Residential Real Estate in SW Washington State

Residential Real Estate Services with Passion, Integrity, Knowledge

SOLD! Covington-4 Bedrooms, Large Lot, Culdesac, One Owner

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The original owners of this lovely home helped design every detail, have lovingly maintained it, and are pleased to offer it to you for your purchase consideration.

Tucked gracefully into the end of the culdesac, the woods behind this classically designed home provide a peaceful backdrop at the end of your long day. You’ll enjoy life sitting in your own spa/hot tub or enjoying a BBQ, or glass of wine on your stamped concrete patio.

The home is perfectly designed for a both a  busy lifestyle or for those who love to entertain. With very generous room sizes, formal and private spaces, you’ll find plenty of room to grow, live, and stay!

Conveniently located just minutes from major Covington shopping: Costco, Kohls, Home Depot, along with easy fast commuting access to Highway 18.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

  • MLS # 959861
  • 2,840 Sq Ft
  • Built in 1990
  • 2016 Taxes: $4,792
  • 4 bedrooms
  • 2.5 bath
  • 2 car garage
  • Formal Living & Dining Rooms
  • Family Room
  • Bonus Room
  • Updates:
    * 2011 – 50 year roof
    * 2007 – Furnace
    * 2010 – Water Heater
    * 2008 & 2010 – Windows
  • Hardwood, Tile & Carpeted Floors
  • Stamped Concrete Patio
  • Partially Fenced
  • Backs to greenbelt
  • HOA Inactive

 

Virtual Tour: Click HERE to link to full screen view or click image below for smaller view
View the Tour

 

 

SOLD! Affordable, No Stairs, Lakeland Hills!!

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Ground floor corner unit

This wonderful one-level condo in Heatherwood at Lakeland Hills shows pride of ownership while providing affordable living. Enter from either the front or back door—just a few feet from your own garage!

The U-shaped kitchen features loads of modern storage with ample counters and a convenient planning desk all just steps away from your covered patio. The dining and living room with tiled fireplace are perfect gathering places for activities. Two large bedrooms share the well-appointed bath.

Unit is handicap accessible with possible wheelchair access throughout the home — there are no stairs anywhere and the unit features wide doorways, an open bath vanity and accessible fixtures.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

  • MLS # 943074
  • 885 Sq Ft
  • Built in 2003
  • 2016 Taxes: $1,741
  • 2 bedrooms
  • 1 bath
  • 1 car detached garage
  • Dues: $271 per month
  • HOA Dues include Water/Sewer; Common area maintenance; Snow removal; Lawn Maintenance

 
  • 9-foot ceilings
  • Easy-care hardwood/laminate floors in main area
  • Bedrooms are carpeted
  • Back entrance just steps from garage

 

Virtual Tour: Click HERE to link to full screen view or click image below for smaller view

SOLD!–Affordable Lake Washington View!

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This Lakeridge area home (near Skyway) sold within 7 days after original listing, although the buyer’s offer arrived at the end of day 2. There were multiple offers. The seller is thrilled to see wonderful new owners now living in the home!

Homes sell FAST when they’re well prepared and priced right!

 

xxxxx 66th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98178

Affordable views are rare anywhere in the greater Seattle area, especially when located in such a neat & tidy neighborhood! Even in our early Spring downpour, the view of Mercer Island and Kennydale shines through! On a clear day, the Cascade foothills are visible as well.

This cute little 2 bedroom, 1 bath home is entirely livable but perhaps you’ll want to finish the basement or rearrange the interior to better fit your lifestyle. Recently updated with a newer furnace and water heater plus fresh paint and carpeting will allow you to move right in. Pride of ownership also shows in beautiful landscaping!

By the way, I’m told that the Blue Angels fly over sometimes too!

Scan the QR code below for additional photos and links to the virtual tour, then call me or your own broker for a private tour.

Visit the VIRTUAL TOUR, then call me or your own broker for a private tour.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

 

1650 Sq Ft Total including: 2016 Taxes: $2,728 2 Bedrooms
680 Sq Ft Unfinished Basement Forced Air Gas Heat 1 Bath
Built in 1918 No HOA or CCRs Off Street Parking in Alley
MLS #906789

 

 

SOLD!!–Remodeled 4-Bedroom Des Moines Rambler

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Another quick sale! The first offer arrived the night of the listing (Thursday). By the time the sellers were able to review offers (Monday evening), there were 11 offers with calls coming quick and fast to see the home and write up even more. Needless to say, the home sold for well above list price.

Well prepared homes sell quickly in this HOT market.

