SWAN LAKE ON UNION HILL REDMOND   There is a gorgeous community by the name of Swan Lake that sits off the top of Union Hill in Redmond Washington. The community was originally constructed in the late 80's and early 90's. The character built with each home truly gives Swan Lake a presence to remember. The community consists of Traditional style as well as Victorian Classics and a few Contemporary mixed in.    What Tyson and I found to be so inspiring was the natural growth of such amazing landscape and the real sense of community.    We have friends who live in Swan Lake and are so proud to be apart of this unique community. Everyone is on the same page on how they want their homes and streets to appear. Which if you ever drive through you will see that it has immaculate beauty an... 05/23/2008

City of Redmond within Washington state is a beautiful city with much to offer. The housing community called, The Meadows, near Marymoor Park in Redmond was originally built in the late 70's to house both Microsoft employees and the increased population growth that our lovely Pacific Northwest has continued to build.     There are many ammenities within The Meadows. There is both a fitness center and pool as well as park areas for kids to play. This community mainly consists of PUD homes (townhome style with small yards) but does have some traditional residential homes as well.  I really only blog on communities that particularly catch my eye. This is one of those where you drive in and can feel the sense of community. Many paths to walk, trees dividing the driving lanes and open grassy... 05/22/2008

Below are some photos of a townhome for sale in Rivertrail, Redmond WA  For many, choosing townhome over single family home offers many advantages.  The interior finishes are generally much newer and upscale than one could possible get at the same price and location in a single family home.  The asking price of this townhome is $464,500.  A single family home at the same price would likely be an older rambler from the 60s of 1,300 square feet or so. This townhome is 1,544 square feet with a two car garage and gated patio area. Not all townhomes are created equal.  This one has new bamboo hardwood floors on the main level.  another added feature not often found in townhomes at this price is the crown molding up at the top of the wall at the ceiling, upgraded baseboards, and a built in wi... 05/11/2008

Here is this week's installment featuring the pathetic photographic skills of my colleges here in the Northwest. When I saw the first photo, I thought "WOW that is some serious lens flair!". As I looked on further through this listings photos I found not just more lens flair from shooting straight into the sun but an obviously dirty lens too!  I wonder if the seller of this home has an clue as to what photos their agents is using to present their home to the public. Would you pay 20k+ for this type of presentation of your home? This seller did. How sad! I am sure many potential buyers passed on this home due to this poor presentation!If you are ready to sell your home and would like top notch Realtor and outstanding photos showcasing your home, give me a call. It is part of my service a... 04/18/2008

It's spring time and if you have been thinking about putting a new roof on your home than I have a GREAT referral for you.Dynamic Roofing from Redmond Washington, the work that they do is utterly amazing!  They install composition (aka) shingles) roofing, cedar shake, and Rubber Roofing. I have seen the work that they do and it is a first class job, all of their workers are factory trained.  People that have used them have told me that during their shopping they called State Roofing from Monroe, Jorve Roofing and Legacy Roofing.  They have saved on average of 35% by using Dynamic Roofing.Putting a new roof on your home greatly increases your chances of selling your home at your full asking price. I think that it is important to note that getting the cheapist price roof is usually not yo... 04/16/2008

 If your looking for a GREAT mortgage loan team than Linda and Gerald Carruthers are for you. If English is not your first language they speak; Spanish, French and Portuguese. As home loan specialists, they combine innovative lending with the service and powerhouse professionalism that comes from over 30 years of lending expertise.  They make dreams come true one homeowner at a time with theirunique ability to strategize and structure your home loan so it works to meet your needs.  They provide clarity to your unique financial situation while delivering world-class service, trustworthy professionalism, and multilingual ending expertise.  Not all loans are easy, linda and Gerald just make it seem that way. They take great care of you every step of the way - you will love their communicat... 04/14/2008

Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption RatesBy: Tony MeierEastside & Seattle Realtor This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind:•1.       These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would like to know how things break down in a specific price range for an area, send me an email at tony@eastsidehomes.com•2.       These numbers are a result of the sales activity over the last 7 weeks when comparing the number of active listing vs. the number of pending sales to determine what the market absorption rate is for a particular area.•3.       When measuring the heat of the market, the following rules apply:... 03/31/2008

