Yep, this is me(the picture is purposely NOT good I hate having my photo taken more than going to the dentist)....enjoying a beautiful January day in the blinding sunshine of the Pacific Northwest! This is typical of Seattle sunny days, when the blue of the sky is awesomely clear and the truest blue I've ever seen. I was lucky to be able to enjoy the sun as I needed to preview a few properties in the Hobart area, a very small rural town South of Issaquah and due East of Maple Valley. Although it has it's own zip code, this history rich town shares a school district and many community amenities with Maple Valley. In fact, the "HO" in Tahoma, stands for Hobart. (Alright, no jokes there ok?)
I thought I would share one of my favorite views of rural Maple Valley/Hobart where homes range in age from early 1900's farm houses to brand new construction. Zoning, is one home per 5 acres and King County has jurisdiction over new development & new construction.
PS: If taking your own photo in the blinding sun while driving on a rural road is illegal then I did NOT take this photo myself!
Enjoy!
Colleen
It seems Jay Leno finds Maple Valley's Donut Hole Controversy pretty funny as it recently received airtime on The Tonight Show. I have to admit, if you're on the outside looking in, it does seem pretty odd and even funny. ...That a City is holding meetings about their Donut Hole issue.
But for those of us who live in Maple Valley and are sick and tired of Ron Sims and the King County Council's questionable political maneuvers (the suspiciously fast passing of the ridiculously strict Critical Areas Ordinance is one example which comes to mind) it's really not so funny.
As a quick recap, the Donut Hole is an area of property (apx 160 acres) currently owned by the County but entirely surrounded by the City.
The County is in negotiations to make a trade with a large developer ; the donut hole for a larger piece of rural property. Because the County owns the Donut Hole property, it would control the density and development restrictions, while retaining all of the development fees. In the meantime, the City, which may see it's population increase by as much as 30% if developed as outlined will have no control over density or building type, but will have the burden and responsibility for providing all services; roads, fire & schools, for the new residents.
I think the next show which should feature our Donut Hole is 20/20 so I can hear John Stossel say...."GIMME A BREAK" !!!!!!
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley Washington. Sh has been marketing and selling properties in South King and North Pierce Counties since 1990 but specializes in the Maple Valley area.
Several months ago I was looking into some of the soon to be built Commercial Retail space at Four Corners behind the existing Do It Center hardware store. The complex, which has yet to be built, was being advertised on the Commercial MLS, however no rate information was posted. After talking with the listing Broker about timeframe and availability, I inquired what the asking rate was....and then nearly dropped the phone when he told me they were asking $40 per sq.ft for an end cap (Highway 169 frontage). I couldn't help myself, I chuckled and told him "Well, good luck with that" and ended the conversation. According to the Seattle Times, this is higher than what tenants pay in Seattle ($31 per square foot). Perhaps this is why several small businesses at the newly developed Maple Valley Commons have closed their doors such a short time after opening.
It's the tale of Supply and Demand. Current Maple Valley Zoning does not afford much opportunity for commercial development and the City has long been struggling to get a firm grasp on which direction it would like to go with respect to Commercial growth. For quite a while, the City has maintained an "anti big-box" policy, not allowing any commercial development over 60,000 square feet. But with continued Residential growth comes a demand for services. Currently the City is losing precious revenue to the City of Covington, just a short 10 minute drive away, and is in the process of reconsidering it's position on Commercial Development.
Maple Valley is a beautiful community with much to offer; scenery including numerous lakes, Cascade Foothill & Mt. Rainier views, the Cedar River trail, excellent proximity to Skiing at Snoqualmie pass, along with a very strong school district...the growth is happening and I've no doubt the City will find it's Commercial identity while maintaining all that make Maple Valley such wonderful place to live and raise a Family.
www.ColleenFish.com www.MapleValleyRealEstate.com
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley Washington, a community approximately 20 miles South East of Seattle.
Historically homes in South King County have proven more affordable for Employees relocating to the Puget Sound because of their being further distanced from the Metropolitan areas of Seattle and Bellevue.
Maple Valley has long been an attractive alternative to the Bellevue/Eastside area for relocating families due to the strength of the Tahoma School District and lower prices.
As a convenience for those researching South King County markets, I've compiled a side by side comparison of various information from school districts which include: Auburn, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Enumclaw and Tahoma (Maple Valley).
At every grade and subject level but one, Tahoma WASL Scores were higher than all South King County districts.
Here's a snapshot:
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Auburn |
Enumclaw |
Federal Way |
Kent |
Renton |
Tahoma |
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WASAL 3rd Grade Reading |
67.2 | 76.7 | 73.7 | 66.7 | 67.2 | 89 |
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WASAL 5th Grade Science |
34 | 40.3 | 31.3 | 28 | 32.4 | 65.4 |
|
WASAL 8th Grade Math |
40.7 | 49.9 | 50.5 | 51.9 | 38.4 | 60.3 |
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WASAL 10th Grade Reading |
79.5 | 87.8 | 86.9 | 81.5 | 69.5 | 90.7 |
I have a full comparison of Scores in all subjects by School District. If you would like a copy, please email me and I'd be happy to send it your way!
