Edmonds WA - Support Your Local BusinessesBy Belinda Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateNow, I have nothing against national chain and franchise businesses.  I believe they are representative of our free enterprise system and the American dream.  Do you know how these large conglomerates were able to be successful?  True, the people who started them were mostly likely business savvy, had drive and were willing to work hard and sacrifice.  But the most significant key to their success in my opinion is that they were supported by their local community.  So in honor of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce's 100th birthday, why not take a look at our community and see where we can lend some support to our local entrepreneurial spirit?Catering - Have you checked out the remodeled digs ... 06/09/2007

Peaceful, Beautiful, Educational Edmonds Waterfrontby Belinda Walker, Edmonds REALTOR®Edmonds WA Real EstateHave you ever spent a period of time where you were so wrapped up in home and family issues, trying to make a living, just moving ahead day to day, forgetting to take a look around the world on the outside?For the past year, that's what I've been doing.  I have a teenager at home (‘nuff said), working on my Real Estate business, making a change to ZipRealty, paying bills, making the day to day decisions on my narrow treadmill of life.  As of yesterday, it had been nearly a year since I had gone down to the Edmonds Waterfront to take a walk.  I live within 2.5 miles from the Waterfront, it's not a convenient walk unless I happen to be doing the "power walk" thing with my hypothyroi... 06/09/2007

EDMONDS IN MAY – BIRD’S THE WORDNo, it is not musical revival of the Sixties or a concert by the Rivingtons or the Trashmen.  It is the third annual Puget Sound Bird Fest beginning the first of May in Edmonds and lasting through the 18th and 19th.  “On Wing,” a juried art show at the Edmonds Conference Center continues throughout the month and culminates with an artists’ reception on Friday evening, the 18th.  Following the reception, Paul Bannick, Seattle nature photographer, will give a presentation he has titled, “Wild Wings, A Photographic Celebration of Northwest Birds.”  This nearly month long festivity celebrates the birds of Edmonds, nature and International Migratory Bird Day.  Guided walks and field trips in local parks, wild life reserves, along the shoreline and at the Edmon... 05/01/2007

Directed Focus Hypnotherapy and David Zarza, C.Ht. provide services for personal and professional self-improvement through clinical application of state-of-the-art Hypnotherapeutic, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Imagery and Energy Psychology techniques. David has extensive training and experience in assessing problems and applying the most effective therapies to achieve your desired results. Feel free to call David Zarza at Directed Focus Hypnotherayp (425) 315-2246 for a phone consultation or visit him on the web at http://www.directedfocus.com/I just want to let you all know that I am a client of David's, so If you have a habit that you need some help quitting or just want "your Life...Just As You Imagine It".  I highly recommend David to each and every one of you, he is very professi... 04/22/2007

THE CULTURAL  AND  LEISURE  CENTER  OF EDMONDS Those of you new to our city looking for the hub of arts and recreation here can find it at the Frances E. Anderson Cultural and Leisure Center.  Located at 700 Main Street just up the street from the Edmonds Public Library, it is an inauspicious looking converted schoolhouse.  Don’t be deceived by its sedentary and old school building appearance.  Inside, you will find the offices of the City Parks and Recreation Department, a variety of resident programs from day care to Taekwon do and the home of the Edmonds Arts Festival Museum.  Every year on Fathers’ Day weekend, the Center hosts the Edmonds Arts Festival.  It is three days of exuberance, family activity and celebration of the arts. The City Parks and Recreation Department hosts a var... 04/13/2007

     www.edmondsmassage.com      I wanted to take a moment to highlight some great businesses in the areas I work.  Edmonds Massage Center is a peaceful diverse clinic equipped to provide the highest level of patient care.  They are experts in both injury or illness treatment and preventative wellness.  They have a staff of 10 highly skilled therapists trained in a wide range of massage modalities.  They are professional, and they are committed to the highest level of health care.  If you need injury treatment or just want to be pampered I recommend giving them a call.  Edmonds Massage Center accepts most insurance plans, for more information call 425-776-1056.                     04/11/2007

