Moving to a new West Seattle home

This is my 835th post on AliceIsTheKey.blogspot.com! It's been a nice starter-home, but after more than 4 years, I'm moving to a new address. I hope you will follow me to my new home at www.WondersInAliceLand.com.  More than just real estate information, Wonders In Alice Land also focuses on Living Single, Living Green and Living the Law of Attraction.

It promises to be an adventure :)

www.wondersinaliceland.com

Prudential Northwest Realty welcomes Santa Paws

What is the holiday season without a few puns?

My colleagues and I, in the West Seattle Prudential office, decided to put together a fun little holiday event for our past, present and future clients (after all, everyone fits into ONE of those categories). On Saturday, Dec. 3rd, from noon-2:30, Santa Claus will be in our office to have his picture taken with you and your pet (or your other friends/family). And we will give you a free copy of the photo for you to proudly display wherever!

We will also have free refreshments if you are camera-shy and just want to come by to say hello and watch the fun.

If you are feeling generous, you can choose to donate pet toys, pet food, etc. to benefit Ginger's Pet Rescue

OR, if you'd like to add a little joy to the Christmas of a needy, yet deserving child, we will also have a donation barrel to benefit the Marine Toys For Tots toy drive. Bring you NEW and UNWRAPPED toys to the Prudential Northwest Realty office and drop them in the designated bin. We will deliver them to the Toys for Tots distribution center in late December to help brighten Christmas for a child who might otherwise receive nothing.

Questions? Give me a call at 206-708-9800. Or, if you have donations but can't make it to the Prudential office, contact me and I will arrange to have it picked up from your home or office.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

WEEKEND PLANNER FOR NOVEMBER 11TH, 12TH & 13TH  Happy Veterans Day! Have a great November weekend in the Pacific Northwest! And remember, I thrive on your real estate business and I am devoted to your referrals.  Please call or email me if you know of anyone looking to buy or sell real estate in today’s market. OPEN HOUSE EVENTS: Follow this link and click on the “Open House” tab VETERAN'S DAY MEMORIAL EVENTS:      Evergreen Washelli www.washelli.com      Museum of Flight www.museumofflight.org      Seattle Veterans Museum www.seattleveteransmuseum.org      Washington State History Museum www.washingtonhistory.org      Museum of Glass www.museumofglass.org  GLITTER SALE AT SEATTLE GOODWILL SAT-SUN  Glamorous formal wear, jewelry, vintage clothing and accessories at the Seattle Goodwill Store.  www.seattlegoodwill.org SPORTS COLLECTORS ANNUAL WINTER CONVENTION SAT-SUN  Over 40 tables full of the best in Sports Cards and Memorabilia - no Beanie Babies or Pokemon, just great sports cards at Meridian Park Elementary in Shoreline.  www.wssca.net ST. STEPHEN’S 4TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZZAR FRI-SUN   Fourth Annual Christmas Bazaar in Renton with 50+ exhibitors, arts and crafts, photos with Santa, children’s shopping table, silent auction, gifts for pets, food and more to raise funds to host Thanksgiving Day dinner for the homeless.  www.ststephenchristmasbazaar.blogspot.com “SAYS YOU!” LIVE TAPING SAT 1:30-4   A sell-out in its June 2010 Town Hall appearance, NPR’s Says You!, a game “of words and whimsy, bluff and bluster,” keeps the quiz-show tradition alive – and on the road, taping Saturday “Mist Opportunities: A Seattle Celebration”. www.saysyou.net COME SEE THE SALMON SAT-SUN  11-2 Volunteer Salmon Stewards will be stationed by Piper’s Creek in Carkeek Park between 11/12 and 12/11. Learn about the salmon lifecycle and how you impact the watershed or just come enjoy the spectacle.  bill.malatinsky@seattle.gov SEATTLE SEAHAWKS HOME GAME SUN  1:05  Welcome home the Seattle Seahawks as they host the Baltimore Ravens at Century Link Field. Celebrate with a gameday theme of Military Appreciation.  www.seahawks.com NEW MOVIES:      Happy Feet Two      The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part I

Pedestrian safety in West Seattle

It's not exactly a sidewalk, but ...

While walking my dog along Roxbury the other day, I noticed that the City has painted lines and pedestrian icons (for lack of a better word) along the road in lieu of actual sidewalks.

I guess that's a step in the right direction (pun intended).

Have you seen these anywhere else around West Seattle?

New listing already sold!

I was going to write a post telling all about the Seatac condo I listed yesterday, but we already have two offers on it!

