Home BuyersHome SellersHomeownershipNew on MarketOpen House July 3, 2014

Open houses for the weekend of July 5th and 6th, 2014

Yarrow-104450 94th Ave NE, Yarrow Point 98004
MLS# 648248  $3,149,000 | Open Sunday 2-4pm

Home of NFL and NCAA Coach, Jim Mora. This is an exquisite property located in the heart of Yarrow Point. The house was completely remodeled/rebuilt throughout in 2008 with top of the line finishes and great attention to detail. Custom cabinets, large gourmet kitchen, master suite with deck and lake views, theater room, gaming center, 7 built in flat screen TV’s, wet bar, artist studio with 1/2 bath, Main BR in guest house with 3/4 bath, deck/garden patio, built in BBQ area and much more. More information here.

1445 NW 186th c1445 NW 186th, Shoreline 98177
MLS# 634043   $799,000 Open Saturday 12-3.

Picturesque, private setting for this stunning home that was completely remodeled in 2005. Move in condition with all the bells & whistles, great open floor plan highlighted by Brazilian Cherry floors, Viking range, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths, heated floors in baths, built- in stereo inside & out. Lower level bedroom, media room, office, playroom, 3/4 bath, wet bar, & utility room. Entertain in style in the backyard on the Blue Stone Patio, complete with built in fire pit and Viking Grill. More information here.

_32A9316-Edit5208 36th Ave NE, Seattle 98105
MLS# 650953   $675,000 Open Sunday 1-4.

Storybook Bryant Tudor on a tree lined street awaits you. Five bedrooms with baths on each floor and private deck off one of the bedrooms. Original mahogany trim, coved ceilings, mullions, granite kitchen counters and more with new paint, updated plumbing & electrical. Views from both decks of Mount Rainier with hints of Lake Washington. Formal dining room and French doors from main kitchen to the deck make entertaining easy. Second kitchen in basement. Two blocks from the Burke Gilman Trail. More information here.

14th 5_renamed_3200218016 14th NW, Shoreline 98177
MLS# 643454  $1,075,000 | Open Saturday & Sunday 12-3pm

Unexpected detail, design and style surround you in this mid-century modern home. Dramatic views of the glistening waters of Puget Sound & the snow capped Olympic Mountain range are yours to enjoy as you look from living room, dining room, kitchen and Master Suite. Savor sunsets on the deck while enjoying the peaceful ambiance. This amazing Innis Arden home features a liveable open floor plan. Careful attention to detail, quality finishes and functionality add to this exceptional home. Great room concept is highlighted by hardwood floors. More information here.

 

Uncategorized June 28, 2014

7 Landscaping Mistakes That Wreck Curb Appeal

landscaping-mistakes-curb-appeal-bushes-deer_f757f446a977745ebe6eaecd9cb4ed5d_3x2_jpg_300x200_q857 Landscaping Mistakes That Wreck Curb Appeal

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Don’t let badly designed or maintained landscaping wreck your home’s curb appeal. Here are pitfalls to avoid.

Clumsy, neglected, and hodgepodge landscaping not only hurts your home’s curb appeal, it can cut the value of your property and make it harder to sell.

Real estate appraisers say bad landscaping is a buyer turnoff that can increase the number of days a property languishes on the market, which also hurts prices.

“I’ve been with clients who won’t even go into a house because of the bad landscaping outside,” says Mack Strickland, a Chester, Va., REALTOR® and appraiser.

Even more important, bad landscaping is a downer that hurts the way you see and enjoy your home.

Don’t let bad landscaping happen to you.  Here are the seven landscaping mistakes that bust, rather than boost, your home’s curb appeal.

1. Planting Without A Plan

Some landscaping choices, such as a line of begonias, will last a season; others, like trees, can last a lifetime. So, take time to plan and plot a yard that gives you maximum enjoyment and curb appeal.

