Archive for the ‘Real Estate’ Category
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Jun
13
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
If you are out and about at Issaquah Highlands 2nd Saturday Tour of Homes, take a few minutes, park near IH retail, get out of your car and walk around the WSDOT Pond. You will catch a glimpse of why people like to live in Issaquah Highland. The Photo of flowers to delight the eye was provided by Janet Jelen.
Flower Heaven Around Issaquah Highlands WSDOT Pond - Photo by Janet Jelen
Signs pointing the way to all the Open Houses are abundant and helpful. You won’t have any trouble finding homes and condos open for viewing.
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Jun
12
Posted by Larry Cragun
NEW ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS LISTING BY LARRY - SCOTT AND I ARE WORKING IT TOGETHER: CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE INFO, WEBSITE, VIRTUAL TOUR
Yes, Issaquah homes for sale had some buyers in May. Closed homes that were listed for sale numbered 35. That isn’t in the 60’s we used to see but it sure beats the heck out of the 15 homes that sold in April.
The price ranges are as follows:
charts courtesy of Northwest Multiple List
Look at the statistics chart above and ask - do you want to sell your home in 0 to 7 days? If the answer is yes, price it under $300,000. The stats are bad news if you are in the $500,00 to $550,000 range as the days on market averaged 588 days.
How about condos, condominiums, or condo, condominium? The answer: 25 sold in May versus 11 condos sold in April. Again, we used to hit over 60, but this news would be settling if it continued.
We close tomorrow on a condo we had listed. The sellers were serious sellers. They priced their condominium to be the best deal of its size in Issaquah Highlands. The buyers were tough but our sellers were serious.
We did everything we could besides price to capture the interest of the buyers: this included planning ahead on wall colors, what new carpet to put in, what it needed in accessories, etc. Once we had an offer our sellers responded as a serious seller would. There a lot of homes for sale, lots of condominiums. If you have your home listed and not sold, speak to your REALTOR on what it takes to be competitive.
Here is the breakdown of the condos that sold in may:
Almost a third of the condos sold in Issaquah were in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. Days on market were pretty decent statistics: 58.
So how many homes and condominiums are currently listed for sale in Issaquah at this time? The answer is scarry: 357 homes with an average day on market of 112 and 222 condominiums are listed in the MLS with an average days on market of 96.
Truly, it is still a buyers market when it comes to Issaquah Real Estate.
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May
11
Posted by Larry Cragun
Are you selling or thinking about doing so? It is still a buyers market. And for a fact buyers are buying in Issaquah. Our Issaquah Highlands office sold three homes over the weekend. In all 3 cases these were homes priced to be the best value for the money. That’s the way it is with so many homes for buyers to choose from.
This is a picture of May 11th activity for the entire MLS. 
This weekend in Issaquah 4 homes went into a pending status. This is the first step or status when an offer is mutually agreed to. From here the next step is getting past the inspection. Financing is almost always a contingency at this point. Three of the 4 homes were 4 bedroom. The asking prices were between $399,950 and $ 559,900. All had at least 2.5 baths.
Contrast this with the number of homes available at this time: 567 - enough said?
RE: Homes not sold - The lowest price home is at $229,800 in May Valley that has been on the market for 241 days. The best deal in our opinion is the home we wrote about last week at 1.2 (I should say Homes) -
this one
at $1,250,000
By the way, we do this blog for fun and business and as a service to the community: Just know this “I would love to be your Realtor.”
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May
06
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
This is not really a house. It is an ESTATE and is priced thousands and thousands below property tax value. For sale for: $1,250,000. Custom built in 1995, and that is CUSTOM built, as in One of a Kind. You can pay this price for just a very nice home. This property has almost 5 acres, an charming separate guest house, gated entry to the estate, wine cellar, huge shop, bonus game room, 3 huge bedrooms each with own bath, 6 bathrooms, 2 utility rooms, Cherrywood library. There are too many things to list. You have to see it to believe it!
Entering through the gates
Victorian style home with wrap-around porch
Looking toward the garage
Detail of Porch
Close up Detail
3 car garage with covered RV parking
Separate 1420 sq ft Guest House
Hall in Main House
Interior Entrance of Main House
Dining Room
Just some of the interior detail
The main house has 4885 sq ft and with the unfinished basement where the shop, storage and wine cellar is, it totals 6305 sq ft. There is much more, such as built in generator…………If you would like to see this home call Larry K. Cragun at 206-618-3724. You have to see it to believe it!
