Cooler temperatures are on the way
As fall approaches, you can feel a difference in the air. There is an underlying coolness now that will become steadily colder towards winter. Outdoor activities diminish and soon the indoor fireplace will replace the sun as our source of warmth.
Utility bills take a seasonal jump
This cold weather takes it's toll on the energy budget as well. But keeping your home warm and cozy doesn't have to break the bank. The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and home improvements for conserving heat and saving money.
These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save you money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later.
For more information or to use the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool click on SAVE ENERGY.
Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
A lunch hot spot in Fife
You might imagine a " business lunch " taking place in a more sophisticated atmosphere. But you would have to ask yourself, does it get any better than this? A great cheeseburger, fries, and a malt enjoyed in a park-like setting on a bright sunny September day. I hope you agree, this was perfect.
The Pick-Quick Drive in has been here almost 50 years serving great food to an appreciative crowd. I have never been the first one in line, this place is always busy. With the sunny morning today, customers began to arrive at 10am. Whether for business or pleasure, the next time you're near Fife, stop in for a pleasurable experience. They have an extensive menu, and there is something for everyone.
Two other great local drive in places are nearby. Dick's drive-in has several locations around the Seattle area and Frisko Freeze in Tacoma is a " burger institution " in that area. I have visited both many times over the years and will continue to do so. The Pick-Quick is open every day from 10am. They close for a couple of months during the winter, so check them out now.
Pick-Quick Drive in
4306 Pacific Highway E
Fife
Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
When buying a home select the location first
Your first thought about buying a home may be an idea in your mind of the perfect home. Maybe a white one with a small yard and a picket fence with a flower covered trellis at the entry gate. That's a good thought but let's start at the beginning.
Determine what's important
Finding a home that fits your needs will depend on your situation, but once you have determined your city of choice, look for the neighborhoods that best suit you and your family. If schools are important, then you will need to research all the schools in the area so that you can buy within the best school district. There are many school research sources available but you can begin with school search. Your real estate agent will also be a great source of information.
You probably drive to work so location will determine commute times for you and your spouse or housemates. Shopping is important and should be taken under careful consideration, especially now with high fuel prices. Beside grocery stores think about banks, churches, gyms, child care and your favorite barista. When you have selected a few possible locations research those neighborhoods thoroughly. Begin checking local information at neighborhood search.
Once you have found the right city and neighborhood you can concentrate your efforts on finding the right home. Prepare a list of needs, wants and desires to share with your personal real estate agent. Also, find a full-time real estate professional that is familiar with your area, you will need to depend on their expertise. These are just basic suggestions to get you started in the right direction. The key is to do your homework so that mistakes are avoided and the home you choose to live in will be like the one you dreamed about.
Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
Could you live here?
The architect who designed these homes thinks you should live here, if you want to live a longer life. The "Reversible Destiny" loft-style apartments in the photograph are in Mitaka, Japan and not in the Seattle area. The artist/designer is 71 year old Arakawa and he is convinced that these homes influence longevity. Who is to say he's not right.
" For Arakawa, reversible destiny is more than a state of mind. He describes the experience of elderly residents of the building in Japan after living in the home and having to navigate the awkward living spaces, as boosting their immune system and improving their overall health". Maybe these day-to day challenges could improve strength, balance and longevity, time will tell.
For more information on Mr. Arakawa and a look at his first completed $2 million home in the United States visit Happy House.
Do you think Seattle area home builders are up to the challenge?
Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
Are home libraries making a comeback?
Recently, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the home library. Architects and fine home builders say that clients are asking for libraries or "special places" to relax in their new homes. Some mass-market builders have included libraries in their house plans, some with built-in bookshelves, rolling ladders and circular stairs. In order to keep costs in line in some scaled-down homes, builders have replaced the large entry foyer and sweeping staircase with beautiful libraries as a space saving technique. They create an upscale look without wasting space.
