I'm sitting here enjoying my first cup of coffee, Carson snoring at my feet, and looking out at the light snowfall we had overnight. What I'm NOT doing, is scanning the internet or going back and forth between TV channels to determine school delays or closures. In the past, it has happened where a delay became a closure and I hadn't heard. But this morning, I received a phone from the school district alterting me that school was delayed 2 hours.
The automated phone call is part of a new system the Tahoma School District is using to notify parents of absences and other special announcements. This is the first time it was used to announce a delay, but I have to admit, it was very nice. I got the information "from the horses mouth" and feel comfortable knowing if it's changed (from a delay to a closure) another call would go out.
Nice job Tahoma!
But, um.....can you call me a little later than 5:30 am next time? I still need my beauty sleep!
Colleen
http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/ http://www.colleenfish.com/
Specializing in the Maple Valley area since 1990!
Everyone I know who has lived on the Cedar River here in Maple Valley says it is the most peaceful experience, listening to the rushing water, watching the salmon spawn upstream in the Fall. If you've always dreamed of living on river front property, here in Maple Valley the Cedar River is it!
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Here is a Market Snapshot of Maple Valley Riverfront Sales for 2007
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Number Sold |
5 |
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Average Sales Price |
$444,230 |
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Average Size |
1800 square feet |
Many of the homes along the river have loads of charm and unique features. There is definitely an eclectic mix from which to choose.
Enjoy!
Colleen
Colleen Fischesser is the Broker of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley Washington. She has been specializing in marketing and selling Maple Valley properties since 1990.
This information is taken from unimproved properties, or listings where the value was in the land, within the Tahoma School District which were listed through NWMLS and closed between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007 
| Number Properties Sold | 33 |
| Average Sales Price | $326,509 |
| Lowest Price: | $20,000 |
| Highest Price: | $995,000 |
If you're thinking about building or want to acquire property for future investment purposes, Winter is a great time to be looking to buy vacant land in our area. You can see where potential draining problems might be and get a good picture of any wetland situations. Also, if the County were to require a "Winter Perc" , you wouldn't have to wait...it could be done now!
-Colleen
Specializing in Maple Valley Real Estate since 1990!
My husband and I had our 3 boys fairly closely in age....(we had 3 under the age of four to be exact, what were we thinking? ) One of our favorite things to do during the holidays when they were small was to load them into the mini-van and head out to look at Christmas lights. Lake Wilderness Country Club here in Maple Valley was one of our favorite spots, driving through the neighborhood oh so slowly, headlights out...oooohing and ahhhhing over the elaborate displays. Of course my husband couldn't refrain from letting us know there was NO WAY he would ever live there because he would never have that much Christmas Spirit!! (Scrooge)
There was definitely some magic in those moments; being together, feeling safe and loved.
Of course the boys are older and our traditions have changed...not to mention we don't have the ole' mini-van anymore. We now do a Family shopping day at Belle-Square with an early dinner and the last two years we have delighted in the Christmas Drummers & Snowflake Lane Performace at Lincoln Place.
We all felt that Christmas magic the very first time we saw it. You may want to check it out, it's worth it!
If you're looking to either start a Family Tradition or have something new to do with out of town visitors, here are a few suggestions based on personal experience of friends and family:
Zoolights:
There's nothing like Christmas lights at night to put you in the holiday spirit. Point Defiance Park's Zoolights was always a favorite with our boys when they were younger. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! The zoo is transformed by over 500,000 lights. It's a fun outing and something your visitors may really enjoy.....take an umbrella though, just in case! They are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this year.
Leavenworth Tree Lighting:
I'll admit, this is something my husband I and have never done, but it's on my list for next year! Leavenworth is about a 2 hour drive from Seattle (depending on Pass conditions and weather in general), but a destination well worth the trip! This little Bavarian Village offers unique shops year round, but at Christmas I've heard it's just magical. The Tree Lighting happens this weekend, December 7-9 and next weekend December 14-16. If possible, try to stay over Friday night when the town "is dark" for the lighting on Saturday. More information on Leavenworth.
Candy Cane Tours!!!
My Assistant, Andrea, actually told me about this one...The Elegant Gourmet Candy shop in Woodinville has the most darling, hand crafted holiday candies and cookies. On the weekends they host Candy Cane tours which demonstrate the making of these hand pulled confections.
If the your palate leans away from Candy and Cookies, the St. Michelle Winery is just around the corner...perhaps a glass of Riesling to complete the day?
More information on The Elegant Gourmet
Like things the Old Fashioned Way? I do!
This sounds like so much fun, I can't wait for a nice cold sunny day....ok. Nice cold, non-rainy day :-)
How about a horse drawn Carriage ride through downtown? Emerald Country Carriages offer short carriage rides (usually 10-15 minutes) throughout the holidays, but longer rides are available by reservation. This would be a fun addition to a day of Shopping at Westlake Center.
From my home to yours....Happy Holidays!
Colleen "Fish"
http://www.colleenfish.com/ http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/
Serving the Seattle/South King County Market for 18 years!
Ornament photo credit: Edyta Pawlowska, Big Stock Photo
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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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