Who says Seattle real estate isn't selling?

Here's a link to the listing, anyway, in Wedgewood Manor, 3425 S 176th St, 98188.

If you want your home sold, particularly West Seattle homes, give me a call at 206-708-9800.

Do you look at Virtual Tours?

It is common practice these days listing agents to create virtual tours to help market their real estate listings. Recently, I was discussing the pros and cons of posting virtual tours of West Seattle real estate listings online. The advantages are obvious, but a disadvantage can be that it allows "bad guys" to view the interior layout of a home, possibly making it easier to break in. 

So I have two questions for you. 

1) If you were selling your home right now, would you want your agent to create and publish a virtual tour of your home?

2) If you are searching online for a home right now, do you take time to watch virtual tours?

You can either comment on this post to leave your opinions, or vote in the poll in the left hand column of this blog. West Seattle real estate agents want to know!

Click here to see a sample virtual tour

Weekend Planner

Here's your link to a list of all the Open Houses in West Seattle this weekend. After that, pick one or two of the other fun events below.

OPEN HOUSE EVENTS 

This Saturday and Sunday, from 10A-1P both days, I will be holding open a truly unique, 3+ bedroom Victorian-style home in Fauntleroy, West Seattle, just up the street from Endolyne Joe's. The address is 9252 44th Ave SW, MLS #259212. List price is $399,000. Listing broker is my Prudential colleague, Bruce Butterfield. Come see me and pick up a coupon for a free ice cream cone from West Seattle's own, Husky Deli!

SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
WED-SUN Display of hundreds of 2012 cars, trucks and SUVs plus concept cars and more at CenturyLink Field Event Center. www.seattleautoshow.com

AUBURN VETERANS DAY PARADE & OBSERVANCE
SAT The largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi! Includes a military fly-over, marching bands, honor guards, military marching units and vehicles, veterans units, drill teams, community and scouting groups, as well as floats, antique cars and more in downtown Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

HMONG NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
SAT Celebrating the Lunar New Year by welcoming the prosperity of the coming year with music, dance and more at Seattle Center. www.seattlecenter.com

CULTURAL CROSSROADS
FRI-SUN Two stages of ethnic entertainment, international bazaar, Lego and Dolls of the World display at Crossroads Bellevue. www.crossroadsbellevue.com

POLISH HOME HOLIDAY BAZAAR
SAT-SUN Bakery and dessert bar, delicatessen, dinner served or take-out, Polish crafts, books and more at Polish Home Association in Seattle. www.polishhome.org

GREEN SEATTLE DAY
SAT This event is the kick off to our planting season and is a celebration of our neighborhood parks and committed neighbors. Volunteer at one of 15 parks around Seattle. http://greenseattle.org/events/2011-events/november/green-seattle-day-11-5

TACOMA SKI SWAP
FRI-SAT Tacoma Ski and Snowboard Mega Sale. Clean out your closets and sell your old gear and bring in the New for 2011 at University of Puget Sound. www.tacomaskiswap.com

ISTANBUL'S GRAND BAZAAR TURKISH CULTURAL CELEBRATION
SAT Turkish performances, marketplace, traditional food and exhibits at Sammamish City Hall. www.ci.sammamish.wa.us

LA CONNER ARTS ALIVE
FRI-SUN Downtown La Conner is filled with art, music, poetry and food at over 50 galleries, shops, museums and restaurants. www.laconnerchamber.com

END OF DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
SUN Turn back the time at 2 AM Sunday, 11/06/2011. It’s also a great time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms.

NEW MOVIES
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas
Tower Heist

Survey Reveals 5 Home Buying Myths

Survey Reveals 5 Home Buying Myths

Overall, today's home buyers tend to be fairly knowledgeable about the real estate market, but there are still a few points of confusion in the process, as revealed by a new survey conducted by Zillow of 1,000 potential home buyers.

• Appreciation: About 42 percent of home buyers believe home values will appreciate by 7 percent a year. Reality: Historically, home values in a normal market appreciate by 2 to 5 percent in a year.
• Mortgage insurance: 41 percent of buyers think they will have to purchase private mortgage insurance, regardless of the amount of their downpayment. Reality: Buyers only need to purchase PMI if their downpayment is less than 20 percent of the home’s purchase price.
• Appraisals: 56 percent of the buyers said the purpose of the appraisal was to determine if a home was in good condition. Reality: That’s the purpose of a home inspection; an appraisal estimates fair market value.
• Home owner’s insurance: 37 percent of home buyers said that buying home owner’s insurance is optional. Reality: Lenders require homebuyers to purchase homeowner’s insurance.
• Ownership: 47 percent of home buyers said a prospective buyer owns a home after the purchase contract is signed. Reality: The purchase and sales agreement is the beginning of the closing phase, but it can be a long process until they finally take ownership.

