The entire real estate market across the Seattle metro area has made a major swing into a seller’s market - multiple offer situations are continuing to become more common, prices are on the rise, and days on market are down drastically in most areas. Snoqualmie Ridge is also taking part in the market shift, though perhaps not at the same rate as other areas such as Bellevue, Kirkland and Sammamish.

Pre-Owned Homes Are Becoming Scarce – Sellers Content to Wait

Pending transactions for resale homes in Snoqualmie Ridge have actually dropped, but not because of less demand – rather, it’s because fewer homeowners are putting their homes up for sale. Similar to a trend nationwide, many savvy homeowners are content to wait for their homes to increase in value before selling. Though, this may not be the best decision – as when they decide to purchase again, not only will they be paying a higher price as well, but they’ll also likely pay a higher intrest rate, since mortgage interest rates are almost certain to rise in the coming 18-36 months.

Note in the chart above, (which represents pre-owned homes only), that pending listings have followed new listings closely since December and January. With the exception of a few “stale” listings, most homes put on the market lately in Snoqualmie Ridge are selling in a reasonable amount of time – between 7-30 days. Let’s compare to April of 2011 – a major improvement! A quick glance at the chart, and one can clearly see the market has really tightened-up.

Snoqualmie Ridge Has Become a “Seller’s Market”

For the purpose of this real estate updates, we’ll use a basic method of dividing the number of Active Listings on the last day of April, by the Closed Listings during the month. At the end of April, Snoqualmie Ridge only has 1.8 months of pre-owned, single-family home inventory. New construction on Snoqualmie Ridge is in very short supply. As of the writing of this post, Pulte only had 2 new homes in inventory at Eagle Point. Today, most new construction on The Ridge are most often selling as “pre-sales” – before the walls are even going up.

Summary for Snoqualmie Ridge April 30, 2012
Single Family Homes Only - Excluding New Construction

Closings During April: 13
Average selling price: approx. $389K

New Listings During April: 14

Active Listings on April 30th: 24
Average Asking Price: approx. $515K

Statistics not compiled or published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

From healthy living to a miniature lifestyle, there is much for your family to see and do in the North Bend and Seattle areas this weekend, March 3 and 4.

Healthy Living Fair

• March 3, 10AM-2PM, Free
• Si View Community Center, 400 SE Orchard Drive, North Bend, WA 98045

If you’ve been looking for a new health care provider or fitness class, stop by the healthy living fair. More than thirty health care professionals will be in attendance, and fitness class demos will take place throughout the day. You can also have your children fingerprinted, a procedure recommended by law enforcement professionals as it enables them to be unmistakably identified if they are kidnapped and later found. Call 425-831-1900 for more information.

Family Fun in the Chicken Run

• March 3, 10AM, $30-$60
• The Good Shepherd Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103

Did you know that chickens make great pets? If you’d like to incorporate a small flock into your family, don’t miss this informative class at The Good Shepherd Center. You’ll learn how to care for your flock, select the right coop, choose the friendliest chickens, train them to come when called and more! The class is indoors and includes live interactive chicken activities. Children are welcome. Call 206-633-0451 for more information.

SteveSongs Family Concert

• March 3, 3PM, $12 (in advance) or $15 (at door)
• Jane Addams K-8 School Theatre, 11051 34th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Steve Roslonek is the award-winning host of PBS Kid’s Music Time with SteveSongs. Having delighted audiences coast to coast with his smart lyrics, catchy melodies and engaging brand of entertainment, Steve is now stopping by to share his thoughtful message with Seattle children. Visit www.stevesongs.com to sample Steve’s delightful music.

Seattle Dollhouse Miniature Show

• March 3-4, 10AM-5PM, $6 (adults) and $3 (children)
• Seattle Center, Northwest Rooms, 1st Ave N and Republican St, Seattle, WA 92109

The Seattle Dollhouse Miniature Show is the largest trade show and exhibit of dollhouses and scale miniatures on the West Coast. You’ll find 70 dealers and vendors from the U.S., Canada and England. The entire family will enjoy wandering the exhibit area where you can observe more than 65 delightful dollhouse, miniature building and roombox displays. Visit www.seattledollhouseshow.com for additional details.

Super Sitters Class

• February 25, 10AM-3PM, $35
• Encompass, 1407 Boalch Ave. NW, North Bend, WA 98045

Whether your child wants to earn money babysitting or learn to care for a younger sibling, this Super Sitters class will equip him or her with essential childcare skills. Students ages 11 to 15 will learn about caring for infants, preventing accidents, handling emergencies and basic first aid. Call 425-888-2777 to reserve a space or visit www.encompassnw.org for more information.

