You need to see this one – this is the most unique and amazing house in all of Mill Creek and . . . → Read More: Mill Creek Golf Course Homes For Sale? Here’s One Right On The Golf Course & In The Mill Creek Country Club]]> Looking for Mill Creek Country Club Golf Course homes? How about this one – it is pretty cool and would be perfect for a number of home occupations, too. Artist? Race Car Driver? Dancer? Ballroom Dancing?

You need to see this one – this is the most unique and amazing house in all of Mill Creek and it is right on the Mill Creek Golf Course in the Mill Creek Country Club! Want to see it? courtney@cooperjacobs.com – this is truly the nicest house in all of Mill Creek and definitely the best Mill Creek Golf Course home I have seen in years!  These Mill Creek Country Club homes don’t come up that often, so make sure and check this one out!

Some of the stats on this Mill Creek, WA home: 4 bedrooms/3.25 baths, 3 car garage, 5021 square feet, on over a third of an acre, no expenses spared on a top of the line remodel! Mill Creek Golf Course Homes:  There are not that many homes on the Mill Creek Golf Course and this one is nicely situated with wonderful territorial views!  Take in views of the Mill Creek Golf Course and fountains from multiple view points in this gorgeous home.  From every angle you will be pleasantly surprised! Gorgeous!  Not often do you see a Mill Creek Golf Course home with so much to offer!

Mill Creek Details That Count: The details are phenomenal including a movie theater, and massive secret playroom hidden behind a secret bookcase entry….  You will not be disappointed! Giant playspaces everywhere plus approximately 1000 square feet in giant multi use room – perfect for: recording studio, pilates studio, dance studio, ballroom dance studio, shop, craft room, artist studio, more!

$950,000, In the Mill Creek Country Club!

Mill Creek Golf Course Home: More info – You can see more of the photography shoot for this home here:

2220 143rd PL SE

Additional Mill Creek Country Club Home Features – a great place to see other Mill Creek Homes

Mill Creek Real Estate

Thinking about moving to the Seattle suburb of Mill Creek? Mill Creek, WA is a  great place to live and all of it is centered around the Mill Creek Golf Course and the Mill Creek Country Club.  There is wonderful shopping and restaurants in Mill Creek and the schools are also highly regarded. Mill Creek is not too far from Seattle for a fair commute and offers a good home base with the combination of amenities it boasts.  Let us know if you want a private tour of this spectacular Mill Creek home or others in and around the Mill Creek Golf Course and Country Club.

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©Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services, RainCityHouses.com

The three areas I really like in Bellevue for the close proximity to Microsoft are Overlake, Lake Hills, and what we also just call Microsoft because it is so close – Microsoft is a huge part of the local economy and there are always people relocating to be here because of . . . → Read More: Bellevue Neighborhoods: Looking for a great housing option near Microsoft?]]> Bellevue Neighborhoods: Relocating for Microsoft?

The three areas I really like in Bellevue for the close proximity to Microsoft are Overlake, Lake Hills, and what we also just call Microsoft because it is so close – Microsoft is a huge part of the local economy and there are always people relocating to be here because of it. Redmond and Sammamish are typically first on the list for Microsoft people moving in from out of state, but Bellevue neighborhoods are a great option and these three MLS areas are quite affordable when looking at a good combination of schools, walk ability, and amenities.

Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services has a great house listed right now in the Overlake/Microsoft area of Bellevue – near Crossroads Mall and all the other great shopping centers right there. It has easy access to both 520 and I-90 and is on a private cul de sac with a great walking trail to the major drag for easy transit or cycling access. You can check it out here:

15002 NE 9^th PL

Bellevue homes in this neighborhood don’t come up for sale very often and this one has some great spaces. If you are looking at moving to Seattle and want a Seattle suburbs map or some direction on where you might start looking for your particular situation, please feel free to give us a call or drop an email. We have successfully helped many clients with their relocations to the Greater Puget Sound area!

Bellevue real estate:

You can find more great Bellevue Real Estate on our site! We have all listings by all companies and it sweeps the MLS every 15 to 20 minutes for changes. Search for free with no obligation to sign up, but you can sign up and save your searches, save your favorites, or set up custom email alerts so you are always notified when a new Bellevue home comes on the market that meets your needs!

