bloggingseattle

The gazebo that almost killed me

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 02:53:00 +0000

i just sat down from an all day, grueling workout on my back patio, 12 hours to put together a gazebo. Will some body please come and kill me now? The instructions said all you need is 2 hours, a ladder and a Phillips screwdriver. What were they smoking? I start at 8 this morning, by 10 the sun, yes the sun in Seattle, is baking on the East side of the house where the patio (ex-carport) is and whatever possessed me to bare my fat cells, dab some 8 sunscreen on and think I would be good for the day?? I think as I get older I get more foolish. My skin hasn't seen sun for at least 3 years. Long story short, the instructions while in English, are written in a certain perspective from a different land, and it may have lost something in the translation or maybe it is just me. There was NO panel F to insert and join with Panel G. I made it half way thru before the power screw driver abso-efin-lutely failed and I had to make the dreaded drive, exhausted and scorched to Home Depot for the replacement. I return an hour later, the temp is over 85 in the shade and at least 100 where I am destined to spend the last day of life. I begin again. The framing and roof frame is up by 4. I'm burnt to a crisp, luckily, I gained some sense and never took the shirt off after the Home depot trip. Now more up and down the ladder tightening nuts and bolts, with shaky old man legs, tight spaces whereby NO power driver will work, where they must not have 3/8" wrenches, sockets, nuts and bolts because it was a bit off, so for me it looks like the 'Idiot Wrench' (Crescent wrench is the true term, however my beloved deceased father in law had the appropriate name for it) is the only method. The tightening complete, now time for the canvas, nylon, whatever it is roof. I'm on the death ladder again. been at it for 10 hours now, I'm ready to die (Please Lord, take me now and with quickness and as little pain as possible) as the pain in the feet, ankles, knees and back are causing me to think heroin is the only answer. Now, as I said the instructions are unique. I throw the top portion up, try to stretch over the 4 corners and 'RRRIIIIPPPP" the last corner says hell no not that way you don't. WTH? Was I supposed to put the tarp top piece on first, then finish the assembly 12 feet up in the air? I will sum it up by saying, after sitting in a chair, burnt to hell, in extreme pain, thinking all is lost, I say to myself, what would father in-law do? Well, I improvised, with 12/2 electrical wire, a small stone and voila after 12 hours for a "2 hour assembly" it is done. I hope I die before morning.

Stan’s photo gallery of today’s death trap

Raising kids in Seattle

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:51:00 +0000

I ran into a good friend and past client yesterday and as we catch up on things, Dave tells me about his youngest of 4 children, nicknamed ‘Tonga’, I seem to recall. The story goes that this child, though not even 2 years of age is almost 40 pounds and is very adventurous (I think devious was the word), and has to be watched constantly. He climbs out of his crib and roams where he wants and will leave the house if not caught before hand. Childproof locks you might ask? Well, this is the funniest part. Dave says, yeah we have ‘em, however they don’t stop this child. He sneaks to the pantry door, takes his fist and BAMM slams it against the plastic knob surround breaking it off, carefully opens the door so as not to be heard, then scales the wire shelving to the top shelf where the prize goodies are kept, finds what he wants and drops it to the floor, creeps stealthily down to his prey, opens and starts to eat, when suddenly the door opens and there’s dad standing there looking down at him, at which time he gestures out to dad, offering up his prized possessions and says…’for you?’. At this point as I listen to this story of a not yet 2 year old, tears streaming down my face as I can’t contain my hysteria, I feel very grateful that I know longer have to raise young ones. I can’t wait to hear more ‘Tonga’ stories as this one continues on his journey towards becoming an NFL Hall of Fame defensive end. Thanks Dave for the belly laugh!

Safeco Insurance...Am I accepted back?

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Thu, 31 May 2007 03:31:00 +0000

I know, I know, what kind of a blogger goes away for a month at a time? Well, I guess my true colors are coming out. I sell real estate, try to maintain a family, etc. and blogging will have to take a back seat. What the hell has been going on Stan to keep you from the keyboard? I’ll tell you. No real estate talk here, even though extremely busy with that, as that will be saved for a different blogging moment. Referring back to my Safeco post whereby the bastard (oops,excuse me, see post from last month, I don't know what came over me...I don’t want to be too strong and offend anyone) the ‘bad poopers’, decided to cancel and not renew because of the ‘hazardous fascia paint’, I finally hope I have resolve. The handrail has been built, the ‘exposed wood’ covered patio has been removed and hauled away and the dreaded ‘hazardous’ fascia paint has been repainted. I might add also had the whole South side of the home has had the siding replaced, (by the best contractor I currently know of, happy to refer, just call), the garage door replaced and the whole, entire home repainted. Safeco, I hope you happy…it @#%$$^&)* cost me 3 times what it costs you for the claim that you paid for my loss. But hell, we should be good friends now eh?