Jack and the Beanstalk

• February 25, 2PM, $7.50 (kids) and $10 (adults)
• Valley Center Stage, 119 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045

Kids 5-years-old and up will enjoy this interactive retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. They’ll use their imagination to help a mysterious magician control the cast and tell the tale. Visit www.valleycenterstage.org for tickets and more information.

The Odd Couple

• February 25, 8PM, $22-$62
• Village Theatre, 303 Front St. North, Issaquah, WA 98027

If you enjoy comedy and theatre, you won’t want to miss The Odd Couple at the Village Theatre in Issaquah. Considered by many to be one of the funniest comedies every written, The Odd Couple is a four-time Tony Award-winning play. Seattle Weekly has deemed this rendition of the laugh-out-loud comedy to be “a snappy revival,” while The SunBreak calls it “An Oscar-Worthy Odd Couple at The Village Theatre.” Visit villagetheatre.org for tickets and showtimes.

Happy Tails Adoption Event

• February 26, Noon-3PM, Free to attend, adoption fees are $150-$250
• Riverdog Canine Coaching, 1400 19th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

If your family has been longing to adopt a canine companion, consider checking out the adoptable puppies and adult dogs at this event. You will find a mix of small and large breeds looking for their forever homes. All dogs are spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations. Participating shelters and rescue groups include the Humane Society of Central Washington, Saving Paws of Washington and the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Visit animalalliancewa.weebly.com for more information.

Seattle Wine and Food Experience

• February 26, Noon-5PM, $49
• Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98109

Wine-lovers, gourmets and diehard “foodies” alike will enjoy exploring the Seattle Wine and Food Experience. Spend the afternoon sampling thousands of wines, beers and ciders from around the world. Artisan foods will also be available for sample and sale. Visit seattlewineandfoodexperience.com for more information.

From tales of a little girl who adores everything French, to tail wagging chiropractic adjustments, the Seattle area is once again the preferred destination for Washington families looking for fun this weekend, February 18 and 19.

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly

• February 18, 10AM, 1PM and 4PM, $12-$19
• The Theatre at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE Sixth St., Bellevue, WA 98004

Published in 2005 by Jane O’Connor (writer) and Robin Preiss Glasser (illustrator), the first book in the Fancy Nancy series spent almost 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List. If your little girl is a fan of this glamour-loving character, she won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience Fancy Nancy on stage. For tickets and more information, call 800-514-3849.

Rat City Rollergirls Bout #2

• February 18, 5:30PM, $14-$37
• Key Arena at Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, WA 98121

Rat City Rollergirls is Seattle’s only all-female roller derby league. More than 80 members have assembled into five teams. Competitive bouts take place on a flat track at Key Arena. Cheering on the roller derby athletes is fun for the entire family. Learn more about the teams and the sport at www.ratcityrollergirls.com.

Seattle Home Show

• February 18-24, 10AM-8PM, $12 (good for repeat admission)
• CenturyLink Field and Event Center, 800 Occidental Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98171

Now enjoying its 68th year, the Seattle Home Show will feature almost 600 displays of home and garden goods as well as “Meet the Experts” seminars, model rooms and demonstrations, decorating ideas and a special wine tasting area. Call 206-381-7555 for more information or visit www.seattlehomeshow.com.

Canine Chiropractic Day

• February 18, 11:30AM-1PM, Donations appreciated
• SoundCare Chiropractic, 4347 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98145

Did you know proper spinal alignment is just as important for the health of your canine friend as it is for yours? Bring your fuzzy family member to SoundCare Chiropractic for an adjustment. Donations from the event will benefit the Seattle Humane Society. Call 206-633-5556 for more information.

SnoValley Idol Junior Tryouts

• February 11, 10AM-2PM, $6 (Registration required)
• Boxley’s, 101 West North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045

Kids ages 5 to 14 can audition for the 2012 SnoValley Idol Jr. contest this weekend at Boxley’s in North Bend. Audition space is limited to 28 contestants, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Finalists will be chosen based on natural ability, quality of performance, showmanship and audience appeal. Call 425-831-1900 for more information or to register.

Health and Safety Fair – Pickering Barn

• February 11, 10AM-2PM, Free
• Pickering Barn 1730 10th Avenue NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

This family-friendly event will feature more than 50 health and safety professionals. Meet with family physicians, dentists, nutritionists, fitness professionals, chiropractors and more. Receive free health screenings including blood pressure and glucose. This annual event is co-sponsored by the City of Issaquah and The Issaquah Press. Call 425-837-3000 for more information.

