If I were a fish with fingers... Having some fun at the Renton Farmers Market a few weeks ago with my Olloclip fish eye lense for my iPhone. When I went through the camera roll I had a good laugh when I noticed half of my shots had a finger or two in them. Not sure why I was doing that. As it turned out it was a fun mishap. 10/08/2013

I’m a local guy and I enjoy my ability to connect via the social platforms to practically everyone on the planet. Afterall, it's how I got to know most of you. I love my little burg, Renton, Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and what's going on immediately around me. I don’t ignore other places by any means, but having said that I think and attribute my media strategy to John Lennon. “Think global act local.” Now John may or may not have been the 1st to have actually said that and I don’t care. And, I may be a little old school in this line of thinking but the online tools have brought us full circle. The world is so big now it's become a small town. Blogging about local has brought me more relationships, referrals, and connections than anything else I have done online. That’s why I'm not... 10/01/2013

Stuff Happens, be Prepared!   The 2001 Nisqually Earthquake.   I was working in the Evergreen Building on Grady Way in Renton on February 28, 2001. My coworker Bobbie and I were putting the finishing touches on our new and larger work space at Washington Title next to the back entrance. We were so happy about our new digs and celebrating when I was suddenly stricken with nausea and became quite dizzy. It was 10:54 am and it took me a few seconds (which seemed like eternity) to register the fact that we were in the midst of an earthquake. I’ve been here before, but this one was different. The whole building heaved sideways back and forth and (even if not for real) I could see the walls and the entire building ripple in waves. I lost my ability to stand and pressed my arms tight to the do... 09/24/2013

It’s a rather chilly morning compared to any other over the past several months. Fall is in the air today and I noticed this weekend the leaves beginning to turn. I’m working on a few projects from my home office and getting my things together for a couple of meetings this afternoon. Checking my calendar dates for this week and next when suddenly it strikes me, there’s only two more Farmers Markets, it’s the end of the season. There’s always something fun and interesting happening at the Renton Farmers Market. This was an exceptionally wonderful summer and we’ve all enjoyed the bounty of fresh food from our local farms around Washington here on the Piazza in old downtown Renton. Thanks for a great season! I really enjoyed the live music, the cooking demonstrations, the food, the kids pl... 09/17/2013

Where has our summer gone?? It's hard to believe it's already almost the end of August!! What have you done to make memories this summer? As I sit down to write this I smile at the memories of fun times this summer with our family. Most recently we had an out of town grandson (age 11) visiting for a couple days. His specific request this year was to tour the Museum of Flight and the LeMay Car Museum. Thursday we went to the LeMay Car Museum in Tacoma. If you haven't taken an opportunity to tour this museum you really should get it on your calendar. It truly is one of a kind and we are so lucky to have it just a short drive from our home. Young and old are equally enthralled with the exhibits.  Friday we visited the Boeing Museum of Flight (Seattle). My grandson and I got to tour the int... 08/25/2013

There’s a teeny tiny little park at the very northwest corner of Renton Municipal Airport, probably one of Renton’s better kept secrets, unless you fly into Renton in a seaplane or you’re a local like me who’s been around these parts for a long time. You'd probably never know it existed. I love to stop here on occasion when I take the back way home from Seattle down Rainier Valley. The park at the Will Rogers - Wiley Post Memorial Seaplane Base is just a small patch of grass with a monument. Yet, it's significant because this is the place where Will Rogers and Wiley Post took off (from the lower 48) to explore airmail routes to Alaska and Russia then to continue their adventure to encircle the globe. The views from here are beautiful looking north over Lake Washington at Mercer Island. ... 08/24/2013

Craftsman Style Bungalow with a rear alley-load 2 car garage now offered at $319,950. Built in 2002 with Central A/C, Gas Forced air heat, Security System, 9' ceilings on main floor, covered front porch, tumbled stone tile backsplash in Kitchen, upstairs Utility and 5 piece master bath!         Additional details & photos available here Search all Renton homes for sale here Want to know the value of your Renton home? Start here! 08/18/2013