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Apr
10
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
ATTN: NEW INFO: This home has just been LOWERED in PRICE to $389.950! It was already a good deal.
April’s Home of the Month is in Issaquah Highlands and coincides with the IH 2nd Saturday Tour of Homes. It is a condo but has the look and feel of a single family home. The home is in Timarron 1601 NE Katsura St # 704. LOOK AT THE PRICE! This may be the best value for what you get in Issaquah, $399,950 . 1861 sq feet . Large inviting entry . 3 bedrooms . 2.5 baths . Utility room with sink . Large kitchen with eating area . Walk in Pantry . Desk in Kitchen . All appliances stay . 5 Piece Master Bath with huge soaking tub . Burnstead Contruction . New Carpet . Open 1:00 to 4:00 pm Sat. April 11
Mater Bath in Timarron Home
Last, but definitely not least is the kitchen! Click on the photo below for a tour.
If you can’t make it to the open house and would like to see this home, call Larry Cragun at 206-618-3724.
Living in Issaquah Highlands is an additional benefit of this home. There is a strong sense of community with a lot to offer a diverse neighborhood, making it the perfect match for each of its residents. You will love the conveniance of close freeway access, many parks and trails. Natural beauty surrounds this home. Social opportunities, such as festivals, concerts, and clubs sponsored by the Highlands make it easy to connect and make friends. In Issaquah Highlands, you are also walking distance to many retail places and more even more exciting ones are to come. Grand Ridge Elementary is an important asset as well for the many children in Issaquah Highlands.
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Apr
01
Posted by Larry Cragun
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.
Previously, most buyers wouldn’t receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change.
“We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at “The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy,” at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..
He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.
Other Solutions for Today’s Market
During his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. “I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing,” Donovan says. “Since January we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”
The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC’s Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation’s taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.
“Right now the Federal Reserve is the market,” said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. “What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?” Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.
“We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond.”
The real estate summit is part of the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. During the week ending May 16, more than 8,500 REALTORS® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.
Source: NAR Photo from Flickr and by brianjmatis
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Feb
16
Posted by Larry Cragun
One of my good friends, Thomas Wolter has taken an interesting career direction with his real estate practice. After several years as a high producing ReMax residential agent, Thomas has concluded that real estate can still be a good investment. In doing so, Thomas has joined Colliers International.
I thought it might be worth mentioning.
I opposed the flipper mentality in the early stages. I also opposed the panic to buy properties 0 down and then flip. I went ballistic on Real Estate Undressed when the NAR announced in 2005 that 25% of the home purchases were second homes. Owning a mortgage company, I knew that these second homes were only second homes to get the best interest rate. In fact, they were investment properties. Second homes balony, these were investment homes.
In my career I spent several years as head of real estate for a mini storage developer. To me that is a real estate investment. There are others too. However, they take more than buying a deal to flip.
Tom is focusing on several aspects and has thusly joined Colliers International. You might follow Toms two new undressed network blogs: Snoqualmie Pass Undressed and Hood Canal Undressed. He might just drop a hint or two about current market places to be in real estate. I could give a hint or two. How about TIMBERRRR - or REO - or developing shared ownerships - or is that three? Actually Tomas has more than four.
Thanks to Flickr and by nick_hardcastle for the blog this license on the great photo.
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Feb
12
Posted by Larry Cragun
I am holding our Starpoint Condo Listing open Saturday from 11AM to 2PM.. Come visit and see the reason we love Starpoint Condos. What can I say - secure building - Underground Parking - Quality - Lock n Leave. Just follow the instructions at the door to get in…. 1880 25th Ave NE # 207 Issaquah Highlands
Events
Second Saturday Home Tour “Sweetheart Deal”
This Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 1:00-4:00pm. Tours are available for nearly every for-sale home, new and resale, in the community. As a special nod to this day of romance, prospective buyers can pick up a long stemmed rose at every new construction and most resale open houses they visit. If you have a home for sale make sure to hold it open this Saturday and have your agent contact Judy Harris at the New Home Information Center for details! 206-701-0340 or jharris@portblakely.com
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Oct
09
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
There are 13 Open Houses on the Fall Home Tour of 2008. Saturday and Sunday Oct 11 & 12th 1-5 pm. One you won’t want to miss is Bentley House, a luxurious condominium. Do you want Concierge service, a gated community, a 3600 sq ft health/exercise club, his and her steam rooms, a business center, guest suites, a roof top terrace, air conditioning, a view of Lake Sammamish? That is just the amenities. Still under construction, but don’t let that deter you. The model is spacious and beautiful. Each unit at Bentley House has 2 underground parking stalls. The Bentley House is open 11am- 6pm Sat and Sun, a little longer than the tour hours.
