Maple Valley Real Estate Online

Appeal Your Property Tax Valuation

2010-03-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

Each spring, Washington homeowners receive tax statements based on the assessed value of their homes. As many have seen their property values decrease, it’s not unreasonable to expect that property assessments would go down as well. However, that’s not always the case.

While you can’t do much to avoid paying property taxes, if you disagree with the value your local assessor has placed on your house, you are entitled to an appeal.

More information about Washington tax statements, assessed property values, and the appeal process can be found at http://dor.wa.gov/content/findtaxesandrates/propertytax/

One Big Kiss for Children's Hospital

2010-02-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

John L. Scott Real Estate helped raise $927,941.93 for Children's Hospital!
On Feb 25th, the John L. Scott Maple Valley Team was at Seattle’s Children’s Hospital answering phones and collecting donations for the 2010 One Big Kiss for Children's Hospital Radiothon. This is the 7th year the Maple Valley Team has participated in the Radiothon.

Back Row: Tony Zamora, Nick Nordby, Tim Bryan and Tim Wynne. Front Row: Kim Emmons, Elsie Chaudoin, Jack Emmons and Pam McCain

Maple Valley's Annual Fishing Derby

2010-02-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Hooked on Fishing"
Mark your calendars for Opening Day Trout Derby & Fisherman's Breakfast at Lake Wilderness

Saturday April 24th, 12:01 am to noon

Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY
•5 pm Camping In The Park (tent camping only! no RV’s)
All Trout Derby Tickets On Sale
Hot Dogs & Hamburgers on sale

•6 pm King County Marine Patrol,
Charlie Tug Boat at The Beach House

•8 pm Beach Campfires

•Midnight Tagged Fish Tickets Closed
Trout Derby $2 Tickets on sale until noon

SATURDAY
•12:01am Derby Start & Maple Valley Rotary Breakfast

•6:00am Fish School at the Fish Pen, 12 years and younger

Free ‘Fins & Grins’ photo keepsake

•11:30am Must be in line for weighing in

•Noon End of Derby

•12:15pm Awards

Common Property Tax Exemptions

2010-02-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

Nobody likes paying a dime extra in taxes. Yet when it comes to property tax bills, some homeowners pay too much simply because they aren’t aware of the common property tax exemptions that exist in most communities.

Many exemptions aren’t automatic. You’ll need to determine for yourself what they are and whether you qualify. Contact your local tax assessor. Property tax exemptions vary not just by state, but by jurisdictions within each state. Research and paperwork might require four hours, but the effort could lower your tax bill noticeably.

Homesteads
Many states offer a homestead exemption to homeowners who occupy their homes as primary residences for a majority of the year. Some states require a minimum term of residency before you can apply. In Maine, for example, it’s 12 months; in Alabama, you can qualify in two to six weeks. The exemption may lower a home’s assessed value by a percentage, say 15%, or a dollar amount such as $25,000. Some states tie the homestead exemption to other criteria such as age or income level. Each locality has its own rules and time frames for filing. Some even require homeowners to re-apply each year.

Seniors and the disabled
Many states offer generous property tax exemptions to both older homeowners and the disabled. South Dakota, for example, has multiple relief programs that allow both groups to seek property tax refunds and reductions in real estate assessments. There are age, income, and residency restrictions. Read the fine print. A homestead exemption aimed at the elderly may only defer property taxes until the home is sold. And don’t assume exemptions for seniors kick in at 65. Some may start at 60 years old, while others begin at 70. Disabled homeowners may be required to show proof, such as eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

Military Veterans
Service to your country abroad may grant you property tax relief at home. Exemptions are generally available for veterans who own a home (primary residence), served during wartime, and were honorably discharged. Some states offer them to all veterans; some, like Pennsylvania, to disabled vets. To qualify, you’ll probably need to provide proof of service. You may also have to meet length of residency requirements and income restrictions. Frequently, this exclusion is eligible for the spouses of veterans who lost their lives in war, and sometimes it’s available to parents of the deceased as well.

Renovations
If you like to renovate, you’ll love these tax breaks. In the North Dakota cities of Bismarck and Fargo, fixing up a residential property that’s more than 25 years old can earn you a five-year exemption from paying property taxes on the value the remodeling added to your home. In Pierce County, Wash., you can get a three-year exemption for home improvements. Check with your tax assessor’s office before tearing anything down, however, because applications may need to be approved before work begins. Renovations of historic properties may also be eligible for property tax breaks.