Showing Seattle Real Estate can be interesting

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 16:47:00 +0000

Sunday I get a call on a new listing of mine,

The Virtual Tour

we’ll call him Iggy (not really his name but very close to it). He speaks in a very gruff, (though English, sounds very German) foreign accent. He wants to see it. Do you have a personal realtor, I ask? (Normal protocol, as his realtor has access thru a key box) No. When can I show it to him? We set up the next day at 3:30 as the seller has two large dogs and gets home at 3PM and can take the mutts for a walk (they can be larger than life and a bit intimidating). Great. I leave the office at 3PM and head for the meeting with Iggy and his wife. At 3:29 the phone rings. Seller is almost a panic, gets home, the mutts have left a surprise in the bonus room where they were held captive all day, she has cleaned it up the best she can, ‘sorry for any smell, the windows are open, I hope it is not too bad.’ I arrive. Visiting car in drive, NO Iggy is visible. I walk around back (private acre lot) looking for the elusive Iggster. Success, there they are, a graying slightly bearded stocky gentleman peering in the back kitchen window and his dark haired wife (we will call her Emily). We intro and head back to the front door. Almost immediately the complaints start erupting from the mouth of the Igg man. ‘The den’s too small, the windows too high to clean, the living room looks like a family room, a septic system, no sewer??' What, can you get an acre without it? I say. ‘And where the hell do you put the plates?’ He asks. A brand new $100k kitchen and we start searching through the drawers and cupboards looking for the #%@#%@& plates. We haven’t even hit the upstairs yet where we will encounter the dog gifted bonus room. I can’t wait. ‘The master is too small, what no tub?, what is that softening in the hall flooring (WTH, it feels plush from high end carpeting and pad to me), and who would need a large room like this?’ Yep, the bonus room. Much to my surprise, the odor from the mutts is barely noticeable, whew. Well needless to say, as well finish the tour downstairs, The Iggster says he will have to think about it as he doesn’t make rash, quick decisions.’ Surprise, surprise, how shocking for me. Too bad too, as his wife was a delight, very positive, and seemed to really like the place. Just another day in the life of a NW realtor.

Safeco Insurance...Homeowners Beware!

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 02:42:00 +0000

Safeco Insurance has been my home liability insurance company for many, many years. Recently, I suffered a ‘break-in’ loss of a laptop computer in which I filed a claim and since it was covered, they paid for the stolen laptop. So…what’s the problem you ask? I’ll share with you the remainder of the story. A short few months after the incident, Safeco informs me: "After careful consideration, we have concluded that we will not be able to renew your homeowners policy." and why not, you may ask?
"While we regret this decision, we feel it necessary for the following reason: There is substantial increased hazard associated with the lack of maintenance of this dwelling."
1) “the facia has chipped, pealing and worn paint” (increased hazard???)
2) “the patio cover has exposed wood that is not protected from the weather” (again increased hazard?)
3) “the front steps lack a railing” (hello...it has been this way since 1940...1 step from porch to sidewalk and NO rail..."increased hazard"?)

OMG…with these disastrous home deficiencies producing such an "increased hazard", I can’t believe they could have taken my tens of thousands of dollars for all these past years and insured me anyway. The real reason for the cancellation (though not specifically stated by the agent, the truth was reluctantly acknowledged) and what really ticks me off, is the fact that they are looking for any reasons to cancel as they've ‘paid a claim’ and it shows ‘a loss’. To make matters worse, they make it almost impossible for me to get insurance with another company as they have posted for the insurance world to see that a claim was made. Guess what? NO insurance for me. My auto insurance agent has tried to no avail. Nope, have to wait a year after the claim. What in the world do we have insurance for anyway? If they choose to cancel you and make it impossible for you to be insured once you file a needed claim.

