How Savvy are you?

There's a new group forming in town which caters to the needs of women homeowners. We call ourselves Savvy Seattle Women (SSW) and we provide 3 primary resources free of charge.

First, we host a free workshop on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The Sept. 28th workshop: Winterizing Your Home and Yard. Sept. 28, 6:30-8P at the West Seattle Branch of the Seattle Public Library, 2306 42nd Av SW. (This workshop is not sponsored by The Seattle Public Library -- I'm required to say that.) Plenty of opportunity for Q & A with our experts, Suzanne Greive, from Home Inspections of Puget Sound, and Linnea Ferrell, Landscape Architect.

Second, we have set up a Google Group, designed to host discussions on topics related to home ownership. To join, go to: www.groups.google.com/group/savvyseattlewomen. You will need to either have or create a google account in order to participate.

Third, we are compiling a list of recommended service professionals you can call when you have homeowner tasks you don't feel capable of doing yourself. Individuals on the list are licensed and bonded. They must provide SSW with references and agree to have clients fill out a written evaluation of their work each time they are referred by SSW.

If you are a professional who would like to apply for inclusion on our list, e-mail us at SavvySeattleWomen@comcast.net.

For more information about Savvy Seattle Women, visit our website: www.SavvySeattleWomen.com or call me at 206-708-9800.

Buying Green in Real Estate

"Green" is a term you hear a lot these days, pertaining to everything from cleaning products to transportation and lots of things in between. The term can also be applied to housing. In this context, green usually refers to two things: 1) energy efficiency, and 2) construction materials. Both can save you money and, some say, help save the planet.

I am now a certified Earth Advantage Broker, having attended a course sponsored by the City of Seattle and Earth Advantage Institute. The course was designed to help me understand and explain the attributes and benefits of "green" housing to my clients.

In late September I will be completing another course to earn my Green designation from the National Association of Realtors.

Why am I doing this? Is it just a way to cash in on a current trend?

I have always believed that waste is an (almost) unforgivable sin, and I consider green efforts to be another way to avoid and eliminate waste. Now that the concept is being applied to real estate, it seems a natural and logical step for me to make it part of my business practices.

So if you want to know how to make your current home more energy efficient or if you want to make sure that the next home you buy is as green as possible, let's talk.

Gatewood View home, just $328K

It's Sunday, so I must be holding an Open House, right? Right!

Today I will be at a darling 1941 home in the Gatewood neighborhood of West Seattle. This 2 bedroom/1 bathroom home is in terrific shape and ready for you to move right in. Perched high on the hill to allow views of the Sound and Olympics at 4004 SW Thistle St. The home has a nice yard/garden and a patio as well. Approximately 1500 sq. ft. of living space. MLS #94092.

As usual, I will be giving away coupons for free ice cream at West Seattle's own Husky Deli as a thank you gift for all you stop by to visit me and tour the house between 1-4 today.

How Savvy are you?

There's a new group forming in town which caters to the needs of women homeowners. We call ourselves Savvy Seattle Women (SSW) and we provide 3 primary resources free of charge.

First, we host a free workshop on the fourth Tuesday of every month. The August 24th workshop addresses the questions, "How & Where to Get Help With Your Downpayment." Presented by David Todd, Vice President of Northwest Mortgage Alliance. He will give you all the info you need about downpayment assistance programs offered by the State of Washington. (And he won't try to sell you anything.)

Workshop: Winterizing Your Home & Yard. Sept. 28, 6:30-8P at the West Seattle Branch of the Seattle Public Library, 2306 42nd Av SW. (This workshop is not sponsored by The Seattle Public Library -- I'm required to say that.) Plenty of opportunity for Q & A with our experts, Suzanne Greive, from Home Inspections of Puget Sound, and Linnea Ferrell, Landscape Architect.

Second, we have set up a Google Group, designed to host discussions on topics related to home ownership. To join, go to: www.groups.google.com/group/savvyseattlewomen. You will need to either have or create a google account in order to participate.

Third, we are compiling a list of recommended service professionals you can call when you have homeowner tasks you don't feel capable of doing yourself. Individuals on the list are licensed and bonded. They must provide SSW with references and agree to have clients fill out a written evaluation of their work each time they are referred by SSW.

If you are a professional who would like to apply for inclusion on our list, e-mail us at SavvySeattleWomen@comcast.net.

For more information about Savvy Seattle Women, visit our website: www.SavvySeattleWomen.com or call me at 206-708-9800.

Free workshop tonight

Is lack of a downpayment preventing you from owning your own home? Come to the High Point Branch of Seattle Public Library (35th & Raymond) tonight at 6:30 to learn how and where to get help with your downpayment. Sponsored by Savvy Seattle Women and presented by David Todd from Northwest Mortgage Alliance. David will talk about special programs offered through the State of Washington to help low-middle income individuals/families come up with a downpayment. Need more info? Give me a call. 206-708-9800. (This event is not sponsored by The Seattle Public Library.)