Washington Outdoorsman Blog

Sand Island, Grays Harbor, WA

2010-05-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

You've probably never heard of Sand Island before. It is a dredge island in the middle of Gray's Harbor. Its hard to get to on a low tide, so it is pretty wild and full of birds. We were lucky enough to spend a few hours there on a recent sunny day and got some great shots of shore birds and eagles.

Enjoy, and contact Gary for the latest market info on Westport and Ocean Shores.

Hills and Dales in Lake Forest Estates, Maple Valley, 98038

2010-05-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

Lake Forest Estates fulfills anyone’s dreams to live in a house on a hill, but not just any old house. These homes are spacious, with a surprising amount of square footage inside. The entryway into the neighborhood is the first clue as to what one will find here: beautiful brick structures surrounded by gorgeous shrubbery that turns into a magical display of color in the fall. One of two neighborhoods that incorporate a lake as one of its neighborhood amenities, this family-friendly community invites the visitor to stay for longer than just awhile.

Most of these multi-storied homes have three-car garages and large tracts of lawn. Due to the winding of the roads, and the hilliness of the terrain, a sense of privacy pervades the area. With high-end and unique final additions, these homes are sure to please the buyer looking for quality real estate. This is an oft-photographed neighborhood because is sits in the shadow of Mt. Rainier, which is seen from many a window.

Another great feature is the private access to the locally treasured Lake Wilderness. With a beach, park area and dock for fishing, diving or canoeing, members of this neighborhood enjoy country living in a city setting. While popular with both children and adults, its capaciousness ensures that is a rare day these areas hold more than a small gathering. Bordered by a smooth trail that connects this neighborhood to the rest of the trails around Maple Valley, this area is popular for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
Students attend school in the Tahoma School District, and homeowners are engaging in talks with the city regarding placing crosswalks from the nearby elementary school to the neighborhood for ease of student use. Active parents form a strong support system out in Maple Valley, with the result that the students are among the top in the state on test scores. To see this generously beautiful neighborhood for yourself, or to learn more about what makes this area so special, contact Gary Clark at www.PugetSoundHomeHunter.com.

Lady Washington visits Westport

2010-05-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Lady Washington visited Westport recently to start it's summer educational tour around Puget Sound. The treat for us was a three hour sail around Grays Harbor. The crew was in authentic costume and all who wanted could share in the rigging and sailing of the tall ship. What fun!
For a real adventure you can sign up for a two week sailing class, or book passage as she travels between ports. You could even saildown the coast when she repositions in California for the Winter season.
There is always something new a different to do in Westport. For more information, contact Gary at www.PugetSoundHomeHunter.com

Maple Valley Expands Its Cultural Scene

2010-05-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Despite all the hard work people are putting into surviving the downturn in the economy, everyone needs a time and a place to rest, relax, and enjoy a show. From art shows of all types, to live music and comedy, the new Maple Valley Community Arts Center, located along Maple Valley/Black Diamond Highway and in the same shopping center as Gloria’s Restaurant, is growing up quickly. Begun as a place for homespun talents to showcase their wares, the word is getting out that it is also a place to begin a journey to bigger and better things. It’s also nice doubling as a clean place for adults to have an evening out without having to travel all the way to Renton, Kent, or even Seattle.

Recent art shows have included paint galleries, calligraphy lessons, and prints by local artists. Musical talents have included an amazing bluegrass band, and some teen acts that look and sound as if they are going to define the next Seattle wave of sound.

Fresh on the Maple Valley scene is DaVine, a wine bar and eatery that began as a smoothie place, and has expanded its hours and menu to become a nightlife mecca. When one is asked to go out for a glass of wine, everyone expects it to be here now. You can still obtain a great smoothie if you ask for one (they are not listed on the menu anymore), but the selection of wines is amazing. Comfortable seating and lighting, local singers entertain the audience, making for an ambiance that is more reminiscent of a Seattle scene than an outlying area. Due to the long-awaited nature of this business, weekend evenings are crowded, but it’s worth getting there early in order to claim one of the comfy couches. Personally, I recommend the bruscetta, but there really is not anything negative that can be said about the food, service or atmosphere. Locally-owned and operated, here’s to hoping this is one business that not only survives this economy, but expands.
For homes in this area, contact Gary Clark at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com.

