Blog Archives

Maple Valley Neighborhood Market Update: Valley Green

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Maple Valley Neighborhood Market Update: Valley Green

The following market report is for the Valley Green Neighborhood (Div 1-3) and reflects only single family homes & townhomes listed and sold through NWMLS. Active Listings: 7 Average List Price: $343,336 Average Days on Market: 142 Expired/Cancelled Listings: 10 Average List Price: $335,630 Average Days on Market 67 Sold Past 6 Mo: 8  Average Sales Price: $336,988 Average Days on Market 69 Valley Green Neighborhood Snapshot 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 but specializes in the Maple Valley Washington area. .She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400   Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser. No part may be reprinted or republished without prior written permission  

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Is HUD Standing in Way of Home Buyers?

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Is HUD Standing in Way of Home Buyers?

I’m currently working with a great young couple trying to buy their first home. They both work full time, have good credit and are being financially responsible in terms of not over-extending themselves with a mortgage payment, not wanting it to be a hardship for them to make each month. Like many young couples recently married and graduated from college, they were hoping to take advantage of one of several Down-payment assistance programs which have been available for years to FHA qualified home buyers. The programs enable home buyers to receive their down-payment funds in the form of a gift from a charitable organization such as Nehemiah, Ameridream or HART. The only difference between these purchases and any other FHA home purchase, is the source of the down-payment. The buyers must otherwise qualify in terms of income, credit and employment just as if they were supplying their own down-payment. HUD has long been trying to eliminate the down-payment assistance programs and this Summer, when the Housing Bill was signed into law by president Bush, the opportunity for this assistance was wiped out, effective October 1. The reasoning is that the foreclosure rate on these loans is approximately 80% higher than

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Dog Days of Summer Not Stopping Sales

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Dog Days of Summer Not Stopping Sales

The phrase Dog Days of Summer is used in reference to the hottest days of the year; which typically here in the greater Seattle area would be right now….but I’m wearing a sweater today, go figure! August is also typically a slower time in our market, as many agents and would-be home buyers are squeezing in last minute vacations. But if there is one thing we know about the ’08 market is that there is nothing typical about it! August has been my busiest month of the entire year and judging from pending sales in Maple Valley since the first of August, I’m not the only one! As of 8/1/08, 30 Single Family homes have gone under contract. Some of these sales will close in August, others in Sept or beyond. But I think it will be interesting to start tracking these numbers more closely from this point forward given that the Maple Valley market began it’s downward trend last August. Only time will tell if things are truly picking up or if this is an isolated flurry just prior to the start of school. Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been

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YTD Market Comparison by School District

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Many relocating employees and their families may be interested in seeing how the Maple Valley area is priced compared to other areas of South King County. The Tahoma School district continues to be a strong draw for those moving to the Seattle area with consistently high test scores (nearly the highest in every category amount South King County districts). This comparison is based upon Single Family homes sold and closed as of January 1, 2008 which were listed through NWMLS. It does not take into account “By Owner” listings or other transfers of ownership (such as foreclosures): div>   Kent Auburn Renton Maple Valley Number Sold 759 263 590 301 Average Market Time 80 days 95 days 84 days 93 days Average Sales Price $363,143 $323,257 $408,988 $401,975  The Kent School district covers a huge geographic area, coming into Covington on the East, through the Valley and up onto the West Hill, so it’s not surprising to see the number of sales so much higher. Despite being a slightly farther commute to the Seattle/Bellevue area than Renton, the Maple Valley numbers reflect it’s value with home buyers.

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Amazing Price Reduction-The Lake at Winterwood!

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The owners of this beautifully maintained Schneider built two story have just reduced their offering price from $549,950 to $515,000. The traditional floorplan lives very well and feels more spacious that it’s 2750 square feet. Four spacious Bedrooms up and a Main floor den provides room for everyone and a home office. The Lake Winterwood neighborhood is located in Covington, close to shopping (new Costco coming this Winter). More details can be viewed here.

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Announcing Monthly Photo Contest-Win Free Gas!

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Announcing Monthly Photo Contest-Win Free Gas!

How well do you know the town in which you live? If you’re familiar with the landmarks and beauty we enjoy daily here in Maple Valley, then you may be able to win a $25 Safeway gas card. Each month, a new photo which has been recently taken somewhere in the greater Maple Valley area will be posted. If you are one of the first four commentors to correctly identify from where the photo has been taken, you’ll win a $25 Safeway gas card! First photo will be posted Monday July 21. So check back and Win! Restrictions: Real estate agents and their families are excluded (They may have an unfair advantage). Limit one card per family per month. 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 but specializes in the Maple Valley Washington area. .She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400 Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved Colleen Fischesser

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Maple Valley Wilderness Grove Home w/ 3 Car Garage for Lease

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Maple Valley Wilderness Grove Home w/ 3 Car Garage for Lease

Hard-to-find Two Story with 3 car garage now available for 12 month lease in Wilderness Grove. Super cute with traditional 3 BR 2.5 bath floorplan with Formal Living, Dining and Family Room. Plus….large fenced rear yard. Close to schools, shopping and Lake Wilderness Park (swimming, fishing & relaxation!). Terms: $1725/mo 12 month lease. First + Security Deposit. $50 non-refundable application fee per adult. Pets subj to restrictions. Email for more information    

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Covington Rambler for Lease

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Covington Rambler for Lease

This charming 3 Bedroom 2 Bath rambler is available for lease and is move-in ready! Located close to all the latest amenities in Covington; Red Robin, Home Depot, Kohls and coming soon…Costco! The floorplan is open and bright with vaulted ceilings & skylight. Fully fenced rear yard, attached 2 car garage. Terms: $1650/mo 12 month lease. First + Security Deposit. $50 non-refundable application fee per adult. Pets subj to restrictions. Email for more information This home has been leased. To view available rentals click here

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All information is current as of published date. Listings for sale or rent, are avaialable as of the date published, however price and availability are subject to change.