Saturday, June 30, 2007

Snohomish County Independence Day Celebrations

Independence Day is just a few days away. Below are just a few of the place you can enjoy fireworks displays, as well as parades, music, games, and family entertainment.

Edmonds Kind of 4th

This all-day event in downtown Edmonds, now celebrating its 100th year, gets started with a 5K Fun Run, then continue with the Children's Parade at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Fifth & Walnut; at noon the main parade commences at 6th Ave. between Main & Dayton. In City Park the Edmonds Fire Department sets up for its annual waterball competition.

Bring a picnic, throw out a blanket or take a seat in the Civic Stadium grandstand at 7:30 p.m. for live music and other celebratory activities. Food and beverage vendors as well as novelty vendors will be present in the stadium. Then at nightfall (approximately 10 p.m.), the celebration culminates with the annual fireworks display.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 425-776-6711 or visit www.edmondswa.com/ Events/4th.

Lynnwood Star Spangled CelebrationThe City of Lynnwood will present its annual 4th of July celebration on from 7 p.m. to 10:35 p.m. Wednesday, July 4 at the Lynnwood Athletic Complex, 3001-184th Street SW.

Activitiess leading up the fireworks include the Arts Celebration tent where children can flex their creative muscles from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and create one-of-a-kind patriotic arts projects. Families can also participate in the 3-legged and potato sack races.

Dessert and beverage booths are open from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring kettle corn, cotton candy, roasted nuts, espresso, and many other treats. Balloon artists, jugglers, clowns, face painters, and inflatables will be on hand, along with free entertainment throughout the evening with a special performance by Brothers from Different Mothers.

Performances at the Star Spangled Stage will feature the sounds of Show Brazil! and Johnny Conga & Sabor Tropical with vocalist Danny Olaizola, and the National Anthem performed by a Lynnwood High School student.

The 17-minute aerial fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. is choreographed to music and concludes the celebration. The event is free and open to the public. For more information call the Lynnwood Recreation Center at 425-771-4030 or visit www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us.

Mountlake Terrace Family Fourth of July

The City of Mountlake Terrace will be hosting a brand new family Fourth of July celebration at Evergreen Playfield, 22205 56th Avenue W., beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. The event includes live music, children's entertainer Tim Noah, a DJ, vendors and a city-sponsored fireworks display at 10 p.m.

The professional fireworks display offers an opportunity to celebrate the Fourth of July following a ban on personal fireworks last year. City police and volunteers will be patrolling neighborhoods throughout the evening to ensure personal fireworks are not being used.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, visit the City's website at www.cityofmlt.com.

Bothell 2007 Freedom Festival & Kenmore Fireworks

Independence Day in the city of Bothell begins a day early with the Patriot Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 at the Park at Bothell Landing, 9919 NE 180th St., featuring Cheryl Arnold & Blue Mariah Band.

July 4 gets started with the annual Bothell Fire and EMS pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Bothell's Downtown Firehouse, 10726 Beardslee Blvd. At 11:15 a.m. The Children's Parade starts at 104th & Main St. and winds its way to the intersection of NE 188th St. & SR 527. At noon the Grand Parade follows the same route.

Inflatable rides for children, Bothell Historical Museum tours, and a concert with The Seachordsmen begin at 1 p.m.; a re-enactment of the Battle of Concord takes place at 2 p.m., all in the park at Bothell Landing. All events are free.

The city of Bothell has coordinated with the city of Kenmore to present a fireworks display over Lake Washington at 10 p.m. at Kenmore's Log Boom Park, off Bothell Way at 60th Pl. NE. For more information call 425-486-7430 ext. 4422 or visit www.ci.bothell.wa.us.

Everett's All-American Fourth

Everett celebrates Independence Day with a number of events (some free, some requiring admission fees), beginning at 7:30 a.m. with the 8th annual pancake breakfast at the Flying Pig Brewing Company. Also at 7:30 a.m., the Everett Family YMCA's Yankee Doodle Dash includes a 5K and 10K fun run and a one-mile family fun run. From 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. the Comcast Community Ice Rink at the Everett Events Center hosts "Fire on Ice," ice skating for all ages.

At 11 a.m. the Everett Jaycee's Festival Parade starts at 26th Street and Colby Ave. From noon to 3 p.m. the Fun in the Sun Street Fair on Wetmore Ave. between Pacific & 32nd features family entertainment and games. From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. the Family Freedom Festival at Naval Station Everett offers entertainment, music, crafts and exhibition softball game. Noon to 4 p.m. the Imagine Children's Museum will offer discounted admission and special patriotic themed activities.

At "dusk-ish," the Thunder on the Bay Fireworks Show can be viewed from the naval station, Grand Avenue, Harborview and Legion parks and the 10th Street Boat Launch on the Everett waterfront. For more information call 425-257-8700 or visit www.everettwa.org.

