Kent, WA

All Kent WA car buffs should motor on down to the Des Moines marina this Sunday for the 17th annual " Italian Concours d' Elegance " car show. This year's event will again feature some great cars including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus, Fiat and more. There may even be a few stray Porsche's hidden among the Italians. Last years show also included motorcycles. There will be booths set up displaying car related merchandise for sale. This exotic car show will be set against the backdrop of the Puget Sound, right on the pier at the marina. The Des Moines marina is located at 22307 Dock Ave, Des Moines,WA.

The " Italian Concours d' Elegance " is this Sunday and runs from 11am -4pm.

Kent WA condos are great for first-time buyers because they are normally priced below Kent single family homes. They are popular with older buyers too, because of the amenities and conveniences. But condominium ownership isn't for everyone. There is an element of conformity associated with condominium living that some people may not appreciate. All condominiums are governed by CC&R's which stands for Declarations of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions. This document outlines the rules that residents agree to live by when they purchase their home. A copy of his voluminous document should be provided to each buyer before the purchase agreement is signed, and most importantly, should be carefully read and understood. These documents can vary greatly from one condominium development to the next.

When you consider buying a Kent Condo also consider the restrictions of your intended development. If the CC&R's seem too restrictive for your lifestyle, or that you might have difficulties adapting to the "house rules", maybe you should reconsider. Personally I find condominium living has more benefits than liabilities but it's a personal choice. The rules are designed for a certain lifestyle and for your protection and community preservation.
Do your research before deciding and talk with other condo owners or your real estate agent about the pros and cons of condo ownership. I live in the Riverview Community which is a Kent condominium development by Polygon Northwest. I love it here and would be happy to show you our community.

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net

Kent WA condos are great for first-time buyers

Residents of Kent Washington have the opportunity to enjoy many cultural activities throughout the year. I just received the fall program guide listing all the programs and events the city will offer this year. There's 40 pages of information describing the classes, programs and events for all Kent residents. The mayor's message on the first page says " It's hard to believe summer is almost gone and we are reading the fall brochure. The wide variety of recreational, educational and service opportunities our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department offers can help you be happy and healthy. There is no need to fight traffic, pay for parking or pay big city ticket prices when you can enjoy an array of quality performances right in your own city"

Being a resident of Kent Washington has it's advantages and benefits and this is one of them. If you don't have a copy of this year's program, there is an online guide where you can view everything offered and register as well. The Cultural Arts Spotlight Series of events are available online as well. Take advantage of these great opportunities by registering or reserving your tickets today.

PEKING ACROBATS

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net

Kent Washington residents enjoy cultural arts programs all year

The Green River in Kent WA is calm for now but according to Government warnings and observations of the Army Corps of Engineers, seasonal rains may change all that. Due to certain structural deficiencies at the Hanson Dam, more water will need to be released during the rainy season to relieve back-pressure. If we have large consecutive storms this winter, the water released from the dam may flood the lower regions of the Kent valley. We haven't seen flooding in the valley since the dam was constructed in 1962. Since that time, the Kent valley has grown considerably adding residential, commercial and industrial developments throughout the valley. These low-lying areas are the subject of concern today if flooding occurs this winter. The local governments have been publicizing the possibility of flooding this winter via newspapers and direct mail. They have even proposed a door-knocking campaign to advise residents and business owners of the possibility, and how to prepare and respond if such an event occurred. Read more about the Hanson dam and the King County government's flood plan here. If you live in the Kent valley you need to be prepared. We will all hope for the best, but we need to be prepared for any event.

Greg Saffell

(206) 617-2247

REMAX Performance Plus

Information About Kent WA Real Estate

gregsaffell@comcast.net

The Green River in Kent Washington is calm for now

Good news for Kent,WA. home-buyers hit the front page of the newspaper today. The " Affordability Index" brightened in King County for the first time in five years. The Washington Center for Real Estate Research said that the typical King County family can now afford the typical King County house. This means a median-income family, with an income of $81,965 can afford the mortgage payments on a median-priced home of $387,500. Condominiums were excluded from this study and many first-time home buyers will find even better affordability in this residential sector.

Home prices in Kent Wa. and King County have experienced double-digit drops from the highs of 2007 providing this balance between home prices and income. Our current low interest rates play a large part of this affordability calculation, but how long this will last is anyone's guess. Conventional mortgage financing is more difficult to obtain and incomes have stagnated so this affordability may be a short-lived window of opportunity.

Serious home-buyers who have been procrastinating, waiting on the sidelines for the market to settle should see this as a rare buying opportunity. If you are interested in seeing well-priced homes currently on the market in Kent,WA. or nearby communities, please contact me before the interest rates climb again.

Greg Saffell