Eastside Deal of the Week

Each week I’m picking out the Deal of the Week out of my Eastside Value Buyer’s List.  I’m looking for a house that is already discounted to fair market value at the list price and is in good repair.  I visit the house, take 60+ photos, and record a video of my impressions.  Read on about my property analysis and bidding strategy:

Eastside Deal of the Week

Eastside Deal of the Week

Eastside Value Buyer’s List

Today I launched a weekly series of MLS searches to discover the best prospects on the Eastside for investors and handy owner occupiers to buy houses at a discount.  This is an amalgamated list of bank owned homes that already appear to be fairly priced, estate sales, out of state owners, listings with data entry errors, houses sitting unsold for an excessively long time – a whole variety of searches I use to find situations with distressed owners.

Learn more here:

Eastside Value Buyer's List

Woodinville is often know for their quiet living in larger homes and lots then you would find in more urban areas.  The other day, I had a chance to visit one of the area’s hot spots, Big Daddy’s Place in Woodinville.  What  a fun place to spend an evening with their featured entertainer Doctor funK, a ten-piece band that played lots of oldies but goodies.  They have live entertainment five nights a week, but that’s just part of the appeal.  Not only can you groove in the night, but they also serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and cater in their surrounding area.  We had some great appetizers during the show too.  There’s plenty of space for dancing the night away or just listening to some great music. You can also play pool, darts or video games.

On Saturday’s you can  join their complimentary wine tour aboard the Big Daddy’s bus, after eating there during the week, of the 80+ Woodinville Wineries and tasting rooms.  The tour runs from noon until six so it will be a great way to see the local wineries.  You better book a reservation though, as seats fill up fast.  Ask your server about the tour when you’re eating there.

So if you want to have some fun times in Woodinville, whether you live there or not, head for Big Daddy’s Place and enjoy the yourself.

eXp Realty would like to welcome its newest real estate investment expert, Bob Kelly, to our team in Bellevue, WA.  Bob is a newly licensed agent, since June. He lives with his wife and three sons in Bellevue, WA.

Real estate investment background:

Bob and his wife have purchased six rentals houses between Bothell and Olympia. They own a vacation rental beach house out at Pacific Beach. They self-manage all of those properties. That experience has taught Bob about advertising, blogging, and building websites. He began last year to turn over the rental portfolio on lease options and owner financing for greater cash flow, and recently learned about the business of flipping mobile homes in senior parks. His first project is currently for sale on the MLS (#152530).

Bob Kelly joined eXp Realty for the technology platform, training in Social Media Marketing, the company leads, and the reasonable fees. He is excited to be the first agent on the Eastside (Bellevue, WA),  and looks forward to the opportunity to build the company’s business over there.

Unique Real Estate Services:

Investors: Bob likes working with investors. He’s a member of the REIA in Bellevue , a real estate education and networking club. He will fearlessly make low bids for investors.

Vacation rentals: Based on his personal experience, Bob can help buyers with the acquisition, furnishing and set up, remote management, and advertising of a vacation rental property. He also offers a vacation rental marketing service, where he will photograph the property, create a new website, and post daily ads to Craigslist.

Bellevue Real Estate Services: Bob Kelly has  lived on the Eastside since age 3, so he expects to fill out the company’s websites with articles about Eastside communities and make Bellevue his area of expertise.

Education:

1. Data Processing at Bellevue Community College – 1983 to 1985
2. Lots of real estate investor seminars and programs: Robert Shemin (wholesaling), Dean Graziosi (wholesaling), Todd Toback (lease options), Jerry Lucker (mobile homes), Jeff Adams (REOs), and Rich Dad.

Former career: Computer Programming (25 years). His favorite part was the six trips to Italy to work with Olivetti in the late 80s and early 90s.

So, if you are a real estate investor looking in the Seattle, Bellevue or Greater Puget Sound area, Bob is your guy. He’s been there, and he’s done it, so you can bet he will get you a good deal.

Bob Kelly is a real estate broker with eXp Realty in the Bellevue, Washington area, near Seattle. He specializes in residential investment property. He can be reached  at (360) 480-9154 or bob.kelly@bellevuepowersearch.com

Rob LeRoy is a Seattle real estate agent and social media marketing coach with eXp Realty.