Tuesday at the Renton Farmers Market was a really fun time. Today was Asian Day and the Johnson Music Entertainment group did several American pop/standards and a selection of authentic Chinese and Vietnamese pop songs that everyone enjoyed. It's especially a treat for me to watch the wee ones. They're not shy one bit and as soon as the music started they were out in full force on the Piazza dancing away to their heart's content. I'm not versed in Chinese or Vietnamese so when they performed the Asian tunes I didn't understand a word of it, but I sure enjoyed what they were playing. The Piazza was packed this warm sunny afternoon. A perfect day for a Farmers Market. After picture taking and shooting some video I did my shopping. The blueberrys, strawberrys, and blackberrys were absolute... 08/16/2013

Thank you Debbie Reynolds for a really fun contest...  What we Have in Common, Getting to Know Each Other Better.     Things from the past you probably didn't know about René Fabre! In no particular order...  1. First in 2002 then 2004 I had total hip replacement surgeries. I’m eternally grateful for modern medicine and surgery every single day. Without it, I’d be in a wheelchair. I tell my kids, “I am your inheritance.” When I kick the bucket, cash me in, titanium is worth a lot! And, I have a bunch. 2. I became a professional musician at 17. My first real gig was a summer party at a country club by the pool. Guitar on and ready to sing the first song I step up to the microphone and BAMB!, it zaps me on the lips and totally numbs my face and body for several minutes. After that electri... 08/10/2013

As the housing market heats up, I'm reminded:   A House is a Home.   I grew up in the Earlington neighborhood of Renton, Washington. I have many memories from those days, some great, some not. I remember playing hide and go seek, kick the can, olly olly oxen free, and exploring the woods across the street with my pals. Later it was sports, high school band, cruising the loop, and playing my guitar. In those days I couldn't imagine our home as a financial investment. It was our home. We took great care of it. For us three boys, it was getting our chores done so we could do something cool. For Mom & Dad, it was creating a space that served our needs. I think the child in me assumed we’d be there forever. Homes weren't flipped and sales weren't short. Our job as a kid back then was exactly... 07/28/2013

I'm continually amazed how we find connection online. As a blogger who's posted local content for years I've had numerous occasions where people (I know or not) found a post of mine and followed up to contact me. More so than anything I write about, it's the local conversations, especially those about a place or event with some personal history attached that I get the most engagement. A Story of Connection...   Last Saturday I'm at Fred Meyer picking up a few groceries. My phone rings. Hmmm, area code 360. I have friends in 360 but no name is showing up, so you're not in my contacts. I wonder who it is. I never get crank calls from this area code. Curiosity gets the best of me and I answer...   It's David Johnston. I don't know him but he called me because he stumbled onto one of my blo... 07/22/2013

It's Italian Day at the Farmers Market!  There's always something fun and interesting happening at the Renton Farmers Market on Tuesday's at the Piazza in old downtown Renton. I love the wonderful eats and treats, the beautiful fresh cut flowers, the organic honey, the fresh veggies, arts and crafts, the fresh salmon, and on and on...  It's likely you'll run into a few old friends and neighbors too... And, there's always live music! Today is Italian Day at the Market and I can't think of anyone better to celebrate it with than one of my oldest friends on the planet, John Giuliani.  John and I go back to day one, literally. We're the same age and on top of that our dads were good friends and grew up in the same Renton neighborhood. They shared a passion for the accordion, instigated by m... 07/16/2013

Condos in Renton Summer 2013 Market Report Looking to buy or sell a condo in Renton, WA? Following market trends and activity is a great start towards educating yourself about sales and pricing trends. Currently there are 45 Condo Listings available for sale. These units have been on the market for an average of 62 days. The highest priced unit is $475,000 and the lowest listed price is $59000. Pending Sales total 90, with a low listing price of $35,000 and a high of $349,900 (these include short sale listings). Average days on market total 41 days.   In the last 6 months, there have been 163 condos sold in Renton, with a high price of $270,500 and a low sales price of $116,853. The median sales price was $100,000 and the average sales price: $116,853. Once you’re ready to “take the nex... 07/14/2013

