There have been 35 Single family homes sold in Renton so far this year through January 31*.  The lowest priced home sold was $199,999 and the highest price was $2,249,999. The median sales price for all homes sold was $309,950 and the average days on market for these listings was 75 days. *Represents single family homes listed through NWMLS only and does not reflect private party sales. Call (425.432.5400) or email us anytime if you have questions about the market, your property or know someone who needs help with a real estate issue. We’re here to help! 02/23/2010

 Who's the right REALTOR® for you? I've worked with a lot of them. Some just starting out in their 20's, many in their 40's, most of them in the US are now around 50,* and I know several still at it in their 70's and even 80's. They come from everywhere and every background. Most of them didn't grow up in real estate. They chose it as a second career after doing something else and more often than not they came to real estate because of the entrepreneurial life style and saw it as an avenue to serve their community. Where they came from, how old they are, what their greatest passion is, or how formerly educated they may be has absolutely no bearing on the quality of service and/or the level of expertise they can bring to you. I learned that by working with them for over 20 years from the... 02/18/2010

“Community is conversation and conversation is opportunity”… Here’s your opportunity to join in…         RE Barcamp is going to be held in the Northwest Rooms at the Seattle Center on March 19, 2010. A great in city location right next to the Key Arena with plenty of parking, hotels, and restaurants within walking distance. Looking from the Northwest Rooms SE over the Key Arena.   Click for: Seattle Center Map… (#2 on the map) At Warren Ave N and Republican St, Seattle WA 98109 Join the RE Barcamp Seattle Facebook page for the latest information. I think this has all the cyber-markings of a fantastic RE Barcamp. The location is perfect. The volunteer planning committee walked through the Northwest Rooms back on January 14th and we were all immediately excited about the possibilities. Th... 02/08/2010

I was thinking the other day about the technology in my life and how it has shaped me. That took longer than I thought; several days in fact. I became fascinated (actually obsessed) about the lineage of electronic devices I’ve owned over the years and that prompted me to ask, “What was the very first personal technology I owned?” My quest had a simple premise: 1. It had to have something to do with the electronic medium and connected me to the world in some way. 2. It had to be mine. I owned it. In the summer of 1958 our family moved across town to Earlington, a neighborhood on the west side of Renton. I was 8 years old. That Christmas I received a present from Santa that I’ve never forgotten. I didn’t realize until now that it was my very first personal technology. The HearEver Germani... 01/28/2010

Info from my friends, Kimberly Terry and Cathy Pizzini of Evergreen Home Loans in Seattle.   I want to give all our Associates the heads up that Seattle based Evergreen Bank was shut by regulators this afternoon. This will be in the morning paper. Evergreen Home Loans is not related to Evergreen Bank. Nor do we have any account or lines of credit with the bank. Your customers are safe doing their loans with us. We have a message posted at the bottom of our website indicating we are not related to Evergreen Bank. You can refer customers to this if they have questions. Unfortunately, I know a number of people who were employed at Evergreen Bank. It’s sad to see to see people and businesses in our community impacted by these challenging times. Kimberly Terry & Cathy Pizzini 206-774-7595 I ... 01/25/2010

There are only 100 days left for Renton home buyers to gain the Tax Incentive Stimulus. $8,000 IRS credit or $6500 IRS credit when you buy a home. Are you interested in earning a piece of the stimulus package pie? First-time Renton home buyers across the country are making the dream of homeownership a reality AND receiving an $8,000 tax credit. Mortgage rates are near their lowest levels in history, affordability is at an all-time high and there is an excellent selection of homes available. If you’re in the market for you’re first home, it’s important to start looking NOW!These three factors make it an extraordinary time to buy – and I can tell you from experience it won’t stay this good forever. Let’s get together soon to talk about the opportunities I’m seeing right now. In the meanti... 01/25/2010

$425,000.00 - Open House Jan 24, 1-4pm! Gorgeous 4bd/2.5ba home + office in prestigious Summerwind development of RentonLocation: SummerwindCome live in the fantastic Summerwind neighborhood! Inviting and cheerful home with hardwood floors throughout, main floor has very open circular floor plan with a nice flow of living room, dining room, great room has kitchen w/ slider access to back yard and its expansive Trex deck. Four bedrooms upstairs, 5-piece Master Bath & big walk in closet. Additional full bath upstairs, and guest 1/2 bath on Main. Fun center in back for playtime or check out the 3 nearby parks or athletic court. Enjoy the 2 car garage where groceries can be unloaded right into the house on those rainy days—no dodging raindrops. Contact Information Reba Haasreba@teamreba.com... 01/20/2010