Woodinville is a great destination for anyone who loves fun-filled, romantic or relaxing getaways. It is a high spirited business community where Woodinville Business Owners collaborate to make their community as fertile as the soil in Woodinville.

Today, Woodinville is a destination for many visitors. Woodinville residents are a strong community of people who love and preserve their home town proudly.

Here are some exciting reasons to visit Woodinville, one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest.

1. Woodinville Wine Country is home of 50+ wineries including Chateau Ste. Michelle and Columbia Winery, conveniently located just a short trip from Downtown Seattle. Several wineries offer daily tours and wine tasting. Wineries are friendly and welcoming to all visitors. Some of them are also available for private, by appointment only tours and they can be reserved for special occasions.
2. Château Ste Michelle’s Summer Concerts You may shake hands with stars like Crosby, Stills & Nash, BB King, Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, James Taylor, Chris Isaak, Lyle Lovett, Smokey Robinson, Gipsy Kings, Chicago who sung at Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Summer  previous Concerts.
3. Redhook Brewery Woodinville is home of Redhook Brewery. Founded in 1981 in Seattle in an old transmission shop, in 1982, the first Redhook Ale was poured. The original Ale was inspired after spicy Belgian Ales. Most beer drinkers get confused and surprised by the flavor of Redhook Ales… Great place to stop for a tour and taste…
4. Sammamish River Trail connects to Burke-Gilman Trail; 10.9 mile long recreational trial, Bothell to Marymoor Park, one may bike, walk dogs, roller blade, or run from Seattle to Woodinville.
5. Willows Lodge is a welcoming, calming and comfortable grounds, just gives taste of richness to one’s life experience for as a  day visit, business meetings, spa visit, wine and dining, weddings and many more…
6. Herbfarm Restaurant, unique menus showcasing the exceptional foods and wines of the Pacific Northwest. It a must visit… Always booked out days, so call ahead of time.
7. Molbak’s Garden Center offers incredible range of flowers, plants, decorating ideas, events…. Such an inspirational place to have fabulous ideas for home and garden
8. Woodinville Heritage Center is dedicated to preserve.    The Society’s mission is to acquire, preserve and perpetuate the artifacts and history of the greater Woodinville area. The Woodinville Heritage Society holds general meetings at Brittany Park Retirement Center on the 3rd Saturday of January, March, May, July, September and November at 10:00am.
9. Woodinville’s Jerry Wilmot Park lies along the 10-mile Sammamish River Trail that connects Blyth Park in Bothell to Marymoor Park in Redmond. Just over a mile south of downtown Woodinville, the Sammamish trail connects with the half-mile Woodinville Valley Trail that will take you across the Sammamish River to the wineries and brewery.
10. Woodinville Farmer’s Market
11. is located at the Carol Edwards Center, NE 175^th Street and 133^rd Avenue NE,
12. The market is open 9am to 3pm every Saturday from May 1st to October 9th, 2010. Great      place to hang out to speak to local neighbors, farmers and new friends… Market’s motto is “Eat local, eat fresh, eat well!!”

If you have any other favorites in Woodinville, please email me and let others know… Check out properties for sale at www.ProKeyRE.com

Sebnem Oden, Realtor

206 619 3652

Christine showing her rehabilitated Arabian mare Crystal for the first time.

The last weekend in June was the second time I’ve shown at Gold Creek Equestrian Center and I have to say it is a great facility and the feel of the atmosphere is warm.

Two of the barns shown in the distance

Whether one is an equestrian enthusiasts who is new to the area and wondering where to connect with others who share a passion for horses… or perhaps there are those considering relocating to the area and have yet to find the right home….Gold Creek Equestrian would be a great place to keep the horses in the interim.

BOARD runs $638 and includes three feedings per day. Turnout is included Mon-Fri. Stalls are cleaned 7 days per week.  At the end of June 2009, 10 stalls were available.

Stalls and cross ties are matted... it was the weekend and the day of the show..

Gold Creek Equestrian Center has four arena’s and a trail system which can be accessed right from the property without hauling out. The night before the show I participated in, I witnessed lessons being held in the 120 x 220 indoor arena (and it has a heated viewing area …nice for the winter months!). The second covered arena is 65 x 140 (where I and others warmed up for our classes the following day), an outdoor full-size regulation dressage arena, a 135 x 230 outdoor arena (complete with an Olympic-level jump course). All disciplines and ability levels are welcomed by owners Jim and Mary Bagby.

