The Green River in Kent WA is calm for now but according to Government warnings and observations of the Army Corps of Engineers, seasonal rains may change all that. Due to certain structural deficiencies at the Hanson Dam, more water will need to be released during the rainy season to relieve back-pressure. If we have large consecutive storms this winter, the water released from the dam may flood the lower regions of the Kent valley. We haven't seen flooding in the valley since the dam was constructed in 1962. Since that time, the Kent valley has grown considerably adding residential, commercial and industrial developments throughout the valley. These low-lying areas are the subject of concern today if flooding occurs this winter. The local governments have been publicizing the possibil... 08/27/2009

Good news for Kent,WA. home-buyers hit the front page of the newspaper today. The " Affordability Index" brightened in King County for the first time in five years. The Washington Center for Real Estate Research said that the typical King County family can now afford the typical King County house. This means a median-income family, with an income of $81,965 can afford the mortgage payments on a median-priced home of $387,500. Condominiums were excluded from this study and many first-time home buyers will find even better affordability in this residential sector. Home prices in Kent Wa. and King County have experienced double-digit drops from the highs of 2007 providing this balance between home prices and income. Our current low interest rates play a large part of this affordability cal... 08/26/2009

I would think that if you were looking for a place to have some unwanted hair removed, you wouldn't expect a bowl of soup along with it. But at first glance that's exactly what I thought when I entered the parking lot to visit the Hong Kong Market in Kent WA. After closer inspection, I realized there were two separate entrances for two different businesses. One is a nail and beauty treatment shop, the other a Pho restaurant. Of course my picture is cropped to show how close the neon sign is to the next business. The market center is located just off Central at 320 East Meeker street in Kent and across the street from the Salvation Army's new store. Drop by for a wax and a bowl, separately of course.                                                                                 Greg Saf... 08/25/2009

While stopped at an intersection near Kent Commons, I noticed an electronic sign flashing the message 'Kent, Sportstown USA'. I'll admit that I haven't heard the term before, and I doubt it will become the city's official slogan, but it does make some sense. After all Kent Commons is directly across the street from Showare Center, our new sports and entertainment complex and home to the Seattle Thunderbirds. Like a lot of cities, Kent Washington is a sports-minded city. We have our favorite professional teams nearby like the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Mariners and the Seattle Sounders all within easy reach by car, bus, train or our new Light Rail system. But most evidence of our being a sports-minded city is just the constant outdoor activity that you see every day of the week. It se... 08/22/2009

In a market swamped with Short-sales and work-order heavy REO listings, the "regular listing" for first time home buyers has become an endangered species in my market. Buyers are anxious to close before November 29 to take advantage of the 1st time home buyer tax credit and they are coming to the table hungry and ready to do what it takes to get their sale in escrow. This home on the East Hill of Kent sold in 10 days, with multiple offers and escalation clauses. The sellers had the right attitude, got the house in tip-top shape and really studied the market and pricing trends. We priced the home aggressively for a 30 day sale, and they happily got more than their $278,950 list price.The sale closed escrow today the buyers will be moving in this weekend. Unfortunately, not many owners ar... 08/21/2009

  Kent, Washington... The area in zip code 98030 sits on what's known around here as Kent East Hill. It's population has about doubled since the early 1980's. R.E.I., Oberto Sausage Company, and Seattle Bicycle Supply call Kent homebase. Boeing did most of it's Aerospace work here in the 60's and 70's. Kent is now a major regional distribution center due to it's close proximity to Seattle, Tacoma, freeways, and railroad. If you're from around here you can't help but remember Kent through the eyes of Seattle, Almost Live... a local comedy show that first aired in the early 80's hosted by John Keister, with Pat Cashman, Bill Nye (the science guy), Tracey Conway, Joel McHale and others. Almost Live made fun of every town in the Northwest... It was OK though because the 'fun' wasn't accord... 07/13/2009

Its the 4th of July, its the weekend (this will be one of the very few sunny & dry 4ths we've had since I moved here in 1968). I don't like the fireworks, I'm a transplant from Canada born of English parents. Loud sudden noises scare the you know what out of me. I'd rather be working. This is one of the slowest times of the year for real estate here in Washington State. Everyone is having a party of some kind. I think we need to celebrate a little. We've all been scrimping, saving, worrying...time to let loose and have some fun. I'd rather be working. Independence Day, the colonies have separated from England! What does independence mean? No one is every 100% independent. We all depend on something for our survival. Even the brave people who moved to this country in the beginning depend... 07/03/2009

Kent, WA Come out to Kent Station and support local vendors and participate in an opportunity to build a better community with the Children's Therapy Center. 100& of all proceeds will be donated to CTC, which enhances the development of children with developmental delays and disabilities by providing individualized, family-centered intervention services.  For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact CTC at 253.854.5660, visit the main center at 10811 SE Kent Kangley Road, Kent, WA 98030, or online: www.dynamicfamilies.org    During the first weekend in June; Friday, June 5 - Sunday, June 7, participating Kent Station merchants are extending special offers with the purchase or your Shop For A Day, Change Lives Forever shopping card. Participating Merchants: Merchant Specia... 05/14/2009

Kent, Washington  For many homeowners, a home is probably the most valuable possession that they have. In fact, many of the people I serve have only the equity in their property to see them through their retirement years. With this in mind, I know my home sellers are trusting me to help them through the process of staging and selling their home. HTGV recently reported on the TOP TWO most important things a home seller can do to get their home sold is pricing right and staging the home to appeal to a wide variety of home buyers. These are my top two priorities! My first goal is to help you set a list price that represents a realistic market value, top dollar... without going so high that it does not sell at all. This can only be accomplished by thoroughly understanding the market. To hel... 05/12/2009

How Does the Real Estate Market Look Overall? According to Keller Williams Research, affordability, low rates, desire to buy provide hope for the U.S. housing market. AFFORDABILITY Housing affordability now stands at its best level since 1971. This greater affordability helped boost home sales in February. Especially strong was the activity attributed to first-time home buyers, who represented half of new home purchasers this month. The $8,000 tax credit helped move many of these first-time buyers out of their rentals and into their own homes.  In light of weakening global economic indicators and a poorly functional financial system, the U.S. government and Federal Reserve remain proactive, with the Federal Reserve alone purchasing and holding up to an additional $750 billion of agency... 05/12/2009

Kent, WASHINGTON Centennial Center Gallery Do you live in the Kent Washington Area? If so, it is time to get out of the house and explore your own back yard. The Kent Centennial Center has a running schedule of visiting artists! Come visit next time you are in the downtown Kent area. Kent Event: New Paintings by Kim Kopp  Exhibit Dates: April 2 - May 28, 2009 Gallery hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.weekdays, closed weekends and holidays Location: 400 West Gowe Street FREE -- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Kim Kopp's paintings focus on the themes of gathered movement, sound, time and season. 2008 - 2009 Centennial Center Schedule    Kent is a Great Place to Call Home! Julianna Hind 05/11/2009

If you are a First Time Home Buyer in Kent, Washington and surrounding areas you may want to take note of the new changes to the First Time Buyer Tax Credit. If you have already purchased your first home in 2009... Well congratulations! You may be $8000.00 richer! Now that's a handy sum! And if you haven't purchased a home yet... well you don't want to miss out on it do you? Did you know there is even more opportunity in Maple Valley with a USDA Rural Home Loan? In certain areas --- GREAT Kent Communities -- First Time Home buyers can also qualify for the ZERO Down/100& Financing USDA Rural Home Loan... Ready to OWN? Want to take the 8K credit? (see chart below to view income limits) Tired of Renting? Want to take advantage of the BEST DEALS on HOMES ever? Give me, Julianna Hind a call ... 05/10/2009

Living in Kent, Washington... The Kent Farmers Market! Enjoy strolling through the fresh air, talking with local vendors, and picking farm fresh produce, and so close to home! The Kent Farmers Market offers great produce and and a fun place to gether and see your neighbors, local artisans, and experience the wonderful things Kent has to offer!   Kent Farmers Market Location:Town Square Plaza - 2nd & Smith St Start:9:00 AM End:2:00 PM Do you love living in Kent, Washington? The Kent farmers Market is located in Kent's newest park, the "Town Square Plaza" at the major intersections of 2nd Ave & Smith St in downtown Kent, next to the Kent Library and between the Kent Station and Historic Downtown Kent. This is an open air farmers market from 9 am until 2 pm each Saturday during the months ... 05/09/2009

Kent, Wa East Hill Calling All Dog Lovers of EAST HILL in Kent There is an "Off Leash" Dog Area OPEN HOUSE... Wednesday, June 3, 2009 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Kent Phoenix Academy (formerly Sequoia Middle School) 11000 SE 264th St, Kent, WA 98030 Please join city staff to discuss potential off leash dog area locations located in City of Kent park property on the East Hill of Kent. For Questions or comments, Please call 253.856.5110 Kent, WA is a Great Place to Live! Julianna Hind 05/09/2009

Kent Area Residents... Come attend a wonderful Concert!  12 yr old violinist, Gloria Ferry-Brennan to solo.   Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony Sunday, May. 31st, 2009 3:00pm First Evangelical Presbyterian Church 19800 108th Avenue SE Renton, WA 98055 Sunday, June 7th, 2009 3:00pm University Preparatory Academy Founder's Hall 8000 25th Ave NE, Seattle FREE Admission ($10 Voluntary Donation) 05/09/2009

It's Easy Being Green in Kent, Washington! Attend a FREE WORKSHOP and learn to WORK GREEN! Business Recycling Workshop Dates Tuesday, May 12, 2009 - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Hours 7:45 am to 12 pm both days Location Park Ave. at Auburn Way N (external link)Auburn Veteran's Memorial Park  Auburn, WA    Details FREE workshop for businesses on May 12th and May 19th. Learn how to reduce waste and increase recycling. Two half day workshops. View the event flier (PDF) for more information. Restrictions For businesses located outside of Seattle Contact information Karen MayTelephone: 206-296-4353 Kent Washinton is a Great Place to Live... and BE GREEN! Julianna Hind, Realtor 05/09/2009

Amazing show of talent by Kentridge High School Students! Kent School District students have an eye for looking thru the lens! The Kentridge photographers took first place at the Photography Print Competition for Washington State Highschools. THe competition included still life, animals, documentary photos, color photography, black and white, people , and landscapes. 10 students ranked in the top 6 of a number of categories! Congratulations Kentridge Photography Students! Kent, Washington is a Great Place to Live!   Julianna Hind 05/09/2009

Kent, WASHINGTON  Rock Out Retro with Styx, REO Speedwagon and.38 Special! I had the opportunity to take the family to see Styx and REO at the Puyallup Fair a couple of years ago. We still crank up the CD's when we are driving places in the car together! Great Fun! Here is an opportunity to see the bands close to home, because they are coming to Kent, Washington! Just got tickets for the family -- log onto the Showare site and look for the KZOK Specials! When: 7 p.m. on May 22. Cost: $40-$85. Where: TheShoWare!!! 625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6706 or www.showarecenter.com. Presented by KZOK Rock Music 102.5 FM Kent, Washington is a Great Place to Live! Julianna Hind, Realtor, Family Fun Fanatic!   05/09/2009

Job Hunting in the Kent, Washington Area? If you are looking for employment, consider the PROBLEM SOLVERS JOB FAIR. The cost is free. This event is sponsored by Fisher Communications and presented by KOMO. WHEN: May 14, 2009, 1-4 PM WHERE:  ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6706 or www.showarecenter.com.    Kent Washington is a Great Place to Live! Julianna Hind 05/09/2009

Do you live in Kent, Washington? Did you know there are a bunch of fun and amazing things to do? How about helping the Kent, Washington Hydroplane Museum Celebrate it's 6th Anniversary!   The public is invited to help celebrate the exciting sport of hydroplaning. This event would be great to take family out to see, and visitors get to see hydroplane memorabilia within the museum and learn about the history of the sport. "HYDRO FEVER" will be held from 10 AM to 4 PM on Saturday, May 23rd, so mark your calendars and come see the vintage hydroplanes! For the kids, there will be Model Hydroplane Races! Located at 5917 South 196th Street in Kent. Julianna Hind, Real Estate Agent, and Family Fun Fanatic! Kent, Washington is a Great Place to Live! 05/09/2009