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W E D N E S D A Y, A U G U S T 27, 2008
FEATURE
Furnishing the back yard PAGE 18
MARKET
17
VALUE
A look at what has sold in Bellevue
Reverce Morgages PAGE 23
PAGE 22
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Your link to Bellevue and its neighborhoods
For information on featured property see page 2
See Bellevue homes listed on the market today at homes.bellevuereporter.com
Simplified Home Loans
For a free mortgage planning session, please call
425-351-8900
David Foster Branch Manager
Email: David.A.Foster@wellsfargo.com Website: www.getloaninformation.com
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Furnishing the back yard R
icki Stevens' back yard is a lush oasis for her family of four, especially during the summer. But the real bonus? "It's provided 15 years of therapy for me," says Stevens, 38, an interior designer and owner of La Maison Marche, a home-furnishings and gift store.
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This home is co-listed between: Wendy Lister (425) 450-5206 & Chris Griffith (425) 766-8175 830 84th Ave NE, Medina, WA 98039 Offered at $3,200,000 MLS Number #28136116 Type: Single Family
Year Built: 2008 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 3.5 Living Area: 4640 square ft. Lot Size: 0.41 Acre
www.WendyLister.com www.ChrisGriffith.com
Open Sunday September 28th from 1:00 – 4:00 PM FEATURE
Moving? Some ideas... PAGE 2
MARKET
VALUE
PAGE 10
PAGE 4
Supplement to the Bellevue Reporter
jumbo loans still hard to get
A look at what has sold in Bellevue
Produced by the Marketing Department Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Your link to Bellevue and its neighborhoods
Bellevue Real Estate Review is a special section published by the Bellevue Reporter. Extra copies are available at City Hall, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and local libraries. Bellevue Real Estate Review Staff Publisher: Sandy Payson, 425.453.4270
For information on featured property see page 2
See Bellevue homes listed on the market today at homes.bellevuereporter.com
Editor: Sarah Simmons, 425.453.4270
Simplified Home Loans
For a free mortgage planning session, please call David Foster Branch Manager
Email: David.A.Foster@wellsfargo.com Website: www.getloaninformation.com
80163
425-351-8900
Advertising: Bruce Baker, 425.453.4273 McKenzie Lukecart, 425.453.4287 William Shaw, 425.453.4211
Bellevue Reporter: 919 124th Ave. N.E. #104, Bellevue | 425.453.4270 | bellevuereporter.com
photo by Florence Low The Stevens family put in a pool about a year ago. Market umbrellas and misters provide relief from the heat.
safe and you don't have to deal with cords," she says from her Menlo Park, Calif., office. For example, Soji solar-powered lanterns gather sunlight during the day and turn themselves on at night. They cost about $17 each and come in six
colors (online at www.allsopgarden.com). At Home Depot, the Hampton Bay low-voltage LED lights feature both spotlights and pathlights and cost less than $70 for a set of eight. Stevens and her husband, Dan, who
is a contractor, chose a variety of lights placed strategically in their garden, which borders two sides of the backyard pool. "That way, the lights illumi-
Back yard Continued on page 22
Beth’s Real Estate Update By Beth Billington
Are YOu AT HOme? Increasingly, we’ve realized that there is something magical about looking at a house that you may want to buy and make your own. When a home looks right, when it strikes you from the first moment you enter the door, your mind almost inevitably begins to imagine how your belongings, your furniture—indeed, your life—would look in this house. There are several things that can pop the imaginative bubble in which potential buyers tour a home. If a home looks neat and clean to the point of sterility, for example, it is difficult to imagine living in it. No one wants to live in a hospital ward. A home should look inviting, like comfortable clothing. On the other hand, it shouldn’t look messy, dark or full of other people’s paraphernalia or memories. Thus, the best preparation of a home for a showing involves making it bright, spacious, livable,
and—for lack of a better word—free of history. Free of the presence of its actual owners. This can be very subtle. Too many photos of family members, for example, simply remind a potential buyer that this is not their home. And the bubble bursts. And if photos can pop the bubble, the physical presence of those who live in the house can demolish all the potential buyers’ imaginings of what it would be like to live there. After the first viewing, perhaps, it can work to make the seller available to answer questions and make suggestions about the house. But before that—do all you can to allow the potential buyers’ imaginations to soar…and their buying decisions to firm. For help with your real estate call Beth at 425-450-5208 and visit her website at www.bethbillington.com. Beth Billington is a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Bain in Bellevue, WA
