Burien Undressed

Burien Open Houses Updated 5/30/08

Here is a list of several homes that will be open for viewing over the weekend. Click on the map for more real estate information about these open houses in the Burien area.Information from the NWMLS is reliable But Not Guaranteed.

You can give me a call if you need any real estate information for the Burien area. Danita 206-412-3699

West Seattle-Hip, Lively and close to Burien

Though I tend to stick around our local Burien area for a good time.  I decided it was time to try out some places over the weekend that are just out of our backyard but close enough to be our neighbor.  A few notable mentions.  If you want atmosphere, hip, lively, yummy drinks and food. Below would be my immediate recommendations for the source of a good time.  Each place offers a different vibe, unique with its own quality.  You can click on the names to go directly to their website to check out all the glorious details of each special place. We covered these locations in the span of two nights.  Sampling bits and pieces from them all.  We now look forward to going back and digesting each one individually.  West 5 Lounge & Restaurant has the comfy retro style chairs with a drink menu that covers all tastes and some of the basic comfort foods like Mac & Cheese, Toasted Cheese Sandwich and a Meatloaf sandwich.  Check out their website to see the full menu.   

You only have to walk across the street to find yet another great place!  The Matador

The walls are draped with Red Velvet Curtains, antique sconces with an orange glow and flickering candles everywhere. The food looked amazing but we only tried out the Tequila Bar. 

Now travel a few minutes North on California Ave. for a few more funky finds like The Mission

We stopped in around 10 pm and it just happened to be Happy Hour, we enjoyed some $5.00 soft chicken and pork tacos.  They have too many tequilas to mention, but have won awards from City Search for their margaritas three years in a row.  They were excellent in our opinion.

Last to mention is Blackbird Bistro next door.

We really enjoyed this place.  A martini and ahi tuna and calmari.  

Ok, really the last one to mention that we visited was Circa.  Smaller, cozy, family atmosphere with 15 beers on tap. 

Since this is not an in depth review of each one.  You will have to go and try them out for yourself! I hope you enjoy… 

May Real Estate Sales in Burien

This graph shows what homes have sold in our Burien area during the month of May.  There are some really great homes on the market right now.  With interest rates so low, now is the time to make your move.  Especially if you are a first time home buyer.  If you have any questions about purchasing a home or need information to help you start the process, give me a call.  Danitajolly@remax.net or 206–412–3699.  Your home is waiting for you!

Wine and Music in Burien at 909

Just a reminder that every Saturday night you can find live music at 909 Coffee and Wine in Burien.  I personally have spent a dozen Saturday’s there sipping or chugging wine and enjoying the atmosphere and local company.  Click here for the list of information of bands and the type of music that will be featured.  This Saturday, May 24^th, the Paul Green Band is playing.  This is the only band on the list that I have not had the opportunity to hear.  So you will find me there tomorrow having yet another 909 experience.  The menu is very unique with a variety of flavors offered.  They recently just introduced another new menu for the season.  The evening can be as exciting as you wish.  You can relax, sway to the music or find a partner and dance. 

Interest Rates May 23, 2008-Wells Fargo

Bonds continued their rollercoaster mentality this week, with the net/net being that rates closed today at similar levels compared to last Friday. The market will be closed on Monday due to the Memorial Day holiday, so we won’t have new rates until Tuesday, May 27. At market close, the day change was reported +16 bps so hopefully Tuesday will open with rates holding at their current levels.

All rates are based on a principal and interest payment and a 1% loan origination fee.

Best regards,

Ben

Conforming

30 year fixed – 5.875%

5/1 ARM – 5.250%

7/1 ARM – 5.500%

High Balance Conforming ($567,500 maximum)

30 year fixed – 6.000%

5/1 ARM – 5.500%

Non-Conforming (Jumbo)

30 year fixed – 6.875%

5/1 ARM – 6.250%

FHA

30 year fixed – 5.750%

Ben Lenderman
Home Mortgage Consultant
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
P6447-140
10900 NE 8^th St., Suite 1430
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.468.8613 Tel
800.643.0528 Toll-free
425.301.1897 Cell
866.636.7738 Fax
ben.lenderman@wellsfargo.com
http://www.wfhm.com/ben-lenderman

Please call Ben directly to find out details for your specific needs. If you have any questions about becoming a homeowner please call me with your questions or any help that you may need. – Danita Jolly, Realtor 206–412–3699

Burien Farmers Market

We are on our third week of the Burien Farmers Market.  Rain or Shine you will find vendors every Thursday from 11–6 pm until October 9^th, located between 152^nd and 10th adjecent to Olde Burien. What else will you find? Vegetables, plants, flowers, baked goods, art work, jewelry, soaps, lotions, live music and more!  For instance, Jack & Sons Unique Bird houses…made with antique mosaic tile and cedar wood.  He also has bat houses!