Bentley House is at 2700 NW Pine Cone Drive off of Newport Way in Issaquah 98027 (You can even walk to the Cougar Mountain Zoo)!
The Seattle Times and The Issaquah Press both have a supplement with all the information on the Fall Home Tour. The tour is self guided.
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Aug
26
Posted by Larry Cragun
Why are people still moving to Issaquah? Real Estate is still selling fairly well.
Hopefully some of these young ones will join us here. I have a special reason to want these kids to move in the area, they are some of our grandchildren.
The answer I would say is a combination of things. Prices are holding there own, the location is convenient to all parts of the county, the city is very proactive, there are a lot of things to get involved in. I invite you to study this blog, we have over 450 reasons to live in Issaquah that we have written about.
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Aug
07
Posted by Larry Cragun
Issaquah is like other local markets, many of our agents are dropping out of the business. Actually our MLS lost 1/4th of their membership this last period. The good news for you if you are buying or listing a home is that you will most likely be dealing with the more professional and experienced real estate agent.
Young folk like this will be likely to enter real estate. Perhaps he will be focused on our great city. Many who study the economy, trends, etc. are writing there will be a real estate boom in 2010 to 2012. Oh happy day I would say.
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Jul
26
Posted by Larry Cragun
Matt Thomson writes an interesting article on Gig Harbor Undressed, asking does size matter?
Here is a clip: Our society seems to be obsessed with BIG. Cars are getting BIGGER. Take out meals are getting BIGGER. Prices are getting BIGGER. And in Gig Harbor, houses seem to be getting BIGGER.
Tags: home+size, gig+harbor
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Jul
24
Posted by Larry Cragun
The Klahanie neighborhood will be visited by the Mariner Moose this coming Sunday, July 27th. Tanglewood Condominiums located at 25025 S.E. Klahanie Blvd is sponsoring a special event from 11-3 pm. The Mariner Moose will be there from 11:30-12:30 to sign autographs. There will be inflatable games for the kids. Including a speed pitch game to test their baseball throwing skills! Also, if they wear a little league uniform they will receive a limited edition T-Shirt. Everyone that takes a tour at Tanglewood during this event will get dinner at Ivar’s. Every 30 minutes between 11-3, Mariner tickets will be given away by Star 101.5. Free hot dogs are provided by Dante’s Inferno Dogs, free crackerjacks and more!
Tanglewood Condominiums has over 95 happy homeowners already. There are 2 & 3 bedroom homes with prices starting from the mid $200’s. If you can’t make it on Sunday, give Nick a call for a tour at 425-369-1000. Click on the picture below for a video tour of Tanglewood Condominiums. To view floorplans, directions and more features, please click here.
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Jul
05
Posted by Larry Cragun
Here it is the weekend of the 4th of July and some agents just have to work. All work and no play does what they say? Oh well, take advantage of it. Visit the 5 we have posted on the open houses map. If the agent didn’t post it in the MLS we of course didn’t get notice. Also note, this week there are only homes shown, no condominiums.Click here for the information map.
Tags: open+houses, issaquah
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May
23
Posted by Larry Cragun
I know, you hate to leave Issaquah. If something is causing you to move to South King North Pierce County, take a look at this fine home for sale.
Conveniently Located in Auburn; near Jovita, Federal Way, Puyallup, Edgewood, Milton, Fife and a direct trip to Tacoma or Seattle.
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May
09
Posted by Larry Cragun
Is it the warm weather? Click here to see them on a map. Call if you need to see these or those listed for sale without an open house. Wait – no wonder, it’s Mothers Day…. Don’t call us on Sunday Larry
Click Here For The Map of Issaquah Open Houses
PS: Watch for the balloon showing the must see Issaquah Highlands Home of The Month: $624,950. MLS # 28070655
Tags: open+houses, issaquah, real+estate
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May
08
Posted by Larry Cragun
Fraudulent Real Estate Newsletter
NWMLS has recieved information about a fraudulent monthly real estate newsletter written as though it was generated by NWMLS member $500 Realty. $500 Realty is not the author of this newsletter. The situation has been turned over to the authorities for further investigation. If you have any information about the true author, please contact the Tacoma Police Department - Case # 081140491.
