Archive for the ‘Local Community Info’ Category
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Mar
07
Posted by beta
How has the real estate market in Issaquah been for sellers? From January 1 through February 28th, 88 homes and 66 condominiums have been sold.
Single Family Residence Info for your review:
Those that sold in 30 days or less (30 homes sold for an average of 100.07 percent of the listing price). There was no fire sale on the balance, even to the 19 that had been on the market for over 120 days. They garnered an average of 99.66 percent of the list price.
There is no bubble in Issaquah. You probably already knew that.
The most expensive sale in those two months was $1,580,000. It sold for full price and was on the market 501 days.
Homes with an average sales price of $666.950 were on the market an averageo 58 days and those with an average price of $704,064 were on the market a little longer, 78 days. The 78 days is also the average day on market for homes in Issaquah.
To buy up the market (all of the homes) would have cost you $61,564,861 plus closing and financing costs. Hey, a little humor helps doesn’t it?
Only 9 homes sold were under $450,000. Eight homes were over 1 million.
Now for some Condominium information:
There were 66 condo’s sold in the same two month period. One sold for $152,500 and was on the market 16 days. Three more sold under $200,000 and were on the market between 30 and 61 days. The average day on market for condominiums in Issaquah was 52 days.
The average sales price for sold Issaquah Condominiums was $345,547 and the median $322,500. The most expensive condo sold for $1,725,000. Do you know where that one might be? I do. Of course you would you say. Of course.
So what is the inventory for sale picture?
Homes: 173 for sale. Average price: $993,574 and average days on market of 76. Your dream home may be one of these, a 30,000 square footer for 20 million. This home has been on the market 302 days and kind of torches the averages.
Condominiums: There are 137 condo’s for sale. Of those 57 are under $300,000 with an average days on market of 11. Guess what? We just spotted the hot part of the Issaquah real estate market. Condo’s in this price range.
Asking questions is OK. If you want to track a neigborhood’s stats you are welcome to subscribe to our fabulous tool. Click Here: There is no charge and there is no pressure to use me, so be sure and take advantage of it. For a previous article on this search tool by neighborhood see an older post we did on Feb 9 click this address. http://www.issaquahundressed.com/2007/02/09/so-you-have-decided-you-want-to-live-in-issaquah-whats-next/.
It is also important to note there is much going on in the mortgage world. You might want to visit MortgagesUndressed.com and go have some fun reading on RealEstateUndressed.com Larry Cragun
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Feb
26
Posted by Larry Cragun
Our local newspaper The Issaquah Press recently did an article about blogging in Issaquah in their Issaquah Living magazine, Winter 2007 Issue. You might be suprised to find there are more than you think. I don’t know if they found them all or not, but I checked out the ones featured in the article and found them interesting and very different from each other. I will list them. Check them out yourself.
http://tomecat.com/jeffy by Jeff Youngstrom. The most interesting part to me was his committment to his bicycle. I always wondered how people who don’t have cars get things home. Jeffy is very creative and has the pictures to prove it. He found a way to attach an extension ladder. No kidding! A couple of photos of his bike in the snow were incredible. Then there are the lost gloves. These are probably from bikers, it is harder to drop a glove from your car. Sorry, I am still committed to my car.
www.lohrman.com/panoblog.htm Larry Lohrman’s blog has some incredible photography, 360 degrees of it. Quite a captivating site. I have lived in Issaquah 7 years and have never been to Poo Poo Point before, but I have now through Larry’s photos. It would take more people than live in Issaquah to push me off the top. I got a little dizzy just navigating round and round the photo. I too find the Triple XXX Root Beer Drive In’s interiors strange but intriguing. A little like Where’s Waldo?. Another of my favorites was Oldrides Car Show at the Triple XXX. Larry, do you sell prints?
http://nwfolk.com/piffle.html This is quite an eclectic site with several different focuses. I may have to find out more about vegetarian cooking. Richard Gillman is this citizen journalist.