Seattle suburbs offering the most gas savings bang for your buck and also good schools, houses, neighborhoods? Lynnwood, WA houses, Mountlake Terrace houses, Brier houses – these are all conveniently located right in that intersection of I-5 . . . → Read More: Seattle Suburbs Homes: Move to The Suburbs Of Seattle To Save Gas?]]> Seattle suburb real estate and gas savings? Is she serious? Here is why I think this is a good idea:

Seattle suburbs offering the most gas savings bang for your buck and also good schools, houses, neighborhoods? Lynnwood, WA houses, Mountlake Terrace houses, Brier houses – these are all conveniently located right in that intersection of I-5 and I-405 – perfect for transit commute to Everett, Seattle, or the Eastside – all have access to the large interconnecting trail system for biking across Puget Sound. The Park and Rides are fabulous, the shopping is amazing, and there are movies and restaurants galore…. Houses are available in all ranges and have not risen to the astronomical levels of other Seattle suburbs offering comparable properties. This is why these are my picks for gas saving suburbs…..

Interested in Brier real estate? Lynnwood WA real estate? Mountlake Terrace real estate?  realestate@cooperjacobs.com

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Seattle Suburbs Homes in Shoreline, Edmonds, Redmond, Kirkland, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

I haven’t always been one of those Realtors who is hot on new construction. The plain truth is that in a stronger Seattle real estate market new construction wasn’t always the best deal. In fact, Seattle buyers who insisted on new construction usually paid a premium for it. There simply was not much in the way . . . → Read More: Why I Am Loving Seattle Suburbs New Construction]]> I

I haven’t always been one of those Realtors who is hot on new construction. The plain truth is that in a stronger Seattle real estate market new construction wasn’t always the best deal. In fact, Seattle buyers who insisted on new construction usually paid a premium for it. There simply was not much in the way of negotiation.

Good things about new construction:

1. Wonderful big open floor plans
2. New Everything – nothing to fix
3. Maintenance up front is usually cheaper because all systems are new
4. Wonderful features designed for how we live now – bigger bathrooms, etc.
5. Builders are definitely starting to lean towards energy efficiency and Built Green aspects

Less Desirable points of new construction to some buyers:

1. Bigger price tag (negotiable!!!!)
2. Small Yard or no yard in most cases
3. Inconsistent architecture when new construction is plopped down in the middle of somewhere
4. Those funny retaining ponds
5. Some cookie cutter designs at times – definitely not custom in most cases

There is a very different story in Seattle new construction and Seattle suburb new construction now. If you are a non contingent buyer (meaning the sale doesn’t depend on you selling your current home) then you are in a window of golden opportunity right now! You can negotiate on price, perks, upgrades, and bonuses – plus get your closing costs paid in most cases. In addition, I like to make sure my buyers get a refrigerator and sometimes a washer and dryer of their choice!

Seattle suburbs new construction areas that have some nice developments right now:

Lynnwood, Everett, Snohomish, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Bothell, Redmond, Mill Creek Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Lake Forest Park

These are all in different price points – there are townhomes, too, but also larger homes. The developments I am touring have some nice features and are definitely worth a look if you are interested in Seattle suburbs new construction.

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

Here is the NWMLS definition of a short sale:

“A “Short Sale” is a sale that does not produce sufficient funds to cover the . . . → Read More: Short Sale News! New for April 2008:NWMLS Changes The Rules]]> Short sales are popping up more and more across the Seattle area. Buyers need to be aware of whether not a potential property is a short sale because the offer process is quite different.

Here is the NWMLS definition of a short sale:

“A “Short Sale” is a sale that does not produce sufficient funds to cover the existing monetary encumbrances against the Property, closing costs, real estate commissions, and other financial requirements of closing. Seller’s creditor(s) are those third parties who have an interest in the Property in the form of a deed of trust, some other security, or a lien (e.g. tax lien).”

See my problem with a short sale listing is that buyers go into the process without the full knowledge of how different it is from a “normal” transaction. The NWMLS has come up with a form to help, but making sure to use a short sale agent in the process is the best plan of attack. Short sales can be great deals, but knowing what is involved is key.

