increase in 2014,” Gain added, emphasizing there is pent up demand and “a very active market is anticipated once the number of listings increases.”

J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate agreed. “Available inventory remains tight with shortages or low inventory where 90 percent or more of the sales activity is taking place,” he remarked.

Members added 7,342 new listings to inventory during January, improving on the year-ago total of 7,096. With those additions, the selection increased to 19,195 active listings across the 21 counties served by Northwest MLS. That’s up 6.6 percent from the same period a year ago when there were 18,008 listings.

Thirteen counties have more listings than a year ago, but eight counties are reporting declines in total inventory. “We are literally starving for inventory. We need more homes to sell, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods,” Gain stated.

Area-wide there is about 4.5 months of inventory, an amount at the low end of the 4-to-6 month range most analysts deem to be a balanced market. At this time a year ago, there was about 4.2 months of inventory. The tightest supplies are found in King County (less than 2.5 months) and Snohomish County (3.5 months).

One of the counties with fewer listings is Kitsap, where there is about 5.2 months of supply, down from the year-ago figure of 6.6 months.

Northwest MLS director Frank Wilson, the branch managing broker at John L. Scott in Poulsbo, described overall activity in that market as healthy. “Homes are still coming on the market and buyers are still buying them,” he commented, but noted they are starting to see a bit of stratification on prices.

“Homes that are overpriced are sitting on the market a while, but homes that are priced correctly for today’s market may receive multiple offers,” Wilson explained. Countywide prices are down about 9.4 percent from a year ago. His analysis indicates prices on waterfront listings are lagging, and MLS data indicate prices on condos (a small segment of sales) dropped by double digits compared to a year ago.

Overpriced homes are also a concern in Snohomish County. “Even though we have a nearly 40 percent increase in inventory compared to a year ago, many listings are overpriced, and buyers are not interested in making offers on those properties,” reported Diedre Haines, regional managing broker in Snohomish County for Coldwell Banker Bain.

“We are not yet fully recovered from the recession and sellers need to be realistic in expectations of the value of their homes,” said Haines, a member of the Northwest MLS board of directors.

The most desirable listings in Snohomish County are still receiving multiple offers, Haines noted, while acknowledging activity is “not as frenzied as a year ago,” due in part to lingering doubts about the future of Boeing and other factors. She said new developments are drawing strong interest and traffic. “In some locations reservation agreements are being taken for homes not yet built with many of these developments already getting close to selling out,” she reported.

Home prices area-wide increased nearly 6.6 percent from a year ago, but dipped from December. The median price for last month’s closed sales of single family homes and condominiums was $255,055, rising from the year-ago figure of $239,300. ). In King County, where nearly one of every four closings occurred, the median sales price was $364,875. That represents an increase of 15.8 percent from the year-ago price of $315,000.

Single family prices (excluding condos) increased from $249,200 to $264,995 (up more than 6.3 percent).
Condo prices surged 14.8 percent, from $169,000 a year ago to $194,000 for last month’s sales.

“Years 2012 and 2013 were fantastic recovery years,” said Scott. “We have now experienced two years of positive price appreciation after the five years of market correction,” he added.

MLS director George Moorhead said recent fluctuations in interest rates and upticks in online activity are noteworthy. “We have all seen interest rates go up and down, but I have not seen such an immediate response from buyers,” he remarked. Moorhead, the branch manager at Bentley Properties in Bothell, also reported a 30 percent increase in online activity in the past few weeks.

Gain expects the rebound to be fueled in part by “repeat move-up buyers” and first-time purchasers. “The first time buyer will return to the marketplace in 2014. With the economy improving they will finally be able to move out of their parents’ homes and when comparing renting verses buying, many will choose homeownership,” he stated.

Brokers point to recent reports of the state’s unemployment rate dropping to 6.6 percent, the lowest in five years, as a positive thrust for home sales, but also cited factors that could hamper activity.

“There are always issues surrounding real estate that erode confidence in the market,” Wilson commented, citing uncertainty on flood insurance. “Until Congress takes action to continue the flood insurance subsidy, people buying in flood-prone areas may suffer sticker shock when they see the premium for coverage,” he believes.