Edmonds WA Home Sale Statistics January & February 2007by Belinda "Bee" Walker, Edmonds Realtor® Edmonds WA Real Estate I know this is a dry subject and I can't figure out a way to liven up.  So, suffice to say, it's good information and you need to know what's going on in your town.  The following information was obtained from the Northwest MLS. Homes Sold = 81 Avg. Listing Price = $518,386 Avg. Square Footage = 2,250 Avg. List Price/SF = $229 Avg. Cumulative Days on Market = 104 (3.5 months) Avg. Sell Price = $509,576 (98% of Listing Price) Avg. Sell Price/SF = $228 If you've been considering whether to remodel or sell your home, this is a good starting point for you to determine the equity you have available to you.  I say starting point, because it is necessary to analyze the market... 03/12/2007

Feeling Lucky!by Belinda Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateSome people seem to walk through life charmed, with a lucky turn waiting around every corner. Most of us, however, tend to find our luck in little ways throughout the days by capturing the moments that mean the most to us and keeping those memories close at heart.I feel lucky each and every day... lucky to be able to count my blessings... lucky to be able to care for my family and friends... and lucky to be able to truly do my best for those around me.How fortunate we are to have new chances, new challenges and new discoveries waiting for us. No need for lucky charms or four-leaf clovers, not when we have the opportunity to continuously learn, grow, give back and contribute to this wonderful world we live in.I am ble... 03/03/2007

Steady Climb Seen for Existing-Home SalesBy Belinda "Bee" Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateConsumers are beginning to respond to more favorable housing market conditions, with existing home sales expected to steadily increase into 2008, according to the latest forecast by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. David Lereah, NAR's Chief Economist says, "After reaching what appears to be the bottom in the fourth quarter of 2006, we expect existing-home sales to gradually rise all this year and well into 2008." Existing-home sales reached 6.48 million in 2006, and are forecast at 6.44 million in 2007 and 6.64 million in 2008. New construction will take longer to recover, however. Following 1.06 million in 2006, new-home sales projected to decline to 961,000 this year and then ... 02/09/2007

Passion & Purposeby Belinda "Bee" Walker, Edmonds RealtorEdmonds WA Real EstateIt is often said that success comes from loving what you do. It is measured in the lives that you touch, the memories that you make and the positive influence that you have on the world around you.Doing business in Edmonds, the friendship of my clients and neighbors in this beautiful city and the ability to help familes just like yours is the passion and purpose that drives me to succeed each day.This month, I wish you passion and purpose. This life is meant to be lived to the fullest -- experienced by being in the game, not on the sidelines. Amazing adventures await. Take them, as well as the joyful moments where the world is quiet, and you find yourself with peace of mind.Thank you for all that you are to m... 02/08/2007

Understanding the meaning of "agent" is the first step toward success...by Belinda "Bee" Walker, Edmonds RealtorEdmonds WA Real EstateReal estate transactions rank among the most important financial moves that most people will ever make. As a real estate professional, I understand this and want you to be fully aware of your representation options.In real estate, "agent" refers to the nature of the fiduciary responsibility that exists between you and your chose real estate professional. Having a complete understanding of this relationship is the first step toward working together to achieve your real estate goals.A real estate professional becomes your agent only after a legally-binding document is signed by both parties. As your agent, that REALTOR has a legal obligation to protect your... 02/08/2007

FSBO Sales Decliningby Belinda  Walker, Edmonds RealtorEdmonds WA Real EstateThe National Association of Realtors has released its latest profile of home buyers and sellers, showing that FSBO sales are declining.According to the numbers, about 12 percent of sales in 2006 were FSBOs, compared to 13 percent in 2005.  The level of FSBOs has been on a sustained decline since reaching a cyclical peak of 18 percent in 1997.  In addition, a higher share of FSBO properties are not placed on the open market - 40 percent of those transactions were "closely held" between parties who knew each other in advance (family or acquaintances), up from 39 percent in 2005 and 32 percent in 2004.  When you factor out the properties that were not placed on the open market, the actual number of FSBOs is only 7... 02/08/2007

6 Solid Reasons (Dangers) You Should Not Attempt to Sell Your Home on Your Ownby Belinda Walker, Edmonds RealtorEdmonds WA Real Estate1.       By owners have a track record for selling for less than with agents-85 cents on the dollar.Push away top money buyers & attract top notch negotiators (bargain hunters & investors)NAR last 5  years survey "Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers"2001-Agents = 18% More than By Owners2002- Agents = 21% More than By Owners2003-Agents = 15% More than By Owners2004-Agents = 15% More than By Owners2005-Agents = 16% More than By Owners2006 - The median home price for sellers who use an agent is 31.9 percent higher than a home sold directly by an owner; $247,000 vs. $187,200.  However, unassisted sellers in this survey, unlike agent-assisted sellers, were more l... 02/08/2007