Seattle events

43nd annual 4th of Jul-Ivar's -- The all-day Independence Day festival at Myrtle Edwards Park may be gone, but the longest-running and largest privately sponsored fireworks extravaganza will still appear over Elliott Bay at dusk.

The fireworks display will last nearly a half hour and includes more than 5,500 shells ranging in size from three to 12 inches. The show will be simulcast to music on STAR 101.5 FM and broadcast live on KOMO TV 4.

Washington Mutual Family Fourth at Lake Union -- For the 18th year fireworks explode above the shores of Seattle's Gas Works Park, with the festivities kicking off at noon featuring family activities throughout the park grounds, food vendors catering to the most diverse palates, and a beer garden with a lake view. The evening programming begins at 10 p.m. and will be digitally timed to patriotic music and simulcast on KISS 106.1 FM, AM 1090, 96.5 JACK-FM and KZOK 102.5 FM. KING 5 television will be broadcasting the fireworks live beginning at 10 p.m.

Information has been provided by Enterprise Newspapers.

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Thursday, June 21, 2007

Senator Patty Murray Signs Bill

While myself and more than 80 Washington REALTORS® were in Washington DC advocating for issues on our industry's behalf, Sen. Patty Murray signed on to S. 413, the Community Choice in Real Estate Act, which maintains the longstanding national policy prohibiting the mixing of banks and commerce.

Other members of Congress from Washington state who support the companion bill HR 111 in the House of Representatives are Reps. Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Brian Baird, Norm Dicks, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Dave Reichert and Adam Smith.




Me with a view of the Capital.



Me with Congressman Rick Larsen

Visit my website for all your Washington real estate needs!

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King and Snohomish County Real Estate Sales

"Home sales are projected to move in a relatively narrow range with a gradual upturn becoming more pronounced by the end of the year according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors. Overall housing levels are historically strong, but sales remain sluggish compared to the recent boom." The King County housing market experienced an increase in sales in May, while Snohomish County sales were sluggish. Let's take a look.

Active listings in King County increased in May 2007 by 3,856 homes or 52 percent compared to the same time period in 2006. Sales in May increased by 2 percent or 74 homes. The average market time in May was 54 days vs. 42 days in 2006.

King County continued to experience rising prices, with the average sales price 12 percent higher in 2007 than 2006, bringing the average sales price to $521,402. Year to date, sales weakened by 2 percent, while prices strengthened by 11 percent.


On the other hand, Snohomish County had a 13 percent decrease in sales. Down 208 homes from May a year ago.

The number of active listings increased by 60 percent in May and market times increased 32 percent or 14 days. The average sales price increased by 10 percent compared to May 2006, increasing to $383,558.

Year to date, sales declined 15 percent, and the average sales price increased 14 percent.


May statistics show it is a great time to buy a home. Buyers have more homes to choose from, making sellers negotiable. But, buyers also need to keep in mind that buying a home is a long-term investment and can't expect to see the double digit annual appreciation of a few yers.

If you are thinking of buying a home, you can get a daily email list of new homes for sale as they hit the market by visiting my website. It is fast, easy and FREE!

Statistics compiled by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service and are deemed accurate but not warranted.



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Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Snohomish County Home for Sale

18421 Noble Drive, Arlington, WA 98223



This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath Arlington, WA home for sale is a diamond in the rough. It needs cosmetic work, but with a little sweat equity and TLC you can have a great home! Selling as is. Needs paint, carpet, vinyl and lots of elbow grease. This could be a darling. Great lot with RV parking. Great Gleneagle neighborhood location.

For more information on this home or other Snohomish County real estate, visit my website. Or give me a call for more personal service, 425-308-3669.

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Monday, June 18, 2007

Edmonds WA Home For Sale

5615 154th Street SW, Edmonds WA 98026



Better than new, this georgeous two story has been lovingly maintained. Vaulted ceilings add drama with plenty of windows. Soft decorator colors accent walls. The chef's kitchen has a tile island and informal eating space. The family room offers a gas fireplace and buiit in alcoves. The fourth bedroom or den is on the main level. The master suite has it's own private sitting area with a five piece master bath. There is a low maintenance yard with several English gardens. This is a don't miss home.

For more information on this home or other Edmonds real estate or Snohomish county real estte, visit my sebsite, http://www.karensvillas.com/ or give me a call at 425-308-3669.

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Friday, June 15, 2007

Happy Fathers Day!

Father's Day is this Sunday. In honor of all the fathers and father figures, I’d like to share a short three minute movie titled: To A Child Love Is Spelled T-I-M-E. It’s one of my all time favorites, and it takes my breath away every time I watch it!

So sit back, turn up your speakers and click on the link below. And please share it with friends, family members and co-workers. They’ll love you for doing it!

Click here to watch the movie

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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Will I Pay Capital Gains If I Sell My Snohomish County Home?

