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DECEMBER 9, 2015
Magnolia news
QueenAnneNews.com
VOL. 96, NO. 50
Hosting a Healthy, Safe Holiday Party
TRID – New Regulations and its Impact on Real Estate Transactions It’s the holiday season -- which for many people means parties galore. Whether you’re hosting a sit-down or buffet-style dinner, the pressure of entertaining can be overwhelming. For a healthy and safe holiday party, consider some helpful holiday advice from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Holiday parties are a great way to bring food, family and friends together,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy Spokesperson, Nancy Farrell. “It is important to make hosting as stressfree as possible so you can enjoy this quality time with loved ones.” Plan ahead. This includes choosing the menu, grocery shopping and equipping your kitchen with all the necessary supplies. “Don’t forgot paper towels; plenty of soap for a quick and safe clean-up; a food thermometer to make sure all food is properly cooked; and shallow containers for
storing leftovers,” Farrell says. Remember, it is possible to have flavorful food without added fat and calories. Limit creamy dishes, fried foods and extra salt. “Instead, serve a Greek yogurt dip for an appetizer, flavor the turkey with a fat-free broth instead of butter, and top vegetables like broccoli with lemon juice rather than a creamy cheese sauce,” Farrell says. Also, offer plenty of choices for all holiday guests, including vegetarians, those with allergies, gluten intolerance, diabetes and other health restrictions. “If necessary, make two separate dishes or place sauces with offending foods on the side to accommodate all guests,” Farrell says. More concerning than simply going off your healthy diet, is that food safety rules may be forgotten when throwing a party. Food poisoning is a serious concern that must not be overlooked. “Fortyeight million people get sick with
food poisoning per year,” Farrell says. “Follow proper food safety practices before, during and after the gathering to help keep guests safe.” Start by washing hands, all produce and kitchen surfaces. When cooking, use a food thermometer to ensure all items are cooked to a safe temperature. Don’t leave any food out of the refrigerator for more than two hours. If food is served buffetstyle, set a timer as a reminder to replace the food every two hours. Refrigerate all leftovers immediately in shallow containers. For more information on healthful eating, nutritious recipes and food safety, visit www.eatright. org and consult a registered dietitian nutritionist. Holidays are a time of celebration, but whether you are a host or guest, stay healthy and safe during this joyous season. (Statepoint)
Securing a home loan is a daunting task. The mortgage process can be complex and confusing but the new rules from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are making it easier. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has integrated the Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) regulations. The blending of these two very important regulations became effective on October 3, 2015 and is now called TRID (TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure).
Kim Wesselman WINDERMERE REAL ESTATE Whew! Is that a mouthful! Simply put, this regulation defines the information lenders must provide buyers when shopping for a home mortgage. ➧ TRID, Page 3
Happy Holidays
from all of us at Queen Anne & Magnolia News
Tips to Organize Your Home Office Whether you work full-time from home, or you simply have a space dedicated to paying bills and keeping your life in order, a home office should inspire productivity and happiness. After all, you’ll do your best work if you actually want to spend time in your workspace. Here, four business bloggers share their tips for home office success.
Evolve As your business evolves and grows, be willing to make changes to your workspace. “The way I’ve been running my ‘business’ is from the perspective of a hustling freelancer. I was working a lot Photo Courtosy of Never Listless
➧ ORGANIZATION, Page 3
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Specializing in Home Purchases & Refinances for Over 20 Years. Come see me for a no cost, no obligation home loan consultation today!
Jeanne Neal
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Invest a Few Dollars “The easiest way to start feeling more like a professional and less like an imposter is to invest in your home office,” says Cassie Boorn, guest blogger for Handmade Success, and the woman behind Maker Mentors, a free community designed to help creative entrepreneurs build business. “But there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars to create a great workspace. It can be as simple as a quick trip to Staples and done with a budget as small as twenty-five dollars.”
S.A.F.E Licensed Mortgage Professional Lic # MLO-94009 206-200-8773 Jneal@salmonbaylending.com
www.SalmonBayLending.com Powered by American Pacific Mortgage Corp. NMLS # 1850
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December 9, 2015 | www.QueenAnneNews.com
STUNNING IN BROADMOOR 2120 WAVERLY WAY EAST
AUBURN CONTEMPORARY 32505 138TH PLACE SOUTHEAST
Reminiscent of the style and sophistication of Montecito. Featuring grand spaces throughout this architecturally significant home.