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
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"I love gardening, and I love Depot, Repan owns a boat, but relaxing in the back yard," she he says he'll be taking it out fewsays. "In the evenings and on er times this summer. Instead, weekends, the kids and their you'll find him in his back yard. friends are in the pool. And "I can entertain there and still as a family (including the dog, have a great time," he says. Berkley), we plop down on the So what are the best ways patio daybed to discuss the to create that comfortable day's events." outdoor ambience? Stevens' back We found yard features some ideas Certainly with a 28-foot from exsky-high gas prices, pool and perts that an ecleccombine the back yard is an tic mix good deaffordable place to spend sign with of chairs and tables practitime with family and cality – from and friends. white Adfunction. irondacks to Sunset magacool gray wrought zine home writer iron, even a bistro setting. Jess Chamberlain loves Certainly with sky-high gas to light it up, especially for eveprices, the back yard is an af- ning entertaining. fordable place to spend time "Certainly there are candles with family and friends. You'll for tables and lit lanterns that get no arguments from Mark hang in trees, but solar-powered Repan. A manager at the Home lights are my favorite – they're
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Simplify Your Life: Downsize By Gifting!
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Storing items to give to family and friends “someday”? Consider gifting them NOW!
I
n recognition of National Simplify Your Life Week, Part I of our series “Downsize NOW!” listed six action-oriented tips to de-clutter your home. For those items which are difficult to let go because of an emotional or historic attachment, consider gifting them. Naturally, we intend to gift family heirlooms which have been passed down for generations, or items which have special meaning between two people. However, there are many other gifting possibilities you may not have thought of. What about a long-forgotten special toy, book or memory from your childhood or your children’s? You do not need to keep every report card, art project, photo and writing assignment your children brought home (and didn’t take with them when they left!). Scanning them onto a CD will both keep your memories intact and free up a closet or corner of your basement. Many people have wonder-
ful collections they have accumulated, or inherited, over the years. It is all too common for a once-cherished collection to become a burden for any number of reasons. Feelings and space requirements change over the years. Give yourself permission to gift your collection, even to consider breaking up a set. If you are downsizing into a retirement community and will no longer be preparing meals, what will you do with your favorite set of eight place settings of china? Why not keep four pieces each of the few items you need and give the rest to your granddaughter who is just starting out on her own? That way, both of you can enjoy it! Whenever gifting, it is a great idea to create a gift tag or letter to be given along with the item. As we all know, details are easily forgotten as the years go by! Additional photos, stories and history will add to the value of your gift. Things to consider including in your letter are:
1. Who are you giving the gift to? Who are you in relation to the beneficiary? Who gave it to you? 2. What is it? Candy dish or, turned upside down, a candle holder? What significance does it have to you, or to the recipient? What tradition is associated with the gift, e.g., to be given upon a certain milestone such as high school graduation or when reaching a certain age? What things do you own that might have a special meaning to someone else? 3. When did you receive it? Was it for a special occasion or event? Also, consider When to present your gift: a special birthday, anniversary, or even on a day with no special meaning at all. 4. Where do you want the gift to end up? Does it matter if the item stays in the family or gets donated to a local charity, an in-law or friend? 5. Why do you wish to make this gift to this person,
File Photo
family or organization? Why is it special to you or to the beneficiary? When gifting your treasures, don’t forget the many charities, museums, historical societies, fraternal organizations or even locally-owned themed restaurants or businesses that could use your treasures or put them
on display for many others to enjoy. Submitted by Out of the Box® organizing and unpacking service, Bellevue, Washington www.WeKnowWhereToStart.com – By Tracy Zettner Out of the Box®
Alderra Ridge One of 30 homes in the gated community of AlderraRidge. The neighborhood is set on over 250 acres with trail and open space. All of the homesites are approximately 3 acres each with treed buffers between homes.
