Maple Valley 4th of July Fireworks

If you’re tired of sparklers and bottle rockets in the cul-de-sac and are looking for something different to do this year- close to home for the 4th of July, why not head over to Lake Wilderness Park?  The City will be holding it’s annual Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks Show this Friday from 4-10:30pm.

Break out Aunt Betty’s pie recipe and enter it in the Homemade Pie Baking Contest between 4:00 and 6:00 pm…there is no fee to enter and you might go home with a prize! In addition to the PIe contest, there will be numerous activities; sack races, balloon toss and a slow pitch softball game.

At 10 PM the Fireworks show will begin, accompanied by music from the Maple Valley Youth Symphony.

Maple Valley Home For Lease-4 BR Pebble Creek

Just listed, 4 Bedroom + Loft 2 story built by Harbour Homes in 2004 located in Pebble Creek. Floorplan features soaring 2 story ceilings in Living and Dining Rooms, Island Kitchen with hardwood flooring and family room w/ gas fireplace. Also on main floor is an oversized laundry room, 4th BR and powder room. Upstairs are 3 Bedrooms including Master with 5 piece bath; and a spacious loft.

Terms: $1895 per month 12 month Lease

First Month plus Security Deposit. $50 non-refundable screening fee. No pets. Rent includes HOA dues.

for more information email: rentals@maplevalleyrealestate.com

Maple Valley Swimming Holes..Where to Cool Off

It’s going to be HOT here in Maple Valley this weekend!

To me, 70’s is perfect, 80’s is HOT and 90’s are intolerable! I was born and raised in the Midwest so it’s odd that I consider mid-80’s to be HOT, but I’ve lived here for 21 years and seem to have acclimated to the cooler Northwest Climate. One thing’s for sure though, I definitely don’t miss the muggy heat of Cincinnati or the gnats….I hated them! (I do miss fireflies though)

When my husband and I moved to the Puget Sound area in the late ’80’s I was dismayed to find there weren’t very many options for outdoor pools for our kids. There were indoor pools, but how fun is that on a hot day? Silly me, I didn’t realize that when you live in the Northwest and it gets hot, you head for real water….lakes & rivers!

Over the years, as the Summers have gotten hotter (anyone still claiming global warming is a myth?) more outdoor swimming options have cropped up-most of them geared towards kids & families.

So if you’re looking for someplace to cool off in or around Maple Valley, here you go:

Lake Wilderness Park: Close to home, this 117 acre park is located in the center of Maple Valley. The Lake is a popular swimming spot and has life-guards on duty 7 days a week from noon to 7pm. There are many picnic tables, and grassy areas for frisbee & picnics.

Olson Mansion: The current owners of the Links at Taylor Creek, a 9 hole golf course, have added several Family Fun activities including miniature golf, u-fish and an outdoor pool. This one is close to home and good for Moms who want to get the kids out of the house for a few hours.

Gene Coulon Memorial Park; A beautiful park with a public boat launch on the Southern shores of Lake Washington. There are a few restaurants (Ivars & Kidd Valley) or pack a picnic basket. On a nice day, the parking lot can be packed, so bring your patience and or walking shoes.

Henry Moses Aquatic Center: This is the place that makes your kids’ eyes light up on a hot day! Located on Hwy 169 right off exit 4 of 405 in Renton, this new swim park is a popular place with kids and families.

Wild Waves: Located in Federal Way, Wild Waves is a combination waterpark, theme park with a rollercoaster and other rides. The aquatic park features a wave pool, massive water slides and an inner -tube river ride. Admission can be pricey and you may want to bring Aqua socks for the pool. It’s definitely an all day event but the kids will be wiped out when you get home!

Nolte State Park-a.k.a “Deep Lake”: This was a little find for my family in the early ’90’s. Located in Cumberland it’s a bit of a drive but well worth it as the park never seemed too crowded. The lake is a great swimming place however be careful with kids. It’s shallow for a short ways and then drops off fairly steeply and there is no lifeguard at this park. I would encourage parents and/or caregivers to make sure they go in the water with their children and keep a close eye on them. Deep Lake is also a popular fishing hole, picnic spot and all around great get-away without having to go too far.

Inner-Tubing on the Cedar River: Another fun thing many do is float the Cedar River on inner-tubes. On hot days you’ll find cars parked up and down Hwy 169 (Maple Valley Highway). I’ve never personally done this, but my kids have and they say it’s a blast! Bring your own tube or I think Maple Valley Market still rents them. It sure sounds like a fun way to spend a sunny afternoon, floating downstream under a canopy of green Maple leaves!

If anyone has any other great spots nearby, please post them and I’ll add to the list.

Please be careful though, King County has some tips on water safety and drowning prevention tips.

Enjoy the sun!

Be safe!

Doughnut Hole Price Drops Too!

According to a recent Seattle Times article, the County’s intent to sell the 167 acre parcel at Kent Kangley & 228th may have hit a snag. After much public pressure, the County agreed to open the sale up to a public bidding process, and then learned….as many Maple Valley homeowners have, that this is a buyer’s market. It turns out Yarrow Bay was the only developer willing to step up, however their bid was now 15% lower than their original offer. And to add insult to injury, Yarrow Bay has apparently withdrawn the added Icy Creek acreage which had been added originally to sweeten the pot.

What I find ironic is that the County is citing the “appraised value” of the property which came in at 71M…a far cry from Yarrow Bay’s original 51M and final 35M offer. I would hope the County has some capable employees who understand the ups and downs of a real estate market. Regardless of what a property appraises for, it is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay. It’s a basic principle; the seller can set the price, but it is the buyer who will ultimately determine the value.

Is the County Assessor sitting up and taking notice of this? Prices have fallen and many property tax could be and should be appealed.

It looks like the County has a tough decision to make. Sell now for a lower than price or wait for prices to rise. It’s a decision many Maple Valley homeowners are asking themselves as well.

Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990. She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser 

New is Good

I like to have new in my life.

Even if it doesn’t seem good at the time, new is what keeps life interesting and prevents it from becoming stale.

As a Realtor I am fortunate to have a career which allows me to meet new people who welcome me into their lives, even if only for a brief time.

I’m thrilled to have been introduced to several new home buyers this week. First, a nice young couple looking for their first home and then, a single woman looking for a retirement property.

Opposite ends of life from each other, the common denominator being I now know them both and get to share their new experience with them.

By the way, Carson likes “new” too. He loves the toy he got yesterday…look closely, I think you’ll see he’s smiling.

Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990. She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser 

Maple Valley Neighborhood Spotlight: WaterGardens 55+ Community

One of two gated communities for seniors in Maple Valley, Water Gardens is comprised of single level high quality manufactured homes with two car garages. The majority of homes range in size from 1300 to 1900 square feet. The community offers 5 acres of gardens and walking trails as well as a community center which overlooks a catch-n-release pond.   Prices over the last year have run in the mid-high 300’s.