How many of these did you believe?

Source: Daily Real Estate News, Friday, Oct. 28, 2011

What's this?

I've been seeing this on a lot of sewer drains the past 6 months or so. Any idea what the black stuff is and what it's supposed to accomplish? Is it some sort of filter? Seems as if it would cause problems in a serious rain storm.

Progress on "Denny Park West"

The grass is growing, a Big Toy is installed, the asphalt is laid for the tennis courts, and a (miniature, it seems) ball field is in place. Yep, things are starting to take shape in the park that the City doesn't want to give an official name. Here are my latest photos.

Nothing to do this weekend? You've GOT to be kidding!

WEEKEND PLANNER FOR OCTOBER 28, 29, and 30 OPEN HOUSE EVENTS SKIFEVER & SNOWBOARD SHOW FRI-SUN  Up to 70% off Ski and Snowboard Gear plus entertainment and discount lift tickets at the Washington State Convention Center.  www.skifever.orgISLAND RETREAT ANTIQUE & VINTAGE MARKET SAT  30 vendors of antique, vintage, artful and handmade goods, everything you need to refresh your home for the changing seasons at PORT Event Center in Anacortes.  www.retreatvintagemarket.com HARVEST & HALLOWEEN EVENTS: DIA DE MUERTOS SAT-SUN  Traditional sand painting, art exhibit, music and dance performances, short films, food, craft activities, display of alters representing regions of Mexico, community altar for all to display photos, flowers, notes and items to remember loved ones at Seattle Center.  www.seattlecenter.com/festal MARIS FARMS IN BUCKLEY ONGOING  Haunted woods, pumpkin patch, corn maze, food and fun for all.  www.marisfarms.com APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL SAT Help make apple cider and apple butter, sale of fresh apples, cider, and produce, farm tours, kids' activities, horse-drawn wagon rides, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dog Mountain Farm, 7026 Tolt Highlands Road N.E., Carnation; $5 www.dogmtnfarm.com/calendar.html KELSEY CREEK PUMPKIN PATCH SAT-SUN Pumpkins for ages 18 months to 9 years old, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Kelsey Creek Park, 410 130th Place S.E., Bellevue; $5 includes pumpkin; no registration needed (425-452-7688) PUMPKIN EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE SAT-SUN Ride historical Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad 45 minutes each way from Elbe depot to pumpkin patch at Mineral Lake; "Great Pumpkin" helps pick out pumpkins (one per passenger); games at lake, food for purchase, 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 54124 Mountain Highway E., Elbe, Pierce County; $20-$25, reservations advised www.mrsr.com DR. MAZE'S CORN MAZE AND PUMPKIN PATCH ONGOING Mazes, farm animals, pumpkins, produce, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday; $7/corn maze; explore the corn maze and pumpkin patch with your flashlight, 6-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays through October, $9; Dr. Maze's Farm, 15410 NE 124th St., Redmond; $9 www.drmazesfarm.com CARPINITO PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE ONGOING Pumpkin patch, 9 a.m.-dusk daily, corn maze, 9 a.m. to an hour before dusk daily, South 277th Street and West Valley Highway, Kent (253) 854-5692 or www.carpinito.com FAIRBANK ANIMAL AND PUMPKIN FARM ONGOING Farm animals, pumpkin patch, Tiny Tot Maize Maze and Hay Tunnel, harvest theme, nothing scary, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through October, 15308 52nd Ave. W., Edmonds; $2.50/person admission, pumpkins $1 and up  www.fairbankfarm.com REMLINGER FARMS PUMPKIN HARVEST FESTIVAL ONGOING Steam train, pony rides, farm petting zoo, kiddie rides, corn maze, u-pick pumpkin field, wagon ride, farm market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through October, Remlinger Farms, 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation; $14.16-$16.61 www.remlingerfarms.com FALL FESTIVAL AT CAMP KOREY ONGOING Corn maze, pumpkin picking patch, hayrides, s'mores, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays through October, Camp Korey, 28901 N.E. Carnation Farm Road, Carnation; free; $7/corn mazewww.campkorey.com/grow FALL FESTIVAL AND PUMPKIN PATCH ONGOING Hay-bale maze, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through October, Fox Hollow Farm, 12031 Issaquah-Hobart Road S.E., Issaquah; $8 www.foxhollowfamilyfarm.com/events/fall-festival FALL CITY FARMS ONGOING U-pick pumpkin patch and farm stand, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays through October, Fall City Farms, 3636 Neal Road, Fall City; cash or checks onlywww.fallcityfarms.com PICHA'S PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE ONGOING Pumpkin patch, corn maze, nothing