Welcome to this custom built Pacific Northwest, Tuscan inspired home with contemporary flair, overlooking two and a half acres.
MLS# 849058 $3,850,000 Anne Willoughby Nelson 206.660.3055 Meredith Erickson 206.999.8832
MLS# 862587 $2,250,000 Carlene Pride 206.619.3117
EXCEPTIONAL MODERN 111 33RD AVENUE EAST
Sophisticated new construction designed by Philip Christofides and artfully constructed by Eric Kormondy. State of the art design. MLS# 850360 $1,830,000 Mark Potvin 206.890.4615
MAGNIFICENT IN WASHINGTON PARK 548 LAKE WASHINGTON BOULEVARD EAST
This stunning home sits on a private hillside and overlooks garden and stream. Meticulously updated, with character and charm in a park like setting. MLS# 873698 $1,445,000 Spafford Robbins 206.963.7770
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home this Winter When temperatures drop, household use of fossil fuels rises in order to keep homes warm and comfortable. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, more than one million households nationwide already heat with biomass pellet stoves rather than burn more expensive and damaging fossil fuels like oil -- and such stoves can even be retrofitted into existing fireplaces as an insert. If you’re not familiar with pellet products, here’s what you need to know: What’s a Pellet Stove? Pellet stoves burn uniform cylinders of composite biomass fuel to create a steady, warming fire. Pellets are loaded into the stove hopper and automatically fed into the stove burn pot. Pellet composition varies depending on regional resources,
but is typically comprised of a mix of sawdust, waste paper, residual forest waste and agricultural byproducts. How They Help Pellet stoves are great for the environment and your wallet in many ways. A few include: • Pellet stoves are already saving 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions, according to the Pellet Fuels Institute. • Each installation of a pellet or wood appliance in a singlefamily home in a cool climate can displace between four and seven tons of carbon emissions annually, estimates the Alliance for Green Heat -- about three times the ➧ FOOTPRINT, Page 4
Home Office Success ➧ ORGANIZATION, from Page 1
PHINNEY RIDGE CHARMER 6500 FIRST AVENUE NORTHWEST
LOVELY IN BOTHELL 4115 176TH PLACE SOUTHEAST
Handsome 1910 legal duplex in the heart of Phinney With its open floor plan and abundant upgrades, Ridge. Perched on a sunny corner lot offering this Tambark home is like new. Featuring dark westerly territorial views. Walk Score of 81! hardwoods, custom lighting and gourmet kitchen.
MLS# 872818 $725,000 Kevin Ericson 206.979.8764
SWEET BUNGALOW 932 22ND AVENUE
MLS# 872333 $559,000 Lance Neely 206.854.2140
FABULOUS NY STYLE LOFT 502 WISCONSIN STREET #5
Sweet petite bungalow, well-preserved and welcoming. Period details include original fir floors, high ceilings, and large formal dining room.
An architecturally designed work-loft located in a small burgeoning eastern Washington arts community known as Tieton. Stunning views!
MLS# 873986 $395,000 Cindy Saver 206.399.7659
MLS# 807385 $228,000 Claudia Vernia 206.714.3074
but there was no method to the madness. I had no structure,” says Vicky Ayala, brand strategist. She recommends creating a workspace both at home and on-the-go that complements what you want your business to be, paying attention to details. In her case, she equipped herself with supplies that fit the way she works -- a binding machine for customer handouts, a tablet and a briefcase that converts into a backpack. “Sometimes it’s the small things that help remind us of the bigger picture.” Keep Goals in Focus “Have your plan in plain sight for constant review and reminders. Without it, it’s too easy to fall back into old routines and unproductive habits,” says Lisa Jacobs, a marketing consultant to small businesses and the blogger behind Marketing Creativity. Jacobs sets and tracks goals religiously by keeping a wall planner mounted in her home office. She used the copy and print services at Staples to bring her own planner calendar design into reality. The Brass Tacks “One thing that I have learned about myself over the years is that I perform at my best when I have an environment free of clutter. That means no extra stuff on my desk, on my walls or in my office,” says Andreea Ayers, the entrepreneur behind Launch Grow Joy, a business that helps entrepreneurs elevate sales. To beat the clutter, Ayers advises sticking to your essentials and thinking about multipurpose equipment that saves space. Her short list includes a stackable desk tray to sort and contain files, and a laser printer/scanner/ copier that can do it all. For ideas for making your home office more productive, and for time and money-saving business tips, visit www.Staples.com and follow the #MakeMoreHappen hashtag on social media. If you are creating a home workspace for the first time or revamping your current office, you can craft your own success by focusing on the details. (Statepoint)
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www.QueenAnneNews.com | December 9, 2015
Making the Mortgage Process Easier ➧ TRID, from Page 1 What does this mean for buyers?