www.brokenissaquah.blogspot.com by Brian Weinstein “Moe”, may be a site you might like lest you find IssaquahUndressed.com too warm, cozy and positive about Issaquah. A very alternate point of view but he is “not disgruntled yet” and “Yes, Hillary, there really is a vast right-wing conspiracy and it’s here in Issaquah.”
www.IssaquahUndressed.com written by Kathleen and Larry Cragun. We were glad to be included, last but not least, even though the newspaper proof reader kind of goofed up here. Also they left out Larry Cragun’s www.realestateundressed.com a national real estate consumer info site and www.MortgagesUndressed.com doing the same. They are written with a crazy, wacky sense of humor (He is kind of crazy and wacky, I know, I am married to him!) But they keep some potentially boring blogs lively. Other real estate bloggers read him first thing in the morning to put them in a cheerful mood. These blogs also have a lot of good information. Kathleen
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Feb
26
Posted by Larry Cragun
First Friday Art Collective features “Art of the Figure”. At the Historic Train Depot, 50 Rainier Blvd N in Issaquah. For more info call Imelda Dulcich at 206-618-5641. Several artists are participating.
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Feb
06
Posted by Larry Cragun
Each month on the first friday Issaquah hosts an art exhitbit. We posted it a few days before, hoping you would be interested enough to go. The Historic Train Depot is charming. Three different photographers shared their vision and experiences. Here is a glimpse in case you didn’t go.
The amazing thing to me was how far away I had to park. There really is night life in Issaquah. Things were buzzing, People were all over the place and having a good time. This was not just at the Train Depot but all over downtown Issaquah. Restaurants were packed. Is every Friday night in Issaquah like this? I guess I should get out more!
The images shown were a labor of love of a group of compassionate individuals that have tried through these pictures to educate us to the plight of the poorest children in our hemisphere and help to improve their conditions. Click on www.WeAreCompassion.com . It is easy to forget that no matter how we view our own individual financial circumstances we are far better off than than the majority of the world. Perhaps you can help?
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Jan
24
Posted by Larry Cragun
If you don’t have a passport yet you might want to get on it. As of Jan 23, 2007 (that was yesterday) all persons traveling by air to Canada will need a passport. Traveling to Canada by land or ferries the date is approximately Jan 1, 2008 (this is not absolute yet) For more info click http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
Below are 2 places in Issaquah you can go to start the process of getting a passport:
King County Court District Court House 5415 - 220th Ave SE Issaquah, WA 98029 Monday through Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
City Hall/ City of Issaquah, City Clerks Dept. 130 E. Sunset Way Issaquah, WA 98027 Tues, Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM
If you are appling for a passport for the 1st time you will need to apply in person. Bring 2 appropriate pictures of yourself, proof of US citizenship and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license. If you had a passport but it expired and was issued less than 15 years ago you renew by mail. For more specific directions and conditions you can go to this site and even download a renewal application from the site:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
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Jan
22
Posted by Larry Cragun
Put every First Friday in Issaquah on your calandar for Art Collective featuring different artists. Wine, Cheese, Music and ART. What more could you ask? What more? Admission is FREE. 425-996-8553 or www.artcollectiveissaquah.org. This is held at our charming, historic Issaquah Train Depot.
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Dec
29
Posted by Larry Cragun
After too much pie, potatoes, fudge, cookies, turkey, dressing, pasta, you know the drill, I don’t know about you but I’m sure that is how New Years Resolution’s came into being. I feel awful. OK, back to healthy eating and exercise. Issaquah’s Community Center will help. It is so convenient and boasts 3 gyms, weight machines plus walking/ running track. Rates are reasonable especially for senior citizens if you live in Issaquah. 301 Rainier Blvd. S, Issaquah, WA 98027
Passes and Daily Drop-in Fees include Fitness Area, Track, Open Gym, Youth Center, Lap Swim and Public Swim. Other classes and activities are available. Check out Stroller Strides for a work out with your baby! Julius Boehm Pool is right across the way. They even have Pool Party Packages for a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday. Online at issaquahparks.net
Take a peek at the Community Center:
And now the Julius Boehm Pool: The water is just the right temperature - not too warm - not too cool.
