REAL ESTATE KIRKLAND
AUGUST 2011
Your guide to Real Estate and home buying & selling
ome selling in home during the months the summer is of June, July and August. often a bit more They might be transferred tricky than home selling to our area for a new job during other times of the or be experiencing other year. For example, spring pressing “life” issues that time selling is the most could necessitate an impopular time to mediate purchase. put your home Here are a few on the market. things you can The second best do to help attract time of the year a summertime to sell a home is buyer who might in the autumn. be prioritizing Summer ranks in lying in a hama meager third mock and sipping position. lemonade. Debbie Walter Why? Because Focus on the Realtor - RE/MAX NW outdoors! Durin the summer: • People go on ing these warmer vacation months, your • Kids get out of school landscaping and outdoor and require attention spaces come alive. Today’s • Summer activities buyers are looking for distract extended living areas and The good news: Not love usable outdoor space. every buyer can wait until According to HGTV, fall, though. Sometimes outdoor spaces can bring people need to buy a in big bucks. Jon Seppala,
president of Action Builders, notes, “Backyards and outdoor patios have to be much more substantial than in the past. Built-in grills, outdoor fireplaces, gazebos — people are looking for these features. We’ve had people who have fallen in love with the house and have decided to buy before they walked in the front door.” The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has also identified a trend, noting during a recent panel that young homebuyers (Gen Xers) are looking for homes with a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, even in colder climates, to create the perception of greater home size, even if the space is only usable for part of the year.” Keep your home cool
seller to keep your yard, landscaping, and pool maintained. Overgrown trees, shrubs, and lawns not only seriously depreciate curb appeal, they can also turn a buyer off. Landscaping is expensive and buyers know this. Why not showcase one of your most valuable assets? Trim existing trees
to their best advantage. Have gardens, paths, benches, and pool ready for enjoying. Buyers know that a fully landscaped yard will save them time and money. Plus, it’s ready to enjoy. If you are unable to stay on top of this task each week, hire local workers [ more SELLING page 16 ]
Clive Egdes 206-251-1680
Windermere Real Estate/Central, Inc.
Clive@Windermere.com www.Kirklandhomelistings.com
Specializing in Kirkland Properties.
“Exceptional Service, Extraordinary Results” 512760
Top Summer Selling Tips H
but not cold! Have your furnace/AC turned up to a comfortable level during showings and open houses. If you live in a home where you don’t have or need AC, be sure that you use fans or open windows for breezes to create a nice atmosphere. The last thing you need is a prospective buyer distracted by cold or a sticky sweat. You want them focused on your wonderful home! Eliminate Stinks! Heat also has a way of bringing out the worst of smells in our home. To hold these deal breakers at bay, have your carpets cleaned when you list your home for sale. Next, roll up your sleeves and be sure you clean your home before any showing. Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen are notoriously stinky. Focus your attention on these! Maintain! When your home is listed for sale, it’s your responsibility as the
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[12] August 5, 2011
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Real Estate
REAL ESTATE KIRKLAND
Your guide to Real Estate and home buying & selling
system covers roughly 55 percent of the cost to raise a child today. Many of these kids enter the foster care system with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Any way they can, the Gaskills support families who take in these siblings. Sibling House started in 1997 helping to support seven children in foster care. Today they now reach nearly 500 children in three states. For those of us who are not familiar with the life of a foster parent, the call to take yet more children into your home often comes without notice. Placing these children is an immediate need that must be filled. They are exhausted and often traumatized. What must it be like for a child who has been ripped
away from their parents? They are involuntarily forced to live with people they have never met. What a comfort it must be for those who are fortunate enough to be with their siblings. For many foster parents the difference between an answer of “yes” or “no” to taking both or even more siblings can be determined by something as simple as enough beds, or clothing. Or, the challenge may be as monumental as the need for a larger vehicle to accommodate so many children. Like every non-profit, Sibling House depends on the generosity of people like you and me. Eighty-four percent of every dollar they receive goes to providing care for foster children. Eight percent goes to administrative expenses and 8 percent goes to fund raising. While visiting the Gaskill home for the purpose of this story, a co-worker and
Coldwell Banker Bain in Kirkland is sponsoring a School Supply drive for Sibling House Network children Aug. 13-27. Please donate items in person at Coldwell Banker Bain, 8525 120th Ave. N.E ., No. 100, Kirkland. See the entire Sibling House School Supply “wish list” at www. cbbain.com/kirkland. I walked in on a mentoring session with new foster parents. On their way out they took with them the tent my co-worker had donated the day before. This is how it is supposed to be. This is community. For more information on Sibling House, or to make a monetary donation online, go to www.siblinghouse.org
Barbara J. Hindle is the principal managing broker for Coldwell Banker Bain in Kirkland. Contact Barbara at 206-755-7204.