Among other factors brokers mentioned as threats to activity are:
— “The volatility of the roller coaster stock market, the new financing and appraisal rules imposed by Dodd/Frank, and fatigue being felt by many buyers who were unsuccessful in purchasing last year.” (Diedre Haines)
—  Rising interest rates and tighter lending requirements. Short sales are waning as buyers encounter long timelines and uncertainties. (George Moorhead)

Mike Grady, president and COO of Coldwell Banker Bain, expects activity to continue picking up until May. “Inventory levels are pretty much the same as they were a year ago. Now we’ll have to wait and see if the sellers come out,” he remarked.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member real estate firms, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 21,000 real estate brokers. The organization, based in Kirkland, Wash., currently serves 21 counties in Washington state.

Redmond – English Hill – $499,000

Updated home in Hollymor on English Hill. The flowing floorplan is 2,400 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath plus a den on a private 14,656 s.f. lot. Updates include: vinyl windows, hardwood floors throughout the main level, white millwork & doors too! Formal living room with big windows overlooking the front yard. Formal dining room with French doors to deck. Updated & well designed, the kitchen features generous white cabinets, ample solid surface counters, white appliances including a double oven & gas cooktop, butcher block island & pantry closet! The eating nook has a slider to the deck – perfect for entertaining or BBQing. The spacious family room has a cozy fireplace & large windows. There is an updated powder room for your guests. The spacious master suite has beautiful views of the rear yard. The master bath has been a double vanity, soaking tub, separate shower and a walk-in closet too! Den, office or sitting area in the hall with extra storage closet. Three additional bedrooms are oversized and you’ll find a full bath in the hall. The main floor laundry room has storage cabinets above. Huge, entertainment sized deck overlooks the private rear yard. Large lawn for play, fire pit area, storage shed and big planter on the south side will satisfy any gardener. Attached two car garage with storage possibilities in the attic above. Outstanding Northshore schools – Sunrise Elementary, Timbercrest Jr High & Woodinville High!

Tony Meier
Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable!
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Quietly nestled in the easily accessible neighborhood of Finn Hill, sits this charming rambler home. The light and open floorplan is 2,070 s.f. and features 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths on a private 10,800 s.f lot! The gracious entry and open foyer welcomes you in. The large living room has a brick fireplace with wood stove and a wall of windows overlooking the front yard. The elegant dining area is just off the kitchen and has bright windows with views of the rear yard. The well designed kitchen has ample cabinetry, solid surface counters with all appliances included! The cozy family room has a slider to the deck – perfect for entertaining or BBQing. The large master suite has a walk-in-closet, private exercise room or den and a slider to the deck. The attached full bath has a sunny skylight and “his & her’s” vanities. Three additional bedrooms are quite spacious with 2 full baths for your guests. The laundry room has extra storage and a sink too. The large rear yard is like your own private park! Huge deck for entertaining, large lawn for play and ample beds to satisfy any gardener. Detached garden shed too! Attached two car garage with storage options. The home is within a short distance to the areas recreational jewels – Big Finn Hill Park and St. Edwards Park. Outstanding Lake Washington schools too!

Tony Meier
Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable!
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

The Redmond Garden Club will be having their annual sale May 12th from 8am to 3pm.

The sale will be located at 17817 NE 131st Street, Redmond, 98052.
Follow the signs along NE 124th/NE 128th, Avondale Road, or Redmond-Woodinville Road
All kinds of greenery and goodies including: Perennials Annuals, Vegetable Starts, Shrubs, Crafts, Planters plus garden related yard sale items and much more
Come early for the best selection!

Tony Meier
Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable!
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Full text of the Washington State Supreme Court Decision on Jan 5th 2012 can be found here:

Education in the New: Washington Supreme Court Decision

In a clear win for children, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled unanimously today that the state was violating its constitutional paramount duty to amply fund K-12 education. This is a historic victory, and starting today we have a new conversation. No longer are we going to petition over loss of school days or access to all-day kindergarten. Starting today, the cuts stop and funding starts. Starting today, our top priority – a basic education that prepares all kids for college and career — is also the state’s top priority.

Starting today the legislature’s job just got a lot harder.

The high court’s decision validates all of the work Washington State PTA members put into the passage of ESHB 2261 in 2009 and SHB 2776 in 2010, and with our work this past year to protect all-day kindergarten, highly capable funding and an intact school year.

This decision sets the stage for the next step – finding a stable, adequate source of revenue to meet the needs of schoolchildren. THE RULING

Not only did the high court point out that ample funding is “considerably more than just adequate,” the court ruled the state was consistently giving districts less money than actual costs. It identified ESHB 2261 as a “promising” reform package that if fully funded would remedy deficiencies in the K-12 funding system.

It reiterated, “Ample funding for basic education must be accomplished by means of regular and dependable tax sources.”

Finally, the court said it would stay engaged to help facilitate progress in the state’s plan to fully fund basic education by 2018. THE PLAN

ESHB 2261 defines a basic education as “the opportunity for students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet graduation requirements, intended to allow them the opportunity to graduate with a meaningful high school diploma that prepares them for postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship.” It requires the state to fund:

• 180 full days, grades 1-12
• 180 half days for kindergartners, to be increased to 180 full days
• 1,000 instructional hours in grades 1-12, to be increased to 1,080 hours in grades 7-12
• 450 instructional hours in kindergarten, to be increased to 1,000 hours
• Opportunity for students to complete 24 credits for high school graduation
• Enhanced funding for Learning Assistance Program, Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program, Highly Capable Program and special education for students with disabilities
• 17 to 1 class size ratio in grades K-3

SO, STARTING TODAY, NO MORE DELAYS.

We have children to educate and we have a new definition of basic education to roll out. Washington State PTA is part of Network for Excellence for Washington School (NEWS) and was party to this lawsuit. You can learn more about NEWS and its 382 member groups at http://www.waschoolexcellence.org/

]]> https://eastsidehomes.com/2012/01/14/required-washington-state-school-funding-a-victory-for-our-children/feed/ 0 1176 https://eastsidehomes.com/2011/11/21/tips-for-selling-your-home-during-the-holidays/ https://eastsidehomes.com/2011/11/21/tips-for-selling-your-home-during-the-holidays/#respond Mon, 21 Nov 2011 08:19:55 +0000 https://staging.eastsidehomes.com/Blog/?p=1159 Selling your home during the holidays means a few extra things to keep in mind. Below are some tips on how to keep your holiday-themed house buyer friendly and ready to sell!

• Don’t go overboard with the holiday decorations. They can make your home look cluttered and take attention away from it.
• Large Christmas trees can make a room look smaller. As can a ton of presents under the tree and too much garland everywhere.
• Make sure you vacuum regularly if you have a fresh tree with fallen needles.
• Keep card clutter to a minimum. Large quantities of holiday cards propped up on tables and refrigerators can be very distracting.
• Keep refrigerators neat and tidy (we all get lots of food gifts during the holidays)… buyers will look inside.
• Be careful with outside decorations. Large santas and reindeer can take away from the beauty of the yard or the front of your home. Same with excessive amounts of holiday lights.
• Rake the lawn regularly to clean up the large amounts of fallen leaves. Pick up any fallen branches and debris from yard and walkways.
• Keep up on lawn care. It’s hard to mow and weed during cold wet months, but a well manicured lawn is a great selling point.
• Take a good look at the front of your house after all the leaves have fallen. You might find you have some touch-up work that was covered by the trees before.
• Knock down any large icicles forming over doorways and walkways.
• Make sure your walkway is snow and ice free. If it’s still slippery, pour salt on your walkway to help buyers safely to your door.
• Remember it gets dark sooner, so be sure to keep lots of lights on inside and out. Make sure all outdoor lights are working properly.
• Make sure your back yard is easily lit at night. Buyers want to be able to see the entire property.
• Keep a towel or extra doormat inside your front door for guests to fully dry their shoes before exploring your home. Or have a sign that requests that they take them off.
• If you have a programmable thermostat, remember to change it if you will have showings during the day while it would normally be set very low. You don’t want buyers thinking the house is an ice box.
• With flu seasons around, place a bottle of hand sanitizer by the front door for guests to use on the way in and as they leave.
• Add holiday scents with mulled cider on the stovetop or by using fresh cinnamon sticks and evergreen as decorations. (Make sure you shake out the evergreen ahead of time to get out any bugs that have made it their home)
• Create a warm and cozy environment by lighting a fire, using candles and having fresh baked cookies and hot cocoa ready for buyers.
• Keep in mind that hosting during the holidays can take a lot of prep and clean up time. It might be a good idea to pass it to someone else this year or request extra help to get your place back to showing condition.
• Remember, buyers look in all rooms so if you have people staying with you over the holidays, make sure they are keeping their room tidy and keep the suitcases in the closet if possible.