scary, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, 3-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays through Oct. 30, Picha Farms, 6502 52nd St. E., Puyallup www.pichafarms.com CARLETON FARM PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE ONGOING Pumpkin patch, farm market, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily through October; Day Maze, 10 a.m. to one hour before dusk daily, $4.50-$6.50; Night Maze: The Haunted Swamp for ages 12 and older, 7-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Kids Play Areas Saturdays-Sundays, $5/per child, Kids Train, $3, Carleton Farm, 830 Sunnyside Blvd. S.E., Everett www.carletonfarm.com PUMPKIN PATCH AND CORN MAZE, SWAN'S TRAIL FARM ONGOING Pumpkins, petting farm, corn maze, farm market, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through October, The Farm at Swan's Trail, 7301 Rivershore Road, Snohomish; free admission, fees for some activities, $6/corn maze www.thefarm1.com BOB'S CORN & PUMPKIN FARM ONGOING Corn mazes, farm stand, pumpkin patch, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through October, free hayrides to pumpkin patch, kids' train ride, snacks, corn cannon, playground, pony rides, Fridays-Sundays, night maze, 6-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Bob's Corn, 10917 Elliott Road, Snohomish; free admission; corn mazes $3-$10 (360-668-2506 or www.bobscorn.com CRAVEN FARM PUMPKIN PATCH ONGOING Pumpkin patch, farm animals, corn maze, Harvest Market, 9:30 a.m.-dusk daily, through October; hay rides, weather permitting, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Craven Farm, 13817 Short School Road, Snohomish; free admission, fee for corn maze and some other activitieswww.cravenfarm.com BAILEY FARM PUMPKIN PATCH ONGOING Pumpkin patch and u-pick garden, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through October; food vendors, Pumpkin Barn hay fort and kids play areas, wagon rides, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, Bailey Family Farm, 12711 Springhetti Road, Snohomish; free admission, weekend activities $2-$3www.baileyveg.com FOSTER'S PRODUCE AND CORN MAZE ONGOING U-pick pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, kids' activities, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through October; pumpkin launcher, wagon rides Saturdays-Sundays; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Foster's Produce and Corn Maze, 5818 SR 530 N.E., Arlington; $5.50/corn maze, $1/hay maze fosterscornmaze.com MINDER FARM CORN MAZE ONGOING Corn maze, farm stand, 4-7 p.m. Friday, 9-7 p.m. Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, 4-6 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday through October, 1000 Glud's Pond Road N.E., Bremerton; $5-$8 (360-479-0880) GORDON SKAGIT FARMS AUTUMN MARKET ONGOING Heirloom pumpkins, squash, cider, apples, gourds, pumpkin patch, corn maze, Halloween displays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through October, Gordon Skagit Farms, 15598 McLean Road, Mount Vernon www.gordonskagitfarms.com PUMPKIN FEST FRI-SUN Pumpkin catapults compete, pumpkin patch, hayrides, hay maze, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through October, $2/person admission; seasonal fare and items at local restaurants and merchants, Hunter Farms, 1921 E. Highway 106, Union www.visitunion.com HAUNTED HOUSES & MORE: BASTYR HAUNTED TRAILS FRI-SAT Spooky activities for children under 8 years, 5-7 p.m., and ages 8 and older, 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Bastyr University, 14500 Juanita Drive N.E., Kenmore; $3-$20www.bastyr.edu/news/news.asp?NewsID=2559 THE NIGHTMARE AT BEAVER LAKE ONGOING Nighttime city park walking path of scares plus pavilion haunted house maze, proceeds benefit charities of the Rotary Club of Sammamish; Family Scare, 7-7:45 p.m. Friday-Sunday and Oct. 26-31; Full Scare, 8-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 8-10 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 26-27; 8-11 p.m. Oct. 28-29; 8-10 p.m. Oct. 30-31, Beaver Lake Park, 25201 S.E. 24th St., Sammamish; $8-$15www.nightmareatbeaverlake.com DARK HOLLOW HAUNTED FOREST ONGOING Walk on dark path with ghoul, for ages 10 and older, proceeds benefit youth groups, 7-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, non-scary family walk, 5-6 p.m. Saturdays, Royal Arch Park, 20821 Maple Valley Hwy., Maple Valley; $15-$20; $3 off with food bank donation; $5/Family Walkwww.DarkHollowHaunt.com FRIGHT FEST ONGOING Scream Factory Haunted House, dance party, rides, entertainment, 6-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 5-9 p.m. Sundays through October, including Booville scare-free zone for ages 10 and younger with activities, trick or treat, 