***** 13th Ave S, Des Moines, WA 98198

The amazing remodel and thoughtful design of this impeccable rambler reflects the loving care of its owners. You’ll enjoy its blend of warm and comfortable interior spaces all filled with abundant natural light.

Living and entertaining is a pleasure in this home from the charming formal dining room with fireplace, capacious open kitchen filled with updated cabinetry, to the great room anchored with a second gas fireplace and framed with large windows.

Attention to detail is evident throughout. The home includes expanded storage closets, roomy window seats, private master courtyard, skylights, ceiling fans, newer roof, French doors to the patio, and a spacious fenced back yard. Energy efficient as well, the home features a tankless hot water heater, high efficiency furnace, and triple-paned windows.

Not specifically designed for wheelchair access, however there are no stairs throughout the home and one bath includes walk-in shower with handrails.

Visit the VIRTUAL TOUR, then call me or your own broker for a private tour.

You’ll fall in love with this home!

 

MLS #898374 Remodeled 2008 1 full & 2 3/4 baths
2020 Sq Ft 2016 Taxes: $4150 Formal Dining Room
7500 Sq Ft Lot No HOA or CCRs Great Room
Built in 1977 4 Bedrooms 1.5 Car Garage

 

 

 

 

SOLD!!–Exquisite 3686 4+ Bedroom Edgewood Home on .4 Acres

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Front of Home

This amazing Edgewood home sold in 22 days, which is a fantastic timeframe for big houses in this price range. For help selling your own home, please contact me and we’ll get busy making your home shine in the real estate market!

**** 115th Ave Ct E, Edgewood WA 98372

Chaffey-built craftsmanship and exquisite care surround this luxurious home, which features a spacious and flexible open floor plan designed for entertaining while providing a peaceful lifestyle.

Backing to a dedicated greenbelt and surrounded by a manicured shy half-acre, you can listen to the birds sing while enjoying morning coffee on the expansive deck and patio.

With both walk-in and butler’s pantries, the well-designed kitchen opens to the great room and is completed with stainless appliances, rich cabinetry and gleaming hardwood floors.

Thoughtfully sited upstairs at the back of the home is the corner loft and well-appointed master suite, both overlooking the greenbelt view. Two additional bedrooms and bath complete this level. The home’s daylight lower level provides casual playroom flexibility plus room for a home gym, guest bedroom and additional bath.

Professional landscaping and exterior lighting enhance the home’s exterior. Welcome Home!

 

¨ MLS# 894806

¨ 3,686 sq ft

¨ .42 acre lot

¨ Built in 2006 by Chaffey Homes

¨ $7,256 2015 property tax

¨ 3-Car Garage

¨ Septic System

 ¨ Natural Gas

¨ Air Conditioning

¨ 4 Bedrooms

¨ 3½ Bathrooms

¨ Loft

¨ Bonus Room

¨ Den

 ¨ Extra Finished Room on lower level

¨ Formal Dining Room

¨ Great Room layout

¨ Stainless Appliances

¨ All Appliances Remain with Home

¨ Professional Landscaping

¨ Landscape Lighting

 

 

SOLD!-Uber Affordable Lake Tapps 3+ Bedroom Home on .34 Acres

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Why Rent?? Affordable, no HOA dues, your own land, 3+ bedrooms and loads of space inside and out! Recently refreshed with new in/out paint, carpet & kitchen counters, this spacious home is ready to go. Well-designed interior space–big rooms, vaulted ceilings, split bedroom locations (master on one end w/huge walk-in, guest rooms on the other). Kitchen is open to a huge dining space; living room opens to double-door den with closet. Massive Front Deck!! Dieringer Schools & near Lake Tapps too!

  • Located at 16709 27th St Ct E, Lake Tapps
  • MLS# 895273
  • 3+ Bedrooms (one room could be den or bedroom)
  • 2 full baths
  • Kitchen with eating space (eating bar + space for table)
  • Formal Dining
  • Split Bedrooms — Master at one end, 2 bedrooms at opposite end
  • Title Eliminated
  • $160,000

Mortgage Pre-Approval for Buyers “and” Sellers!

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Financing Ad
Photo credit: Everyspoon via Flicker

Some time ago, I received a link to a Forbes article that  pretty much debunks what most people think about obtaining mortgage preapproval: “The Mortgage Pre-Approval Con” The article explains how mortgage preapproval works, what information is requested and evaluated by a mortgage officer, and so on. It’s a good article and pretty much says it as it is.

