Auburn, WA

Well here we are wrapping up the first month of fall. If you live in the Green River Valley there is no doubt that you have been keeping up on the news of the Howard Hanson Dam situation. If you were a victim of the last years flooding then I'm sure you have already laid plans for this winter long ago. Some of you may still be scrambling for flood insurance information. Many companies have stopped insuring private homes but the government still has programs available. If you would like up to date information on exactly what the river is doing this season you can access the Green River flooding information straight from the USGS. The government has been steadily working this past year to minimize any damage that we may have this upcoming rainy season, but we still need to take responsibility ourselves. Be safe out there!

Until next time.

Like almost everyone I know that works in the housing industry, I've been chasing myself around for the last few weeks trying to get all of the First Time Homebuyers in my client list qualified and under contract so that they were eligible for the $8,000 tax credit ... due to expire on November 30th.

It's been a wild ride, full of both elation and disappointment! And, of course, absolutely full of the question "Will it be extended?"

I've been diligently trying to follow along with activities in the legislature while listening to other opinions about why it will and why it won't and who thinks it's a great idea and who thinks it'll continue to bankrupt us all.

Reuters is one of my favorite places to find quality news feeds--in this case current activity on extending the $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers. Yesterday, Reuters reported that Bill Nelson (Dem.) of the Senate Finance Committee indicated that the Senate would act this week on the tax credit and that it would likely be extended for a "limited" period. Then the stock market reacted negatively later in the day to a report that it would not be.

This morning, Reuters posted another story complete with Q&A about another proposal being floated through the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, a Montana Democrat.

In their scenario, the credit would be extended to the end of 2010, but would be phased out in $2,000 decreases beginning in April, then again in July and in October.

Now, at the moment, I kinda like this proposal. And I like the idea that it carries into the Spring, where house purchases and sales tend to begin rallying all by themselves.

My only issue with their proposal is that it's being attached to the passage of another bill for unemployment insurance benefits. Sigh. Seems like it'd be so much easier to keep track of things if each expenditure had to stand on its own.

I'm sure tomorrow there'll be yet more ups and downs about whether the $8,000 tax credit will be extended, or buried. Passage will be cause for celebration, in my opinion. Of course, then the bill will need to go on to the House, where, no doubt, it'll be changed yet again. Back and forth.

Just my Tuesday morning 2¢ worth!

Auburn, Wa Open House Saturday 10/17/09 1-4 PM

Auburn Washington Home for Sale/Open House Sat: 10/17/09 1-4 PM: Fantastic rambler in cul-de-sac location! Vaulted ceilings with skylights, gleaming hardwood floors, and generous bedrooms. Great kitchen with stone flooring and dining space. 2 car garage and more! Wonderful backyard with fruit trees and lots of open space. Features include newer 50 gal hot H20 tank, new Hardi-Plank siding on front, fresh paint, and more. Great location close to parks, easy fway access and plenty of parking space for even the largest toys. Very clean and move in ready! Tamera Camp/John L. Scott Federal Way. For more information on this Auburn Washington Open House or to reciece a current Open House List, call Julianna Hind, Real Estate Consultant at John L. Scott Federal Way - 206-679-4768 or email juliannahind@johnlscott.com Thank you!

The Auburn area Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual trade fair at the Supermall of the Great Northwest this coming Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

Enter using the Aviation Court, then turn right -- We'll be located near the Black Minerals and Glow Golf stores.

I'll be there greeting everyone that walks in ... with a display of houses for sale and information, should you want to talk real estate! (of course!!!)

Every exhibitor will also have a raffle item, but you'll need to visit individual booths to sign up!

Hope to see you Saturday at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair! It'll be fun; come by!

Lakeland Hills in Auburn Washington is both a beautiful and diverse community located in South King County. There are many parks and recreational activities available year round in Lakeland. Whether you just want a fun day at the park, to boating, or golfing, this area has it all. Lakeland is a smartly master planned community that includes a diverse range on single family homes, townhomes, and condos that are all layed out in a functional and lifestyle friendly manner. The Lakeland Town Center offers many shopping and dinning choices right in your own backyard.

Sounds like a great place to live right? Wondering what it costs to live in this community? Do you already live in Lakeland and want to know what your home is worth? For free communtiy information and a current look at all home sales in the are click on KingCountyHomeValues.info and sign up for a free monthly report that will break it all down for you in one easy snapshot. It's a great tool to use and easy too!

If you are a resident of Lakeland please feel free to post here. What are your likes and dislikes about the community? How much do you love living here? Let the community know and learn from you!

Until next time!