Discover North Seattle: February 2010

I'm sitting here thinking about all the people I get to meet because of what I do for a living.  I am blessed to be so connected to the community and to meet so many people!  Honestly, this is exactly why I got into real estate in the first place.  I love connecting with people and being that person who can always say, "I know a guy..."

So I spent about 10 minutes thinking about different connections I have and thought I'd write a few down in case any of you were looking for a connection.  Life is too short to live on an island!  I think 6 degrees of separation is too much!

Here's a brief list of connections or people I know.  Some are fun to know, like Kendra Todd, winner of Donald Trump's "Apprentice", or Pro Bowl Fullback Mack Strong, or Blake Lewis (American Idol), but most are more practical.  You get the idea.  If you need help with something, I probably know someone I could connect you with in Seattle.  Just ask, 'cuz I love connecting people!

Attorneys

• Immigration
• Tax
• Real Estate
• Foreclosure

Home Repair

• Tile
• Roofing
• Architects
• Plumbers
• Inspectors

Spiritual

• Bible Study Groups
• Church/Community Functions
• Benevolence Opportunities
• Marriage Counseling

Financial

• CPA's
• Mortagage Advisors
• Financial Advisors

The list could go on, but just know that you can ask me anytime.  Connecting people is one of the best parts of my job!

I love getting a good deal whenever I can, especially in this economy.  So if you're looking for a fun time at the movies in Seattle without the heavy price tag, check out these cheap Seattle movie theaters:

In Shoreline 

Crest Cinema:

16505 5th Avenue NE at 165th
Shoreline, WA 98155
(206) 781-5755

I remember going to the Crest while growing up in Shoreline.  Of course, back then it was only about $1.00.  My, how inflation has skyrocketed prices.  Now tickets are currently $3.00.  Ooooh... big money!  We used to go to the 7-11 across the street to buy snacks and try to sneak them in.  I like the way the seats rock back like a rocking chair.  Too many memories to list on this one!

In West Seattle

Admiral Theater:

2343 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Info: 206-938-3456

Another great Seattle landmark!  This one's a little pricier, but I think the movies are more current.  Tickets are currently $5.50.  You can even rent out the theater for a private event if you want.

Seattle and Tacoma have made it to the top of CNNMoney's list of 8 cities that are poised for the best real estate recovery.  This is great news for us, as we are all waiting for our homes to being appreciating again and return on our investment.  Here's the blurb for Seattle, from CNNMoney.com:

Median home price: $365,000 Value lost since 2006: 18.1% Forecast gain through 2011*: 3.2%

Seattle has become a world-class city with a diverse, vibrant economy. As a home to manufacturers, such as Boeing, and software providers, such as Microsoft, the job market has held up better than average, with December's unemployment rate sitting at 9.1%.

Home prices had a softer landing as well, dropping just 18.1% over the past three years, about half the national average, according to Fiserv, a division of Moody's Economy.com.

In the next six months prices are expected to grow 1%. After that, the market should gain momentum. By September 2011, the city could see a price gain of 5.5%.

And while that may not sound all that robust for those jaded by the annual double-digit returns recorded during the boom, that performance will be one of the best of any large city during that period.

Check out the blurb about Tacoma on the CNNMoney web site here.

There will be construction on the 15th Ave NE bridge starting this Spring, and it's going to last a while.  Above is a map of the detour routes you may want to think of using after March 2010.  The bridge has seen a lot more traffic over recent years and needs to be repaired, along with further work to deal with erosion underneath the bridge.  This means ALL traffic, including pedestrians and bikes.

You might want to get comfy with the detours - they say the construction will last about 11 months!

 You can learn more about the bridge work and its benefits by going to the Seattle DOT website for more info:  http://www.seattle.gov/Transportation/bridge_rehab_15th.htm

 - Jay

Do you like mountain and water views from your living room?  Check out this Olympic Manor home for sale!

Click any of these pictures for more information about this great North Seattle home!

Greet the Olympics/Sound everyday from this completely updated classic home in Olympic Manor. Views from all front rooms & relaxing patio. Perfectly bright & flowing floor plan w/3 main floor bedrms. incl. master w/vast closets and double shower. Beautifully remodeled kitchen w/skylight, stainless, granite, cherry cabinets. Downstairs has 4th bedroom, huge family room, oversized 2car garage. With all new windows, hardwoods, 2 gas fireplaces & great yard, you'll love living in this exquisite home.

Olympic Manor is a wonderful neighborhood just North East of Crown Hill.  Tucked away in its own secluded area, Olympic Manor is a quiet space with great neighbors.  This is also a great place to go see beautiful light displays during the holidays!