Energy incentives
Installing renewable energy systems in your house could pay off on your property tax bill as well as your energy bill. Many states are excluding the value of certain green improvements from a home’s real estate assessment. Eligible upgrades may include the installation of solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, or photovoltaics. Look for information on state and local property tax breaks for renewable energy systems on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, or DSIRE for short. Click your state on the interactive map, then follow any links listed under Property Tax Exemptions.

Other exemptions
A visit to your local tax assessor’s office may turn up other less common property tax exemptions. Maine Township, Ill., offers a long-time occupant exemption for people who’ve owned their homes continuously for 10 years and earn less than $75,000 annually. Some counties in New York State reduce the assessed value of the homes of volunteer firefighters. Many states offer widow/widower exemptions. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Are exemptions worth the effort?
In 2008 the U.S. median property tax paid was $1,897 annually, or 0.96% of the median home value of $197,600. The highest median property tax was paid in Westchester County, N.Y.: $8,890; the lowest, St. Landry Parish, La., at $140. Savings from exemptions will vary widely depending where you live, the value of your home, and what you qualify for. A $15,000 exemption on the U.S. median home value of $197,600 would result in annual savings of about $144. A 15% exemption would save about $285.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

How To Appeal Your Property Tax Bill

2010-02-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

Owning a home is an expensive proposition. There’s maintenance, landscaping, utilities, renovations, and, of course, taxes. It’s your civic duty to pay the latter, but it’s also your right not to yield a penny more than your fair share.

It’s possible to trim your property tax bill by appealing the assessed value of your home. But making a case against your real estate assessment, the basis for your property tax bill, requires doing a bit of homework. Initial research can be done online or by phone over two or three days, but the process can stretch out for months if you’re forced to file a formal appeal.

Read your assessment letter

A real estate assessment is conducted periodically by the local government to assign a value to your home for taxation purposes. An assessment isn’t the same as a private appraisal, and the assessed value of your home isn’t necessarily how much you could sell it for today. Real estate assessment letters are mailed to homeowners annually, or perhaps every two to three years, depending where you live.

The letter will include some information about your property, such as lot size or a legal description, as well as the assessed value of your house and land. Additional details—number of bedrooms, for example, or date of construction—can often be found in the property listing on your local government’s website. Your property tax bill will usually be calculated by multiplying your home’s assessed value by the local tax rate, which can vary from town to town.

If you think your home’s assessment is higher than it should be, challenge it immediately. The clock starts ticking as soon as the letter goes out. You generally have less than 30 days to respond, though the time frame varies not just between states, but within each state. Procedures are often outlined on the back of the letter.

Gather evidence

Start by making sure the assessment letter doesn’t contain any mistakes. Is the number of bathrooms accurate? Number of fireplaces? How about the size of the lot? There’s a big difference between “0.3 acres” and “3.0 acres.” If any facts are wrong, then you may have a quick and easy challenge on your hands.

Next, research your home’s value. Ask a real estate agent to find three to five comparable properties—“comps” in real estate jargon—that have sold recently. You can find an agent by going to www.Johnlscott.com/MapleValley) or calling 425-432-7007. The key is identifying properties that are very similar to your own in terms of size, style, condition, and location. If you’re willing to shell out between $350 and $600, you can hire a private appraiser to do the heavy lifting.

Once you identify comps, check the assessments on those properties. Most local governments maintain public databases. If yours doesn’t, seek help from an agent or ask neighbors to share tax information. If the assessments on your comps are lower, you can argue yours is too high. Even if the assessments are similar, if you can show that the “comparable” properties aren’t truly comparable, you may have a case for relief based on equity. Maybe your neighbor added an addition while you were still struggling to clean up storm damage. In that case, the properties are no longer equitable.

Present your case

Once you’re armed with your research, call your local assessor’s office. Most assessors are willing to discuss your assessment informally by phone. If not, or if you aren’t satisfied with the explanation, request a formal review. Pay attention to deadlines and procedures. There’s probably a form to fill out and specific instructions for supporting evidence. A typical review, which usually doesn’t require you to appear in person, can take anywhere from one to three months. Expect to receive a decision in writing.

If the review is unsuccessful, you can usually appeal the decision to an independent board, with or without the help of a lawyer. You may have to pay a modest filing fee, perhaps $10 to $25. If you end up before an appeals board, your challenge could stretch as long as a year, especially in large jurisdictions that have a high number of appeals. But homeowners do triumph. According to Guy Griscom, Assistant Chief Appraiser of the Harris County (Texas) Central Appraisal District, of the 288,800 protests filed in his Houston-area district in 2008, about 58% received reduced assessments.