Shore Bird Migration in Westport

2010-05-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

Now is the time for the shore bird migration on the Washington Coast. Check out the album from last weekend.

All the Amenities in Maple Valley, Washington

2010-05-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

This second blog in a series focusing on local flavor in and around Maple Valley will highlight the balance between the big name stores and the locally owned establishments. Everyone has their preferences and when
moving to a new area it is important to know what is going on in the local community.

Maple Valley

For your morning caffeine kicks there are the ubiquitous Starbucks and Tully stops, but if you prefer to get your mochas and teas made by a friend, try to the little drive-by parking lot huts. They’re friendly and have a variety of options. For your daytime munchies, the usual options abound-Subway, Quizno’s, Frankie’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Dominoe’s etc. Every now and then you just need to know what to expect. Tucked away here and there, though, are little gems, like the New York Deli and The Testy Chef, specializing in homemade sandwiches or burgers, with flavors
and special touches unique due to their unique owners. Despite the economy, these little places are succeeding admirably, deservedly so.

Lastly, if you aim to head out for the evening for a nice night of wining and dining, there are some very nice establishments to choose from if you would like to get to know local owners. Gloria’s is not just a long-term, well-known eatery, but a local Wi-Fi and karaoke bar as well. The Cedar River Grill makes excellent American-style dinners, and Mama Passarelli’s, technically in Black Diamond, is the only place to head for a good spaghetti dinner and warm hugs from Mama Ginger herself. These are the owners that invest in their community by supporting food shelters, sports teams, and community projects.

For more information regarding homes in this area, contact Gary Clark at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com.

Maple Valley Restaurants

2010-04-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

When moving to a new town or neighborhood, sometimes it is the feel of the community that is just as appealing as planning where to place the furniture in your new house. When you need to take a break from unpacking, where should you go? What should you do? Today begins a series highlighting some of the local flavor in and around Maple Valley.

Experts say we should all have a good breakfast to begin the day, and there is n better way than to sit out on a heated porch, looking out at the local fauna and flora, filling up with good, solid American-style chow, like the kind found at The Testy Chef. Located along Hwy. 169 South, many newcomers to the area skip right past it, assuming it to be a tucked away storefront, not realizing that some of the most affordable and delicious eating is to be had right in their own backyard. With straight-up personal service, food cooked to order, and a scenic river view out back, this little cafe even has a drive-through. If you miss the breakfast rush, be sure to make the lunch hour before it closes for the day. Quirky side notes: This is a cash-only business, and the fabulous garlic burgers are for those who REALLY like garlic.

Just down the same road is the newly-opened Cedar River Grill, open for lunch and dinner. Another American-food restaurant, all the reviews to date have been excellent for this locally owned establishment. Beware of the huge portions at a decent price! A personal recommendation is the chicken-fried steak, a southern dish prepared to perfection here.

These are just two of the eateries that can be found in this area. From entertainment of all types to dining and culture, if you enjoy getting out and really living in your area, keep reading. If you are researching this area and like what you read, contact Gary Clark, at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com for information regarding the neighborhoods around these sites. Next blog: big chains versus local owners.

Don't miss out on free money

2010-04-27T15:54:00.001-07:00

First time home buyers tax credit last chance this week. http://ping.fm/0XUfc

The Quaint Cherokee Bay Neighborhood in Maple Valley, Washington

2010-04-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Having begun at its inception as a vacation resort area, the unique Cherokee Bay neighborhood is an oasis of affordable homes right in the heart of the town of Maple Valley. From rebuilt bungalows to modern architectural styles, there is a little something for everybody here. To get more information about this exceptional little community, visit PugetSoundHomeHunter.com.

