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Maple Valley, WA Real Estate News

By Julianna Hind, REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA
(eXp Realty)
Maple Valley's McSWEET vs Corporate America's McDonaldsMcSweet has been bottling and selling their gourmet pickled onions for over 20 years, but when the local company, based in my own town of Maple Valley, Washington, recently applied for a registered trademark, McSweet found itself in a bit of a pickle! Golden Arches vs Golden Onions!The large international corporation of McDonalds has put forth jarring evidence that McSweet dilutes the famous Mc"Everthings" that McDonald trademarks.Their evidence, why the the McPizza, McRibs, McMuffin, McTurk-a-Ducks -- and whatever else they have MC'd up. Perhaps McDonalds should have "McCriss-Crossed-McApplesauced" EVERYTHING "Mc" and preserved the "Mc" forever and then we would all be done with it!!! What's in a Name?In fact, if you are a McClella...
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By Julianna Hind, REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA
(eXp Realty)
THE MAPLE VALLEY FISHING DERBY!The Maple Valley Fishing Derby opens the fishing season at Lake Wilderness and the fun begins at 12:01 AM! Families have the opportunity for overnight camping (available only during the annual fishing derby,) cash prises, a great breakfast by the Maple Valley Rotary, and lots of fun! Click here on the Maple Valley Fishing Derby Link for more information. - Julianna
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
If you're thinking about buying a home in Maple Valley on one or more acres of land, there's good news and there's bad news. The good news is, you'll have a great selection from which to choose. From a smaller fixer on 4 acres to a sumptuous 6000 square foot plus Estates on 5 acres+. The bad news? It's not going to be cheap! There are currently 67 homes on 1+ Acrein the greater Maple Valley area which fall within the Tahoma School District boundaries. These properties range in price from $269,000 to nearly $4 Million with the average List price $797,000-ish. Many of these properties are in acreage type communities (some gated) surrounded by homes of similar size. But the majority will be what we refer to as "non-tract" homes, where there is more of a mixture of home types, sizes, age, e...
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By Julianna Hind, REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA
(eXp Realty)
The Lake Wilderness Arboretum offers wonderful opportunities for the residents of Maple Valley. On April 19th, they are offering a craft day with the perfect gift for Mother's Day... A Mossed Hanging Basket. The fee is $30 per basket. This craft does require prepayment and registration and space is limited... so hurry and contact them if you are interested!- Julianna
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
This time of year I turn somewhat introspective, which is unusual because it used to be November/December when I would take a good hard look at myself. In the past I had looked at business plans and transaction numbers. But lately I'm beginning to measure my success not by a gross sales amount or a specific volume, but by whether I've made an effort to make a difference in my community. Last year I committed, along with with a very dedicated, passionate group of Associates in my office, to organize and host a Dinner/Auction to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network & Pediatric Brain Tumor Research (a critically underfunded area of cancer research). It was a resounding success.In the spirit of growing the giving, this year's Little Miracles Auction Committee decided to recognize one ...
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By Carmen Tomlinson, King & Pierce Counties WA
(Re/Max Select RE)
Little Miracles Happen Every day! Our 2nd Annual Little Miracles Auction benefitting Children's Miracle Network & Children's Hospital in Seattle is fast approaching.  This year we've decided to honor one member of the community who makes the difference in the lives of sick or disabled children.This year we will be honoring Mr. Ken Eide, a Special Education teacher at Shadow Lake Elementary for his ongoing dedication to some of the most profoundly disabled children in Maple Valley.  He is long overdue for recognition!  He is a teacher who goes above & beyond with his care & nurturing of not only his students but their families.  He stops in at one particular student's home every morning to feed this child who gets anxious about going to school.Congratulations Ken Eide!  You are our 2008 ...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
As you can see from the chart below, inventory remains very high compared with the number of Pending Sales and recently accepted offers under contract "Subject to Inspection". The good news is buyers are out looking, the bad news is, they are not willing to move on properties which are over priced in their opinions. Well priced homes, in excellent condition are selling to qualified buyers....not just to investors looking for a deal.  Looking to Buy or Sell a home in Maple Valley? I can help! Since 1990, I have been successfully marketing and selling Residential Resale and New Construction homes in South King and North Pierce Counties, but I specialize in the greater Maple Valley Market where you get more for your money but are within easy driving distance of Seattle, Whether you're inte...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Homeowners in the Lake Wilderness Country Club neighborhood are still awaiting final numbers from the City of Maple Valley on a Local Improvement District assessment the City will likely be imposing to recoup much of it's $4.5 million acquisition cost of the 18 hole golf course. When rumours of a sale of the public course for development first began surfacing, the City stepped up and bought the course in the interest of preserving open space. Currently the course and restaurant is being run by Premier Golf Centers. According to some Homeowners who have attended previous meetings, there is talk of the assessements being tiered per golf course lot-based on the extent each property would have been negatively impacted by the development. Numbers quoted have ranged from a few thousand dollar...
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By Carmen Tomlinson, King & Pierce Counties WA
(Re/Max Select RE)
Foreclosures & Short-salesForeclosures & short sales are popping up like crazy in our region.  I was out showing homes to a client and 3 of the 5 we were viewing were short sales.  It's a trying time for a lot of homeowners right now.  Whether it's a mortgage that's resetting or too much equity taken out, it's a difficult scenario.   Home ownership is the American dream yet banks are taking homes back in record numbers.The Pendulum has swung the other way.  Lending guidelines & appraisals are not just conservative but  amazingly conservative.  I recently had my own home appraised.  I was shocked when it came in grossly under value!  I could have disputed it easily with comps.  If I were selling, I would list it substantially higher, (not just 20 or 30K) and the market could bare it!  It...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
 March UpdateSometimes Bank-owned properties (or those which have gone through foreclosure and are now owned and available for sale by the Bank/Lender/Asset Management Co) are a "good deal" and sometimes they aren't. Here are a few tips if you're looking at Bank-owned properties: If you're looking to purchase a bank-owned property, enlist the help of a professional in your area who knows your  market and can help you navigate the Bank-owned process. These companies will often have their own forms and "quirky" requirements. Make sure you understand all the implications before signing on the dotted line Do your due-diligence, talk with the neighbors, find out about all "the skeletons", if any,  before you buy. Sometimes the bank will have conducted an inspection of the property but there ...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Are your kids out growing their clothes long before they can wear them out? Tired of buying brand new clothes only to have them worn one or two times? Visit the Bi-Annual Baby & Kid's Clothing Exchange tomorrow night at the Maple Valley Community Center located at the corner of Witte Rd and SE 248th St where clothing from sizes infant through Children's size 18 will be available for trade.  Clothing can be donated or traded at the Community Center Wednesday March 5th between 6:00 pm and 7:30. FREE clothing will be available between 7:30 and 8 (limit one bag per family). Any items not traded or requested will be donated to charity.  The Greater Maple Valley Community Center provides a number of support services for Maple Vally Residents inlcuding Seniors, Families as well as Teens.    __...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
  Maple Woods / Maple Ridge  View Larger Mapp>   Maple Woods, sometimes referred to as Maple Ridge or Maple Ridge Highlands due to the different divisions within the neighborhood, is a Master Planned community just south of the Four Corners area of Maple Valley. The Community gained instant popularity when Polygon first opened the project in the 2002. At that time, there was a waiting list to choose a lot and I remember stories of several folks who actually camped out the night before in order to be first in line to get the lot they wanted! Polygon went on to build the Division One & Two. At the top of the hill, just past the Water tower, there are newer homes, built by Centex, Norris Homes and Curtis Lang Custom Homes. Throughout the Maple Woods/Maple Ridge Community, you'll find breat...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
There's a very small baseball field in Hobart, WA where the little guys who like to think they are big guys play T-ball. It's close to the Hobart Store, where sun flower seeds and gatorades are kept well stocked for the serious players and fans. Several years ago the field was renamed in honor of Hometown boy, Johnny Lazor who was born in Taylor WA (now known as Hobart WA) in 1912.      Johnny was a relative late-comer to "The Show" breaking into the big leagues in 1943 at the ripe old age of 30 with the Boston Red Sox. He played 4 years and ended his career with a .263 average.     In 1995, almost fifty years after Johnny's career ended, and well before the field was renamed in his honor, my little guy (who's not so little anymore) pulled off an unassisted Triple Play as a second basem...
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By Carmen Tomlinson, King & Pierce Counties WA
(Re/Max Select RE)
 I am currently working with several buyer clients who ponder "when is the right time to buy?"  They have all inquired at one point or another "when do you think we'll hit the bottom in the market?"  What a great question!  If I knew the answer to that I could stand to make alot of money!  The real estate crystal ball.  I would definitely get a Patton on that!    The best advice I can give is that by the time we know we've hit the bottom of the market it will have passed us by.  Interest Rates are low!  It's funny, I hear some agents that have been in the biz for ages telling the new ones about times where the mortgage interest rates were 15%.  FIFTEEN!  We're in a market which is much more "normal" than we've seen in years.  I remember a couple years ago writing an offer on the hood of...