The photo above, while not my home, shows the ‘2 deadly steps’ that it takes to get in my front door. Hey guys, it's a 1940's bungalow and guess what? I went up and down my street and NO ONE with a two-step entry (and there are at least 30 two step entry homes on my street) have a rail. The facia, I will paint, of course our weather is not conducive to painting in the winter and spring months. The covered patio, a few fiberglass panels went in a storm, will have to be dealt with as well.

I have 3 weeks to get the items taken care of to their satisfaction and perhaps they will 'review' and possibly reverse their decision (although they have not stated as such). In the meantime, shame on you Safeco Insurance Company of America…your business practices are abhorrent!

Sell investment property...pay NO taxes? Is a 1031 Tax Exchange for you?

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 03:35:00 +0000

When Mrs. Smith called me today, and after about an hour on the phone, I thought maybe this was a good topic for the blog. She’s owned a property in CA (valued at around $700,000) that she has rented for many years and feels it is time to sell. Of course, paying a high tax bill on the $600,000 that is left after paying off the mortgage owed is not a desire. So the discussion revolved around doing what is known as a “1031 Tax Exchange”. As we discussed further it was determined that what she wants to do will probably work. That is, take the 600k and purchase 2 properties with the cash and rent both. Now the tricky part…she wants to close the sale in a month and she hasn’t really started on the process of finding the 2 to buy. She also mentioned that she feels she can handle all the exchange ‘stuff’ herself. Now, I’m no expert, however the following is what I shared with her from my limited knowledge.
• Must use a 1031 tax exchange facilitator, that handles the closing and receives the funds from the sale (deposits the $$ into a trust fund to await the close of the 2 purchases). If the seller gets the money deposited in their bank, the exchange is void and guess what? The tax man gets his.
• Can go ahead and close the sale as long as the Purchase agreement discloses the exchange.
• 45 day window (from the close date) to name the replacement properties (the ones Mrs. Smith wants to buy)
• 180 days to actually close on both properties.
• Any extra fund left over after the close…yep…the tax man gets his share of that amount.

Now there’s more to this than what’s mentioned here, and for more precise info on this subject

1031 ECI

I highly recommend.

Now is Washington a good place to invest in real estate after selling the same in another state? Mrs. Smith thinks so, and after reviewing the appreciation rates for 2006 today (more to come on that at another date) she can’t wait to get the ‘declining’ property sold and reinvested here in our area.

I can’t say I blame her.

photo courtesy of www.patriotnetwork.info

# 24 is retired to the rafters and another #24 passes

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 04:23:00 +0000

I Just got home flip-ed on the tube and am watching the halftime show of the Sonics/trailblazers game. Spencer Haywood, the original #24 is being recognized and his # retired as it should be. He finished his Seattle career at the time I became a Seattle-lite, however I remember him as truly the 1st superstar Seattle has had. On a side note the next #24 that I really remember as I watched him help the Sonics win their NBA championship against the Washington Bullets back in 1979, is Dennis Johnson. Sadly he collapsed on a basketball court coaching last week. Truly a happy and sad note for tonight's game. You will both be missed. As we embark on a battle to keep the Sonics in Seattle, I really hope we can do just that. Photos from the following:

The Strength Coach

and

Sports Illustrated/CNN

Just another day in the life of a realtor!

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:54:00 +0000

To many who are not in my profession, this story may not have meaning. To me, when I read this from my real estate friend residing back East (I will refer to her as Susan to protect her identity)I could empathise. She writes:

'Just picked up a new buyer through an Internet lead service. Nice young woman. Returns calls immediately, responds to e-mails promptly, agrees to work with me and we meet last night to go over paperwork, chat, then go view a two-family she knows she wants. She lives near the place, knows all about it, knows she is going to want to put in an offer. In the ten minute drive to the property, I learn:

1) Her fiancé was killed in a drive-by shooting;
2) She is suspicious, does not believe the story given by the other guy in the car; starts her own investigation;
3) A few weeks in, her dog is poisoned in the yard;
4) Her mother is now dead, she cannot turn to her for help;
5) Dad's in prison. No contact.
6) The house she has been renting a room in, and paying fairly high rent for, is going into foreclosure because the landlord took the money, did not pay the mortgage, and split.
7) She begins talks with the bank about buying the house herself because she loves it. At first they tell her she can buy it; she gets her financing in order. She qualifies for a mortgage larger than what the house will go for, so she figures she is all set. Not so fast. Sooooo many problems attached to this house, the title, etc., that she just decides she wants to get something else.
8) We go to the house, in the dark, in a not-safe neighborhood (her neighborhood, so I feel somewhat safer with her). Get key out of lockbox. Great. I can see that it is a brand new key, and I know what is coming. Right. Key does not work. I call the listing agent, a bulldog of a guy, Nickolay, who sounds like he is from the Russian Mafia. Nickolay keeps saying , "RRRR, YES, key should vork. Key should vork!" I keep trying. Key not vorking. Nicolay cannot meet us, he is having belated Valentine's Dinner with his girlfriend. Which is interesting, because I know Nikolay and his WIFE, lol. Met them at Realtor functions in the past. I reschedule for Saturday at 10:00.
9) This is going to be a short relationship. She is sweet and trusting, but I don't see her becoming one of my future friends-who-started-as-buyers. We just don't seem to run in the same social circles.'

Just another day in the life of a realtor.

Moving to Seattle? What the recruiter’s won’t tell you...but you NEED to know!

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:25:00 +0000

The other day it happened again…the call came in. Being a relocation specialist, working with relocating clients going to work for Microsoft and others, my job is helping folks moving to Seattle, find a suitable replacement property that they can call home. Of course the majority moving here from out of state, have a home they are leaving. The call comes in and goes something like this, when the client is asked to describe the criteria for their new home:

‘I would like a 4 bedroom, 3 bath, about 3,000 square feet, all brick, on between 1 and 2 acres, newer than 5 years…and of course, I need to be 15 to 20 minute commute to MS….Oh, it doesn’t need to have a pool like we have in our current home, we realize it rains a lot here and we wouldn’t use it that much.’…and price? I ask…’Somewhere between $400,000 and $425,000 should work fine as our home just sold for about $350,000’, they add.

This makes life very interest. I am feeling quite concerned for the family moving here at this point, while they are excited about their new career opportunity, coming from a home described above, we are really in trouble at this point. I really need to get them on track with our real estate market here, and quickly, as well as start tweaking the criteria to figure out their priority’s, as we certainly can’t keep ALL the criteria as it is.

For instance, we can start with the preferred price along with the short commute and we find ourselves probably looking at a 2 or 3 bedroom, 1400 to 1500 sf., 10 year and younger town home in Redmond or maybe the Sammamish plateau. If we go to the criteria mentioned above, in a single family home, we are 45 to 60 minute commute and still at a price of at least $700k to $800k, minus the brick, maybe the age, and possibly the 1 to 2 acres. If we come in a bit closer in commute, definitely the lot size goes down and the price goes up. I feel like I sound like Howie on "Deal or NO Deal".

Without examining this to death, I really don’t know what the answer is here. I’m not blaming the recruiters; their job is to sell the recruit on the company and on our area. Quite frankly, they may not have the expertise to even guide the recruit with correct real estate information anyway. That’s not their job. Our job though, is and will be to find either a way to educate these folks ahead of time, or, give a crash course education as soon as possible, fine tune the priorities, and find the best possible home to meet their needs. Sometimes, it can feel like a trapeze act at the Barnum & Bailey…but I love the challenge and the happy smiles when we finally close on their new home by meeting somewhere between their initial dream and the reality of living in the Seattle area.

If you’re thinking of moving to Seattle, pick up the phone or drop an email, we’ll be happy to give you the straight scoop. It sure beats the alternative.

Bellevue Real Estate...It's coming of age!

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 04:36:00 +0000

I’ve been thinking for months now that I must update folks as to what the %*#%@ is happening to our once sleepy community here in downtown Bellevue. When I was asked today by a truly great realtor and super ‘blog Queen’

Ardell

, what I thought of a new town home community sprouting up, so, I might as well share my thoughts here. Well, at first glance for the person visiting here from another area of the US of A, it may sound expensive to pay $870,000 for a non-single family residence.

Oh quite contraire, as time will tell. These beautifully designed Row houses, with brick exteriors and contemporary styling are in the heart of Bellevue. These homes are designed to emphasize an urban lifestyle w/nicely landscaped courtyards, an extension of McCormick Park and a short stroll to the growing amenities that are evolving in downtown Bellevue. Approximately 2,000 square feet of cutting edge interiors, these 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath town homes complete with underground two stall parking as well as 2 guest stalls, will be one of the best downtown real estate investments to be seen in the next few years.