Father-Daughter Valentine Dance

• February 11, 7PM-9:30PM, $20
• Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd. S., Issaquah WA 98027

If you’re the father of an Issaquah area girl, grade 1 through 5, you won’t want to miss this highly anticipated Valentine’s dance. There will be music, dancing, cookies and punch. A great opportunity for dads to bond with their daughters, call 425-837-3300 for more information.

Final Day of the Northwest Flower and Garden Show

• February 8-12, 9AM-6PM, $5 to $10
• Washington State Convention Center, 800 Convention Pl, Seattle, WA 98101

If you have not yet been, you won’t want to miss your last opportunity to attend this year’s version of America’s second largest garden show. Wander through 25 spectacular show gardens designed in this year’s theme, “A Floral Symphony.” Enjoy musical performances as you peruse the wares of more than 350 exhibitors. Call 253-756-2121 for more information.

Make a Valentine at Baxter Barn in Fall City

• February 4, 10AM-4PM, $5
• Baxter Barn, 31929 SE 44th St, Fall City, WA 98024

Baxter Barn is a historical working farm in Fall City that also hosts family-friendly activities throughout the year. Your family will enjoy petting the friendly donkeys and viewing the other captivating farm animals. This Saturday, kids can also make a Valentine’s Day gift to give to a friend. For more information, call 425-765-7883.

Father-Daughter Dance at Cascade View Elementary

• February 4, 5PM-7PM, FREE (RSVP required)
• Cascade View Elementary School
• 34816 SE Ridge Street, Snoqualmie, Washington 98065

Sponsored by the Snoqualmie Ridge Residential Owners Association, the annual Father-Daughter dance at Cascade View Elementary is open to fathers and daughters who live on Snoqualmie Ridge. This event fills up early, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Festive Valentine attire is encouraged. Visit www.ridgeroa.com for more information.

Evening on the Pier: 3rd Annual Benefit for Childhaven

• February 4, 8PM, $55 to $75 (Tickets must be purchased in advance)
• Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101

This glamorous charity event will benefit Childhaven, a local non-profit organization recognized as a leader in the field of therapeutic childcare. Held in the spellbinding Seattle Aquarium, you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind glimpse of the creatures in the main exhibit while enjoying liquor, wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and decadent cupcakes. DJ Risk One will have the dance floor thumping. Semi formal cocktail attire is required. Call 206-624-6477 for more information.

WYAM Gospel Brunch at Hilliards Brewery

• February 5, 10:30 AM and 12PM, $40
• Hilliards Brewery, 1550 NW 49th Street, Seattle WA 98107

Where Ya At Matt, a popular Seattle food truck, and Hilliard’s, the equally popular local brewery, are teaming up to bring area residents a rousing New Orleans’ style gospel brunch. Enjoy the musical gifts of two gospel choirs while you dine on hushpuppies, biscuits and gravy, Creole-style eggs benedict, beignets and much more. Purchase your tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/222912.

]]> http://www.anthonygilbert.com/seattle-snoqualmie-weekend-events-february-4-5/feed/ 0 http://www.anthonygilbert.com/issaquah-snoqualmie-weekend-events-january-28-29/ http://www.anthonygilbert.com/issaquah-snoqualmie-weekend-events-january-28-29/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:01:04 +0000 Anthony Gilbert http://www.anthonygilbert.com/?p=1522 Keep Children of All Ages Entertained at These Kid-Oriented Weekend Events

From Saturday morning storytime to a night out with friends, there are lots of fun activities for kids in the Issaquah and the Snoqualmie Valley area this weekend, January 28 and 29.

Barnes & Noble Storytime

• January 28, 11AM, Free
• Barnes & Noble, Pickering Place, 1530 11th Avenue NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

Perfect for kids ages 3 to 7, Saturday morning storytime at Barnes & Noble in Issaquah will entertain as well as foster the beginnings of a lifelong love of reading. Call 425-557-8808 for more information.

Storytime at Ravens Books

• January 28, 11AM, Free
• Ravens Books, Gilman Village, Suite 21, Issaquah, WA 98027

Storytime at Ravens Books is suitable for all ages. A selection for the younger set (up to 5 years of age) will lead the hour. A story for older kids (ages 6 to 99) will follow. Call 425-657-0278 for more information.