6-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 5-7 p.m. Sundays; Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, 36201 Enchanted Parkway S., Federal Way; $24.99, $10-$20/parkingwww.wildwaves.com KIDS & FAMILY ACTIVITIES: DELRIDGE HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL FRI Games and treats for ages 12 and younger, 6 p.m. Friday, Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way S.W., Seattle; free (206-684-7423). FAMILY FUN, GREEN LAKE FRI Family music, games, pumpkin carving, 5 p.m. Friday, Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle; free (206-684-0780 or www.seattle.gov/parks) FREAKY FALL FESTIVAL, RAVENNA FRI Come in costume for carnival games, crafts, jumpy toy, for ages 12 and younger, 6 p.m. Friday, Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, 6535 Ravenna Ave. N.E., Seattle; $3/person (206-684-7534). GHOULISH THINGS GLOW IN THE DARK, MAGNOLIA FRI Bounce houses and tumbling in the dark, for ages 6-1, 6 p.m. Friday, Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W., Seattle; $3/child (206-386-4235). BURIEN NIGHT OF THE PUMPKIN FRI Celebration of Halloween and Day of the Dead, come in costume, carnival games, crafts, bonfire, Day of the Dead altars, music, storytelling, 6 p.m. Friday, Burien Community Center, Fourth Avenue Southwest and Southwest 146th Street, Burien; $4 www.burienparks.net HAMLIN HALLOWEEN HAUNT FRI Spooky songs and stories around a campfire, hay wagon rides, games, come in costume, bring a flashlight, 6 p.m. Friday, Hamlin Park, 16006 15th Ave. N.E., Shoreline; free (206-801-2600 orwww.shorelinewa.gov/parks) HAUNTED INDOOR MINIATURE GOLF FRI-SUN Miniature golf in the dark with special effects, for ages 7 and older, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, with Halloween theme, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, $3-$4; South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 S.E. Newport Way, Bellevue (425-452-4240) BAINBRIDGE GARDENS PUMPKIN WALK FRI-SAT Nature trail with 300 lighted, carved pumpkins, harvest maze, music, bounce house, food vendors, 6-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Bainbridge Gardens, 9415 Miller Road N.E., Bainbridge; free admission, suggested cash donation for attractions benefits Bainbridge Island Boys & Girls Clubwww.bainbridgegardens.com PUMPKIN BASH, BITTER LAKE SAT Games, entertainment, jump toys, wear costume, for ages 2-10, 6 p.m. Saturday, Bitter Lake Annex, 13040 Greenwood Ave. N., Seattle; game tickets 25 cents; canned food bank donations requested (206-684-7524) HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL & SILENT AUCTION SAT Carnival for ages 1-8, silent auction, train rides, bake sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Shoreline Cooperative Preschool, 816 N.E. 190th St., Shoreline www.shorelinecooperativepreschool.org ISLAND WOOD HOWL-O-WEEN SUN Pumpkin carving techniques and inspirations, tales of ghosts and goblins, haunted pumpkin-patch trail, 1 p.m. Sunday, IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Ave. N.E., Bainbridge Island; free, preregistration required www.islandwood.org/events/howl-o-ween LI'L SPOOKY THINGS, MAGNOLIA MON Activities for ages 5 and younger, 10 a.m. Monday, Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W., Seattle; free (206-386-4235) TODDLER HALLOWEEN, GREEN LAKE MON Dress in costume, bring a bag, for ages 1-5, 6 p.m. Monday, Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E. Green Lake Drive N., Seattle; $2/person suggested donation (206-684-0780) TODDLER PUMPKINPALOOZA, HIGH POINT SAT Pumpkin painting, games, wear costume, for age 1-5, 10 a.m. Oct. 27, High Point Community Center and Field, 6920 34th Ave. S.W., Seattle; free (206-684-7422) GHOSTOLOGY EVENT, MONTLAKE SAT "Ghost tour" in the dark, wear a costume, for ages 10 and younger, 6 p.m. Oct. 27, Montlake Community Center, 1618 E. Calhoun St., Seattle; games 25 cents each (206-684-4736) AUTUMN HARVEST CARNIVAL, TUKWILA SAT Kids' costume contest, craft activities, games, food available, 6 p.m. Oct. 27, Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Ave. S., Tukwila; $3/advance or $5 at the door, per child (206-768-2822 orwww.tukwilawa.gov) NEW MOVIES: IN TIME PUSS IN BOOTS THE RUM DIARY Happy Halloween my friends!  And remember, the Real Estate Market doesn’t have to be scary.  In fact, the real estate market is quite good right now.  Sales have doubled in our area from last year to this year and we are experiencing a shortage on inventory. Plus, interest rates are in the low four percents. Of everyone you know, can you think of anyone who would want to buy or sell a home right now?  Give me a call, send me a text or an email.  I’d love to hear from you. 206-708-9800

