Plans for 2012Plans for 2012Last year (2011) we grew as a team and added many systems to help us give stellar service to more people.We closed 65 properties and I am satisfied that we gave consistently great service to the people who entrusted their real estate needs into our hands.We have a steady stream of listings, and our marketing is second to none. I am satisfied with the experience our sellers have with getting their property promoted aggressively and incessantly by our team and our two full time marketing people.Buyers have been flocking to us, and in late Spring of 2011 I started the process of recruiting, selecting and then training 4 top notch buyers agents. They are now in place and beginning to be successful. We get over 90 buyer leads a month which keeps them busy.First th... 12/27/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 7 - Supper and The Running GameWhat is the perfect ending of a perfect day?Well, a supper consisting entirely of dessert is a great idea. Those who were still hungry later had some “healthy food” as well.And, after the evening time routine is begun, after jammies are on, what could be a better conclusion than the Running Game?For you who are uninitiated, it consists of running down the hall at full speed, crashing into grandpa who is sitting cross legged in front of the fireplace, and ending up knocking him over! It is called the Running Game, and it can go on 20 times or more in a row...The videographer is the victim of the crash, so the video is not TV quality. But the hugs and laughter definitely are... 12/25/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 6 - The Walk and Bike RideChristmas 2011 Part 6 - The Walk and Bike RideThe presents are opened, and the wrapping paper is all picked up and put in bags.The meal is eaten and the dishes are all put away.It is early afternoon. The TV is on, but the football game is disappointing!What comes next? It is light out still. It is not raining.Of course! A walk and bike ride!!Enjoy the video... 12/25/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 5 - The FeastChristmas 2011 Part 5 - The FeastWhen it is time to celebrate, it is time to eat together!This Christmas we had ham. My son in law gave him a name, but then kept it quite in case the little ones heard and got too attached to the giver of the ham.And yes - mashed potatoes and gravy, and Patti’s wonderful cranberry jello salad! Some corn and bread rolls completed the meal. No one went hungry!One of my buyer’s agents was busy with his wife feeding homeless teenagers. Pretty amazing! A reminder to us of the needy right around us. And gratefulness for their generous and giving spirit.Here is the video of our Christmas Feast: 12/25/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 4 - The PresentsChristmas 2011 Part 4 - The PresentsOur family has some very clear traditions around the opening of the presents.First, we have the Christmas story about the Great Present (Jesus coming to earth), then some singing, and only then do we start opening presents.Our tradition is that the youngest one present gets to hand out the presents. When all 26 of my family used to celebrate Christmas together, the children would take turns handing out presents, starting with the youngest, the the next youngest and so on, down the line.Here there are only 2 children, one who can read and one who cannot. So a clever collaboration was established. The older one would read who it was to and from, the younger would deliver the present.Another tradition? Only ONE present... 12/25/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 3 - The SingingChristmas 2011 Part 3 - The SingingA strong part of Christmas is the music. The Christmas Story has inspired music down through the ages.We have found great joy in singing songs at Christmas time. Many years ago we pulled out shakers and maracas and other rhythm makers for each of the kids. That tradition continues to this day.With this video, you get to participate in the joy and excitement of singing at Christmastime: 12/25/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 2 - The Christmas StoryThe central part of Christmas is the Christmas Story. Our family has been careful to preserve the centrality of this in our Christmas celebrations.So before the presents. Before the meal. Before anything else, we enact, or read, or present the Christmas Story. God so loved the world that He gave... That was the first gift. All other gifts pale in comparison.God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but will have everlasting life.God in flesh. A babe in a manger. Prophesied dozens of times hundreds of years before it happened. God came to earth. Emmanuel, God with us...Here, presented to a five year old and a three year old, is the Christmas Story: 12/25/2011

Christmas 2011 Part 1 - The WarmupChristmas 2011 Part 1 - The WarmupWe got to spend the day before Christmas with the family of our younger daughter. It was really a complete Christmas Day, with our Christmas traditions, the singing, the meal, the presents and the desserts!We got there shortly after 11 am, and immediately stepped into the world of a three year old and a six year old. It is hard to describe the joy and anticipation of little ones before Christmas. The excitement is palpable. It is expressed physically, with noise, and with sparkling eyes that light up the whole neighborhood.You get to step into the world of anticipation.Enjoy the video! 12/25/2011

