Leslie's Blog

Would it offend you if I held your house open and did some cleaning up?  I have been known to pull weeds in Wallingford, sweep porches in Green Lake and trim rose bushes on Mercer Island.  I am not doing it to make points with a seller, I am doing it because it will improve the looks of the home and I get very antsy when it is a nice day and I cannot be home taking care of my own yard!  And yes, it is strictly complementary!

What does it hurt..and it is very rewarding to see the plants trimmed of their spent blossoms! 

Of course, if it is a high traffic day at the open house none of this goes on. 

For an Open House Specialist in Wallingford, Green Lake and Mercer Island check out LuvSeattle.com and LuvBellevue.com   LOL!

Does this sound like someone you know?  Over 62, house rich-cash poor, cannot afford to pay their property taxes or their heating bills, and just getting by month to month.   If they have significant equity in their home...the answer to this person's prayers may be a reverse mortgage. 

I know there has been a lot of bad press regarding reverse mortgages and things have definitely changed for the better.   Currently many banks are waving the origination fee (used to be 2% of the value of the house) and the reserve for servicing fee (previously $30 a month for the life of the loan).

So how can a reverse mortgage help?   It allows senior homeowners the ability to pull equity out of their existing home to use however they wish.  They can even PURCHASE a home.

This person can go from being someone that cannot afford their basic needs to someone that has a great quality of life.   The can receive their money as a lump sum; a Line of Credit, a term-fixed amount they decide upon; or a tenure-fixed amount that the bank decides...or a combo of these.

According to Wells Fargo:

• Never have to make principal or interest payments until you vacate the home
• Never give up property title
• Never owe more than the sale price of the home
• Never be forced to move as long as the property remains the primary residence of at least one borrower
• No payments required throughout the life of the loan, as long as all loan requirements are met
• May be repaid at any time either in whole or in part and without penalty
• Never owe more than the sale price of the home

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) allows seniors to PURCHASE a new primary residence and obtain a reverse mortgage in simultaneous transactions with no monthly mortgage payments.  It allows buyers to combine reverse mortgage proceeds with a down payment from their current home sale or other assets, to purchase a new home.

To qualify, the person needs to pay up front $500 for an appraisal.  If it is found that work needs to be done on the home to meet the FHA inspection requirements, those funds can be made available through the loan itself.

There is so much material available and people that specialize in this...I just wanted to put out there that reverse mortgages aren't was they used to be and are worth a good look.  I know of a few people that this option would have made their lives so much better!

If you would like more information on how to use a reverse mortgage to PURCHASE a property or more specific details regarding the above, please let me know.   Leslie Bloss, luvseattle.com

The Seattle Asian Art Museum at Volunteer Park has been holding their Seattle Art Museum's Saturday University Lecture Series...curently the lectures are about Central Asia.  The lecture presented last Saturday was "The Silk Roads:  Central Asia and the Wider World."  The speaker was Professor Emeritus Danel Waugh and it was an excellent presentation.

More lectures will be given through April 16th and tickets may still be available for individual lectures through the Gardner Center for Asian Art and Ideas.

I purchased a personalized membership card granting unlimited free admission for a full year to all Seattle Art Museum locations: SAM Downtown, the Seattle Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park.  With it I was able to pick up a few things from the museum gift shop at a 20% discount for this weekend only.

For assistance with all of your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent ... luvseattle.com

I received this certificate from the Puget Sound Blood Center (for donating over 100 units of blood and platelets) and am so proud of it I am going to get it framed and hang it on the wall of my office.

If you have been reading my posts for a long time you know that I really believe in donating blood and platelets.  Mostly because when I was a baby I needed a blood transfusion and would have died if a woman hadn't come forward and donated for me. 

For over 30 years I have been donating blood and platelets and thought I was doing quite well until the last time I gave platelets I met a man on the chair next to me that gives platelets every other week (when he is in town).  So now I am inspired to donate even more often.

Check out the link that I have provided and learn about how you can donate Peripheral Blood Stem Cells (PBSC) and bone marrow. 