This is a sweet indoor arena....I'm next to the heated viewing area

Lessons run $52.50 for a private lesson and $42.50 for a group lesson. Whether someone has their own horse to learn with or are just starting out or getting back into horses, Gold Creek can meet the need. They have several school horses, ranging from ponies to warm bloods, plus 9 instructors, with various training and backgrounds.  There are also horses available for lease.

Gold Creek is located in Woodinville’s gorgeous Hollywood Hill, this area is one which showcases street of dreams style luxurious estate homes and is approximately 5 minutes from downtown Woodinville and 30 minutes from Seattle.

Second covered arena

If you’d like more information on the facility and services offered, please contact Jim or Mary at 425.806.4653 or email jimbagby@comcast.net. Check out their website too at www.gold-creek.com

Check out the nice footing!

Please remember me if you are wanting to find the perfect equestrian property…I so will enjoy getting to know you and helping you acquire your hearts desire! I can be reached at (425) 286 -3779 or christine@seattlepowersearch.com

The Purple Cafe offers an outdoor patio

that is central to the Eastside and close enough to Microsoft’s campuses.  It’s natural that it would be in demand as a great place to raise kids.  But the wineries make it unique in the area and a wonderful afternoon or evening destination if you’re coming out from the City or surroundings.

Vinyard tasting rooms, summer concerts, and great restaurants offering a wide selection of local vintages.  One of our very favorites, and with a name that echos far beyond the borders of the Seattle Metro area, is Purple Cafe & Wine

The wine bar

Bar.  There are now three locations.  In 2001 the first Purple was opened in Woodinville by Larry and Tabitha Kurofsky.  The Kirkland location opened in July of 2003 in Kirkland, and July of 2006 in Seattle.  By the way,

Chilled Carrot Ginger Soup is wonderful on a hot day.

check out their Purple website not only for addresses and information, but to read the great foodie blog as well.  June includes something about “sippers” with wonderful suggestions for tasty summer wine choices and sangrias.

When we stopped by the Woodinville Purple’s recently it was the top suggestion from the folks at a nearby tasting room.  No question, a wonderful choice.  The soups, salads, and entrees were seductively delicious and we vowed to be back soon.  We sat on the patio enjoying the sunshine and the side game of admiring the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cool sports cars in the parking lot.  This is a place to bring your friends, a real destination!  We also saw families dropping by to take a patio table and share a thin-crust pizza with Mom and Dad sipping a glass of local wine in the twilight.  Don’t you love waiters with sparkling eyes fussing

Waiters and bar tenders serve in high good spirits and with flare.

over you?  I do, and the parade of friendly and energetic waiters with a bounce in their step and a sharp interest in whether we had what we needed definitely added to the experience.

Inside a few early patrons sat at the bar which stretched the length of the restaurant, which was vaulted high and dim.  Soon the tables began to fill with crowds of friends out to enjoy what is definitely one of the highlights of the restaurant scene in a town very well endowed with great places.

If you’d like to go wine tasting or visit some of Woodinville’s finest, why not take a look at the Winery Map and get a sense of what’s available.  It would be impossible to cover everything in one day, but there’s a great Woodinville Wine Country website that will help you get started.

Edy Kizaki, Realtor & Team Leader
edy@seattlepowersearch.com
cell:  206-249-2914

We have a great listing in Snohomish!  3600 sqft Executive Craftsman Style home, 5 bdrms, 3.5 baths, den, lovely big bonus room, stylish chef’s kitchen, spacious master with a master-bath-to-love, grassy entirely fenced lot over half acre, views of Olympics and Mt. Rainier, and so much more, come see your dream home!  See my blog for more information and photos.  Priced to sell quickly at $460,000.  Snohomish real estate never looked so good!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirkland-Seattle-Woodinville/Purple-Cafe-and-Wine-Bar/98942589187#/note.php?note_id=90909056595&comments&ref=mf

Look out California! For some time now, Napa and Sonoma have a history of being known for their wines… Other competing regions also produce nice wines which don’t break the pocket book – countries such as Australia, Chile and some within Africa. If I’m not mistaken, they are still relatively young in the industry (or else recently went international or became popular) as is our very own Washington state.

