Leslie's Blog

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