This new consumer protection ensures that the fees provided to a borrower early in the purchase cycle do not vary once they reach the closing date. All lender fees such as origination fee, appraisal fee, credit report, tax fee, etc., cannot change from first loan estimate to closing. If the fees increase the lender must pay the difference. Other fees not under the control of the lender such as title insurance, escrow fee may vary by 10%. Any cost over the 10% variance will be paid by the lender. Included in this regulation is the standardization of the forms. The new forms make it easier to understand complicated mortgage
terms and conduct accurate lender comparisons early in the buying process. The mortgage process is often rushed with little time for the buyer to review the final closing disclosure. This regulation requires the lender to deliver the closing disclosure three business days prior to the closing date. This three day review period provides the borrower enough time to review the information, compare the first estimate to the final estimate and agree to the terms.
and in some cases as much as 3 to 6 days. Sellers will be called upon to be patient as this is out of the buyers control and the delay has no bearing on the buyer’s qualifications to secure the loan. Slowing down the process a couple days is a good thing. In three months from now we will look back and say, “What was all the fuss?” If you have real estate topic you’d like to hear about, please send questions to kwesselman@ windermere.com.
What does this mean for sellers?
As with any new regulation it is going to take the lenders and the escrow companies some time to work out its implementation. As a result, closing dates may be delayed
Kim Wesselman is Managing Broker at Windermere Real Estate. She has advised clients on buying and selling properties in Queen Anne and Magnolia for 12 years.
Queen Anne Home Sales for November 2015 Address 214 Hayes St 669 W Emerson St 315 W Garfield St 220 Boston St 1008 W Crockett St 567 Valley St 1020 W Bothwell St 2441 Queen Anne Ave N 720 Nob Hill Ave N #C 1412 Nob Hill Ave N 1902 10th Ave W 1823 12th Ave W 2546 Queen Anne Ave N 106 W Boston St 1930 9th Ave W 413 Garfield St 3011 12th Ave W 405 W Crockett St 411 W Blaine St 505 A W Olympic Place 1917 4th Ave W 1103 Bigelow Ave N 1816 2nd Ave N 511 W Comstock St
Bed
Bath
Sq Ft
Year Built
Days on Mkt
Asking Price
Sold Price
2 3 2 3 3 4 2 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 5 4 3 4 3 4 4
1 2.25 1 2 1.5 1.75 1 4 3 2.75 2.75 2.25 1.5 1.5 2.75 1.75 1.75 2.75 3.25 2.5 2.25 1.75 3.25 4
1,900 1,590 1,780 1,280 1,710 2,670 1,469 3,430 1,621 2,410 3,040 1,930 2,400 2,400 2,441 2,360 2,180 2,280 2,600 3,006 4,250 3,200 3,430 3,718
1919 2001 1905 2001 1907 1900 1942 2005 2006 1911 1914 1910 1924 1914 1914 1901 1948 1921 1914 2007 1906 1961 1905 1900
9 8 7 6 8 35 7 16 8 81 9 7 11 7 8 8 8 7 8 6 30 10 3 9
$590,000 $575000 $500,000 $599,000 $625,000 $725,000 $670,000 $645,000 $723,000 $795,888 $749,000 $815,000 $850,000 $850,000 $995,000 $999,950 $1,068,750 $1,049,000 $1,150,000 $1,350,000 $1,500,000 $1,575,000 $1,675,000 $1,850,000
$590000 $605000 $617000 $670000 $675000 $683250 $696000 $745000 $725000 $777000 $819000 $820000 $820000 $876051 $995000 $999950 $1030000 $1118000 $1250000 $1347500 $1437000 $1675000 $1700000 $1850000
Sold Price/ Asking Price 100.00% 105.22% 123.40% 111.85% 108.00% 94.24% 103.88% 115.50% 100.28% 97.63% 109.35% 100.61% 96.47% 103.06% 100.00% 100.00% 96.37% 106.58% 108.70% 99.81% 95.80% 106.35% 101.49% 100.00%
Magnolia Home Sales for November 2015 Address 3802 W Bertona St 3451 22 Ave W #A 3022 W Smith St 3305 W Ruffner St 3633 34th Ave W 3036 36th Ave W 3218 33rd Ave W 3703 W Fulton St 2442 30th Ave W 2626 Perkins Lane W 3476 W Blaine St 3601 Perkins Lane W 2855 W Jameson St 2607 W Newton St 5614 40th Ave W 4715 W Ruffner
Bed
Bath
Sq Ft
Year Built
Days on Mkt
Asking Price