With under 200 homes, this neighborhood is smaller than most in this area because it nestles up against the picturesque, and private, Lake Lucern. Available as a recreational spot only for the homeowners in this community, this is a picturesque piece of Western Washington, with canoeing, fishing,
and other fun water sports enjoyed during the proper months. Additionally, members enjoy a community center, available for parties or other large gatherings of family and friends.

A most unusual feature is the way the streets are laid out for most of the neighborhood, which is in a grid pattern of one-way streets. One tends to feel that they have travelled back in time when touring this highly coveted neighborhood because so many houses are-at the risk of sounding redundant-cute and quaint, with a variety of curb appeal styles that lends these homes a special flavor.

Homes in this neighborhood do not stay on the market for long because they are eminently affordable, and of a cozy size that is perfect for being a starter home. Young students attend Lake Wilderness Elementary, well known for being the first school in the amazing Tahoma School District. For a tour of homes in Cherokee Bay, and one must see at least several in order to get a good feel for the variety offered, contact Gary Clark, at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com, and try not to get too distracted by the peaceful views!

Golf Course Living at Elk Run in Maple Valley, Washington

2010-03-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing says “elite” like claiming a house along the greens of a golf course, but to add spectacular views and good neighbors, one must choose a special location. The neighborhoods of Elk Run I, II and III provide a fantastically unusual mix of all three elements. If you would like more information about this unique area of Maple Valley, contact Gary Clark at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com.

It is my advice that when touring the neighborhood one should begin in the Elk Run III portion, the latest addition with the newest construction. Situated at the highest elevation along the side of a hill, these homes have an enviable view of the entire valley, with a vista that stretches almost as far as Seattle. Furthest away from the golf greens, nevertheless these homes contain the most modern housing plan layouts, with upper end upgrades in the kitchens. A beautiful children’s park is also included in the new homes section, making it especially family-friendly.

Elk Run I and II sit along the golf course, which, along with the mature trees and proximity to the clubhouse and well-regarded restaurant, have created a long-coveted neighborhood in which to live. A very walkable area due to the beautiful houses and lovely scenery, Elk Run is located in a great school district along the Kent-Kangley corridor between Maple Valley and Covington. The golf course itself is spread out due to the elevation changes so indicative of this part of the world, so the neighborhoods are also nicely spaced, which adds to the visual appeal of the entire area.

There is a diverse range of home sizes and layouts, varying not just between the I, II and III additions, but within each addition as well. From all sections one is just a short drive away from the shopping and dining in Covington and Kent, as well as the striking country driving through the Black Diamond/Enumclaw areas on the way to the mountains. If this sounds too good to be true, we at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com are here to help show you this incredible reality.

The Pinnacle of Living in Maple Valley, WA

2010-03-23T17:30:00.000-07:00

There is just resisting the play on words when it comes to describing the neighborhood known as The Pinnacle, in scenic little Maple Valley. Situated atop a pinnacle, most houses in this neighborhood have fantastic panoramic views, which include Mt. Rainier. For a look at this and other hilltop housing areas contact Gary Clark at PugetSoundHomeHunter.com.

With monikers such as “Syrah” and “Merlot”, and designed by the award-winning Curtis Lang team, even the names of the housing elevations reflect the elegance apparent in this newer neighborhood. The finest upgrades abound in these generously apportioned homes. Surrounded by mature trees and wide vistas, children of all ages appreciate the sense of living on Cloud 9. Parents in this supremely safe area can relax, knowing that their children are attending the highly regarded Glacier Park Elementary school, part of the great Tahoma School District. The nearest children’s parks are even a draw, containing challenging rock climbing walls and large sidewalks for riding or running around.

