The Japanese Garden in the Arboretum is about to end its winter hiatus, reopening on Sunday, February 14, for its 50th Anniversary season. Rated by a garden journal as one of the ten favorite Japanese gardens in the country, Seattle’s Japanese Garden was inaugurated in July 1960, after only four... (more...)

It seems fitting to be writing this the day before Halloween, given the cringe-inducing nature of this topic.  However, I feel compelled to write about this as a Public Service Announcement. Bed bugs, like the ones your Mom used to warn you against, are becoming a serious nuisance in metropolitan areas... (more...)

"Here lies Walter Fielding. He bought a house, and it killed him." These days, it is all too easy for  inexperienced buyers to become obsessed with getting the “best deal”.   I’m talking about  the “weekend warrior” buyer- the one who watches countless... (more...)

The $8000 first time buyer tax credit has gotten a lot of attention in recent months. If you’re reading this, you probably already know that, I guess. You are obviously capable of operating a computer and navigating the internets… So, if you are curious about the $8000 tax credit, and like... (more...)

Recently,  I was wandering the Ballard Sunday market with my friend Alan. We were taking pictures of Old Ballard and reminiscing about the many great times we’ d had there over the years. While wandering down Ballard Ave. ( which is blocked off during the market) we saw a pair of boots nailed... (more...)

Just about everybody has heard of an appraisal and knows what it is- an assessment of a home’s value based on empirical evidence like recent sales, replacement costs, and the subjective opinions of underpaid appraisers hurrying from one gig to the next.  What many Buyers don’t know is that, even... (more...)

Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you know that the past 18 months have seen record numbers of homes hit the Seattle real estate market.  And not just Seattle’s market, but all markets across the country. The combination of panic, desperation and fear has caused “For Sale”... (more...)

7. You have WAY too many knick-knacks and personal items covering your shelves and walls.  If your house looks like an indoor flea-market, potential buyers have a hard time imagining their own crappy junk littering the house.  The same goes for pictures of your wedding, vacations or grandkids- if home... (more...)

And last, but certainly not least… 10. You’re cheap- Guess what- if you aren’t offering a competitive selling commission (aka buyer’s agent commission or SOC)  on your listing, you are doing it wrong. It is time to get serious about selling your house, and short-changing the professionals... (more...)