Green Spaces Real Estate

Today is the very last day to get into contract in order to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit.

2010-04-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

My phone line is open and I am sitting in front of the computer. Today is the very last day to get into contract in order to take advantage of the homebuyer tax credit. Contact me if you want to write up an offer that you've been sleeping on. Just NO SHORT SALES. They will never close before June 30th.

First-Time Homebuyer Info from the IRS

10 Tips for Water Conservation

2010-04-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

I love when "green" tips appear in unexpected places - it exposes more people to this great conservation information when they might least expect it but might be most receptive to reading it.

From today's Realty Times.

10 Tips for Water Conservation
------------------------------

As warm weather makes it way across the nation, sprinklers come out of hibernation and return to their full time positions, pools fill up, and many a garden hose sees daylight for the first time in months.

Full Story

Hard Times for HOAs Could Mean Fewer Home Sales Due to Delinquent Fees

2010-04-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

From today's Realty Times

At a time when many homeowners are walking away from their homes and letting them be foreclosed on, others who are hanging in there may be racking up delinquencies by not paying their Homeowners Association Fees which ultimately hurts not only the HOA but also the entire development and its owners.

Full Story

GreenSpaces TV: Earth Day Report

2010-04-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

GreenSpacesTV — April 22, 2010 — A visit to the new location of Elliott Bay Book Store, 2 doors down from NuBe Green, sparks an Earth Day mini-shopping trip. NuBe Green was on "Sisters of Sizzle" radio yesterday and offered a free organic cotton NuBe t-shirt to the first 10 people who came to the store and mentioned the radio show - and a 20% off coupon. I finally get the "Home Green Home" pillow I first spotted when visiting the store in March.

At Elliott Bay Book Store I picked up two books that will grow my mind and expand my education: "Green Metropolis" and "A Passion for this Earth" a book of essays by several authors.

Happy Earth Day and it's the 3rd anniversary of this blog!

2010-04-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

There is so much happening today - all week and month really - that I am not spending much time in front of the computer. But I wanted to acknowledge three years of writing about green spaces and homes in the Seattle area on my web site.

Recently I re-focused my blog to more real estate and less green lifestyle information because I thought the real estate information was getting too diluted. I solved the problem of my fascination about new gadgets, fashions, and all other things eco-friendly by launching a Facebook page called Westside Green Living with Wendy. Here I can go to town about all of that stuff that you green real estate folks may not necessarily be interested in.

And if you miss the green lifestyle information head on over to my new page since you will find a lot of information shared there, along with original video productions.

Have a wonderful day, week, month and Earth Year!

Newcastle Goes Green this Saturday

2010-04-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

Newcastle Goes Green on Saturday April 24th at Lake Boren Park from 10a-4p
With free recycling, mini‐seminars on earth friendly topics, trail walks, kids activities and more, and music by the Boeing Concert Band.

Newcastle Weed Warriors has teamed up with Trails at Newcastle and Newcastle Chamber of Commerce to offer a Saturday in the Park full of musical entertainment from the Boeing Concert Band; informative mini‐educational seminars from regional experts; business and environmental organization’s booths featuring green products and services; and family friendly activities throughout the day.

The following Schedule has been established:
10a-4p Kid activities and mini-seminars at Lake Boren Park
12p BBQ at Trails at Newcastle (on the north side of Coal Creek Parkway adjacent to the Park)
1p-2:30p Boeing Concert Band performs
2p Trail walks on nearby trails.

List of mini-seminars (approx. 12 minutes/session)
10:30 Green Surfaces for Your Home
11:00 Best Native & Low Care Plants
11:00 Understanding Built Green, Energy Star or LEED Certified Homes
11:30 Rainwater Harvesting: Be Cistern Savy
11:30 Connection between Salmon and Food Scraps
12:00 Tips to Reduce Energy Usage in your Home
12:30 Creating a Greener Landscape
1:00 Impact the World with Your Minor “Green” Changes
1:30 Puget Sound Starts Here In Newcastle
2:00 Steps to Successful and Sustainable Landscapes
2:30 Anatomy of a Rain Garden
3:00 Top 10 Green Remodel Products
3:30 Wildlife in Newcastle
3:00 Common Invasive Weeds
3:30 Solar 101 for Puget Sound

The Newcastle Weed Warriors is a local non‐profit organization of volunteers that works with the City of Newcastle to reduce the negative impact of invasive and noxious weeds in Newcastle’s parks,
trails and open spaces.