Seattle area weekend events

WEEKEND PLANNER FOR OCTOBER 21, 22, and 23 OPEN HOUSE EVENTS  With low home prices and low interest rates, t's a great time to buy a house! http://tinyurl.com/7089800 PUMPKIN PATCH & HAUNTED WOODS FRI-SUN Delightful, frightful and potentially economical fun at Maris Farms. Enjoy the corn maze, pumpkin patch and infamous Haunted Woods. There are activities for all agents and stop by the STAR 101.5 tent for more fun and games. www.marisfarms.com PUMPKIN PATCH & KORRAL FRI-SUN Thomasson family farm is a great place to experience a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, corn or hay maze, farmer’s market, hay wagon, tractor train ride, hop-along horse race or sling shots. Fun for all!www.thomassonfamilyfarm.com   PUMPKIN PATCH, CORN MAZE & GIFT SHOP FRI-SUN Part of the 2011 Harvest Festival featuring our famous Pumpkin Patch, fun and food for the whole family with over five acres of an actual corn maze and over two miles in paths.  Because this is an actual farm, some areas are wet or weathered, make sure to wear appropriate clothes.www.spoonerfarms.com   DAY OF THE DEAD EXHIBIT  FRI-SUN Stop by the Othello Public Market (4200 S Othello St, Seattle). This festival is a tribute to Halloween with ethnic and cultural activities from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM www.publicmarket.org DOG-O-WEEN SAT Dress your dog in the best Halloween costume for a chance to win prizes in the costume contest, plus learn more about volunteering for animals  Located at Magnolia Manor Park from 11:00 AM-2:30 PM.www.coladog.org/dogoween   KING COUNTY BAG YOUR BAGS SAT Bring ‘em Back campaign is partnering with Fred Meyer to encourage people to bring their plastic bags back to the grocery store for recycling. Join Star 101.5 at the Issaquah Fred Meyer from 1-3pm for and receive a free reusable grocery bag. www.bagyourbags.com TOX-ICK: A MONSTER OF A PROBLEM FOR PUGET SOUND SAT Win $1,000 in prizes like water cisterns, landscape design, car wash gift certificates oil changes, bus passes and more! Sustainable West Seattle presents a 30 minute talk on the biggest threat to Puget Sound: Toxic runoff. Enter to win one of more than 10 pollution prevention prizes. www.tox-ick.org     NEW MOVIES:  The Three Musketeers Johnny English Reborn Margin Call Paranormal Activity 3

Free West Seattle Workshop Tonight

Need to hire a general contractor, electrician, plumber, painter, etc, but don't know where to find one who is skilled and trustworthy? Come to a free workshop this Wednesday, Oct. 19th from 6P-7:30P at the Prudential Office in Jefferson Square, West Seattle. Sponsored by Savvy Seattle Women, you will hear specific questions to ask various professionals and take home our free booklet with checklists of "how to hire" do's and don'ts.


I will be hosting the workshop and several service professionals will be on hand to answer your questions.

The event is open to the general public. The address is 4700 42nd Ave SW, Suite 600. (Above Bartell's in Jefferson Square.) Free parking and complimentary refreshments, too!

If you are a local business person, feel free to bring your business cards for our display table.

Questions? Give me a call at 206-708-9800 or visit the Savvy Seattle Women website, http://www.savvyseattlewomen.com/

Mission Statement: Savvy Seattle Women is a network of local professional women who offer their time and expertise to help other women become self-sufficient homeowners. We strive to be a reliable source of easily accessible and trustworthy information concerning home ownership, providing no-cost workshops, online support, and professional referrals.

