Being the champions of home ownership, SCCAR is working to help you, the consumer. Our 2008 Government Affairs Priorities inlcude: Affordable Housing Initiatives, Land Use, Sign Codes.
We are working with Snohomish County to insure that all regulatory changes that could have an economic impact on the cost of housing must have an "Affordable Housing Impact Note". We continue to provide input for the Snohomish County 10-Year Housing Action Plan coordinated by the Snohomish County Housing Consortium. We have prepared a "position paper" which will aid members in proactively advocating for the tools that this plan should contain in order to effectively provide a road map to increased attainable home ownership opportunities for middle-income wage earners.
Land Use - Regarding the Snohomish County Uniform Development Code Update - we are providing input before the County Council on updates to the Rural Cluster Subdivision ordinance; providing input on the creating of Urban Residential Design Standards and providing inpt on the updates to a countrywide Tree Retention/Replacement Ordinance. We also proactively continue to monitor Critical Area Regulation challenges in Lake Stevens and Snohomish County.
Sign Codes - We are working to develop a Snohomish County Sign Code to Create Allowance for Real Estate Signs based on currently submitted code revisions. We are continuing to try to work with the local builder/developer community to advocate for reasonable "off-premise" reas estate sign allowances.
Please visit our website at http://www.sccar.com for more information.
Immediate Past President, Karen Schweinfurth
It was a sad day for the community in rural Seattle on Monday. Very early in the morning arson struck a string of homes - these weren't just "any" homea. It was called "Seattle's Street of Dreams" The Street of Dreams is an annual showcase of luxury homes.
The builders used "Built Green" standards such as water-pervious sidewalks, super-insulated walls and windows and products made with recycled materials, such as carpet pads. Advertising for last summer's Street of Dreams show focused on the environmentally friendly aspects of the homes, which were smaller than some of the huge houses featured in years past.
The homes that burned were between 4,200 and 4,750 square feet in size, with prices up to nearly $2 million.
Architects and builders connected with these homes are still shocked eco-terrorists would target these showcase homes.
"We used this opportunity with the Street of Dreams to try to demonstrate to other people how you can build a home with less environmental impact," said Grey Lundberg, CMI Homes president.
As past president of the Snohomish County Camano Association of Realtors, we would like to offer our condolances to the builders of the street of Dreams in Woodinville Washington. We commend them on their efforts to create homes that are both eco-friendly and an example of architectural excellence. We hope that those who have inflicted such destruction and put those residents living near the Street of Dreams and our public safety workers in danger will be brought to justice.
Brazillian Cherry Woods - Pergo; Viking 8 burner range - Jennaire range; Travertine tiles - domestic tile, slab granite counter tops - granite squares or corian counter tops. What does this all mean?
The National Association of Realtors released statistics regarding remodels and your rate of return. In 2006 the rate of return on an average remodel was 77.4% - in 2007 the return was 68.4%. That's a $16,000 loss on a $50,000 kitchen remodel.
Watch the video here that talks about "modest remodels" in Snohomish County. It's Ok to remodel, just keep it modest to try to realize a higher rate of return on your investment. All real estate is local. Work with your local REALTOR® to assist you in your remodel plans so when you are ready to sell, you've made the right choices and not have remodeled "above your market area".
"No one knows Washington Real Estate, like a Washington REALTOR®. For all your real estate needs, please contact karen@karensvillas.com; www.karensvillas.com
Those fighting to bring a University of Washington campus to Everett suffered a great setback yesterday. The Senate Ways and Means Committee failed to act by a Tuesday deadline on competing bills to bring the University to Lake Stevens, Marysville or Everett, killing them in the Senate this session.
"We are not going to jump into any kind of decision prematurely," said the powerful chairwoman, Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton. "This is a decision we take very seriously and we don't want to blow it."
While she said she can wait until 2009 to decide on a site and classes, the launch of a college is still possible this session.
"It just makes it tougher," said Rep. Mike Sells, D-Everett. "Nothing is impossible here."
Sells is focused on pushing through a bill to establish the college in Everett.
It appears there has been much discussion and many thousands of dollars spent on what location is best to house this university. The Legislature allotted $4 million last year to search out possible sites and begin designing an academic program for a new branch campus. This year, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed spending $1.1 million on classes this year if a location is chosen.
Hopes were a location would have been decided this session and classes could start by September 2008 - that may be just a dream in the eyes of the beholder. Each municipality is fighting to have the campus built in their city.
Stay tuned for futher details. I'm one that hopes the Everett location wins. It just makes good sense. It would be located at our transportation hub, walking distance to the downtown core, easy freeway access, and is centrally located based on all the other locations. It would surely boost the downtown core renovation.
In my opinion, sometimes politics just gets in the way.
Well, Everett, WA does have a claim to fame; Boeing, Fluke Mfg., the Everett Naval Base and, ta da, the Kimberly-Clark Pulp Mill.
Can you believe they produce over a million rolls of toilet tissue and paper products each day with about 850 employees.
The plant sits on the Puget Sound waterfront neighboring the Naval Base. They were recently fined $235,000 for a smokey six month fire in waste wood chips that was meant for fuel. This is the largest fine ever levied on a pulp mill in Washington.
Shame, shame, Kimberly-Clark, I'm sure you'll be hearing from the Pollution Control of Washington State. Now you know the whole story of toilet tissue. Enough said.
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I am your Snohomish County REALTOR® with 25 years of experience, integrity and service. My combination of high tech and professionalism are what you are looking for. You deserve the best, call Karen.
Designations received in the industry through the National Association of Realtors.