www.bethbillington.com www.bethbillington.com
Four retirement moves to make
G
ive yourself a pat on the back. You thought the day would never come, but here you are very close to retirement. Sure, you’ve been saving and planning all along, but there are a number of steps you can take today to help you transition easily and stress-free to the next stage of your life. 1. Visualize retirement. Experts say it is better to “retire to” than to “retire from.” So, prior to checking out from your 9-to-5, spend some time thinking about what you want to do in retirement. Of course there are a few great dream vacations you want to take, but what will your everyday life look like? Is there a hobby you want to pursue? Will you volunteer in your community? Will you work part-time? Some pre-retirees take a vacation week and stay at home and live as if they were retired in order to get a real sense of the rhythm of retirement. Keep
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Devin Sanford
Preview Properties Inc./Bothell Managing Broker, ABR 425.501.8424 www.ResaleExperts.com
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in mind that you and your spouse may have conflicting timetables or different definitions of the ideal retirement, so make some time to discuss your dreams and resolve any differences that may arise. 2. Take field trips. If you’re considering a major move in retirement, plan on a little travel to check out potential new homes. Remember, it’s a lot different to live in a location than it is to vacation there. Your checklist for evaluating a new community should include everything from a suitable year-round climate, cost of living, and quality medical facilities to access to cultural and sporting events, outdoor recreation and continuing education programs. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your family and friends within reach. 3. Save more. Although you may have always been a disciplined saver, your peak earning years afford you a valuable opportunity to boost your retirement contributions significantly. Remember, if you’re over 50 years of age, there’s a federal catch-up provision that enables you to contribute an extra $5,000 into your employer’s retirement savings plan. Anything extra you sock away in these last few years of your working life could have a positive impact on how you will live for the rest of your life. 4. Double-check your retirement funding calculations. The traditional rule of thumb has been that you need 70-80 percent of your pre-retirement income to live on during retirement. However, recent studies, and what I see in my practice, suggest that people tend to underestimate retirement expenses. All that leisure time, including travel, can lead to more spending. And healthcare costs continue to rise dramatically. For the first few years of retirement it’s now considered safer to use 100 percent of your current expenses to figure retirement funding. John Klevens
“It seems like such a simple concept. Keep siblings together while they are in foster care. But it isn’t that easy.” These are the words of Michael Gaskill, cofounder of Sibling House, a non-profit organization in Kirkland. For more than 14 years, Mike and Lynne Gaskill have championed the cause to keep siblings together while they are in foster care. From their modest home in Juanita, they work to provide clothing, toys, bedding, furniture, school supplies, tutoring, transportation and enrichment programs for children in foster care. In some cases, the support of Sibling House is the only thing that allows foster parents to bring all of the siblings from one family into their home. If that isn’t enough, the Gaskills also offer mentoring to other foster parents, as they have fostered and then adopted six children of their own. The state foster care
School Supply Drive
FINANCIAL FUTURE
Keep siblings together in foster care
John Klevens is the principal financial advisor for Klevens Capital Management. Contact John at 425-453-6353.
Real Estate
www.kirklandreporter.com
We give back to Sibling House with our Community Partnerships
August 5, 2011 [13]
8525 120th Avenue NE #100, Kirkland, WA 98033 Just South of Costco
425-602-4150
CBBain.com/kirkland
Sibling House Really Needs Your Help School Supply Drive August 5-20th Sibling House lends support to foster families who take in sibling groups when they are in foster care. Your little Kirkland charity is now helping over 500 foster children. Sibling House really needs your help! Please bring your donation to Coldwell Banker Bain – Kirkland (directly south of Costco) between now and August 20th. Monetary donations can be made at www.siblinghouse.org. Please join Coldwell Banker Bain in making the lives of these children and foster parents just a little bit easier.
“Working to keep siblings together while in foster care”
School Supply Wish List Pencil Cases – To Go Inside 3 Ring Binders Rulers – Both Standard and Metric Solar Calculators Pencil Sharpeners Pocket Folders Back Packs Plastic or Cardboard Supply Holding Boxes Flair Pens - Black 3 Ring Binders 2” & 3” (white w/plastic view on front) Red Pencils Lined Index Cards
510630
#2 Pencils Large Glue Sticks Pink Erasers (10 Pack) Scissors (Fiskar) Pens – Black, Red & Blue Colored Pencils Colored Markers College and Wide Rule Notebook Paper College and Wide Ruled Spiral Notebooks Subject Dividers Highlighters – Pink, Yellow, Blue and Green 24 Box of Crayons
[14] August 5, 2011
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Real Estate
Business & Financial Real Estate & Professionals Mortgage Professionals Mortgage Capital Associates, Inc.