There are many Water Exercise Classes, Fit to the Core, Deep Water Running, Ai Chi, Arthritis Foundation Exercise, Mom and Me. You can register online at issaquahparks.net This is where the famous Dive In Movie Night is at, float around on an air mattress or inner tube and watch a movie too! Two different nights 2/09/2007 and 5/11/2007 Fridays 6:30PM to 9:00PM 50 SE Clark Street, Issaquah, WA 98027
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Dec
14
Posted by Larry Cragun
In Issaquah there are 3 public Menorahs: 4:30pm Village Green Park and Blakely Hall (Issaquah Highlands), 4:45 pm Downtown Issaquah on Front St. and corner of Dogwood, 5:00 QFC at Klahanie Center. Times are the same for all eight days.It will begin the evening of Dec 15th. Chanukah is the eight-day jewish Festival of Lights.
The Chanukah Party and giant Menorah Lighting at Village Green will be the second year Issaquah Highlands has had this event. Mayor Ava Frisinger will have the honor of lighting the Menorah on Dec 19th at 6:00pm with additional festivities. Enjoy a Live concert with More Asher Hashah, free tasty holiday treats such as potatoe latkes with applesauce and sour cream, jelly doughnuts and chocolate gelt. Prizes for the children. For more information visit www.chabadissaquah.com We are not Jewish but thought this would be a good opportunity to attend and learn more about Chanukah.
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Nov
28
Posted by Larry Cragun
It has been so long since we had any, I almost forgot. I sold my snow shovel at a garage sale years ago. Bad Idea! Nov 2006 has been a very strange time for the Puget Sound area. We have had record amounts of rain and now we have this snow dump along with cold temperatures. That means it will be around awhile. Schools are closed, road are a mess. Many people have not made it into work today (Darn!) Yes, I know, All of you that are used to this find it funny that things come to a stand still when it snows here. OK, so we don’t know how to drive in it, But we also have very little equipment for sanding and plowing like they do in areas with lots of snow. And our snow is different. It is very wet. I lived half my life in snow country so I used to know how to drive in it. But today I am just going to enjoy the beauty of it all. We all run outside and take pictures because it is such a rare thing to see it at all, let alone this deep. Here are some of mine.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, It looks a lot like Christmas!
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Nov
25
Posted by Larry Cragun
Dec 1-23 Cougar Mountain Zoo Reindeer Festival - Santa and his reindeer, elves, arts and crafts. Open 10am-4pm daily 19525 SE 54th Cost $7.50-10.00 www.cougarmountainzoo.org
Dec 2 Issaquah Historical Society hosts visits and photos with Santa, a craft fair, refreshments and children’s activities 10;am-4;pm Issaquah Train Depot 50 Rainier Blvd N www.issaquahhistory.org
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Nov
17
Posted by beta
One thing I am thankfull for is the town I live in, Issaquah. As mentioned in our description of Issaquah at the begining of our blog, Issaquah is a town with a big heart. This big heart has certainly been evident in many events that have occurred during the summer. The Issaquah Press has been instumental in writing articles about these things. Also Caring Bridge has allowed access (through their website) to updates on the condition of people we care about. See www.caringbridge.org
Chandler Balkman, an Issaquah High School student, who suffered the loss of a leg in a terrible boating accident and almost lost his life is becoming an inspiration to us all. There have been many in our community who rejoice in his recovery and have rallied behind Chandler and his family. 100 classmates greeted him on the day he finally got to go home from his long stay in the hospital. He was voted Junior class Prince for Homecoming. Many gave blood, helped arrange an exhibit and sale of Chandler’s photograpy work at the Sept 8 ArtWalk. Evening Magazine on Channel 5 did a feature article about Chandler’s ordeal, recovery and continuing triumphant spirit. To view this video go to: www.king5.com/eveningmagazine
Mora Haggerty Shaw, another Issaquah highschool student who recently graduated, was injured severely in a car accident, has also been able to return home. We didnt know Mora but were touched by her plight and thankful that there were countless friends and community who have rallied around and helped Mora and her family. As reported by the Issaquah Press, a sign in her hosiptal room stated “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I’ll try again tomorrow.’” We wish her well.