Knowing that a listing is a short sale is also key since there are no guarantees as to price or commission in a short sale. The offer is (or should be) always signed subject to lien holder approval. The lien holder almost always inevitably comes back with a higher price even if you offer the list price and they also usually come back with a lower commission amount for the two agents involved. False advertising all around in my opinion. The MLS is now stating that a short sale listing must be disclosed. This is a step in the right direction in my opinion.

Another really needed change: Short sale properties typically stay marked as “active” in the MLS while the approval from the lien holder is being obtained. This is frustrating for buyers out there and also bad for the MLS stats. I think the short sale numbers are actually seriously dragging down the area stats overall and the new rule is a helpful one in that. The properties with offers which are waiting for approval will be marked “pending – BU” until they go to “pending” and then “sold”. I am extremely pleased with this development which will be good for everybody. Other sellers in the neighborhood who may be waiting for a distressed property to come off the market before they put theirs on can now have an easier time without false lower priced competition.

Introducing Form 22SS:

The MLS’s short sale addendum for Washington state (Hallelujah!). It isn’t perfect, but it is going to help clarify a lot of the process and steps that have been unclear in the past. First of all the from states that the property is a short sale and that the lien holder has to approve the offer. The form then gives the seller so many days (default is 30 days) to get that approval. Mutual acceptance is explained as when the lien holder approval is delivered. 22SS Gives the buyer the option of checking a box to either say that the seller can accept other offers for lien holder approval while they wait for their answer or not. My advise on that to buyers is check the box that allows your deal to be the only deal in town. Of course, my advise for a seller is usually the opposite depending on the situation. Lastly, the new from gives the buyer the right to back out of the deal at any time prior to lien holder approval.

Instead, the 2008 market is very different, and those who are used to the easy flow of the past few years need to step up to a different ball field. This includes all parties to the transaction!

Buyers need . . . → Read More: Seattle real estate: 2008 Market Conditions in a Nut Shell..]]> Seattle real estate has softened, but we certainly are not “in the tank” as I read another broker put it.

Instead, the 2008 market is very different, and those who are used to the easy flow of the past few years need to step up to a different ball field. This includes all parties to the transaction!

Buyers
need to understand that there are some incredible deals out there right now! Prices are generally very good as sellers try to compete with short sales and foreclosures that are sneaking on to the market. Seattle buyers have been complaining about a seller’s market for years and now find themselves in a buyer’s market finally! Even with this combined with the lower interest rates, there is still some reluctance to pull the trigger! I personally think there could be a few reasons for this hesitation which include uncertainty based on our political climate, uncertainty in the economy, and also a general lack of confidence in the strength of the housing market. Well, I have no idea who will end up in office, but I can tell you that our Puget Sound Economy is generally very good and jobs were up the last time I checked. People are also still buying and selling real estate even if prices have come down in some areas. Seattle is still one of the most undervalued West Coast cities and we are a major metro. If you are on the fence, get off.

Sellers
– Price your home reasonably and please be open to a negotiation. It isn’t personal –it’s just business. The buyers in 2008 like your house a lot, but they have a lot to choose from and they want to negotiate. De-clutter it, have it professionally Staged by an accredited Stager, and make it easy to show. Don’t skimp on commissions either – this is not the time to be choosing any other REALTOR except for a FULL service REALTOR – oh and make sure they in fact are an actual REALTOR. Did you know that not all real estate agents and brokers are REALTORS? The term is REALTOR, not realtor – it is a proper noun – and REALTORS actually abide by a higher standard of practice including a code of ethics. You need someone with a high level of expertise in marketing your home. This is also not the time to try a FSBO – stick with a market expert to guide you through 2008!

Agents & Brokers:
Be free with your information – that is what 2008 and beyond is about. There is value in sharing information rather than guarding it. In the past, we have tended to keep our knowledge close to the vest and in this changing market the consumer is looking for answers well before they make a purchasing decision. Open, honest, and down to earth advice and guidance is a must for a new market.

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

 If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at Seattle Relocation services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment! 

Seattle buyers: You might consider a short sale, but be prepared to wait and wait and wait. Not only will you not get an answer immediately when you put in an offer for a . . . → Read More: Seattle Real Estate: Short Sales In Seattle &The Seattle Suburbs…]]> Seattle real estate is in a buyer’s market, but are you looking for a way to get into a Seattle house even cheaper?

