Real Estate Information Archive

Yep, this is me(the picture is purposely NOT good I hate having my photo taken more than going to the dentist)....enjoying a beautiful January day in the blinding sunshine of the Pacific Northwest! This is typical of Seattle sunny days, when the blue of the sky is awesomely clear and the truest blue I've ever seen. I was lucky  to be able to enjoy the sun as I needed to preview a few properties in the Hobart area, a very small rural town South of Issaquah and due East of Maple Valley. Although it has it's own zip code, this history rich town shares a school district and many community amenities with Maple Valley. In fact, the "HO" in Tahoma, stands for Hobart. (Alright, no jokes there ok?)

I thought I would share one of my favorite views of rural Maple Valley/Hobart  where homes range in age from early 1900's farm houses to brand new construction. Zoning, is one home per 5 acres and King County has jurisdiction over new development & new construction.

PS: If taking your own photo in the blinding sun while driving on a rural road is illegal then I did NOT take this photo myself!

Enjoy!

Colleen

Historically homes in South King County have proven more affordable for Employees relocating to the Puget Sound because of their distance to the Metropolitan areas of Seattle and Bellevue.  

 Maple Valley has long been an attractive option to the Bellevue/Eastside area for relocating families due to the strength of the Tahoma School District and lower prices.

As a convenience for those researching South King County markets, I've compiled a side by side comparison of various information from school districts which include:  Auburn, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Enumclaw and Tahoma (Maple Valley).

At every grade and subject level but one, Tahoma WASL scores all South King County districts. Here's a snapshot:

I have a full comparison of all grades and subjects by School District. If you would like a copy, please email me and I'd be happy to send it your way! 

Technology Comes to Tahoma Snow Days!

I'm sitting here enjoying my first cup of coffee, Carson snoring at my feet, and looking out at the light snowfall we had overnight. What I'm NOT doing, is scanning the internet or going back and forth between TV channels to determine school delays or closures. In the past, it has happened where a delay became a closure and I hadn't heard. But this morning, I received a phone from the school district alterting me that school was delayed 2 hours.

The automated phone call is part of a new system the Tahoma School District is using to notify parents of absences and other special announcements. This is the first time it was used to announce a delay, but I have to admit, it was very nice. I got the information "from the horses mouth" and feel comfortable knowing if it's changed (from a delay to a closure) another call would go out.

Nice job Tahoma!

 But, um.....can you call me a little later than 5:30 am next time?  I still need my beauty sleep!

Colleen

http://www.maplevalleyrealestate.com/        http://www.colleenfish.com/

Specializing in the Maple Valley area since 1990!

Despite all the hype within the market these days, there is no reason why buyers in our local market should be spooked. Both the numbers and industry experts know this is an ideal time for home buyers to be making great deals for themselves. Perhaps the best time I've seen in the 17+ years I've been in the business marketing & selling Residential real estate.

 Although inventory remains high, giving Buyer's lots of options from which to choose, the number of new homes coming on the market is dwindling, according to NWMLS statistics. September saw the lowest number of new listings since February of this year. I think this could be a trend we see continue into the New Year as home sellers who don't have to sell and realize their prices will need to come down, decide not to sell. 

Even "The Donald" agrees with me: