12/03/2009

Redmond WA home sales are up slightly this week.  We continue to demonstrate a nice up trend in general over the last several weeks.  In the English Hill and Education Hill Neighborhoods we have seen relatively strong sales as home sales have been exceeding new inventory for several weeks. As of 11/30/2009 here are the real estate home sales stats for the Redmond WA 98052 Neighborhoods in Redmond, Washington.  The home sales listed here are from the last 7 days to give a better reflection of what is going on in the neighborhood during any given week. Active: 216  Pending: 3  Sold: 14  Other: 1  Total: 234    Bedrooms  Bathrooms  Square Feet  List Price  Selling Price  DOM  Minimum  1   1.00   710   $159,000   $400,000   0   Average  4   2.69   2,733   $691,161   $524,425   115   Median ... 11/30/2009

Have you ever wanted to know what your neighbors house sold for? Or how many houses are for sale in a 3 block area around where you live? I can provide you with a detailed report for FREE that shows you that information PLUS COMMUNITY information on businesses and schools in on your street or in your neighborhood. Have you thought about moving up to a bigger house? Want to know what for sale close to a specific school or how much house you can get for your money? It''s just another FREE Report that I provide you! And it's all automatic, you don't even have to speak with me {although you can if you want :) } Just fill out this web form and within just a few minutes I will send you your FREE REPORT! Thanks so much! Randy Randolph Uber Agent 206-234-3647 RSVP Real Estate 11/17/2009

The River Trail Neighborhood located in downtown Redmond has been a very desirable place to live since it was developed in 1995. There are 3 Townhome complexes that make up River Trail – River Trail Condominiums, Meadowview Village at River Trail and Windwood Village at River Trail. Below is a review of real estate activity in the River Trail Neighborhood since August 1, 2009.   Over the last 4 months there has been more homes sold than in the prior 12 months. This is a good indicator that housing in the River Trail Neighborhood has begun to stabilize and we should start to see a pickup in home values by late spring 2010. There are 400 homes in the River Trail Neighborhood and with only 6 for sale it indicates that this area has started to stabilize and the worst of the real estate “mel... 11/12/2009

If your looking for Bank Owned Properties in Redmond WA below is the market report for October 2009. Some of the best deals in Real Estate are REO or Bank Owned Real Estate.  Banks are in a hurry to sell a home and they intentionally price it 20% below the market.  A Bank Owned home is property that goes back to the mortgage company after an unsuccessful foreclosure auction. You see, most foreclosure auctions do not even result in bids. After all, if there was enough equity in the property to satisfy the loan, the owner would have probably sold the property and paid off the bank. That is why the property ends up at a foreclosure or trustee sale. Foreclosure sales begin with a minimum bid that includes the loan balance, any accrued interest, plus attorney's fees and any costs association... 11/02/2009

Trilogy at Redmond Ridge is the premier active adult community for Redmond WA area residents.  If your looking for a community to retire in or live a seasoned active life, then the Trilogy community is for you.  Residents of Trilogy at Redmond Ridge enjoy events in the Cascade Club where they can enjoy live music and tall cocktails.  You connect with other residents through community events. Don't forget about the fabulous on-site amenities that include: the nationally-recognized championship golf course, Tranquility Spa, the Cascade Club, dinning option at the Redmond Ridge Grill or Cyber Cafe, tennis and an indoor pool. Enjoy all that Trilogy at Redmond Ridge has to offer from this Lovely one level home in Trilogy. Highly sought after Sammamish floor plan. 2 bedroom plus den. Keep co... 10/31/2009

About a month ago, I was interviewed for the Lowe's for Pros website on landscaping ideas to improve the market value and salability of a home. Below is the text of the article and here is the link:http://www.lowesforpros.com/landscaping-to-increase-property-value   Landscaping to Increase Property Value   By: Jake FowlerIssue Date: October 2009   For homeowners, curb appeal is critical for making a positive first impression on potential buyers. “They say statistically that 85 to 90 percent of the buying decision happens from the curb,” says Tony Meier, realtor at Windermere Real Estate in Redmond, Wa. And since property value is a huge concern for many homeowners, landscaping contractors can suggest several options that will not only add value to their client’s home but save energy and... 10/16/2009