Seattle buyers: You might consider a short sale, but be prepared to wait and wait and wait. Not only will you not get an answer immediately when you put in an offer for a short sale, you will more than likely have to wait for weeks and weeks.  The bank is in no hurry to sell you this house for $50,000 or more under market, and they also like to drag their feet to wait for a better offer.  If you want the deal, you have to be very patient and understand what you are getting in to.

What is a short sale?

Simple Short Sale Definition:  A Short sale is when the seller owes more than the house can be sold for in the current market, so the bank has to agree to write off the difference and sell the house for less than they are owed.. Coming up with an acceptable price for the bank when they are losing money on a loan can be tricky and requires someone who is willing to go to bat for both parties – the buyer who wants to get a good deal and the seller who wants to get out of a loan without a foreclosure on their record. It is also in the bank’s best interest because they want to save on the time and money it would talk to foreclose on a property that is in arrears.

The problem? 

 There are no guarantees that just because a house is listed for a certain price that it will sell for that price or even close to it.  The listing agents list these short sale homes as “subject to lien holder approval” in the agent only remarks.  I strongly think that this lingo should also be put in the public comments so that a prospective buyer is well aware that the price is not a definite and that even the sale is not a definite until a lien holder approves of it. In fact, in most cases if you put in a full price offer, the bank will likely counter back at a higher price than the property is listed at! Doesn’t seem fair does it? There is a difference between an approved short sale and a short sale. With an approved at least there is some guarantee of price range, but the fact of the matter is that most short sales listed are not approved short sales. It is just too difficult to get a bank to pin down a number without an offer in front of them!

Good news!

The good news is that a Seattle short sale can work out for all parties involved and benefit all! Make sure you are working with someone that knows how to do a short sale! Search for Seattle Short Sales.

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property realestate (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park) & other Seatle neighborhoods, Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

This is how our parents and grandparents bought a house, and now having a down payment is a must when it comes to qualifying for a good loan! But where to find the money? Well, the first thing you should do is talk to a good Seattle lender – find out if . . . → Read More: Seattle Real Estate: Penny Pinching Tips On Saving For A Down Payment]]> Seattle, down payments are back!

This is how our parents and grandparents bought a house, and now having a down payment is a must when it comes to qualifying for a good loan! But where to find the money? Well, the first thing you should do is talk to a good Seattle lender – find out if you qualify for a house based on your credit and how much you can afford. The lender will also tell you how much of a down payment you will need. This will give you a good goal number. Make sure to consider closing costs which can run anywhere from $4000 to $10000 in some cases depending on your loan. In this market, I have been successful at getting the sellers to pay for the closing costs most of the time. If money is tight, then tell your agent you want the seller to pay closing costs and focus on your down payment amount.

It is amazing how the little things add up! Obviously cut back on travel, credit card interest, etc., but what about these? Look everywhere in your life and you will be surprised at how fast you can save the money…

Here are some ways to trim out money: Over $10,000 in only a year and in most cases!

1. Cut the lattes – better for the environment anyway with all those cups that get used. Go back to the free office coffee or make coffee at home. Even buying a home espresso machine is better than going out every day. In most cases these drinks are well over $3.00 each, but even at $3.00 x 7 = $21/week x 52 = $1092/yr.
2. Cut out the Restaurant eating. It is not as healthy as cooking whole foods anyway. Let’s just say one night out/week at $30 x 52 = $1560/yr A note on this is that I have never seen a tab be that cheap at a restaurant, but for illustration purpose, this money adds up fast!
3. Brown Bag it to work – Wow this is huge – Yes those lunch breaks can be the highlight of the day, but $5 – $10/day adds up! $5 x 5= $25/week x 52 = $1300/yr and that is on the cheap side as we all know.
4. Cut the soda – Bad for you anyway. I lost 16 pounds in a few months simply by dropping soda – Diet Cokes. When you do stop in at a drive thru or anywhere else and order a soda, it adds a huge percentage to the bill. Most places charge well over a dollar for a soda and in many cases closer to two dollars! $1.50 x 7= $10.50 x 52 = $546
5. Meal planning before grocery shopping -
   This is also huge! Plan your meal for the week. Making meals like spaghetti and burritos can save a lot of money through the week and also be great items for taking for lunches at work. Also – don’t shop while you are hungry! $600/yr minimum
6. Use the library – Stop buying books and CDs ($20/mo x 12 = $240/yr) – Libraries these days carry it all! Don’t order any more magazines or newspapers ($20 – $100/yr) and stop renting DVDs ($200 – $400/yr). Many library systems even have online ordering systems where you can order the movie you want much like Netflix. Total savings: at least $500/yr
7. Watch movies at home -
   Those movie theatre tickets have gotten pricey and don’t even get me started on the food! When did we decide that it was okay to let them charge us $5 for a soda???? Why not pop some popcorn and watch a library rental at home? Even if you only go twice a month, those visits can add up! $30/visit x 2 = $60 x 12 = $720
8. Dry Cleaning – Reduce it by wearing things at least twice or wearing no dry cleaned items. It is bad for the environment, expensive, and I can’t figure out why they won’t recycle or reused those darned wire hangers!!!! $20-$30/week $20 x 52 = $1040
9. Beauty – What about hair cuts and nail appointments? Why not skip a hair cut every other time or draw them out by one more week? Doing your own nails could also add tons of savings! Go for lower maintenance hair and nails so that there is no need for root touch ups or nail fills. $600/yr minimum savings
10. Outside Services for home-
    Housekeeping, lawn maintenance or care, window washing, bottled water, etc. can really add up, but cutting them out is big savings. $1000/yr minimum and a lot more in most cases.
11. Be more energy efficient - Switch to florescent bulbs, turn off lights, turn the heat down, and start seeing the benefits of reduced use. $500/yr minimum savings.
12. Cut your wardrobe budget – Most people have too many clothes in their closet already – I know I have some that collect dust! Why not dig out some of those oldies in a closet archeological expedition? Easily $500 in savings a year and probably over $1000 in some cases. $500/yr minimum savings
    
13. Cut out the gym – start a walking campaign and invest in a few free weights – this can save a minimum of $30/mo x 12 = $360
    
14. Wash your own car – Even at twice a month, those car washes add up! They range easily from $10 – $20! $10 x 2 = $20/month x 12 = $240/yr
    

There you go! Over ten thousand dollars in savings with a few changes and tweaks in lifestyle habits. I bet you can think of more! The $10k will be worth it!

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

The suburb of Green Lake became part of the city and in 1903 the city approved a park development plan from . . . → Read More: Green Lake Neighborhood Used to Be A Seattle Suburb, But Did You Know This?]]> Seattle neighborhood Green Lake used to be a suburb only connected to the city by trolley – its true! Green Lake is a fabulous neighborhood in Seattle, but here is something you might not have known:

The suburb of Green Lake became part of the city and in 1903 the city approved a park development plan from the Olmstead Brothers which included a lovely public park around Green Lake. So far you are bored and wondering where I am going with this because obviously there is a park around Green Lake that we all love and use as often as possible, right?

This is the amazing part: By the time Olmsted decided to design the park around Green Lake, the real estate developments had already been built down to the water’s edge! You know what Olmsted did so that we could have the park we have today?

In 1911 he decided to have Green Lake lowered.

He had the lake lowered and gained 100 acres of dry land for the park that we know today! Can you believe it? Can you imagine if you were a waterfront property owner at the time? What if he hadn’t? Can you imagine Green Lake without the park around it?

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Green Lake (Greenlake), Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

Different ways to purchase real estate and . . . → Read More: Seattle Real Estate: Housing Choices out there are Astounding!]]> I absolutely love Seattle real estate – moving to Seattle is one of the best choices a buyer can make! Although the Seattle real estate market has softened up a bit, the Puget Sound in general has so much going for it to make it an obvious choice for relocation.

Different ways to purchase real estate and live in Seattle Neighborhoods & Seattle Suburbs:

Look for Built Green options out there – both in remodeled existing homes and also new construction.

Condos & Co-ops – Besides downtown, there are also many options through out Seattle neighborhoods and many condo complexes can also be found in surrounding suburbs.

Townhouses – Seattle townhouses are what I consider the current solution to bigger square footage on a smaller footprint – in the sixties and seventies a lot of split level homes were built because they were so economical and offered more square footage for less money. Townhouses are the new split level as far as economy goes, but styling has come a long way in three decades and Seattle townhomes offer stylish living and more square footage than condos in most cases. Check out different townhouse builders in Seattle and look at the finish work they offer. Little details in a townhouse makes a huge difference!

Lofts – Loft living in Seattle is a thing of beauty. Pioneer Square in particular has some of the most amazing lofts – old one hundred year old buildings that have been split up into condo lofts have soaring ceilings, gorgeous wood beams, and giant windows to look out on to the city. In addition, the roof top access can provide some of the best views of the areas. Storage and parking is at a premium, so look for buildings that offer both!

Houseboats – I love houseboats! I think there is nothing better than having a dock right outside your door and the lack of yard work to me is very appealing! Houseboats come in all different sizes and shapes – Houseboats at the end of the dock cost more because they have unobstructed views. Houseboats can be on docks that own the submerged land under them or on leased land. The type of ownership affects the price as well. There are CC&Rs and neighbors are in close proximity.

Houses – Houses come in all shapes and sizes and also in all ages – you can buy an in city Seattle oldie or a sprawling Seattle suburb house – Prices will vary and it is important to make a buyers check list as to what you are looking for!

Seattle has so many great choices and now that sellers are willing to negotiate, there are some great buys out there for the March 2008 Seattle real estate market.

This magazine provides amazingly detailed information for all things for your Seattle area dog in Puget Sound! I find myself in awe at just how many dog friendly events happen in Seattle and I wouldn’t know about them without this magazine! Yes, it is true! Seattle based CityDog also puts . . . → Read More: CityDog Art Walk in Seattle – Don’t miss it!]]> CityDog Magazine is Seattle’s premiere dog magazine!

This magazine provides amazingly detailed information for all things for your Seattle area dog in Puget Sound! I find myself in awe at just how many dog friendly events happen in Seattle and I wouldn’t know about them without this magazine! Yes, it is true! Seattle based CityDog also puts on some amazing events and the Puppy Love Mutt Mixer this Feb was no exception! I heard it first hand that this year’s event was wildly popular with the puppies! Seattle residents are lucky to have such a creative dog lover running this fabulous mag! Here is what CityDog has planned for March (straight from the invite):

Seattle’s Pioneer Square is Going to the Dogs!

WHO
CityDog Magazine, you and your furry, four-legged art lover.

WHAT
Join CityDog Magazine and the Pioneer Square Community Association for the first-ever dog friendly art walk as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square.Be sure to check out the CityDog-hosted, one-night-only art exhibit showcasing the fabulous works of some of Seattle’s finest dog photographers and artists all under one roof!

Photographer extraordinaire Amy Soper of Dane & Dane Photography will be on hand to snap portraits of your own furry friend (available for purchase) and Pioneer Square’s own Dry Soda will be there with refreshing samples of their gourmet sodas.

WHEN
March 6, 2008, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE
Seattle’s Pioneer Square on the corner of S. Washington & Occidental
(at the old Fenix; enter through the atrium on Occidental Square)
Click here to view map

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS

• Bev Sparks, B Sparks Photography
• Emily Rieman, Best Friend Photography
• J. Nichole Smith, Dane & Dane Photography
• Jenifer Flynn, Four Legs Photography
• Jamie Pflughoeft, Decopaw Design
• Jennifer Sellers, Artist
• Shai Steiner, Animals In Primary
• Angela Ketelhut, Art by Angie

This dog friendly event is one-night-only, so don’t miss this chance to mingle with fellow dog lovers and visit with the photographers and artists who specialize solely in the art of the four legged. Each will be on hand to discuss and share their wonderful works of fine art and photography with you. Then, look for the “CityDog Friendly” sign at other participating, dog friendly galleries as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square.

RSVP rsvp@citydogmagazine.com

Party Animal Rules: Dogs must remain on-leash and be under your control at all times. Dogs (and people for that matter) must also play well with others. Thank you for your understanding!

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Want info on Green Seattle topics?

Seattle Built Green Info , Seattle Green Remodeling , Seattle Going Green Guide, Going Green in the Seattle Suburbs

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs!

 If you are thinking of relocating to Seattle, I am an expert at Seattle Relocation services and can help you find the perfect home while making sure it is a solid financial investment!

Being more green can save you money on top of being good for Seattle! I have a lot of good ideas about living green in the Puget Sound, but I know . . . → Read More: Seattle Real Estate Going Green – Green Guide For Seattle Neighborhoods & Seattle Suburbs]]> Whether you are in city in a Seattle neighborhood, or in the Seattle suburbs, here is your guide to all things about being green in Seattle!