             As much as I would love to write an article on ALL of the bars in Renton, WA, I'm going to save myself (and you) the agony of having to dissect (or, in your case, read) all the information on every single bar in the area and just tell you about one great spot, which happens to be called, The Spot Sports Bar and Grill.  This bar pretty much beats the rest anyhow, so you'll hardly need any additional info on any other bars in the area once you've checked this one out.             Now, if you've ever driven through Renton, you've likely seen that huge billboard located at 4224 East Valley Road, advertising The Spot Sports Bar and Grill. And if you've ever been inside, you'd know that this bar is one of those places that are great for patrons of all ages (as long as you're lega... 12/31/2009

It was good fortune to be invited to my business partner's birthday party at Uptown Glassworks in Renton a few weeks ago. Nina's party was a wonderful occasion to meet her great friends, including many past clients and customers . . . folks she has helped in many ways throughout her life. The unusual fun of the evening was the opportunity to blow glass. This was my first time, and I selected a Christmas ornament and a color of glass I knew Mary would enjoy. While inflating the glass ball, by blowing through a tube, I realized my breath was being captured for as long as the glass remained unbroken.   A few days ago I found a pigment that would be permanent on glass and inscribed the ornament to Mary. It was given to Mary this morning and now it hangs on our tree. To me it will always sym... 12/25/2009

1995 Post: Why Web Won't Be Nirvana | Newsweek Technology | Newsweek.com Here is a Newsweek Magazine article from 1995 discussing WHY THE INTERNET WON'T EVER BE A BIG DEAL.Clifford Stoll: Why Web Won't Be Nirvana | Newsweek Technology | Newsweek.com Compare this with my last post showing web 2.0 and where social media is going from here. How we even think of doing business. How would ActiveRain ever exist?Wow did this guy miss the boat. How would we ever sell houses on a worldwide scale?The Gary McNinch Team home website is www.RentonHomeFinder.com My twitter handle @RentonHomeFindeOur facebook page is Gary McNinch on FacebookMy Active Rain website is Gary McNinch Team on ActiveRainGary McNinch Team Realtor Renton WA Real Estate Keller Williams Realty Renton WA. Call us 206-696-2329, e... 12/16/2009

Tis the Season... Enjoy the Holidays with family and friends, and a Happy and Prosperous New Year... Many thanks to all of you Active Rainers for a great year. Thanks for your friendship, support, comments, and sharing your ideas. An amazing year, full of growth, realization, new friendships, and surprises. I had the good fortune to meet many of you in person this last year. I did, what seems now in hindsight, a bazillion events (that’s a lot) this year… I look forward to many more events in 2010, and hopefully, I’ll get to meet you in person. Meanwhile, see you around the Rain… Again, thanks for a very meaningful year… René     12/16/2009

FED Reserve Final Meeting of 2009 and Renton Mortgage Rates The Federal Reserve's Relationship To Mortgage Rates and how it relates when you buy a Renton home.The Federal Open Market Committee meets today for the last time in 2009. It's a 2-day meeting and the Fed is expected to leave the Fed Funds Rate near 0.000 percent.But that doesn't mean mortgage rates won't change. This is a simple (I hope) explanation of how this system works.See, a major misperception among the public is that the Federal Reserve sets mortgage rates. That's false. Mortgage rates are based on the price of mortgage-backed bonds.As an example, since 2000, the Fed Funds Rate and the 30-year fixed rate mortgage have been within 1 percent of each other at times, and as far apart as 5 percent at others. If there was a... 12/15/2009

Boeing 787 Dreamliner Takes Off and the Era of "Green" Flight Begins Today, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner flew for the first time. Test flight was smooth, pilots reported it flew smooth and responded easily. Congratulations to all my friends and clients who helped design and build this great new aircraft.In this day of environmentally friendly movement or "Green" everything, this aircraft is top of the list. Due to the composite structure it weighs much less than any other commercial airplane. In fact it should get 20% better fuel mileage. Fuel mileage is huge to airlines, because of the major cost of fuel. So besides being more enviromentally than other aircraft, it will save the airlines huge dollars per flight. Now, I don't want to be cynical, but it is the $$$$$$$$$$$$ cost savings tha... 12/15/2009

