Many buyers assume how much they can afford to spend on a home and start searching online by themselves at first.  I probably would do the same, but if you are a serious buyer, then you really need to get pre-approved first.  I had clients who were working with another agent.  They were a young couple and decided to buy their first home before getting married.  They 'thought' they could go up to $300K~$350K based on their income etc.  They found a condo near Lake Union, Seattle and requested the listing agent to show it to them.  The agent of course showed it to them, but they did not like the layout.  So she showed a couple more condos in the area to them the following weekend.  All were about $350~400K range.  One of them had granite counters and stainless appliances and a view of Lak... 05/27/2009

Come to see this cozy condo in Rose Hill, Kirkland.  Just reduced the price!!  2 bed 1 bath 830 sq.ft built 1985 HOD $291/month - Garbage, water/sewer Highly desired Rose Hill!!! End Unit. Beautiful. Close in. Great view. Summer's coming--enjoy delicious pool. Work from poolside. Close in: 7 blks to freeway; Microsoft 9 mins/2.9 miles; Downtown Kirkland 4 mins/1.4 miles; Downtown Bellevue 8 mins/5.7 miles; Downtown Seattle 19 mins/13.1 miles. Updated, stainless steel appliances, beautiful kitchen cabinetry, California Closet w/built-ins/large walk-in closet. Deck facing lake/sunsets. Two parking spaces. $236,500 Address:  8240  126th Ave NE #A205,  Kirkland, WA  98033 Directions:  From I-405 exit on NE 85th, head east, turn right on 126th, first complex on left-A building fronts road, A... 05/26/2009

Please swing by on the way home!  This is at a quiet neighborhood right border of Kirkland and Woodinville.  Just reduced the price.  Price starts at $449,500.  One of Last 4 units available. Stunning NEW 3 BR plus den, greatroom, with gleaming hardwoods, cascade views on this end unit townhome overlooking the Woodinville wineries. Great room filled with slab granite island, custom cabinets, walls of windows and a gas fireplace. Pet friendly backyard, patio, two car garage with extra storage. Woodwrapped windows, minimal maintenance community with $90 HOD. Now with builder buy downs for low first year payments.    Directions:  405 to exi22b, 124th Ave NE, east to Slater/132, north to NE 135th PL, follow signs to middle of development. rom wineries, west from St Michelle up hill to stop,... 05/21/2009

I have to go with the pun that there is a big stink over who gets Bothell's garbage.  (Sorry couldn't help it!)  Of all the things in the world to fight over, it seems that King and Snohomish Counties are fighting over who gets to pick up Bothell's trash.  BOTHELL -- A cross-county fight over who gets Bothell's trash might derail the city's efforts to annex 22,000 new residents.The Snohomish County Council voted 4-0 on Monday to oppose the annexation, unless Snohomish County continues to handle trash from the area in question. King County officials say an agreement with Bothell from the late 1980s entitles it to all the city's waste.From: Herald.net The problem is of course revenue.  Both counties want the revenue generated by picking up garbage.  Yes Virginia, it seems that your county... 05/20/2009

New price!  New price!  New price!  We dropped another $10K just this morining!!  Please contact me if you are interested in  viewing or have questions.   4 bedroom, 2.5 bath bonus room & office hot tub full fence, deck, patio Gourmet kitchen w/granite slab 2 fireplaces HUGE laundry room                                        MLS #: 29041700 Address: 4911 177th PL SE  Bothell, WA 98012       05/14/2009

Relay for Life is a fund raising event for the American Cancer Society.  Every May they conduct this event at Skyview JHS.  This is a great event where many local kids form groups and try to raise as much money as they can.  My kids have been participating in it the past couple of years and they just love it.  They get to stay up all night long and socialize while they walk/run lap after lap around the trac.  Of course, Sunday is a total waste because of it, but it is always worth it.  The field is always filled with such positive and powerful energy.  They celebrate survivors of cancer... and they will have a special time to remember their loved ones who lost their battles.  There is live music during the daytime and a bunch of tents for those kids who need a rest for a few hours.  Thi... 05/12/2009

I just received this GREAT news from the Talon Group yesterday.  From the press release: "The program authorizes the state treasurer to deposit $25 million in a financial institution, which would then open a line of credit for the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (HFC). The HFC would use that credit line to pay for down payment loans to first-time buyers. Buyers repay the advance loan after filing for and receiving the tax credit."According to the news I received from the Talon Group, Washington Realtors sent out a press release about a program approved by the state Legislature that would create a loan for first-time homebuyers, so they could get the $8,000 tax credit - available for first-time homebuyers - sooner.  The program approved by the Legislature would allow homebuye... 05/02/2009

Hyde Park: Very secluded, prestigious and gated community. Nice sized lot, surrounded by greenbelt. Beautiful John F. Buchan homes. Easy access to Hwy 9/405 and all the amenities (including Mill Creek Town Center). Only 28 homes in 38 acres.                                                                    MLS:  29041700   $809,950 4922 177th Pl SE Bothell, WA 98012     05/01/2009

This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the NWMLS. NWMLS does not guarantee or is not in any way responsible for their accuracy. Data maintained by NWMLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Report reflects activity by all brokers participated in the MLS. This is based on the price range of $700K~900K, single family, 3000~4000 sq.ft homes.  If I check the median price, I think the demand ratio will be better.  I have to say, my sellers have been very patient and understanding.  We listed their property around Thanksgiving.  We knew during the holiday season, it would be very slow.  But in addition to the holiday season, we had the snow!  The town was closed for 3 weeks around Christmas due to the snow!  Typically, when the ratio is 3:1, w... 05/01/2009

I posted some new homes in the 98021 area earlier.  Now I am doing the same for the 98012 area.  There are so many in the area, so I am just doing 'some of them' for now.  Camden Meadows:  Regent Homes.  3 bedroom/1.5-2.5 bath, about 1,100~2,400 sq.ft.  Upper $300K to low $400K range. Springmere:  3 bedroom/2.5 bath, about 1,600~1,800 sq.ft.  Low $300K range. Laurelcrest:  3 bedroom/1.5-2.5 bath, about 1,100 to 3,200 sq.ft.  Upper $200 to low $300K range.  Chessington:  Murphy homes.  3-6 bedroom/2-2.75 bath, about 1,350 to 2,400 sq.ft.  Low $300K to low $400K range.  Tambark Springs:  3-4 bedroom/2.5 bath, about 1,500~2,200 sq.ft.  Low $300K to low $400K range. Muriel's Landing:  3-4 bedroom/2-2.5 bath, about 1,700~2,400 sq. ft.  Mid $300K to upper $300K range. Woodcress:  3-4 bedroom/... 05/01/2009

There are so many new developements within the zip 98021 area.  Bothell is booming for sure!  All those below are at a great location.  Easy access to all the amenities/405.   It seems to go from mid $300K to $ a million.  So if you are interested in 'new' homes, I think you will find the one that would fit your need. Westcastle:  3-4 bedroom/2.75 bath, about 3,000~3,500 sq.ft.  Upper $500K to low $600K.  Clairemont:  John F. Buchan home.  4 bedrooms/2.5-3 bath, about 2,900~3,500 sq.ft.  Mid $700K to mid $800K range. Isabella Park:  Parmenter Homes--the renown, award winning Street of Dreams builder.  Mainly 4 bedrooms/3 bath, 3,800-4,200 sq.ft.  Start @ the $ million range. The Reserve at Wandering Creek:  Entry-level eco-friendly construction.  3 bedrooms/2.5 bath, about 1600 sq.ft.  ... 04/30/2009

I "LOVE" living in Bothell. Why Bothell? Easy commute to Seattle and Bellevue! Also easy commute to Everett Boeing! Kirkland/Woodinville are right next to us - easy access to wine-tasting, dining, shopping etc. Easy access to Mill Creek Town Center/Alderwood Mall. Bothell has become such a vibrant and energetic town w/two big business Parks (many employment opportunities!) but still has a country feel. Great schools. Whether you have kids who attend school or not, owning a property in a good school service area will be a great investment. A good old 4th of July parade in downtown Bothell every year!!! (I LOVE this parade!) The 27-mile Burke Gilman trail and many more great parks for biking, walking etc. Ranch Drive-in (their burgers are the best!) Countryside Dounut House, Jalisco, Pen ... 04/30/2009

Open House 5/1 from 1:30 to 4:00PM!  Best value in the neighborhood! This home will draw you in with it's lovely curb appeal. Formal living & dining room, gourmet kitchen w/stainless steel appliances, under cabinet lighting and granite countertops. Main floor den/office with built in desks & upper cabinets. Large master suite w/sitting area & 5 pc bath including relaxing soaking tub. 3 additional bedrooms up (1 w/walk in closet) plus huge bonus/media room, full bath w/dual sinks plus upstairs laundry. Dead end street.  Built in 2006.  This is located a couple blocks away from Martha Lake.  Very easy access to I-5.  Only a few minutes away from all the amenities (including Mill Creek Town Center!).  Please come and check this out!  $539,950 MLS#:  28185966                                ... 04/30/2009