How much effort you decide to put into a challenge depends on the stakes. The annual U.S. median property tax paid in 2008 was $1,897, or 0.96% of the median home value of $197,600. Lowering that assessed value by 15% would net savings of about $285. In some parts of New York and Texas, for example, where tax rates can approach 3% of a home’s value, potential savings are greater. Ditto for communities with home prices well above the U.S. median.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you weigh an appeal. The board can only lower your real estate assessment, not the rate at which you’re taxed. There’s also a chance, albeit slight, that your assessment could be raised, thus increasing your property taxes. A reduction in your assessment right before you put your house on the market could hurt the sale price. An easier route to savings might lie in determining if you qualify for property tax exemptions based on age, disability, military service, or other factors.

This article provides general information about tax laws and consequences, but is not intended to be relied upon by readers as tax or legal advice applicable to particular transactions or circumstances. Readers should consult a tax professional for such advice, and are reminded that tax laws may vary by jurisdiction.

John L. Scott Maple Valley Office 2009 Award Winners

2010-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

We are proud to show off our 2009 award winners. From left to right we have Les and Kathy Scott from the LK Scott Group received the President's Award, then we have Ashley Markus, Tricia Hudson and Kathy Pryor from the TK Real Estate Team received the President Elite Award as well as our 2009 Team of the Year Award, then we have Sean Walker receiving our 2009 Rookie of the Year Award, Tim Bryan receiving the President's Award as well as our 2009 Agent of the Year Award and then we have Pam McCain receiving the President's Award.

Congratulations to all of our award winners, the entire team is very proud of each of you!

Southeast King County Commuter Rail Feasibility Study

2010-01-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Status: January 2010

We have defined operating scenarios for commuter rail (DMU) and enhanced bus service. Preliminary rail ridership forecasts have been developed, work is proceeding in cooperation with our local partners.

WSDOT has begun a study of the feasibility of commuter rail service running on the existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) tracks from Maple Valley to the Auburn station. The study will look specifically at the use of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train technology, an increasingly attractive technology for providing passenger service on short and medium distance, non-electrified railroad lines.

How are local agencies involved?
This study is being conducted in partnership with the cities of Auburn, Black Diamond, Covington and Maple Valley. These partners are part of the study team and work with WSDOT to identify the needs, priorities and strategies to be considered for our final report.

King County Metro is also providing valuable assistance in this study along with Sound Transit, BNSF Railway and Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC).

Why is WSDOT studying a commuter rail line in Southeast King County?
In recognition of the rapid growth of the area and the limited transportation options currently available the State Legislature appropriated funding to determine the feasibility of providing commuter rail service on the existing BNSF tracks.

Over the next two decades the communities in the Southeastern part of the county are expected to grow by more than 50,000 residents. This increase in population will result in more traffic on state highways, especially SR 516, SR 18, and SR 169. Commuter rail service, if feasible, has the potential to provide much needed capacity to the transportation network. Commuter rail service may be able to improve mobility for communities in the corridor and provide an alternative to driving on congested state highways.

What information will the study provide?
To evaluate the feasibility of commuter rail service we will develop a conceptual service plan including potential station locations and service levels. Using this information as a starting point we will estimate capital and operating costs and forecast ridership.

What will be key considerations?
Input from local officials, existing local land use plans and their affect on growth and travel in the area; and projected future growth are all major considerations as we assess the feasibility of a DMU commuter rail service. We will also consider potential additions and revisions to bus service in the area.

Another key consideration in assessing feasibility is the ability and willingness of the BNSF Railroad to accommodate passenger service on the single-track line that runs east from Auburn through Covington and Maple Valley on the way to Stampede Pass and points east. This rail line is a freight-only line and is not currently used for passenger service. We will also look at the institutional issues associated with initiating commuter rail service. This will involve identifying the public entities that have the authority to provide passenger rail service and the taxing authority that would be needed to fund ongoing operation.

The End Result
The final product will be a report assessing the feasibility of commuter rail service in the corridor will be produced. This report will be presented to the legislature and jurisdictions in the corridor. The findings may be used to inform decisions on whether to further study commuter rail service. The report will also provide information that can be used by local jurisdictions to effectively integrate commuter rail and bus service into their growing communities.