Does it seem steep? Sure, just as a Medina waterfront property seemed outrageous when selling at $100,000 back in the 1950’s and is now however selling 40, 50 and in some cases over 100 times that amount. More to come on the changes to Bellevue in the coming weeks. Bellevue is coming of age!!

A new national MLS listing service?

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 04:02:00 +0000

Point 2 Technologies (providers of Point 2 Agent web sites) announced today, the launch of the Point 2 NLS (National Listing Service).
Having been a client of Point 2 for my website services for a while now, it doesn’t surprise me that they are leading the way towards an new innovative Internet access point to market real estate listings nationally. This company has a network of currently over 104,000 that allows real estate agents all over the world to share their listings with each other in what they call "Handshake Listings", and it looks like they are taking it to the next level.
The "NLS" is a service that allows real estate agents to display their properties across the Point 2 network, just another tool in the Internet advertising arsenal. For a complete story of this with links to press releases and additional info, please visit my friend and realtor associate Jay at

The Phoenix Real Estate guy

As to my feelings on the matter, when I started in this industry, we had a bi-monthly listing book with all of the local listings with a beautiful black and white photo of the front of the home. Ye hah!!...and that was ALL we had. The Internet came along, the mls wanted to start sharing our listings with the net (hellooo… they knew the net was here to stay, why fight it). Many of the old timers fought the change. Those same folks are now retired. Personally, I embrace it. Our value, as a realtor, is not in keeping our listing information secret…it is getting our clients from point A to point B in the best way possible for them with the least amount of trauma. Bring on the next wave…I gave up the phone book years ago

Mount Rainier is alive and well…

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 01:07:00 +0000

When my little sister called me a couple days ago saying ‘hey big brother, I think Bob and I are interested in a little 10 cabin lodge over in Ashford, WA… what do you think?’ Well, 1st off, I’ve never heard of Ashford. As it turns out, this little town is nestled 5 miles from the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. So at the crack of dawn this morning, sis and hubby leave Salem, Oregon and my bride, the 6lb watchdog and I, all 3 of us, climb into the antique jalopy and head for Mt. Rainier. Two and a half hours later we’re sitting at the Park entrance in a few inches of snow. Awesome sight. The Park is currently closed to car travel (trail hiking only) as they are doing road work because of the November snowfall and the big blow we had a couple weeks back. No worries, we were here for the purpose of visiting this little gem (click on link below photo for additional photos)

Stone Creek Lodge

From Stone Creek L...

While currently for sale as a business opportunity, SCL is owner operated and occupied and is truly a great hide-away. Pine walled cabins, gas fireplaces in most, is perfect for the folks wanting an escape from phones, TV, email and the Internet. Yep, bring a good book and settle in for a cozy evening in front of the gas fireplace. If your up for a day hike you are only 200 feet from the Park entry and a natural paradise.

From Stone Creek L...

Kara, born to be a sled dog, had a great trip today, however is totally exhausted and is currently snoring while chasing field mice in snow covered pastures.

Ok, Promise not to spend too many hours at this...

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 18:34:00 +0000

...Smackin' the penguin. This may be the 3rd step of my 12 step program. Really folks, I am truly an animal lover contrary to what this may lead you to believe.

1. Click on the link below.

2. Click once on the snowman.

3. Click once on the snowman to hit the penguin with the bat as he
descends from the cliff.

4. What is your distance?

5. Click Okay and try again!

Click here to

Smack the Penguin

What is your record?

Caution!!! Addictive!!!

A winter walk-about along Lake Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 01:47:00 +0000

Looking for a nice place to spend a few hours? With many folks having a another few days off before the new year comes flyin’ in to greet us, this may be a good option for you.

From Coulon Beach ...

Just 10 minutes from Bellevue and maybe 15 or so from dt Seattle, Renton has a special place know as Coulon Beach Park. Now, many folks may not be aware of this little jewel, as it’s only visible if you exit I405 at SE 44th and you drive along lake Washington Blvd south towards Renton. It has boardwalk piers, a great paved trail along the lake, outdoor picnic seating, boat launching and docking (mainly used in the Spring/Summer/Fall months, duh) and if it’s a bit chilly and your looking for good, warm bite, there is also the famous Ivars

From Coulon Beach ...

