Green Spaces Real Estate

Pacific Northwest Life and Living: Pocket parks and open spaces ~ OLAs and other pet places ~ Real estate and home graces

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Life's a permanent vacation with these views and surrounding habitat

I had an interesting experience that just goes to prove how much the internet has changed our lives. I received an email from someone who needed help selling their home - in Waldport, Oregon.

Main picIt was unusual because I am not licensed to sell real estate in Oregon and don't market myself there. And I happen to have family by marriage in the same town, my husband's grandparents used to live in nearby Yachatz.

I was contacted because of previous posts regarding the hummingbirds we've been feeding this year and also the creation of our backyard habitat at our first home.

The people who contacted me host the coastal hummingbird migration and have an extensive web site and video of this amazing display of natural instinct.

For several reasons they found themselves having to move, so I agreed to help them find a team of professionals who would be able to help them. I checked with my family in Waldport to see if they could recommend anyone, no luck there. So I started researching online biographies of regional firms and found two people who have worked together and agreed to team up to help this family market their property. I call it "The J Team" since the agents are Joni and Joanna and one of the owner's names is Jorrie.

The property is now listed for sale and there is a great photo tour available. I have their permission to recreate their information here and also there will be a short slide show available through a postlets.com listing.

223 E Darkey Creek Rd., Waldport, OR 97394
List #09-1482
Listing Member: Joanna Flippin
Office: (541) 563.5200 ext. 204
Co-listing Agent: JoAnne Biron of EMERALD COAST REALTY - WALDPORT

''Birders'' will reverently flock to this enchanting RIVERVIEW home on 2.14 acres high above the Alsea River! This gorgeous 3 Bdrm./2 bath. home is a ''Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat'', and features MANY upgrades including granite countertops, cherry cabinets, appliances, generator, A Viking gas range, 2 wood stoves, an infrared sauna, daylight basement, detached shop, and so much more!!

4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, sauna, large laundry room. Detached garage, extensive gardens. River and mountain views. Over 2 acres of privacy on the Oregon coast.

FlexMLS #09-1482 Asking price: $425,000

This is a VERY special home and property. Check out ''www.birdsamore.com'', to truly understand the mission of this unique listing! If you have a passion for migrating hummingbirds, and can appreciate a stunning home w/ acreage that is Paradise, call today for a showing!

Driveway pic

Bird bath

Garden path

Garden tub

River view Detached garage

Water feature

Water feature 2

Backyard habitat sign

Interior photos:

Dining-Great Room

Dining room

Kitchen

Master bdrm

Sauna

If you would like more information you can contact the listing agents above, or drop me an email and I will help facilitate your connection.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

If you live in a Built Green home, are fascinated by real estate, work in the industry, or just love STATS, then read on.

GreenWorks Realty (GWR) has just compiled an updated Environmental Certification Report comparing sales of traditional homes to homes possessing green certification through programs such as Built Green, Northwest Energy Star, and LEED for Homes. Some really cool charts and other good information. Please let me know if you would like clarification on any of this informaiton.

GreenWorks hand-picks a selection of green properties for sale in Seattle neighborhoods on its web site. Not all areas are represented - I can customize a search for you.

STAY TUNED: GWR will soon be launching a new search page that will enable users to search for *only* green homes on their own without needing the assistance of an agent who can only access the "green check boxes" as a secondary search function. Innovation is a hallmark of GWRs business practices and this new functionality is expected to go live in the next couple of weeks.

TODAY Saturday, June 27th is the annual Greenwood Car Show and I opened the office around 9:30. I'm here until noon but one of my colleagues will be keeping the office open until 4 pm. We got the cool ALIEN Jett Rocket vehicle out in front of our building - this picture was taken at about 9:40am.

Greenwood Avenue is closed from 70th to 87th but parking is available on nearby side streets.

Please let me know how I may assist you

Wendy Hughes-Jelen
Designated Built GreenR Professional: Real Estate Agent
Voice/Fax 206.686.HOME (4663)
Follow me on Twitter ~ @GreenSpacesRE

My team is at GreenWorks Realty, LLC
"Improving environmental performance and community in real estate"
Serving all of Washington, but located at: 7406 Greenwood Avenue North / Seattle, WA 98103

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Fab cottage goes beyond chic

13541 Meridian Avenue North / Seattle, WA 98133
OPEN SUNDAY 6/28 1-4 PM

Hundreds of Homes Open Their Doors This Weekend!

Ever drive by a home and wonder what it looks like on the inside? You see the glow in the windows and wonder what it would be like to live there. Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms for your family? Would your dinner table fit in the dining room where your family huddles safe and warm every Thanksgiving? Perhaps your kids need a place to play, the family grill master a place to grill.

Hundreds of homes will be throwing their doors open here in King County the weekend of June 27-28. Please stop by some of the nearly 500 Open Houses that will be held part of the very first “State-wide Open House” in Washington.

As a real estate professional who first began serving our communities in 1999 I can tell you I have never seen conditions better to go shopping for a home. The interest rates are lower than I have ever seen; there are more homes to choose from and at lower prices. On top of that there is an $8,000 tax credit from the federal government available for certain buyers who haven’t owned a home in the last three years.

Just take a drive Saturday or Sunday and stop in and take a look a around. No pressure, just stroll through and look. I personally will be holding an Open House in the Haller Lake neighborhood of central north Seattle at 13541 Meridian Avenue North on Sunday from 1-4 PM.

Real estate professionals are working together all over Washington to bring you the biggest open house weekend ever. Agents in our communities care about the quality of life here. I can tell you from first hand knowledge that they are concerned about good schools and safe neighborhoods and getting their clients into a home their clients’ love. They are your neighbors, they live and work here too and they probably know our neighborhoods better than anyone.

Stop by an open house either Saturday, June 27 or Sunday, June 28. In fact, you can give me a call at 206.686.HOME to find out if there is an open house in the neighborhood where you want to live. I can email you a list and at your leisure, you can go shopping for your dream home and at least get some free advice!

See you June 27-28 at the King County-wide Open House!

Sustainable Industries Announces 2009 Top 10 Green Building Products Award Winners

I was on the live webinar this morning announcing top new cutting edge products! What caught my eye? Look for the "rain tube" info below, and also the 20 year old SolaTube that is now being used for commercial purposes. ~ Wendy

SAN FRANCISCO - Award-winning business magazine Sustainable Industries today announced the release of its 2009 Top 10 Green Building Products guide, the annual publication profiling industry-leading green building products selected by a panel of expert judges and the Sustainable Industries editorial team. This year's Top 10 Green Building Products guide received more nominations than anytime over the last 4 years.