Trails at Newcastle is a planned Built Green Certified Community of 32 homes with a community common house, organic gardens and trails adjacent to Lake Boren Park on the north side of Coal Creek Parkway.

The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce has a mission of preserving the competitive enterprise system of business and promoting business and community growth and development.

One Green Planet is offering recycling services as a fund raiser for Newcastle Elementary School PTSA. A few of the participating organizations include Puget Sound Energy, Waste Management, Washington State Department of Ecology, The Sustainability Foundation, City of Newcastle, King County Libraries, Friends of the Cedar River Watershed, Newcastle Historical Society, Newcastle Elementary School PTSA, Hazen High Earth Corp Club, and One Green Planet. In addition, there are numerous local nurseries, health-related businesses, appliance, design and home design/contractors participating.

For More information please contact:
· Brenda Nunes, Trails at Newcastle p: (425) 785‐6286 email Brenda@trailsatnewcastle.com
· Grace Stiller, Newcastle Weed Warriors p: (425) 228‐7927 email gracestiller@comcast.net

Real Estate Outlook: Faster Recovery?

2010-04-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

From today's Realty Times

Real Estate Outlook: Faster Recovery?

It's been a long time since we've seen the Wall Street Journal run a front-page article suggesting that the national economy appears to be rebounding faster than most analysts forecast.

Full Story

Why the old way was the best way

2010-04-17T23:13:00.001-07:00

My husband has taken up an interesting hobby in the last year - collecting vintage razors and brushes, restoring them, and then using them for the best shave ever. Our generation's men really lost out by our parent's generation introduction to electric razors and plastic disposables. The original razors - straight or safety, really are the best environmental choice. The blades cost about 10 cents each as opposed to a pack of 5 triple blade refills costing about $9. The blades are recyclable (safety) or sharpenable (straight).

Steve's collection took over the library so I bought him a glass door cabinet for the guest bathroom. He's joined several forums, and recently shot a video demonstrating a particular kind of razor called a "Rolls Razor" that comes in a case with a special sharpener. Some of the blades and brushes he has bought and restored he has then re-sold, so his hobby pays for itself and I can't complain.

I am going to encourage him to do a video shaving with a straight since I think people will be even more fascinated by that. This video below got 160 hits in less than a day. I wish my videos were as popular!

Oh, and he restored a neat brush for me, including varnishing the wodden handle (like a boat!), and I use a pink 1960s Lady Gillette safety razor.

Here is the video and what he wrote in his own blog, It's a Guy Thing.

My first shaving video...
No sound, nothing really fancy, just a simple demonstration of shaving with a “Rolls Razor“. Shave Review had stated the he couldn’t get a decent shave with one, and when I said it wasn’t hard, he wanted a picture… So I gave him one.

The trick is to sharpen the blade as you would any other straight razor, using your progression of hones. It really is just a straight on a stick, after all. The stropping action in the case is fine, takes a while because of how short the stroke is, but it works. I just don’t think the hone is fine enough to give it a very good edge.

So, here it is, my first ever shaving video…

West Seattle real estate update (for sale and for rent)

2010-04-16T14:50:00.001-07:00

There are 57 residential and 40 condominium listings priced $235,000 or less in West Seattle (Area 140) including a brand new HOUSEBOAT on the Duwamish in South Park that can be moved or left where it is (only $95,000).

See West Seattle homes and condos under $235,000

There are 80 homes/comdos priced between $235,001 and $275,000, great FIRST TIME BUYER price points. 61 homes and 19 condos.

See West Seattle homes and condos priced $235,001-$275,000

Of course I can customize a search for your specifically given your needs. I can also help you or your friends find a new home TO RENT.

See West Seattle homes For Rent (there are 20 currently listed)

Have a great weekend and let me know how I can help YOU!

