My Blog
Aug 8, 08
What is happening in our housing market today?
Residential home statistics June 2008 King and Pierce counties.
| King County Housing Statistics (Jun 2008) | |
| Inventory | |
| Actives | 12027 |
| Pending | 1903 |
| Solds | 1515 |
| Months of Inventory | 7.9 |
| Days on Market | 75 |
| Average price | $546,370 |
| Median Price | $440,000 |
| Temperature of the market | 1 in 8 homes are selling |
| Pierce County Housing Statistics (Jun 2008) | |
| Inventory | |
| Actives | 7202 |
| Pending | 985 |
| Solds | 741 |
| Months of Inventory | 9.7 |
| Days on Market | 102 |
| Average price | $300,040 |
| Median Price | $265,000 |
| Temperature of the market | 1 in 10 homes are selling |
Please call or email me with any questions.
Karen Jackson
John L. Scott
206-714-1384
Search thousands of homes for sale or find out what your home is worth at:
www.WashingtonRealEstate4U.com
July 1, 2008
Are you looking for some fun things to do this summer?
Renton Summer Calendar of Events
July 2 Coulon Family concert 7pm Admission: Free Duwamish Dixieland Jazz
July 4 Fabulous 4th of July Celebration – Gene Coulon Park 7am-10pm Admission: Free
July 6 Return to Renton Cruise in The Piazza 10am-3pm Admission:Free
July 9 Coulon Family concert 7pm Admission: Free Handful of Luvin’
July 10 Picnic Pizzaz – A kids entertainment series Kiwanis Park 12pm-1pm Admission: Free
July 11 Summer Chocolate Festival Renton Public Library 2pm-4pm Admission: Free
July 12 Summer Splash-tacular Henry Moses Aquatic Center Admission: Free
July 12 Moonlight movies at Liberty Park 7pm Hairspray 7pm
July 15 Will Stedman’s Hollywood Educated Parrots Renton Community Center 10:30 am Admission: Free
July 16 Coulon Family concert 7pm Admission: Free Amber Tide
July 17 Picnic Pizzaz – A kids entertainment series Kiwanis Park 12pm-1pm Admission: Free
July 19 Moonlight movies at Liberty Park 7pm The Bucket List
July 23 Coulon Family concert 7pm Admission: Free Craicmore
July 23, 25-27 Renton River Days Liberty Park
July 25 “Once upon a Mattress” Carco Theatre Fri/Sat 7:30 Pm Sun 2pm Admission: $12/$10
July 26 “Once upon a Mattress” Carco Theatre Fri/Sat 7:30 Pm Sun 2pm Admission: $12/$10
July 27 “Once upon a Mattress” Carco Theatre Fri/Sat 7:30 Pm Sun 2pm Admission: $12/$10
July 30 Coulon Family concert 7pm Admission: Free Panduo Steeldrum
July 31 Picnic Pizzaz – A kids entertainment series Kiwanis Park 12pm-1pm Admission: Free
June 23-Aug 15 Summer Fest 2008 Crafts, Games and Contests Ages 6-12 Admission: Free
Tuesdays, June 3-Sept 16 Renton Farmers Market 3-7pm
Karen Jackson
John L. Scott/Kms
206-714-1384
Search thousands of homes for sale at: www.washingtonrealestate4u.com
June 30, 2008
Renton Has Your Perfect Home
More than 1,800 people work for the Boeing Company at their Renton plant, and many of those people have families and pets and cars . . . in short, they have full lives. That kind of life can be more fulfilling for a family that lives in their own home, whether it’s a single family house with a fenced back yard or a modern condo.
Now is a good time to begin looking for that perfect home for your lifestyle. There is a wide variety of properties to choose from in Renton. It is not difficult to find a home over 3,000 sq.ft., and it’s equally easy to locate a small, 2-bedroom cottage. Do you want a home near the lake? Are you looking for something with a fireplace? Take a look at what’s available in Renton.
You can find a large selection of newer homes and condominiums in Renton, as well as spacious older homes build on large lots. And if you’re looking for something with a very modern feel and no maintenance, consider a condominium. You’ll find everything from studios and 1-bedroom models to homes of nearly 2,000 ft. with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths.