The Bone Marrow Registry needs many more people of color.  Their website states:

Because patients are most likely to find a compatible donor within their own racial and ethnic background, a diverse group of potential donors is needed. Only a small percentage of the 8 million volunteer donors who have joined the national Registry are people of color. Percentage of ethnic groups on the national Registry:

• African American, 8%
• Asian/Pacific Islander, 8%
• Hispanic, 9%
• Native American, 1%
• Multi-Racial, 3%
• Caucasian, 73%

 For assistance with all of your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent ... luvseattle.com

Today I have been thinking about how lucky I am to be living in this great country the USA...no it isn't perfect and I do rant and rave about our current spending and some politicians that annoy me. But this is "the land of the free and the home of the brave." It is this way because of the people that have put on uniforms for our behalf and the very many that have given their lives.

I was watching CNN this morning and they were showing the many cemeteries in France filled with American military that died there.  Many of the people that live there go often and are so very grateful that we were there to help them during the wars.

I also have been thinking about the families and friends that are left behind...the pain that lessens but is never forgotten. This is also a good time to think of the wounded warriors and ask ourselves if there isn't something that we can do to help them. Their sacrifice is one that never ends.  And we do owe them.

We all get mail sent to our junk email boxs...me at least 50 a day.  Emails from people that are wanting to give us millions of dollars from a foreign country (how thoughful).    Emails in a foreign language (I never know what to think) are they truly wanting to be a client or are they scamming?   Flyers of properties from agents you have never heard of in areas in which you would not be interested.

But sometimes I have sent an email with listing information to a client (that they want) and they say that they  haven't seen it and what do I tell them..."Check in your junk mailbox because they sometimes go there."

I will say that I haven't found any gems in my junk mailbox...but maybe I just don't know it!  Have you ever had a client tell you they sent a referral to you that you didn't get?

For assistance with all of your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent ... luvseattle.com

You may have heard that our traffic in Seattle and the surrounding vicinities can be terrible.  I was watching CNN this morning and they talked about Traffic.com (a NAVTEQ product). They mentioned how you can map a trip and set up alerts to be told if there are accidents along the way. I went to the website and found out that there are apps for iphone and blackberry.

MyTraffic is a “free suite of personalized services that saves your drives, offers email, phone and text message traffic alerts and displays your drives and alternate routes for speedy comparison. You’ll be able to access your MyTraffic services from your web browser, mobile web browser, RSS feed reader, and our free traffic hotline and SMS text messaging service.”   It is available in many cities.

I can see how it would be very helpful while taking you trips to work etc. but I wanted to know how they are on longer trips. So I put in a trip from my home address to Devils Lake North Dakota. You can receive turn-by-turn directions.

(I am sorry I am missing some commas on this post...my computer has just stopped me from putting them in.)

For assistance with all of your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent ... luvseattle.com

Many years ago (during my running years) I ran around Green Lake at midnight on New Years Eve.  It was cold and crunchy but it was beautiful.  There were little flickering lights in small paper bags all along the path.

Well, this evening from 5:30 - 8:30 (according to the Seattle Times) the path will be again lit and there will be holiday music along the path at the Green Lake Community Center, Green Lake Small Craft Center and the Bathhouse Theater. 

Green Lake Park is located at 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle, WA 98103.  This is a free event.  So bundle up, take family/friends and enjoy!

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent LuvSeattle.com

Last night I attended Santa Baby by the Seattle Men's Chorus.  The concert was held at Benaroya Hall and had great music, interesting costumes and good humor.

Do you ever think back fondly on the Christmas concerts you attended in grade school?  Well maybe this is too far back for you--it was before it was politiically incorrect to celebrate Christmas in public schools. 

It was nice to hear actual Christmas carols--but do not get the impression that it was an evening full of the old standards.   There was quite a mix of music and original lyrics.

If you have trouble getting into the "Christmas Spirit" this may help!  There is still time to attend--the last concert will be on Sunday, December 20th at 7:30 pm.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent LuvSeattle.com

When I was a kid walking to or from school and saw a policeman I would always wave, I was taught that they were my friend.  I even took the test to become a State Patrol Trooper "back in the day."  Anyway, this is not about me. 

This post is about the Seattle/Tacoma area cops being put through hell lately--being human targets.  The latest story is not  finished yet--the police are searching for friends and family that helped Maurice Clemmons (one may have even helped drive the get-away car after he shot four cops).