How to Hire a Home Svc Pro Workshop

Need to hire a general contractor, electrician, plumber, painter, etc, but don't know where to find one who is skilled and trustworthy? Come to a free workshop this Wednesday, Oct. 19th from 6P-7:30P at the Prudential Office in Jefferson Square, West Seattle. Sponsored by Savvy Seattle Women, you will hear specific questions to ask various professionals and take home our free booklet with checklists of "how to hire" do's and don'ts.

I will be hosting the workshop and several service professionals will be on hand to answer your questions.

The event is open to the general public. The address is 4700 42nd Ave SW, Suite 600. (Above Bartell's in Jefferson Square.) Free parking and complimentary refreshments, too!

If you are a local business person, feel free to bring your business cards for our display table.

Questions? Give me a call at 206-708-9800 or visit the Savvy Seattle Women website, http://www.savvyseattlewomen.com/

Mission Statement: Savvy Seattle Women is a network of local professional women who offer their time and expertise to help other women become self-sufficient homeowners. We strive to be a reliable source of easily accessible and trustworthy information concerning home ownership, providing no-cost workshops, online support, and professional referrals.

New Feature: Tell Me Where to Go!

As you know, I hold an Open House almost every weekend in West Seattle. Which house to hold open is always the big question, so I thought I'd start giving you a vote.

At the beginning of each week I will post photos and basic info about 2-3 different homes and I'd like you to vote, by commenting on the blogpost, as to which one you'd like to see me hold open the coming weekend.

So here is the first set of contenders:

3220 63rd Av SW, 3 bedroom/2 bath  $449,900 MLS# 253863

3820 48th Av SW, 4 bedroom/1.75 bath  $409,950  MLS# 209094

11222 37th Av SW,  3 bedroom/1 bath  $339,000  MLS#217106

What do you think? Which house would you like to see me hold open?

Opens, Opens Everywhere!

This weekend, Prudential Northwest Realty is holding even more Open House events than usual. Don't be surprised if you see our sign boards on nearly every street corner both Saturday and Sunday from 1-4P. Here is a website link to Open House Events you can visit if you'd like to pre-plan your tour, or just hop in your car and cruise the neighborhoods that interest you.

Here is something to keep in mind when you visit an Open House. Sometimes the hosting agent is the listing agent and sometimes they are a buyer's agent. If they are the listing agent, remember that they work for the SELLER. Although they may be more than willing to represent both you and the seller, it is in your best interests to retain your own, separate buyer's agent. Here's more information about why it's important to hire a buyer's agent and how to find a good one?

This weekend, I will be holding open a home known to locals as "Rose Hall," in the Fauntleroy neighborhood. The address is 9252 44th Ave SW. Unfortunately for me, the sellers accepted an offer on the house after we had already advertised the Open House event, so the home is currently "Pending Inspection." But come by anyway because you probably won't get another chance to see this unique home for a long while. AND I can tell you about other equally great homes that ARE available. Plus, you'll receive a coupon for a free ice cream cone from West Seattle's own Husky Deli!

Food Drive results

Last Saturday, my Prudential Northwest Realty colleagues and I hosted a food drive to benefit the West Seattle and White Center food banks. This is an annual event for us and the effort is always well worth it. The food banks get a nice pre-holiday kick-off and we get to witness some really inspiring generosity on the part of our neighbors and friends.

This year we collected approximately 3500 pounds of food and $900 in cash! Thank you to all who contributed. If you still want to contribute, you can drop off canned food donations year round at our office in Jefferson Square, 4700 42nd Av SW, Suite 600. We are open seven days a week, 9A-5P.

Denny (?) park update #3

Here are the latest photos of the progress on the new public park being installed on the site of the former Denny Middle School in West Seattle (30th Av SW & SW Thistle St.).  They've been working fervently, but it looks pretty much the same to my untrained eye as it did last week.

Does anyone know what the spiral structures will be?

Who wants ice cream?

I just gave away my first ice cream cone for the day. Are you ready for yours? Everyone who tours my Open House gets a coupon for a free cone from West Seattle's own Husky Deli!

Today (RIGHT NOW, in fact!) from 10A-1P, I am holding Open a 3 bed/2.5 bath contemporary home in the Belvidere neighborhood of West Seattle (just minutes to Alki Beach). 2,580 sq. ft. of light-filled space, a great floor plan, 2-car attached garage, and a view of the City!

The address is 2741 Belvidere Ave SW. Listed by my Prudential colleague, Rebecca Mitsui, for $550,000. MLS# 264506.

Here's a link to more Open House events this weekend?

Unusual features

While out previewing homes the other day, I ran across a pristine, remodeled 2 bed/1 bath rambler in Arbor Heights (West Seattle) that features this brand new wood-burning stove with a twist. The stove rotates, giving you the ability to direct where the heat goes and see the flames from different rooms!