The Aldarra Lodge by John Day Homes
$1,580,000
Presented by George Orren, Windermere Real Estate East • 425.466.5600 www.johndayhomes.com • jday@johndayhomes.com
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This light and open floor plan has what you are looking for. Expansive family room adjoining the large kitchen with commercial appliances and oversized island, formal living and dining rooms, home “Command Center” and tasteful designer touches throughout. Approx. 5200 sq. ft. Two Bonus Rooms 4 Bedrooms Two Home Offices 4.25 Baths Large Master Suite Oversized Garage Children/Guest Wing
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SPOTLIGHT HOMES Stunning Lake Washington Views!
BELLEVUE – 5812 111th Avenue SE
The McLaughlin Group Janeen & Mike McLaughlin 206-999-5701 or 425-466-7834 more images at www.mclaughlingroup.com or email mgroupsels@aol.com
Make an offer and we will make it work!
MLS#28093749
Nature’s Sanctuary
Linda H.S. Tsang 206.230.5505
Absolutely stunning and pristine end unit townhome in the sought-after Selbourne Lane gated community of Kent. Just 22 townhomes! This one features a tremendous view of Mt. Rainier, cherry floors throughout the main level, granite countertops in the kitchen, rubbed bronze hardware, white panel doors, elegant millwork package, huge two car garage and more! Offered at $308,500 See the photo gallery for all the features of this fabulous find at www.johnlscott.com/31780
Direct: 206-940-6668 Toll-free: 1-800-385-4070
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updated with designer touches and quality consideration. From the signature red double doors to the entertaining size deck, it spells charm, comfort and pride of ownership. Over 4,000 sq.ft. and 5 bedrooms on a horse acre of nature’s magical wonderland. MLS # 28093369 $1,258,000
A World of Possibilities can be had with this 4BD 2.5BA home. With it’s unique personality and many features. This home has an updated kitchen a remodeled master bedroom and 5 piece master bath with a jetted soaking tub and a gorgeous view of Lake Washington. The daylight basement has a possible MIL suite, and enough storage to make any avid shopper proud. Welcome home. Price is $880,800 • 3,200 sq ft. • 13,000 sq ft. lot Jackie Ramirez Coldwell Banker Bain 425-890-1141 jackieramirez@cbbain.com
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retreat in Bellevue’s Bridle Trails has been thoughtfully
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Open House Aug 30th 1-4pm
Nestled in the woods up a private lane, this tranquil
Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Bain
108825
New price of $1,497,500
Builder custom at a spec price. Reduced over $450K for a quick sale! New construction, BUILT GREEN, Great room concept in design, open floor plan with over 4100 sq. ft. of the finest quality features & living spaces. 4 bdrm, 3.5 bath plus den/media room or bonus. Master on main level w/fireplace & view deck. Master bath w/steam shower & jetted soaking tub. Oversized gourmet kitchen with all cherry cabinets and commercial appliances! Brazilian cherry floors, climate controlled wine cellar, A/C and more! 800 sq. ft. 3 car garage feature! A must see!
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Amazing views of Lake Sammamish & Cascades from nearly all rooms in this tri-level contemporary. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors & vaulted windows on main. Mature landscape with fenced yard. Deck off master, marble floor, counters & dbl shower in master bath as well! Energy efficient, built-in alarm system and much more! 3 bdrm 2.5 bath 1750 sq. ft. Contact David Behar Built in 1985 425-747-1046 Offered at $699,950 kyakerb@gmail.com MLS # 28100191
Promote your property listings to over 190,000 Bellevue Reporter readers each month with an ad in “Spotlight Homes”. Reach the affluent Bellevue market with an average household income of $97,360 for just $180/month.