Top 10 Green Building Product winners were selected based on their environmental performance, scalability/market impact, innovativeness, design aesthetic, value and compatibility with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. Profiled in the guide with accompanying 3-D images, the winners were announced today in a Sustainable Industries Webinar featuring judges from our expert panel who addressed attendees' questions about the pros and cons of the latest green building innovations. The 2009 Top 10 Green Building Products guide is emailed in advance to Sustainable Industries subscribers, is available for free online at and is also included within the July 2009 Clean Energy issue of Sustainable Industries.

"In the four years Sustainable Industries has produced this trusted and popular independent guide, green building has advanced to the mainstream," says Brian Back, Founding Editor & Publisher of Sustainable Industries. "We're confident the Top 10 Green Building Products guide provides a unique snapshot of some of the most innovative building materials on the market today."

The 2009 Top 10 Green Building Products guide is sponsored by New Home Inc.


About Sustainable Industries
Sustainable Industries is an independent, award-winning business magazine, web site, event and media company serving top-of-the-pyramid sustainable business leaders on the West Coast and beyond. With offices in San Francisco, Portland and Seattle, Sustainable Industries connects the dots between the environmental and social components of the region's economy, just as it connects the dots between leading sectors, to raise the stakes in a working definition of sustainable industries. For more information, visit www.sustainableindustries.com

Contact: Brian Back, Publisherbrian@sustainableindustries.com(415) 762-3942


The 2009 Top 10 Green Building Product winners are:

Acadia Combined Heating and Cooling System
Made by Hallowell International
(http://www.gotohallowell.com/)
The Acadia is not just another heating and cooling system. It maintains 200 percent efficiency even when outdoor temperatures drop well below zero. When heating oil prices were sky high, Acadia users were saving up to 70 percent in energy costs.

ec-H20
Made by Tennant Co.
http://www.tennantco.com/)
Requiring no chemicals, ec-H2O uses tap water to clean most any surface of most any substance. Each machine reduces water usage by 70 to 80 percent, and the potential of 245 million gallons of water each year if it were installed in all new floor-cleaning machines.

InSpire Wall
Made by ATAS International
(http://www.atas.com/)
This simple, elegant technology essentially uses the power of the sun to heat outdoor air before sending it indoors, thereby slashing energy use while boosting indoor air quality. Depending on what kind of heating fuel is being replaced, this product can reduce heating costs by up to $5 for each square foot of InSpire Wall installed.

kama EEBS Structural Systems
Made by kama Energy Efficient Building Systems Inc.
(http://www.kama-eebs.com/)
kama EEBS Structural Systems integrate a light gauge metal stud framing system with expanded polystyrene insulation in a proprietary design that eliminates thermal bridging and helps to create a tight, energy-efficient building envelope.

PlybooPure Bamboo Plywood
Made by Smith & Fong Co.
(http://www.plyboo.com/)
Because it's technically a grass, bamboo had not previously been eligible for FSC certification. But in January 2008, after two years of lobbying, Smith & Fong achieved this first that propelled it to recognition on this year's Top 10 list.

RainTube
Made by GLI Systems Inc.
(http://www.raintube.com/)
This product received more Top 10 nominations than any other product this year. RainTube is a rain gutter filter made of 100 percent post-consumer high-density polyethylene - old milk jugs, in other words. This product is also Cradle to Cradle-certified, meaning that GLI Systems Inc had to develop a Post-Use Recovery Plan that goes out with every product.

Separett Villa
Made by Separett
www.ecovita.net/villa)
This urine-diverting composting toilet - which is 100 percent PVC fee - uses no water and keeps solids separate from liquids, reducing odor and making it possible to reuse waste and urine for composting and fertilizing. The Separett Villa can be deployed where no plumbing exists, allowing for a greater reach of the technology.

Serious Windows
Made by Serious Materials
(http://www.seriouswindows.com/)
Serious Windows are so efficient they have the potential to allow for the elimination of a building's heating system, allowing waste heat from building appliances to serve as the main heat source in some applications. The windows have a full-frame R value of at least five and up to 11, which can cut a building's energy bills by up to 50 percent per month.

Solatube Daylighting Systems
Made by Solatube International
(http://www.solatube.com/)
This patented technology catches direct sunlight and redirects it down an adjustable-length tube, bringing daylight to parts of buildings that would not otherwise have access to natural light. The Visa, Calif.-based company recently launched a product specifically designed for commercial applications, making it ideal for large-roofed warehouses and manufacturing facilities, as well as retail stores and schools - all places that have been shown to benefit from increased daylight, as daylight is linked to higher worker productivity, decreased absenteeism and better retail sales.

Your Old Light Fixture
Made by Eleek
(http://www.eleekinc.com/)
Eleek is the only business to make the Top 10 Green Building Products list all four years. Though not a product, Eleek's lighting restoration service speaks to the important concept of the re-use of existing goods. When Eleek restores a light fixture, every piece of a fixture is taken apart, repaired and restored to its original splendor. Its wiring is updated to comply with modern codes and standards and a new lamp base is installed so it works with energy-efficient lamps such as CFLs and LEDs.

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Friday, June 19, 2009

How buyers’ allergies may be affected when they tour your home

The "healthy green homes" movement is about more than a squiggly light bulb and energy efficiency. It is just as much about indoor air quality - something that is more important than many people realize.

There is a new column from Phoebe Chongchua in today's online Realty Times, "Selling Home May Be Influenced by What Buyers Can't See" which speaks of 60 million out of 300 Americans who have allergies or asthma and how they are affected when walking in to a home for sale.

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) affect people with allergies or asthma very strongly. If you are preparing your home for sale it is worth it to you to use paints, stains and carpeting that are "low" or "no VOC".

You don't want to eliminate 20% of the buying market one foot inside your front door, do you?

*****

Looking for more great advice on how to prepare your home for sale? Or do you have allergies or asthma and are looking for a home that doesn't make you miserable? Give me a call - as a Built Green certified real estate agent I have been trained to address your concerns and needs. I am licensed in Washington State and a member of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

The Good Guide

Thanks to this tip from my friend Katie, who thought The Good Guide was a good site for everyone to know about.