This is just one of the many great features in the gorgeous home. The house is listed by my Prudential colleague, Tay Krull, for $359,950. The address is 3706 SW 107th St. MLS# 276900. The house is occupied, but it's easy to schedule a showing. Give me a call if you'd like to see it. 206-708-9800.

What unusual features have you seen in a local home recently?

Canned food drive today!

Do you have an extra can of food sitting in a cupboard or an dollar in your purse/wallet you can spare? If so, PLEASE consider donating one or both (or more) to the Prudential canned food drive happening TODAY from 10-2 at the following stores:  West Seattle PCC, Jefferson Square Safeway, Morgan St. Thriftway and White Center Albertson's.  If we each give just a little, we can help a lot! Need to have your donation picked up? Call me at 206-708-9800. Or you can drop donations off at our Prudential office 7 days a week. 4700 42nd Ave SW Suite 600 in Jefferson Square.

Where's Pigeon Point?

The other day I posted a photo of the view from a new home in the Pigeon Point neighborhood of West Seattle. As I noted in that post, Pigeon Point is one of the least well-known areas in West Seattle, so I thought I'd give you a little more information about it. 


The Pigeon Point neighborhood is located on a high bluff directly south of the West Seattle Bridge at the south end of Elliott Bay. Boundaries include Spokane Street SW on the north, Delridge Avenue SW on the west, West Marginal Way and the Duwamish Waterway on the east, and Puget Park/Oregon Avenue on the south.


The main access to the neighborhood is east on SW Andover Street, off Delridge Way soon after exiting the West Seattle Bridge. Andover then runs into/dead ends at 21st Ave SW. Turning right/south onto 21st will take you into the heart of the neighborhood. The streets tend to be narrow and homes, both old and new, seem to fill every square inch of land. Cars do not race through Pigeon Point; it has a pedestrian-friendly feel to it.


Although few people are familiar with the area, those who live there, love it and are not anxious for the secret to get out.


Here is a sneak peek at the kitchen in this as-yet-unlisted new home. Note that bright spot in the background is the sun!


If you'd like to know more about this house, give me a call and I will let you know as soon as it hits the market. 206-708-9800

Denny park (?) update

BNB Construction is hard at work on the park that is going up on the site of the old Denny Middle School in West Seattle... evenings and weekends included. Here are a few photos of the progress since last Saturday. Note glorious Mt. Rainier in the background :)

Does anyone know if the new park has been given a name yet? If not, what do you think it should be called?

Vote for your choice on my blog poll.

The 20 Best Places To Live Now -- Real Estate

This is great information about Seattle neighborhoods, published annually by Seattle Met Magazine.

The 20 Best Places To Live Now -- Real Estate:

'via Blog this'

Time to winterize (autumn-ize?)

What fickle weather we are having in Seattle this year! One day it feels like summer and the next it feels like autumn. Regardless, it hasn't yet gotten cold enough to make us homeowners dread working in the yard a bit to get ready for fall and winter. Which of these items from handi(wo)man, Amy Ecklund's Fall Home Maintenance Checklist will you tackle next?

-> Clean gutters & downspouts
-> Check roof for damaged shingles & trim branches away from roof
-> Install insulated covers on hose bibs & drain sprinkler system
-> Check smoke detectors & replace batteries
-> Service heating & cooling system

-> Replace furnace filter
-> Fertilize the lawn
-> Flush hot water tank

Need some help with that list? Call Amy at 206-478-2019, www.amyworks.com

The evolution of a park

The old Denny Middle School in West Seattle has been leveled and a new park is being born in its place. Here are some shots of its current state, next to one from before demolition began.

How do you feel about this public project? Comment below.

Home heating costs

With the onset of autumn, many of us are starting to think about home heating bills and how to keep them as low as possible.  Natural gas, oil, electric, solar... which is cheapest? Which is best for the environment? Which offers the best combination of affordability and eco-sensitivity?

Unfortunately, the answer varies with the circumstances of your home and lifestyle.

If you'd like to find out more, here is a non-commercial website that provides information on a wide array of home energy issues. http://greenhomeadvisor.org/alice-kuder/index

Are you concerned about the cost of heating your home this winter? Give your answer on my Facebook poll. www.facebook.com/AliceKuder

Another "American Dream" come true!

Congratualtions to the Doyle family! They closed on the sale of their very first home today and they couldn't be happier! I couldn't be happier, either! I love my job :)