Enjoy!
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley Washington, a community approximately 20 miles SouthEast of Seattle. She has been marketing and selling Residential Real Estate in the area since 1990 but specializes in the greater Maple Valley Market. Colleen can be reached directly at: 425-432-5400
There's been much speculation about how our local market will perform in the first quarter of '08 in light of all the doom and gloom of the National news media. The Pacific Northwest in general has such a positive economic outlook many are wondering if the recent local housing slump isn't more of a bump.
Although it's much too soon to tell, it appears very low interest rates and seller price reductions may be luring buyers back to the bargaining table here in Maple Valley. Two weeks into the New Year, and there are 13 pending Sales and 7 Listings with contracts accepted "Subject to Inspection" .
Granted, it's not blazing hot activity, but considering last week was the first full "post-holiday" week, I think it's a sign of good things to come for the Maple Valley area.
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley Washington. She has been representing Residential Buyers & Sellers in King and Pierce Counties since 1990 but specializes in the greater Maple Valley Market.
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Broker, Owner, Wife, Mom, Friend & generally Fun Person(if I do say so myself) Serving South King & North Pierce Counties. Specializing in Single Family Residential marketing & sales since 1990!
Almost 18 years ago I decided to enter the Real Estate Industry because I loved the house hunting process and was excited about the opportunities and challenges presented by being self-employed.
I was bitten by the "house-hunting bug" as a young girl when I would go through the Sunday papers with my parents, looking for open houses. My father, Mike McCormack was an NFL football coach and we had moved several times throughout my childhood before finally settling in the NW when he took a job with the Seattle Seahawks. I came to view house hunting and the moving process as an adventure, and although it can sometimes be stressful and inconvenient, I love the process as much today as I did back then!
More than anything, I believe my role is to serve as a real estate advisor for my clients...to offer advice and options in order for them to make informed, educated decisions. I specialize in the greater Maple Valley market which is defined by the Tahoma School District boundaries.
Nestled beside the picturesque Cascade Foothill Mountain Range, approximately 20 miles Southeast of Seattle, Maple Valley Washington is a growing community rich in History and recreational opportunity. Skiing and hiking are only a 45 minute drive away at,Crystal Mountain, or Snoqualmie Summit. Boating and jet-skiing on Lake Sawyer, or swimming at Lake Wilderness are some favorite warm weather activities.
The greater Maple Valley area is defined by the Tahoma School District boundaries and also includes Hobart, Ravensdale & part of Renton. The City of Maple Valley, which incorporated in 1997, is where you'll find traditional subdivisions and retail shops. The rural portion of Maple Valley falls within unincorporated King County and is comprised mostly of homes on acreage. Population is approximately 29,600 (City of Maple Valley approximately 17,000). Median age is 33 and median income is $74,781.
View Complete Maple Valley Demographics.
The Maple Valley housing market is comprised predominantly of single family homes in a variety of settings...homes in traditional neighborhoods, homes on acreage, equestrian properties, lakefront homes and new construction. View information on Maple Valley neighborhoods.
If you're moving to the Seattle area, you may want to learn a little more about Maple Valley. Many area residents, priced out of the Bellevue, Issaquah and Remond Housing Market, moved a little farther South and found an area with a variety of homes ranging from Waterfront to Acreage to New Construction which were more affordable PLUS a School District with the highest test scores in South King County.
What Colleen's Clients Say....
"We wanted to express our gratitude to you for a completely worry-free purchase and sale. From the no-pressure sale, to the very effective marketing of our home, your attention to detail made the entire process pain-free! You anticipated each element with precision, accuracy and, most importantly, caring. We felt as though we were going through this overwhelming process with a friend at our side, and theat eased stress levels considerably."
The Forman's, Maple Valley WA
"Not only did I appreciate knowledge of the market and the area, I really appreciated your warm personality and strategic thinking..."
R. Asay, Auburn WA
"We chose you as our agent because of a personal recommendation from our friends who had seen your work before and they were right...you handled everything in a very professional manner but with a down-to-earth approach and a nice personal touch that we really enjoyed. We felt confident in your guidance and honesty.. So thanks for going the extra mile and for everything you did...
G & L Malmrose, Kent WA
"Colleen really knows the area inside and out, from builders to schools. She is also very knowledgeable when it comes to all the details of buying and selling. Our house sold in under a week for full price...due in part to her marketing skills....There is no doubt we would use Colleen again "
The Marottas, Maple Valley WA
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