Following up yesterday’s bargain $500k Seattle waterfront home, we move over to the Eastside for the least-expensive sale on Lake Washington’s waterfront. The bargain of 2011 on the Eastside was in Holmes Point, on the North end of Kirkland.  The Eastside’s “inexpensive” waterfront is usually quite a bit more expensive than the same category in Seattle, but this home actually broke through to Seattle-level prices.  At $725,000, this West-facing house on the Holmes Point shoreline was actually a short sale (A short sale occurs when an seller owes more than the home is worth–the bank must agree to sell for less, and someone is taking a loss).  The home was snapped up after just 11 days on the market.  The whole process took about 45 days to close, which is particularly surprising, as the ... 12/24/2011

Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita, Kirkland, WashingtonBank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita, Kirkland, Washington10017 NE 122nd St #M-A, Kirkland 98034-3709This Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita, Kirkland, Washington is both cozy and charming. This Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita, Kirkland, Washington is located in a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. The home is a short distance from the wonderful shopping and dining of Juanita Village. Take advantage of the location, as this Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita, Kirkland, Washington is near beautiful Juanita Beach Park and the shores of Juanita Bay. This Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita, Kirkland, Washington offers privacy, as the unit is located in the back of the complex. This Bank Owned One Bedroom Condo, Juanita... 12/20/2011

How are your Ginger Bread House Building skills? Judah Realty would like to invite you to our annual Ginger Bread House Contest: Decorating ginger bread houses is a family tradition for us during Christmas as and it brings us closer to our children.  Here is how you can participate; Upload your picture online to our fan page (Judah Realty), receive the most likes on your Ginger Bread House by December 20th. Contest ends December 20th (MONDAY) at 5pm. The winner with receive a $75 gift certificate of their choice and the runner-up a $25 gift certificate. Gift Certificate ideas: ToysRus, Macy, Nordstroms, Fred Meyer, itunes, Apple, the possibilities are endless... Looking forward to your submissions. examples of submission- Ginger Bread House, Ginger Bread Man, Ginger Bread Train, Ginger ... 12/20/2011

Birthday Party for a Three Year OldOn a chilly December Saturday we went over to our daughter and son-in-law’s house to help them in the final moments before their son’s third birthday party.Oh My!Balloons and signs started out in the street. The theme was Construction. There were six different stations, each with a different kind of activity.When I returned from bringing some extra food from a local restaurant, the invited guests had started to gather.Kids and adults had fun, great food, a good time. As each of the little guys friends left, there was a present for THEM!!Enjoy the video.(An over-the-top) Birthday Party for a Three Year Old 12/18/2011

Prep for a PartyOn Saturday we celebrated my younger grandson’s 3rd birthday.My daughter has my drive and my wife’s organization. It is quite the powerful combination. It was a simple, but over the top experience for a young boy just finishing two years on this planet.We went over early to help entertain the kids and finish the final touches. But the work had been going on for weeks. And the results were dazzling!Kids were excited in anticipation. Grandparents were too!Here is the video of Prep for a Party. 12/18/2011

Finn Hill Junior High Kirkland, WAFinn Hill Junior High Kirkland, WAGo Falcons!Finn Hill Junior High Kirkland, WA is one of twelve junior high schools within the Lake Washington School District. Perched on a hill, overlooking Juanita Bay, Finn Hill Junior High is located in a quiet and beautiful residential neighborhood. The school also shares their property with the Environmental & Adventure School, a choice school also within the Lake Washington School District. Finn Hill Junior High is within minutes of the North Juanita neighborhood and is also a short distance of Kirkland’s historic West of Market neighborhood. Finn Hill Junior High Kirkland, WA has been serving students and families of this particular neighborhood since 1967.  For over 44 years, the school has educated and prepare... 12/15/2011