The numbers indicate that Renton’s home prices remained stable over the past month or two–it’s hard to predict what that means given today’s uncertain real estate news, but it is certainly a far cry from what is happening in other markets.
Local 4th of July Celebrations 2008
Arlington Frontier Days Boys and Girls Club Dusk ci.arlington.wa.us
Auburn 4th of July Celebration Les Grove Park 11am-4pm ci.auburn.wa.us
Bellevue Family 4th Bellevue Downtown Park 6pm bellevuedowntown.org
Bothell Freedom Festival July 3-Aug 21 Thurs 6-8pm ci.bothell.wa.us
Burien 4th of July Family Days 10am-8pm discoverburien.com
Edmonds Kind of 4th Civic Stadium 7:30pm ci.edmonds.wa.us
Everett Family Freedom Fest Naval Station All Day everettwa.org
Fireworks Over Des Moines Des Moines Marina 10pm
Federal Way Red, White, Blue Celebration Park 10:15pm cityoffederalway.com
Kent 4th of July Lake Meridian Park kentarts.com
Kirkland 4th of July Celebration Marina Park 10pm celebratekirkland.org
Lake Stevens Aqua Fest & Fireworks North Cove Park Dusk aquafest.org
Lynnwood Star-Spangled Celebration Lynnwood H.S. 10:15pm ci.lynnwood.wa.us/parks
Mercer Island Summer Celebration Luther Burbank Park mercergov.org
July 14-15 5:30 pm
Monroe Demolition Derby and Monroe Fairgrounds evergreenspeedway.net
Fireworks
Renton Fabulous 4th of July Gene Coulon Beach All day ci.renton.wa.us
Seatac Fireworks Display Angle Lake Park late eve
Seattle 4th of Jul-Ivars Elliott Bay 5-6:30pm Ivars.net
Tukwila Family Fun at the Fort Fort Dent Park 4pm ci.tukwila.wa.us
Yarrow Point Community 4th Cozy Cove 4pm ci.tukwila.wa.us
June 20, 2008
It's Great to be in Kent in the Summer!
Summer is a wonderful time of year in Kent, Washington. Located between Seattle and Tacoma, a stone's throw away from Puget Sound, Kent began its life as an agricultural town; today, it is a growing commercial center. Summer weather is gorgeous most days - a little rain, a little more sun, temperatures in the 70s - perfect for outdoor activities. And there are plenty of activities to choose from.
Everyone knows that the 4th of July is one of the most popular holidays in the US. This year, residents of Kent will once again enjoy the 4th of July Splash! at Lake Meridian Park. Families will bring the kids and the grandparents and meet with friends to enjoy a day filled with games, classic cars, and entertainment. And of course, with all that water, there must be a boat parade! The day will end with an open-air performance by the Rainier Symphony.
If you enjoy concerts al fresco, the city of Kent brings you summertime concerts - Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon at Kent Station Plaza and Town Square park; on Thursday evenings, you'll find performances usually at Lake Meridian Park beginning at 7:00 p.m. Check the city's concert schedule to learn who is performing and when.
Kent is a great place for summertime recreation!
Search for homes in Kent (or entire MLS) at www.WashingtonRealEstate4U.com or call Karen Jackson at John L. Scott 206-714-1384
June 19, 2008
Lake Tapps Community
Many people think of the community of Lake Tapps, Washington, as a town in its own right when, really, it is a neighborhood of Bonney Lake. The lake itself is actually a reservoir created in the early 20th century to generate hydroelectricity on the White River. Any time they find a lovely lake, people will build houses around it, and there you have it, the story of Lake Tapps. History is boring, right? Don’t be so quick to judge!
The White River gathers its waters from the glaciers on Mt. Rainier. It joins other rivers, rolls through an assortment of communities, encounters a diversion dam or two, and ultimately meets up with the Puyallup River. Together, they spill into Commencement Bay on Puget Sound.
The lake itself is the focal point of Lake Tapps North Park, a Pierce County Regional Park. Visitors to the park have access to a wide variety of recreational opportunities throughout the summer months. Get out in a boat, a canoe, even a rubber raft, and enjoy the lake. Take a swim (be careful - this water comes from a glacier and it’s cold!). Wander through the trees and brush that surround the lake.