All of the homes feature sizable bonus or recreational rooms, which can be used for so many purposes. Many people in this neighborhood actually have the luxury of working out of their home, which has resulted in a close-knit neighborhood fond of local social networking at the nearby coffee shops. In this buyer’s market, finding the perfect home here has never been easier, or more affordable, and the corner gossip has it that some of the newer purchases have been for investment purposes. True or not, seeing the views from these streets can either leave one with a new appreciation for the amazing power of nature, such as on stormy days, or on sunny days, one step closer to heaven.
Want to search for a home in the Pinnacle? Contact Gary.

Glass Float Hunt in Grayland This Weekend

2010-03-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is one event that just brings out the kid in me. I'm a beachcomber at heart, and most of the floats I have found come from Ebay Beach. This weekend is a 48th Annual Driftwood Show and 7th Annual Glass Float Roundup. Driftwood art, glass fishing floats, and just generally neat stuff are on exhibit and for sale for the nautical at heart.

Lots of fun, and always something different every weekend at Westport and Grayland

Tall Timbers Neighborhood in Covington, WA

2010-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

Aptly named, the Tall Timbers neighborhood of Covington, WA is full of gorgeous furs and cedars, which secludes this cozy neighborhood from the busy Kent-Kangley corridor from which it connects to the outside world. With most houses being colored in Easter egg pastels, one cannot help noticing the charm of the area, added to by the colorful gardening highlighting the facades of the houses. The best colors are in the fall when the maples turn colors.

This is a quiet neighborhood where you meet your neighbors when the sun shines. Another good time is when the snows fall. 268th St is the best sledding around. Just watch out for the mail box half way down. Lake Leroy used to have tame geese to feed but both the geese and Leroy have since passed on.

Of course this is an amazingly early spring for this part of the country right now, so the tulips and flowering trees that color the landscape just add to the overall fairy tale appeal. From ranch style houses to split levels, there is a nice diversity of housing choices, with lovely curb appeal. The mature trees indicate the age of the neighborhood, which means it is a well-established and well-maintained community of families that provide strong support for the local Covington schools.

Tall Timbers is but a short drive away from the shopping and dining of the Covington and Kent areas, with the additional bonus of Mt. Rainier views.

This is my home turf, so if you would like to tour some homes in Tall Timbers, contact me for a walk around the neighborhood.

Upper Tier Homes in the Daybreak Neighborhood of Maple Valley

2010-03-12T07:35:00.000-08:00

As you recall, we are exploring the neighborhoods that are accessed via the picturesque SE 244th Ave. off Maple Valley/Black Diamond Highway. Once you have turned off of the highway, keep going straight. This road proceeds past the other neighborhoods and into a higher level of housing than those offered in Patrick’s Faire, Valley Green, and Belmont Woods. More information about this neighborhood can be found by contacting Gary Clark at MapleValleyHomeSearch.com. If you are looking for spacious rooms, upper tier construction, and beautifully landscaped-and capacious-yards, Daybreak is your final destination. Despite the abundance of trees, many of the homes have Mt. Rainier viewscapes. Additionally, those trees harbor all of the fun wildlife like deer, squirrel and rabbits.

The streets are wonderfully wide; the kind emergency vehicles can get down quickly, a desirable feature according to the local firefighters. The Cedar River runs behind this neighborhood, which translates into many homes having an added sense of privacy due to a permanent greenbelt as their property enclosure. Alongside the river meanders the Cedar River Trail, which has been mentioned before, as its access is through a conveniently located entryway at the bottom of the Daybreak hill. That is what the “bottom” of Daybreak is called by the locals. It’s a fun hill to bicycle down, or even walk down, but when returning from a long run along the river, well, you can be sure that getting back up the Daybreak hill can be quite the challenge!

While these homes range in age from thirty years old to those built within the last few years, the styles amongst them make for an aesthetically pleasing curb appeal, with many touches not seen today, such as brick porches, and stained glass windows. Populated by professionals and upper income families, this family-friendly neighborhood is definitely a must-see.

Search for a home in Maple Valley or Contact Gary Clark today.