Quick Friday update: High Point Built Green Certified homes and condos for sale in West Seattle

2010-04-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

As the self-titled "resident green agent" in High Point, I wanted to give a quick update - the Spring Rush is on in West Seattle and there are some very nice townhomes, condos, and even a carriage home for sale.

See High Point West Seattle Homes For Sale.

Some homes currently being marketed for sale require lender approval (short sale). Ask for details.

What makes High Point so great?
Well, first of all, it is in West Seattle. I have lived in West Seattle since 1997. And I won't leave. It has everything I need so I don't actually have to leave at all, which is nice. And for when I do want to pop downtown for a night out, pick up someone at the airport, or go mall-hopping at Southcenter, all of that is within 15 minutes (using the West Seattleites travel tips, which I am happy to share).

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to buy a brand new home in a Built Green Certified Community right in my own neighborhood. I lived within a mile of this location for ten years, and watched the development of this community over that time with great interest. When I took a property tour in April 2007 I wasn't looking for a new home and had no intention of moving - but what I found in High Point made me put my house on the market almost immediately, and the sale of our home on 18th Ave SW and the purchase of our townhome on SW Raymond all managed to squeek through right at the beginning of the real estate market fallout. We feel lucky that we managed to get moved and settled without any hassle.

The utilities are underground so the views are not impeded by anything...but trees. And I like trees. The old trees in High Point were saved during redevelopment and they *make* this neighborhood. There are great views of downtown, sunrise, sunset, trails in the woods, access to Camp Long and the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail all within walking distance.

For the developer-identified benefits of living in High Point in West Seattle, check out these High Point Highlights.

If you are considering a move to West Seattle...
Call me. Or email me. Or send me a message on Facebook or Twitter. I know the Westside inside and out and can answer any questions you may have about what it is like living here. Just know you will get biased answers - because it is clear that I love it here and don't see why anyone would want to move!

And check out my cool new page on Facebook, Westside Green Living with Wendy.

The listing links are only good for 30 days from the date of this post.

Tasteful updates in this contemporary bi-level home near Mill Creek will surprise and delight! Stop by my Open House Thursday 11 AM to 2 PM

2010-04-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

I am marketing a great home for sale in the NE Mill Creek/SE Everett area. This contemporary bi-level home on a near 1/4 acre lot surprises!

Updated tastefully with new countertops, newer appliances, thoughtful cabinetry, two updated baths (including a split dual vanity with a 2nd sink in the master bedroom). There are two large wood burning fireplaces. The main level has a large living room, dining area and kitchen, three bedrooms and a full bathroom (plus the extra vanity!) The lower level has a huge family room, large mechanical/utility/storage room, nicely updated 3/4 bath and laundry nook.

The home is situated on a large corner lot, with a fully fenced yard. The owner has carefully maintained pesticide free gardening areas, and there are outbuildings, a large back deck & new concrete parking pad for 5+ cars, plus a garage that might fit 2 cars tandem if the shop counters were removed.

The seller has remodeled for over a year and this home is ready for its new family! I am holding a Broker and Public Open House on Thursday, 11 am to 2 pm at 13230 54th Avenue SE / Everett. Stop by and say hi! Free "gallon of gas" to the first 10 agents who complete my market survey!

Last chance for the homebuyer tax credit

2010-04-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

To take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit for new buyers, and the $6,500 tax credit for move up buyers, you MUST be under contract to purchase no later than April 30, 2010. So you have only two weeks to find a home and get under contract.

You have until July 1st to close.

Call me at 206.686.HOME (4663) to discuss further.

Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes

2010-04-09T10:20:00.001-07:00

There are lots of Top 10 lists for home buyers, but they can't be repeated enough.

Here's one from yesterday's Realty Times

Just one home buying mistake could mean disaster -- perhaps the worst mistake you'll ever make. Get to know the most common home buying mistakes. To know them is to avoid them.

Full Story

Westside Green Living: Let's Talk About Personal Hygiene and Organic Hair Color

2010-04-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Wendy goes on record for being a huge fan of Bambu Organic Salon in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle. Her real estate office and the salon used to be next door to each other but both businesses relocated in 2009.

