Community Food Forests coming soon to a neighborhood near you!

Seattle's moving forward with the nation's first "food forest" - an urban food oasis open and free to anyone and everyone.  A seven-acre plot in the Beacon Hill neighborhood will be planted with hundreds of different edibles: fruit and nut trees, blueberry & raspberry bushes, pineapple, guava, persimmons, honeyberries, lingonberries, herbs, and much more.  

I'm sure there will be some kinks to work out as far as having people/volunteers on site to help guide people on "how" and "when" to harvest food so as to not damage the plants, but what a grand idea!  We really need to have more urban agriculture and hopefully it will only get more people involved in permaculture and growing their own foods locally, organically and sustainably.  Read more about Seattle's first food forest here:

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Seattle Fire Stations for Sale

photo by KEN LAMBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES

I've always thought it would be super cool to convert an old fire station into a unique home.

Well, now's your chance!  Seattle has two decommissioned fire stations for sale and a third Art Deco that may be available soon.

Fire Station 37 in West Seattle and Fire Station 38 in Ravenna-Bryant are both currently for sale.  The deadline to submit an offer is April 20th. 

Anyone interested?

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Local Happenings - Phinney Wine Tasting

Just thought I'd post a fun local neighborhood happning - The Phinney Neighborhood Association’s annual Wine Taste is from 7:30-10 p.m. on Saturday, February 25th. Cost is $25 for PNA members, $30 for non-members. 

This is always a fun event and your ticket includes 10 tastes of wine, hors d'oeuvres, and live music.  Participating wineries are listed here.

Purchase your tickets online, or at the Phinney Neighborhood Association, 6532 Phinney Ave. N.

Enjoy!

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Help Disabled Children and Trek to Annapurna Base Camp

Here at Rockwell Realty, we really stress the importance of giving back and community involvement...hence our tagline, Connected to Community.

I truly enjoy volunteer work and making a difference in somebody's life. My latest philanthropic endeavor is with The Rose International Fund for Children (TRIFC.org).  I have been asked to lead a group to Nepal to complete a 10-day trek to the Annapurna Base Camp.  Our goal is to raise a minimum of $15,000 to go towards medical, educational, and vocational programs to help children with disabilities.  We have been busy getting all the details of the trip ready and all of the fundraising tools to make this a reality.  It is going to be an amazing adventure and we will all have the chance to see how these donations are helping children with disabilities thrive in a country whose government and society hinder their opportunities.

We are still looking for people to join us for this adventure so if anyone is interested send me a message and I would be happy to pass along the details!

Online fundraising for Stephanie Moe fundraising for TRIFC's Annapurna Base Camp Trek 2012 1 at Razoo

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Solar Bottle Lights in the Phillipines

What a great idea!

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"Gimme Shelter" Group Art Show at Rockwell Realty

Rockwell Realty is excited to be hosting a group art show this month entitled "Gimme Shelter". Seven talented local artists, drawing on the real estate business, have riffed on the theme of shelter to present 30+ new works for this show.

“GIMME SHELTER” Greenwood/Phinney Art Walk, Feb. 10th, 6-9 pm
Rockwell Realty, 8315 Greenwood Ave N.

Participating artists:

Marty Gordon’s paper collage has depth beyond the clever wordplay and comic imagery

Heather Hudson’s oil paintings reflect her recent home improvement project

Doug Keith captures a story in his mixed media assemblages in old wooden drawers

Cheri Kopp assembles trash and other cast off items to create mixed media pieces

Tim Manthey creates surreal paper collage from printed images and ephemera

James McFarlane’s watercolors are inspired by the northwest landscape and urban life

Craig van den Bosch shows mixed media collage on baltic birch plywood
 

We'll  have the usual wine and other goodies so please come by and say hello!
We hope to see you this Friday!

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Perfect Sunset Hill Cape Cod - Just Listed!

New Listing!  Offered for $450,000

Bright light-filled spaces welcome you to this classic Cape Cod on a large corner lot in sought after Sunset Hill location.  It’s just a few short blocks to shops, restaurants, and all that Ballard has to offer. Built in 1945, this home has been well cared for and includes some fabulous updates. The main floor offers a convenient circular floorplan with fireplace, large picture window, beautiful hardwood floors, gas range, 1 bedroom and a full bath.  You’ll find 2 more spacious bedrooms upstairs and a fantastic new rec room and new bath in the fully finished basement.  Updated systems include plumbing, electrical, appliances, windows and a new high efficiency furnace.  A large yard with gardening space, fully fenced area including a patio and an oversized garage complete this very solid home.

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Starbucks Opens Recycled Shipping Container Coffee Shop

While recycling old shipping containers is not a new idea, I love that a company as large and corporate as Starbucks has created such a shop!  Love the design of this!  Hopefully more and more business will follow suit with reusing and recycling to reduce our carbon footprint.