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Call 425-453-4273 to reserve your space. 104286
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SPOTLIGHT HOMES Calina at Kirkland! Exciting new presale of a Calina at Kirkland home! This will be built as a 5 bedroom, 4 bath, plus bonus room, with a bedroom and ž bath on the main floor. Large great room concept with all the craftsmanship and specs you would expect from West Tier Development. 3510 sq. ft.
$789,990
Fabulous Find in Reintree Brazilian Oak Hardwood Flooring, custom wrapped beams, vaulted ceilings, new millwork & an open floor plan. This impeccably kept home has been completely remodeled & is much better than new. 4 bedroom, 2.75 bath and meandering gravel walkways lead you to 3 outdoor living room patio’s, a private hot tub area & much more. 2800 sq. ft MSL#28014039
Wonderful Maywood Hills Beautiful custom tri-level near downtown Bothell. This spacious home sits on a gorgeous 11,402 sf flat lot, one of the absolute nicest in this highly recommended neighborhood. 3 bedroom 2.5 bath.
Duplex in Lynnwood “Attention investors -Fabulous opportunity to invest in Lynnwood.� 4.30% Cap Rate Call Cindy ASAP! MSL#28116625
$359,900
$424,900 109266
$719,900
DJOEZLPIVU!KPIOMTDPUU DPN
:PVS )PNF BE )FSF
wesportmike@windermere.com
Promote your property listings to over 190,000 Bellevue Reporter Readers each month with an ad in “Spotlight Homes� Reach the affluent Bellevue market for as little as $90 per issue
➤ Top Floor Waterfront Condo with private moorage and spectacular view of Olympic Mtns, Bay and harbor. New 2 Bdrm 1.5 Bath 1100 Sqft home with bamboo floors, granite counters, handset stone hearth, fabulous kitchen and large protected view deck. Only $395,000. See more at www.windermere.com/tid221366
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WESTPORT Beach Cottage - Charming 2 Bdrm home with ➤ private walking access to beach and very private yard. Low maintenance and unique design in a great location. $239,000. See more at www.westportmike.com/28016899
$BMM 5P SFTFSWF ZPVS TQBDF
1420 A St. SE, Auburn
$250,000!!! Bedroom : 3 Bath : .75 MLS : 28100683 Classic 1911 house w/ great bones & detached garage. Enjoy a Huge Kitchen, 10ft ceilings, Gorgeous brick fireplace & historic wood trim; the old craftsmanship still shows! Bonus room w/ eyebrow perfect for 3rd bedroom, reception / checkout. Zoned C3 City of Auburn for heavy commercial. Great A Street Locale. Almost any type of retail / service or Automotive use permitted. No Basement. Teardown, or restore a classic!
Scott Mallard 206.261.4669 scottm@trustmadison.com
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360-581-3399
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Ocean Beaches
ARE YOU PAYING TOO MUCH IN PROPERTY TAXES? • Tax assessments are on the rise, in many areas they have jumped 10-15% higher than the actual property value. • Combat your tax assessment today and start saving money now! • If you feel you are over assessed on your property, let us help. • All you need to do is call ABC Appraisal Service for more information at 425-562-6937 or visit us at www.abcappraisal.net
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Real Estate Sales in Bellevue, WA: August 1, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Residential Housing in 98006 14221 SE 40th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $349,950 6247 113th Pl SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $438,900 15704 SE 45th Ct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $559,950 4810 152nd Pl SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $610,000 4627 172nd Ave SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $675,000 16410 SE 64th Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $719,000 17435 SE 47th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5835 146 Pl SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $750,000 4585 144 Ave SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $698,880 6006 166th Ave SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $799,950 4303 155th Pl SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $853,000 5547 178th Ave SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $960,000
BACK YARD Continued from page 18 nate the plants and trees," she says. There's no official ban on those white resin chairs, but if they've been sitting in the sun all day, you're talking about a seriously hot seat. Repan of Home Depot says furniture, including umbrellas, is where your backyard bucks should go. He says consumers are investing in their outdoor spaces with quality products like wrought iron and teak. "There's definitely a move away from plastic tables and chairs because backyards are getting a lot more use. "Teak is wonderful," he says. "I like the look of it and it weathers well. As far as price, I've seen sets drop as much as $500 from last year." Gliders are popular among consumers who want to add one piece to an existing patio collection. If you're looking for ecofriendly furnishings, Crate & Barrel's Arbor collection is made of plantation-grown eucalyptus. Seating groups are seasonal best sellers, as is "treated" furniture that holds up to heat. "We are finding the all-weather wicker furniture, in particular the new St. Lucia set, has continued in popularity and is now offering very unique woven treatments, especially on the chair arms,"
Condos/Townhomes in 98004 145 105th Ave SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $388,888
Residential Housing in 98007 821 146th Ave SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $575,000
Condos/Townhomes in 98005 12700 NE 8th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $268,900 2640 118th Ave SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $314,950 7 Lake Bellevue Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400,000 372 122nd Pl NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $398,500
Residential Housing in 98008 16130 NE 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $379,950 16325 SE 27th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $459,000 16712 NE 21st St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $489,950 16613 NE 18th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $499,950 16716 SE 29th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $515,000 1215 172nd Ave NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600,000 2886 160th Pl NE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $634,900 17106 SE 29 Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $875,000 Residential Housing in 98009 2450 Evergreen Point Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,149,000
Condos/Townhomes in 98007 15300 NE 15th Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $359,990 15310 NE 15th Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $364,990 15310 NE 15th Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $399,990 1285 140th Place NE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $509,900 Condos/Townhomes Averages AVG List Price: $360,561 AVG Sale Price: $354,687 Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM): 86
Residential Housing Averages AVG. List Price: $895,946 AVG Sold Price: $852,077 Cumulative Days on Market: 109
says purchasing manager Mark Smithers. The key is to be wary of fleeting trends. Timeless and classic furniture can always be embellished. For example, update an existing patio set with new cushion covers. Mix stripes with solids for a modern look. Blue always feels cool in summer. Chamberlain of Sunset says it's practical to have extra seating, which might include something as simple as a stack of cushions. Stevens uses sturdy, washable covers on her outdoor pillows. She also has a neat tip: When the kids take over the back yard, she covers the daybed with a twin sheet. "I can change it as often as needed, and the cushion stays clean." – By Leigh Grogan Scripps Howard News Service
Condos/Townhomes in 98006 4106 Factoria Blvd SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$199,500
It's the extra touches that make outdoor entertaining fun: • Sing a song: A great way to have a mix of music is to create playlists on iTunes for both daytime and nighttime gatherings. • The big chill: An entire mister system can be hooked up to a garden hose or spigot. Stevens has one attached to the overhang from her outdoor workroom-bathroom, where her back yard receives the most heat. Another option is the free-standing version that can be moved around. • Towel time: Yes, it would be great if guests brought their own towels, especially if they know it's a swim party. But
they don't. So keep an extra set of towels just for outdoors. Stevens also keeps a galvanized tub full of goggles, swim fins and sunscreen for the neighborhood kids and her two daughters, Courtney, 13, and Emily, 10.
• Plenty of plants: Greenery just somehow makes a backyard setting feel cool – even on a 100-degree day. Palms and ferns are easy to maintain. Consider hanging baskets, which provide a nice frame for a deck.