Wendy tells why she began to have her hair color foiled and then talks about the benefits of training your hair to need less washing (use less water, less product, hair color lasts longer, and SAVE TIME).

More information:
Bambu Organic Salon on the web, and Facebook

You can watch a video about Organic Color System on YouTube.

Westside Green Living Discovers "Greener Clean"

2010-04-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

Wendy makes a cleaning supply run to Target and discovers 3M Scotch Brite has come out with a "Greener Clean" product line.

Number of condos for sale in High Point "just stupid" (West Seattle neighborhood review)

2010-03-30T17:35:00.000-07:00

As the self-titled "resident green agent" in High Point, I wanted to give a quick update - even though it's been less than 3 weeks since my last. Because the number of homes for sale here is just stupid. In an "I'm amazed" sort of way.

I am not going to go in to a lot of detail, except to say more than half of the homes listed for sale are in the subassociation of Redwood High Point. But there also is a new carriage home that is on the market, and these are my favorite home in the community. It is the first one listed (see link) since it is the lowest price, and as a 4 Star Built Green Certified home, it's cute and comes with its own garage (as most homes do).

See High Point West Seattle Homes For Sale.

Some homes currently being marketed for sale require lender approval (short sale). Ask for details.

What makes High Point so great?
Well, first of all, it is in West Seattle. I have lived in West Seattle since 1997. And I won't leave. It has everything I need so I don't actually have to leave at all, which is nice. And for when I do want to pop downtown for a night out, pick up someone at the airport, or go mall-hopping at Southcenter, all of that is within 15 minutes (using the West Seattleites travel tips, which I am happy to share).

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to buy a brand new home in a Built Green Certified Community right in my own neighborhood. I lived within a mile of this location for ten years, and watched the development of this community over that time with great interest. When I took a property tour in April 2007 I wasn't looking for a new home and had no intention of moving - but what I found in High Point made me put my house on the market almost immediately, and the sale of our home on 18th Ave SW and the purchase of our townhome on SW Raymond all managed to squeek through right at the beginning of the real estate market fallout. We feel lucky that we managed to get moved and settled without any hassle.

The utilities are underground so the views are not impeded by anything...but trees. And I like trees. The old trees in High Point were saved during redevelopment and they *make* this neighborhood. There are great views of downtown, sunrise, sunset, trails in the woods, access to Camp Long and the Longfellow Creek Legacy Trail all within walking distance.

For the developer-identified benefits of living in High Point in West Seattle, check out these High Point Highlights.

If you are considering a move to West Seattle...
Call me. Or email me. Or send me a message on Facebook or Twitter. I know the Westside inside and out and can answer any questions you may have about what it is like living here. Just know you will get biased answers - because it is clear that I love it here and don't see why anyone would want to move!

The listing links are only good for 30 days from the date of this post.

Westside Green Living Experiences NuBe Green in Seattle (Video)

2010-03-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

GreenSpacesTV — March 30, 2010 — New Facebook fan page "Westside Green Living with Wendy" presents its first original video. Wendy and her husband Stephen Hughes-Jelen check out NuBe Green (newbie green) on Capital Hill.

Wendy says on her Facebook page, "Very cool place! I brought home the "Organic Salvage Candle" in Blossom, altho I still can't smell it because of the head cold I have. The candle is poured into a former beer bottle. Also tips on dogs and tennis balls, cardboard furniture, plants in paper bags, and 'liquid cardboard'."

According to their web site, NuBe Green "employs a rigorous screening process to guarantee that every item available in the store meets established sustainability and sourcing criteria. While products touted as US-made are often only assembled in the US, NuBe Greens products are made in the US from materials that are grown and/or sourced in the US. All items at the store are made without toxic chemicals and materials in order to offer consumers choices of green products that are healthier for humans and the planet."

NuBe Greens offerings include the work of Seattle artists and artisans as part of its mission to support the local community. Wendy and Steve have fun exploring the many things in ths shop and sharing little tidbits with their viewers.