There are many buyers that are on the fence.  They might be waiting for the market to hit the bottom, or waiting for the interest rates to go lower.  Whatever the reasons, there are many people that are waiting for something.  If you are not sure if you are ready or not, please ask to yourself... Why do you want to move?  Why are you waiting?  If we found the perfect home today, is there anything that would keep you from buying it? How soon do you want to move?  How long have you been thinking of moving?  How do you feel about this move?  If you have kids, how do they feel about the whole thing?  What are your kids school requirements? What price range are you looking at?  And how did you come up with the number?  What monthly payment would you feel comfortable with?  Have you talked wi... 04/11/2009

Typical average sellers don't have the budget to do a total staging like you see on one of those RE staging shows on HGTV. And not all agents pay the cost for staging your home.. But there are ways to improve the look of your home to be more sell able without breaking your wallet. And here are 5 tips... Remove your family pictures from the walls and shelves.  "De-personalize" your home.  If some of the rooms have too strong color, paint it to mutual color.  Many buyers will get overwhelmed with the color and don't remember anything else when they leave the house. Remove all the clutter from each room.  The closet should be 3/4 full.  Don't over-pack your closet.  The potential buyers will think your closets are too small.  Clean the driveway and the front porch.  This area is the first ... 04/07/2009

Just dropped over $41K a couple days ago!  Elegant John F Buchan home in the secluded gated community of Hyde Park.  Remodeled gourmet kitchen w/granite slab , beautiful travertine tile in dining room, heated tile in luxurious master bath, beautifully refinished hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, upscale lighting and more.  This home is immaculately maintained and has details throughout.   Over $60K spent for landscape (including a beautiful patio, raised garden beds, full fence etc...) completed in summer 2008.  Greenbelt in front & back.  Just about 5 minutes drive to Mill Creek Town Center.  2009 HOD paid.  MLS#:  29041700 Please contact me for a private viewing!   http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=84513&id=61889037476     04/05/2009

I went to one of the Biznik events "Social Media" last night.  It was so powerful.  I learned so much last night.  When consumers want to know about services/products, they go to the "Internet(about 50%), word of mouth (17%) and papers (5%).  83.8% people trust user reviews (such as yelp and citysearch) over critics.  So get into the Social Media!  What we need to have are: Brand reputation, Visibility, Search engine ranking, Partnerships, & Annuity.  Traditional marketing is "casting large nets, push model, & Pay for everyone" vs. Social Media is "pinpoint accuracy, pull model & search engine".  Social Media, such as Twitter, Facebook, Google, Plaxo... they are all FREE.  So spend more time on them.  When you tweet at Twitter, write about ONLY your biz.  Nobody cares when you had the f... 03/20/2009

It just came across my desk that billthecougnut has proposed a Hot Rod Cuize-in on January 7th in Bothell.  In his post at AllFordMustangs.com he says: How about meeting at the Burgermaster in Bothell at about 8 pm on Sat the 7th of Mar 2009 when the weather gets better. (If the weather sucks, then have fun people) but I just want to see a bunch of cars out there on a saturday evening like there used to be. In the past, it was an unwritten rule, that there would be cruiz-in's all around King and Snohomish County. Burgermaster in Bothell was one, and the Burger King in Stanwood or lynwood (not sure) was another. Used to be in Everett, that we got together at the Herfey's burger joint, until they closed it down in 1999. Now there are just NO places that people get together..... I don't kn... 01/02/2009

In my file for news about the area, popped up this item from the Bothell Reporter about the Bothell Sons of Norway who are collecting used stamps to benefit children in Norway.  What they do is send the stamps to the TUBFRIM organization which resells the used stamps.  Their website has this to say: Postmaster Ditlef Frantzen in Nesbyen established TUBFRIM in 1928. The aim was to collect and sell used stamps and use the proceeds to aid the eradication of tuberculosis among Norwegian children. The first profit was made in 1929 and amounted to NOK 1.500,-. Profits varied in the following years from NOK 8.000,- in 1940 to NOK 25.000,- in 1947. TUBFRIM has made good progress since from then and profits in 1970 were NOK 150.000,- growing to NOK 620.000,- in 2007. TUBFRIM is owned by the Norw... 12/31/2008

Even though my blog’s main topic is Seattle Real Estate, I’d like to venture away from home sales, marketing information, and my own opinions for a moment to share with you my newest feature. Each month, I’m going to be posting at least one article about a local home, sharing with you ideas for design and décor from some of the Seattle area’s most interesting (at least to me!) homes. To kick things off, I decided to begin with some amazing holiday decorations from the Bothell home of Vickie and Jim Kahlke. Each year, Vickie starts early and fills her home with creative and wonderful decorations for all of her guests to see at her legendary Christmas Eve feast. This year her home was filled with beautifully decorated trees and she turned her dining room into a snowflake-filled winter won... 12/28/2008