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Apr
03
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
We have eagerly awaited the opening of the our new Keller Williams office. One of the great things about Keller Willams is the training they provide their realtors and while we work mainly in the Issaquah/Bellevue area it will be much better access for us from our home office. It is located at 13131 NE 85th St, Kirkland, WA 98033
Keller Williams Realty is the 4th largest and fastest growing residential real estate company in the U S. It was the only major company to increase it’s agent count in 2007. The Keller Williams model fosters a synergistic environment where both parties succeed through teamwork, by encouraging agents and brokers to share their best practices with each other and reward associates who help the company to grow. It is these industry-changing philosophies that have fueled the recent growth of Keller Williams Realty past older, more established companies to claim a top-four spot in the real estate industry.
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Jan
16
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Most of our New York experience was out of the Hustle & Bustle of the city and was the reason we were there. We came for knowledge, insite and information about real estate and new technology and came away with much to digest.
Did you know all taxi’s in Manhattan have to be yellow? (Oops, got off track there)!
Our meetings were in Manhattan; one pundit quipped that Manhattan really isn’t a part of the U.S.! This seems to be true as Manhattan real estate appears to be booming. It is an island unto itself and one that many people from all over the world want to have a home in. Just bring lots and lots of money! Out in the bordering communities (the borrows) the housing, such as on Long Island, things aren’t quite as good. Forclosures loom and prices have declined some but New York isn’t as gloomy as many other parts of the nation. SEATTLE is one of the areas that hasn’t been affected as much and if fact, as our news papers report, prices in Seattle are still appreciating. Nationally the areas that are appreciating are those with technology in common. That’s us.
Tidbits of info: Not in any particular order and some with opposing views
- People have to have somewhere to live, many will still buy homes
- RE is “downside sticky” most people stay put where they live. Houses are tangible
- 2 million people face forclosure. Most are families with children, not greedy investors
- The solution to the forclosure mess is:…………… see upcoming post
- Greedy investors caused the boom
- Who’s buying? Those who have to, marriage, divorce, having children and need space
- It is a election year, many are in a wait and see mode
- U.S. weak dollar and declining prices in housing will attract foreign buyers
- 0 down is dead
- Large down payments will stabilize the market
- People will migrate to other areas from depressed areas
- Most second home buyers are not flippers, buy home for retirement, kids in college, etc.
- Social Media on the internet are changing the world of real estate
- Real Estate advertising is swiftly changing from print to online, if fact already has
- Flip video camera is not expensive and does a great job
- Real Estate market will continue to go up and to go down
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Nov
27
Posted by Larry Cragun
We are entering the typical slowest market of the season. The mortgage industry has often dictated people take their vacations in December. People’s attention moves to the Holiday Season. Homes are being decorated, family is coming, and sellers often decide to not go through the disruption of having their home on the market.
If the question, should you purchase now, catches your attention because it applies to you, I have some things for you to think about.
photo: taken from Talus, an Issaquah Development
First some questions to you. Why now? Have you been waiting for a reason? Are you moving in from out of state? Is your lease coming to an end? Are you moving up?
Now I offer some general answers to some of you:
Interest rates are sliding down. Normal mortgage markets would have seen rates come thundering down. Where par on a 30 year fixed rate just slid to be under 6% times past would have seen it down to 5%. Also typical is the fact that this is the season rates usually start to rise.
Lower rates have a countering effect to higher prices. If you have been waiting for prices to drop, some local prices have - you may have the double benefit of rates dropping at this time.
I would suggest you start tracking rates and homes at the same time. Have them converted to monthly payments to compare. Do this if you are serious.
The first of the year will bring some interesting and important information. We will find out how many people have waiting to buy and sell. We have already measured the situation with some of our clients and suggested they wait until then. The problem with waiting is the unknown. If rates continue to fall and the right home comes up at the right price our buyers may want to change their mind and strike.
Will there be more buyers in January than now? I think so.
Will the rates be lower in January? I don’t think so.
Will there be more homes on the market in January? I am sure of it.
Will homes be priced lower in January? In Issaquah I doubt much if any lower.