Project Benefits
Local decision makers will know more about instituting a commuter rail service for Southeast King County commuters. Our findings will be included in a report that will help local decision makers determine how to best meet the current and future travel needs of the local area.

What is the project timeline?

The study report is expected to be ready for WSDOT review in late Spring 2010.
A final report will be published and shared with the State Legislature in June 2010.

Financial Information
This study is funded through the following funding source:

State Legislature Appropriations - $400,000

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Thomas Noyes, Project Manager
WSDOT Urban Planning Office
401 Second Ave South, Suite 300
Seattle WA 98104
Phone: 206.464.1272
E-Mail: Urban Planning Office

Finding Local Officials When You Need Help

2010-01-15T16:55:00.000-08:00

Your local government is the answer to a lot of questions about your home and your neighborhood—all you have to do is ask.

From getting a pothole filled on your street to finding out code requirements for your new bathroom, there’s a local government official who can help. The thought of calling around, though, trying to get someone’s attention at City Hall, can seem like a good way to drive yourself crazy. But it doesn’t have to be.

More and more cities, counties, and townships are making it easier to find what you need and to monitor how well they’re responding to requests. And whether you’re a community organizer or a concerned homeowner, you shouldn’t feel like you’re heading into uncharted waters. More than half of citizens had contact with local government within the last year, according to Tom Miller, president of the National Research Center.

Getting started

Every city and town is unique, of course, but basic services for the community and homeowners tend to be similar. Local governments typically have a version of these agencies:

Code Enforcement: Also known in some places as the Department of Buildings, this is where you call about the neighbor with 100 cats or a back porch that’s falling down.

Parks and Recreation: Typically responsible for maintaining and developing local playgrounds, parks, and other recreational amenities.

Police: If the party down the block is still going strong at 3 a.m., dial the non-emergency number for your local law enforcement.

Public Works: When you need a dangling tree limb removed after a big storm or the street repaved, call here. In a bigger city, this may be broken into specific entities: streets, sanitation, sewers, forestry, and so on.

Recorder of Deeds: The county is usually responsible for housing deeds, and this is the place for a copy of yours or any related questions.

Let your fingers do the walking

If it isn’t obvious who’ll handle your problem, scan the government section of the phone book for the number to the city clerk’s office (or alternatively the local government’s main information number). Ask the clerk or operator who would be able to give you a hand with your particular needs. Another good option if you want to suggest improvements to your area—more playgrounds, for example, or less graffiti—is to start with a community development department, which can be a great catch-all agency.

Better yet, many municipalities now operate a 311 service. A call to that number gets you an operator who can take most standard requests or direct you to the right department. In 2008, 42% of U.S. local governments had either implemented a 311 system (15%) or were considering adopting one (27%), according to an International City/County Management Association survey.

Another increasingly easy option is to go digital. Even the smallest towns usually have a website these days, so a quick Internet search should get you where you want to go. A section of the website called “Departments” is a typical spot to find your options. Tech-forward municipalities like Hyattsville, Md. can even take your request online, with a system that assigns a request code to your complaint or question. Since the system generates reports to managers on the speed and effectiveness of the response, you can probably feel better about this route than even a phone call.

Get what you want

Once you’ve engaged the right official, be polite, be clear, and be sure to ask about the process. What’s involved with getting it handled? How long will it likely take to accomplish? That way, if the city is required to wait four weeks for a neighbor to remove an immobile, rusty car from their property, you aren’t feeling ignored after two weeks have passed and it’s still sitting there.

If your request is for something bigger—making your street a one-way, for instance, or more after-school programs in the local park—call the right department and see if there are already plans underway. If not, put a request in writing, and get the letter or petition signed by neighbors as well. Submit it to the department responsible for the change and with your local elected official.

Keep your eye on your goal. If you’re worried about cars zooming down your block, speed bumps might be your answer, but don’t become married to that cure. The transportation department may have another fix in mind, so be flexible.

When all else fails, take your request up the chain of command. If you’ve been told your building permit was supposed to have arrived in a week, and it hasn’t, start by calling back and asking for a supervisor. Still can’t get satisfaction? Then complain to your local elected officials—the mayor, city council members, the city manager—who are often very attuned to the needs of a disgruntled voter.

Carl Vogel, a freelance writer and former editor of The Neighborhood Works magazine, has written about public policy and community organizing and development for more than 15 years. A homeowner in Chicago, he once called city officials to have an angry opossum removed from a stairwell.