However, one critical fact missing is that most experienced Broker/Agents (that’d be me!) also work with mortgage professionals we trust. That’s because we have experience with them; we know that when they issue a preapproval, they have the level of knowledge and experience to perform. They also meet deadlines — one of the most difficult challenges facing purchases at the moment.

When working with Sellers, I may ask the Buyer presenting an offer to also be preapproved through a lender I trust. Of course that buyer can work with whomever they want … I just want to assure my client, the seller, that by accepting an offer there’s a good chance the sale will actually be completed.

Working with loan officers that have been vetted through experience, minimizes the “con” in mortgage pre-approval! 

For a list of loan officers I trust and work with, visit my Lender Resource page.

Short Sale Documentation

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Perhaps the most significant part of handling short sale listings is gathering the appropriate documention from the Seller. While each lender / loan type tends to have slightly different requirements, overall the list is similar and must be presented to the Lender at the time short sale negotiations are begun.

Short sale documentation almost always includes at least:

  1. Authorization from the Seller(s) allowing the negotiator to contact lender(s) on their behalf.
  2. Hardship letter. This letter, written by the Seller, describes exactly why the Seller is in need of a short sale and why the lender should consider their request. Not a time for sugar coating, the letter should be heartfelt (I actually like handwritten letters the best).
  3. Financial Documents (duration varies by lender)
  • Pay Stubs (two months)
  • Bank Statements (last three months)
  • Tax Returns (last two years)
  • Financial worksheets (income and expense report for the past three months, and projecting forward for the next three months, or if self-employed, a profit & loss statement will be needed)

As a short sale listing agent, I like to have this documentation in my file at the time a listing is begun. Waiting to gather this all-important short sale document until an offer is received typically delays submission to the bank and the beginning of negotiation services.

For help listing your home and a more comprehensive list of the short sale documentation needed, be sure to consult with your lender, your attorney, and, of course, your trust real estate brokers.

 

15 Things Your Buyer’s Agent Should (Will!!) Do For You

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My daughter is currently shopping for a house outside of Washington State, where I’m licensed and practice. Although I cautioned her and her husband against making sign calls and suggesting (strongly!) that she work with a Realtor I interviewed on her behalf and recommend, they decided to make a sign call and then moved forward with that agent. And not happily so. When I spoke with her by phone yesterday, her comment to me was

“Oh Mom, the agent just opens the doors. We’re perfectly capable of finding houses on our own and we don’t need any other help.”

Yikes! Now this young lady, of whom I am very proud by the way, has been raised to think for herself. However, she’s also seen me work and, gee I would have thought, understood exactly how much work I really do on behalf of my clients. Needless to say, I was terribly disappointed with her assumption that all I do is “open doors!” For Pete’s Sake!

With that in mind, I set out this morning to create a list of what I typically do for most buyer transactions. Certainly not every buyer requires each item, and certainly these are done with an eye to the specific house, experience of the buyer, and so on. I know there’s more, but this is a good stepping off point.

1.    Find Houses

  • Help you identify areas, neighborhoods, commute options
  • Set up searches that narrow the list of “everything out there” into homes that more precisely fit your requirements
  • Keep an ear to the ground, coupled with hard research, to find homes that are just coming on the market, price reductions, those that have offers that may not have been reported in the MLS, and so on
  • Help you narrow down your choices
  • What about For Sale By Owner properties?

2.    Open Doors

  • Yes, there’s that elusive MLS keybox. And for that, you need me.
  • Help you assess any/every house you see with regard to its condition
  • Help you assess any/every house you see with regard to how it may fit your lifestyle / needs
  • Evaluate the Competition — research and assess your “choice” with regard to asking price, condition, availability, and issues

3.    Financing

  • Recommend proven lenders
  • Review and help you understand your Good Faith Estimate (GFE)
  • Review and help you understand your HUD Statement
  • Keep you up-to-date on financing options
  • Help you understand/evaluate those you’ve been offered; i.e., does FHA make more sense than Conventional loans … or how about a USDA option, etc.?
  • Help you understand how your financing choices may affect a home you are considering

4.    Write Your Offer

  • Believe it or not, there’s a lot of legal knowledge that goes behind writing a strong and safe offer for you … and a bit of an art, too. After all, what if you need to back out? Is your earnest money protected, or did you just give it away? And heavens, what if you change your mind?
  • Help you put together an offer that’s as strong as possible, identifying any strengths and/or sticking points and presenting them in the offer in the most favorable way.
  • What if the house is in a distressed situation? What if it’s a Short Sale? What if it’s Bank Owned?
  • Be sure your paperwork is complete and top notch at every step