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HarryRaatz@yahoo.com 206-999-2107
To advertise, call Mike @ 425.822.9166
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425-351-2208
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7/20/2011 8:57:39 AM
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directorsmortgage net
August 5, 2011 [15]
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Windermere Real Estate East, Inc. Kirkland/Yarrow Bay Office 3933 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Suite 100
425-822-5100
Natasha Bosch 425-766-8019 www.kirklandstyle.com
Heidi Bright 425-820-5343 www.bigdogrealty.com
Craig Gaudry 425-576-5555 www.craig@gaudry.com
G.G. Getz 206-915-7777 www.gggetz.com
WEST OF MARKET
Kathryne Green 425-766-1315 kathrynegreen@windermere.com
Kathy Magner 425-803-9457 kathy@kathymagner.com
DOWNTOWN KIRKLAND
$1,149,000
Large one-level unit 240º views S to Seattle, W to Lake & Olympics, & N to Marina! Wrap-around decks. Stroll to the heart of town just 2 blocks. 2 BR+ Den w/views. Immaculate high-end finishes. www.BigDogRealty.com
HEIDI BRIGHT 425-820-5343
Chelle Nelson 206-953-5927 www.chellenelson.com
WEST OF MARKET
Carlene Sandstrom 206-910-3662 www.carlenesandstrom.com
$1,237,000
Lake views & an idyllic location...Perfect, flowing floor plan, huge kitchen & great room open to west-facing patio & lawn. 4 Bdrm+Bonus up, Den on main. Peaceful master w/vaulted ceilings, sunny view deck. Kirkland.www.kirklandstyle.com!
NATASHA BOSCH
425-766-8019
$2,900,000
Exquisitely remodeled & immaculately maintained rambler on one of the best lots positioned to maximize lake, city & MT views! Timelessly elegant, an entertainer’s dream home. Perfect indooroutdoor flow in this private retreat. www.kathymagner.com.
KATHY MAGNER
425-803-9457
HIGHLANDS
$795,000
Fantastic two-story w/a timeless design at the end of a cul-de-sac. Home is highlighted by 4 large bdrms, 2.5 baths, den/office, bonus rm, 2-staircases & 3-car garage. Photo gallery at www.Gaudry.com MLS #241051.
CRAIG GAUDRY
425-576-5555
SO
LD
KIRKLAND
$627,000
Craftsman cottage nestled on secluded lot backed by peaceful greenspace & surrounded by enchanted gardens. Baby Boomer heaven-main floor master!Granite island kitchen crowned by skylight. www.masteronmain.info 404 20th; www.gggezresults.com
GG GETZ
206-915-7777
EAST OF MARKET
$550,000
Unique, charming home w/ever changing City & Mtn views! 5 bdrms,3 kitchens, 2.75 bths & detached MIL. Huge 910 sq ft deck off main level w/city & Mt Rainier views. Unique property w/2 separate living spaces + studio. 2 car gar off alley. Great location on 9th Ave!
KATHRYNE GREEN
425-766-1315
KIRKLAND
$485,000
Lovingly updated & upgraded tri-level sits majestically on one of the “Highlands” largest lots. Designer colors, bamboo flooring, designer colors, new bathrooms, soaring ceilings create affordable luxury. 10207 117th Pl NE; www.ggetzresults.com
GG GETZ
206-915-7777
N
EW
PR
IC
$329,950
KATHRYNE GREEN
425-766-1315
HOLMES POINT
$169,900
Luxe and light in Rivertrail! 2Bed 2.5Bath Townhome w/attach Garage in stellar dntwn Redmond. Slab granite in Kit & Bath, new ss appl, Hrdwd Flrs in Kit, Tile Flrs in all Baths, Gas FP. Private patio leads to lawn,trees,pond and 26 miles of Rivertrail!
KATHRYNE GREEN
425-766-1315
BOTHELL
$114,950
Why RENT when you can OWN for less! FAB top floor 2bd/2ba condo w/vaulted ceilings, hardwoods and updates galore! Prv GarXtra parking...MINUTES to 405/I-5 and EVERYTHING! MLS#232044 (bank approv required) www.CarleneSandstrom.com
CARLENE SANDSTROM
206-910-3662 510629
RIVERTRAIL
Wonderful shy acre lot w/level areas & great lake, city, mtn views. Peaceful setting close to Denny Park and boat launch. Water & Sewer recently brought into street. TOPO completed with buildable main structure as well as ADU/Garage.