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New Listing - Wallingford View Condo! Two bedrooms for $265K

Two bedrooms and a view to die for awaits you at this updated and fun condo in Wallingford. Perched above the Burke-Gilman Trail this conveniently located condo offers stunning lake & city views. Light-filled & well designed 2-bedroom layout has open living/dining & kitchen with eating bar. Hardwood floors, granite counters, new appliances & lighting. Just minutes from UW, Gas Works Park, Wallingford shops, cafes & more. Express bus is steps away making downtown commuting a breeze! Quiet & well-managed bldg with rooftop deck, exercise room, extra storage & secure garage parking included.
More photos here, and a flyer available here.

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Sweet Greenwood Listing! Only $449,950!

The location in Greenwood is fantastic -- across from Greenwood Park and just mere steps to anything you could ever want: grocery stores, pubs, restaurants, coffee shops, theater, antique stores, and the other eclectic fun shops in the thriving Greenwood community.
This classic turn-of-the-century Craftsman sits high off the street offering private front porch Olympic Mountain & sunset views. Built in 1911, the owner has taken meticulous care of this home with lots of updates and improvements while leaving the old-world charm and character in tact. Features include original hardwood floors, coved ceilings, fireplace, skylights, period moldings & built-ins. Classic floor plan with 2 bedrooms & brand new full bath upstairs along with a 3rd bedroom/den & full bath on the main floor. The basement has a large finished media room that could be used as a 4th bedroom, rec room, or even a home theater!
Extra unfinished basement space is very clean and currently used as storage but could easily be expanded for additional living space. The immaculate backyard is fully fenced and includes a deck perfect for barbecuing or sipping your morning coffee. A private alley leads to off-street parking for 3+ cars.
All of the systems have been updated and the interior was just freshly painted with designer colors. There is nothing for you to do but move in and enjoy your charming new home!

Click HERE for more photos or for a FLYER!

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Buyers -- What is your Motivation?

There are just 5 short days left to have an accepted contract and still qualify for the $8000 first-time home buyer tax credit or the $6500 credit for qualified current homeowners. I've been surprised that I do not know too many Buyers in the past month that seem motivated to take advantage of this opportunity. Now don't get me wrong, I completely understand that it is more important to find the "right" property then it is to rush just to get the credit, but when you've been looking for many months (some of my Buyers have been in the market for 10 months or more) and have found many great homes that would suit you perfectly but still haven't purchased, I think you really need to sit down and re-evaluate your motivation to buy at all. Are you looking for reasons to talk yourself out of homes that are a good fit? Or are you genuinely looking for that one special gem that is so radically different from everything else you've liked you will absolutely know that it is "the one" the moment you see it? Based on all the homes you've seen is this a realistic possibility? It may be, but are you sure you're not subconsciously sabotaging your home purchase by continually finding reasons NOT to buy? Instead of looking for reasons TO buy?

If you're a home buyer that has been in the market for a while now and has seen more than 50 homes, stop and ask yourself the above questions. What are you really waiting for or looking for? Interest rates will likely never be this low again in our lifetime, and Seattle prices are back down to 2004-2006 levels (depending on location and price points), AND the US government is willing to give you $8000 to buy a home!?!! It really isn't going to get any better than this folks. Trust me!
So you home buyers that have been "on the fence" for many months...I say get out there and start looking for reasons TO buy and stop looking for reasons NOT to buy!

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New rules will help distressed homeowners to purchase again in the future.

This may be very good news for homeowners who have lost their home due to financial troubles either through foreclosure or a short sale. As it stands right now, these people have to wait a minimum of 4 years before they are eligible to qualify for a new mortgage. Fannie Mae has announced that it is relaxing this 4+ year waiting period to a minimum of 2 years if the Buyer can come up with a 20% down payment or 10% down and can show the hardship was directly attributable to extenuating circumstances.
Buyers will also have to have standard qualifying credit scores, which likely means quickly getting their credit back into shape if it has been significantly damaged from the financial hardship. The new rules are scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2010.

So I guess the bottom line is that if you're a homeowner who has lost your home through financial hardship and you can get to work asap on saving for a 20% down payment and repairing your credit, you may be able to once again own a home in just 2 short years! Hey, it's not perfect but it's better than having to wait 4-5 years! :)

From another point of view, hopefully this will not cause more foreclosures or short sales by encouraging people to simply "walk away" from their upside down mortgages since the repercussions are now less severe. Hmm...

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Flash Mob Alert!

An estimated 1,000 people took part in this fun Glee flash mob on Saturday in downtown Seattle. How fun is that?!!

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Greenwood-Phinney April Art Walk

It's the 2nd Friday of the month again already! Sheesh does time ever fly!?! I love hosting the monthly neighborhood art walk at the office. I've met a ton of fabulous neighbors and business owners and am absolutely excited about being a part of the Greenwood-Phinney community!