Get a Home Equity Line of Credit from MetLife Bank®
Rates as low as Prime minus 1%, currently
4.00
%
APR*
• For home improvements and other major expenses • No lender closing fees** • Access your credit line using convenience checks
For more information, contact: Tracy Schei 225 108th Ave. N.E., Suite 300, Bellevue WA 98004 (425) 945-1460
www.tschei@metlife.com
108014
Residential Housing in 98005 417 130th Pl SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,950 12227 SE 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $599,500 271 140 Ave NE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,450,000 12210 NE 39th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,575,000
14845 SE 50th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,045,000 16952 SE 57th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,649,000
100034
Residential Housing in 98004 9640 NE 32nd St . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250,000 3210 107th Ave SE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,685,000 9368 Vineyard Crest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,899,500
*The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is a variable rate and is based on the Prime Rate as published in the”Money Rates” column of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The formula for determining the APR is based on, but is not limited to, your credit score and Loan-to-Value (LTV) at the time of application and ranges from Prime minus 1.00% to Prime plus 2.125%. The advertised APR is based on a minimum line amount of $25,000. On 6/21/08 the Prime Rate was 5.00% and the range of APR’s on MetLife Bank’s Home Equity Line of Credit no lender closing cost program was 4.00% to 7.38%. The maximum APR will not exceed the greater of 15% or 8% over the initial rate. **To qualify for the advertised no lender closing cost program, you must draw at least $15,500 from your Home Equity Line of Credit at closing and maintain an average daily balance of at least $12,500 for 24 months. If the outstanding average daily balance falls below $12,500 during the first 24 months, a one-time fee of $500 will be charged on your next billing statement. Borrowers who are purchasing or refinancing properties in the states of AL, FL,GA, KS, LA, MD, MN, NY, OK, TN, or VA are required to pay mortgage recording taxes: these fees range from .15% to 2.75% of the line amount, depending on the state. For lines greater than $500,000 you may be required to purchase title insurance. Home Equity Lines of Credit are subject to credit and property approval. Program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice and product may not be available in all states. Other fees, restrictions and limitations may apply. Property insurance is required and flood insurance may also be required. If you choose to make minimum monthly interest-only payments during the 10-year Draw Period, you will still owe the principal amount borrowed on your account. Your monthly payment will increase after the Draw Period. You will be required to begin repaying the principal balance during the Repayment Period, which begins when the Draw Period ends. You should consult your tax advisor regarding whether the interest you pay will be tax-deductible. MetLife Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. L12071463(exp1208)(All States) PEANUTS © United Feature Syndicate, Inc. Equal Housing Lender.
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Reverse Mortgages: Not just for those in need Over the course of the last few weeks, we have taken a closer look at reverse mortgages – from where the product began, how it works, as well as facts and fallacies.
I
n this, the fourth and final installment, we’ll share how reverse mortgages are actually impacting your neighbors’ lives. With reverse mortgage buzz a flutter, public opinion has
Dave Elliott, a retired Boeing engineer who just celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife. “Our reverse mortgage allowed us to do all of this and then some.” For other seniors, reverse mortgages provide additional benefits beyond comfort. Increasingly, financially-fit retirees are turning to reverse mortgages as a financial planning tool. Mercer Island’s Neal and Pat Huggins have lived in their beautiful and spacious waterfront home since 1999. Neal, another retired Boeing aeronautical engineer and Pat who
life insurance policy, long-term care insurance or even a second home, to name a few. In no instance, ever, should purchasing these products be a requirement for doing a reverse mortgage or vice-versa. As mentioned before, reverse mortgages, whether for augmenting financial planning or alleviating financial hardship, are not for everyone. It is important that you work with a reputable Mortgage advisor who can help you make a decision that is best for you. For more information about reverse mortgages, please visit the National Reverse Mortgage Lending Association at www.nrmla.org. About the Author: Martin (Marty) Taylor, a life-time Seattle/Bellevue resident, is the owner of Bellevue- based Stay In Home Reverse Mortgage, the largest independent provider of reverse mortgage in the Northwest. Since opening its doors just two years ago, the company has seen a 900% increase in loan volume and continues to provide relief to many seniors in the community and across the nation. To find out more about Stay In Home Reverse Mortgage, please visit: www.stayinhome.com or call 1-800-963-8011 –By Marty Taylor Stay In Home Reverse Mortgage
62 years or older? Find Out How The Reverse Mortgage Will Help You Become Worry Free (100% FHA/HUD Insured)! • Eliminate your mortgage payments. • Let your home pay off ANY debt as needed and cover future medical costs. • Buy a 2nd home, take vacations Call Toll Free 1-800-963-8011 within 30 days and mention the “Bellevue Reporter 03” for a FREE no obligation Home and Mortgage Analysis!