Beautiful House near MicrosoftLocation: WoodbridgeBest Value in Redmond! Close to Microsoft, downtown Redmond and Town Center. 2 story Craftsman in superb condition. Total 5 usuable rooms including 1 downstairs for office, den or a bedroomChef s Kitchen with new Granite Countertops, new Stainless Steel Appliances with a Gas Range, and brand new washer and dryer included.Large Granite Island with Eating BarLarge Dining Room with easy access to meticulous patio and backyard. Amazing Master bed has ceiling fan, contemporary dimmer switches throughout the house. Master Bath with Sky Lights, soaking tub and Huge walk in-closet for two. Hardwood floors in living, kitchen and dinning area. Fully Air Conditioned throughout the entire house keeping you cool in the summer. Quiet neighborhood in W... 03/23/2008

  How do you determine if a neighborhood is GREAT?!  How about when 1/3 of the current owners are the original owners since the late eighties and 2/3rds of the owners have lived there for 10 years or more? English Hill in Redmond Washington is really several different neighborhoods.  Here is a link to the HOA website that makes an important announcement regarding the Schools and some changes for English Hill residents. One of my clients purchased a home in English Hill from an original owner and to me that is a sign of a good neighborhood.  Many say people are living in their homes for less and less time.  But when you find a neighborhood built quite some time ago that still has some original owners, it's a good heads up that this is likely a really good neighborhood.  Today I'm going t... 03/23/2008

Redmond Real Estate Statistics By Greg Perry, Eastside Realtor Residential Absorption Rates, averaged over the last 7 weeks, show that NWMLS area 550 (Redmond/Carnation) is holding 30.5 weeks of inventory.  (300.4 Active listings vs. 9.9 Pending sales).For homes priced over $1,000,000 during this period, there are 63.8  Active homes with a sales rate of 0.7 Pending sales per week.  This means in the above $1,000,000 inventory has 91 weeks of inventory.Homes under $1,000,000 show an average of 236.6 homes with 9.2 selling per week for 25.7 weeks of inventory.Lower priced homes in Area 550 are rapidly absorbing, yet at the same time inventory in the high end is increasing.  (25.7 weeks under $1,000,000 vs. 91 Weeks over $1,000,000) Here is the breakdown by price range, averaged over 7 wee... 03/20/2008

NWMLS 550 Redmond/Carnation Real Estate Market Statistics Jaunuary 2008Single Family HomesArea 550 Redmond/Carnation median prices were up -2.5%. YOY listing inventory was up 58.9% and Pending sales were down at -39.7%.LISTINGS: 305 (2007) vs. 192 (2006) +58.9% PENDINGS: 38 (2007) vs.63 (2006) -39.7%MEDIAN: $664,925 (2007) vs. $648,950 (2006)  2.5%Compiled from by not verified or published by the NWMLSBy Greg Perry, Eastside Realtorwww.425realty.com 02/21/2008

By Greg PerryEastside Realtorhttp://www.425realty.com/Redmond/Carnation December 2007Single Family Homes (not condos)Area 550 Redmond/Carnation median prices were down -5.4%. YOY listing inventory was up 25.9% and Pending sales were down at -41.2%.LISTINGS: 248 (2007) vs. 197 (2006) +25.9% PENDINGS: 30 (2007) vs.51 (2006) -41.2%MEDIAN: $651,975 (2007) vs. $689,500 (2006) -5.4%  compiled from but not published by NWMLS 01/09/2008

            Trilogy - Where active adults can enjoy life without worry.Trilogy is a resort community intended for 55 and older, however there are some exceptions to the age group.The clubhouse is fabulous -  a deli, indoor pool, and all the exercise equipment you would want.   There is a weekly calendar of activities. such as potlucks, dancing, symphony concerts and movies.University of Washington offers classes and guest artist are brought in to teach classes and offer demonstations. Golf course is open to the public  Some properties in Trilogy are on the golf course and offer great views.  It's a  fun activity to watch the golfers from your patio or deck. If you are a golfer, you KNOW that  it is more fun to have the course so close to where you live.Presently there are a 15  homes fo... 01/04/2008