Living The Good Life...OUTDOORS!by Belinda Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateSow the seeds of outdoor comfort and reap HIGH RETURNS on your home improvement investment.  Thoughtful and thorough planning can mean an interesting and enriching look for your yard every season of the year.  Homeowners are putting a tremendous amount of money into improving their outdoor space - and for good reason.  An investment in landscaping has the potential to return 100 to 200 percent when a house is sold, according to MONEY Magazine.The key is to plan carefully and spend wisely so you not only reap high returns later, but get maximum enjoyment now.  Here are some tips to keep in mind while you plot out the future of your yard.Set a budget.  Some experts suggest spending around 5 percent of... 02/04/2007

Home Improvement - High Yield on Your Investment DollarBy Belinda "Bee" Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateLooking for high yield on your investment dollars? Is the stock market too fickle for you or savings account interest rates too low? Possibly, the home your money is looking for can be found in a simple to moderate remodeling of your present home. You can earn as much as 57% on home improvements"Remodeling is a strong investment, particularly now in volatile economic times," states Kevin McNulty of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). He advises homeowners to consult experienced, professional remodelers early in the planning process to get the most for their money, rather than simply following the latest trends.You'll find proven money-making secre... 02/04/2007

Home Sweet Home...Your greatest tax shelterby Belinda Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateOk...I know this article is neither about Edmonds, specifically.  Nor is it about real estate, specifically.  That said, it's good information to have.Did you know that your home can be a great tool for making sure you aren't paying more than you should on your taxes?  When it comes to holding on to your money, a little bit of research and information can go a long way.  That's why it is important to have some understanding of how your homeownership affects your tax returns. Don't miss these write offs!As tax time approaches once again, this year you can thank your lucky stars that you have one of the greatest tax deductions of all time -- your residence.  Homeownership is the ultimate ta... 02/03/2007

What's In, What's Out for Home Buyers in 2007By Belinda Walker, Edmonds Realtor®Edmonds WA Real EstateHome buyers and sellers, in particular, need to know the latest trends in the Edmonds and Snohomish County real estate market...  Below is some information that I have been able to glean from various sources as to what home buyers are looking for (and what they are NOT looking for any longer) throughout the country.  This information, while not specific to our area, should prove helpful to my fellow Edmonds homeowners who may be thinking of putting their house for sale. In  •      The housing correction. My prediction in the 2006 "What's In, What's Out" forecasted a soft decline in home prices in most markets. In 2007 I project a 5-8% decline[bee1]  in prices on average between single-f... 02/02/2007

As the investment climate changes and properties become harder to come by, new means must be sought in an effort to find and acquire Multi Family Apartments.  These simple steps can help you find apartment complexes that others have simply overlooked or were unaware of.  Look through local newspapers - The real estate section in your local newspaper will have advertisements stating 'principals only'.  These properties are typically not listed and may or may not involve a listing agent.  http://www.nwclassifieds.com Internet - You'll have to do a lot of digging, but often site specific websites will be created to market the sale of larger buildings Local Commercial Firms - Most Commercial Brokerages will have 'Exclusive Listings' that are not listed on any website but their own.  This is... 12/15/2006

I've noticed in my recent conversations with potential clients that are willing to sell their Multi Family Apartments but do not wish to list their property for sale on the MLS or CBA.  This is very strange to me because they are always willing to pay a full commission if I am able to procure a buyer.  Typically, my clients who I am pursuing these properties for are looking for good deals on 'off market properties'.  The only problem is, I feel compelled to tell any potential seller that my client is willing to only pay a certain amount for the property but if you were to list the property, they'd be able to get fair market value for it.  Of course after that conversation, the seller always wants the market value price without listing the property.  Does this ever happen to anyone else? 12/15/2006

As of today, only 8 listings are available on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace and Mukilteo.  Furthermore, there are only two other listings available on the Commercial Brokerage Association (CBA).  This light supply of properties makes me wonder why activity in these markets are so quiet.Has the market slowed down because of the holiday season?  Are owners seeing the upside in South Snohomish County Multi Family apartments?  Has there been a tremendous amount of activity in recent years?  Are potential sellers worried about finding another property to re-invest into?The answer to all of these questions is YES!  In my experience with my clients, they tend to hold off of any sale or purchase of investment properties in the holiday season.  The mo... 12/12/2006