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Marty Taylor, a life-time Seattle/Bellevue resident, is the owner of Stay In Home Reverse Mortgage
formed around the belief that reverse mortgages work only to rescue seniors in need. Most people think that reverse mortgages are just for seniors who are financially trying to stay afloat and need to liquidate equity to access cash so they don’t drown during retirement. In the case of Darrington, Wash. residents, Dave and Anna-Belle Elliott, it wasn’t so much about needing a last lifeline, but more a matter of living comfortably in retirement. “We needed money to fix the roof on our home, pay off our bills and go see our family across the country in Vermont, “ said
still works as a psychologist and family counselor aren’t the typical profile of a reverse mortgage borrower. They did not turn to a reverse mortgage to help make ends meet. Like a growing number of seniors in the area, they have discovered that a reverse mortgage is an effective tool that actually helps enhance their existing finances. Across the country, lenders are experiencing a trend towards jumbo reverse mortgages, designed for seniors whose homes exceed the FHA lending limits. More and more seniors with million-plus dollar homes are using reverse mortgages as part of their estate planning along with advice from financial planners. "Initially, a long-time friend and financial consultant who happens to be a real-estate broker for high value Mercer Island properties advised against proceeding with a reverse mortgage, but when our reverse mortgage specialist met with him to explain how the program could help us meet our long-term goals, eventually he came to the realization that this would actually be the best program for us," explained Neal Huggins. Since Reverse mortgage proceeds are not taxable the retained equity creates additional funds that can be invested in safe financial planning products. Such safe products include, purchase of permanent
Simple talk, straight answers in a very confusing market... Call Today 1-800-963-8011
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W e d n e s d a y, A u g u s t 27, 2008
Where will she hold her slumber parties?
E XC LUSI V ELY PR ESE N T ED BY
Windermere Real Estate featured home of the week
Spring Hills Beauty
In the heart of Bellevue this Spring Hills beauty is nearly 6,500 sq ft of custom New Construction. 5BR+6Bth, awesome Man Cave/ media room plus a huge rec room. Complete w/elevator, this home features formal living & dining rooms, fabulous entertaining kitchen, laundry/craft rm, 2nd kitchen, wine rm & 290 sq ft heated storage. Master Suite features sitting area, fireplace, 5-piece Bath w/heated floors, & ENORMOUS walk-in closet w/laundry hookups! Covered back Patio w/built-in bar-b-que & fireplace. MLS#28103040
Nate Short 425-891-5842
Nate Short is a native Eastsider and has been working in real estate since 2000. He is focused on the resale residential market and has extensive experience negotiating and marketing high end real estate properties. His focus is in making the process of selling and buying real estate as easy as possible for his clients while at the same time ensuring that they receive the highest level of service and attention possible. If you are considering a move, feel free to visit my website at nateshort.com to learn more about real estate in the greater Eastside area.
SO
LD
www.MRCLYDEHILL.com
$2,400,000
CLYDE HILL TREASURE $1,795,000 Nestled down a private lane in the heart of Clyde Hill, this totally remodeled home showcases a generous kitchen with top of the line appliances & granite counters & opens to a family room with limestone fireplace. The private grounds are unmatched with a beautifully landscaped yard. Formal living & dining rooms create special entertaining experiences. Upstairs features the master with marble & travertine bath, second full bath plus bonus room. Truly a treasure! MLS#28096410
YARROW POINT
COUGAR MOUNTAIN $595,000 This home sits on a large 15,400 sq ft lot w/mature, lush landscaping. Well maintained & impeccably clean, this home features formal living & dining, updated kitchen, family rm & rec rm w/wet bar. Master suite + guest/teen suite + 3 additional bedrooms & 2.5 baths. Large, entertainment sized deck. In addition, the home features 740 unfinished sq ft in the basement – perfect for a shop, media room or wine cellar. Imagine the possibilities! MLS#28099517 Julie Scozzafave 425-417-3566 Julie@Scozzafave.com
NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH VIEWS!
