For Single Family Homes (not condos)Area 520 (West Bellevue) median prices were down -4.65%. Last month this area was way up at 34.20%. YOY listing inventory was up 25.66% and pending sales were down 18.18%.LISTINGS: 191 (2007) vs. 152 (2006) 25.66%(Last month there were 179 listings.)PENDINGS: 36 (2007) vs. 44 (2006) -18.18%MEDIAN: $1,353,000 (2007) vs. $1,418,000 (2006) -4.65% Statistics compilied from, but not publised by the NWMLSBy Greg Perry Eastside Realtorwww.425realty.com 09/15/2007

RD House Real Estate & Property Management dedicated to professionalism, education and best practices. www.rd-house.com 206-728-6063 ASK Ricky D Call for Summary of Services 5 % Management Fee Seattle WA Leader in Property Management RD House REAL Estate & Property Management Location: Seattle, WA Bell town Down town Queen Anne Condos SFR, SMALL MULT PLEX Management Starting @ 5%159 Denny Way #110Seattle, WA 98109(206) 728-6063 office(206) 728-6175 fax www.rd-house.com Your real estate is a valuable investment and we can help you protect that investment with sound expertise. Our goal is to provide you the best property management service available in Washington State Please feel free to contact us Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.Ricky D Sadler Broker/Senior PM @ 206-728-6063 ... 09/11/2007

Every once in a while I come across a debated question in my office that really peaks my interest.  As many Realtors know there's a debate about whether or not to personally attend inspections.  The argument goes something like this:"I never attend my inspections because the lawyer says I might get sued by my clients in one of many ways. First and foremost, they might think I'm in collusion with the inspector to sell them, "A Junkie House that even Grandma rejected." Another reason that I don't sit my own inspections is that someday I'm probably going to be asked to sell this house for them when they're ready, and I don't want to know any more about the house than absolutely necessary-to protect my clients as I have to disclose everything I know to be wrong with a home that I sell. Clie... 09/08/2007

I LOVE Thursdays. In Bellevue, the town We work in, the scheduled day for broker's tours is on Thursdays. So of course we had to check out some wonderful houses-- or at least MOSTLY wonderful.  There's always a dog of a house on tour.  I'm continually surprised by it because our median price currently in Bellevue is around $640k.  So, we met wonderful agents and then the "Busy Realtor" studying for some sort of something.  She also apparently suffers from a non-functioning nasal chamber.When we asked the origin of the odor, she explained that the house didn't smell any different to her from any other home out there.  My collegue's eyes were watering with the "Could be kitty-tinkle mixed with medicine and paint" smell.  You know the smell. It's the "WHAT WERE THEY THINKING LISTING IT LIK... 09/06/2007

Realtors are funny people. They come from all walks of life, and so many vaired backgrounds it almost makes your head spin.  With over 26,000 even in the northwest MLS how will you know who to choose from?  What qualifies them to help you with the largest purchase you've made to date?I believe that there's a few things you can look for in an amazing Realtor:1. They're excited about the process and how they're going to help you.2. Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and the forms they're working is also a must.3. They should be Realtors and not just a Real Estate agent.  (I know those are fighting words for some-- but lets face it, if you're not willing to ascribe to a code of ethics publicly you're probably going to have harder negotiations from the Realtors on the other end-- even if you've... 09/02/2007

Friday's Did You Know? - Coal Mines in Bellevue? I've been to a coal mining city.  If you ever find yourself in Nye Montana, you'll know what I mean when I say those people are TOUGH!  Just as tough as the people of Bellevue?  Well, maybe!  Did you know that Newcastle the community just south of Bellevue,  used to be the home of the Lake Washington Company's first coal mine?  It opened in 1867 and during its first year mined over 150 tons of coal! Coal mine shafts in the area were often driven deep into a hillside, at a 12-percent grade, reaching lengths of more than a mile underground. 08/25/2007

 Systematic steps to help you buy your home Are You ReadyKnowledge and experience are the keys to successful real estate transactions. The expertise, experience, and training of your local Realtor is the key to your success.One of the keys to making the home buying process easier and more understandable is planning. In doing so, you'll be able to anticipate requests from lenders, lawyers and a host of other professionals. Furthermore, planning will help you discover valuable shortcuts in the home buying process.Do You Know What You Want Whether you are a first-time home buyer or entering the marketplace as a repeat buyer, you need to ask why you want to buy. Are you planning to move to a new community due to a lifestyle change or is buying an option and not a requirement? What would you... 08/23/2007