Perhaps you are one who appreciates good wine and would be interested in doing something different one day…. with a friend, a spouse, or family visiting from out of town. Let me suggest spending some time in Woodinville visiting various wineries and engaging in some tasting. Woodinville is located within 30 minutes of Seattle and unless one is a true regional connoisseur, I am willing to bet most are unawares 40 wineries have taken up residence here. Most of these wineries have hours limited to weekends or by appointment only. Those which are open daily (some holidays excluded) include Silver Lake Winery, Januik, Edmonds Winery, Matthews Estate, Novelty Hill, Colombia and Chateau Ste Michelle. Due to the proximity of location to each another and my experience, I will focus on Colombia and Chateau Ste Michelle.

Chateau Ste Michelle provides complimentary 35 minute group tours of their winery which concludes with a wine sampling. If doing the group thing isn’t your “thang” but tasting wine is, for $10 four wines are available to be sampled at the wine bar. For the past few years during Memorial Day weekend, Chateau Ste Michelle has hosted a great culinary with wine pairing event called “The Washington Wine Highway.” Several gigantic tents were set up to provide cover for chefs (and those assisting them), winery representatives from the area, as well as guests. Various upscale restaurants throughout the state were featured, and each was allotted space for an “action station” in which preparation and samples of a Chef’s chosen culinary delectable were served. With several wineries and vendors present to pour tastings of featured wines (with hopes of selling bottles or cases), this was a great way to sample food and experiment with wine pairings. Cost per couple was approximately $150 for one day, and included two wine glasses which were utilized during tasting. My husband and I having attended this last year, very much enjoyed it. In addition, there was live music and several different samples of packaged items to take home and enjoy (for example – spice rubs, chocolates etc). Chateau Ste Michelle is open daily from
10 – 5 (again with the exception of some holidays).

Colombia Winery is open daily from 10 – 6pm (some holidays excluded). In contrasting Colombia with Chateau Ste Michelle in having gone for tastings with out of town guests myself, my experience and opinion is the atmosphere at Colombia feels a little more casual and down to earth with a friendlier the staff. The wines were every bit as good or better. Although I humbly admit I’m not as sophisticated about wine as some connoisseur’s, I personally enjoy a variety of wines; my favorites include Merlots, Petite Syrahs, Cabs, Chardonnays’, some Pinot Grigio’s and some Sauvignon Blancs. If memory serves correctly, Colombia provides an additional tasting for the same amount of money.

So after engaging in some wine tasting, it may be time for a meal and The Redhook Brewery and Forecasters Pub is in close proximity, right next door to Colombia. The atmosphere is casual and the food is good and inexpensive. The pub features mainly burgers, sandwiches, a few salads, nachos…that sort of fare. Although my husband is an incredible Chef (the food being why he so enjoyed The Washington Wine Highway) he does not appreciate a nice, medium – to – full bodied – red (even though smooth) the way I do. The man likes his beer. If you can identify with that, you will love The Redhook Brewery (*they have live music and dancing on the weekends too!). They also conduct tours which include tastings for $1. They have a special six beer sampler you can enjoy at the bar or while dining, which is very reasonably priced.

If Redhook Brewery and The Forecasters Pub sounds unappealing and one’s desire is to enjoy a more upscale dining experience where enjoyment of wine can continue and pairing can occur, may I suggest Purple Cafe….it too is not far from these wineries, located off Hwy 202. The food is good with various pasta dishes as well as meat protein entrees to choose from (my personal favorite being The Seared Ahi Tuna served with Jasmine Rice and Seasonal Vegetable). The prices are reasonable. If budget is not an issue, perhaps for dinner what may be of interest can be found at The Willows Lodge and The Barking Frog Restaurant; again these are just down the street from the two wineries, next door to Colombia and Redhook Brewery. The Herb Farm is also located within The Willows Lodge property and there one can experience a five course plated dinner with each course being paired with wine for approximately $150 per person.

As a little footnote in case anyone is wondering…yes, those are snowflakes in the photographs; just when many thought we’d see Spring early this 2009 since we experienced great weather in February….some things are just unpredictable. I’m inclined to believe these geese are temporary residents of
Chateau Ste Michelle, realizing a “rest stop” was in order before continuing on in their journey north to Canada.

Labels: Woodinville and Washington Wine Country