We have personally witnessed an outpouring of concern and care and sorrow at the passing of Alexa Jensen. Alexa, 13 was a bright light to all who knew her. Even in their grief, her parents gave tribute to Alexa’s teachers and educational assistants at Cougar Ridge Elementary and Issaquah Middle schools who had an impact on her life. She will be missed greatly by her friends in our church youth group. People like ourselves who no longer have children at home, but rejoice in the goodness of youth we see around us, will miss her too.
We also are thankful that our friend, Chris Callans, a young wife and mother is going to be OK after an almost fatal ordeal. Again, the community, in Issaquah and family and friends wanted to do all they could to help.
There are many other reasons we are thankful, but these are just a few that are on our mind.
Kathleen Cragun
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Nov
06
Posted by beta
There are many reasons to vote. One of them is Proposiiton 1- Parks, open space, walking trails, playground equipment, etc. for Issaquah. I am stumping for it. We are getting more and more people and we need more parks as many houses get closer together and have smaller yards. Vote Yes on Proposition 1!
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Oct
27
Posted by beta
A very serious decision is about to be made by the Issaquah City Counil. A meeting is scheduled for November 15th to present a plan brought together by a committee of involvedpeople from our city. The plan is the City of Issaquah: Economic Vitality: Findings and Final Draft Strategic Plan. My guess, you don’t know what is in it and my opinion is that you should.
It covers a broad range of important issues such as traffic, housing, zoning, downtown revitalization plans, the environment, etc.
It is to be the driver for all decisions in many areas for decades. It will affect policies, strategies, and expenditures.
People who care about this community have participated. To name a few: David Bangs, Judd Kirk, Leo Finnigan, Skip Rowley, Ilene Barber, Janet Barry, Lori Steendahl, Suzanne Suther, Tony Thompson, and Keith Watts.
This draft has had the assistance of paid consultants. It has had some public input. Has it had yours?
I am calling for another, well publicized public meeting for more input. This is too serious to not have more public input. I am impressed with the public service this committee is providing. I am impressed with the common good attitude I have witnessed. I am impressed with the vision they have for our great little city.
I am unimpressed with how few of us have been to the public opportunities for input. I am concerned about the long term impact this process is about to have on us all.
Get involved with Issaquah. They don’t have all the answers. Maybe your voice will have value. You deserve one more shot. Larry Cragun
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Oct
21
Posted by Larry Cragun
Issaquah’s Gilman Town Hall Museum was completed in June. Isn’t it about time you visit it? Click Here for info and pictures.
165 SE Andrews Street Issaquah, WA Phone 425-392-3500
On Oct 18th at the Gilman Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours night was an informative and fun event. Hosts were The Issaquah Press and the Issaquah History Museum.
Below are pictures from that evening “Trolley Barb” Barbara Justice, a long time Issaquah Historical Society Volunteer (left).
Rob Tamaela, Tamaela Mortgage; Erica Maniez, Issaquah Historical Society; Deborah Berto, The Issaquah Press (right).
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Sep
30
Posted by beta
We have added a new link under Local Clubs. Issaquah Alps Trail Club. This is a wonderful organization. They have 2-3 free guided hikes a week and encourage people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the natural beauty of the Issaquah Alps. They maintain and improve trails and act as custodian of the trails and the lush, open tree-covered mountaintops. Go to their site. Click the pictures. Wow! You will want to go on one of the hikes. Click here or the link is on the right.