For the design challenged, landscape architects are worth the investment ($300-$2,500 depending on yard size). They will render elevations of your future yard, and provide plant lists so you can install landscaping yourself.

Related: How to Create a Landscaping Plan on a Budget

2. Too Much Togetherness

Yes, planting in clusters looks way better than installing single plants, soldier-like, throughout your yard. But make sure your groups of perennials, shrubs, and trees have plenty of room to spread, or they’ll look choked and overgrown. Also, over-crowded landscaping competes with itself for food and water, putting the clusters at risk, especially during drought.

Google how high and wide the mature plant will be, and then combine that info with the spacing suggestions on planting labels. At first, garden beds of young plants will look too airy and prairie-like. But within three years, your beds will fill in with room to grow.

Remember: First year it sleeps, second it creeps, third it leaps.

3. Zoning Out

Don’t be seduced by catalog plants that look gorgeous on paper but aren’t suited to your hardiness zone. You’ll wind up with plants that die prematurely, or demand winter covers, daily watering, and other intensive efforts to keep them alive and well.

Check plant labels to see which hardiness zones are best for your plants.

4. More of the Same

Resist the design temptation to carpet-bomb your yard with your favorite plant or shrub, which will create a boring, monochromatic landscape. Worse, your yard will look great when your fave flowers bloom, then will look drab the rest of the year.

Mix things up and strive for four-season color. For example, combine spring-blooming azaleas with summer-blooming roses and autumn-blazing shrubs — such as burning bushes (Euonymus alatus). For winter color, try the red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), a hardy shrub that sports bright-red branches in winter.

Related:

9 Winter Plants that Dazzle Even in Snow

Winter Gardening: Plants that Provide Beauty All Year Round

5. Refusing to Bury Your Dead

Nothing wrecks curb appeal faster than rows of dead or dying shrubs and perennials. So quickly remove your dearly departed landscaping from your front and side yards.

Spent plants that lived their natural lives are good candidates for a compost pile — if you grind them first, they’ll decompose faster. But if your landscaping succumbed to disease or infestation, it’s best to inter them in black plastic bags, then add to the trash.

6. Weeds Gone Wild

Weeds not only wreck the look of your landscaping, they compete with pricey vegetation for water and food. Weeds also can shorten the life of brick, stone, and pavers by growing in mortar cracks.

The best way to stop weeds is to spread a pre-emergent about three weeks before weed seeds typically germinate. If you can’t stop them from growing, at least get rid of weeds before they flower and send a zillion weed seeds throughout your yard.

7. Contain Those Critters

Deer, rabbits, and other backyard pests think your landscaping is an all-you-can eat buffet, leaving you with denuded branches and topless perennials.

If you’ve got a critter problem:

  • Plant deer- or rabbit-resistant varieties. Your local extension agent can provide a list of green things critters won’t eat in your area.
  • Install an electric fence around landscaping you want to protect.
  • Spray plants with critter repellent. After a hard rain, spray again.

Related:

Flower Garden Mistakes to Avoid

Does Landscaping Give a Good Return on Investment?

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/landscaping-mistakes-wreck-curb-appeal/preview/#ixzz32NyBKaAG
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Home BuyersHome SellersHomeownershipInvestment PropertiesNew on Market June 27, 2014

New on the market!

??????????1023 NW 196th St, Shoreline 98177
MLS# 658744  $575,000

Solid five bedrooms 2.5 bath daylight rambler with very desirable water and mountain views. Located on a private cul-de-sac within walking distance to both Syre Elementary and Einstein Middle School. Bring your own decorating ideas or move in and enjoy watching gorgeous sunsets and the maritime traffic go by. Vaulted ceiling and large windows provide an abundance of natural sun light. Great location close to schools, shopping and waterfront. More information here.

Community DevelopmentCommunity HighlightCommunity InvolvementLocal Events June 25, 2014

Windermere Shoreline Foundation Program

Vision House and Windermere Shoreline

Windermere Shoreline donation to Vision House

If you’ve bought or sold a home through Windermere Real Estate in Shoreline, you’re a part of the Windermere Foundation, and you’ve made a positive difference in the lives of your neighbors in need.

