622 NE Banner Place, Seattle 98115 This gorgeous Green Lake home leaves nothing to be desired. Space Needle, lake and mountain views throughout the house create a tranquil environment. Custom kitchen includes top of the line appliances and plenty of counter space to spare. The thoughtfully designed (low maintenance) backyard provides a place to entertain guests with a built in pizza oven, fire pit, hot tub, and pool table. Cozy up by one of the two fireplaces or relax in the master steam shower. Skylights, french doors, surround sound speakers (indoors and out), and a 150 capacity wine cooler are just a few more of this home's many features. A couple blocks from the future light rail stop provides an easy commute to downtown and shopping. ADU in basement offers income or long term guest... 04/04/2016

 How is your 401K doing?  If you own a home in the Greenwood area, you might be glad you do.  Home values are up 21.6% over this time last year.Once again it's suppy and demand.  Just look at the number of new listings.  They are down 33.3%.  There are just no listings to be bought.  That leads to closed sales being way down.  You can sell something that isn't for sale.GREENWOOD  However, check out the median price of sold homes.  Up 21.6% over last year.  Will these conditions last in the Greenwood area?  Nobody knows right.  Here's what I do know - once supply increases, prices will flaten out.  So if you are seeking to sell at the top of the market, now may be your best opportunity.  03/24/2016

As a real estate broker in the greater Seattle and Bellevue areas, a question I get asked often is where are home values heading.  As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first-time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned only about price but also about the ‘long term cost’ of the home.Let us explain.There are many factors that influence the ‘cost’ of a home. Two of the major ones are the home’s appreciation over time, and the interest rate at which a buyer can borrow the funds necessary to purchase their home. The rate at which these two factors can change is often referred to as “The Cost of Waiting”.What will happen over the next 12 months?According to CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index,... 03/19/2016

North Seattle - You Are Sitting on a Ton Of Home Equity!We recently took a look at the growth (or decline) in home values for MLS Area 710.  That’s communities like Wedgewood, Pinehurst, Northgate and Roosevelt.  Here’s what we found: Home buyers who bought right at the bottom of the housing market, for the area, in this case February 2012, may have a ton of equity in their homes as the market has bounced back dramatically. For example, if you bought a home in early 2012, your home value may have increased an average of 75 percent. Many people are using that equity to move up to a home that better suits their current housing needs.  How about you?Check your home’s current value here.  Of course every home and every neighborhood are unique and have their own values.  So Let me know if yo... 03/18/2016

Colored eggs, candy-stuffed baskets, and the chocolate bunny are all part of the pastel spring holiday of Easter. Community spirit comes to life as winter gives way to warmer weather, and households take their young ones out to play. This year, you can take your wee ones, tiny tots, and tweens out in Seattle for fun hunting Easter Eggs, treasure seeking, and creating pleasure-filled memories. Here are a few of the Easter and spring-themed community events going on this season in Seattle.Woodland Park Zoo is located at 5500 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle WA 98103. Woodland Park Zoo is hosting their 15th annual Bunny Bounce and Easter Baskets for the Animals on Saturday, March 26th, from 9:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. This special event is for children ages 1 through 8. Little ones can experience egg... 03/08/2016

 3 Quick Painting Tips That Will Help Take Your Walls from Tacky to Tasteful  Whether you happen to be a painting pro or you’ve never dared to pick up a roller, there are a few tricks of the trade that professionals use to make a paint job look its best. If you want to take an old, outdated paint job and turn it into something you can be proud of, here are a few tips from those who know best. Start With A Perfectly Smooth Surface  If you’re trying to rush through it, sanding might seem like an unnecessary step in re-covering your walls, but it’s very important in order to level out the spackle paste and ensure that no ridges will appear in the paint around the nails. According to one professional painter, you should start by sanding from the baseboard to the ceiling with a fine grit san... 03/03/2016