Do you know anyone with champagne tastes and beer budgets?  What they need and what they can afford doesn't quite add up?  They need flexibility and the capacity to work from home most of the time, but periodically entertain house guests for a while.  If the room count they want and the price they need don't come together very well, suggest this; a wall bed system.  Jack Schuster is the owner of Wall Beds Northwest.  He recently showed me an amazing display of some very nice furniture which offers incredible flexibility.  Bookshelves, entertainment systems and computer work stations that all have the capacity to easily shift modes and offer comfort for the overnight guest.      Office System      Home Office       My knowledge of wall bed systems had been limited.  A panel that pulls do... 10/15/2009

I'm currently a registered Appraisal Trainee in Washington state, and an Associate Trainee Member of the Seattle Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. There seems to be a lot of comfusion about the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC), and how is applies to the profession. In addition, there seems to be confusion about the role of Trainees and whether their participation in an Appraisal is acceptable for FHA or VA Appraisals. In any case, its not clear to me how one gets started in the profession. It also doesn't help matters that Appraisal Management Companies have become popular. Their rise seems to have negatively impacted the fees an Appraiser receives. My sense is that there is a lot of debate around this issue, with no clear consensus on how to address it. If Appraisers aren't unit... 10/14/2009

We've been staying very active and part of the work we've been doing lately has been on many townhome listings.  Happily for one of our clients we got mutual acceptance on his RiverTrail listing in Redmond's downtown area near Bella Bottega as of this weekend.   We've got a new listing that will come on next week in Redmond at the very European feeling development of Taluswood townhome condominiums out off of Avondale Road.  This complex was built back in 2002 and at the time a very good friend of mine was buying a new unit there.  Well, now one of his neighbors will be selling her ADA compliant unit in one of the more uncommon layouts there of a 2-story (rather than 3) unit with one large parking garage and an extra assigned space next to the unit.  With 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, th... 09/20/2009

JJ Mahoneys is one of the greatest bars in Redmond, WA.  The friendly atmosphere and excellent service makes this a top spot for many.  An Irish Pub which was opened in honor of John James Mahoney is nestled nicely in the heart of Redmond, WA. The full bar, quality beers on tap and menu make this a great option for lunch, dinner or happy hour.  A personal favorite of mine is the Irish Dip.  Now being a woman who doesn't eat red meat, this is usually an entree I dont get to enjoy.  JJ's makes an excellent chicken option that literally melts in your mouth. Out of all the bars in Redmond, WA, JJ Mahoneys is ever evolving.  Monday Trivia Night packs the house full of patrons scrambling to answer the weekly questions.  JJ's offers not one but two Happy Hours.  3pm to 6pm and 9pm to close as ... 07/12/2009

My wife and kids love to go this event! Every year they come home with some great additions to our garden!    The Redmond Garden Club will be having their annual sale May 9th from 8am to 3pm.  The sale will be located at 14010 180th Ave NE, Redmond, 98052. Follow the signs along NE 124th/NE 128th, Avondale Road, or Redmond-Woodinville Road All kinds of greenery & goodies including: Perennials • Annuals • Vegetable Starts • Shrubs • Crafts • Planters Garden related “yard sale” items   Come early for the best selection!   For more information and to download a flyer go to: http://EnglishHillOnline.com/RGCPosted By:Tony MeierEastside & Seattle RealtorEastsideHomesBlog.comEastsideHomes.comSeattle's Eastside Real Estate Resourcetony@eastsidehomes.com 04/24/2009

Great room style rambler with 2040 s.f., 3 bedroom, 1.75 baths and nestled in the back of a cul-de-sac on a .22 acre lot in Olde Morrison Place on English Hill! 17630 NE 129th Pl, Redmond WA 98052Listed for $450,000 Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac in Olde Morrison on English Hill, sits this inviting rambler home. The great room style floorplan boasts 2040 s.f. and  features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths on a .22 acre lot! The double door entry greats you… The bright and cheery foyer with expansive hardwood floors welcomes you in. The great room floorplan features an atrium in the middle with skylights above! The open design includes: Sunken formal living with large window overlooking rear yard. Formal dining area. Spacious kitchen with pantry, large breakfast bar and built-in desk. Nook with sl... 04/09/2009