Our Mission
For the past 25 years, the Windermere Foundation has donated a portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold towards supporting low-income and homeless families.

Housing Is Our Business
Helping homeless and low-income families is a natural extension of our business. Non-profit agencies receiving Windermere Foundation dollars have furnished emergency and transitional housing and much more.

Creating Opportunities For Low-Income And Homeless Children
A significant portion of Windermere Foundation dollars go toward programs that help children, providing basic necessities such as new school shoes, socks, and underwear.  We believe that building a child’s self-esteem is an investment in our future.

For the 2013 calendar year, Windermere Shoreline has continued the tradition of donating our office foundation funds to local Shoreline organizations. Vision House, is a Christian-based non-profit that has been successfully providing transitional housing, child care and support services to homeless mothers and their children, and separately to men recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, for nearly 25 years. With the opening of a new facility in Shoreline the end of 2013, the agency now owns and operates five transitional housing facilities in Renton, Burien and Shoreline. All facilities have been built debt-free! Vision House can now support approximately 180 individuals per year.

In Dale Turner Checkaddition, Windermere Shoreline donated foundation funds to the local Dale Turner YMCA, which supports local children, families and seniors in our community.

A warm thank you to our broker’s, our clients and our community.

Community DevelopmentCommunity HighlightCommunity InvolvementLocal Events June 25, 2014

Windermere Shoreline Foundation Program

Vision House and Windermere Shoreline

Windermere Shoreline donation to Vision House

If you’ve bought or sold a home through Windermere Real Estate in Shoreline, you’re a part of the Windermere Foundation, and you’ve made a positive difference in the lives of your neighbors in need.

Our Mission
For the past 25 years, the Windermere Foundation has donated a portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold towards supporting low-income and homeless families.

Housing Is Our Business
Helping homeless and low-income families is a natural extension of our business. Non-profit agencies receiving Windermere Foundation dollars have furnished emergency and transitional housing and much more.

Creating Opportunities For Low-Income And Homeless Children
A significant portion of Windermere Foundation dollars go toward programs that help children, providing basic necessities such as new school shoes, socks, and underwear.  We believe that building a child’s self-esteem is an investment in our future.

For the 2013 calendar year, Windermere Shoreline has continued the tradition of donating our office foundation funds to local Shoreline organizations. Vision House, is a Christian-based non-profit that has been successfully providing transitional housing, child care and support services to homeless mothers and their children, and separately to men recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, for nearly 25 years. With the opening of a new facility in Shoreline the end of 2013, the agency now owns and operates five transitional housing facilities in Renton, Burien and Shoreline. All facilities have been built debt-free! Vision House can now support approximately 180 individuals per year.

In Dale Turner Checkaddition, Windermere Shoreline donated foundation funds to the local Dale Turner YMCA, which supports local children, families and seniors in our community.

A warm thank you to our broker’s, our clients and our community.

Home BuyersHome SellersHomeownershipInvestment PropertiesNew on Market June 24, 2014

New on the market!

DSCN038616262 NE 10th Ave, Shoreline 98155
MLS# 657131  $249,000

Diamond in the Rough! Cosmetic Fixer! Scads of Potential! All the cliches are true in this case. This two-bedroom, 1 3/4-bath hidden gem boasts beautiful hardwoods, large kitchen, oversized bath, ample closet space, huge lot, higher-than-average celings. A little vision and some TLC could transform this into your dream house. Great neighborhood. Near everything. One block from school, close to The Crest Theater, minutes from I-5. More information here.

Home BuyersHome SellersHomeownershipInvestment PropertiesNew on Market June 24, 2014

New on the market!