Cops work to protect us and we owe them gratitude.  Not too long ago, I read that when someone sees a soldier they put their hand over their heart to show gratitude.  I think we should start doing the same for cops.  I have been thinking it would be nice to take food to the stations to show how much we care.  Do you have any suggestions?

It is not just our area pollice officers and troopers that need recognition from we the public--it is to all of them.  If you are a cop and reading this, I thank you and wish you health, happiness and safety!

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent LuvSeattle.com

NBC Sports has just announced that Ken Griffey Jr. is staying for one more year with the Mariners.  This really makes me happy.  I is what got me started following the Mariners.  Can't you still see his smiling face on the front page of the local papers as many of the team members piled on top of him!

What a good role model for young baseball fans!

And I want to say a very big thank you to his family for sharing him with us.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

Here is the latest email from HotwireDeals@Hotwire-Travel.com:  $49 fare sale, $26 Vegas Strip hotel, $294 Europe fare sale‏

I love to travel and get emails weekly notifying me what discounted airfares, hotels, cruises and entertainment are available. TravelZoo just sent me their this week's "top 20" travel deals. Here are some:

$45-$105 -- Virgin Cuts Fares on All Routes; Fly into March http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78637188-687463/ Source: Virgin America

$697 -- Hong Kong from Seattle (Roundtrip), incl. Taxes http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78637188-688978/ Source: Fly.com

$1299 -- Israel 8-Night Escorted Package w/Air http://www.travelzoo.com/top20/78637188-687784/ Source: Gate 1 Travel

For thos of us that love to go to Whistler:

+ Top Ski Destination in Peak Winter Season -

Beyond the Slopes: 2010 Olympics, Bungee Jumps & Apres-Ski

+ Four Seasons Whistler; 3rd Night FREE ... $255

+ Snowmobile and Dinner Package (Reg. $210) ... $169

+ Fly to Vancouver ... $100 & up and more...

Visit http://www.travelzoo.com/destinations/whistler

I do have an interesting story. There once was a company called "Moment's Notice" that would book charter flights for all inclusive trips all over the world at very low cost. Through them my Mother and Dad took a trip to Egypt and cruised up the Nile and another time cruised to Alaska (their all-time favorite cruise).

The most adventuresome trip was when they went to Germany. The plane was supposed to land in Frankfort but because the company had not paid their landing fees the plane landed in Berlin, East Germany. This was in 1972 when being in Berlin could be a scary time. The passenger’s passports were collected and there was a count of the people. And then there was another count and another. It turned out that Mom and Dad and a dual passport and both of their pictures was on one passport. After it got straightened out the passengers were bused to Frankfort. The wheels were actually taken off the plane so there was no getting back through Moment’s Notice.

Mom and Dad did have a great time visiting relatives they had never seen and site-seeing a beautiful country. But they did spend a fare amount of time figuring out how to get back. They ended up telegramming my Dad’s work to get money sent to them from their credit union account. Pan America did fly many people back for free but my folk’s didn’t know about that.

The lady that owned the Moment's Notice company actually went to jail.

I do not want to dissuade you from traveling--it is one of my very favorite things to do!

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

I was over to help babysit one of my grandsons yesterday while the other was being taken to the doctor by his Dad.

I noticed his voter's ballot on the window sill and asked if it was ready to go. He said "no he hadn't really studied the issues or the people." I have been busy telephoning for both the King County Executive and Mayoral campaigns, and found this disapointing. I will talk to him today--not to persuade but to encourage him to become part of the process.

We in this State have had first hand experience of how important each vote can be. I often think of countries that are dealing with voter fraud and the people that they cannot get elected because of it. Maybe another thing that drives me harder in this is that it took so long for women to get the vote.

On the Washington Women’s History Consortium’s website it says In 1867 the Washington Territorial Legislature passed a law giving the right to vote 'to all white citizens above the age of 21." This law became the rallying point for early women's suffrage advocates who cited the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in conjunction with the law which defined "citizen" as being "all persons born or naturalized in the United States."

This election will be determined by you. You must return your ballot before 8pm to any King County Elections Drop Box across King County or, with postage, mail by the last drop at the Post Office.

You can get a copy of your voter's guide.

Please ask your family members, friends and neighbors to return their ballot. And forward this message to remind others to vote!

P.S.  My son-in-law took his ballot to work with him.