Environmental & Adventure School Kirkland, WAEnvironmental & Adventure School Kirkland, WAIn a city that is known for it’s beautiful parks, it seems only appropriate that there would be a school that celebrates and embraces nature. Environmental & Adventure School Kirkland, WA is situated in the Finn Hill neighborhood of Kirkland. The school shares the same property as Finn Hill Junior High, however, the school is separate and autonomous. Environmental & Adventure School Kirkland, WA was founded in 1999 by teachers who envisioned a highly engaging and challenging learning community that would meet the needs of middle school students. Why an environment theme for a school? Environment includes various contexts in which we live, learn, and work, as well a in addition to our natural enviro... 12/14/2011

Search for homes in the Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue area. See whats for sale in your favorite communities. There are many options in todays market, with Short Sales, Foreclosures, and traditional non-distressed properties. Sign up for our daily up-to-the minute updates when homes are listed for sale or have gone under contract.     Homes for sale in Kirkland Homes for sale in Redmond Homes for sale in Bellevue   12/13/2011

Helen Keller Elementary Kirkland, WAHelen Keller Elementary Kirkland, WAI long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble - Helen Keller Helen Keller Elementary Kirkland, WA is one the great elementary schools within the Lake Washington School District. Helen Keller Elementary Kirkland, WA is situated in the Juanita neighborhood of Kirkland. The school is tucked away in a small residential area and is within walking distance of Juanita High School. Helen Keller Elementary Kirkland, WA serves a vibrant community of students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. Helen Keller Elementary Kirkland, WA operates under a four pronged mission statement. The Helen Keller community fosters student achievement through ... 12/13/2011

Edith Moulton Park Kirkland, WAEdith Moulton Park Kirkland, WAEdith Moulton Park Kirkland, WA is a hidden treasure within the community of Kirkland. In a city known for it’s beautiful lakeside waterfront and beach parks, parks like this are easily forgotten. Edith Moulton Park Kirkland, WA is nestled in the middle of the Kirkland suburbs. The park is situated in a suburban Juanita neighborhood, making it a wonderful addition to the community. The park is within walking distance of both Helen Keller Elementary and Juanita High School.  Edith Moulton Park Kirkland, WA is a beautiful and pleasant 26 acre forested park. Originally, the land was a 20 acre farm. In 1897, the land was owned by Jennie Moulton, who was given the land as a gift from her sons. On this land, Jennie Moulton raised h... 12/13/2011

Cozy 1 Bedroom Cedar Mill Condo Kirkland, WACozy 1 Bedroom Cedar Mill Condo Kirkland, WA10017 NE 122ND ST #M-A Kirkland, WA 98034$59,900You are sure to feel at home in this cozy 1 bedroom Cedar Mill condo in Kirkland, WA. This one bedroom condo is nestled in the quiet and peaceful Cedar Mill community. The property is located in Juanita and is just a short distance from the wonderful shopping and upscale restaurants of Juanita Village. Take advantage of the great location and take in he beautiful natural surroundings. Spend the day relaxing at beautiful Juanita Beach, go for a stroll on the many beautiful trails, have a picnic, or explore the fascinating wetlands. Kirkland’s historic neighborhood and downtown are also just a short drive away.This cozy 1 bedroom Cedar Mill condo in Kirkl... 12/07/2011

Fantastic Finn Hill Rambler in Kirkland, WAFantastic Finn Hill Rambler in Kirkland, WA8616 NE 139th St. Kirkland, WA 98034$329,950Enjoy living in the beautiful and peaceful community of Finn Hill. This fantastic Finn Hill rambler in Kirkland, WA is nestled in a quiet and green neighborhood. This home would be ideal for a family with small children, as Henry David Thoreau Elementary is within walking distance. The home is also near beautiful Big Finn Hill Park, which offers numerous sports field, grassy lawns, and playground facilities. Take a short drive, and you will be able to enjoy the picturesque scenery of Juanita Beach. This fantastic Finn Hill rambler in Kirkland, WA has been updated and offers many special features throughout the home. The front yard of this home is beautifully ... 12/05/2011