E
[16] August 5, 2011
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REAL ESTATE KIRKLAND
Your guide to Real Estate and home buying & selling
Real Estate Sales in Kirkland, WA • July 1 -31, 2011 Residential Housing in 98033 & 98034 14064 113th Ave NE 14325 113th Ave NE 13625 115th Ave NE 14144 107th Ave NE 10922 NE 118th St 13719 135th Ave NE 14518 114th Ave NE 10700 Slater Ave NE 12402 NE 140th St 11407 113th Place NE 10833 NE 135th Place 12520 81st Place NE 11629 NE 74th St 11828 103rd Ave NE 12418 NE 141ST Place 10141 NE 126th St 8635 NE 124th St 13804 129th Place NE 13311 91st Place NE 12432 NE 73rd St 12660 NE 132 St 420 8th Ave 11335 NE 67th St 11037 131st Ave NE 8319 NE 110th Place 12415 89th Place NE 7430 127th Ave NE 7042 122nd Ave NE 8127 NE 115th Ct 8127 NE 115th Ct 11629 NE 100th Place
$159,950 $212,000 $230,000 $233,000 $235,000 $240,000 $245,000 $255,000 $262,000 $293,000 $299,000 $304,000 $308,000 $319,950 $325,000 $326,000 $355,000 $375,000 $390,000 $400,000 $410,000 $455,000 $460,000 $469,950 $470,000 $486,000 $497,000 $499,000 $510,000 $510,000 $520,000
4502 Lk Wash Blvd NE 645 8th Ave 11704 NE 100th Place 12414 NE 106th Lane 11119 NE 68th St 1535 5th Place 321 15th Ave 8027 124th Ave NE 11831 89th Place NE 9507 117th Ave NE 8218 125 Place NE 12972 64th Ave NE 6125 132nd Ave NE 312 11th Place 11208 83rd Place NE 8911 NE 116TH Place 711 20th Ave W 11904 89th Place NE 11904 89th Place NE 11017 101st Place NE 10121 NE 64th St 11027 Champagne Pt Rd NE 6029 NE 135th St
$528,000 $528,000 $532,000 $539,950 $540,000 $550,000 $588,000 $598,500 $605,000 $619,000 $640,000 $655,000 $720,000 $738,500 $789,900 $820,000 $915,000 $955,000 $955,000 $1,075,000 $1,350,000 $1,620,000 $4,500,000
Residential Housing Averages Average. List Price $627,410 Average Sales Price $600,291 CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) 96
Condos/Townhomes in 98033 & 98034
12525 NE 145th Place #F99 12645 NE 130th Wy #H201
$53,000 $61,500
14522 127 Ave NE #W76 $80,000 10010 NE 122nd St #QC $87,800 12020 100th Ave NE #M102 $90,000 12423 NE 145th Place #B155 $95,000 12010 98th Ave NE #207 $95,200 12411 109th Ct NE #K103 $100,000 9906 NE 124th St #1104 $108,900 10022 NE 120th Lane #G303 $113,500 10050 NE 138th Place #G-2 $145,000 11801 100th Ave NE #A-302 $160,000 6333 Lk Wash Blvd NE #401 $160,000 375 Kirkland Ave #103 $175,000 710 Kirkland Cir #C302 $180,000 710 Kirkland Cir #E301 $180,000 511 7 Ave #104 $189,000 6333 Lk Wash Blvd NE #407 $190,000 10178 NE 135th Lane $190,000 11419 99th Place NE #101 $199,990 375 Kirkland Ave #150 $215,000 11326 101st Place NE $229,950 811 9th Ave S $259,000 9039 NE Juanita Dr #307 $259,900 11424 102nd Ct NE $266,700 11629 NE 74th St $308,000 703 4th Ave #103 $375,000 319 4th Ave #201 $385,000 225 4th Ave #A301 $480,000 1003 Lake St S #1 $1,095,000
Condos/Townhomes Averages Average. List Price $226,677 Average Sales Price $217,581 T:9.83” CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) 100
[ SELLING from page 11]
to keep your yard looking in top shape. This expense will come back to you when you make the sale. As a courtesy to prospective buyers, you or your Realtor® may also consider compiling a list of locally recommended handymen, gardeners, and pool maintenance companies. Staging! Finally, staging patios and porches is important. From family gatherings to al fresco meals, these hot spots get lots of use. Start your staging with a thorough cleaning. Power washing decks, patios, and furniture can make dirty items look new again. For furniture that needs a bit more TLC, apply a fresh coat of paint. Next, stage for an “event.” Replace wornout cushions and invest in simple outdoor accessories. A selective
arrangement of candles, glasses, and even a nice table setting can be the icing on the staging cake. The bottom line is that caring for the indoor AND outdoor living spaces of your home can make or break a sale during the summer. Take full advantage of all your home has to offer; in the long run your checking account will appreciate it.
For further information or suggestions on future topics, please contact Debbie Walter @ www.DebbieWalter. com or (206) 930-8699. Debbie is a REALTOR® with RE/MAX NW Realtors in Kirkland. Debbie is a member of the National Association of Realtors (a trade organization that promotes real estate information, education and professional standards).
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