Even though book sales in the U.S. reached $16.6 billion last year, reading rates are down. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, 5% of Americans said they read literature in 2002, down from 14% in 1992. These are the latest figures available but the trend is obvious.
These new home libraries are not necessarily about books. They may have books on display and the occupants may even read them, but these spaces are retreats. Call them "memory rooms" or quiet spaces, a place to display family photographs, awards and mementos. A special place to relax in quiet solitude without the TV or computer to disrupt the peace and calm.
Recently, I was in a home that may go on the market soon. I met with the owners in the family room that was adjacent to the kitchen. It had a fireplace and comfortable seating and must have been their sanctuary. I noticed family pictures on the shelves and a basket of knitting near the sofa. They had their quiet room and I hope you have yours.
Previously published by Greg Saffell/South Sound Surfer
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Specializing in assisting seniors in downsizing from the family home to a more manageable size home or in selecting a local senior facility that suits their needs and budget.
I grew up in Newport Beach, California when it was still considered a small beach town. The Newport Beach of today bears little resemblance to those early years as time and an expanding population takes its toll. The area is still quite beautiful and the weather terrific so I still enjoy visiting.
As you can see, some of the views haven't changed a bit from the days I walked these beaches and surfed the waves of the blue Pacific.
Prior to entering the real estate profession in 2005 I enjoyed a long career in magazine and book publishing. I started my first magazine " Leisure Living " from an office in Laguna Beach in the early 70's. From there, I spent time in San Francisco, Napa Valley and Honolulu before my last move to Seattle in 1994. That was the year I started Emerald Point Press, publishing books with a focus on Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
I enjoy my current vocation, as a Senior Living Consultant serving the greater Seattle/Tacoma areas.
I enjoy traveling when time permits, photography, cooking and discovering my next favorite wine.
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Several years ago I sat across the table from a woman who was interested in selling her home. As I was explaining the process to her I could see that she was simply overwhelmed by the complexities and paperwork involved in today's real estate transactions. Noticing this, I assured her that I would take the time to explain everything in detail and see to it that she understood before signing anything.
At that point she told me that when she and her late husband purchased their current home over 40 years ago, there was one sheet of paper to sign and they made their monthly mortgage payments to the real estate office. For many older adults, continuing to live in the family home may not be desirable or even possible. Children are gone or a spouse has passed away and the home now becomes unmanageable with housekeeping and yard maintenance a daily challenge.This coupled with health issues and safety concerns may prompt a move as the best solution.
Well, things have changed dramatically and real estate transactions are complicated, time consuming and bound by a stack of legal documents, all of which need explaining. After this and other similar experiences I decided to specialize in helping seniors with their housing needs.
Today's older adults have many options, downsizing to a condominium where maintenance is included may be a consideration. Depending upon your circumstances other possibilities may include moving to an Active Adult Community, Assisted Living Facility, Continuing Care Retirement Community, or if necessary a Nursing Home or Special Care Facility.
These decisions are sometimes difficult to make and help is available from a variety of sources. We can assist you by being a friend to you and your family while guiding you through the steps to achieve your goals. We have done the research and know your options and can provide solutions to difficult problems.
Family's live busy lives and spending the time necessary to develop a feasible plan of action may seem nearly impossible. Working with you, we will develop a realistic plan that fulfills your needs quickly and efficiently. We will help you understand where we are now, where we need to be and how we get there.
Whether they are downsizing from the family home or starting a new life in a senior facility, we can help. Contact ELDER PLACE SEATTLE for guidance and assistance.
"Your local source for current information on Senior Living in Seattle and beyond"
Yes, there are affordable housing options in the Seattle region, and we can help you find them. We specialize in helping Seattle area seniors match their needs and budget to the right facility. We know what's important and we stay current on local housing options and availability. We are in the referral business and know the local inventory.
There are national companies that offer referrals as well, but the chances of them having actually visited the facilities they recommend are slim at best. We regularly visit local retirement and assisted living communities so we're confident of our recommendations.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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