Half Price Books has several advantages, besides the fun of the treasure hunt, wandering the shelves (if you like old book stores or even flea markets, you’ll love it here!).  First, they take all the books you bring, and offer you a price.  My understanding is it’s 10-15% of cover value of the ones they intend to sell, vs. about 20% at a regular used book store.  But they take all the others too, and donate or even recycle them.  And once I took what turned out to be a rare book in and they informed me of it and looked up a fair price.  Nice.  For me, it’s a lot better than taking my bagfull to a regular bookstore because I am basically weeding my library, anything they give me is good toward a purchase which I’m sure to have made while they are looking at what I brought in, and I don’t have to haul any books away.  This is an alternative to donating that bag of old books.

Second, there is a clearing-house aspect to the shop, you run into so much.  They are not so picky as to take only newer titles or best sellers, so you get a chance to see a lot of history and older things that still have a lot of value.  I have picked up some really good titles on Seattle real estate too!  And on Northwest history, Seattle history, local aspects.  You’ll find the Lion’s club photo history of Green Lake or whatever it is, sometimes these are invaluable.  If you have older software, you can find the manual to go with it!  Etc.  On the other hand, they don’t keep multiple selections of one title much so there is a wider variety on the shelves.

Third, it offers new, discount and used DVDs, videos, CDs, as well as old records, whatever media you’re looking for.  And calendars, notebooks, craft kits in book format, greeting cards and stationary, little toys, puzzles, software, computer games, and for Christmas I got several of my favorite couples a hot stone massage kit that went over big time!  All of these things are at ridiculously low cost compared to the pumped up pricing in the high-end, high-rent, high-cost-advertising mainstream stores.  For which, no argument from me, there is a good and necessary place.  But live dangerously, spend less, help save the world!  Try Half Price Books and let me know what you think, maybe even find something great there for Father’s Day.

There are Half Price Books conveniently located around the Seattle area:

Bellevue Crossroads Store
Everett Mall Store
Lynnwood James Village Store
Redmond Town Center Store
Seattle Capitol Hill Store
Seattle U District Store
Tacoma Rainier Place Store
Tukwila Parkway Square Store

Nestled into a non-assuming building is the Mukilteo Lodge, a restaurant and sports bar that caters to the sports enthusiasts in us all.  With several televisions screens spread out throughout the restaurant you can see the game or games that are crowd favorites.   You can see all the major sports and some minor ones that are playing on the TV.   Right now you can see the Mariners & Sounders play or see what’s happening in the NBA or NHL playoffs.

The bar has 32 Microbrews and some not so microbrews on tap along with a full bar, so you should be able to find something to whet your whistle.  The food also has some sports favorites such as the different PAC-10 burgers to show your support of your favorite team.  Everything that I’ve had there has been tasty and the portions were enough that you shouldn’t go home hungry.   They have enough room to bring your friends and make a party out of it.

The Lodge is truly the only restaurant and sports bar in the Greater Everett, Mukilteo areas.  It’s also on the way to the Mukilteo Ferry terminal to Whidbey Island.  Ever get stuck in line waiting for the ferry and can’t make the big game?  Well no problem, just stop at the Lodge and let other people fight the wait and have your favorite drink served by really nice people while watching the game.  Sound like fun?  It is!

This is one of the truly fun places in Mulilteo.  See you there.

The park is broad and grassy, not unduly windy, and has amenities such as benches and tables for a sunset picnic.  Now that spring is in full swing with milder days and only sightly chilly evenings, the intrepid among us might dare to take sandwiches or even a more elaborate picnic down and socialize in full view of the glory.  As summer approaches the park, as it is every year, will be full to bursting of families and groups enjoying the broad grassy expanses (great for Frisbee and playing ball) and shady trees toward the north end of the park.  And the view.  Oh yes, and the view!