For help with your Seattle/Everett/Bellevue/Kent real estate needs: LuvSeattle.com

I just heard it on the radio.  The info. from The Boeing Company:   Get info here

This could mean many things to the Seattle area.  Real Estate may become even more affordable--and houses may be even more difficult to sell.  I worked for The Boeing Company for 23 years and many things are just swirling through my mind.

I have been to Charleston, South Carolina and it is a wonderful place.

For help with your Seattle/Everett/Bellevue/Kent real estate needs:  LuvSeattle.com

Marketing is high on most business owners mind and the following is a very interesting way to do so.

There is a raffle going on to support Community Action Marin. For over 40 years it has served the neediest in the community by “providing a broad range of support services including early childhood education, mental health, employment and job training, food programs, housing assistance, HIV and AIDS services and much more.”

To continue support of their mission, they have partnered with Wells Fargo Bank, The Marin Independent Journal, and Comcast to raffle off a “Dream Home” among other prizes. Their marketing piece says  “you not only stand to win life changing prizes, but you also give life changing opportunities to individuals, families and children in need.”

The 3,000 sq. ft. home is on ¼ acre and has a view of San Francisco Bay from all of the rooms. It is surrounded by open space, shoreline and parkland. It has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a private elevator.

The second early bird drawing will be on this Friday, October 30th and another will be on January 8th. There are also “multi-ticket” bonus drawings that has a 2010 Toyota Prius or $25,000 cash for 1st prize.

The price of each ticket is $150. You can enter by mail, fax or telephone. Check out the link and see if you would like to forgo your regular lotto purchases for a while and enter this Dream House Raffle—it is for a good cause.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

My home scanner was giving me fits and I wanted to send my clients forms from the MLS that I had pre-printed and filled out.  He told me about Cute PDF Writer and walked me through it.  It is FREE and works well. 

I saved my completed mls forms on my computer.  Then I downloaded the writer.  You then go to your printer and make Cute PDF Writer you default printer.  You then go to the pages you have saved and click print and it will open up Cute PDF Writer and you can save it as a PDF.  It will then be an attachment that you can email to your clients.

The copies are so much cleaner than faxes.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

I have a client from out-of-state that is coming here for a home inspection.   The property they are buying is 1 1/2 acres with many trees.  They wanted to have an arborist check on the health of the trees.  This is the first time this has come up for me and I didn't know where to look for one.  I asked some people in the office and they didn't know either.

I had very good luck with a resource because I had taken my youngest grandson to a playfield in Fremont and there were two ladies working in the park gardens.  I mentioned my clients need for an arborist and one of them said to go to "ISA" on the internet and find a ISA certified consultant for the properties.  ISA "The International Society of Arboriculture is a worldwide professional organization dedicated to fostering a greater appreciation for trees and to promoting research, technology, and the professional practice of arboriculture."

ISA has an excellent website.  Their link to "Consumer Education" goes to a site called "Trees Are Good" at http://www.treesaregood.org/  This site has a button "find a tree care service" where you can find a tree care service or check to see if someone has an ISA Certification.  There are also buttons called "Frequently Asked Questions" and "Fun Facts."

You may have wondered why a picture of a buck.  Well, the property is in Issaquah and wild life is often in the area.

For your real estate needs in Seattle/Eastside and Kent www.LuvSeattle.com

It has been at least four years since I have had an eye exam and well over due for new glasses.  A very good thing is that I can see a little better farther away--the doctor says "that sometimes comes with age."

The first thing I told the Optician was that I wanted "to look like Sarah Palin" (no matter what your political leanings are, you have to admit she looks pretty good in those glasses of hers).  Well, I tried her glasses on and there was just no big transformation.  

Next I told him that red is my best color (not thinking the red glasses would be an option).  I did ask what glasses a REALTOR should wear to help them sell more houses.  He pointed out some with quite bold frames that made me look very serious--and many others going for that "professional" look.  I tried on some frames that wrapped around my face that he said were for "skaters and bikers."  I just looked like a big bug!

We then went into green frames--my second favorite color and I was all set to purchase this pair that fit my face quite well...until he showed me the tomato red ones!   Naturally they cost quite a bit more than the other ones but they made me feel spunky and full of fun (which is how I am on the inside).

I also needed a pair of sunglasses--yup, they are red!