(Fish & Chips or a warm bowl of clam chowder) or Kidd Valley ( a super burger or an order of garlic fries, yum, yum. I had to have a little of them all). Speaking of Ivars, if you plan your trip whereby you can be there after dusk and do this before January 1st, you will treated Ivar's ‘clam lights’ along the shore. If not maybe a bit of bird feeding

From Coulon Beach ...

oops...watching!!

From Coulon Beach ...

No one needs to go to jail from just doing a nice winter walk-about. A fun way to work off some of those unwanted holiday lbs!!

Maintaining a level of sanity

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 18:59:00 +0000

This time of the year, while it can bring joy to most, it also can be a sad time for others. A friend of mine asked the question: “Do you ever feel beat? Exhausted, worn out? How do you keep going on those days? Without taking drugs to perk up?”

Well, another friend offered the 17 Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level of Insanity

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and Point A Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone Has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch To Espresso.
6. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Sexual Favors"
7. Finish All Your Sentences With "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don’t Use Any Punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Ask People What Sex They Are. Laugh Hysterically After They Answer.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme.
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party because you’re not in the Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You by Your Wrestling Name, Rock Hard.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won! I Won!"

Seattle's Big Blow of 2006

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:28:00 +0000

It’s Tuesday and we Seattle-ites are beginning to thaw out a bit as many of us (almost a million households) have been without electricity, heat, cooking equipment, etc since the very wee hours of Friday AM. With massive gusts of wind rocking our area at almost 70 miles an hour and more in some areas, we we’re literally crippled overnight. Seattle folks aren’t used to being in survival mode, but I think for the most part we held up pretty well. Traffic signals not functioning, we crawled at a snails pace to the dead intersection where we (most of us anyway) treated it like a four-way stop, waited out turn and then crept along to the next one where we repeated the maneuvers. We learned to read by flashlight, eat cold sandwiches (and be mighty happy for them), bundle up in piles of blankets to try to sleep, brush teeth in frigid water, go for a few days without a warm shower (not too pleasant was that one) as well as learn to live with NO TV or radio background noise. I did listen to the AM when driving to catch up on what was happening with the power, etc. and it was truly heartwarming to hear others respond by calling the radio station as they heard of others in need and offer their help. Whether they had extra firewood, a generator they weren’t using or just offering warm food, it made me proud to live in Seattle. As of last count, I think we are down to under 200,000 homes without power, according to

The Seattle Times

and hopefully we will get back to normal soon.

Step 2 of the 12 step process?

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 00:39:00 +0000

As you know from reading earlier, I’m trying to get into the spirit of things and quit being such a scrooge. A friend shared this fun little game that can be had with Mr. Saint Nick. This may just be the 2nd step in the 12 step process for me, but I think I like it. I tried commands such as ‘ride Rudolph, cartwheel & drink beer’ (what can I say, it’s a past time of mine). What can you get Santa to do?

Simon says Santa

What did you ask Santa to do and were you surprised by his reaction?
I don't know how this little winter magic woks, but I like it. Am I on the way to recovery?

It’s Cristmas time…Baaahhh humbug

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 21:31:00 +0000

I won’t go into all the details, but this time of the year tends to be a bit difficult for me. It may be for you as well. I grew up ALL my childhood never participating in the Christmas holiday. For religious reasons, it was just something my family NEVER did, not even once. Here I am, as an adult, trying not to be the ‘scrooge’ that my wife jokingly ribs me about being. Just the day after Thanksgiving, I found myself leaving the local Fred Meyer store early in the morning, when I hear someone off to my left, say the words “Merry Christmas”, as they had just strapped the tree to the top of there car. I felt very ashamed of myself a few seconds later as I realized that what immediately popped into my mind (and thankfully didn’t come shooting out of my mouth) was "It’s a little 'bleepin' early for that isn’t it?" It was at that moment that I realized 1) it was the day after Thanksgiving, so no it’s NOT too early and 2) maybe I am a scrooge and golly geewiz Batman, I better get over it. Ashamed as I am to be telling this story, I'm hoping this is the 1st step of the 12 step recovery program. So as I try to set myself straight, I hope you will enjoy my 1st attempt at getting into the season.

Santa’s little helper

Just checked this and discovered that 'the face' is now missing. Hmmn...it worked for a few days. The site may be experiencing a bit of difficulty with the increase of visitors. It's kind of fun to do one of yourself and send out, but it's certainly better when you don't join the realm of the faceless.

What's in your attic?