Boulevard Bluffs is a great and upscale Everett neighborhood.  The views, the proximity to Mukilteo and the quaint shopping, restaurants, and Seaside parks, not to mention the ferry, and yet near enough to I-5 or 405 to be able to go south either to Seattle or the Eastside quicker than from more northern parts of Everett, make this area popular with those who don’t mind the higher mean housing values in exchange for the beauty and amenities of the area.

If you have any good photos of this park in summer I would love to post some of those as well, so just email me at edy@seattlecentric.com.  Thanks!!

Daniel and I did check in at Country Village in Bothell which is a wonderful shopping location in the snow, or anytime before Christmas!  They already have their giant tree decorated and preparations for Santa’s visit are well underway.  The chickens were less cheerful than the ducks and the visiting wild goose, but seemed fairly ok with it.  The rooster Daniel made friends with stood on one leg the whole time, leading us to imagine what it would be like to be out in the snow in our bare feet!

If you are not from Seattle or considering coming here for your next “hometown” and you are from a place where there is a lot of snow in winter, it might seem quite strange that we close down the town for a week with only 6 inches of snow in total over several days.  It’s because we get snow so rarely, like three or four times during the winter, that no one is set up for it.  We don’t have the “snow army” standing by that would mean business as usual, and so it is more practical to close down for the few days when it’s actually an issue.  Those of us that primarily work from our “virtual offices” think this is just one more reminder of the future of business, less driving and more time for the important things.

I visited a friend’s house which is on the market to sell in Everett…. Located at 612 Colby Avenue…Wow, what a cutie!!!!

Perfect home for that first time buyer or down sizer. All on one level for convenience and located in one of the most desirable area of North Everett. It is so close to West Marine View Drive for a stroll or Everett Community College… Oh, it is also so close to American Legion Memorial Park, great place to check out Evergreen Arboretum Gardens

The home has been completely remodeled in 2004 with all major systems replaced. New hardie siding, vinyle double-paned windows, electrical, furnace, HVAC, plumbuing and water heater… and more

Living room centered around the slate-fronted gas fireplace and gleaming refinished hardwood floors… Yes, you will have to take your shoes off…

You may stop and gaze out to the mountain range and the Legion Memorial Golf Course

Enjoy the master suite with plush carpet, attached 3/4 bath and walk-in closet.  On the opposite side of the home, are 2 additional generous bedrooms, which share a full private bath.

Kitchen with newer appliances, granite counters, oak cabinets and laundry nook.

Open floor plan flows from kitchen, to dining area, living room and rear covered patio.

Attached single garage with workspace, and alley access to large rear yard complete the package.

Priced to sell at $315,000″

It is so worth checking out if anyone is interested to live at North end of Everett…

Feel free to call me for a private tour!

VIRTUAL TOUR

Sebnem Oden

206 619 3652

I often get calls from my active buyers asking “when to buy”. My sellers are asking me “when you sell”. Each party wants to know how long to wait before pulling the trigger.  My answer is “when it is the right time for you, your budget and your family”.  Each person has a different life event that calls to buy or sell real estate.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reported as following stats for Dec 2009.

As seen above chart, Residential active listings units dropped 19.01% from 4362 units in 2008 vs 3533 units in 2009 for the month of December while Pending Residential units increased 38.02%, as Dec 09 pending listings were 628 units compare to 455 units in December 2008.  There is a huge increase in sold units at 89.02%, 654 units closed in 2009 vs 346 units in 2008.

As seen above chart, Median Price declined all across for Active, Pending and Sold Listings.  For December 09 sold median price was $287,000, dropped 19% compare to Dec 2008 while year to date Median price dropped further to 13.06%.

As seen above chart, one other important factor to watch is “Days on the market” (DOM). Due to better pricing of the homes as they get listed, DOM has dropped 12.3% for sold listings in December 2009 vs 2008.

Over all, Days on the market is shortening, Inventory of homes dropping while sold home units are increasing. December 2009 Market Trend is showing a promising future for buyers and sellers. Yes, values are declining as there is activity out there…..