5.    Open Escrow

  • Help you understand forms that escrow may send to you
  • Stay on top of the escrow process to be sure your everything is complete so that your home purchase will close on time

6.    Legal Documents

  • Be sure that you have copies of all legal paperwork regarding your home
  • Be sure that you have a complete copy of the title report
  • Read the title report with you to identify any tricky spots
  • Be sure that you have a copy of and have read and understand any CC&Rs
  • Be sure that you have access to and have read homeowner association documents, including minutes from meetings that might identify future issues with your purchase

7.    Recommend other proven professionals:

  • Inspectors
  • Roofers, electricians, painters, plumbers, landscapers, etc.
  • Attorneys, accountants, tax professionals
  • Testing services for wells, septics

8.    Help you identify, locate, and understand specific jurisdictional requirements

  • County septics, wells, etc.
  • Setbacks
  • Permits, etc.

9.    Be your representative

  • Present and negotiate on your behalf in a positive and professional manner
  • Present you in the best possible light
  • Be there for you at every event: all showings, inspections, repair trips, signings, builder meetings, septic inspections, well inspections, etc.

10.    Be the intermediary between yourself … and everyone else! (The listing agent, the seller, title reps, escrow officers, etc.)

  • Clarify and draft responses to all communications, being sure that each item is presented in a clear, precise, concise and professional manner
  • Schedule appointments to meet everyone’s schedules
  • Field endless phone calls and e-mail messages regarding the transaction

11.    Counsel

  • Help you remain objective throughout the homebuyer process
  • Appreciate your excitement and enthusiasm for the house you find … and help you evaluate that choice as a business decision
  • Offer suggestions when faced with difficult or complex decisions
  • Act as your sounding board when things just aren’t going smoothly

12.    Offer skillful & professional guidance

  • Suggest research you may want to undertake — what is the permit process, what about wetlands, property corners, schools, bus routes, etc.
  • Help you identify issues that could cause difficulty down the road, i.e., “lawsuits waiting to happen”

13.    Communicate, communicate, communicate

  • Do you know what’s going on?
  • Do you know when answers are due?
  • Do you know your deadlines?
  • Did you get it done?

14.    Be there for you after the purchase

  • Answer questions
  • Suggest solutions (how do I adjust the hot tub? — or … I love this one … “The alarm keeps going off, could you please call the Seller and see if this is normal?”)

and finally …

15.   Get it done!

  • Things fall apart at the most inopportune moments. We’re here to be sure your transaction stays on track and to help when things go sideways!

 

You Can Test Drive a Car … But Not a House!

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The last couple of weekends have included a few hours helping our son decide what car to buy. We’ve been to this dealer and that, had him prequalified … and have driven a number of cars, usually with the all-chatty salesman in the backseat telling us exactly why this car is THE one to buy. We’ve driven some brand new cars and are now taking a look at a few that a just a couple of years old (Mom insisting that maybe the payment will be a bit easier on his monthly budget.)

Now that we’ve graduated to the used car market, I’ve been busy reading CarFax reports, looking over my son’s shoulder and hanging onto the passenger “Lord Help Me!” strap conveniently located just above most of the passenger windows. (Word to the wise … don’t ever go on a test drive with a 21-year old male …. )

Now that I’m safely home, I’ve been able to reflect on the disparity between buying a car and buying a house. We’re out driving around in a $18,000 car, testing the brakes, going around corners, up steep hills, accelerating on the freeway–all with a eye on making sure that the vehicle seems safe, feels good, and is worth going to the step of taking it to our trusted mechanic before going down the buying path.

However, buying a house … many times more expensive, doesn’t include that same test drive. There’s no chance to sit in the house long enough to decide if it’s drafty, cook a meal in the kitchen and see if the layout really truly works or pack the closets to see if the clothes all fit. All of those things are a bit subjective. We think it’ll work. We walk through the house–maybe a few times–then begin the purchase process. With careful thought and due diligence, we hire a trusted inspector to test and prod the house to reveal its strengths and weaknesses. We measure the rooms, sometimes draw them out on paper and hope everything fits.

But test drive? Nope. That’s reserved for much smaller purchases … like cars, trucks, and RVs.

As Agents/Brokers, it’s important to provide as many opportunities for our Buyer clients to look at a house at their own pace. To figuratively kick the tires, lay on the floor of the empty bedroom to see if the bed fits and stand in the pantry to evaluate the food storage. Because buying a home is truly the largest purchase they’ll ever make. It’s the best we can do .. their test drive begins the day they move in.

*photo courtesy of egg on stilts via Flickr