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 01:41:00 +0000

Having been involved in 3 or 4 home inspections during the past couple of weeks or so, I’m reminded of a story from about 7 or 8 years ago. I will try to re-tell it exactly as I remember it, so if you are sensitive to a swear word now and again, my apologies. So the home inspector for this 1920’s, farm style, 1.5 story home in the outskirts of Seattle discovers in the dormer storage sections upstairs, that among the rafters, there lie a few abandoned mattresses which happened to be absolutely covered with rat excrement. Now, I’ve been through many inspections and have seen numerous rodent droppings in both attic and crawl spaces, but I have not ever seen one to this extent. So, the seller agrees to have a professional check out and correct the situation. The pest professional is called and the seller and myself meet at the property. Upon the return from the ‘attic’ where the festivities had been happening, the ‘exterminator’ says: ‘Yep. You’ve got a rat problem alright, and you’ve got yourself a “Norwegian” rat.’

Norway rat

“Norwegian rats”, we ask, “can you get rid of them?” His reply: “Well, it’s not a them as you only have one.” “One", we ask, "how do you know?” Seems odd to the seller and I that there could only be one rat with the amount of you know what scattered everywhere. So he says, starting to get a little attitude at this point: “Yep, like I said you only have one, as the Norwegian rat is very unsociable and in fact hates all other rats and will fight ‘em and run ‘em off.” “You’re kidding right?” We ask. “Listen buddy” he says, getting a little hostile now, “I’ve been looking at rat sh*t for over 30 years and I know my rat sh*t and I can tell ya, you have a Norway rat and you only have one of ‘em.” Well, the seller and I were amazed at his knowledge and of course hired his company to come out and trap the little fella. The next week, the ‘trapping kid’ comes out and of course he wasn’t aware that we just had one Norway rat and he sets multiple traps in the attic. Well, needless to say, over the next 4 weeks as the ‘trap kid’ returns every week to empty the traps, he hauls away at least 7 large rat bodies to the rat graveyard. So much for the expert on the nationality of ‘our’ furry attic dwellers…kind a funny though, for many years afterward, the two small sons of the buyer, would refer to the attic storage area as the “rattic”. For a real expert, contact the following:

Willards Pest Control

The Ratman

or for more interesting reading about the rat problem in Seattle, the following in the

Seattle Weekly

Pirillo’s sign ‘the docs’ and ARE actually moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 20:10:00 +0000

After a few false alarms, Chris & Ponzi, just a week before they tie the knot, signed their loan docs this morning and are moving after all.

Pirillo signing on closing day

Having stayed up all night, juiced on god knows how much caffeine, they showed up bright and bushy tailed for their 8:30AM escrow appointment this morning. I’m always amazed when I witness ‘the signing’ ritual as Linda (the signer) waves her hand over each page while summarizing in a hypnotic flow, what in layman’s terms the legal mumbo jumbo actually is saying, as the buyers follow the trance-like instructions and sign their life away. Even when they get to the part where Linda shows what a person actually pays for a property, should they stay there for the full 30 year term, and make each payment (usually about 3 times the actual price of the home) the buyers after the initial shock and gasping wears off, enthusiastically dot the ‘I’ and cross the ‘T’. Congrats Chris & Ponzi on this special step taken and it’s on the get the keys and get that moving truck to your 1st home together.

Chris, Chris & Chris discuss YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:34:00 +0000

Once in a while we meet folks that blow us away with their uniqueness. I think you'll agree that Chris is one of those folks. I mentioned

Chris

Ponzi

a few days ago (see 'Beauty & the geek' below), however today I watched Chris’s video comparison of YouTube, Google video and Revvor and found it quite humorous. Just thought I’d share. Make sure you scroll down far enough so that you can see all three videos on your screen at the same time, then press the play button for each video starting from the top one. This will only work if you play the videos on the same page together. After watching you could probably imagine what it was like discussing different properties with Ponzi, Chris, Chris & Chris...well you'll get the picture.

Snowstorm hits Bellevue, stranding Mr & Mrs ‘H’…

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 01:48:00 +0000

…in their brand new digs.