  Bubble on Deck wordless Wednesday, December 2, 2009 (when will the bubble burst?) Having fun with the kids blowing bubbles on the deck... If I'm correct, my youngest daughter Paige did this one, but Jeff and Shannon may chime in to claim the 'biggest bubble' on the deck prize! René Fabre, ARFCO Media, an Audiorium Enterprise... 12/02/2009

What would you do for puppy love?  Get out and walk/run in the possible rain of winter?  If so, then you're perfect for inclusion in this annual event.  Pet food donations are welcome for distribution to those in need of help taking care of their loving furry companions during these more difficult economic times. Held at the Renton Community Center and most likely going right by the new Renton dog park; Pre-registration for the event is $23 and day of the race is $28. For sign up you can call 425-430-6700 or head to www.rentonwa.gov and check out the details online at this link and be sure to scroll down to find it on the page. 11/10/2009

Big Clouds, Blue Sky... Stormy fronts moved in yesterday afternoon, but the action really gets started just before the sun was about to set. We're looking west from my deck over Renton, Washington. I love the moody skies this time of year. The colors are great with the yellow and red leaves to these dark clouds highlighted with the sun low before it sets over the hills. Soon it will be shades of mostly gray... René Fabre is well known for his innovative marketing programs. He is a sought after speaker and motivator known for his knowledge, keen interest, and insightful approach to contemporary marketing ideas and technologies. His obvious passion for the subject is well known and contagious. He frequently gives workshops and round table conversations on Internet Marketing, Social Media ... 11/08/2009

Google announced real estate on Google Maps this morning... In Google Maps type a "city state" and/or a "zip code". Just to the right of the "Search Maps" button,         click "show search options" and select real estate in the drop down...                   You can search homes for sale, rentals, and foreclosures. Filter your results by price range, bedrooms, and building square feet. This comes with all the usual Google Map functions like pop-up pictures with links to the listing source. This will certainly bring a larger audience and exposure to your local real estate market... View Larger Map 10/30/2009

Never under estimate the power of a tweet... Taking our conversation online led to opportunity, collaboration, and friendship. My good friend and co-worker Matt Sweet wrote a blog here on Active Rain last January about Vyew.com. We discovered this great web conferencing application back in September of 2008. Since then we use it regularly for meetings of every kind. We hold marketing meetings and training sessions with our Ticor Reps across Washington and Oregon. We join in virtually for presentations and meetings with clients. It's also a great collaboration tool. Matt and I use it all the time when we're working on a project and are physically in different locations. After the post, Matt did a few tweets and included one to drive some traffic to his new blog entry. Meri Walker, The Vi... 10/25/2009

The Landing in Renton while it's right next to Boeing, is not for Boeing jets. The city of Renton has transformed a large formally industrial area of downtown into a vibrant community commerce center for the residents of Renton.  "Wide, vibrant sidewalks—lined with lively cafes, dynamic retail shops and cozy residential buildings—will encourage pedestrians to stroll throughout the varied streets. A collection of restaurants surrounding a strong retail core will create a venue vibrant enough to be a year-round destination. At the heart of The Landing is The District at The Landing, a pedestrian friendly area that will offer the urban ambiance of a lively city street. Winding through the pedestrian village, visitors will find a 14-screen, stadium-seat Regal Cinema, as well as numerous spe... 10/18/2009

  Residential Transaction Study 10/18/2009 Renton, WA 98059 (non-waterfront) homes...   monthly market Most recent transaction: 10/8/2009 Market (homes): 8159 month year sales mrkt% $/sqft avg price median Oct 2009 8 0.1% $160 $414,419 $409,952 Sep 2009 32 0.4% $165 $389,645 $352,500 Aug 2009 17 0.2% $159 $370,341 $345,000 Jul 2009 25 0.3% $154 $383,137 $350,000 Jun 2009 24 0.3% $155 $387,812 $356,847 May 2009 19 0.2% $159 $403,179 $412,000   property characteristics 1 story 4442 w/ bsmt 2,053 platted 6,927 1.5 story 223 avg bsmt sqft 1,095 avg lot sqft1 14,587 2 story 3450 w/ garage 6,141 unplatted 1,232 3+ story 8 avg garage sqft 520 avg lot sqft2 77,094 avg % imprvd 62% avg year built 1981 avg bldg sqft 2,194 avg # beds 3 avg # baths 2       1avg lot sqft of all platted properties 2... 10/18/2009