I have been learning so many neat tricks to making my website look more attractive, captivate an audience through informative writing, and optimize search placement.  When is it too much?Many tricks have come from Brad Carroll - Real Estate Web Designer, including his blog on Optimizing Your Active Rain Profile for Search Engines and VisitorsCreating a slide show is effective for free classes while guests are entering.  A slight distraction, a chance to show some creativity, an opportunity to display my talents to prospective FSBO clients, etc.  Do you like the song playing in my profile?The widget is my favorite by keeping an index of all the blogs I've written instead of scrolling through pages.  I learned this from Pierre Calzadilla Brooklyn, NY Get your Widgets here, Voices Button, ... 07/29/2007

It makes sense that we are what we eat, right?  What we put into our bodies will make us FAT or skinny, healthy or s i c k.  I know I want to live a good life for a long time so that means consuming nutritious food and regular exercise to prevent disease.So why don't we see this applied more in our lives?  A positive attitude goes a long way.  I read books that help make me a better source for the people I work with provide excellent service for my clients.  Would you like me to tell you how to increase your revenue?  Do these things and YOU WILL have all the business you desire!Here's what the Napolean Hill Foundation taught me~ CHANGE YOUR MENTAL ATTITUDE, AND THE WORLD AROUND YOU WILL CHANGE ACCORDINGLY.Your world will become what you choose to make it. You can reach great heights of... 07/26/2007

Bellevue waterfront homes are incredible.  Located on either Lake Washington or Lake Sammamish, Bellevue waterfront homes offer both the convenience of the city and the beauty of the country. One would be unable to find a Bellevue waterfront home that is not universally recognized as gorgeous.  Typically built at over 3,000 square feet (and oftentimes at 4, 5, 6, or 7,000), these houses embody the qualities most people have only dreamed of in a house.  Bellevue waterfront homes are usually covered in windows, allowing residents to watch beautiful sunrises over Lake Sammamish or the purple sunsets and sparkling Seattle lights over Lake Washington.  Since Bellevue waterfront homes are generally built on large lots, residents never have to worry about a lack of privacy. Personal docks, eno... 07/25/2007

A post for Real Estate professionals offering tips you can start tomorrow to maximize your day-to-day productivity  Do you find yourself wishing you tackled more at the end of the day? Feel like there aren't enough hours in the day?Think again! You CAN tackle that long to-do list, maintain a healthy relationship and interact with your clients. Living a balanced lifestyle is the most DIY means to improving your productivity. A little bit of planning ahead and keeping up on small organizational processes will go a long way when the juggle of business and personal life gets chaotic.Eliminating the obvious I will refrain from suggesting 'hired help' (such as my company- Virtual Agent Solution!) and only discuss tips that one can preform on their own. I'm sure that many of you out there have... 07/23/2007

Let the fun begin!  ME ME ME ME ME ME ME!!!!!WOW....that was exciting for me.  Not sure of the last time I made things all about me.  Coincidently, I am going into my birthday weekend and have most of these things fresh on my mind as I reflect another year gone by.  I've been here on Active Rain for almost 2 months and am loving it!  I've posted several B that I refer to often, learned a ton, and am meeting wonderful people all the time.  As of today I've scrambled up over 13,000 points and on a mission.  Jeff Belonger was so gracious to "slime" me and has given me so much patience as he waits for this ME ME.  He has been lucky enough to get slimed 3 times as he writes I got slimed by that damn MEME again....... Part 3.  For future reference   Jay & Francy Thompson wrote this : For thos... 07/19/2007

Bellevue Chinese restaurants provide customers with an Asian dining experience without even having to leave the city.   Here are a few Bellevue Chinese restaurants worth checking out:Szechuan Chef is the most popular Bellevue Chinese restaurant.  Hailed by local magazines and its loyal band of customers, Szechuan Chef is never short of business.  Do not be deterred by its K-Mart strip mall location; in fact, the casual atmosphere adds even more to the meal.   Customers are able to show up on a lunch break or on a first date and trust that they'll find great food at a reasonable price.  (425.746.9008 , 15015 Main Street, Suite 107)While the Maple Leaf's service is off and on, the atmosphere is fun and the food is tasty.   In fact, one customer reports that the restaurant's Crab Rangoon i... 07/15/2007