From Mr & Mrs 'H'

Having just closed on their home purchase only a few weeks ago, little did Jon & Janna know that their new home in Bellevue would trap them and keep them from making the short (normally 20 to 30 minutes) commute to work. But sure enough, a few days after Thanksgiving they found themselves cozy’d up in front of the fireplace, unable to maneuver the auto in the frozen white stuff, gazing out the windows at a truly winter wonderland. This 1 acre paradise, only minutes from downtown Bellevue, was an incredible find for them, and an amazing story in itself, as to how we were able to successfully purchase this property amongst some very stiff buyer competition. Having helped J & J purchase their last home (one they had never seen in person prior to closing…and a story in itself) about 3 years ago…this transaction with them truly brought tears to my eyes. The setting, down a private lane of split rail fencing, spacious pasture sized yards, streams and ponds meandering through many of the 20 or so homes sprinkled in this tight knit community, is spectacular. This time, I actually got to see the excitement on their faces as we stood next to the small apple orchard in their future back yard, discussing the particulars of putting an offer together for this Bellevue gem. Today, I drove the 4x4, studded tires and all, to make a visit to them, drove down the lane marked with nothing but footprints of humans and nature (no tire marks) to find their beaming faces greet me at the door…it really gave me a satisfied feeling. In this case, rather then folks moving every 4 years as the national average, I hope Jon & Janna will be able to stay in that paradise for many, many years to come.

Dawgs & Cats…coming together

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 01:03:00 +0000

From Apple Cup 2006

Having the pain of that fateful Saturday of the 18th behind me, I just thought it was time to finally post a few pics of our annual get together, whereby we assemble as friends, both Cougs or Huskies alike, to cheer, toast, rejoice or in a few cases collapse in defeat. Even though the outcome was a sad one (UW 35, WSU 32) for most of us in the group…yes there were a few die hard Huskies in our circle, we still enjoy each others company and wouldn’t miss it for anything. Looking forward to next year when???

Beauty & The Geek...a bloggers home buying experience

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 19:47:00 +0000

A couple summers ago, some very special past clients introduced me to

Chris

Ponzi

a handsome young couple, wanting to buy a home together and thought that I would be able to help them. I’ll never forget our 1st time out house shopping on that Saturday morning. As we enter the front door of this 5 year young two-story with basement, there’s an immediate transformation of the young man, from being subdued, quiet and in control to that of an ecstatic ‘kid in a candy store’. Chris charges into the foyer, yanks the baseball cap from his head, screaming, ‘Babe, Babe...Ohhh Babe, You got of see this’ as he races through the home, shrieking more at each level and culminating with a howl of shear delight upon arriving in the basement and seeing the theater room complete with video screen and projector. Well, Chris & Ponzi didn’t buy that home and in fact after spending the summer looking at properties, never really being able to find just the right one, decided to wait a year. As things turned out in fact, the time for buying a home here in Seattle didn’t happen till the present, a month before their upcoming wedding no less, and having just made it through

The Inspection

I’m happy to say this young couple will have an extremely beautiful home to move into in the next couple weeks. Thank you,

Robert

Maryam

for the referring of Ponzi & Chris (the beauty & the geek…blogging podcasters extraordinaire) back those two summers ago. It has been a long time coming for them but now homeownership will become a reality and I feel fortunate to have been able to get to know them a bit and to assist. ‘Babe, Babe...Ohhh Babe, come here quick, you got to see this!’ Priceless!

It's all in the shoes...or is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Stan) — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:05:00 +0000

From shoes

Recently I was with a client and evidently I was in one of my ‘down’ moments. They don’t happen very often with me but in this case I must have made a comment about my shoes. Now, I’m definitely no fashion plate and over the last year or so, with a few foot and ankle issues, I have come to wear a very comfortable pair of

New Balance walkers

. Now this of course isn’t the type of shoe you see on the average Bellevue realtor who is known to wear something like

From shoes

so maybe I was being a bit critical of myself at the moment. Well, a note arrived at my office a few days later…it went like this: “Stan, I just wanted you to know that there’s a lot more to choosing a realtor then what he or she wears or the car he or she drives. My husband and I chose you to represent us in our selling of our home and the purchase of a new one, not for the shoes or the car, but because of your experience, your honesty and your willingness to put our needs ahead of your own. Thanks for being our agent and please don’t change who you are.” Well, I can’t tell you completely how these comments made me feel, but I will say, they have helped put a little more ummpphh into my step…even it is only in ‘black tennies’. It’s also helped me to try not to be to quick to judge others by what is shown on the outside (yeah I know isn’t that what our mothers tried to teach us anyway when we were young?)…don’t know about you, but I sometimes find myself slipping into that mode. OK, enough of the serious talk….