3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 3 5 3 3 4 5 2
1 3.5 1.5 2.25 1 1.75 1.5 1.75 2.25 2.75 2.75 2.5 2.25 3.25 3.25 3.25
1,520 1,851 1,620 1,344 1,440 1,620 2,800 2,720 2,650 2,470 3,220 2,540 2,224 3,430 3,820 2,785
1932 2003 1939 2013 1946 1943 1954 1951 1926 1958 1951 1950 2015 2008 2015 1948
5 7 13 4 10 39 8 5 8 14 6 7 40 49 46 7
$499,000 $545,000 $549,000 $589,000 $549,500 $660,000 $574,900 $785,000 $840,000 $989,000 $1,075,000 $995,000 $1,199,000 $1,249,000 $1,550,000 $2,250,000
Sold Price
Sold Price/ Asking Price
$547,000 $513,600 $550,000 $589,000 $596,000 $645,000 $680,000 $785,000 $840,000 $989,000 $1,105,000 $1,129,000 $1,190,000 $1,205,000 $1,475,000 $2,250,000
109.62% 94.24% 100.18% 100.00% 108.46% 97.73% 118.28% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 102.79% 113.47% 99.25% 96.48% 95.16% 100.00%
‘Tis the Season to Sweeten Holiday Gatherings Hosting holiday celebrations can mean a lot of preparation and pressure to impress. To help, See’s Candies has partnered with entertaining expert, Alexandra Hedin, to develop some easy-to-execute ideas that are sure to make this year’s festivities memorably sweet and delicious. Prepare Before Guests Arrive
Plan seating arrangements ahead of time to ensure friends
and family mix and mingle. You never know who will become new best friends! Combining classic treats into your holiday décor will add an innovative twist to your celebrations, taking them to the next level. Place unexpected pops of seasonal color throughout the house by using festive candy pieces as decorative accents. See’s Foil Covered Milk Chocolate Balls make ➧ SWEETS, Page 4
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Beautiful light- filled Northwest Contemporary sited on the north slope of QA. Enjoy Mt. Baker views from the master retreat w/ vaulted ceilings, spa bath & cozy office. Entertain in style in the cook’s kitchen w/ heated floors & French doors to a generous deck. Relax in the daylight lower level family room w/separate entry & access to a large two-car garage. Short stroll to the lively QA scene at the top of the hill / enjoy easy Downtown access.
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Darcy Breene Windermere R.E.N.W. Eastlake
214 E. Galer St. Suite 300 • Seattle, WA 98102 (206) 795-9881 • darcybreene@windermere.com
Seattle 98109 MLS# 866003
Ballard/Crown Hill Location: 8055 15th Ave NW
206-789-3205 www.morgansonline.com
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December 9, 2015 | www.QueenAnneNews.com
Don’t Let Cold Weather Delay Important Energy Saving Home Upgrades Think you missed this year’s season to make energy efficient exterior upgrades? Many homeowners are reluctant to start exterior remodeling improvements in the cooler months because they worry about the potential to let in a draft during the installation process. In reality, this is one of the times of year you will most feel the impact of an upgrade to energy-efficient windows, doors and insulated siding, and the remodeling can be done with minimal impact on the comfort of your home.
Here are a few reasons not to delay: Timing Winter can be an ideal time to initiate upgrades. By taking care of your project now, you avoid the busier spring season. Plus, the sooner you make enhancements that increase efficiency and comfort, the sooner you can reap those benefits. Why let another winter pass you by feeling chilly in your home and paying for wasted energy? Installation Process Innovations in home remodeling are making year-round upgrades easier than ever. For example, Window World, America’s largest exterior remodeler, can use one-toone window and door installation methods, meaning one unit is replaced at a time. By fully sealing the perimeter inside and out using caulk designed to withstand temperature extremes, installation professionals can minimize a home’s exposure to the elements during the replacement process.