It is currently in beta, but with more people using it and contributing feedback, it could become a full-fledged master site!! They have a rating system and also a way for you to shop for the best prices.

About The Good Guide

What chemicals are in your baby shampoo?
Was sweatshop labor used to make your t-shirt?
What products are the best, and what products should you avoid?


Increasingly, you want to know about the impacts of the products you buy. On your health. On the environment. On society. But unless you’ve got a Ph.D, it is almost impossible to find out the impacts of the products you buy.


Until now…


GoodGuide provides the world's largest and most reliable source of information on the health, environmental, and social impacts of the products in your home.



Let them know how you like their site!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Neighborhood House Launches Solar Panel Challenge

Seattle — On June 21st, Neighborhood House will launch its Solar Panel Challenge — a campaign to raise $100,000 to build a second array of solar panels atop the High Point Neighborhood Center. The campaign launch will coincide with the summer solstice on Sunday the 21st, the longest day of the year, and will end with the fall equinox on September 22, 2009.


A second array will allow all the rooftop panels to meet 100 percent of the High Point Neighborhood Center’s average energy demand, making the building completely self-sufficient, independent from Seattle City Light and one of the very few energy-neutral structures in the state.


Electrical bill estimates for a building of this size are in the thousands of dollars per month. A second array would therefore translate into savings of $20,000 – $30,000 per year, critical funds that, instead of going to bills, will go to services and programs, light up Head Start and ESL classrooms, heat a Family and Teen Center and fuel a community kitchen.


The center is scheduled to open in the fall in West Seattle’s High Point neighborhood, and plans are already in place for an initial array of 256 solar panels comprising 6,000 square feet. This array alone will be the largest atop a building in the entire state of Washington.


Neighborhood House recently completed a $13 million capital campaign to construct the center — a LEED Gold certified building that will be home to critical social services as well as state-of-the-art environmental education programs aimed at the High Point community.


The second array of solar panels can be sponsored for $1,000 per panel. Contributions can be made in monthly installments, in someone’s honor, or as some have done by teaming together as a group. The total project budget for the second array is $200,000. The City of Seattle Community Facilities Loan Program is providing $100,000 in funding.


To take a tour of the High Point Neighborhood Center, please contact Alex Wang, Development Associate, at (206) 461-8430 x257 or alexw@nhwa.org.


About Neighborhood House:
Founded in 1906, Neighborhood House is an independent nonprofit that has helped generations of families overcome economic challenges through a comprehensive web of services. Our mission is to help diverse communities of people with limited resources attain their goals for self-sufficiency, health, financial independence and community building. Learn more at http://www.nhwa.org/.


###


Contact:
Ray Li
Director of Strategic Initiatives
(206) 461-8430 x260
rayl@nhwa.org
Find Neighborhood House online at www.nhwa.org

Monday, June 15, 2009

FREE recycling of your obsolete TV

Your TV might have become obsolete last Friday. In Washington state there is a free and safe way to recycle your old televisions — E-Cycle Washington. This producer-pays electronics recycling program is the result of a groundbreaking law that passed in 2006. In January, sites statewide started accepting old computers and televisions for recycling.

Reuse of older televisions is the least impact option for older TVs. If your TV goes dark, you can purchase a converter box, get cable, or donate it to a school or community group that can use it to show videos or dvds. However, if you opt to get rid of an older television, please recycle it safely.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

City Green Building eVENTS

J U N E eV E N T S
CITY OF SEATTLE, DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Introducing City Green Building eVENTS featuring opportunities to help make green building standard practice in Seattle. Transformational lectures, tours, classes and programs will be listed monthly.

June 13, 2009
SolarWorks! In Seattle: Introduction to Solar Electricity (PV)
How can solar work in a region known for its rainy days? How much does it cost? What kind of roof do I need? What incentives are available to help me keep costs down? How do I work with a contractor? This workshop will help answer these questions and others as we discuss the following topics related to solar electric (PV) technology: site assessment and system design, choosing a solar contractor, installing a system, state and federal incentives, as well as maintenance and operation of your system. Participants will walk away with the knowledge they need to begin investing wisely in solar electricity.
Target Audience: Residential customers with little or no solar background.Presented by Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development and Seattle City Light.
Online Registration required. Questions? call Seattle City Light's Conservation Help Line at 206-684-3800.
Take the bus, or more directions @Carkeek.

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Carkeek Environmental Learning Center
950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle FREE

June 16th RE-GENERATION SPEAKERS SERIES 09
Designing Green, Grown in Oregon
Robert Pena, Associate Professor Department of Architecture University of Washington
Laura Hafermann, AIA Principal Patano + Hafermannn
John S. Reynolds, F.A.I.A. Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture Distinguished Professor, Emeritus, University of Oregon

4:00 - 6:00
Integrated Design Lab
100 NE Northlake Way, Seattle
Details and registration at www.asidwa.org

June 23, 2009
GREEN SHORELINES WORKSHOPS
Voluntary Approaches To Healthier Lakeshores
A free workshop for Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish shoreline property owners at the Mercer Island Community Center. Landowners will learn about Green Shoreline techniques to enhance fish and wildlife habitat and improve aesthetic quality of lakeshores. There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on incentives to promote Green Shorelines. Techniques discussed include plantings, bulkhead removal, and partial or full beach restoration.
See City of Seattle's informative publication Green Shorelines.
More information about the workshop here.

5:30-6 p.m. meet & greet/light refreshments
6-8 p.m. workshop
Mercer Island Community Center at Mercer View
8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA
The workshop is free, but registration is required and space is limited.
To register, call or email Jeanne Fulcher at 425-649-4318, jful461@ecy.wa.gov, or register online.

June 25, 2009
SEATTLE TRANSFORMATIONAL LECTURE SERIES
Low Energy Buildings and Sustainable Communities: Designing for the Net Zero Economy
Guy Battle, Director of Battle McCarthy Ltd., is an environmental and building engineer known for his work in low energy sustainable buildings and urban environments. His consultancy engineering practice has worked on a vast range of projects and has an international reputation for its work in delivering cost effective eco-friendly buildings.
Cascadia Members, students, and City employees, free admission. Non-Members, $10. Registration required. See the flyer for more information.

5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Seattle Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium
1000 4th Ave, Seattle

June 25-27, 2009
PASSIVE HOUSING CONSULTANT TRAINING SERIES
Phase II: Envelope Design & Detailing, Mechanical Systems Design
Presentations cover envelope design principles and the mechanical systems design will alternate with practical exercises. The number of participants is limited to assure individual tutoring during the three-day session. Registration: $650 per Phase

Weekend workshop
Integrated Design Lab
400 E. Pine St., Suite 100, Seattle
More Information: Mike Kernagis at the Passive House Institute
(206) 325-9711 mkernagis@passivehouse.us

June 27, 2009
21 Acres Sustainable Farm Tour
Interested in learning more about growing and eating local food? Join EOS Alliance for a tour of 21 Acres Farm, an organic farm and non-profit, in Woodinville. As part of the King County Farmland Preservation Project, 21 Acres' mission is to cultivate, demonstrate, and advance systems that support sustainable agriculture. On the tour we'll learn about the major differences between large scale production farms and smaller sustainable farms, especially the differences in their environmental impacts. We will be carpooling to Woodinville from EOS Alliance's offices in Seattle. Please indicate on your registration form whether or not you wish to carpool.
Registration is $20 Please register in advance.
Car pool available — inquire with EOS Alliance.

10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
21 Acres Farm
13701 NE 171st Street, Woodinville, WA
Register at EOS Alliance

Friday, June 12, 2009

Seattle Built Green homes at bargain-basement prices

I thought it was time the High Point Resident Green Agent (self-titled...) gave an update as to the opportunity for home buyers to move in to the great neighborhood of High Point in West Seattle. We're coming up on our 2nd anniversary since our home purchase here and although we are sad to see some of our neighbors go, we always welcome new folks to the area with pleasure and look forward to the chance to make new friends.

You can View Listings of homes for sale right now and then call me if you have any questions. Refer to this link for photos related to my AWARD comments below.


The CUTEY-PATOOTIE award goes to NWMLS #29067916, an architecturely interesting and rare-to-buy 750 sq ft carriage home on 31st Avenue SW near Graham Street and the 4 acre Commons Park. How often do you find a place where the bathrooms outnumber the bedrooms? Great angled vaulted ceilings, gourmet kitchen, and private attached garage. There are only 4 homes like this in the High Point community. Unfortunately for my neighbor it is a short sale but that means it is reasonable priced at $285,000. This home is four star Built Green certified. (This photo is of homes on Cycle Court SW, not of the home I am mentioning, see link for actual photos).

The BARGAIN BASEMENT award goes to a generously sized 2 bedroom 2 bath one level suite on the 2nd floor of the 2980 Raymond building in the Polygon-built "Redwood High Point" condominium subassociation. NWMLS #28195527 came on market last December for $322,950, but through preforeclosure proceedings is now attractively priced at - wait for it - $249,500. This particular home has a ground level attached garage and covered deck with a view of Elliott Bay, the Space Needle and part of downtown Seattle. The home faces View Point Park. All electric heat (including the fireplace) and three star Built Green certified. I have a friend with the same floor plan in another building and I really like her place. Sometimes I envy her suite and wonder what possessed me to buy a three-story townhome. Then I remember it was because I wanted better buns (and honestly, more square footage)!

I love my neighborhood and although it pains me to see some people being faced with short sale situations - many of us are on the brink of this and can empathize - I AM happy to see homes for sale at prices that I believe first time home buyers can attain with all of the government assistance currently available. If you have any questions about High Point, West Seattle (lived here since 1997), green homes or real estate I welcome your emails or phone calls. I can be reached on my Accessline at 206.686.HOME (4663).

I will add one final comment that there is a home going up for real estate auction next Thursday at the corner fo 35th Avenue SW and SW Raymond Street, across from the High Point Library. It is not in the "redeveloped" High Point area but is considered a part of the larger neighbordhood. Unfortunately I do not have any information on it besides what my husband has garnered from the like TEN yellow "real estate auction" signs stuck all over the parking strip on both streets. Home becomes open for viewing at 8 AM on June 18th and the starting bid is $50,000. You should drive by if you know someone who might be interested - and they should consult their financial advisors and real estate attorneys or be experienced in real estate auctions.

I also market homes for sale if you know of someone who needs to put their home on the market.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

GWR site just bulked up with over 250 green real estate listings

I just uploaded over 250 current listings of environmentally certified homes and condos for sale in some Seattle neighborhoods. Right now there are more e-cert homes coming on market than traditional because green homes generally are new construction being completed and traditional homes are currently occupied and sometimes difficult to sell for the move-up buyer.

Please check out these active listings on the GreenWorks Realty web site. And call or email or tweet me if you would like more information!

Lecture 6/25 5:30pm Low Energy Buildings and Sustainable Communities: Designing for the Zero Carbon Economy

Guy Battle, Director, Battle McCarthy Ltd.
Low Energy Buildings and Sustainable Communities: Designing for the Net Zero Economy

Guy Battle is an environmental and building engineer known for his work in low energy sustainable buildings and urban environments. His consultancy engineering practice has worked on a vast range of projects and has an international reputation for its work in delivering cost effective eco-friendly buildings.


Thursday, June 25
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.; doors open at 5:00 p.m.
Seattle Central Library, Microsoft Auditorium
1000 Fourth Avenue
Cost: $10
Cascadia Members - please remember to bring your Cascadia passport in order to receive free admission!

No one will be denied entry based on ability to pay. Contact Angie Morgan (206) 223-2028 for scholarship opportunities.

The Transformational Lecture Series aims to inspire all building industry professionals to embrace their role in creating a sustainable built environment now, as well as ensuring that sustainability becomes integral to all development in the future.

Pre-register here

Green Commercial Case Study: Zoomazium at Woodland Park Zoo

The latest issue of the City of Seattle's Department of Planning and Development newsletter features a LEED Gold project here in Seattle, the Zoomazium at the Woodland Park Zoo.

According to the zoo web site,
The ZOOMAZIUM building was registered with the LEED program with a target of silver certification, the second level in the rating scale.The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Members of the U.S. Green Building Council representing all segments of the building industry developed LEED and continue to contribute to its evolution. In late 2006, ZOOMAZIUM received GOLD certification, the second highest level in the rating scale.

The building has a green roof (see photo), "natural ventilation" (see also the New Green Building Publication on Natural Ventilation), natural daylighting, energy conservation measures, is built using FSC-Certified wood, green solar screens, proper siting of the building so that large existing trees to the west provide sun screening for that side of the building, use of native landscaping techniques, and even special patterns on the glass to reduce the likelihood of birds hitting the windows.