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By Carmen Tomlinson, King & Pierce Counties WA
(Re/Max Select RE)
 I'm having some yardwork & pruning done on my property.  I was standing outside talking with the landscape company and realized how messy my yard is with dead branches everywhere.  Our grass is brown & looking very sad.  I am really looking forward to having new soil added to the garden beds so I can add some color.  Flowers have a way of beautifying any space.  If I were selling I think people might drive up and keep on driving! Not really but I'm critical because I never take my Realtor hat off!  First Impressions are Everything when selling.....but I'm not so I guess I'm ok while we're trying to get the yard back in shape!My poor family, when we sold our last two homes I was like a drill sargeant!  Yes, bootcamp!  Before we left the house for each showing we would run the vacuum so ...
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By Carmen Tomlinson, King & Pierce Counties WA
(Re/Max Select RE)
We all know that being referred is the best source of quality clients!  Personally, I am very particular about who I will refer.  Attaching my name, thus credibility, to someone else's work is something I do not take lightly. So, how do we inspire others to refer us?   It's easy!  Get caught up in genuinely striving to exceed expectations every single time.  How do you do that on a typical transaction?  It's the little things that mean so much.  It astounds me how often I find myself in a transaction with a lackluster agent, unwilling to return phone calls, fax a form 17 timely for my client's review & do the typical duties required of them to perform at a par level.   One might argue that such things are not exceeding expectations.  Very true, people expect those things.  Go beyond tha...
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By Carmen Tomlinson, King & Pierce Counties WA
(Re/Max Select RE)
 Tonight my husband & I went for a walk around our neighborhood after putting our daughter to bed.  It was really dark, as there are no street lights....just lamp posts at the end of the driveways.  It's so quiet because we live in a somewhat rural area, away from all the lights of "town".  As we took our walk we went by a home with their garage door open.  The house was dark so we thought maybe they went to bed with it up.  Immediately, I began to replay a memory in my head when I was a young girl in junior high: It was also dark out and I decided to go right next door to visit my girlfriend.  As I walked across the grass to her house I passed by their garage.  The door was open, lights on and some stranger was in their garage rumaging through their belongings.  I turned around and ran...
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By Dean Makela, Realtor - Maple Valley
(Windermere Real Estate)
It's amazing to me how fast technology is changing, and how advances in cellular technology are making our cell phones mini computers...Here's a tip to save you money on your cellphone bill... Google has introduced a 1-800 dial up that will connect you free of charge to businesses.  It works like 411 but is voice recognition, and since its a 1-800 number it's FREE!!  Try it. (1-800-466-4411) http://www.google.com/goog411/index.htmlDean Makela"Your Friend in Real Estate" Windermere RE / Maple Valley, Inc206-849-2187
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
I'm not sure how I missed this, but I just found out one of my favorite breakfast spots,  Black Diamond Bakery, is now serving Dinner! This is a Big, Big deal, as one of the most common complaints we "Maple Valley Folk" have is our shortage of local Dinner spots. Here's a link to their Dinner Menu.  Black Diamond is a small town about 10 minutes South of Maple Valley, and on the way to Enumclaw. The Bakery first opened in 1902 and is known for it's fresh breads which are made daily. The atmosphere is family friendly, with a restaurant, Bakery, coffee bar and a few gift shops. If you're looking for someplace new to try, check it out....but go hungry. If the Dinners are any thing like their super hearty breakfasts......you may want to wear your "big" pants.    Enjoy!______________________...
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By Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop, A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!
(NextHome Experience)
Hobart was shaking. At least that's what the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network tells us happened last Monday February 4 when a  series of 4 small 2.0 magnatude Earthquakes occurred. The quakes were centered in the Hobart area, a rural community located South of Issaquah Washington and East of Maple Valley, WA. Personally, I didn't feel a thing and don't know anyone in the area who did. These small tremors seem to be a common occurrence in the Pacific Northwest. The only Earthquake of any magnatude I've experienced since moving to the Northwest in 1987 was seven years ago when the Nisqually Earthquake, a magnatude 6.8, had the whole Seattle area trembling. Being from the Mid-west, I was used to Tornado safety and called my 13 year old, who was at home sick and told him to hurry and get i...
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