And another mention of baked goods, because those are my favorite!

We’ve eaten their spiced bread and made French toast from the cinnamon swirl bread just last week.

Now besides food, music is the next best thing.  Both times I’ve been at the market, Two Scoops Combo has been playing. 

Come support the Burien Farmers Market.  See you on Thursday!

Lose Weight, Build Muscle, Be Healthy at Simply Fit

Now that summer is really starting to show itself, it reminded me of my mid-section and a few other places!  Was it really five months ago that I made that New Years resolution?? I found this great gym in Burien that I want to share with you.  SIMPLY FIT provides a “home like” setting you simply must check out. 

It is locally owned and operated by Benjamin Gordon.  Benjamin has over eight years experience as a personal trainer and specializes in post rehab therapy. He also holds a BS in Exercise Science and Bio-Mechanics. Certifications he has held in the past include ACE certified personal trainer (American Council on Exercise) and AFPA Post Rehabilitation Specialist (American Fitness Professionals & Associates).

The Difference

• 24 hour access using a key card (closed Sundays).
• Private setting.
• Low key with no pressure selling.
• No hidden fees at sign up.
• Membership cap to keep our fitness studio congestion down to a minimum during peak times.
• Month to month memberships available.
• Free Personal Training/Introduction Session available to all new members and additional help later as needed.

Whether you want to lose weight, gain strength, or simply get healthy, we offer support that can help you succeed!

To join our award-winning Seattle Washington sport fitness and health club, visit the studio Mon-Fri 11 AM to 7 PM or set an appointment at 206–774–8357.

“Oh Boy A Toy!” at Goodie Gumdrops

Goodie Gumdrops, the local toy store in Burien, hands down has Toys R Us beat.  Where else can you get that penny candy from the good old days, even if it costs more than penny now.  Parents can enjoy themselves just as much as the kids.  They have anything, everything and all that you can imagine!  Candies, toys, stuffed animals, games, books, diaper bags, jewelry, selected children’s clothing, room decor and even a disco ball!  Owner, Colleen Nelson has the inventory that will make your kids drool. With every car that drives by, you can witness childrens’ little faces pressed up against the car window staring and wishing. They offer gift certificates, gift wrapping and host birthday parties.  Goodie Gumdrops is located on Ambaum and 152^nd in Olde Burien. 

Current Interest Rate Information, May 16, 2008

Information below provided courtesy of Ben Lenderman with Wells Fargo.  Please give him a call directly for your specific and personal loan needs.

The bond market was all over the place on Friday, having an intraday range of 72 bps.  Thankfully the market closed up 19 bps leaving us in a decent position heading into the weekend and for Monday.  Bonds opened the morning at a gloomy -34 bps but we gained all of that and more back when one of the worst readings in consumer confidence in almost three decades was announced.  This sent the stock market down and the bond market up.  This trend may become further solidified in the coming days and weeks, and if it does . . . we could see some phenomenal interest rates come our way.  But be ready to pounce, because it may not last long. 

All rates are based on a principal and interest payment and a 1% loan origination fee.  

Best regards,

Ben

Conforming

30 year fixed – 5.875%

5/1 ARM – 5.250%

7/1 ARM – 5.375%

High Balance Conforming ($567,500 maximum)

30 year fixed – 5.875%

5/1 ARM – 5375%

Non-Conforming (Jumbo)

30 year fixed – 6.750%

5/1 ARM – 6.250%

FHA

30 year fixed – 5.750%

Burien Welcomes Re/Max Team One

Re/Max Team One has a new location right here in Burien.

Leslie Newman and Lisa Jo Chard opened ReMax Team One last month on 152nd between 6th and 7th avenue in Burien. Photos by Tim Robinson.For the complete article, see the Highline Times.