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Maple Valley, WA Real Estate News

By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
We have a saying here in the Seattle area, "Summer starts on July 5th". The weather is usually less than ideal for July 4th celebrations; backyard picnics, swimming and pyrotechnics. But not this year, the sun is shining and the grills will be working overtime. Be safe and have fun! Maple Valley Moments from the Week of July 29:   Above the Barn Door Spotlight on Tahoma Schools Sunshine & Summertime Bank Owned Market Report       See Additional pictures on the new Maple Valley Photo Blog Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help! Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth. Find My Maple Valley Dream Home! Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties ...
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By Gary McNinch, Broker, Renton WA Real Estate
(Better Properties Real Estate)
love this house Trulia Question on a Property in Maple Valley from a buyer named Chris Home BuyerRenton, WA i would love to know how much they bought this house for as i like the house and would seriously consider an offer at around 265k do you think this would be pushing my luck ?--This question is about this property: http://www.trulia.com/property/1079842663-23804-SE-281st-Ln-… Highest Rated Gary McNinch Team’s answer Gary McNinch Te... AgentRenton, WA BEST ANSWER Hi Chris, This home is in Glacier Valley development, across the street and one block from highly rated Glacier Park Elementary. Originally Bill Ruth owned this property and sold it to Capstone Homes who built these homes in 03,04,05. The current owners purchased in November 05 for $299K and appear to have a first and secon...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
  I'm fortunate to have a very short commute to the office every day. I think it's somewhere around 3 miles each way. But in that short 10 minute time frame I seem to see the darnedest things! Last year, after popping in the Maple Valley Market, I came outside to see this ....definitely one of the highlights of last summer.! I live in "rural" Maple Valley, at least that's what we call it; technically, it's unincorporated King County but still I have a Maple Valley address and my kids attended Tahoma Schools. Each day I get to drive by the Links at Olson Mansion and occasionally will spot a bald eagle perched by the U-Fish pond....lazily looking for an easy meal. (Bald eagles are HUGE by the way, but obviously very light as they barely bend the thin branches of the Leyland cypress trees)...
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By Rene Fabre, Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts
(ARFCO Media)
Southeast of Renton, just a few minutes down Hwy 169 begins Maple Valley. It extends south for several miles ending at the city of Black Diamond. Just north of Black Diamond and directly east of Kent is the city of Maple Valley. As much as this area has grown, it still has a rural flavor. You're about an hour out of Seattle (with normal traffic)... As you can see in the study below there are 8,950 homes, 6,910 are in platted sub-divisions and 2,040 are on acreage. If you've looked at my previous RTS posts that ratio of platted to unplatted is quite different. As you get closer to Seattle and the urban core the lots get smaller and they're is less and less unplatted acreage. In the city/zip code of Maple Valley, 1/4 of the homes are on acreage and notice the average lot size is 148,937 s...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
"It is the month of June, The month of leaves and roses When pleasant sights salute the eyes,And pleasant scents the noses."-   N.P. Willis  The month of June is not typically as glorious as this we have been experiencing weather wise. Summer does not not officially begin for another 10 days or so, but it feels as if we're in full summertime mode here in Maple Valley. The Farmers Market is set to open next weekend, my youngest son just finished  college classes for the year (and is already sleeping in too late each morning) and last night the Tahoma Senior High class of 2009 graduated!  Congratulations to all students, their parents and families!!!  There are lots activities happening in and around town this Summer. Of course this weekend is Maple Valley Days.  July 4th Celebration at L...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
If  you've always dreamed of living on the water in Maple Valley, your options for the most part are one of several Lakes, the Cedar River, Taylor Creek or a private pond. There are two properties that I know of in the Hobart area which have large "ponds" (small lakes if you live anywhere but the Northwest) but the majority of available waterfront inventory is on Lakefront or Riverfront. Here is a breakdown of what's going on with Maple Valley area waterfront: Lakefront: 7 Active Listings Average List Price $1,599250 1 SOLD w/in last 6 months Average Sales Price: $800,000    Riverfront: 3 Active Listings: Average List Price: $413.333 2 Pending Sales: Average List Prce: $377,250 Zero Sold Last 6 monts       Behind on Payments? We May Be Able to Help!  Find out what your Maple Valley home...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Many first time buyers already know about the first time home buyer tax credit for purchases made this year. But since most zero down-payment programs have been eliminated, many buyers are still unable to purchase because they don't yet have their 3.5% downpayment saved. Although the credit was meant to stimulate home sales, there's a bit of a logistical problem.... in order to get the credit, buyers have to purchase a house, but in order to purchase a house, they need the tax credit to help with their downpayment. Here in Washington State, the legislature is looking into a creative alternative to help would-be buyers take advantage of this very affordable market. The State recently passed a budget which provides 25 million dollars to be used as advances against the tax credit. They are...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
  The phones are ringing. Showings have increased on listings. Flyers are disappearing more quickly from brochure boxes. All signs pointing to increased buyer interest in the Maple Valley area. A year to date market snapshot reveals we have had 74 single family homes close (per NWMLS stats) since the first of the year. Certainly not a boost of confidence for a market looking to recover. However given that Escrow closing time frames are typically 30-45 days, and many of our existing pending sales are Short Sales, where closing may take as long as 90-120 days, it’s too soon to tell whether 2009 is shaping up to better, worse or equal to the market of 2008. (Which I think everyone I know in real estate would rather forget!) So let’s take a look at the first 3 months of 2009 compared to tha...