The county has made some improvements to the boat launch facilities, so schedule a visit to the park, pack up the family, take a picnic, and enjoy a perfect outing at the lake.
June 18, 2008
May Housing Statistics for King and Pierce County
|
King County Housing Statistics (May 2008) |
|
|
Inventory |
|
|
Actives |
12374 |
|
Pending |
1647 |
|
Solds |
1504 |
|
Months of Inventory |
8.2 |
|
Days on Market |
73 |
|
Average price |
$550,803 |
|
Median Price |
$440,000 |
|
Temperature of the market |
1 in 7.5 homes are selling |
|
|
|
|
Pierce County Housing Statistics (May 2008) |
|
|
Inventory |
|
|
Actives |
7672 |
|
Pending |
788 |
|
Solds |
685 |
|
Months of Inventory |
11.2 |
|
Days on Market |
99 |
|
Average price |
$298,721 |
|
Median Price |
$266,000 |
|
Temperature of the market |
1 in 10 homes are selling |
June 2, 2008
Current Market Conditions
| King County Housing Statistics (April 2008) | |
| Inventory | |
| Actives | 9373 |
| Pending | 1417 |
| Solds | 1195 |
| Months of Inventory | 7.8 |
| Days on Market | 76 |
| Average price | $539,000 |
| Median Price | $449,000 |
| Temperature of the market | 1 in 8 homes are selling |
| Pierce County Housing Statistics (April 2008) | |
| Inventory | |
| Actives | 6001 |
| Pending | 676 |
| Solds | 593 |
| Months of Inventory | 10.1 |
| Days on Market | 92 |
| Average price | $301,000 |
| Median Price | $267,000 |
| Temperature of the market | 1 in 10 homes are selling |
Legal Issue of the Month
NEW DISTRESSED HOMES LAW by Northwest Multiple Listing Service June 2, 2008
New amendments to RCW 61.34 (the “Law”) require that all current listing agreements of most residential properties be amended before June 12, 2008 and that new transaction forms be used in all residential sales. The Law also creates new duties for agents and brokers designed to protect owners of “Distressed Homes” who are vulnerable to foreclosure rescue and equity skimming scams. Under certain circumstances, agents and brokers could be considered “Distressed Home Consultants” for sellers and will have to comply with additional requirements of the Law. This bulletin summarizes the Law and the steps that agents and brokers must take to comply with it. Please take the time to read this bulletin carefully and to watch the instructional DVD which will be provided to your broker and is also available on Discover.
1. What is a “Distressed Home”
A "Distressed Home" is a dwelling occupied by the owner as the owner’s primary residence in a single, duplex, triplex, or four-unit residential building that is (1) in the process of foreclosure or in danger of foreclosure because (a) seller has defaulted on a mortgage; (b) seller is at least thirty days delinquent on a loan secured by the Property; or (c) seller believes that seller is likely to default on such mortgage or loan within four months due to a lack of funds; or (2) at risk of loss due to nonpayment of taxes. A “Distressed Homeowner” is the owner of a Distressed Home.
A property must be occupied by the owner as the owner’s primary residence in order to be a Distressed Home. The Law does not apply to units in buildings with more than four units. A Condominium, townhome, or cooperative in a building with more than four units cannot be a Distressed Home. The Law does apply to both mobile and manufactured homes because they are single, residential buildings.
2. What is a “Distressed Home Consultant?”
A “Distressed Home Consultant” (“DHC”) is anyone who solicits or contacts a Distressed Homeowner and makes a representation or offer to perform any service that the person represents will:
Save the home from foreclosure;
Negotiate with the homeowner’s lender or trustee handling a foreclosure regarding new or existing loans; or
Purchase a Distressed Home within 20 days of a foreclosure sale.
If a listing agent takes a listing for a Distressed Home and suggests that the agent will sell the home before any foreclosure sale – the agent may have offered to “save the home from foreclosure” and could be a DHC for the seller. Likewise, if a listing agent offers to negotiate with a Distressed Homeowner’s lender or trustee handling a foreclosure, the agent may become a DHC for the seller. Both of these examples also apply to a selling licensee who suggests to a seller that the licensee will save the home from foreclosure or will negotiate with a Distressed Homeowner’s lender or trustee. In this case, the selling licensee could be a DHC for the seller.