Learn more about the design and purpose of this amazing building at the Zoomazium web site.

Congrats once again to Mithun for a great building design. You rock!!


P.S. This is my 400th post!!

Top 10 list of "indespensable" native plants

This comes from this weekend's Pacific Northwest in the Seattle Times online (Home and Garden email newsletter tipped me off).

Read Wildlife biologist Russell Link picks 10 native plants as his 'indispensables'

Wildlife biologist Russell Link chooses his list of top 10 indispensable plants for the Northwest — settling entirely on natives that have stood the test of time

by Valerie Easton (one of my favorite authors!!)
(I also own Russell Link's books)

Friday, June 5, 2009

"Inventory shrinking, sales rising, prices stabilizing in some Northwest MLS areas"

News from NW Multiple Listing Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2009 (updated June 5)

Inventory shrinking, sales rising, prices stabilizing in some Northwest MLS areas

KIRKLAND, WA, June 4, 2009 – Waiting longer to buy a home is not likely to pay off, according to Northwest Multiple Listing Service director Kathy Estey after reviewing reports summarizing May activity. Estey pointed to shrinking inventory (about 20 percent fewer listings than a year ago), double-digit increases in the number of pending sales (up 17.7 percent from a year ago), solid open house activity, and signs of stabilizing prices (eight of the 19 counties in the report show price gains since January) as indicators of an improving market.
Northwest MLS brokers notched 7,160 pending sales during May. That total out-gained the year-ago tally by 1,075 transactions (up 17.7 percent) and improved on April’s total by 242 sales for a 3.5 percent increase. For the four-county Puget Sound area, pending sales jumped 21.5 percent from a year ago, rising from 4,526 to 5,498 transactions.

Buyers had fewer choices during May than at this time a year ago. At month-end, member-brokers reported 41,318 active listings throughout the NWMLS service area. A year ago, there were 51,817 active listings. Current inventory includes 11,278 single family homes and condos that brokers added during May. For the same month a year ago, brokers added 14,176 new listings to inventory.

Estey, the managing broker at the Bellevue Downtown office of John L. Scott Real Estate, said affordable homes inventory is down to the levels of a normal market and reaching for a sellers’ market. “Multiple offers are common in the under $400,000 range when the home is priced well, shows nicely and is marketed professionally,” she remarked. “Buyers who are waiting for prices to come down more have missed the bottom,” Estey believes.

Close in markets are the most active, with rural areas still lagging, but Estey says there is now some activity where little to none had existed in the first quarter. She believes prices have adjusted and completed new construction is still a very attractive purchase. “Builder inventory is being absorbed and there are fewer incentives. In January builders were giving away the farm, by March it was only half the farm and now they may just give away a chicken or two in order to make the deal.”

Prices are showing signs of stabilizing, according to NWMLS data. Prices area-wide are down around 10 percent from twelve months ago, but a comparison to January shows price gains in eight of the 19 counties in the NWMLS report. System-wide, prices for single family homes and condominiums that closed last month are up about 2.6 percent since January. (See chart, page5.)

In King County, prices dipped about 12 percent from twelve months ago and have declined about 3.5 percent since January, but a closer look shows considerable variation within sub-areas. Prices in southeast King County fell 20 percent from a year ago, but since January are down only about 2.8 percent in north King County.

Condominium activity remains slow. Pending sales are down about 15 percent from a year ago. The median sales price of $240,000 is about 7.7 percent lower than a year ago. Condos in King County sold for a median price of $270,450 last month, which compares to the year-ago price of $287,925, a drop of about 6 percent).

Demand for high-priced homes is also tepid. According to Estey, there are “amazing opportunities for buyers with good credit scores and 25 percent down payment in the $900,000- plus marketplace.”

“What we’re currently seeing is real estate’s version of Back to the Future,” said J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott Real Estate. He believes the combination of historically low interest rates, adjusted lower prices, and the $8,000 tax credit has created advantageous conditions for buyers that haven’t been seen in decades. He noted sales in the four-county area continue to see double digit increases. “The more affordable markets are seeing a major boost which is leading to higher sales in the mid-priced markets and causing some increases in activity in the upper end,” Scott remarked.

While cheered by the more vigorous activity, brokers note short sales and foreclosures continue to be a drag on the market. Such properties, often sold at deep discounts, may take extraordinary time to close once there has been mutual acceptance of an offer.

NWMLS director Meribeth Hutchings, broker/owner of Windermere Real Estate/Lake Stevens Inc., said her office represents the buyer of a short sale that has been pending since October. The buyers who hope to purchase the home in Mukilteo have been very patient, but are becoming less so and are ready to move from the small apartment where they have been living with two large dogs. “Every time we think we are getting close, the lender changes what they want,” Hutchings stated.

Another NWMLS director, Pat Grimm, reported similar experiences with a short sale. “We just closed one in Montlake on May 28 -- after the parties to the transaction reached mutual acceptance on Feb. 10, said Grimm, the owner/broker at Windermere Real Estate/Capitol Hill. (NWMLS defines a short sale as a transaction 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.)

Tacoma broker Dick Beeson of Windermere/Commencement Associates said he has several agents deeply involved in handling short sales since Pierce County is so hard hit. He estimates around 25 percent of all properties for sale are either bank owned or short sale, and one of every three pending sales is one or the other.

“Short sales play a big role in what many buyers are looking for,” according to Beeson, who also noted these buyers often fail to realize the extraordinary length of time it takes to close a sale – generally twice as long as a conventional sale. “Many get discouraged after 60 or 90 days and withdraw from a sale, never having received notice form the underlying lender what they are willing to take for the property. Many properties end up going to foreclosure because of the inefficiency of the banks in providing answers to offers,” Beeson commented.

The recent uptick in pending sales, both locally and nationally, is a hopeful sign that we’re putting the worst of the market behind us, suggests Ron Sparks, managing vice president at Coldwell Banker Bain.

“As you would expect in a recovering market, not all neighborhoods are uniformly performing, and for home sellers particularly, there are plenty of challenges that remain.” However, he observed, “In many neighborhoods where just a few years ago broad affordability had all but vanished, lower prices, flexible terms and very low interest rates are pushing inventory absorption for single family homes to levels not seen since 2007.”

Sparks said multiple offers for the best listed properties are occurring everywhere, including Pierce and Snohomish counties. “Improving sales in one neighborhood helps dwindle inventory, and can push motivated buyers to search for homes in other neighborhoods. This process typically occurs before prices start to stabilize,” he explained.

Has that stabilization begun? “As my old Magic 8-Ball used to tell me: signs point to yes,” according to Sparks, who noted eight counties served by the NWMLS have seen price increases since January. “The sales volume in my Bellevue office is now roughly 10 times what it was in February, with expanded sales in almost every price category. Overall inventory levels have dropped substantially as well. Does this mean the optimal time for home buyers to take full advantage of favorable market conditions has passed? I’d probably defer that to the Magic 8 ball also…“Ask again later.”

Recent fluctuations in mortgage rates have brokers and buyers alike wondering if rates will escalate as inflation worries return.

“While rates now are wonderfully low, waiting has cost buyers. Loans recently available for 4.75% are now 5.25%,” according to broker Kathy Estey. On a $400,000 loan, that means the monthly payment rises from around $2,128 to about $2,253 – and increase of nearly $125. She believes it would be wise to act now for the best selection in the affordable homes. “Who knows if we will see rates of 5% or below again anytime soon,” she wonders.

Commenting on a recent report from the National Association of Realtors showing a third consecutive month of improving pending sales, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member brokers, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes approximately 28,000 brokers and agents. The organization, based in Kirkland, currently serves 19 counties in western and central Washington.

Going Green May Help Sell Your Home

It's not just my saying it - now Realty Times is telling you!

It's becoming the buzz word in housing -- "green" homes are what many buyers are interested in these days. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), as much as 90 percent of home buyers think that energy efficiency is a very important factor when shopping for a home.

Read Going Green May Help Sell Your Home

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The Bottom Line: "...lenders can now monetize the tax credit for use as additional down payment, or for other closing costs..."


News Release

HUD No. 09-072
Lemar Wooley
(202) 708-0685
www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm
For Release Friday May 29, 2009

----------

DONOVAN ANNOUNCES RECOVERY ACT'S HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT CAN IMMEDIATELY HELP THOUSANDS OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TO BUY A HOME
FHA plan will stimulate new home sales and help stabilize housing market

WASHINGTON - Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration's new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. Donovan said that today's action will help stabilize the nation's housing market by stimulating home sales across the country.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homebuyers a tax credit of up to $8,000 for purchasing their first home. Families can only access this credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS. Today's announcement details FHA's rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits to "monetize" up to the full amount of the tax credit (depending on the amount of the mortgage) so that borrowers can immediately apply the funds toward their down payments. Home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. To read the FHA's new mortgagee letter, visit HUD's website.

"We believe this is a real win for everyone," said Donovan. "Today, the Obama Administration is taking another important step toward accelerating the recovery of the nation's housing market. Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away. At the same time we are putting safeguards in place to ensure that consumers will be protected from unscrupulous lenders. What we're doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing."

Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to make a minimum 3.5 percent downpayment on the purchase of their home. Current law does not permit approved lenders to monetize the tax credit to meet the required 3.5 percent minimum down payment, but, under the terms of today's announcement, lenders can now monetize the tax credit for use as additional down payment, or for other closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. Buyers financing through state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their downpayments via secondary financing provided by the HFA or non-profit. In addition to the borrower's own cash investment, FHA allows parents, employers and other governmental entities to contribute towards the downpayment. Today's action permits the first-time homebuyer's anticipated tax credit under the Recovery Act to be applied toward the family's home purchase right away. Unlike seller-funded down-payment assistance, which was a vehicle for abuse, this program will allow homebuyers to shop for the best home price and services using their anticipated tax credit.

According to estimates by the National Association of Home Builders, the Administration's homebuyer tax credit will stimulate 160,000 home sales across the nation - 101,000 of which will be first-time buyers who will receive the credit. Another 59,000 existing homeowners will be able to buy another home because a first-time buyer purchased their home. Given FHA's current market share, it's estimated that thousands of families will be able to purchase a home by allowing the anticipated tax credit to be applied toward their purchase together with an FHA-insured mortgage.

Homebuyers should beware of mortgage scams and carefully compare benefits and costs when seeking out tax credit monetization services. Programs will vary from organization to organization and borrowers should consider whether the services make sense for them, as well as what company offers the most suitable and affordable option.

For every FHA borrower who is assisted through the tax credit program, FHA will collect the name and employer identification number of the organization providing the service as well as associated fees and charges. FHA will use this information to track the business closely and will refer any questionable practices to the appropriate regulatory agencies, as necessary.

###

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to sustaining homeownership; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

A Rammed-Earth Home in Napa Valley

Courtesy of Natural Home magazine online.



















"For his stunning rammed-earth home in Napa Valley, David Easton uses ancient tools and cutting-edge technology to create a back-to-the-future eco-haven. "My life's work is helping to reintroduce earthen materials to world architecture."
Read A Rammed-Earth Home in Napa Valley
One homeowner uses pisé de terre, a 2,000-year-old building method, to make his sustainable home.

Be sure to check out the complete photo gallery.

Originally published in 1999!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

No budget cuts in Seattle's summer programs for budding gardeners!

Provocative and politically motivated title above is mine...

PRESS RELEASE – Seattle Tilth Classes and Events
June 1, 2009
CONTACT: Liza Burke, (206) 633-0451 ext. 103
lizaburke@seattletilth.org


WHAT: Get Ready to Garden
WHEN: June 10, 6– 8 p.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Come out and learn how to get your garden ready for your summer crops. The Tilth gardeners will show you how to prepare your beds for planting, including adding fertilizer and compost. From there you will assist in planting seeds and starts and building garden trellises. Gardeners will leave equipped with the knowledge to get their gardens into shape and kick off a productive new garden season!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: 1,2,3 Grow a Garden
WHEN: June 13, 9-11a.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Homegrown organic veggies aren’t as hard to come by as you think. All you have to do is prepare your soil, plant the crops and maintain your plot. Join us for this two hour-long clinic and see how simple it is to start growing food in your sunny garden.
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Container Vegetable Gardening
WHEN: June 13, 10 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at Bradner Gardens Park in the Mt Baker neighborhood; 1733 Bradner Place S; Seattle 98144
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don't have a patch of ground doesn't mean you can't grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started.
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Children’s Garden Summer Camps and Programs
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Children’s Gardens at the Good Shepherd Center, in Wallingford neighborhood, 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103.
WHEN: Weekdays, June 15 through September 4
Fun, hands-on garden camps for children ages one to 14 years. Programs include: Peawee Classes for Infants and Toddlers; Morning Preschool Programs; Afternoon Preschool Programs; Garden Detectives for 5 and 6 year olds, Garden Adventure Day Camps for grade schoolers; Junior Counselor Program for 10-14 year olds. Camps are very popular and fill up quickly.
COST: Varies. For more info and to register, call: (206)633-0451 ext. 1, or visit http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: City Chickens 201

WHEN: June 20, 10 a.m.–12:30p.m.

WHERE: Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, room 140 (Senior Center), Seattle, WA 98103
This class continues where the introductory class left off. It covers a broad range of topics including classes and breeds, endangered breeds, parts of a bird, advanced nutrition and health, prevention of disease, incubation, exhibiting poultry, as well as other land fowl such as ducks, geese and swans. This class is designed to maximize time for questions and discussion with other experienced poultry keepers.
COST: $30 for Tilth members, $40 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Garden Hotline Booth at the Issaquah Farmer’s Market
WHEN: June 20, 9 a.m. -2 p.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Talk with a Garden Hotline educator about any gardening and landscaping questions. Get free information about sustainable plant choices, composting, lawn care and natural pest management. Information on upcoming Seattle Tilth classes will also be available. Your garden. Our expertise.
COST: Free!

WHAT: Container Veggie Gardening
WHEN: June 24, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: Victor Steinbrueck Park, located at the north end of Pike Place Market at 2001 Western Ave
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don't have a patch of ground doesn't mean you can't grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Growing Heat-Loving Crops
WHEN: June 27, 10a.m.-noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at Bradner Gardens Park in the Mt Baker neighborhood; 1733 Bradner Place S; Seattle 98144
Fresh, homegrown tomatoes, peppers and eggplant are some of the best things to come out of the garden each summer, but can be tricky to grow. This class will teach you everything you need to know to grow the biggest, earliest and best veggies around. We will discuss season extension techniques and trellising, show you how to prune, fertilize, water and harvest. We will also discuss heirloom tomatoes, best varieties to grow in the NW and tips for growing beefsteak types. If you love tomatoes, peppers and eggplants, don’t miss this class!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Composting for Apartment DwellersWHEN: July 1, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: Victor Steinbrueck Park, located at the north end of Pike Place Market at 2001 Western Ave
A workshop for apartment and condo dwellers that have limited space, but want to recycle their food scraps into rich compost. We will address the special needs of small space and indoor food composting and show you how you can make your own indoor compost bin. Come see how easy it is to get started composting in your home. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Basic Herb Gardening in Containers
WHEN: July 8, 5-7 p.m.
WHERE: Victor Steinbrueck Park, located at the north end of Pike Place Market at 2001 Western Ave
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don't have a patch of ground doesn't mean you can't grow fresh, organic herbs. From basil to rosemary herbs are easy and rewarding. Come learn how to begin and maintain your edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: City Chickens Coop Tour
WHEN: Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
WHERE: in several Seattle neighborhoods
See how Seattle residents are raising chickens in the backyards of Seattle. City chickens owners invite you into their backyards for a one-day only, self-guided tour of the diverse and imaginative chicken coops throughout the city. Meet chickens and chicken owners and find out how you can raise your own flock of egg layers. New this year we have added goats, ducks and bees to the tour. Learn about the opportunities to produce eggs, goat milk and honey in the city, while enjoying a unique, family friendly weekend activity.
COST: $25 for Seattle Tilth members, $30 non-members. For more information, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Winter Gardening
WHEN: July 12, 10a.m.–noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at the Good Shepherd Center; 4649 Sunnyside Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
It’s the middle of July, it’s as hot as it gets, are you thinking about your fall and winter garden? Why not! This is the time of year to get thing started so you can be eating fresh veggies to the solstice and beyond. A little planning and effort now will pay off during the dark days of winter. Let the Tilth gardeners show you how to start seeds and how to squeeze those plants into your overflowing summer garden. Believe us, you’ll be thankful you took the time when you show off your homegrown veggies at that Holiday meal!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Fall and Winter Veggie Gardening in Containers
WHEN: July 15, 5 –7 p.m.
WHERE: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don't have a patch of ground doesn't mean you can't grow fresh, organic vegetables and herbs. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Culinary Herb Gardening
WHEN: July 15, 6–8 p.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
Whether you’re interested in growing basil for pesto, cilantro for salsas or mint for summer iced tea, this workshop will teach you how to grow fresh kitchen herbs all season long! We’ll go over tips for planning your herb garden, including how to select the best varieties for your site.
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Winter Gardening
WHEN: Jul 18, 9–11a.m.
WHERE: Pickering Barn in Issaquah, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., Issaquah, WA 98027
It’s the middle of July, it’s as hot as it gets, are you thinking about your fall and winter garden? Why not! This is the time of year to get thing started so you can be eating fresh veggies to the solstice and beyond. A little planning and effort now will pay off during the dark days of winter. Let the Tilth gardeners show you how to start seeds and how to squeeze those plants into your overflowing summer garden. Believe us, you’ll be thankful you took the time when you show off your homegrown veggies at that Holiday meal!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Composting for Apartment DwellersWHEN: July 22, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
A workshop for apartment and condo dwellers that have limited space, but want to recycle their food scraps into rich compost. We will address the special needs of small space and indoor food composting and show you how you can make your own indoor compost bin. Come see how easy it is to get started composting in your home. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.

WHAT: Winter Gardening
WHEN: July 25, 10 a.m.-noon
WHERE: Seattle Tilth Demonstration Garden at Bradner Gardens Park in the Mt Baker neighborhood; 1733 Bradner Place S; Seattle 98144
It’s the middle of July, it’s as hot as it gets, are you thinking about your fall and winter garden? Why not! This is the time of year to get thing started so you can be eating fresh veggies to the solstice and beyond. A little planning and effort now will pay off during the dark days of winter. Let the Tilth gardeners show you how to start seeds and how to squeeze those plants into your overflowing summer garden. Believe us, you’ll be thankful you took the time when you show off your homegrown veggies at that Holiday meal!
COST: $25 for Tilth members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: ww.seattletilth.org.

