March 2017

 

Make sure your agent isn't throwing you under the proverbial bus.  Even if you are desperate to sell, they are required to keep this informaiton confidential!  

Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming and a bit scary.  It is best to educate yourself on some do's and don'ts that will make the entire process much easer, saving you time and money in the long run.   Here are some things to think about:  

1. Don't get too emotionally attached - try finding several homes that you love, just in case you lose one.
2. Don't do all the home searching on your own - find a good agent that will do the work for you, this will save you a great amount of time and frustration.
3. Do get preapproved for a loan - if you want your offer to be taken seriously by a seller, submitting a preapproval letter from the lender will give you a leg up in the process.
4. We have far more essential tips that we provide to

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Back in 1999, on the cusp of the looming Y2K, Marcia St. John decided to pick up a few young does (baby goats). This was the inspiration which materialized into her leaving a career in the city to start on a new path, one in the countryside of Lake Stevens, Washington, where she now owns St. John Creamery.  

This isn't just a "creamery that sells goat cheeses and milk," it's a working farm where she has over 160 goats, free-range chickens and Anatolian Shepherds, which she breeds and sells.  She also holds classes such as Basic Cheese Making 101, Goats 101, and Advanced Goat Classes.

Marcia has also opened a "Work at the Farm" program where you can sign up for internships and apprenticeships. You can learn every facet of a dairy farm including

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 Sometimes being romantic doesn't have to involve a fancy restaurant, candles and an expensive bottle of bubbly.   Romantic settings can be found outdoors, right here in Seattle's very own backyard.  Yes, I am talking about Discovery Park!  Located on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, this expansive urban park is the largest in Seattle.

Here you will find two miles of beach trails and nine miles of winding walking paths, both lend themselves to a great place for nature-watching. Bring your sweetheart and take in the beautiful views of the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges or watch the sunset while sitting on the beach.   Make those memories! (SOURCE:  USA Today - 10 Best)

ABOUT MAGNOLIA
Magnolia is the second largest neighborhood of

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Check out Ballards very own surf and SUP (stand-up paddle) shop, Surf Ballard.  Plan ahead (open June1) and try something new and exciting! Here in Washington, we are surrounded by beautiful waterways that are begging to be explored.  Just across the street from Surf Ballard, you can play on one of their paddle boards or drive to the coast for a surf lesson.  They host a variety of events, from surf movie night and SUP races to BBQ's with live music.  They also have a cool little shop/online store where you can find everything you'll need to get started!  

SOURCE:  Surf Ballard

ABOUT BALLARD

Located in North West Seattle, Ballard is a little bit maritime-centric enclave and a little bit hip foodie hotspot.  The neighborhood is home to a few

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Regular cardio exercise is very important for any age group, but older adults may have the most to gain from a cardio exercise regemin. It strenghtens your heart, gives you more energy, sharpens your mind and helps you manage your weight.  Not to mention it can reduce stress, anxiety and depression and may even keep you young.

Choose the activity that you enjoy, that is accessible and that fits your needs.  There are many options: walking, running, cycling, swimming and aerobics. Consult your doctor before beginning any plan.

 

SOURCE:  VeryWell Cardio Exercise Guidelines for Seniors

MVP's is a great neighborhood sports bar where there's a little of something for everybody.  Gather your buddies and come on in for some darts, pool, foosball, beer bong, video games, pinball and live music!  

And if any of these aren't what you are looking for, surely there are some great sports you'll want to see during the month of April:

• College basketball Final Four
• The Masters
• MLB Opening Day
• NBA regular season
• NHL regular season
• European club soccer and Champions League semifinals

SOURCE:  MVP'S Games, Grub & Beer 

As we move into this next season it's a perfect time to dig in and have a good old fashioned spring cleaning. Clearing the clutter and spiffing up your place will also help you feel invogorated and focused. This is a great idea if you are thinking about selling your home over the next few weeks or months.  

Here is a To-Do List you can start with:

• De-clutter and organize - Get rid of things you don't need, donate the items or have a yard sale
• Deep clean each room in the house - Walls, windows, floors, ceilings, fixtures
• Deep clean appliances:  Dishwasher, oven, stove, washing machine, dryer and don't forget the furnace
• Work on the outside:  Powerwash the house, fix the broken fence, trim the bushes and clean up the yard

Whether or not you have a lot of extra space, coming up with clever ways to display your books will add fun and charm to your home. With some creative thinking you can transform space just about anywhere.  There are many ways you can turn unusuable space into your very own library. Here are some ideas...

- add built-in's
- floor to ceiling shelving to accent a small wall
- fill nooks that don't fit any furniture
- finding space underneath stairwells   

SOURCE:  7 Dramatic Home Library Ideas

 If you are thinking about buying or selling a home you need to find the right agent.  One that you trust to represent your best interests, one that will take the job seriously and will give you top-notch customer service.  If not, you could be losing precious time and money.   

Here are a few points to think about:

• Don't go to someone just because you know them; take the time to interview them and find out how serious they are about their job and what they have to offer.
• Is this their full-time job?  If not, this may limit their availibity and their ability to do a good job.
• Ask if they have references - Are there any past clients that will give them honest reviews.
  
  CONTACT US FOR A FREEE GUIDE TO INTERVIEWING AN AGENT! 

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