3. Why does it matter if an agent becomes a Distressed Home Consultant?
A DHC must enter into a special form of contract with the Distressed Homeowner. A DHC owes the homeowner common law fiduciary duties, the most notable of which is the duty of loyalty, which requires the DHC to act in the best interests of the homeowner and to put the homeowner’s interests ahead of all others, including the DHC’s own interest. There are also other significant obligations of a DHC which put the DHC at substantially greater risk of liability to a Distressed Homeowner; a violation of the Law also violates the Consumer Protection Act and the seller can recover double or treble their actual damages up to $100,000, and attorneys’ fees and costs.
4. Do current listing agreements need to be amended by June 12, 2008?
Yes. All NWMLS listing agreement forms have been changed. If the property is a dwelling occupied by the owner as the owner’s primary residence in a single, duplex, triplex, or four-unit residential building, NWMLS recommends that sellers sign the new Listing Agreement Amendment (Form 1A-A or Form 1B-A) (see note). Otherwise, the seller may sign a new Form 1A or Form 1B, which are complete listing forms, which incorporate all the changes in Forms 1A-A and 1B-A. Current listings that are modified by these new contracts should not be cancelled and relisted, as these forms are considered either an amendment to a current listing or a substituted contract.
Form 1A-A (and the new 1A) provides a warranty from the seller that the property is not a Distressed Home. If the seller provides this warranty and the warranty is true, the seller is not a Distressed Homeowner and the Law does not apply. The form also requires the seller to notify the listing broker if the seller becomes a Distressed Homeowner during the term of the listing. If the seller provides that notice, or the listing agent otherwise becomes aware that the seller is a Distressed Homeowner, the listing broker can either terminate the listing and waive any right to a claim for commission during the 6-month “tail” or require the seller to sign a Distressed Home Listing Agreement (Form 1A-DH). The new listing agreements (Revision Date 6/08 or more current) must be used for all new listings (regardless of the property type).
If a sale is pending, the listing should nevertheless be amended if the listing broker is continuing to provide real estate brokerage services (e.g., continuing to market the property, negotiating with the buyer, etc.). If agent is not going to perform any additional services for seller and is merely waiting for the transaction to close, the agent need not amend the listing agreement. If in doubt, obtain the amendment.
5. What if the seller cannot sign the 1A-A or the 1A because seller is a Distressed Homeowner?
If the seller cannot sign the new listing agreement addendum or the new listing agreement because the property is a Distressed Home, the listing agent must require the seller to sign the new form of listing agreement for Distressed Homes – Form 1A-DH. In those listing agreements, the seller represents that the property is a Distressed Home. This form of listing agreement complies with the various requirements of the Law. For example, the Law requires that the agreement be in 12 point font and that certain disclosures be in 14 point font. Form 1A-DH complies with those requirements. If the seller signs a Form 1A-DH for a current listing, agent should not cancel and relist, as the new form is a substituted contract.
This bulletin is quite lengthy and this is just a portion of the bulletin. For more questions and answers to the subject, please contact Karen Jackson 206-714-1384
May 30, 2008
Renton - As Fresh as it Gets!
It is hard to explain and equally hard to deny: fruits, berries and vegetables that come directly to the table from the farm are somehow different – they’re more colorful, they’re crisper and sweeter, they just seem better. The only problem is in finding farm-fresh produce.
The farmers’ market in Renton can help to solve that problem. Starting in early June, fans of freshness can visit the Piazza in Renton, a beautiful park and worthy destination in its own right, and brows the stalls to stock up on fresh favorites.
The Piazza is a small urban oasis, a perfect gathering place for folks who live or work in the downtown area. Located at South 3rd and Burnett, the Piazza in Renton is home to a number of community events throughout the year.
The Farmers’ Market, which runs from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday through mid-September, has something for everyone in Renton, including a unique live cooking demonstration every Tuesday, and live entertainment in the park.
May 29, 2008
Renton Works to Keep Residents Secure
The City of Renton takes pride in pointing out the community’s family-friendly environment, and one facet of that environment is public safety. Through its various public safety departments, the city strives to provide a high level of security to Renton residents.