The Optician said that people will always remember that I am the REALTOR with the red glasses!  I must say that he did a great job--I liked his help and I would recommend him.  In fact, he is Warren Ruby at Broadway Vision Source and I liked Dr. Riley F. Nakatsu (he conducted the exam).  I went to him last week because I was seeing flashes of light and floaters.  He was able to get me right in the day I called for a medical exam--and was very thorough.  It looks like it is another "age thing" and I have spoken with several friends that have had the same thing--which seems to be insignificant this time.  But, these can be symptoms of something very serious so do get checked if you have the same symptoms.

It will take six to ten days to get the glasses and I will need to get new pictures--maybe I will just get pictures of the glasses--it would be a lot cheaper!

LuvSeattle.com for your Seattle/Bellevue real estate needs.

Well, obviously, I didn't win the Mega in August but tonight's drawing would suffice.  $145 million would go far enough for most people.  I would be quite happy if that winner needed help with this REALTOR!

The Mega MillIons Drawing tomorrow will be worth $325 million.  I just wanted to encourage you to buy a ticket and if you are lucky enough to be a winner I will gladly help you find the "home of your dreams."   While I was buying some tickets today there was a woman waiting in front of me and I asked her if she knew of anyone that needed a REALTOR and that I was one.  She said "no, but I will take one of your cards."  She said she has six kids and if she wins she will be buying several houses.

It would be a REALTOR's dream to help a big lotto winner!  So as my coach always says "I'M HERE FOR YOU!"

It is fun to just dream sometimes. 

Our broker said that if he won he would give all of his agents $20,000.  His name is Ken Bell of Realty Executives BRIO in Bellevue, Washington.

WWW.LuvSeattle.com

Dad always taught me to stand up for what I believe in so here goes!

I have been complaining for a long time about our Mayor and some members of the Seattle City Council--now is the time we can make some real changes.

I like Joe Mallahan for Mayor.  I am a Republican but I was phone calling on his behalf because we need a change.  He has had business experience and that is something this city needs.  The Municipal League gave him a rating of "excellent."  Check out www.joemallahan.com for information.

I like Sally Bagshaw for Position #4--she is more mainstream.  Second choice would be Dorsal Plants, a young and impressive candidate, who might bring a fresh perspective to City Hall.

I like Marty Kaplan for Position #6--is is an architect and has run his own business for years, so his experience would be unique on the Council.  My second choice would be Nick Licata who is always will to buck the Mayor's office.

I like Robert Rosencrantz for Position #8.  He is a businessman and in commercial real estate, plus he had a solid record of civic achievement--mostly in public housing.

For County Executive is like Susan Hutchison.  Her election will bring new Department chairs, which is something badly needed, and a review of previous executive orders.  Others in the race will mean business as usual.

Please vote--it is important.

www.LuvSeattle.com

P.S.

Ballots must be postmarked or dropped at a Ballot Drop Box TODAY to be counted in this Primary Election. King County has ballot drop boxes throughout the county to provide voters with a way to securely return their ballots without the cost of postage. For the August 18 primary, ballot drop boxes will close at 8 p.m.

Ballot Drop Box Locations: Auburn Library, 1102 Auburn Way S., Auburn, 98002 Library Connection @ Crossroads, 15600 NE 8th St., Suite K-11, 98008 Black Diamond Library, 24707 Roberts Dr., 98010 Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave SE, 98042 Des Moines Library, 21620 11th Avenue S., 98198 Fall City Library, 33415 SE 42 Pl., 98024 Federal Way Library, 848 S 320th St, 98003 Kent Regional Library, 212 2nd Ave N, 98032 Renton, King County Elections, 919 SW Grady Way, 98057 Lake Forest Pk Library, 17171 Bothell Way NE, 98155 Seattle, King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave., 98104 Seattle, White Center Library, 11220 16th S.W., Seattle, 98146 Woodinville Library, 17105 Avondale Rd NE, 98072

Seattle Neighborhood Service Center locations:

Ballard, 5604 22nd Ave NW, 98107 Delridge, 5405 Delridge Way SW, 98106 Central, 2301 S Jackson, 98144 Lake City, 12525 28th Ave NE, 98125 Southeast, 3815 S Othello St, 98118 University, 4534 University Way NE, 98105