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

Erector Set City -- The Tower Cranes of Bellevue, WashingtonBy Greg Perry, Eastside RealtorWhen I was a child, I played with Erector Sets.  My erector set had cranes and I built steel buildings.  Bellevue looks like a real live "Erector Set"!Over a dozen tower cranes are currently working in downtown Bellevue.  It's a city whose skyline is growing before our very eyes.  Here are some photos of the cranes of Bellevue in action. To help brace for the record downtown construction, the city of Bellevue published this news release. 06/14/2007

We all experience rare moments when a blinding revelation comes to us, when we suddenly see things differently than ever before. Usually, however, we learn the truth about ourselves gradually, over long periods of time, from quiet introspection. We are all spiritual, but some of us have learned to tap more effectively into the great strength that resides in the spiritual portion of ourselves. The spirit is not boisterous and noisy. Getting in touch with your spiritual self demands tranquillity and solitude. Make sure you dedicate a portion of every day to thought and study, to think and reflect upon your life. Choose a time and place that best allow you to relax your mind and devote your thoughts to reflection. ~Written by the Napolean Hill Foundation 06/12/2007

When I talk with people I've been sharing success stories and bad experiences.  I understand what not to do especially when it's been done to me and I DIDN'T LIKE IT.  After reading Monika McGillicuddy's posting on Mortgage Officer referring client...right or wrong?, I am embarassed and upset with the treatment she received.  NO - IT IS NEVER OK FOR YOUR LOAN OFFICER TO REFER YOUR CLIENT TO ANOTHER AGENT!  There is no excuse.  I hope you are able to tell them your disappointment so they understand why this is wrong.  I would ask them to keep the business you build together between the two of you......ALWAYS! My career is long time in Accounting, Public and Corporate (including Public Companies).  However, I began investing in Real Estate in 1999 for my retirement.  My career outgrew the... 06/12/2007

It's that time of the year again when our Fire Fighters volunteer their time to go out and stand on a busy intersection corner with their boot out for donations.  Thousands of volunteers are out nation wide helping to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.  These lifesaving heroes have also fought to save the lives of those with neuromuscular diseases since 1954. In addition to campaigns like Fill-the-Boot, thousands of fire fighters nationwide volunteer their personal time at MDA summer camp.  This is the perfect time to bring your family by and show them our support and appreciation.DepartmentDate/sIntersection/sHoursBellevueJuly 1Bellevue Top Foods10-6pmSnoqualmieJuly 7SR 202 & Snoqualmie Parkway10am-5pmSouth KingJuly 7SW 320th St & Pacific Hwy S9am-5pmSeattleJuly 11West... 06/11/2007

Some people expend far more energy getting out of work than they would spend doing the job well. They may think they are fooling the boss, but they are only fooling themselves. An employer may not know all the details of every job or every task an individual performs, but a good manager knows the results of effort. You can be sure that when promotions or plum assignments become available, they won't be offered to loafers. If you do your job cheerfully and well, not only are you more likely to be recognized and rewarded, but you also learn how to do your job better. As you become more proficient, you become more valuable to your employer. You also acquire the most valuable of all assets-the confidence that comes from knowing you possess skills that will increase your value to any organiz... 06/11/2007

Buying a house can be a fun yet daunting task. Most of the anxiety is caused by the loan application process. Most people today can't afford to pay cash for their houses so the loan process is one we can't avoid. And the loan process itself has become a very complicated and drawn out process. The two major unknowns of the loan process are whether you will get approved, and at what percentage rate. Both of these depend primarily on your credit. The better your credit, the better your chances for an approval at a low rate. But what exactly is good credit? What's the difference between A credit and A- credit or even B credit? Good question. Every bank has its own rules and definitions. That's where credit scores come in. A General Guide to Credit Grades  Credit Debt MaxMortgageRevolvingIns... 06/09/2007

   Now available for ALL FULL DOC BORROWERS.  Additional flexibility for families living with disabilities, Fire Fighters, Police, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, & Military. 100% Financing for Purchase & R/T RefinanceTax Deductible MI @ 20% (low factor est. @ .59)Must make less than Median Income Limits:  King & Pierce $70,800 and Kitsap $63,200up to 64.99% DTI ratioNO Reserve RequirementsFICO as low as 600Flexible on Credit History with nontraditional trades requiredBorrower may not own another home at closing.May use Other Income to qualify:  including Rental & Social SecurityHome Buyer Education NOT REQUIREDMinimum Borrower Contribution $0 & Seller Contributions up to 6% Each borrower qualifications based on FICO, assets, income, and debt. APR, Tax & Insurance to be determined. 06/09/2007

If you live on the Eastside, you've been there with me.......sitting in Bellevue traffic!  Southbound traffic is particularly bad in the afternoons as the 520 commute merges southbound and traffic snarls in the Wilberton tunnel/ I-90 area.  I found this map the other day and have it on my computer desktop.  Now, just before I head to Bellevue, I pull it up to take a look.Here's the link: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/For getting around those pesky Bellevue arterials, here's a map.  You'll love this as you go Christmas shopping at Bell Square.Here's the link: http://trafficmap.cityofbellevue.net/Greg Perry, Eastside Realtorwww.425realty.comgregperry@working-for-you.com 06/08/2007

The highs and lows of West Bellevue real estate prices.By Greg Perry, Eastside RealtorI was studying West Bellevue real estate statistics the other day, looking at the entry level prices in the various eastside areas.  West Bellevue prices are staggaring!  Here is the breakdown.Area 520, West Bellevue, (west of 405) easily has the most inventory over $2.5 million on the Eastside. Entry level in this area starts in the $800,000 range. Out of 140 residential properties, 111 are price over $1,000,000.Area 520 Under $700,000 1$1,000,000 to $1,999,999 46$2,000,000 to $2,499,000 17$2,500,000 and up 48Total inventory 140www.425realty.com 05/23/2007

 Recognizing that what is legal is not always what is best, I am writing this in response to a situation I recently found myself in: Imagine you are a buyer, searching for a home - for nearly a year and a half. The perfect home comes on the market, and your agent is hot on the trail; previewing the home, running comps, feeding you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Wanting to have all the latest status info, your agent contacts the listing agent, who reveals that she has a buying client of her own, who is viewing the subject property for a 2nd time, and considering making an offer. What to do? The listing agent, under Washington state law, and according to current MLS rules, has the legal right to "represent" both sides of a transaction. Now my question: Is it et... 05/03/2007

Getting The Credit You DeserveBy Gabriel B. Avalos, Trusted Advisor  Tip #1: Know your scorePeople like you and me applying for a mortgage or a car loan are nothing but a "number." A credit score in other words. And even though you may be a fine citizen and pay just about every bill on time, the Fair Isaac algorithm for predicting credit failure may "mark" you as a poor risk using its predictive analysis. Even if you have paid your bills on time for many years, and someone else has claimed bankruptcy in the past three years, the "bankrupt" person may be the one to get the credit! It's not fair; but to understand the system you must learn some basics.Tip #2: Get a FREE copy of your credit report You don't have to pay anyone for a copy of your credit report! This central site allows you t... 04/18/2007

Bellevue:  Sound Transit and WSDOT break ground for ne HOV lane on I-90 between Bellevue and Mercer IslandBy Greg Perry, Bellevue RealtorBellevue, WA From WSDOT:  On Monday, April 9, we joined Sound Transit to kick off construction of a new HOV lane and ramp on westbound I-90 between Bellevue Way and 80th Avenue SE on Mercer Island. These improvements are part of the first stage of our I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project. Currently, buses and carpools traveling in the off-peak direction on I-90 get stuck in traffic because the reversible center express lanes only operate in the peak direction (westbound in the morning and eastbound at night). We're working with Sound Transit to fix this growing problem by adding a new 24-hour HOV lane in each direction. This project is divid... 04/12/2007