One more reason to be proud of the schools in Maple Valley. Newsweek magazine recently posted their list of high schools which rank among the top 5% in the Nation for students having taken AP tests and Tahoma Senior High is on that list! As a parent who has graduated two children from the high school, I know the district takes great pride in it's academic achievements. The Tahoma School District boasts test scores which have consistently remained at the top among South King County districts, this is yet another indication of the dedication of teachers, students and district personnel.  Many relocating to the greater Seattle area have chosen to move to Maple Valley because of it's affordability (relative to the Seattle/Bellevue area), sense of community and strong school district.   Coll... 08/03/2008

The loose definition of "quirk" is having a "peculiar trait"....according to Merriam-Webster's online definition at least.   This was the word of the day this past weekend while I was showing homes in the Maple Valley area. No matter which home we went to, there was, inevitably, an odd quirk to the property.  Be it poor condition, a bizarre floorplan or an unusual property trait, we seemed destined to find something quirky about every single home we viewed. Many had great amenities, "except for".  The longer we looked, the more we began to expect ( even look forward to identifying )the quirk in the next house. We weren't disappointed. Every home we viewed had "something odd" about it. Quirky. Odd can be good and odd can be bad. But if there is something quirky about a home, the price ne... 07/31/2008

Whether you're an entrepreneur thinking about building your first spec home, or a family who has been long wanting to build your custom dream home....there is a variety of vacant properties currently available for sale in the Maple Valley area. This market report reflects properties listed for sale through NWMLS and does not reflect any "by owner" sales and/or listings.     Currently on the Market: 47 properties Average List Price: $298,227 Average Days on Market: 128 days   Pending Sales: 2 properties Average List Price: $1,042,000 Average Days on Market: 37   Properties Sold: 6 Average List Price: $229,333 Average Days on Market: 72   Vacant land sales are down over last year. There have been 6 properties sold over 7 months. With 47 lots on the market, there is approximately 4 years o... 07/28/2008

Condos & Townhomes in Maple Valley are a small niche market. Many buyers like the low maintenace lifestyle and close proximity to shopping & school condominium living offers. This market report for Condominiums and Townhomes sold in the Maple Valley area reflects only homes listed and sold through NWMLS, and does not take into account any sold "by owner". Currently on the Market: 16 Average List Price: $308,813 Average Days on Market: 132   Pending Sales: 1 Average List Price: $285,000 Average Days on Market: 87   Condos Sold: 14 Average List Price: $315,350 Average Days on Market: 45   As you can see, there have been 14 units sold over 7 months. With 16 units on the market, there is a little more than 6 months of inventory currently on the market. If you're looking for a condominium in... 07/28/2008

Community Event in Southeast Puget Sound Mark your Calendars for Maple Valley Music in the Park: Evenings Aug. 7, 17 and 28. Free concert series. Lineup: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lake Wilderness Park, 22500 S.E. 248th St., Maple Valley. 425-413-8800 or parks@ci.maple-valley.wa.us. West Seattle Big Band    Thursday, August 7th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The West Seattle Big Band is traveling Southeast to Maple Valley's Lake Wilderness park for an evening of classic swing, jazz, and "everything in between." Burgers & Blues Night with the Night Train Blues Band   Sunday , August 17th, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.  NIGHT TRAIN BLUES BAND is a four-piece band plays Texas and Chicago style blues. Enjoy Burgers and Blues by the Lake at Wilderness! Groove House Band   Thursday, August 28th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. This is the Seatt... 07/27/2008

I realize that in driving around the Maple Valley area on a regular basis, I've gotten to see many of the charming sites and beauty of our community which some residents and visitors don't even know about.  Last week I announced a monthly photo contest on MovingMapleValley.com which will bring some of these special views and locations to the attention of those moving, visiting or living here. The contest for July was just posted today. If you are one of the first 4 to correctly comment on the location from where the photo was taken, you will win a $25 gas card* And if you don't know, be sure and check back when the answer is revealed and you'll know a little more about Maple Valley! PS: Even my husband got it wrong....go figure! *Some restrictions apply, please read the fine print ;-)  ... 07/21/2008