Photo courtosy of Anthony Tieuli at thisoldhouse.com
• Pellet stoves cost 64 percent less to operate than heating your home with oil, 47 percent less than propane and 54 percent less than electrical heat. For those thinking long-term, this represents a two to five year payback. What to Know Pellet stoves are available both as a freestanding appliance or an insert in an existing fireplace, making most homes a candidate for this supplemental heating source.
to severe conditions to create an exceptional barrier to the outdoor elements. Don’t wait until the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming to improve home comfort. Enjoy your home in winter and summer alike, with an environment that’s as comfortable and efficient as it is beautiful. To learn more about energy efficiency and high-quality exterior products, visit WindowWorld.com. (Statepoint)
Easy to Execute Gatherings To keep little ones busy at the children’s table, have them make a candy cane ornament out of felt, Ric Rac, jewels, and candy canes. It’s easy and fun, and makes a great gift for grandparents.
for a nice burst of color when added to glass jars, planted pots or tea lights. Give Guests a Warm Welcome
➧ FOOTPRINT, from Page 2
• Biomass fuels are constantly replenished and reforested and absorb nearly as much carbon growing as they give off when burned. The result is a virtually invisible carbon footprint.
barrier between you and the outside elements, helping to lower energy bills throughout the year. In addition, the insulative backing improves durability, minimizing the appearance of common dings. Lastly, entry doors can be beautiful, durable and high performing. For example, the fiberglass doors offered by Window World provide considerable insulating improvement over wood. While maintaining the aesthetic appeal of traditional doors, the long-lasting materials stand up
➧ SWEETS, from Page 3
Learn all about Pellet Products impact of buying a hybrid car, for roughly half the cost.
Superior Products The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that nearly 50 percent of a household’s annual energy consumption goes to heating and cooling. The right exterior updates can offer curb appeal while also keeping your home comfortable. Today’s highly efficient window systems can provide substantial savings for your home. Check out new technologies, such as SolarZone Low-E Glass, which uses a microscopic, metallic coating on the interior surface of an insulating glass unit. This coating keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Such glass packages also include features like Argon gas between the glass lites, which has a low thermal conductivity and high density, making it an ideal insulating agent. Another efficient enhancement you shouldn’t delay is insulated siding. It provides a thermal
New models are environmentally responsible and also easily fit into busy lifestyles. The Harman Absolute43 features an intuitive Easy Touch Control that tells you when to add fuel, perform maintenance, and much more, making heating with pellets easier than ever. To learn more about heating your home with renewable materials, visit www.harmanstoves. com. To reduce your home’s carbon footprint, look to heating alternatives that burn renewable materials rather than precious fossils fuels. With a pellet or woodburning stove, you will be able to lower your utility budget while adding ambiance to your living spaces. (Statepoint)
Kick off the party on a festive note by offering a signature cocktail, such as a Peppermint Martini. To wow guests as they enter, line a Lucite tray with candy canes and top with a piece of Plexiglas to create a holidaythemed tray that hints to the cocktail’s contents. Don’t forget the kids! Serve them a signature drink of steamed milk with a See’s Candies Cinnamon Lollypop to stir in the delicious cinnamon flavor. Invite friends and family to get comfortable at the table with a centerpiece of candies and cakes that they can snack on throughout the party. Remember to keep in mind that not everyone has the same tastes, so offer guests an assortment of milk and dark chocolates, eggnog truffles, gourmet
End the Festivities on a Sweet Note
lollypops, and peppermint patties. Always make sure to serve candy and chocolates made with highquality ingredients. American-made delicious, See’s Candies is one of the few remaining candy makers that ages its chocolate -- a process that imparts a smoother, mellower flavor and elevates the overall taste experience. It’s a must-have for hosts this holiday season. Keep Guests Entertained
To keep guests entertained, play a fun game of tic-tac-toe. It’s a game people of all ages enjoy, especially if you use festive holiday truffles as the game pieces!
As guests head home, make sure they don’t go empty-handed! Wrap treats in a festive box and place them near the door – it’s the perfect way to end the festivities on a sweet note. See’s Candies offers treats in a variety of sizes and price ranges that are sure to fit within your entertaining budget and satisfy each of your guests. You can find See’s at holiday gift center locations in major malls nationwide or at www.Sees.com. For more gifting and entertaining tips, visit @ SeesCandies on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter or www.sees. com/HolidayEntertaining. With a little planning and some simple festive touches, you can make this year’s holiday celebrations a whole lot sweeter. (Statepoint)
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