A Family Home in Maple Valley, WA 98038

2010-03-03T17:51:00.000-08:00

If you want to settle in a town that will make you feel like you’ve come home for good, come discover Maple Valley. Just a little southeast of Seattle, the name says it all. There is an abundance of Vine Maple trees, and it sits in a valley which gets to appreciate Mt Rainier hovering over all. This valley is not prone to flooding, but full of scenic rivers and their accompanying trails.

Today’s blog is about the local color. Many sons and daughters of the original settlers are still here, and there are plenty of people who can remember when the intersection locally referred to as Four Corners (272nd and Maple Valley/Black Diamond Hwy.) was not paved.

From neighborhoods that began as vacation resort sites to neighborhoods that are still under construction, homes here have a wide variety of ages and sizes. For more information on the characteristics of the different neighborhoods, refer to PugetSoundHomeHunter.com. One common element among them is their safety. Another is the family friendly philosophy of the entire community. Parents in this town approve education levies on a regular basis, thus proving their support for the renowned Tahoma School District, which ranks in the top of Washington school districts for student achievements and standardized test scores.

Because this is a city that cares for its people by maintaining a great library, a busy community center, many local festivities and even a new community arts center, this small town is growing rapidly. Affordable, fun, scenic and safe—what more could anyone ask for in a home community?

To search for a home in Maple Valley, or request more information, contact us for real estate market updates.

Hummingbirds due in Westport

2010-02-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite times of the year on the coast of Washington is the spring migration of hummingbirds. Bursting with hormones, they charge north as soon as the berry bushes start to blossum enough to provide nurishment.
Come see for yourself along the coastal communities of Westport and Ocean Shores.
Want to search for homes while you are there, contact me for a time.

Starter Homes in Valley Green Neighborhood, Maple Valley

2010-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Maple Valley has many wonderful neighborhoods to live in.

In this series of blogs focusing on neighborhoods that utilize 244th Ave. as one of their main arterioles, it would be wise to interject a note about how the economy has affected the people living in them. Before the economic crash, it was quite common to see homeowners on a continual treadmill of home improvements. Landscaping began to bloom from the basic builder modality to gorgeous green vistas. Patios became terraced, carpeting turned to hardwood flooring, and plain curbside features became detailed. While the grandest of the plans have come to a halt, it is nice to see neighborhoods like Valley Green maintaining its neighborhood pride. Perhaps homeowners are holding onto their houses with every means available in order to ride out the downturn (which translates into very few foreclosures and turnovers relative to the general vicinity), they are at least maintaining their houses, waiting until things improve. Driving through this community of homes mostly built in the late 80’s and early 90’s, one can appreciate the sizable front yards, and the individualistic styles that add to curb appeal. Most homes (over 85%) are owner-occupied, and there is a slow turnover in rental properties. When people move in, they usually stay.

It’s not difficult to see why. Especially since real estate prices have undergone such a major correction in pricing, these homes are imminently affordable, with newest mortgages getting into the $1,500.00 range. Simply amazing. Along with the other neighborhoods we’ve been discussing, wide streets, nice sidewalks, state-renowned school district and a good view of Mt. Rainier lend a picturesque quality to this community, made up mostly of professionals, DIWK (double income, with kids) type folks. And unlike the surrounding neighborhoods, Valley Green offers several ranch-style floor plans, handy for a variety of reasons.

Cutting a wide swathe through the area is 240th St., which begins its neighborhood access at Hwy. 169, then swoops through the neighborhood, dividing it in half, and connects up to 244th. Due to a sizable green belt behind the homes, that stretches up to the highway, very little to no highway noise can be heard. Along this arterial is a huge neighborhood park, with swing sets, and even paved pathways. The park itself is recessed like an old 70’s living room, with a steep enough grade that on school snow days it’s difficult to see the park for all the snowboarders and sledders zooming around.

Contact Puget Sound Home Hunter to buy or sell the perfect home in Maple Valley or anywhere in Puget Sound.