City of Maple Valley Website: www.MapleValley.Org

Maple Valley, Lake Wilderness Rambler

2010-01-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

Wonderful Wilderness Glen Rambler

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1,210 Sq Ft

Updates: Brazilian Teak Hardwood Floors, White Painted Millwork, Tile Counters and Floors

Short walk to Lake Wilderness Golf Course.

Excellent Tahoma School District

See more pictures at www.JohnLScott.com/25577

Western Washington pending home sales mark best December since 2006

2010-01-09T10:11:00.001-08:00

Here's a great article about how home sales are increasing in Western Washington. Pending homes sales were up 35% last month from the previous year and it was the best December since 2006. We are excited and optimistic about what the future holds for our local real estate market!

Maple Valley Movers and Shakers

2010-01-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Enertechnix Inc from Maple Valley for recieving $100,000 in research and technology development funding from Washington Technology Center.

Enertechnix's line of high-performance infrared imaging cameras and gas temperature measurement tools enables performance engineers to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce carbon footprints.

To learn more about them click on the title to this post and you will go to their website.

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the City of Maple Valley

2010-01-05T21:13:00.001-08:00

Congratulations to Noel Gerken, our new City of Maple Valley Mayor and to Victoria Laise Jonas, our new Deputy Mayor. We are all very proud and excited for what the future holds for our wonderful City. We have a unique community environment where as most citizens want to see a better tomorrow for our City. We want better opportunities for our Youth, our Businesses and our Neighborhoods. There are thousands of volunteer hours accumulated every year in our big City and I believe if we continue to come together, great things are possible. Here are pics of our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor:

Way to go Noel and Victoria!

Click on the title to this post to go to the article in the Reporter

Comparison of Real Estate Websites

2010-01-01T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting comparison of the John L. Scott website to Realtor.com, Homes.com, Windermere.com and Zillow.com. The first graph shows the national ranking and the second graph shows the average stay of the guest by minutes. John L. Scott and Realtor.com have the longest average stay. Looks like the John L. Scott Website is still one of the best real estate websites for content and the experience.

These graphs are courtesy of www.Alexa.com a place to compare website traffic for the top 100,000 websites.

Warren Buffet on Bill Gates

2009-12-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

Here is my favorite quote from Warren Buffet. When her was asked what he admired most about Bill Gates, here is what he had to say:

"Well, I would say what I really most admire about Bill is the view he has about what he should do with the wealth he's accumulated. I mean, as he said, he was very lucky. He was born in the right country, at the right time, with the right wiring and all of that sort of thing. In the end, he knows he's a beneficiary of a terrific society, and not everybody gets the long straws like he and I did. So he is -- and he has this view that every human life worldwide is the equivalent of every other human life, and he's backing it up not only with money, but backing it up with his time. And his wife, Melinda, is backing it up with her time. And they are really going to spend, you know, the last half of their lives or so using both money, talent, energy, imagination, all improving the lives of 6.5 billion people around the world. That's what I admire the most."

What a futuristic thinker!

Inspiration is PRICELESS

If you want to read the entire interview of Warren and Bill at Columbia University follow this link: http://www.businessinsider.com/henry-blodget-warren-buffett-and-bill-gates-on-cnbc-2009-11#what-do-you-two-buffett-and-gates-most-admire-about-each-other-6

Should you buy a foreclosure today?

2009-12-08T13:33:00.001-08:00

Here is an article for all my investor buddies. This Forbes article quotes execs from Zillow and Radar Logic and Don Trump Jr. a great read to put some thoughts about investing in forclosures today, in perspective.

http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/07/real-estate-advisor-personal-finance-housing-buy.html?partner=alerts

Immaculate Maple Valley Home

2009-11-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Belmont Woods Home - $310,000

4 Bedrooms
2.75 Baths
2,010 Square Feet
.16 Acre Lot
1993 Year Built
Vaulted Ceilings
Hardwood Floors
Fully Fenced Backyard

Find out more about this home at www.johnlscott.com/35565

Sugar Ray Leonard at the National Assocociation of Realtors Convention

2009-11-16T18:54:00.000-08:00

Sugar Ray gives an inspirational message about becoming a champion at the National Assoc. of Realtors Convention in San Diego, November 2009. As his fight bouts were flashed on the bigscreen he describes what it was like to get and stay focused on the task at hand. He goes on to say that in order to be a champion at anything you do in life you have to start by making the choice to be the best, then by shear determination you can focus and accomplish great things.