For example, did you know that the city of Renton will send someone to check on your home while you’re away on vacation? It’s true – you just need to tell them your address and telephone number, the dates you plan to be away, and give them a few other details. The Renton Police Department will send a volunteer to your house to rattle your doors and windows and make certain all is secure.
The Renton police department works hard to keep the community safe, and they urge residents to be part of the safety equation. They offer personal safety classes for women; they provide school resource officers (SROs) for the city’s school-aged residents; and they provide all residents with guidance for preventing crime in the city.
If you want to learn more about the workings of the Renton Police Department, you can apply to take part in the Citizen’s Academy. This is the way to get a first-hand look at the many ways in which your police department protects the public safety.
May 21, 2008
Here is the current state of the market for King County Homes and Pierce County Homes.
| King County Housing Statistics (April 2008) | |
| Inventory | |
| Actives | 9373 |
| Pending | 1417 |
| Solds | 1195 |
| Months of Inventory | 7.8 |
| Days on Market | 76 |
| Average price | $539,000 |
| Median Price | $449,000 |
| Temperature of the market | 1 in 8 homes are selling |
| Pierce County Housing Statistics (April 2008) | |
| Inventory | |
| Actives | 6001 |
| Pending | 676 |
| Solds | 593 |
| Months of Inventory | 10.1 |
| Days on Market | 92 |
| Average price | $301,000 |
| Median Price | $267,000 |
| Temperature of the market | 1 in 10 homes are selling |
May 20, 2008
It’s Summer Time in Bonney Lake
The community of Bonney Lake, Washington sits on the southern shore of . . . Lake Tapps ; the city’s complex is just across the street from . . . Debra Jane Lake. It’s a bit confusing, but there really is a Bonney Lake in town, and it’s lovely!
Bonney Lake is a great size for a family community; residents have access to all the amenities they would find in a larger city: schools and health care facilities; the airport is not far away. A number of colleges and universities, both public and private, provide adult learners the chance to get new skills and professional certifications. And most people live within 30 minutes of their work. The jobs market seems to be growing - always a good sign! - and the unemployment rate is low.
Home sales have slowed recently in Bonney Lake, as they have done in many markets around the country, but the median price for a home has not dropped dramatically. A person can still afford a home in the neighborhoods surrounding the two smaller lakes in town (Debra Jane and Bonney); homes overlooking Lake Tapps tend to be quite a bit pricier.
During the summer months (late May through August, in particular) the city offers all kinds of recreational activities: movies in the park, concerts at the lake, childrens’ theater, and Bonney Lake Days. Average high temperatures during summer range in the mid- to upper-70s; winter is equally mild, with average highs that range from the mid-40s to 50 degrees. Sure, it rains, but Bonney Lake has its share of beautiful, sunny days, too.
With all that water, it’s only natural to want to get out on a boat. New state law requires boaters aged 12 and up to complete a boater safety course and get a Boater Education Card before setting off in a motor boat. Young boaters still have time to enroll in a class through the City of Bonney Lake. The city publishes its boating regulations on the web, to explain the rules and answer questions.
May 12, 2008
Environmentally Conscious Find a Home in Auburn, Washington
The environmental movement is gaining steam across the globe, and residents of Auburn, Washington, are engaged in an ongoing program to enhance their area’s natural gifts and make a lasting contribution to that movement. A number of conservation projects in and around the community make this a splendid place for environmentally conscious families to purchase real estate and make a home.
The real estate market in Auburn includes a mix of new homes and resale properties. The area’s healthy employment situation and predictions for job growth indicate that the demand for housing and real estate in Auburn will remain strong. And of course, the community’s “green” attitude adds to its appeal. In fact, volunteers took to the parks on Saturday, May 10, to participate in the city’s annual “Clean Sweep” event. One of beneficiaries this year was Auburn Environmental Park.
Auburn began acquiring land for the park some time ago as a result of various wetlands mitigation programs. State and federal laws require that real estate developers whose projects will impact more than one-half acre of wetlands must make up for that impact; when they alter wetlands for development, they must add other wetlands to the system.
Auburn Environmental Park is one beneficiary of these wetlands mitigation programs. Today, managers are restoring the natural habitat and making plans for trail system through the park. It’s just one more reason that Auburn, Washington is a great place to purchase a home.