Family Homes in Patrick’s Faire, Maple Valley

2010-01-27T06:21:00.000-08:00

Family Homes in Patrick’s Faire, Maple Valley

Times are looking up here…finally! Home prices here have decreased very little over the past months in this neighborhood, and if one is looking to buy a two-story, well-apportioned (nice-sized bedrooms), well-maintained newer home (ten years old or less), this area is for you. Most of the original owners of these homes are still occupying them, and along with the active HOA, that signals a community of content and closely bonded neighbors. Indeed, this little area holds several neighborhood parties a year, with block parties being quite common.

The neighborhood park is slightly smaller than its neighbors, but is still remains vital to the ebb and flow of the families lives that surround it, as so many use it, instead of their fenced backyards, as a meeting place for moms and kids alike. Comprised of a nice mix of professionals, such as business owners, teachers and managers, and stay-at-home moms, there is not a house in the area that looks left behind by the current economic crisis. Neat and tidy are two words that accurately describe the curb appeal here, with vinyl siding and composition roofing aiding in this endeavor. During the summer, newcomers might think an emergency had occurred, considering the number of folks that sit, walk, or just hang around outside, involving themselves in community bonding.

Behind the neighborhood is a trail locally known as “the pipeline”, a rough-hewn path surrounded by blackberries and a greenbelt, that dead-ends at a quarry, well-hidden from the homes in the area. It also winds behind Valley Green and in front of Daybreak (to be written about later) as well. This pathway is an excellent place for runners, walkers, and dog owners to stretch their legs. It continues along to connect with the Cedar River trail, a scenic, easily hike able path that marathoners and triatheletes utilize with great frequency.

To search for homes in Patrick's Faire, Maple Valley, Covington or anywhere in Puget Sound, visit us at Puget Sound Home Hunter or email Gary Clark.

Reverse mortgages: the next subprime? | Real Estate and Technology News for Agents, Brokers and Investors | Inman News

2010-01-25T07:53:00.001-08:00

Ever wonder about reverse mortgages? For some seniors with equity in their Puget Sound Home this can be a great opportunity to use the equity in their home. Here is an article with more information on reverse mortgages.Reverse mortgages: the next subprime? Real Estate and Technology News for Agents, Brokers and Investors Inman News

Posted using ShareThis

To learn more about reverse mortgages contact Puget Sound Home Hunter.

Are bad agents here to stay?

2010-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

Quite frankly,I have never heard anyone say that the bar is set too high and that it is too hard to become a Realtor. Take a few classes, pass a test, get a license, pay your dues to the National Association of Realtors and you are a Realtor. It all takes two to six weeks, depending upon which state issues the real estate license.

Getting a real estate license and becoming a Realtor are easy. A person who just got a real estate license probably is not qualified to write a purchase agreement, and many would not even know how (I know I didn't). Now that the housing market has become so challenging, I have heard industry veterans claim that the "bad agents" will be weeded out because there isn't enough business, and now that things have gotten so much tougher those "bad agents" will crash and burn. Sadly, I don't think the economy or the housing market will weed out any more bad agents than it does good agents. The bar to entry into the business remains very low, and success or failure is based on sales ability, the ability to find clients, and money management skills -- not on ethics or professionalism. It is a self-eliminating profession. People who don't make enough money at it quit -- few ever get thrown out unless they do something illegal.

At Puget Sound Home Hunter we are all Keller Williams Agents, I believe to be the highest caliber real estate company out there today. We have a culture that in unsurpassed. Our core values are God, Family, and Business.

While there may still be bad agents out there, there are also agents of impeccably high moral and ethical standards. At Puget Sound Home Hunter we pride ourselves in our business ethics and the culture we work in.

If this is the standard of Realtor you want to represent you, contact us today and let us walk the talk with you.

