Archive for December, 2008
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Dec
30
Posted by danita jolly
What was so great about Madonna anyway? We asked ourselves this for the several hours following the concert. Besides being a fan of the ever transforming and inspiring star, there is much more than adoration when you are in her presence. Some sort of inner transformation begins that can kick-start any stagnation you may be experiencing. The desire to reshape and remake your own life. I know this may sound radical, but it was true not only for me but several other people that I’ve spoken with.
Denver’s Pepsi Stadium was a complete frenzy for the full 2 1/2 hour show!! We bought our tickets last May so there were many months to anticipate the November show in Denver, the first of two sold out shows. Our seats were a marvelous 10 rows from the stage! Below are a couple of videos from Youtube that I picked out for you. If you haven’t gotten the Sticky and Sweet CD yet, I highly recommend it. Click on picture if you’d like to order it..
‘Beat Goes On’
‘Heartbeat’
‘You Must Love Me’ From Evita
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Dec
28
Posted by danita jolly
News from NW Multiple Listing Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2008
The existence of real estate microclimates means consumers and agents alike should understand that expertise within a specific market segment is now more important than ever, says Pat Grimm, owner of Windermere Capitol Hill, Inc. “I remind our agents that regional trends don’t always speak for all product types, property locations or price points — the pressures on supply and demand are never evenly distributed.”
Grimm noted new construction activity tends to be understated in Northwest MLS reports, in part because of how pre-sales are handled. For example, he notes multiple high rise condominiums are in various stages of construction in downtown Seattle. Some builders-developers are pre-selling or only listing a sampling of their offerings with NWMLS brokers, he explained.
Grimm estimates around 500 additional sales around downtown Seattle are scheduled to close in the near future, but they are not listed in the MLS database. “When considering all this activity, the reality is actually better than the perception in this situation,” he remarked.
Recent actions by the Federal Reserve have resulted in mortgage rates dropping to their lowest levels since 2003, Scott stated, adding, “What consumers may not understand is that every half-point change in interest rates is equal to a 5 percent drop in the sales price of a home. That means the recent dramatic drop in interest rates is equal to at least a 10 percent reduction in home sales prices.”
Lower rates are providing opportunities for homeowners to significantly reduce their monthly payment by refinancing, Scott emphasized. Contrary to what prospective homeowners may have heard, perfect credit isn’t needed to qualify for a low interest loan, nor is a large down payment or a large amount of equity in an existing home. “Loans still exist for the majority of people looking to purchase or refinance.” Read story here…
For real estate statistics and information on Burien, Normandy Park, and Des Moines, click on the picture below to compare our city and surrounding areas with other King County cities. Yes, things aren’t as great as they used to be, but they are doing well compared to other areas.
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Dec
27
Posted by danita jolly
Check out this condo in the Issaquah Highlands. Starpoint is only a year old with retail on the ground level. It’s situated right next door to Blakely Hall and Village Green. Within a mile of the up and coming High Street Shopping experience, and a new Central Market on the way too! For a slide show of beautiful Issaquah and all the information and pictures regarding this condo, click on the picture below. Easy commute to Microsoft or Coscto. Need more info? Call Larry 206-618-3724 or Danita 206-412-3699.
If you are interested in finding out more about the people, city, and communities of Issaquah, you can find everything in one spot. Visit www.issaquahundressed.com or www.issaquahhighlandsundressed.com written by Larry and Kathleen Cragun.
And here is a website just about this great property, click here.
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Dec
27
Posted by danita jolly
We couldn’t miss the Grand Opening of Burien’s new neighborhood restaurant, Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar. It was an obvious success with a great turnout full of friendly faces and smiles!
Don’t just take my word for it, read Gloria’s review in the comment section on our previous article about Sidestreet. Great atmosphere, great food at reasonable prices! Not only was owner, Dan Davis cooking up yummy food, but he was out mingling and greeting with a smile.
Here are a few of the items that were on the opening night menu; Herb Roasted Olives, Rosemary & Brown Butter Popcorn, Blackened Ahi Tuna w/Korean Style Cucumber Salad (this was our appy and it was spicy and delicious), 1/2 pound Cheeseburger with Caramelized Onions, BLT Iceberg Wedge, Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Roasted Mushrooms & Herb Frites. On tap you can find $3.00 Rainere, $4.00 Manny’s in addition to Snow Cap Bridgeport IPA and more. There was an abundance of staff to attend to everyone. Water was always full, and don’t forget the plasma screen for sporting events. Stay tuned for menu updates, events and features at the Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar!
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Dec
27
Posted by danita jolly
Here are some really easy to understand charts and graphs to give you an idea of what has been going on with Burien real estate. It’s a great snapshop of the last 14 months history. This first chart shows what is for sale, how many have sold, and how many are pending a sale (sold but not yet closed).