Tony Meier
Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable!
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

“Thanks to declining prices and record-low interest rates, houses in King County are more affordable now than they’ve been in at least 17 years, a new score card says.”

For their complete story, click here.

Tony Meier
Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable!
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Tony Meier
Making Real Estate Easy, Fun & Profitable!
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Walk Friendly Communities, a national recognition program, recently recognized the top places in the country for walking, taking into account such factors as safety, space in communities devoted to pedestrians, as well as whether walking is integrated into the city’s overall urban planning process.

Here is its list of the top 10 most walkable cities:

1. Seattle, Wash.
2. Ann Arbor, Mich.
3. Arlington, Va.
4. Hoboken, N.J.
5. Santa Barbara, Calif.
6. Charlottesville, Va.
7. Decatur, Ga.
8. Austin, Texas
9. Charlotte, N.C.
10. Flagstaff, Ariz.

Source: “America’s Most Walkable Cities,” Forbes (May 6, 2011)

Just remember your Gore-Tex coat…

Tony Meier
The Broker You Can Refer to Your Friends
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

For a Craft-Loving mom:
Make her a custom photo book full of fun family memories or give her some time to herself to spend flexing her creative muscles. http://www.snapfish.com

For a Luxury-Loving mom:
Personalized, 300-thread count cotton percale sheets http://www.westelm.com
Of course a day at the spa never goes out of style. http://www.mountainsunmassage.com

For an Etiquette-Loving mom:
Create personalized note cards or thank you notes https://www.sendoutcards.com/claire/

For a Fitness-Loving mom:
A new outfit for the gym can put a spring in her step. A gift certificate to check out a new fitness trend is always fun, too!

For a Garden-Loving mom:
Offer to attend one of the many wonderful events and workshops at Molbaks with her. Surprise her with colorful plants and container gardens. http://www.molbaks.com

For a Tech-Loving mom:
Complete her wish list with the new iPad2…it takes surfing the web, checking emails, watching movies and reading books to the next level.
http://www.apple.com/ipad

…and don’t forget – a thoughtful note and time spent with mom can be the BEST gift of all.

Tony Meier
The Broker You Can Refer to Your Friends
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Tony Meier
The Broker You Can Refer to Your Friends
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, sits this charming two story with daylight basement home. The gracious floorplan boasts 2900 s.f. and features 5 bedrooms, 2.75 baths with den & bonus on a private, south facing 12,097 s.f. lot which backs to a greenbelt! Recent updates include roof, carpet, vinyl windows and remodeled kitchen. Formal living & dining room with abundant windows and a slider to the deck. Updated kitchen and nook with breakfast bar, rich hardwood floors, stainless appliances and a wall of windows overlooking the deck & yard. The huge family room has a gas fireplace and slider opening to the large entertainment sized deck overlooking rear yard. Powder room on main. Wonderful master suite with “his & hers” closets & attached 3/4 bath. Three additional bedrooms & full bath upstairs. On the lower level you’ll find… the 5th bedroom, spacious den, half bath & huge bonus room which features a slider to the rear yard & provides plenty of room to relax or play! The large, south facing deck overlooks the private rear yard and greenbelt – excellent for entertaining, relaxing or soaking up the sun! Lush plantings, terraced deck & play area make for a wonderful setting! Attached two car garage & oversized driveway in front. Outstanding Lake Washington schools – Juanita Elementary, Finn Hill Jr High & Juanita High.