Mountain Views in Belmont Woods, Maple Valley

2010-01-23T15:30:00.000-08:00

As promised in the previous blog, today begins a series on the neighborhoods that hang off the 244th grapevine. Gracious, spacious living at an affordable price describes Belmont Woods, the first neighborhood to your right, as you pass the Belmont Woods park. Almost every floor plan in this neighborhood includes a bonus room, and some of them are surprisingly huge. It’s not uncommon for them to be turned into home school areas, offices, or family rumpus (I’m campaigning to have this word reinvigorated…sounds so much better than “bonus”, and it really describes what goes on there) rooms. Since the economy took its nosedive, housing prices in this neighborhood have come down commensurate with the area, but if you are moving from Seattle, these homes are a steal.

The neighborhood itself is laid out in one big square block, with many attached cul-de-sacs. While this can make for some confusing directions (“Are you on 246th Ave. or St.?”), it means the numerous children in the area are playing on very safe streets. And pretty streets too. The HOA has kept up standards so that houses look clipped, snipped, and manicured, but definitely not in the Stepford mold. One of the last neighborhoods to keep a sizable yard, thankfully it is also where individuality in curb appeal is still encouraged, so houses do not look like an all-tan or all-neutrals Blah-ville.

But no matter what your house looks like, if you don’t like your neighbors, you’re not going to ever feel at home. Would you feel safer with a few police officers living around you? Belmont Woods has that…. Do you need a good quality repairman? Belmont Woods has that too….. Solid, dependable, and friendly, several cul-de-sacs have frequent block parties, so you’re not buying a house; you’re buying a community here. And we all like interesting history, right? Well, at one time the Halloween celebrations were so over-the-top in this community that people drove through the neighborhood to see the sights, even more so than at Christmas, which isn’t too bad a spectacle itself. Also, one very special park bench is dedicated in memoriam to a family that lost a toddler due to an accident at home, as a reminder to all parents to keep car doors closed and locked when not in use.

If you visit this neighborhood, watch out for the army of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, avid gardeners, pet-walkers and joggers. Those nice wide sidewalks are a draw for everyone, especially since the view of Mt. Rainier is an ever-present feature of the scenery, even from quite a few windows!

To search for homes in Belmont Woods, Maple Valley, Covington or anywhere in Puget Sound, visit us at Puget Sound Home Hunter or email GaryClark@kw.com.

HUD TAKES ACTION TO SPEED RESALE OF FORECLOSED PROPERTIES TO NEW OWNERS

2010-01-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

For investers in the Puget Sound region this could be an important development to help accelerate the sale of vacant properties..

WASHINGTON - In an effort to stabilize home values and improve conditions in communities where foreclosure activity is high, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced a temporary policy that will expand access to FHA mortgage insurance and allow for the quick resale of foreclosed properties. The announcement is part of the Obama administration commitment to addressing foreclosure. Just yesterday, Secretary Donovan announced $2 billion in Neighborhood Stabilization Program grants to local communities and nonprofit housing developers to combat the effects of vacant and abandoned homes.

"As a result of the tightened credit market, FHA-insured mortgage financing is often the only means of financing available to potential homebuyers," said Donovan. "FHA has an unprecedented opportunity to fulfill its mission by helping many homebuyers find affordable housing while contributing to neighborhood stabilization."

With certain exceptions, FHA currently prohibits insuring a mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days. This temporary waiver will give FHA borrowers access to a broader array of recently foreclosed properties.

"This change in policy is temporary and will have very strict conditions and guidelines to assure that predatory practices are not allowed," Donovan said.

In today's market, FHA research finds that acquiring, rehabilitating and the reselling these properties to prospective homeowners often takes less than 90 days. Prohibiting the use of FHA mortgage insurance for a subsequent resale within 90 days of acquisition adversely impacts the willingness of sellers to allow contracts from potential FHA buyers because they must consider holding costs and the risk of vandalism associated with allowing a property to sit vacant over a 90-day period of time.

The policy change will permit buyers to use FHA-insured financing to purchase HUD-owned properties, bank-owned properties, or properties resold through private sales. This will allow homes to resell as quickly as possible, helping to stabilize real estate prices and to revitalize neighborhoods and communities.