If you would like more personalized information for your area, please contact me via email Sebnem.oden@exprealty.com or visiting my websitewww.ProKeyRE.com

Wishing you a prosperous real estate future….

This quaint river-side towne is famous for its Historic Homes and Gardens. Snohomish architecture contains a delightful variety of styles.  As an example, Blackman House is a must see. A Dutch colonial style with Queen Anne Towers, it is located on the corner of Fourth Street and Avenue D. Snohomish architectural collections reflect Queen Anne Victorians, English Tudors and Dutch Colonials as a testament to the diversity of Snohomish pioneer residents. Historic Homes Tour are offered for those who appreciate a stroll among gorgeous historic homes.

 Snohomish Garden Club held its 25th Annual Snohomish GardenTour on July 26th 2009 featuring gorgeous gardens among Historic Snohomish Homes on a lovely Sunday afternoon.  Do not miss this Summer’s 2010 Garden Tour.

Historic Downtown was a busy hub for milling, timbering and farming in 1860s. Today, there are delightful varieties of charming shops on First Avenue where visitors can take a day and…  

• Discover antiques, collectibles and modern gift shops,
• Explore Native American artifacts and stain art glass shops,
• Recall your parents past with nostalgic vintage and contemporary items at Pegasus Theatre Store
• Relax at Bee Hive Day Spa
• Enjoy a nice selection of brews at Fred’s Rivertown Alehouse,
• Snohomish Bakery will entice and satisfy you with arguably the best European pastries and breads in Washington- my personal favorite! 

The Snohomish and Pilchuk Rivers border the town and provide a long list of recreational activities for the whole family. A natural choice for a scenic route through downtown is the Snohomish Riverfront Trial.

For those with more lofty ambitions or the need for adrenaline try out Airial Ballon Co’s Hot air balloon for stunning views of Snohomish River Valley and Harvey Airfield for Skydiving lessons, helicopter tours and even chartering your own plane.  

Snohomish Farmers Market is available on Thursday Evenings, 3pm until 7:30pm May 14th – Sep 24th. And offers wide varieties of cut flowers, fruit and farm fresh vegetables.

In Snohomish’s Ghost Sightings are common, especially at the Oxford Saloon. You may want to stop by to check out the picture album of ghosts… You may meet Joe, Madame Kathleen and Mr Peterson.

Some of the upcoming events are fun for kids all ages, GrandFrog Day, Easter Parade, Snohomish Festival of Pumpkins, Kla Ha Ya Days… Snohomish activities list is endless…

Snohomish is a strong cohesive community even though many residents commute to Everett, Seattle and Eastside. Snohomish residents take pride in maintaining the historic values of their town and are proud to be Snohomish Residents. The county is also well managed fiscally. Snohomish residents enjoy lower real estate taxes than their King County neighbors

The town of Snohomish is very dear to my heart since one of my best friends lived and owned a business, Casa e Cucina Francesca in town. Local residents are very welcoming and friendly to visitors or to new home owners. If you know anyone who would like to make Snohomish their home, there is a wonderful Victorian is for sale located at 324 Avenue E, Snohomish, WA 98290.

This True Victorian was crafted in 1890 and sits on 1/4 acre lot in Snohomish’s Historic District. The garden boasts 70+ types of Roses and delicious Wine Grapes to eat or make wine. The outdoor pond makes a great place to relax watching the Hot Air Balloons float by from the valley below.

Inside this home the gourmet Kitchen was recently updated with granite counters and elevated maple cabinetry (ideal for taller cooks). The Wood floors were just refinished and are beautiful. Sconces & chandeliers reflect Victorian Era romance! Enjoy the cozy gas fireplace during chilly winter nights. The original 1890′s deed, signed by United States President, US Grant  and the original Heirloom Oil painting of the home make this a truly unique home of historic significance.

This wonderful Victorian is only a short stroll to the shops and restaurants described above.

Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall StreetEverett, WA 98201(425) 258-1006

Edy Kizakai
Realtor, Team Leader