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By Gabrielle Nemes, 206.300.8421, S King & Pierce County RE Advocate
(RE/MAX Realty South)
In the minds of the Seller, the most important question at a listing presentation is "What Would You List my House For?"It doesn't really matter that I may say, "well, it's your house and although I can give you experienced and researched suggestions, ultimately, we're going to list the house at a price you choose," the seller looks up at you with hope in their eyes that you'll name a really big number! As market values have continued to fall here in our area, it's often difficult to help a Seller understand that what their house will sell for is less than it would have been a year, or even six months, ago. In listing presentations until very recently, I've relied on spreadsheets and comps to help lay out the numbers. I've talked about how prices in our area are just above the 2005 numb...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
When sales begin to increase in the Spring we often attribute it to an improvement in weather...but we can't really use that excuse given the snow and heavy rains we've had this month. But do we really need to attribute the nearly 32% increase in pending sales this month over last to anything other than incredibly low, bargain basement pricing, amazing (think 5 or just under) interest rates and very motivated sellers? Pending sales (those with mutually accepted contracts) have risen by 32% in the Maple Valley market this month over last. Of these sales however, the median price has fallen from $326,250 to $299,950-most likely reflecting the high percentage of short sales and bank owned homes. Over 65% of the pending sales in our area are properties priced under $350,000. If you're selli...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
The greater Maple Valley area offers a wide variety of homes; from Townhomes to Waterfront properties….New Construction on smaller lots to Gated communities on 2+ acres. Much of the Maple Valley market falls within unincorporated King County and is comprised of homes on larger parcels of property. Whether your dream is to have horses in your own pasture, build a huge shop for all your toys, or just have a little more elbow room, there are many acreage properties for buyers consideration these days.     Here’s a snapshot of Maple Valley Homes on one or more acre as of March 21, 2009*:   Active Listings Pending Sales Sold w/in Last 6 months Number of Homes 72 4 22 Highest Priced Home $4,475,000 $889,900 $1,400,00 Lowest Priced Home $225,000 $265,965 $65,000 Average Price $738,444 $586,429...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Whether you're looking to move into the Maple Valley area, or live here currently, it can be interesting to look at market trends and stats by individual neighborhood. This report is for the Maple Woods & Maple Ridge, a master planned community just South of Kent Kangley and East of 169. Here is a market snapshot for Single Family homes listed and sold through NWMLS. Active Listings    ACTIVE PENDING SOLD # Homes 14 11 12 Average List Price $447,563 $377,300  n/a Average Sales Price N/A N/A $432,994         Average Days on Market 76 39 184   Get More Info on Short Sales & Foreclosure Help in Maple Valley  Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth. Find My Maple Valley Dream Home! SouthEast King County Bank Owned Featured Listings     Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
There’s nothing more fun to do on a Summer Saturday than visit a local Farmers Market. And this summer, those of us who love picking out fresh produce, flowers and other “goodies” won’t have to drive very far. The Maple Valley Farmer’s Market will open June 20, 2009 and will be held at Rock Creek Elementary School. The organizers are looking for community input as they put the finishing touches on the project. You can take the survey online. I'm sure more details will be available soon!      Get More Info on Short Sales & Foreclosure Help in Maple Valley  Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth. Find My Maple Valley Dream Home! SouthEast King County Bank Owned Featured Listings     Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfu...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
There's one area of the real estate market which is booming in Maple Valley and it's the Rental Market! Inventory is very low and demand remains high. Currently there are only 5 Active Rental listings within the Tahoma School District. This listings have an average rental asking price of $1979/month. In the last 6 months, 29 homes have been rented with an average per month price of $1797. The majority of these listings are for 12 month lease terms. If you're a Maple Valley homeowner who would like to find out more about the leasing process and property management services on a local level, I invite you to visit our property management page to learn more.   Get More Info on Short Sales & Foreclosure Help in Maple Valley  Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth. Find My Maple Valley...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Q: Are homes selling in Maple Valley?  A: Yep. Q: Are many homes selliing in Maple Valley? A: It depends on your definition of "many". All kidding aside, if you're thinking of selling now or in the near future, your chances of success are much greater if your home falls within the "popular" price range. Read more on Moving Maple Valley   Get More Info on Short Sales & Foreclosure Help in Maple Valley  Find out what your Maple Valley home is worth. Find My Maple Valley Dream Home! SouthEast King County Bank Owned Featured Listings     Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990 but specializes in the Maple Valley Washington area. She may be co...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
There are many misconceptions about home owners who are facing foreclosure, one of the biggest being the idea that the process is inevitable. There are steps you can take which may help you to avoid foreclosure altogether. If you’ve fallen behind on payments, you’ll likely begin to receive calls and letters from your mortgage holder(s). Do not ignore them! It is imperative to contact your lender to begin a dialog with your bank. You will hopefully be able to find out whether and how they will work with you. Educating yourself is the first step. Here is a link to Washington State HUD approved counseling services.  There are possible alternatives to Foreclosure and anyone in financial distress should be aware that there are some unscrupulous investors and scam artists looking to prey on l...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Rural Maple Valley presents various opportunities for buyers looking to s-p-r-e-a-d out. Whether you're looking for a detached shop to store the boat and "toys", outbuildings and pasture for horses or have a dream of living in a gated community where you have the best of both worlds; neighbors but elbow room.....we've got it! (And if it's not available for sale now, we'll try our best to find it for you)  There's even a home available now with it's own lake! Whether you own a home on acreage or would like to, here's the Market report for Single family homes on 1+ acre located in the Tahoma School District boundaries. Currently on the Market:  61 Homes    Average List price: $748,984 Pending Sales (Under contract): 4 Homes Average List price: $441, 191 Sold (within last 6 months): 24 Hom...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
February has historically been a month when home buyers can make a great deal. Much of the existing inventory has languished on the market over the holidays and owners who were hopeful January would bring them an interested buyer, have been disappointed. By February, many of these discourged owners are looking for an offer....any offer! "WHY DON'T THEY JUST MAKE ME AN OFFER?!" (I've heard this a time or two from sellers) Of course this doesn't mean they will take any offer,but getting the dialog going and working with an experienced professional negotiating on your behalf can often mean the difference between a good deal, a great deal or NO DEAL!  Currently in the greater Maple Valley market area there are 60 single family homes under $250,000. The FHA 3.5% downpayment on a sales price ...
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By Julianna Hind, REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA
(eXp Realty)
If you are a First Time Home Buyer in Maple Valley, Washington and surrounding areas you may want to take note of the new changes to the First Time Buyer Tax Credit. If you have already purchased your first home in 2009... Well congratulations! You may be $8000.00 richer! Now that's a handy sum! And if you haven't purchased a home yet... well you don't want to miss out on it do you? Did you know there is even more opportunity in Maple Valley with a USDA Rural Home Loan? In certain areas --- GREAT Maple Valley Communities -- First Time Home buyers can also qualify for the ZERO Down/100& Financing USDA Rural Home Loan... Ready to OWN? Want to take the 8K credit? (see chart below to view income limits) Tired of Renting? Want to take advantage of the BEST DEALS on HOMES ever? Give me, Julia...
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By Covington, WA. Realtor
(Keller Williams Eastside)
This is for everyone out there weathering this market condition. I came accross this Zig Zigglar quote which really hit me in the core. People often tell me that I was ambtious. I just don't feel like one lately. Your business is never really good or bad "out there,"Your business is either good or badright between your own two ears. The real opportunity for success lies within the person and not in the job. It is easy to get to the top after you get through the crowd at the bottom. Success is not a destination, it's a journey. The most practical, beautiful, workable philosophy in the world won't work - if you won't. Motivation is the fuel necessary to keep the human engine running. Discipline yourself to do the things you need to do when you need to do them, and the day will comewhen yo...
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