04/05/2009

Redmond ListingBy: Tony Meier Union Hill Home in Redmond - $575,000 6501 229th Ave NE, Redmond Nestled at the end of a private drive, sits this charming two story with  daylight basement home. The gracious floorplan boasts 3130 s.f. and  features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths with den & bonus on a private, west    facing 40,510 s.f. lot! Recent updates include roof, exterior & interior paint. Sunken formal living room with built in shelves. Great room style kitchen, dining and family room. The updated kitchen has vaulted ceilings, skylight, new counters, gas range, built-in desk & breakfast bar. Formal dining room with hardwood floors. The family room has vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace and French door opening to huge entertainment sized deck overlooking rear yard. Powder room on main. Wonder... 03/30/2009

As an update to a previous post, details are now in on the First Time Home Buyer Credit in the Economic Stimulus Bill (formally called The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009).  The bill was signed into law on Tuesday, February 17th.   Here's an overview of the provisions in the bill that will benefit First Time Home Buyers:   ·   The tax credit is for first-time home buyers only.  A First-Time Home Buyer is defined as someone who has not owned or lived in a principle residence within the past three years.    ·   The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.  (ex:  Home purchase price $300,000 x 10%= $30,000   Max Tax Credit = $8,000) ·   The tax credit does not have to be repaid.  (unlike the previous credit enacted in 2008) · ... 02/19/2009

Abraham Lincoln Didn't Quit Author Unknown Probably the greatest example of persistence is Abraham Lincoln. If you want to learn about somebody who didn't quit, look no further. Born into poverty, Lincoln was faced with defeat throughout his life. He lost eight elections, twice failed in business and suffered a nervous breakdown. He could have quit many times - but he didn't and because he didn't quit, he became one of the greatest presidents in the history of our country. Lincoln was a champion and he never gave up. Here is a sketch of Lincoln's road to the White House: 1816 His family was forced out of their home. He had to work to support them. 1818 His mother died. 1831 Failed in business. 1832 Ran for state legislature - lost. 1832 Also lost his job - wanted to go to law school but... 02/12/2009

Don't listen to the news about massive at Microsoft layoffs - 1400 people yesterday out of over 90,000! And the whole announced layoff of 5000 over 18 months is Worldwide, plus they have announced that they will hire 2000-3000 people for certain teams, which means the net loss is more along the 1400 from yesterday. This is smaller than layoffs from many of the other large companies with their Worldwide Headquarters in Western Washington. It won’t increase the Washington State unemployment rate. By the way why don’t we start reporting the employment rate which is now at about 93%! Certainly, if you are one of the unfortunate who did get laid off from Microsoft, it is bad. What will those 1400 people end up doing? Hopefully some of them will be able to find another position on a differen... 01/23/2009

I am helping a nice couple from Redmond move up from their Townhouse to a Single Family Home. They are looking for 3000 sq ft and would like to find a New Constrution. We have looked at a few sites around Redmond and so far have been pretty impressed with the qualitiy, size and location of the homes. What has impressed us the most is the number of builders that are BUYING DOWN the interest rates for purchasers. More than 2 Builders are offering to buy down the interest rate to 3.875% for a FIXED 30 YEAR Conforming loan!!! That rate is AMAZING!!! An interest rate that is less than 4% FIXED for 30 years!!! What is the likely hood that sometime over the next 30 years we will see interest rates above 6% again? When I first got my Real Estate license back in the late 1980's we had interest r... 01/18/2009

I've just seen the future and it is Neoreaders.  Basically it is a bar code Real Estate Agents can use in many ways. I call it The Bill-Board When a smart phone is equipped with a Neoreader you take a picture of the reader (called a Q2 or Data Matrix code): And you are directed to a web site.  This will take you to my site.  Getting a reader is simple and it will direct the smart phones to any web site you choose. http://www.neoreader.com/code.html As agents we place one of these readers by our listing.  Buyers shoot the reader and zap, the web site for the property is now on their phone. Here it is on my listing in Redmond. Some phones have readers' standard now and it's easy to download.  Japan has been using it for years.  I heard kids have t-shirts printed with a Neoreader that link... 11/20/2008