Karen is an advocate of CMN (Children’s Miracle Network). Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle is the direct beneficiary of her work. She is Chairman of the RE/MAX CMN Charity auction and has been for the past four years raising over $180,000. She is also a member of the Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center Corporate Leadership Committee. Karen donates a portion of each commission check to CMN thru the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program. 
Karen Co-Authored the book, “How To Make Your Realtor Get You The Best Deal” Washington State Edition. Contact her for your free copy. Please visit her website for comprehensive real estate information at http://www.karensvillas.com.
Visit her blog at http://snohomishcountyrealestateblog.blogspot.com. Trust a professional, trust Karen 425-308-3669 or 866-558-HOME.
MAKE YOUR NEXT HOME A "VILLA"
I pride myself on achieving the following designations:
ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative - this is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate BUYER'S AGENT Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors who meet the specified educational and practical experience criteria.
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist. The CRS is known for advanced study in listing, selling, investment, taxes and a proven record of experience in applied residential marketing.
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist - This certification gives us the opportunity to assist the senior buyer in matters of real estate, taxation and investments. A proven record of working with seniors is a pre-requsite of this designation.
Accredited Consultant in Real Estate
REALTOR® - A real estate agent is a REALTOR® when they become a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. The Voice for Real Estate, NAR is the world's largest professional association. The term REALTOR® is a registered membership mark that identifies their members and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Visit my web site at http://www.karensvillas.com to learn more about me.
SERVING: Everett, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Lake Stevens, Marysville, Stanwood, Camano Island, Bothell, Lynnwood, Edmonds.
Karen has amazing marketing skills. I can't think of anyone but Karen who deserves the "Realtor of the Year". She is a remarkable person! Her knowledge of real estate was beyond my expectations and she listens and pays attention to detail. She is tops in courtesy and professionalism.
"Teresa Brenner"
Karen shines in her honesty and knowledge of the marketplace. We believe that Karen is the most professional agent I have ever worked with.
"Gil and Sharrie Duncan" - The Boeing Company
I want to thank Karen for her donation to Children's Hospital. When my son was 14 month old he was rushed to Children's. Not knowing what was wrong with him the staff at Children's found out what was wrong and saved his life. My son is now 19 and I know he wouldn't have made it without Children's Hospital. Thank you Karen for everything you have done for us. Your the best agent there is. We couldn't have done it without you.
"Ed and Jennifer Kraft"
As we head in a new direction I thought it appropriate to drop you a letter and let you know how much Barb and I appreciated the significant role, you, Karen played in the sale of our home. Having spent the past 23 years in the Human Resources discipline, I have had the opportunity to work with many real estate professionals. However, I can say without hesitation none finer than you, Karen.
One of the most critical decisions in business is selecting the right individual to do the job. Karen took the time to understand our objectives and had our interests first and foremost throught the selling process. Karen exemplifies all of the attributes sellers should be looking for when selling their home. She was, best of all, proactive in her communications, always keeping us apprised of her activities.
One final thing that impressed me most about Karen was her commitment to furthering her credentials. The fact that she donates a portion of her commission backChildren's Hospital also tells me a lot about her character, she believes in giving something in return. Karen is an excellent negotiator, her knowledge of real estate made me thankful that she was representing us. In closing let me say that I would witout hesitation, recommend Karen to anyone either seeking to purchase or sell their home. She is an outstanding agent.
"Barb and Drew Mac Afee"
Karen is the best. Her knowledge and expert attention to detail is what we wanted.
"Conrad and Carole Tovar" Tovar Properties
Karen had a clear idea of what we wanted and didn't waste our time showing us houses. This is our second purchase thru Karen. We won't use anyone else. She's the best and we've referred her to friends.
"Pete and Sue Castaneda"
We were in the military in Florida. Karen handled all the details for us. We just showed up and got the key. We appreciate her knowledge and dedication to us.
"Roy and Kristi Brubaker"
Karen's professionalish, positive attitued and excellent communication skills made this a great experience for me.
"Jason Rowsell"
Karen represented us on the sale of our home and the purchase of our next home. Her attention to detail and communications skills were tops. I would recommend her to anyone and will use her for future opportunities for us.
"Dr. Christopher Jean, D.D.S. and Dr. Stacey Lin, D.D.S."
Karen always kept us updated about what was happening. Karen is one really dedicated and knowldegeable agent. Karen, thank you for designating our home as a Miracle Home for Children's Hospital. That happens to be my favorite charity.
"John and Nancy Beeson"
We employed our realtor, Karen Schweinfurth, after interviewing three other agents. We are experienced home sellers and buyers and insist on interviewing whenever we are in the market to either sell or buy a home. For us, the interview process is extra work, but helps us to determine how well the Realtor will work with and for us.
In our case we decided on Karen for several reasons; we felt that Karen's enthusiasm and sales ability would be assets in the selling of our home. Also, Karen made us feel certain that the sale would go smoothly and professionally. We would employ Karen again and recommend her to anyone interested in purchasing or selling.
"Sarah and Peter Murray"
Karen's honesty and her committment to selling our home were her most outstanding features. She worked very hard to make selling our home a positive experience. After she sold our home my parents listed two homes with her. Thank you Karen for making selling our home happen quickly and pleasantly.
"Jim and Tami Henderson"
Mom, thanks for helping me find my first home and all you have done for me. I now fully understand how labor intensive your job is and appreciate your hard work.
"Your Son Jeff"
Karen, thanks for assisting my friend list his home and find a new one. You are a "Phenom" as in phenominal! We really appreciate you.
"John Carlson"
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