The original uncut version of this video can be found at http://www.facebook.com/WestsideGreenLivingWithWendy
The original video has several additional segments but was edited here for YouTube's required "shorter than 10 minutes" video rule.

The launch of Westside Green Living with Wendy

2010-03-26T18:32:00.001-07:00

In the fear of overwhelming all of my Facebook friends with too much green information, I decided to start a green fan page where I can share the information for the people who want it! In one day I was able to get enough fans to obtain my personalize URL for the page.

http://www.facebook.com/WestsideGreenLivingWithWendy

The vision of "Westside Green Living" starts local, Westside is often a term used for West Seattle. But it also means west of I-5, west of Lake Washington, west of the Cascades, and west of the Mississiippi. I wanted to create a place that had an identity but did not limit me too much.

The information I share there will not always be related to a location. As you can see by the first post, it's World Water Week, and I shared the new video The Story of Bottled Water. Great stuff no matter where you live.

I will be posting my own videos, tho, much like the "Eco-Minute with Wendy" videos I have published on my YouTube channel, GreenSpaces TV. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0K1GemTs3Y

My permanent home is here, my blog Green Spaces Real Estate. But 80% of the material on my blog is not related to real estate, which is why this new page on Facebook is perfect. I can share anything I want here without worrying about an audience expecting more about real estate.

I live in a Built Green Certified home in a Built Green Certified community in West Seattle. I will be sharing more about what it means to live in a green community, what to look for in a green home, and also where to shop for local foods and how to make healthy choices not just for you but also for the products you purchase.

If there is something you would like to learn more about, let me know! I would love to answer your questions or shoot a video about it.

Tomorrow night, turn off your lights for Earth Hour 2010

2010-03-26T18:03:00.000-07:00

You have another chance to show you stand for climate change, tomorrow night is Earth Hour.

And here are seven tips for living green

1. Purchase energy efficient appliances. They cut carbon pollution and save you money!

2. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are always full before you run them as this will save energy and money

3. Weather-proofing your home is a great way to save energy. Caulk your doors and windows, add insulation or add shades to use in the summer!

4. Leaving your computer for awhile? Put it on stand-by & it will take less energy than shutting down and restarting

5. Fix leaking faucets. The constant drip wastes water, energy and money, so repair them as soon as possible.

6. Eat more veggies! On average, it takes nearly 10 times as much fossil fuel to produce animal protein compared to plant protein

7. Unplug appliances and phone charges when they aren’t in use. If they’re plugged in, they’re drawing energy and costing you money.

It's World Water Week

2010-03-25T10:48:00.001-07:00

Remember the "Story of Stuff"? It opened a lot of people's eyes. Now Annie Leanord has produced the "Story of Bottled Water".

If you agree that all of those plastic bottles are wasteful, my personal recommendation is Klean Kanteens. We own several and take water with us from home. You will too after you watch this video.

If you'd like to know more about the video's creator, check out this blog post at Green House on USA Today.

Another beautiful day to learn something new

2010-03-19T10:09:00.001-07:00

This was the view from my home office this morning as I was getting ready to go down to the Seattle Center for the 2nd day, this time for an "un"conference, Real Estate Barcamp Seattle. It is my 4th barcamp, and it is through this venue that I have grown my business in the last year and also learned how to implement new marketing techniques to help property owners get their homes sold in a challenging market. It is both a duty and a pleasure to stay current with everything that effects the real estate industry, and these days it is what's called "social media marketing".

There are a ton of free webinars out there that have helped me pick up the diamonds strewn on the beach of life. There's normally a pitch at the end, and sometimes I get a follow-up sales call, but the information I learn in exchange for the interruptions is well worth it.

My 10 am session is just getting started. The hosts of TBSW Daily are here from Vacaville, CA and they are pretty funny.

Some great garden-related classes going on this weekend in SW Seattle

2010-03-18T23:37:00.000-07:00

Seattle Tilth always has great stuff going on, including their first-ever Spring Edible Plant Sale at Magnuson Park on Saturday (which I happen to be going to on my way to another event). But since I live in West Seattle, these additional events also caught my attention. Good stuff to know, worth your time. I participated in Tilth's COG class in 2004 (Comprehensive Organic Gardener) and go to their edible plant sale in May almost every year.

