Our Favorite little city of Federal Way, WA is sandwiched between Seattle and Tacoma along the I-5 corridor with Mt. Rainier to the east and Puget Sound to the west. We are home to Weyerhaeuser, TOTE, World Vision and DeVry University. We have fun filled Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, a Six Flags theme park. Ideally located, the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, the technology gateway and Bellevue, and Sea-Tac Airport are located within a 30 minute drive from us. We are the land of lakes where wonderful neighborhoods and community parks have been established. Not to mention our extensive trail system including the BPA trail around Celebration Park and more. Being in the middle isn't so bad considering "it's all within reach."

Is It Spring Yet. . . Dash Point State Park in Federal Way, WA

March 10th, 2008
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As I hear the rain return tonight as we end a bit of a sunny streak I am reminded that spring is just around the corner.  Oh, yes, Spring!  A time to breathe.   Time for some new adventures, walking boardwalks and beaches.  What a better place to start then a beautiful park.  For your information we have our very own State Park, here, in Federal Way.  With trees, beach (that means water) and picnic areas.  It may not be summertime but these pictures give you a glimpse as we break into Spring!

The Green is starting to show through.  Welcome, Please come on In - Spring.

These last few days has made SNOW - a very distant memory!

February 19th, 2008
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Sunny weather vs. Stormy weather.

It may have been pretty here in Hill Creek and Regency Woods when the snow hit Federal Way,  but I choose SUN!

Marine Hills - a neighborhood with views of the water in Federal Way!

February 16th, 2008
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As you may have noticed, you have all types and styles of homes in this lovely neighborhood.  It is peaceful and quite appealing.  The drive on this beautiful sunny day kept me wanting more.  Just another perk of living in Federal Way, Washington.

Let Go of Buyer Fear. . . Or Don’t Believe All the National Gloom!

February 13th, 2008
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I wanted to include this information from an email I received from our broker so as to spread the word that the buyers here in the Seattle area can let go of some of their fear.   

A special Broker meeting for SKCAR was held a few days ago. It was to start the celebration for the 100 year SKCAR Anniversary and for us to hear from the Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun.  His presentation was similar to the one Mathew Gardner gave us a few weeks ago, but with more comparisons to the national economy.  The bottom line, once again, was that the media is the problem as the real estate picture is not near as bad as it is portrayed and especially the
Seattle market is just fine!  The national average is up about 50% over the last 5 years and only down about 1.5% in the last year.  So, would any other industry, money fund or anything on earth be upset with that type of return?

It was interesting to find out that an often quoted professor,Robert Shiller (Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20 city home priceindex), who is responsible for many news media articles that the real estate is melting down, also is the same person with a hedge fund that is banking on a down market!  NAR is publicizing this little fact so as to properly discredit that organization and person.  This is just another example of hugely biased reporting. Case-Shiller not only uses a limited number of cities to compile their data, but for the most part they are in areas that have had more volatile markets such as California, Florida and Arizona.  When you read articles keep this in mind.   Mr. Yun said, in this area we have absolutely no negative indicators for any type of housing recession.  The only factor affecting us is buyer fear.

Thank you Wayne and Debra.

Remember the Sunny Days Before the Storm. . .

February 11th, 2008
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Well, I captured this little view of Mt. Rainier from the Crossings plaza.

It is amazing how much “The Crossings” has changed since the summer time.  Alot of great stores have made their way here.  One that caught my attention was “honestjohn” computer services.  They may come in handy, especially if you are one of many who got hit with some of the latest computer viruses during the holidays.

I have not been in here yet but Massage Envy definitely caught my attention.  Both stores are located by the LA Fitness.

But it was Mt. Rainier that caught most of my attention that day.  It really looked beautiful from The Crossings.

Federal Way does have some interesting views!

Federal Way Real Estate Market Survey - Condominiums January 2008

February 9th, 2008
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Number of condominiums that sold in Federal Way last month.  Residential Homes seem to be doing better than condo sales.

The number of condominiums that were added to the Real Estate market for January.

And the number of active Condominium listings in our local MLS. You are welcome to visit my MLS home search. The links are above.

Federal Way Real Estate Market Survey - Residential January 08

February 7th, 2008
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Number of homes that sold in Federal Way last month. It looks like the local real estate agents have been busier than projected. The number of homes sold is up and the days on market are shorter.

Number of homes for sale that came on the market. Again the Realtors have been busy, the number is big for Federal Way. the assortment of homes for sale might please home buyers, especially in the $250,000 to $500,000 bracket.

Number of active residential listings in our local MLS. You are welcome to visit my MLS home search. The links are above.

Further interpretation - I leave to you.

There Are 0 Down Loan Programs

January 22nd, 2008
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I had to pass on this information I read from Issaquahundressed.com.  I think it will give some of us a little education and maybe some hope for whatever your situation is.

“Recently I received a comment implying one had to put 20% down to obtain a mortgage now. That is incorrect. O down programs are still availabe and FHA 3% down is important.

Mark Clawson who is licensed with our company in Washington and has run from the rain to Nevada writes on Las Vegas Undressed about a Fannie-Mae 100% program.

Here he describes detail to MyCommunityMortgage.

There are a lot of common sense programs if you can prove your income and have decent credit.”

Thank you Larry.

Come Out, Come Out, Where ever You Are. . . It’s A Sunshiney Day!!!

January 21st, 2008
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If you have been doing this, hiding away waiting for a better day. . .

It’s time to come out and play.

It was a beautiful day today for the Seattle area, Federal Way included.  People had places to go, people to see and things to do and it was just great!

So, in all your wonderings be sure to stop by those open houses when you see them.  Agents who take the time to do them during this colder time of year are really trying to help their clients get their property seen by YOU.  And they are usually a little more layed back.  And Buyers, if you are serious the Sellers are serious, too.

Things are getting better!  And it’s time to make a decision if you have been waiting to buy.

Good Luck!

Don’t Be Deceived By Its Location. . . Marino Salon and Spa Is As Tranquil As Can Be!

January 15th, 2008
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Located off of Pacific Highway and 312th this lovely Salon is more than a business.  It really is about the customer and adding to their comforts.  Everyone is friendly and professional and very good at answering your most delicate questions.  They do it all here.  Hair, makeup, waxing, massage and so much more.  But it’s their people that will set you at ease.  James and Veronika are the owners and they pay attention. . . to YOU!

Here’s the information:  1305 South 312th, Suite 202, Federal Way, WA  98003,  253.946.2000

www.marinosalonandspa.com

So, if you are going on vacation or just want to pretend to go on one, this is the place.  If you have been wanting to try, say, a brazilian this is on par to going to downtown Seattle.  There is that kind of trust between them and their clients.  Feel Good Relaxing!