By: Tony MeierEastside RealtorI was reading the front page of the Seattle Times today. The article was titled "Scales tip in favor of the home buyers".  See it here...   While this may be true in some areas. One thing is for sure it is not true in all!  When looking at each individual area in the Puget Sound Region you will find areas and price ranges that are hotter than others. For example, if you want to buy a home in East Bellevue under 1 million, the market is clearly in favor of the seller. Click on the image below for a larger version.If you look at the same time frame but go south to Kent, you will find a market that is more balanced on the low end and in the upper ranges clearly favoring in the buyer. Click on the image below for a larger version. This is one of the reason you ... 07/06/2007

 Bellevue Commercial Real Estate Bellevue Square, Crossroads Bellevue, and other commercial neighborhoods annually attract hundreds of thousands of shoppers. Thus, Bellevue real estate is perfect for business owners. Whether opening offices, restaurants, or shops, even the "non-prime" Bellevue real estate is better than the best locations in other cities.While downtown has many perks, of course, buyers can trust that investing in Bellevue Commercial real estate in other areas can be more affordable and just as beneficial. Acres of residential neighborhoods are located comfortably away from the busiest part of town, and builders will discover that commercial needs exist throughout the entire city. In every Bellevue neighborhood, commercial real estate is a great buy.No matter what type o... 06/29/2007

Bellevue Real EstateBellevue real estate is always a smart investment. Whether you're looking to relocate, start a business, or simply improve your quality of life, purchasing Bellevue real estate will help you achieve your goal.Bellevue WA Real EstateFor those just starting out, purchasing Bellevue real estate is a smart choice. The city's strong (and still growing) economy makes it perfect for individuals looking for jobs in technology, business, or a number of other fields. Additionally, it is conveniently located near Seattle, Redmond, and other areas. Bellevue homeowners never have to travel far to work, shop, or play.For parents, an investment in Bellevue real estate is an investment for the future. With the strongest schools in the state, children receive a world-class education.... 06/29/2007

.....BUT YOU CAN PUSH YOURSELF AHEAD MIGHTY FAST BY DOING IT VOLUNTARILY.Initiative is that exceedingly rare quality that prompts-no, impels-a person to do what ought to be done without being told. It's also a commodity upon which the world places great value. Initiative will immediately set you apart from the competition, whether you are an entrepreneur, a professional services provider, a corporate staffer, or an hourly worker. Your boss, your clients, or your customers will notice you and come to depend upon you because you have shown yourself to be a person who can be counted upon always to do the right thing.~Written by Napolean Hill Foundation 06/19/2007

Last week I attended a business lunch at the Columbia Tower Club.    Betsy Lydle Smith does Virtues Training in Bellevue, WA and taught us about effective listening.  The 6 Steps to Excellent Listening as Betsy described were:1.  Be fully present and offer receptive silence.2.  Ask "Cup-Emptying" Questions that begin with WHAT or HOW.3.  Focus on Perceptual Cues:  Body Language, Pauses, & Facial Expressions4.  Ask Clarifying Questions that get to the heart of the matter:  What are the next steps?  Would you like A or B?  What support do you need?  What will help you?5.  Closure and Integration Question:  What is clear for you & has been helpful?6.  Virtues Acknowledgment:  You acknowledge them for being accountable, Responsible, etc.She had everyone work with a partner to ask the questi... 06/18/2007

The Bellevue School District is one of the best in the United States according to Newsweek's annual list of the nation's Top 100 Schools.  The International School (11th), Bellevue High School (32nd), Newport High School (49th), and Interlake High School (59th) were placed on this prestigious list based on the average number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge Tests taken per student. Honors like these aren't new to the Bellevue School District.  The schools have placed on Newsweek's Top 100 list several times before, and Sammamish High School (a top 200 school) recently earned Washington State's Siemens Award for Advanced Placement.  Governor Gregoire recognized the excellence of the Bellevue School District in a 2005 letter stating, "In an environment tha... 06/18/2007

THE PERSON WHO COMPLAINS THAT HE OR SHE NEVER HAD A CHANCE PROBABLY HASN'T THE COURAGE TO TAKE A CHANCE.Thomas Edison once observed that the reason most folks don't recognize opportunity when it comes along is that it is often dressed in coveralls and look like work. Often opportunity involves a great deal of work and a willingness to take a chance on something, the outcome of which may be uncertain. Eventually you reach a point when you must either accept an opportunity with all of its unknowns or else turn your back on it. No one can tell you when you have reached that point; you alone know when it's time to make your move, to have the courage to take a chance. ~Written by Napolean Hill Foundation 06/15/2007