Tony Meier
The Broker You Can Refer to Your Friends
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

For 28 years, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival has been one of the most sought-after events in the Pacific Northwest. Come and enjoy the celebration of Spring as millions of tulips burst into bloom!  Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Tony Meier
The Broker You Can Refer to Your Friends
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

With this in mind… I have gathered a copy of the Washington State Emergency Resource Guide for you to download at the link below:
Washington State Emergency Resource Guide

I hope you will take the time to make sure you and your loved ones are well prepared should an emergency strike!

Tony Meier
The Broker You Can Refer to Your Friends
Serving Buyers, Sellers & Their Referrals Since 1989
Windermere Real Estate/NE
EastsideHomes.com – Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource

Just Listed – 13430 3rd Ave NE, Marysville – $500,000
http://AspenTwoStory.com

Gorgeous two story home on private, one acre lot in Aspen. Built in 2006, the open, great room style floorplan features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, den & bonus – approx. 3827 s.f. The double door entry & large foyer with cherry hardwood floors welcomes you in. The living room has soaring 22ft ceilings, covered in clear cedar, and the room is accented by grand windows, cherry, slate & stone. The kitchen and dining area have cherry floors & cabinets, granite counters and a huge wrap around island! The large main floor master suite has a private door to the hot tub area and a large walk-in closet. The elegant master bath features – separate shower, soaking tub and double vanity. Wonderful den on main with double glass door entry. The upstairs bonus room overlooks the great room and shares the clear cedar ceilings. Also upstairs you will find a second master suite with full bath  attached, big laundry room and two additional oversized bedrooms and a generous hall bath! The terraced lot will be the love of entertainers and   gardeners alike! The lush yard offers – big patio with covered BBQ area, hot tub patio, fire pit, two play areas (one grass & one bark for a play structure), dog run, garden shed, abundant raised and terrace beds, walking paths, all wrapped in an envelope of green – truly an amazing yard! The front of the home has a deep driveway, mature landscaping, big porch and water feature. This home is a professionally negotiated short sale – please contact your agent or Tony Meier with questions.

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com 

"My wife and I recently hired Tony to help us buy a house to start the next phase of our lives. He was fantastic, and a pleasure to work with. He handled our pickiness, had tons of knowledge about arcane home stuff that was incredibly useful in picking the right house, and did immense amounts of work while we were out of town to help us close on time. If you need a realtor in the Puget Sound area, you won't go wrong with Tony – in fact you'll be hard pressed to do better."

Pankaj Kakkar & Joyeeta Sarkar

This is the type of feedback that fuels my fire. Thank you Pankaj & Joyeeta! It's my pleasure to be of service!

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com 

About a month ago, I was interviewed for the Lowe’s for Pros website on landscaping ideas to improve the market value and salability of a home. Below is the text of the article and here is the link:
http://www.lowesforpros.com/landscaping-to-increase-property-value

I brought this home to market on April 3rd 2008 for $750,000. By April 17th, we had received multiple offers and the home sold for $760,000! This was great news of course, but my client's referrence was the best part!

“Tony is by far the best real estate agent I have ever worked with. I first met him by recommendation when moving to Redmond in 1998. He was our agent when buying in a sellers market and helped me find a home in a reasonable time.

Now in 2008 we are moving to the East Coast and in a buyers market. Tony again helped us market our home and sell it in 13 days. We have been more than satisfied with the results. Tony has always been very professional and a joy to work with. He clearly understands the market and buying and selling process, and communicates very well. Tony gets my highest recommendation.”

Bob (and Martha) Cottingham 

This is why I have been in the business for the last 19+ years! Not just to sell homes, but to build advocates for my business!

If I can help you or someone you care about with a real estate need, please give me a call at 425-466-1000.

Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com

Tony Meier
Redmond Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@staging.eastsidehomes.com