Being more green can save you money on top of being good for Seattle! I have a lot of good ideas about living green in the Puget Sound, but I know that I got many of them from my friends, family, and clients. I can recall on many occasions exactly where some of these ideas were stolen from. For instance, I know for a fact that I should be bringing my own take out containers to restaurants that I frequent thanks to S&E.

?????S&E’s take out container idea: One day we went to lunch with S&E and after the meal they whipped old containers straight out of their canvas bag and started passing them around the table for us to scrape our left overs into. At first I honestly thought that they were crazy, but I complied and took my left over Phad Thai home in an old washed up cream cheese tub. I started thinking about the Styrofoam take out containers from most of the Thai places that I have been to and realized that S&E had it right, although they looked a bit hippy doing it. We can have a big impact on the environment by following their lead. So five stars to S&E for this one – it can really add up! (BTW, S&E also drive a hybrid car, use florescent lighting, and walk to the local farmer’s market to buy their organic groceries. They are a very good example for me to aspire to.)

I sent out the following email to many friends and clients:

I am doing a series on Going Green in Seattle online – I would love your tips and advice to include if you have time.  My clients and friends have always been so “in the know” about these things and I strive to put that good advice to use!  If you get a minute, I would love your top five ways to go green so that I can include them in the series?

Here are some of the basics in my own home that we strive for:

• Recycle like crazy and reuse as much as possible (instead of recycling cardboard box use it to send something out). I honestly believe that recycling is the very basic thing that all earthlings should do. I was surprised to find while visiting another state that there are places that actually do not recycle their cans, bottles, paper, etc. To me this is such a foreign concept. Every household should recycle at the very least. Even hazardous waste should be disposed of properly and there are places that do this. Recently our yard waste containers are now able to have food scraps in them and that has seriously cut down on our garbage output – things like pizza boxes and paper napkins can go in there, but I also like the idea of composting in Seattle!Seattle recycling info, Seattle hazardous waste disposal info, King County Hazardous Waste info, Snohomish County Hazardous Waste info, Snohomish County recycling info
• Less usage
  Turn the lights off if you aren’t using them and don’t use them as often as you think you might need to. Purchase the more efficient florescent bulbs for all your lighting fixtures – these come in an array of forms now and they actually look good now. We have been replacing all of our canned lights with the canned version of fluorescence over the last year. It is making a difference already in our bill and energy use. The only thing with these is to make sure proper disposal occurs because of mercury content. The hazardous waste sites take them and properly dispose of them.
  Lower the thermostat a degree or two in the winter for increased savings. Raise it a few degrees in summer if you need to use an air conditioner. I also use my curtains to help control the temperature in the house. Shorter showers (showers instead of baths), rain water to water plants outside – Less toilet flushes, never leave faucet running, Energy efficient appliances, hanging clothing out to dry in summer and washing clothing less (wear it a couple times at least if it is still clean…)
• Less driving/more efficient cars I have a large family and need a bigger car, but I was still able to find a Flex Fuel version of the car. Driving a Hybrid makes a difference and I plan on purchasing a Hybrid car in the next year. In the mean time, I try to drive less and do more work over the computer. I am able to sign my clients electronically to save energy and also add convenience to them. I use the fax and internet more and more to save gas! I also clump my trips together so that I am doing a big circle errand and hitting all my stops at once rather than driving to each one individually. A little extra planning really helps cut down on wasteful driving time.
  
• No Toxins in the house!!!
  Toxins in the house eventually reach our groundwater and streams….
  No chemicals in the lawn: We used to have a lawns service keep our lawn nice and green and it occurred to me one day that they were saturating my property with poisons that my children walk on and my dogs play in. I now have a patchy at best lawn full of moss here and there and bits of clover, but it is not leaching toxins into the groundwater. I occasionally will go outside with a tip from my hubby’s grandmother. She said to spray the dandelions at the base of the plant with a bit of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It actually works like magic! They brown up in a couple days and go away for a while before I am out there with another spray bottle.No toxic cleaners…
  OK, I still have a few, but I am down to mostly Mrs. Meyers products and Method products. They work great, smell great, are better for the environment, and keep things tidy.