Tax Credit for Replacement Windows, Doors & Skylights

2009-11-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

You can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading the windows, exterior doors, and skylights in your primary residence during 2009 and 2010.
Take advantage of federal energy tax credits for retrofitting your house with qualified energy-efficient replacements. You can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for upgrading the windows, exterior doors, and skylights in your primary residence during 2009 and 2010.

Here is a link to read more about it:

http://www.houselogic.com/articles/tax-credits-replacing-windows-doors-and-skylights/

Do my replacements qualify?
A label alone doesn’t guarantee your new windows, doors, and skylights qualify for the energy tax credit, but it does provide critical information related to eligibility. To qualify, windows, doors, and skylights must have a U-factor of 0.30 or less and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less. The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escaping, and the SHGC gauges how well a product blocks heat from the sun. Labels also carry information on light transmission, air leakage, and condensation resistance.

Maple Valley Home Under $300,000

2009-10-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 full bath home features rounded corners, vaulted ceilings, updated carpet and flooring, a beautifully surrounded fireplace in the spacious living room with TV or art niche. Downstairs features a family room with fireplace, full bath and laundry area. A deep 2 car garage with attached carport big enough for an RV or boat! Home also has a 50 year comp roof, situated in a cul-de-sac, close to amenities and near by walking trail make this home a great opportunity! $298,500

View more pictures of this home at: www.JohnLScott.com/56935

1st Weekend for Breast Cancer Awareness Big Success!

2009-10-07T14:09:00.001-07:00

Over $1,000 raised first weekend! The first weekend of October John L. Scott Maple Valley was at Safeway 4-Corners cooking hot dogs and collecting donations for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made a donation. Over $1,000 was raised for Breast Cancer Research. We will be at Safeway 4-Corners every weekend in October collecting donations and serving up lunch. Come by for great food and help support this great cause.

Thank you to all of our volunteers:

Sean Walker, Les Scott, Kim & Jack Emmons, Alex and Austin Emmons, Beverly Raastad and family, Berthy Carson and family, Renee Brealey, Elsie Chaudoin and High Point Church.

Breast Cancer Awareness

2009-09-25T16:31:00.001-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hot Dog Cookout every Saturday and Sunday in October, 11am-5pm at Safeway 4-Corners.

Join us for lunch. We will cooking up hot dogs and collecting donations for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

This is the 6th year John L. Scott Maple Valley has partnered with Safeway to raise donations for Breast Cancer Awareness. Last year we raised over $24,000.

Saturday, October 3rd is Breast Cancer Awareness Day at the Maple Valley Farmers Market. Wear your pink when you come to get your fresh produce and show your support. There will be several local groups at the market answering questions and raising awarenss about Breast Cancer.

Cooking hot dogs last year at Safeway

Maple Valley Open House

2009-09-18T15:04:00.001-07:00

Open House This Weekend

Sat 19th & Sun 20th, 1-4pm

~ 4 Bedroom home in Maple Valley, WA ~
~ Built in 2007 features over 3,400 sq ft of living space ~

18438 244th Ave SE Maple Valley, WA 98038

View more pictures of this home online at www.johnlscott.com/46536

Secluded Maple Valley, WA Home!

2009-09-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Maple Valley Open House

Sat 19th & Sun 20th, 1-4pm

22310 270th Ave SE Maple Valley, WA 98038

$315,000

Great home in secluded setting just in need of the basics; paint, flooring and pruning. Tall evergreens, fenced acreage. 4 bedrooms plus large mud room. 3 bathrooms, 1 downstairs with 8-person hot tub. Large detached garage with stove and 220 power.

View more pictures of this home at www.johnlscott.com/41806

30 Days left to QUALIFY for the $8,000 Tax Credit

2009-09-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

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The Countdown is on!

With the average typical 30 day closing needing atleast one 2 week extension for unforeseen circumstances, you need to have a home under contract by the middle of October to have any sort of guarantee to receive that credit. You can still amend your 2008 tax return to receive the $8,000 from the IRS this year.

Only 45 Days Left to QUALIFY For The $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

2009-08-31T17:17:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that we are down to just a month and a half to qualify for the $8,000 tax credit for First Time Home Buyers? With the average typical 30 day closing needing atleast one 2 week extension for unforeseen circumstances, you need to have a home under contract by the middle of October to have any sort of guarantee to receive that credit. You can still amend your 2008 tax return to receive the $8,000 from the IRS this year.