This month we are featuring a very talented good friend of mine. He has some extremely unique pieces including a full wall tape mural and this piece that has real ladybugs! (Don't worry, they were dead before he got them...no ladybugs were harmed in the creation of this art!)

We'll be having the usual wine, cheese, a few beers, music and good conversation. Please stop by and say hello and check out Michael's lovely art!

Friday, April 12th from 6-9pm
Rockwell Realty
8315 Greenwood Ave N

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Re-Branding Rockwell Realty!

For the past 9 months or so we have been hard at work on a very special company re-brand for Rockwell Realty. With the help of Horsepower Design, we are very excited to be nearing the launch! This is our new for sale sign! Isn't it pretty? :) The cityscape mosaic represents our goal of having offices in "urban villages" throughout the city as well as abstractly showing our "Connected to Community" theme with the connecting lines. At Rockwell we are highly committed to being an active part in our communities through both monetary donations and personal involvement. About 4 years ago I moved over to the Greenwood/Phinney neighborhood in Seattle and absolutely love it! Both living and working in this neighborhood have allowed me to really feel like I am part of a community. I love it and just keep getting more involved and meeting more of my home & business neighbors everyday! Have I mentioned that I love it?! ;)

You may still see some remnants of the old Rockwell logo floating around with for sale signs, business cards, etc. but these are all being phased out asap. We are very excited about the direction and focus of the company and being "Connected to the Community".

Please feel free to stop in and visit us for an upcoming monthly art walk! The 2nd Friday of every month is the Greenwood-Phinney Art Walk from 6-9pm. Each month we showcase a new up and coming local artist and kick back and relax with some wine, cheese, and sometimes even live music! For a real estate office, how cool is that?!! Our Greenwood office is located at 8315 Greenwood Ave N, oh-so dangerously close to the chocolate shop! :)

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Amazing Views from this Fremont Treehouse! Just Listed for $520,000

I just listed this beauty of a townhouse in the heart of Fremont. Very hip & modern with outstanding mountain, city and territorial views and at 1776 sqft of finished space, is much larger than other new construction townhomes. Includes a fantastic top floor master suite. Owner completed $40K worth of custom upgrades. Bamboo hardwoods with hydronic in-floor heating throughout. Custom built-in bookshelf, designer tile, custom lighting, cherry cabinets, doors & trim. Quick walk to restaurants, parks, Burke Gilman trail, nightlife, & everything Fremont has to offer. Welcome home to the Center of the Universe! Click for Flyer or More Info

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March Art Up Greenwood-Phinney

It's that time of the month again! When we all love to wander the neighborhood looking at beautiful works of art in all different types of media and style.
This month we are proud to be featuring a very talented artist by the name of Jenny Gini.

"Expressions" by Jenny Gini -- Paintings focus mostly on women's faces or figures in both realistic and surrealistic depiction. In her large graphic portraits, the intrigue lies in the moody and mysterious expressions she captures: snapshot scenes intrigued the viewer with not only what they see but what is not seen. Her figurative work is often an optical illusion that morphs into the form of a flower or a surreal landscape creating two images in one.

Please stop by and say "hello" and enjoy a glass of wine or sparkling cider with us!
Friday, March 12th from 6-9pm

8315 Greenwood Ave N.

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New Listing in Meadowbrook!

I just listed this very comfortable and convenient home in Meadowbrook. It is quite affordable at only $265,000 and a very easy commute to downtown Seattle, UW, or the East Side. And unlike most comparable new construction, this one has ALL of the appliances included and custom window shades as well...bonus! 1370 sqft of finished livable space plus an additional 200 sqft garage. It has 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms (one on each level). There is a fenced yard space perfect for a patio, pets, or gardening.
More information can be found HERE.

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New Seattle School Maps

Seattle Public Schools has released their recommended attendance maps. These maps show the schools to which students will receive an initial assignment, based on their address. You can look up your school's boundary map here.

For more information about the new Student Enrollment Plan for Seattle Public Schools, you can find the complete plan here.

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Backyard Cottages Citywide!

The Seattle City Council unanimously voted yesterday to allow backyard cottages on all eligible lots in the city. The backyard "cottage" was originally restricted to just Southeast Seattle where it was approved in 2006.
Council member Sally Clark said "This is a smart and modest step to create affordable housing options, help someone pay their mortgage, get older on their property, or to make room for a son or daughter moving back home."

The backyard cottages are limited to 800 square feet in size and are prohibited on lots smaller than 4,000 square feet or in a Shoreline District. The owner must live at the property for at least 6 months out of the year. The 5-foot setbacks are still in effect and the total lot coverage of structures is limited to 35%. Also, homes that currently have an attached ADU (accessory dwelling unit) are not eligible for a backyard cottage.

For more information the entire bill can be found here.

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