Welcome to The Lake Union Dock in Seattle's Eastlake neighborhood.  Molly and I put this listing on and within a few days got multiple offers.  It is pending now and I look forward to sharing with you the exciting news when it closes in escrow. List Price $945,000  If you are interested in Seattle Houseboats, please let us know - Molly and I love this community and look forward to helping you whether you are buying or selling on Lake Union. Want more info:  2031 Fairview Ave E Marketing Remarks You can't get better than this 2007 Eastlake floating home nestled on the south side of the dock. Sweeping 365 degree views from the rooftop, large French doors open up to wide channel with room for a boat. Gorgeous setting and beautiful interiors with perks like a master walk in closet, marble t... 02/28/2016

802 23rd Ave E, Seattle 98112 Must See! Beautiful, North Capitol Hill residence w/Lake Washington views. Down-to-the-studs remodel in 2007 along w/2015 renovation gives this classic Seattle home all modern comforts. Fresh paint inside/out, refinished hardwood floors, SS appls incld a double oven, brand new cook-top, granite counters, & Master Bath remodel w/heated floors. Entertainer's paradise w/tropical hardwood deck, water feat, custom concrete firepit, & pro. landscaping. Convenience & space, this home has it all! Tyler Kirages(206) 579-9738Keller Williams Western Realty 02/22/2016

Of course, being a guy my age, the first Vulcan that comes to mind is Mr. Spock. I learned a lot about logic, loyalty, the greater good and being of service from him as a kid back in the mid 60’s and harbor many fond memories of the charismatic first and science officer.Though, if you live in the Puget Sound area you’re well aware of another Vulcan and it's HQ here in Seattle. I often drive by The Vulcan Building located between 4th and 5th Avenues where Pioneer Square meets the International District just south of downtown.Founder Paul Allen (and Microsoft cofounder) oversees his many businesses, investments, and philanthropic interests from here. I’ve become quite fond of the building and enjoy its many moods, depending on the weather and enjoy the reflections in the windows from buil... 02/14/2016

Wow, this was an eye opening article from the Seattle Times!  I knew that more people were moving to Seattle becasue of all the amazing job opportunites in companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, and T-Mobile.  I just didn't know that we have increase 9.8% since 2010.Seattle has made it on the Top 10 List for the 1st time on the List of the 50 Biggest U.S. Cities Population Denisity.  New York took the top spot with San Francisco coming in 2nd.  Seattle is just below Los Angeles.Here's a link to the article:  http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/data/seattle-density-doesnt-have-to-be-a-dirty-word/.Density is good and bad ... it's good for those who already own real estate, that just shows that the values are going to continue their steady growth because there is demand for hous... 02/12/2016

Seattle is ready to spice things up in your world of romance this Valentine’s Day. Whether your interests are in music, the arts, games, shows, cruises, or other sweet adventures, Seattle is buzzing with things to do this Valentine’s Day. Check out the complete list of 99 Things to Do in Seattle for Valentine’s Day RIGHT HERE  02/04/2016

‘My message of pride': A mother’s newspaper ad celebrates her son’s coming outI had the honor and the privilege to volunteer with this young man in November at the GSBA taste event in Seattle.I just wanted to celebrate,and pass on this lovely message of courageousness, and heroism and remind LGBTQ youth world wide don't ever give upl 01/27/2016

Get more Exposure at ActiveRain by Posting to 5 different Groups So often I see "Newbies" and other ActiveRain members blogging and writing posts to only 1 group or no group at all!The ActiveRain platform allows members to post to 5 different groups, so this being said, it makes more sense to use 5 groups vs none. I moderate all these groups down below and roll through them every other week featuring the ones that I like. So if you would really like to get to know Robert Swetz aka Vegas Bob/Alaska Bob, this would be a great way to do this. I also moderate the group:       Addicted to Active Rain Activerain Groups by Robert Swetz - 18 of over 30 - Please (Bookmark Post)Here are just a handful of the many groups at Activerain that Robert (Vegas Bob) Swetz moderates himself! Robert Swetz h... 01/21/2016

 We are very excited for 2016 let us share our excitement Helping The Seattle Metro Area reach their Real Estate Goals... Call www.RD-House.com to join the Party... 206-728-6063We are very excited for 2016 let us share our excitement helping you ‪#‎reachyourealestategoals‬#westseattlerickyd ‪#‎westseattlelistingagent‬ ‪#‎listingagent‬ in ‪#‎seattlemetro‬ we did 65 ‪#‎propertydeals‬ ‪#‎lastyear‬ lets us ‪#‎help‬ you reach their real estate goals please call us to join the party for #2016 01/20/2016

I am impatient; I worry about the future every day. These traits of mine don't always allow me to live in the moment, or appreciate the accomplishments of a passing year. I am always looking forward to the next venture, the next day, and the next fete.  When I get impatient with myself, my sister tends to remind me how big of a year 2015 has been, so I thought I would take the time to document and reflect on it, as the new year is approaching. 2015 has been a whirlwind of great things.  From November of 2014-November 2015, my boyfriend became my fiancé, my best friend became my husband, we moved from San Jose CA to Mesa AZ, I quit smoking after almost 20 years, we went on a honeymoon, we both started new jobs, we bought a house, we hosted Thanksgiving down in AZ for our families, and we... 01/13/2016

The Seattle Houseboats Market Is Very Competitive But we have you covered.  Here what is available on Lake Union at the moment: 1 Seattle floating home for sale in Eastlake priced at $735,000 which should fly off the market at any time.  Just have been waiting for a couple dry days to get houseboat buyers in the door... 4 floating on water residences/barges types of Seattle houseboats in the MLS right now - Priced from $299,000 to $355,000. Three are active and one is pending. 3 Seattle houseboats for rent.  One is Pending and two are active in the MLS.  Two are Seattle floating homes in Eastlake and one is a Seattle houseboat in Fremont.  Seattle Houseboats For Sale: Lake Union Floating HomesSo what about this one Seattle floating home for sale available? What makes it so special amoun... 01/12/2016

   Northwest Seattle’s real estate list prices up as well as market times This Week: The median list price in northwest Seattle is $1.996,500 up from last week’s $1,085,000.  Inventory has been lightening lately and the Market Action Index  (see below MAI chart) has been trending up.  Though days-on-market is increasing,  these are mildly positive indications for the market. Average days-on-market (106 days)  up  from last week’s (216 days), asking price per square foot $442 median house size 4235 (sq ft).  Supply and Demand The market continues to get hotter.  More sales demand and fewer homes listed have contributed to a relatively long run of increasing prices.  Current supply and demand levels show no sign of prices changing  from their current trend.    Price  The market for northw... 01/07/2016

                                         Laurelhurst-Windermere’s real estate prices continue to march higherThis week:The median list price this week for the Laurelhurst-Windermere  area is $1,410,000  up from last week’s $1,384,750.  Inventory has been lightening lately and the Market Action Index (MAI see below chart) has been trending up.   Though days-on-market is increasing, these are positive indicationsIs it a good time to sell my home?Inventory levels in northeast Seattle at or near all time lows.   The key to maximizing your listing price is in the preparation and pricing.   For listing tips click here.                                                                           Supply and Demand                               The market has not shown strong directional trends in ... 01/07/2016

    Real estate sales in the  Roosevelt-Ravenna-Maple Leaf real estate  area continues to remain very strongThis week:The median list price in Seattle’s Roosevelt-Ravenna Maple Leaf neighborhoods is $834,950 up from last week’s $749,000. Inventory has been lightening lately and the  Market Action Index (see MAI chart below) has been trending up.  Though days-on-market is increasing, these are mildly positive indications for the market.Supply and DemandThe market continues to get hotter.  More sales demand and fewer homes listed have contributed to a relatively long run of increasing prices.Is it a good time to sell my home?Inventory levels in northeast Seattle at or near all time lows.   The key to maximizing your listing price is in the preparation and pricing.   For listing tips click... 01/06/2016

           Northeast Seattle’s real estate market-times increasing  This Week: The median list price in Northeast Seattle (zip code 98125) is $634,000 up from  last week’s $565,000.  Inventory is lightening but the Market Action Index (see MAI chart below) falling also.  With days-on-market climbing, these are relatively negative implications for the market.   Check in  next week to see how the  housing market in northeast Seattle  is shaping up. Average days-on-market (DOM) 38 days up from last week’s 61 days. Percent of properties with price decreases 31% up from last week’s 35%.   Is it a good time to sell my home? Inventory levels in northeast Seattle at or near all time lows.   The key to maximizing your listing price is in the preparation and pricing.   For listing tips click here... 01/05/2016