Kids Night Out at the YMCA

• January 28, 6PM to 10PM, $18 per child (Facility Member), $26 per child (Program Member)
• Snoqualmie Valley YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., Snoqualmie, WA 98065

Busy parents deserve a night out on the town. Drop your kids off at the Snoqualmie Ridge YMCA for four hours of safe, supervised fun while you enjoy a little quality time. Call 425-256-3115 to reserve a spot for your child.

Sleep Country’s Pajama Drive for Foster Kids

• January 28-29, 10AM to 8PM, Donation
• Sleep Country, 730 NW Gilman Blvd., Ste C-110, Issaquah, WA 98027

The pajama drive offers a great opportunity to teach your children about helping those less fortunate. Drop off donations of new pajamas in any size at any Sleep Country location and you’ll help ensure that Washington and Oregon’s 20,000 foster kids have a cozy sleep. Call 1-888-88-SLEEP for more information.

While Seattle may receive upwards of 8″-10″ (although there’s significant disagreement about that), the foothills around Snoqualmie Ridge may receive a 10″-15″ of additional snow, before this is all over. This is ON TOP of the foot we’ve already received in the past 24 hours. Fortunately, the city of Snoqualmie plows many of the streets in, and near Snoqualmie Ridge. But anyone unlucky enough to park their cars along the sides of the street will be quite busy digging their car out.

Anyway… not to worry. If you’re reading this well after this event, rest assured, this type of snowfall isn’t “normal” – supposedly.  

S.T.O.P. Obesity 5K Run/Walk and Children’s 100 Yard Dash

• January 21, 9AM, $25 entry fee
• Seward Park, 5895 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle, WA 98118

Presented by Hillman Sports and the Seattle Seahawks’ Ben Obomanu and Roy Lewis, the S.T.O.P. Obesity 5K will benefit Treeswing. Seattle-based non-profit organization Treeswing is Washington’s leader in child obesity prevention. Entry fee includes tee-shirt and swag bag. To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/event/2548560814.

Grand Opening of Snoqualmie Community Center YMCA

• January 21 10:30AM-1:30PM, Free
• Snoqualmie Ridge Community Center YMCA, 35018 SE Ridge St., Snoqualmie, WA 98065

The grand opening celebration will kick off at 10:30AM with a dedication ceremony conducted by Matt Larson, Snoqualmie Mayor, and Bob Gilbertson, President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. After the dedication, families can tour the facility. Activities and special events for all ages are planned.

2nd Annual Bellevue College “Healthy Kids, Healthy Families Day”

• January 21, 10AM-4PM, Free
• Bellevue College Main Campus Cafeteria, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, Bellevue, WA 98007

You’ll find exhibitors including Whole Foods, Itsy Bitsy Yoga and Macaroni Kid as well as mini-lectures presented by physicians from Swedish Medical Center and parent educators from Bellevue College. There will be a silent auction and raffle as well. To learn more, visit www.bcparents.org/Healthy_Kids_Event.html

Open Farm at Fox Hollow Farm

• January 14, 10AM to 1PM, $8 (children under 1 year of age are free)
• Fox Hollow Farm, 12031 Issaquah-Hobart Road SE, Issaquah, WA 98027

Pack a picnic, gather the family and head to Fox Hollow Farm this Saturday. Kids will enjoy swinging from the hayloft, exploring and playing with the farm’s furry residents. Hot dogs, kettle corn, cotton candy and beverages are also available for purchase. For more information, visit foxhollowfamilyfarm.com.

Winter History Program

• January 14, 11AM, Free
• Issaquah History Depot Museum, 50 Rainier Boulevard North Issaquah, WA 98027

Learn more about the history of our colorful city while viewing photographs and documents from the Issaquah History Museum’s collections. Museum Director Erica Maniez will lead the program. Refreshments will be served. Call 392-3500 or learn more by emailing info@issaquahhistory.org.

Swinging in Vienna

• January 14, 7:30 PM, $21.50 and up
• Issaquah High School, 700 2nd Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98027

This highly anticipated annual event features the Evergreen Philharmonic Orchestra. This talented ensemble is made up of Issaquah high school students who live within the 100 square mile area that comprises the Issaquah School District. Many of these students will go on to play in community orchestras after graduation. Others will attend major conservatories and have professional careers. For more information, visit evergreenphil.org.

Free Entrance at Area National Parks

• January 14 through January 16, All Day, Free

Participating parks include Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Load up the car, grab a few snacks and spend some quality family time at one of the area’s popular parks or historic sites. They are all well worth the drive. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.