The IRS permits a maximum exclusion on capital gain of $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for married couples filing a joint return who sell their home, but of course some conditions apply.

For the five-year time frame prior to the date of the sale of your primary residence, you must meet the Ownership and Use Tests the IRS provides in Publication 523, Selling Your Home. These rules ensure you have owned the home for at least two years, and lived in the home for at least 24 months out of the last five years. Additionally, you may not have excluded a gain on your taxes from the sale of a different home within the last two years.

A 'reduced maximum exclusion' can apply to those who must sell their home due to a change in their place of employment, health issues, or unforeseen circumstances that affect qualified individuals. In all cases, it is best to consult your tax professional or IRS guidelines if you have any questions about the taxes you may be responsible for if you sell your home.

Want to know the current market value of your Snohomish County home? Click here.

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Tuesday, June 05, 2007

RE/MAX Northwest Acquired by RE/MAX International

An announcement from RE/MAX International:

RE/MAX International Acquires Its Largest Brokerage
in Washington: Strengthening Ownership in the Northwest

(Denver, CO June 1, 2007) – RE/MAX International is pleased to announce the acquisition of RE/MAX Northwest, their largest franchise operation in the state of Washington. The Seattle area brokerage has 320 agents working in 6 offices, and plans to open a seventh office in August.

Co-Founder and Chairman Dave Liniger said, “This acquisition demonstrates the RE/MAX commitment to be number one in Washington and the Pacific Northwest. We plan to provide the support services RE/MAX is famous for, but for the agents business will continue as usual. There will be no name change and no change in personnel.”

Current owners, Jerry Martin, Russ Schustek and Gary Hackney, who purchased the brokerage in 2002, will remain in place and continue to manage the day to day affairs of the business. RE/MAX Northwest offices made just under $2 billion in sales last year, the second highest in the entire RE/MAX Pacific Northwest region.

RE/MAX Northwest agents also set a high standard with their strong commitment to premier community citizenship. They have raised the greatest amount of money for the Children’s Miracle Network of any RE/MAX brokerage in the region.

Ralph and Margie Ripley, who first opened the RE/MAX Northwest brokerage in 1992, and who have remained with the firm as sales associates, plan to stay with the company after the acquisition. Gary Hackney said, “We have worked hard to continue the great legacy begun by Ralph and Margie, and I’m sure that RE/MAX International will honor our tradition by providing the leadership that will lead to even greater success.”

# # #
Dave and Gail Liniger started RE/MAX in 1973, in Denver, CO. Thirty four years later, it has evolved into a global network represented by over 120,000 agents in more than 65 countries. Today, nearly all home listings nationwide can found at www.remax.com.

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Saturday, June 02, 2007

Warning Signs Of Predatory Lending

It is difficult to pick up the paper or listen to a news show these days without hearing about mortgage fraud or predatory lending. There is nothing more important to us than our home and our family. Protecting them from deceptive and fraudulent loan practices is important also.

StopMortgageFraud.com is a website offering advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of mortgage fraud or abusive lending. The information below is from this website:

The Ten Warning Signs of Predatory Lending

1. Were you encouraged to include false information on your loan application?

2. Were you asked to leave signature lines or any other important line-item of any form blank?

3. Check your loan file. Are any of the following disclosures missing?
  • Good Faith Estimate
  • Special Information Booklet
  • Truth in Lending
  • HUD-1 Settlement Statement
4. Have you refinanced your loan several times, and in each instance increased either your monthly payment and/or the total amount you owe on your home?

5. Do your documents reveal that your interest rate calculation will change to require you to pay "daily interest" in instances when your payments are late?

6. Is your loan amount on the loan you obtained higher than the value of the home?
Did the lender or broker alter any information you entered on your loan application?

7. Did you incur any unexpected costs at settlement that were not explained to you prior to the settlement?

8. After settlement, were you surprised to find that the monthly payments on your mortgage loan were higher than you anticipated based on the initial disclosures?

9. If you have a balloon loan (one in which after a series of low payments the entire loan balance is due in a large lump sum),will you need to obtain another loan to finance that final lump-sum amount?

10. Were you required to buy credit insurance, insurance that will repay the debt if you die or become disabled? (Note: Credit insurance is optional and will not affect your loan decision if you decline to buy it. It can, however, add considerable cost to the loan transaction. You should decide whether you are going to purchase credit insurance carefully.).

The above questions are a good way for you to know if someone could be misleading you about a loan and its costs to you. Just because you answer "yes" to these questions does not mean you are or have been a victim of predatory lending. But, if you answer "yes" to some of the questions, I recommend you contact the appropriate state agency. You can find information about how and where to do this on the StopMortgageFraud.com website.

If you need a referral to a reputable mortgage lender, give me a call at 888-558-HOME. I have years of experience with many WA lenders I can refer you to.

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