WHAT: Edible Flower Gardening in Containers
WHEN: July 29, 5–7 p.m.
WHERE: Freeway Park, 700 Seneca St.
Attention apartment and condo dwellers! Just because you don't have a patch of ground doesn't mean you can't grow fresh, organic edible flowers. Edible flowers are easy to grow and can make your cakes, cocktails and salads stand out. Come learn how to begin and maintain an edible flower container garden. Whether you’re growing on your balcony or windowsill, this class will help you get started. This class is sponsored by the Center City Parks program of Seattle Parks and Recreation.
COST: Free! Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit: http://www.seattletilth.org/.


SEATTLE TILTH: Founded in 1978, Seattle Tilth is a nationally recognized non-profit educational organization dedicated to cultivating a sustainable community, one garden at a time. Seattle Tilth inspires and educates people to garden organically, conserve natural resources and support local food systems in order to cultivate a healthy urban environment and community.

Liza Burke
Outreach & Development Coordinator
Seattle Tilth Association
4649 Sunnyside Ave North, Room 120
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 633-0451 ext. 103
lizaburke@seattletilth.org


Backup requested - Upper Rainier Beach 2+ bd/1 ba w/ 2 fireplaces, 2 garages.

Buyers who previously made an offer but weren't able to work out pricing for repairs with the Seller (needed due to FHA requirements) spent some time working things out with their lender and came back with another offer and we reached mutual acceptance last week.

The Seller would like to have any interested backup offers in position in case the FHA financing can not be waived successfully. Conventional or cash out only, or a 203K Streamline loan may work given it appraises "as is" and "with repairs". (Have not seen that paperwork yet).

Great house, nice level corner lot, 1 mile to LightLink Rail station. View of Lake Washington from the street!!


"It's time to get positive about negative thinking"

This event runs in conjunction with West Seattle GardenFEST (but not ticket requires for THIS event) Sat, June 6, 10am – 5pm Click here for map

Seattle's first Carbon Sequestration Garden Biochar Test Plot Project needs your help! Join them for a day of site preperation and demonstrations at the south end of the South Seattle Community College's West Seattle campus. SSCC's Arboretum Foundation will also be hosting an event at the north end of campus, featuring noted Northwest gardening expert Ed Hume (speaking in support of his new book: @ the LOH complex from 3pm-4pm) where they will have an information table.

They are preparing their plot for the application of treatments. This is the beginning of a 5-year multi-partner biochar soil test. This exciting example of citizen science, gives us all the opportunity to learn how best to use biochar, locally, for carbon cycle management and increased soil tilth. There will be rocks to pick, weeds to pull, tilling to be done. Come with your shovels, garden forks, wheel burrows and pick-ups. Don't forget your gloves and sun screen.

They are also continuing to look for partners to help them make this very special site, a demonstration of their shared belief in the power of permaculture ideas, to build a new, more sustainable urban environment.

Share your thoughts on how they can use their 12'x 250' frontage, garden border, to best effect. And help them develop a management practice, that will enhance their very own Class 4 wetland feature on the southern border if the plot.

See you @ the Carbon Garden
--
"it's time to get positive about negative thinking"

For more information: art.donnelly@seachar.org

West Seattle GardenFEST on Saturday ~ demos, speakers, "exotic edible containers"

The Biochar event is running in conjunction with the West Seattle GardenFEST

Note: You must purchase a ticket for admission to this event (I've emailed to get pricing information)

West Seattle GardenFEST: A celebration of edible and sustainable gardening that showcases important concepts, practical applications, and knowledgeable speakers.

Eat Your Greens! at the West Seattle GardenFEST Saturday, June 6th 10:00am - 4:00pm at the SSCC Arboretum

S C H E D U L E O F E V E N T S :

10:00am GARDEN CENTER OPENS
10:30am ARBORETUM TOURS BEGIN
11:00am SPEAKER LYNNE THOMPSON,
Great Plant Picks Coordinator Introducing the 2009 Great Plant Picks selections
12:00pm DEDICATION OF THE NEW WATERWISE PERENNIAL GARDEN
Plus a highlight of the new path and patio in the Upper Rose Garden and rededication of the Gazebo
12:30 - 3:00pm DEMONSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT THE ARBORETUM
Composting, Straw Bale Gardens, Gardening for Kids, Exotic Edible Containers
1:00pm SPEAKER SUE GOETZ, CPH,
The Creative Gardener Vegetable gardens for urban spaces/sustainable gardening
3:00pm AFTERNOON TEA WITH ED HUME

Ticketed event, by reservation only; email Arboretum@sccd.ctc.edu for reservation and ticket prices
http://www.southseattle.edu/
6000 16th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98106
Tel 206.768.6790
Email Arboretum@sccd.ctc.edu

Eat Your Greens!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Certified backyard wildlife habitat and hummingbird migration stopping point just went on market in coastal Waldport, Oregon

I was contacted via my blog through a post about Rufous hummingbirds and/or backyard wildlife habitat by this amazing couple in coastal Waldport, OR because they needed to find a real estate agent to market the property and find a buyer who was going to continue their legacy. Unfortunately I am only licensed in Washington but agreed to try to find an agent or team that could appreciate the uniquness of the mission of their home and property.

Strangely enough I have family by marriage in the same town but there was no connection just coincidence.

"Birders" will flock to this stunning 3 bed/2 bath, 2564 sq. ft. river-view home high above the Alsea River! This lovely home feels like a peaceful paradise with many upgrades and amenities, including granite countertops, cherry cabinets, wood flooring and ceiling, daylight basement, infra-red sauna, 2 wood stoves, back-up generator, shop/ hobby rooms, and two garages.

Thoughtfully landscaped with hummingbird gardens, organic gardens, fruit trees, blueberries and more! Carry on the joy of this Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat where 100+ hummers depend on this feeding station during migration. Visit this BWH via the website (
www.birdsamore.com) included in purchase price.

If you know someone with a passion for migrating hummingbirds, and can appreciate a stunning home w/ acreage that is Paradise, please pass along this blog post. You can see the full listing information with an extensive photo gallery and detailed lists of features - both inside and out - and then contact the listing agent team I put together with Emerald Coast Realty, a strong regional company that KNOWS coastal Oregon property.







Monday, June 1, 2009

Building the greenest building EVER

Pacific NW Jason McLennan is setting the pace to create the greenest building ever Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Jason McLennan is setting the pace to create the greenest building ever
With his 'Living Building' competition, architect Jason McLennan of Seattle is challenging the world to create the ultimate in green structures. As the passionate CEO of the Cascadia Region Green Building Council, he's aiming to raise design standards to new levels."