 John and I are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new business, Jergens Staged Interiors.  We created this business to further enhance our commitment to full service real estate.  From our first listing, nearly 5 years ago, we have believed that a home must be "show ready."  By this we mean, "It must look like a model home and be ready for our professional photographer.  We believe in the adage, "you only get one chance to make a good first impression." Jergens Staged Interiors was created to enhance the appearance of homes that we list.  By "staging" a home we assure that the consumer will have a wonderful first impression.  Our extensive collection of home furnishings has been purchased with the intent to showcase the home, to give it an updated, contemporary feel. Jergens... 12/12/2007

JOhn and I listed a condo in Redmond Wednesday the 10th of October. It had been on the market with another agent for 5 months. We staged it and had great photos taken. We are under contract as of today the 16th of October. Here is the web site address to check it out.www.johnlscott.com/96599 10/16/2007

For residential homes only (not condos).Area 550 Redmond/Carnation median prices were up 5%. YOY listing inventory was up 38.65% and Pending sales were down at -34.92%.LISTINGS: 348 (2007) vs. 251 (2006) +38.65(Last month there were 336 listings.)PENDINGS: 41 (2007) vs.63 (2006) +-34.92%MEDIAN: $620,000 (2007) vs. $590,000 (2006) +5% The median price in August was $650,950compiled from but not published by NWMLSBy Greg PerryEastside Realtorwww.425realty.com 10/11/2007

For Single Family Homes (not condos)Area 550 Redmond/Carnation median prices were flat at 0.53%. YOY listing inventory was up 35.48% and this was the only Eastside area that had a pending sales increase at 22.54%.LISTINGS: 336 (2007) vs. 248 (2006) +35.48%(Last month there were 354 listings -- listing inventory dropped in this area.)PENDINGS: 87 (2007) vs. 71 (2006) +22.54%MEDIAN: $650,950 (2007) vs. $647,500 (2006) +0.53%Information compilied from, but not published by the NWMLSBy Greg PerryEastside Realtorwww.425realty.com 09/15/2007

Redmond condominiums are becoming increasingly popular.  Generally newer and located near main routes, more and more buyers are finding that Redmond condominiums boast the qualities they are looking for in a home. Convenient locations are major upsides of Redmond condominiums.  A majority of Redmond condominiums are constructed within just a few, short miles of Microsoft's 300-acre campus headquarters.   A large percent of the company's 30,000 employees commute to the site daily, and residents of Redmond condominiums have a hefty head start on the drive, bike, or walk.Some of the most desirable Redmond condominiums are not only close to Microsoft; they are also on the waterfront of Lake Sammamish.   Residents of these Redmond condominiums are just a stroll away from a refreshing swim or... 07/25/2007

Are you looking for the best value in Redmond? Look no further! As of today... there are 81 condos/townhomes on the market in Redmond. The average price of these units is $428,432. The average square foot is 1313, which makes the average price per square foot $329.26 - WOW!  When you consider for less than 100k more you can have a home that is nearly twice the size - this home is a bargain! My clients unit is listed for $202.10 per square foot and at this price there is only one property that is less per square foot (by a little over $1 per s.f.) and it is in original 1989 condition.  This home has a complete website which can be found at: http://www.marymoortrails.com/Here are a few of the details of this home... Price:$520,000 MLS#:27126220Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:3.50 Status:Active7250 Ol... 07/17/2007

King County Home sales - $400,000 to $600,000 - First half of 2007Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond home sales - $400,000 to $600,000 - First half of 2007Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond home sales - $200,000 to 400,000 - May 2007 and June 2007 as compared to currently for sale and currently in escrow. There are several sub-segment graphs if you stay Ardell's Seattle Area Real Estate Blog after following the second two links.  Also some commentary.  The only surprise is in the $200,000 to $400,000 category with June sales down much lower than May.  Could be a sign of first time buyers shying away from higher rates, or lenders cracking down on zero down loans.We could see a comeback of FHA loans which could strenghten and support this lower priced housing market.Virtually nothing exists under... 07/06/2007