53607 177th Place SW, Lynnwood 98037
MLS# 655824 $457,500

Beautiful home by Crosby Homes featuring a soaring entry that leads to a living room with gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, breakfast area with hardwood floors, open kitchen with granite, stainless steel appliances, breakfast bar and large dining room. Three bedrooms and full bath with a large master that incorporates an expansive 5 pc. master bath complete the upper level. Downstairs you will find two bedrooms, a family room, full bath a three car garage with an attached and finished hobby room/shop. All this and located approx 1 mile from Alderwood Mall with easy access to I-5 and 405. More information here.

IMG_08051255 NE 152nd St, Shoreline 98155
MLS# 655740 $169,500

Quiet, spacious sun filled updated unit with level entry. Corner unit with lots of windows let in the natural light. All appliance stay. Fresh paint, new carpet, new dishwasher. Enjoy gas cooking plus gas fireplace, hot water tank, heat and dryer. Easy access to parks, bus, shopping and freeways. Secure parking garage. More information here.

Uncategorized June 22, 2014

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

By: Cara Greenberg

Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door.

First impressions count — not just for your friends, relatives, and the UPS guy, but for yourself. Whether it’s on an urban stoop or a Victorian front porch, your front door and the area leading up to it should extend a warm welcome to all comers — and needn’t cost a bundle.

Here’s what you can do to make welcoming happen on the cheap.

1. Clear the way for curb appeal. The path to your front door should be at least 3 feet wide so people can walk shoulder-to-shoulder, with an unobstructed view and no stumbling hazards. So get out those loppers and cut back any overhanging branches or encroaching shrubs.

2. Light the route. Landscape lighting makes it easy to get around at night. Solar-powered LED lights you can just stick in the ground, requiring no wiring, are suprisingly inexpensive. We found 8 packs for under $60 online.

3. Go glossy. Borrow inspiration from London’s lovely row houses, whose owners assert their individuality by painting their doors in high-gloss colors. The reflective sheen of a royal blue, deep green, crimson, or whatever color you like will ensure your house stands out from the pack.

Related: Pictures of 10 Great Value-Add Exterior Paint Jobs

4. Pretty up the view. A door with lots of glass is a plus for letting light into the front hall — but if you also want privacy and a bit of decor, check out decorative window film. It’s removable and re-positionable, and comes in innumerable styles and motifs. Pricing depends on size and design; many available for under $30.

A way to get the look of stained glass without doing custom work or buying a whole new door: Mount a decorative panel on the inside of the door behind an existing glass insert, $92 for an Arts and Crafts-style panel 20-inches-high by 11-inches-wide.

5. Replace door hardware. While you’re at it, polish up the handle on the big front door. Or better yet, replace it with a shiny new brass lockset with a secure deadbolt. Available for about $60.

6. Please knock. Doorbells may be the norm, but a hefty knocker is a classic that will never run out of battery life, and another opportunity to express yourself (whatever your favorite animal or insect is, there’s a door-knocker in its image).

7. Ever-greenery. Boxwoods are always tidy-looking, the definition of easy upkeep. A pair on either side of the door is traditional, but a singleton is good, too. About $25 at garden centers. In cold climates, make sure pots are frost-proof (polyethylene urns and boxes mimic terracotta and wood to perfection).

8. Numbers game. Is your house number clearly visible? That’s of prime importance if you want your guests to arrive and your pizza to be hot. Stick-on vinyl numbers in a variety of fonts make it easy, starting at about $4 per digit.

9. Foot traffic. A hardworking mat for wiping muddy feet is a must. A thick coir mat can be had at the hardware store for less than $20. Even fancier varieties can be found well under $50.

10. Go for the glow. Fumbling for keys in the dark isn’t fun. Consider doubling up on porch lights with a pair of lanterns, one on each side of the door, for symmetry and twice the illumination. Many mounted lights are available well under $100.

11. Snail mail. Mailboxes run the gamut from kitschy roadside novelties masquerading as dogs, fish, or what-have-you to sober black lockboxes mounted alongside the front door. Whichever way you go, make sure yours is standing or hanging straight, with a secure closure, and no dings or dents. The mail carrier will thank you.