Wendy Paisley 206-650-5812 www.wendypaisley.com wendy@wendypaisley.com
Julia Krill 206-406-9000 www.juliakrill.com
Julie Scozzafave 425-417-3566
Julie@Scozzafave.com
$4,350,000
A spectacular piece of waterfront property on the fabulous tip of Yarrow Point. Wonderful moorage with a large dock. The views incorporate Carillon Point, downtown Kirkland and an expansive view of Lake Washington. This home is located on a private lane in a quiet neighborhood. A one of a kind property that boasts 116 front feet on Lake Washington and a large 27,878* square foot lot. The home, built in 1975, makes an excellent candidate for a remodel. MLS#27050850 Sandy Nicholls 425-444-4966 www.sandynicholls.com
$1,298,000
New price on just completed 2008 masterpieces in Newport Ridge. Built by the Grindle Company this 4 star rated Green Built home includes energy efficient fans, appliances, lighting, windows, energy, and carpet. Boasting fabulous views of Lake Sammamish, high end designer finishes and award winning Bellevue Schools! Close to I-405 and I-90 for an easy commute. 4 bdrms, 2.5 bths & 4184 Sq. Ft. MLS#28089457 John Kritsonis 206-498-0288 www.johnkritsonis.com johnk@windermere.com
John Kritsonis 206-498-0288
johnk@windermere.com www.johnkritsonis.com
Justin W. Richards 425-765-8088
justinrichards@eindermere.com www.RichardsNorthwest.com
CLYDE HILL $3,598,000 Come visit this brand new Lochwood-Lozier custom home. Ready to move in now! Secluded half-acre homesite. Exquisite custom craftsmanship w/every modern convenience. Graceful floorplan, rich interior & exterior finishes, private outdoor venues. 5 BR/5.5 BA. MLS#28010726 Steve Erickson 206-295-8485 serickson@windermere.com
WEST LAKE SAMMAMISH
SPIRITRIDGE $648,000 “For free 24 hour recorded property information about this home please call 800-628-3134 ext. 3000”. MLS#28124202 Justin Richards 425-765-8088 RichardsNorthwest.com justinrichards@windermere.com
GATED IN GLENDALE!
Julia Krill 206-406-9000
anna@westbellevue.com
windermere.com
Steve Erickson 206-295-8485
serickson@windermere.com
www.juliakrill.com
$1,298,000
Noble architecture, timeless beauty, thoughtful elegance & lushly landscaped grounds seamlessly coalesce at this wonderful 4 bd, 2.5ba garden estate. Nestled in a private gated enclave, this peaceful garden oasis offers both comfortable & classic living options at their finest. New pricing on this beautiful property makes the home an amazing value. Located just minutes from Microsoft & the best of Bellevue, enjoy life in one of the Eastside’s favorite neighborhoods! MLS#28042464
Anna riley 425-761-8836
Anna Riley 425-761-8836
$699,800
Great Remodel & Great Location! Stunning kitchen remodel offers modern flair & designed for entertaining! French doors open to a large deck & serene backyard with patio, deck & tree fort…feels like your own private park. Vaulted living room ceilings with stone fireplace. Newer Roof, Windows, Furnace & A/C. Close to parks, schools & I-90. MLS#28051744
Wendy Paisley 206-650-5812
Wendy@wendypaisley.com www.wendypaisley.com
anna@westbellevue.com
Sandy Nicholls 425-444-4966
nicholl@windermere.com www.sandynicholls.com
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