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken. ~ Oscar Wilde I know I’m not the biggest “thing” online. That’s not my aim. Though I am here, there, and kinda everywhere. It totally works for me. Truly, I have a passion for social media, yet I confess, I can’t wait for that term to be laid to rest. I identify with late X and the Y generation. Three of my four kids are in their 20’s and very Y’z and I love telling this little story in my classes and workshops... “Dad, why do you have to call it social media?” It just is.   That's a fact for them and I take the question/comment very seriously!  Courtesy of Royal Pingdom. social network demographics in 2012 report. I'm in that 6% 2nd from the right. I didn't purchase my first computer until I was 30 years old in 1980, a Sinclair ZX80. Then in... 06/28/2013

Maplewood Estates is a planned community in the Highlands area of Renton. The large centrally located park with covered BBQ area and play area, wide streets and sidewalks, make this pedestrian friendly neighborhood popular with a wide variety of home buyers. Sales activity for the past six months, is as follows: Active Listings: THREE listed from $450,000 to $510,000. The average market time is 28 days. Pending Listings: TWO-High List price $459,950 and the Lowest List price $455,000. The average market time for all three listings was 8 days. SOLD Listings: TWO which were listed at $389,000 (sold for 389,000) and $439,900 (sold for $444,000). These properties were on the market an average of 5 days.  Interested in what your Maplewood Estates home is worth?   06/07/2013

Just when you think you're there another technology and/or idea presents itself. I'm shooting a lot of video lately with my iPhone 4s and already I'm feeling old school, yet not quite! There's still so much I can do! In the middle of a research project I'm all over the net looking for (shooting movies using the iPhone 4s) techniques, hardware, software, and I came upon this wonderful YouTube channel Majeck Pictures I think every day about story telling... it's in my DNA and more than technology it's the actual story that matters (human to human) be it cave drawings, crow quill point writings on sheep skin, cassette tapes, or digitally shared info on blogs or vlogs. It's not the technology so much as the actual message, story, that's being conveyed... It's the human being behind whatever... 05/22/2013

  Summerwind is a popular Renton Neighborhood and market times of listings reflect that popularity with home buyers. Sales activity for the past six months, for both Divisions is as follows: Active Listings: One listed at $359,000 Pending Listings: Three-High List price $387,500 and the Lowest List price $384,950. The average market time for all three listings was 6 days. SOLD Listings: One which was listed at $350,000 but Sold for $375,000. This property was only on the makret 4 days.       05/15/2013

The Rental Market in the Renton Highlands, like most of the communities surrounding Bellevue and Seattle, is *HOT*. Currently there are 7 Active Rental listings in NWMLS with a low rental price of $1300 and a high of $3100. These listings have been on the market an average of 41 days. Over the past 6 months, 25 properties have been rented with a low of $850 and a high of $2600. When pricing a rental property, the important thing to keep in mind is that this market is far more volatile than the Residential sales market. Prices can literally fluctuate from week to week based on Seasonal demands and competing inventory. If you're a homeowner interested in finding out more about a current Lease value or property manangement services, feel free to contact us for a no obligation consultation... 05/14/2013

Wine and painting....how, when and why this new trend started I have no idea, but suffice to say it's a blast! A few weeks ago I was invited to a Corks and Canvas party at Vino Wine Bar at the Landing in Renton. We all painted the same canvas but put our personal twist on it. It turns out I was seated with two other Real Estate agents and the good friend of a long ago real estate co-worker and through our giggles we had some good conversation about the business.  You'd think after 23 years working as a Real Estate Broker in the greater Seattle market, I'd get tired of talking about real estate. Maybe if I had gotten into the business for any reason other than my passion for houses and the house-hunting process I would have become weary by now, but that's definitely not the case. I love... 05/13/2013

One morning back in 2011 I was enjoying a morning coffee on the deck at my condo and thinking about how far I’ve come with my training. I’m first to admit it was a long and sometimes arduous journey. I certainly had my moments and there were times I felt like a total failure and an idiot. On more than a few occasions I wanted to pack it in, “I’m bailing, I’m done.” Reminiscing today with all of it behind me now, I give myself a couple of ‘attaboys’. I hung in there, I’m no quitter and I made some real life progress. Yet, I’m well aware the credit was mostly due to my coach. Charlie is one of the most amazing experts of human behavior I have ever encountered. His training, based on the profound understanding of a very simple premise: "With a clear purpose, relentless commitment to the pl... 05/06/2013