  No parabens – This one will probably make me look like a complete nut, but I do not allow products with parabens in my home AT ALL. No exceptions. Parabens are known to be endocrine disrupters and are found in just about everything – shampoos, lotions, make up, etc. – even found some in Huggie’s baby wipes! There have even been studies to suggest that they can cause breast cancer and low sperm count in men – just saying… So you rub the Body Shoppe Body Butter on your skin and shower it off into our water supply. Do some more research if you think I am off my rocker on this one, but I personally think parabens have a huge impact on our environmental health as well as our personal health. Products that I have found to be safe and paraben free: Oil Of Olay beauty fluid (just the basic stuff – I have seen parabens in their other products), Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shampoo, Burts Bees – all products I have seen so far!

• Eat local and organic food! If it is local then it didn’t cost a lot of energy to get here. If it is organic then less impact on the earth went into producing it – no pesticides! S (of the S&E take out idea above) recently sent me info on a pesticide study done on Mercer Island children… The study showed that the pesticides are definitely getting into our kids’ bodies, but that they quickly were rid of pesticides once they began eating organic foods only.
  

OK – On to some of the ideas from you guys so far (keep them coming by the way):

• Jen says her cloth baby diaper service is awesome and she also uses canvas grocery bags. Here is a link to a Seattle cloth baby diaper service. There are pros and cons, but each site is very informative.
• I noticed that Animal Care Center (one of the best vets in Seattle is Tracy Tomlinson) in Mountlake Terrace has some interesting posters up about Dog waste pollution and its impact on the environment. My friend recently mentioned buying or making a dog waste solution for her back yard.
• I got flush the toilet less from both Rob & M – I would also add that buying a low flow toilet or dual flush model could go a long way. I personally have to recommend the Toto brand
• Rob says cloth diapers, solar panels, fluorescent light bulbs and less toilet flushing. I also saw recently that REI among others are selling cool solar chargers for cell phones, etc.
• Kathi likes rain barrels and I have to get at least two! Here is some info on attaching a rain barrel to your gutter system in Seattle. There are tons of Seattle rain barrel sources!

Look for more in upcoming segments – and please comment! Let me know what your amazing eco-ideas are for Seattle!

Courtney Cooper ….For all your Seattle Washington Real Estate Needs! Seattle Area Real Estate Agent: Broker and Realtor serving North King & South Snohomish County.  Seattle Real Estate and Seattle Suburbs!  Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services:   Experienced REALTOR with a background in accounting – I love my clients and work hard for them! Please call me if you are looking for a home or investment property (including short sales, preforeclosures, foreclosures, and REO properties) in Seattle (Ballard, Crown Hill, Phinney, Ravenna, Maple Leaf, Greenlake, Greenwood, Northgate, Lake City,University, Sand Point, Laurelhurst, Windermere, Fremont, Wallingford, Queen Anne, Westlake, Eastlake, Lake Union, Downtown, Madison Park), Shoreline, Edmonds, Brier, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Mill Creek, Everett, or other Seattle Suburbs

Here is the . . . → Read More: Seattle Residents: CityDog Knows You Love Your Dog!]]>   CityDog Magazine is Seattle’s premiere dog magazine. This magazine provides amazingly detailed information for all things dog and Puget Sound! I find myself in awe at just how many dog friendly events happen in our great city and I wouldn’t know about them without this magazine!Seattle based CityDog also puts on some swanky events!

Here is the invite for their upcoming get together:

CityDog Puppy Love MuttMixer! WHO CityDog Magazine, you and the furry, four-legged love of your life. WHAT Join CityDog Magazine and fellow dog lovers to mix and mingle, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails. Are you single? Even better! Puppy love will be in the air, so who knows…you might just meet that special two-legged someone to add to your pack. Photographer extraordinaire J. Nichole Smith of Dane & Dane Photography will be on hand to snap portraits of your furry friend (available for purchase). WHEN Wednesday, February 13, 06:00 PM – 08:00 PM WHERE W Seattle, W Bar and Living Room 1112 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 Click here for directions WHY Why for the love of dog, of course! RSVP rsvp@citydogmagazine.com Party Animal Rules: Dogs must remain on-leash and be under your control at all times. Dogs (and people for that matter) must also play well with others. Thank you for your understanding!