"FHA borrowers, because of the restrictions we are now lifting, have often been shut out from buying affordable properties," said FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens. "This action will enable our borrowers, especially first-time buyers, to take advantage of this opportunity."

The waiver will take effect on February 1, 2010 and is effective for one year, unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by the FHA Commissioner. To protect FHA borrowers against predatory practices of "flipping" where properties are quickly resold at inflated prices to unsuspecting borrowers, this waiver is limited to those sales meeting the following general conditions:

•All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction.
•In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller's acquisition cost, the waiver will only apply if the lender meets specific conditions.
•The waiver is limited to forward mortgages, and does not apply to the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase program.
Specific conditions and other details of this new temporary policy are in the text of the waiver, available on HUD's website.

To search for foreclosure properties in the Puget Sound region go to this link.
http://www.pugetsoundhomehunter.com/search.htm

Maple Valley Haiti Relief

2010-01-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

Maple Valley Pres. raised $10 K for Haiti relief! Is this a great community or what?
www.MapleValleyHomeSearch.com

Setting a realistic Puget Sound home price

2010-01-20T01:48:00.000-08:00

During the slower winter months, a home’s sale price is especially crucial for success.

While condition and appearance are important to a home’s marketability, nothing matters as much as setting the price appropriately. The winter months, traditionally a slow time for the real estate market, can be even more frustrating for home sellers who can’t wait for the spring thaw to put their home on the market. But even in a slow market, some homes sell. The National Association of Realtors reported that 5.77 million single-family homes were sold in November 2009 across the country.

Experienced real estate agents tell their customers that while condition and appearance are important to a home’s marketability, nothing matters as much as setting the price appropriately from the moment the property is listed for sale.

Homes will see the most traffic during the first 2-3 weeks they go on the market. If the home isn't priced right at the start, then you miss the majority of the prime prospective buyers and price reductions can actually chase the market downward.

Buyers know pricing even better than some real estate brokers. They won’t pull out their checkbook until they see a house which is properly priced.

To reach the perfect price, sellers should work closely with an experienced real estate agent with plenty of local market knowledge.

Realtors now must take special care to focus on an accurate comparative market analysis that take into account current market conditions in geografically specific areas. For example, market trends in Maple Valley can differ from trends in Federal Way, and market conditions in Westport may vary from those in Ocean Shores. I take sellers to see the competition in their vicinity so they understand what they are up against.

Sellers should ask their agents to prepare a market analysis based on current listings, sales within the past few months and even homes that were taken off the market. Realtors can look at the prices under which homes have gone under contract rather than waiting for the recorded homes sold, which are sometimes several months old. Agents can evaluate how long homes have been on the market in a particular price range to see which ones have sold quickly and which are unsold long after comparable homes have gone under contract.

Sellers should step out of their seller shoes and into buyer shoes, to become extremely objective and critical about their property pricing and condition.

Sellers need to understand that price has nothing to do with their need and everything to do with what buyers are willing to pay in current market conditions. Regulatory changes that have tightened the appraisal process are also affecting home prices.

Sellers may consider paying for an appraisal or prelisting inspection before they list their home to have an accurate idea of what the market will bear and what repairs need to be done.

Price, value, and condition as well as location play considerable roles in the buyers decision to purchase a property, or move on to the next one.

Our professionals at www.PugetSoundHomeHunter.com are fully qualified to counsel sellers to analyse their needs, their local market trends, and get full value out of their properties.

Give Gary Clark a call at 253-315-3667.

Adapted from the origonal article
By Michele Lerner, Cyberhomes Contributor

Published: January 19, 2010

Winter Storm Watching in Westport

2010-01-17T23:14:00.000-08:00

Forty degrees, forty to 65 MPH winds and twenty foot swells OH MY.... You got to love winter storm watching in Westport / Ocean Shores.