Related: A Dozen Foyer Ideas Under $100

Read more: http://members.houselogic.com/articles/front-door-entry-ideas/preview/#ixzz32NxVJYd9
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Home BuyersHome SellersHomeownershipNew on MarketOpen House June 20, 2014

Open houses for the weekend of June 21st and 22nd, 2014

17443_12447_331011 Cascade Dr, Edmonds 98020
MLS# 654538  $549,950 Sat & Sun 2-4pm

Updated and turn key Edmonds Bowl location! New roof, interior and exterior paint, lower level MIL kitchen with private entrance, updated baths and more. Five total bedrooms, 2.75 bathrooms, gas heat, vinyl windows. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and hardwood floors. Updated living room with new stone surround fireplace and custom built-ins. Entertainment sized deck overlooking park like back yard and all within walking distance to shops, restaurants and parks. A must see! More information here.

Yarrow-104450 94th Ave NE, Yarrow Point 98004
MLS# 648248  $3,149,000 | Open Sunday 1-4pm

Home of NFL and NCAA Coach, Jim Mora. This is an exquisite property located in the heart of Yarrow Point. The house was completely remodeled/rebuilt throughout in 2008 with top of the line finishes and great attention to detail. Custom cabinets, large gourmet kitchen, master suite with deck and lake views, theater room, gaming center, 7 built in flat screen TV’s, wet bar, artist studio with 1/2 bath, Main BR in guest house with 3/4 bath, deck/garden patio, built in BBQ area and much more. More information here.

1128 NW 183rd St, Shoreline 98177
MLS# 652055  $325,000 | Open Saturday & Sunday 1-4pm

Home of NFL and NCAA Coach, Jim Mora. This is an exquisite property located in the heart of Yarrow Point. The house was completely remodeled/rebuilt throughout in 2008 with top of the line finishes and great attention to detail. Custom cabinets, large gourmet kitchen, master suite with deck and lake views, theater room, gaming center, 7 built in flat screen TV’s, wet bar, artist studio with 1/2 bath, Main BR in guest house with 3/4 bath, deck/garden patio, built in BBQ area and much more. More information here.

GetMedia.ashx15912 52nd Place W, Edmonds 98026
MLS# 618082  $359,000 | Open Sunday 1-4pm

Home of NFL and NCAA Coach, Jim Mora. This is an exquisite property located in the heart of Yarrow Point. The house was completely remodeled/rebuilt throughout in 2008 with top of the line finishes and great attention to detail. Custom cabinets, large gourmet kitchen, master suite with deck and lake views, theater room, gaming center, 7 built in flat screen TV’s, wet bar, artist studio with 1/2 bath, Main BR in guest house with 3/4 bath, deck/garden patio, built in BBQ area and much more. More information here.

IMG_50491226 Skyline Dr., Edmonds 98020
MLS# 645251  $1,195,000 Open Sunday 1-4pm

Panoramic View of the Sound and the Olympic Mountains from all 3 levels of this beautiful home located in the center of the desirable Emerald Hills. six bedrooms, Office/Den, 4.5 bathrooms, four fireplaces, Large covered patio, second master bedroom is on main floor and has full bath, hardwood floor and the view. More information here.

Home BuyersHome SellersHomeownershipInvestment PropertiesNew on Market June 19, 2014

New on the market!

17443_12447_331011 Cascade Dr, Edmonds 98020
MLS# 654538  $549,950

Updated and turn key Edmonds Bowl location! New roof, interior and exterior paint, lower level MIL kitchen with private entrance, updated baths and more. Five total bedrooms, 2.75 bathrooms, gas heat, vinyl windows. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and hardwood floors. Updated living room with new stone surround fireplace and custom built-ins. Entertainment sized deck overlooking park like back yard and all within walking distance to shops, restaurants and parks. A must see! More information here.