Come see this 3 Bed, 2 Bath home in Cherokee Bay. Large back yard with deck. This home is just blocks away from the huge lakefront community park, boat launch, cabana, playground & sports courts. Lake is stocked w/fish 2x per year & is a great added bonus! Come see before it's too late! For more photos Click Here!!!! FOR MORE INFORMATION AND CURRENT PRICING CALL:(800)266-3556 Ext. 9074 The Jeremy Mellick GroupJeremy MellickJLS RE MPV(206)816-HOME direct Remember our no risk Guarantee: YOUR HOME SOLD IN 19 DAYS, GUARANTEED, OR I'LL PAY YOUR MORTGAGE UNTIL IT SELLS!!! 07/14/2008

Maple Valley Open House: Valley Green... don't miss the community yard sale on Saturday Only! Date: July 12 & 13, 2008 1-4 PM Place: Valley Green Community (turn east of of HWY 169 to 240th... at the intersection with the stoplight near Taco Bell/KFC)  Next Dates: July 26th 10-1 Julianna Hind, Real Estate and Design Specialist in Maple Valley, Washington Broker: Keller Williams Southeast Sound 07/08/2008

The Maple Valley Real Estate Market Report: Need a quick "market snapshot" of your home and neighborhood? Get this week's local market report for your neighborhood here: This real-time report for Maple Valley, Washington is provided by Julianna Hind, Real Estate and Design Specialist Real Estate Professional at Keller Williams Southeast Sound, serving the Greater Puget Sound Area, including Maple Valley, Covington, Kent, Renton, Seattle, Bellevue, and Federal Way Washington     07/08/2008

Maple Valley Real Estate - Just ListedLinksValley Green HOAYourMapleValleyHome.comPhoto GalleryOpen and Bright Living RoomKitchen with Large PantryMaster Bedroom has Walk-in-ClosetFireplace in Family RoomPrivate Master BathWelcoming Entryway with Double DoorsDining AreaOpen Floor PlanOpen StairwayBright KitchenGreat Patio for BBQ!Great for Family LivingView EntertainmentLower Level Powder RoomBedroom for Nursery or Office RoomBright WindowsSpare BedroomSpare BedroomDescriptionCurb Appeal and Air Conditioned! Four bedroom on culdesac in wonderful Valley Green in Maple Valley, Washington. Porch has colonial style pillars and wide double doors. Air conditioned. Interior is bright and open, lots of windows let the light in. On Main: Entrance way, Powder Room, Living Room, Dining area, Famil... 07/03/2008

It's going to be HOT here in Maple Valley this weekend! To me, 70's is perfect, 80's is HOT and 90's are intolerable! I was born and raised in the Midwest so it's odd that I consider mid-80's to be HOT, but I've lived here for 21 years and seem to have acclimated to the cooler Northwest Climate. One thing's for sure though, I definitely don't miss the muggy heat of Cincinnati or the gnats....I hated them! (I do miss fireflies though) When my husband and I moved to the Puget Sound area in the late '80's I was dismayed to find there weren't very many options for outdoor pools for our kids. There were indoor pools, but how fun is that on a hot day? Silly me, I didn't realize that when you live in the Northwest and it gets hot, you head for real water....lakes & rivers! Over the years, as t... 06/26/2008

The term "Summer Vacation" has taken on a new meaning in our home. It's no longer the time when the kids are out of school for two and a half months. My youngest son graduated from Tahoma Senior High  last week so I am unofficially done with school & my kids. I say unofficially because there's still college to deal with, but that's a level which doesn't involve school lunches and progess reports.  Yesterday was the last day of school for the rest of the district and today Maple Valley seems to be moving in slow-motion as new routines are formed. We're fortunate to have many Summer resources for local kids, whether it's swimming at Lake Wilderness to cool down, swim lessons at the Covington Pool or an assortment of warm weather activities and trips for kids of all ages organized by the M... 06/18/2008

This Real Estate Market Report courtesy of Julianna Hind, Real Estate and Design Professional with Keller Williams Southeast Sound. Here is the 24 hour Market Watch on 6-18-2008 for activity for the Maple Valley Real Estate Market Report according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. This data is provided directly from the local MLS. Please check back for the most accurate local real estate reports and statistics and other information available in the Maple Valley area of Southeast King County. For more free reports and information on Maple Valley area homes visit: Julianna Hind and Associates Stage - Show - Sell! Active ListingsThere are 758 Active Listings Sales Now PendingThere are 127 Pending Home Sales in area 320 (Maple Valley Area) Sales ContingentThere are 9 Home Sales Now... 06/18/2008

The Northwest Multiple Listing service segregates listings by geographical area throughout the Puget Sound. In South East King County, Maple Valley, Hobart, Covington (East of about 164th) and parts of Black Diamond and Ravensdale are included in this large MLS area. This is a market snapshot of Residential Single Family Homes which have sold year to date in the Maple Valley market  as compared to the same time in 2007: Maple Valley Area YTD Market Snapshot Thru 6/1* Number of Sales Average Price Average Days On Market DOWN 40% DOWN 9.5% UP 32%   Other market reports available: Auburn Federal Way Enumclaw   *(Numbers represent Residential Single Family homes only Listed and closed through NWMLS) Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been su... 06/16/2008

Although it's not possible to predict June weather in Maple Valley from one year to the next, one thing which does remain consistent year after year, is Maple Valley Days. The festival is held each year at Lake Wilderness Park and begins Friday June 13 at 3pm and runs through Sunday June 15 at 6pm. The Maple Valley Days parade is on Saturday from 10-noon and runs down Witte Road into the park. There is a Kidland area which is sponsored by Junior Junction. This area provides activities and crafts for kids.  You'll also find unique events such as the Bear Run, Lawn Mower Races & the Street Rats Classic Car Show, plus food and more. Have Fun! 06/08/2008

I am sure many of you were awaken from the depths of sleep when Real Estate Agent Gary McNinch   posted a 2 AM blog on his AR Renton Real Estate blog site welcoming me to the Keller Williams team! Now, I apologize if you couldn't get back to sleep till now because you couldn't wait to hear the rest of the story! So let me update you all so you can go have a nap ;-) Staging - Listing - and Selling: I am thrilled to announce my association with Keller Williams Realty! I contacted Gary McNinch in January of '08, as it was one of my "action goals" for the New Year - to explore the opportunity of joining the Keller Williams team. Having done extensive reading here on the Active Rain website, I liked what I was hearing, seeing, and experiencing with agents who are members of the Keller Willia... 06/04/2008

Over 100 Buyers (and most likely more given many listings will be purchased by couples) have decided Maple Valley, WA is the place for them to make their 2008 home purchase. Currently there are over 100 Single Family homes and Condos under contract and awaiting the close of Escrow. Why the appeal? Maple Valley is a bedroom community approximately 20 miles South East of Seattle. It is a reasonable drive to all the best of the City-sports, arts, theater, dining.  It's School District is among the highest ranking in test scores among all South King County districts, a fact many families relocating to the area can appreciate. Many buyers in the area are coming from the Eastside- Iassaquah and the Sammamish Plateau because although the commute is a bit longer, they are able to get much more ... 06/02/2008

As lender requirements have tightened, fewer would-be homeowners are able to qualify to purchase. As a result, the demand for rentals in the Maple Valley area have increased over this time last year. Whether this is a function of investment savvy buyers taking advantage of market conditions, or owners needing to leave the area but unable or unwilling to sell for a lower price....either way, the rental market in Maple Valley is HOT!   The number of homes rented is up 300% year to date over this same time last year.   Rental Rates are up 14.5% from an average of $1632 to $1889 Currently active rentals range from $1500 for a 3 Bedroom single level home of approximately 1200 square feet to $2900 for a property in the 3000 square foot range. _________________________________________________... 05/30/2008

May Year To Date Single Family Homes Sold Report* for Maple Valley, WA. Number Sold 180 Average Sales Price $405,265 Average Days on Market 98 days Highest Priced Home Sold $1,100,000 Lowest Priced Home Sold $170,000 The highest priced home was a waterfront home on Lake Sawyer. The lowest priced home was a 2 Bedroom "fixer" type home. *This information pertains to Single Family Homes in the greater Maple Valley area (Tahoma School District boundaries) listed and closed through cooperative NWMLS sales to date. Technorati Tags: Maple Valley,Market Reports,Tahoma Schools 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 greater ... 05/26/2008

Keeping the beds made, the sinks clean, the carpets vacuumed....it's not easy keeping an occupied house in showing condition at all times-especially when you have to do it for months on end!  Many Maple Valley area homeowners who thought their listing would sell quickly are now looking at much longer market times than they had expected. One property in the area recently sold after being on the market for 500+ days...that's a lot of "get the house ready just in case someone calls" for anyone to handle. Although I've often been heard to say "there's no market price won't cure" (which is a fact), a hard look at market data can also help explain why Maple Valley area Resale properties are staying on the market longer. I've broken the numbers down in my new outside blog Moving Maple Valley. ... 04/27/2008