This next chart is interesting because it shows the average days the home was on the market. Then what the percentage difference was from the list price vs. what the home actually sold for.
If you have any questions or real estate needs, send me an email or give me a call. Danita
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Dec
26
Posted by danita jolly
Burien Undressed is happy to keep the community updated on local events, entertainment, real estate information, along with news and reviews on local businesses. If there is information that is not provided here that you would like to be kept informed of, please send me a note and I’ll see what I can do. The city of Burien did just update it’s website providing up to date information on current news and announcements.
Another valuable resource for our Burien local news can be found on-line at Highline Times.
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Dec
26
Posted by danita jolly
If you’re done with all this snow and ready to get rid of your Christmas tree too, keep in mind that Boy Scout Troop 375 has a special couple of days set aside for you. Saturday Jan 3rd & Sunday Jan 4 th , 2009 from 9 AM to 3 PM.
What are you going to do with your Christmas tree? Boy Scout troop 375 can help!! Bring your tree to Herr Backyard Garden Center on the corner of 1st Ave & SW 160th. You can stay in your vehicle and we’ll do the work!! A suggested donation of $5 will be gladly accepted. Christmas tree recycle is one of the main fundraisers for Boy Scout troop 375 – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
Originally uploaded by bjbeers
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Dec
22
Posted by danita jolly
We have 4 foot icicles attached to the house. I guess it would be time to take off the bamboo window cover that’s meant to keep out the sun?
Last night we broke off a couple and they were over 3 inches in diameter…
Since we were getting low on necessaties, we took a stroll over to Walgreens. Here are some photos taken along Ambaum.
142nd and Ambaum…
Here’s a cool looking tree on my street…
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Dec
20
Posted by danita jolly
Well if you’ve wondered what’s happening over on 148th next door to Hans’ Sausage & Delicatessen, it’s the new Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar! A Downtown Style Restaurant & Bar but with Burien prices. BurienUndressed favors all of it’s neighborhood eating and drinking establishments. The more the merrier, so let’s welcome Burien’s new neighborhood restaurant by visiting them for their Grand Opening the day after Christmas between 3pm to 2 am. Hours will be Monday through Thursday, 3pm to Midnight. Friday and Saturday 3pm to 2am, closed Sunday (Open for Private Events and Specialty Dinners).
The Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar will be offering Modern American Food. All dishes will be local and organic when possible. Changing daily, weekly, or monthly depending on the season, weather, or local economy. All entrees will be under $16-18 with the average dish around $10-12. Seating a total of 50 guests, with an upscale bar with room for 12. Happy Hour will be between 3-6pm with special prices and items.
The modern industrial decor immediately invites you in, with wood tables, brick walls, candle votives and scarlet draping. With an accent of Alaskan White Cedar along the wall with recessed lighting. The iron railing that accents the border between the bar and restaurant was built by local artist, Kirk Johnson.
Dan Davis, Chef/Owner….“One of my dreams has always been to open my own restaurant and bar, and having lived in Burien as a kid, I can’t tell you how happy I am to be able to welcome you here to the Sidestreet Kitchen and Bar. We serve great food, hand crafted cocktails, affordable wine, and ice cold beer – using all of the best possible ingredients. My goal is to combine my culinary education with twenty years of restaurant experience, my passion and my appreciation for food, wine, family, and friends to create a relaxed and comfortable environment.”
Located at 717 S.W. 148th st. Burien (206) 555-1212 Reservations are limited to parties of 5 or more, otherwise is first come, first served!
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Dec
20
Posted by danita jolly
Here is your weekly update from Ben Lenderman at Wells Fargo, if you have any mortgage or loan questions or needs be sure and give him a call.
Sorry for my absence last week, folks. But I’m sure you didn’t need me to tell you what was happening with rates: they’ve been dropping! We no longer say that rates are in the 6s or even the 5s – we now get to say that rates are in the 4s! The Fed’s decision early in the week to lower the fed funds rate to 0% – .25% had a positive impact on all markets in the financial sector. Stocks surged on the news, and, a bit surprisingly, so did bonds. More than the Fed’s decision to lower the fed funds rate, I believe bonds got their biggest boost this week from investors announcing that they would purchase billions of dollars worth of mortgage-backed securities. This set a positive tone for the rest of the week in the bond market. I think it’s likely that we’re going to enjoy these low rates for a while. It’s of course impossible to be certain of anything in these turbulent times, but certain financial indicators are more on the side of rates staying low than they are of them going back up again. Happy holidays!
Ben Lenderman
Home Mortgage Consultant
Office: (425) 468-8613
Fax: (425) 468-8676
Mobile: (425) 301-1897
Toll Free: (800) 643-0528
Contact Me
10900 NE 8TH ST
BELLEVUE, WA 98004
Directions
*All rates are based on a principal and interest payment and a 1% loan origination fee.