So this weekend ~

WHAT: Grow Great Garden Soil
WHEN: March 27; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
WHERE: South Seattle Community College, West Seattle Campus, Olympic Hall Room 105, 6000 16th Ave. SW. Seattle, WA 98106

Tasty and nutritious plants require healthy soil that is full of life and nutrients. This class will introduce techniques that enhance the life of your soil so that you get the most out of your garden. We will cover four seasons of soil building methods including cover crops and nitrogen fixing plants; fertility rotations, no dig methods, soil testing, animal manures, sheet mulching and using organic amendments.

COST: $30 for Tilth members, $40 non-members. Advance registration and payment is required. For more information and to register, visit: www.seattletilth.org

WHAT: Lawn to Lettuce
WHEN: March 27; 10-11 a.m.
WHERE: St. James Annex, 9421 18th S.W., Seattle, WA 98106

Learn different techniques for taking out that old, boring sod and putting in your new garden beds. This class will cover the tools and materials needed to either dig out the sod or sheet mulch over existing lawn. You will also learn what veggies you can plant now to fill your salad bowl later this spring.

COST: $15 for Seattle Tilth and Community Harvest of SW Seattle members, $18 non-members. Advance registration and payment are required. For more information and to register, visit: www.seattletilth.org

WHAT: Season Extension – Cold frames, Cloches, Mulch and More
WHEN: March 27; noon-2 p.m.
WHERE: St. James Annex, 9421 18th S.W., Seattle, WA 98106

Use of season extension techniques is one of the best tools gardeners can use to extend their growing season and harvest year round. With the use of cloches, cold frames, row cover and other techniques gardeners can warm the soil and air allowing plants to grow and thrive earlier than they would unprotected. This class is perfect for beginning gardeners who want to learn techniques for planting earlier in the spring, later in the fall, and growing better heat crops in the summer. Learn what you can plant now to get a jump on the season!

COST: $25 for Seattle Tilth and Community Harvest of SW Seattle members, $35 non-members. Advance registration and payment are required. For more information and to register, visit: www.seattletilth.org

What's the Payback? How to calculate the return on your solar electric system investment before you buy

2010-03-18T19:25:00.001-07:00

I tripped across this today when doing some research following up on an inquiry after my blogging from the Built Green Conference last Friday.

Check out this article from May/June 2006 Solar Today by Andy Black.

Oh just added this to a post from last Friday but wanted to call it to your attention:

According to Rick Nevin and Gregory Watson "An Increase in Property Resale Value occurs in homes with solar electric systems because these systems decrease utility operating costs." According to a 1998 US Appraisal Journal article by Rick Nevin and Gregory Watson, a home’s value increases $20,000 for every $1,000 reduction in annual operating costs from energy efficiency.

Read Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency by Rick Nevin and Gregory Watson for the US EPA.

Browsing For Housing Requires On-line, Off-line Smarts

2010-03-18T18:42:00.001-07:00

I heard a lot of stats today at the Pacific Northwest Housing Summit that supports these numbers!!

From today's Realty Times

Browsing For Housing Requires On-line, Off-line Smarts

Financing in hand, shop online for housing using these tips, which include a solid connection with a real estate broker or agent as your partner.

Full story

Today at the Pacific Northwest Housing Summit in Seattle

2010-03-18T16:20:00.001-07:00

Wow lots of statistics being thrown around today at the Pacific Northwest Housing Summit. It's great info, good speakers, and it is fun to see so many people I know now since getting involved in the social side of my industry a year ago. I work alone most of the time and this is such a treat.

I am not blogging live intensely today since I need to be paying attention and like I said, a lot of stats. Only person on any of the panels who has seems to have drank "the market is hot" Kool-Aid is J. Lennox Scott. The panel is extensive and altho they attempt to be upbeat there also is realit and that is the recession has been tough in this business.

I have some notes that I will add later, but I better get back to this session since Frank Garay and Brian Stevens of Think Big Work Small is talking about VIDEO,

Here's my favorite quote of the day: