Archive for June 2008

Moving to Renton or Kent WA.?

Thinking about moving to Seattle Wa. or a close neighboring city like Renton or Kent?
How Far Will Your Salary Go In A Different City?
Info for Relocating to Renton WA?

Just like real estate markets differ from town to town, so does the Cost of Living. If you are relocating to Renton or Kent you need to know how far your money will go. And of course you will need a local Renton relocation Realtor.
Courtesy of CNNMoney, this helpful calculator measures the change in living expenses a person would face when moving between any two major cities in America.
The key expenses compared are:
Groceries
Housing
Utilities
Transportation
Healthcare
The comparison data is provided by
C2ER which, on its own Web site, charges $4.95 for each city-to-city comparison. At CNNMoney.com, the exact same C2ER data is licensed and available for free.

If you are
relocating to Renton give me a call or sign up for our free Renton relocation packet. We know about the home values in Fairwood, new home developments in Renton Highlands, condo and townhomes at the Landing in downtown Renton, and estate homes in Newcastle. Plus, we can tell you about the Renton schools, churches and shopping in Renton. These are all critical to quality of life for you and your family. When you are ready to move to Renton, Call Lonnie Snyder so I can help you out. I have been helping our many satisfied customers for a long time.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Updated Renton Real Estate, Newcastle Real Estate & South Bellevue Real Estate Market Statistics (As of June 27th, 2008)

These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that is updated on a weekly basis.
MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90)
Single Family Homes
Average Days on Market: 97 Days (Up from 95 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 610 (Up from 590 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 225 (Up from 252 Last Week)
75 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up From 74 Last Week)
8.13 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 7.97 Last Week)
Average List Price: $891,839 (Up From $887,468 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $736,723 (Up From $736,144 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $620,500 (Up from $615,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 500 for Single Family Homes: This area favors buyers over sellers based on the fact that there is an 8.13 month supply of homes. This means that if no additional homes were listed, it would take 8.13 months to absorb the current inventory. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.

Condominiums
Average Days on Market: 78 Days (Up from 68 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 157 Active Listings (Up from 149 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 83 (Up from 80 Last Week)
28 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up From 27 Last Week)
5.6 Months Worth of Supply (Up From 5.5 Last Week)
Average List Price: $336,125 (Up From $333,526 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $347,825 (Up From $342,746 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $329,000 (Up From $320,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 500 for condos: This area is balanced between buyers and sellers based on the fact that there is a 5.6 month supply of homes. This means that if no additional homes were listed, it would take 5.6 months to absorb the current inventory. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.

MLS Area 350 (Northeast Renton / Renton Highlands, East Highlands, Briarwood)
Single Family Homes
Average Days on Market: 101 Days (No Change From Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 467 (Up from 455 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 268 (Up from 265 Last Week)
89 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up from 88 Last Week)
5.2 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 5.7 Months Last Week)
Average List Price: $570,915 (Down From $573,048 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $477,312 (Up From $476,012 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $415,000 (Down From $424,740 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 350 for Single Family Homes: This area favors sellers over buyers based on the fact that there is a 5.2 month supply of homes. This means that if no additional homes were listed, it would take 5.2 months to absorb the current inventory. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.

Condominiums
Average Days on Market: 82 Days (Up from 78 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 95 Active Listings (Up from 89 last week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 37 (No Change from Last Week)
12 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up from 10 Last Week)
7.9 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 7.4 Months Last Week)
Average List Price: $255,001 (Up From $253,102 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $250,397 (Up From $241,593 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $245,000 (Up From $227,500 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 350 for condos: This area is favors buyers over sellers based on the fact that there is a 7.9 month supply of homes. This means that if no additional homes were listed, it would take 7.9 months to absorb the current inventory. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.

MLS Area 340 (Southeast Renton / Cascade, Tiffany Park, Talbot Hill, Benson Hill, Fairwood)
Single Family Homes
Average Days on Market: 97 Days (Up From 93 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 410 (Down From 411 Active Listings Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 188 (Up From 186 Last Week)
63 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up from 62 Last Week)
6.50 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 6.62 Months worth of Supply Last Week)
Average List Price: $439,958 (Down From $441,558 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $369,938 (Down From $373,790 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $361,500 (Down From $363,000 Last week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 340 for Single Family Homes: This area is balanced between buyers and sellers based on the fact that there is a 6.50 month supply of homes. This means that if no additional homes were listed, it would take 6.50 months to absorb the current inventory. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.
Condominiums
Average Days on Market: 84 Days (Down from 85 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 112 Active Listings (Up from 109 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 53 (Up from 52 last Week)
18 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up From 17 Last Week)
6.2 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 6.4 Last Week)
Average List Price: $233,371 (Down From $234,030 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $214,240 (Down From $232,259 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $207,500 (Down From $230,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 340 for Condos: This area is balanced between buyers and sellers based on the fact that there is a 6.2 month supply of homes. This means that if no additional homes were listed, it would take 6.2 months to absorb the current inventory. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.

If you are interested in statistical information for an MLS area not covered here, please respond to this post to let me know what neighborhood you live in and I will follow up with the statistics specific to your area of interest. You are also welcome to visit my website at www.CallSnyder.com where you can access my Market Snapshot research tool found on the left side of the homepage.

This information is deemed reliable but it is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. I generated these statistics using the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. These statistics were not compiled or published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The analysis of each MLS Area is based on the market statistics but is the personal opinion of the author.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

What are some typical closing costs?

When you apply for a mortgage, the lender must respond with a Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs, which explains the costs you will likely have to pay at settlement. But the numbers on the form are estimates, and the final tally could be higher or lower.


Some of the more common charges are:
Loan Origination Fee: usually 1% of the loan;
Loan Discount Points: a form of accelerated interest; each point is 1% of the loan amount (who pays points is negotiable between buyer and seller);

Appraisal Fee: the charge to have a professional appraiser certify the value of the property being purchased;
Credit Report: the cost of getting a credit history from a credit service;
Tax Service Fee, Document Preparation Fee: charges to set up a tax escrow account and prepare mortgage documents;
Attorney Fees: the settlement agent's charges for processing the sale closing;
Title Insurance: charges for insurance to guarantee the validity of the property's title for the lender; buyers can also purchase title insurance at settlement to protect their interests;
Recording Fees, Tax Stamps: local charges to officially record the deed and mortgage, and transfer taxes;
Survey: the charge to verify the boundaries of the property being purchased.

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

I pull out all the stops to sell your home.

Lonnie Snyder

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound

Phone: 206-406-2710

E-Mail : snyder@kw.com

Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/

Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/

When selling, think like a buyer

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

I pull out all the stops to sell your home.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/



It's June, which means it's officially the start of moving season.
Moving companies — or relocation services, as they now call themselves — are always busiest during the summer season, which in the moving world lasts through September.
If you're trying to sell your home, the folks at Allied Van Lines have some tips. We all know that curb appeal is a key part of snagging potential buyers, so Allied has enlisted the help of Daniel Owens, landscape designer on the HGTV show Curb Appeal.
So how do you enhance this magical curb appeal?
"The main thing is to accentuate whatever is positive about the home," Owens says.
Well, yeah, but how?
You can start by taking a good, hard look at it. Not the swift, forgiving glance you usually give it as you drive off every morning — but a long, dispassionate, critical gaze.
Walk across the street and try to see your home through a stranger's eyes.
He suggests that you take a picture of it to defamiliarize. Or ask a couple of neighbors for a critique. Does anything look worn-out or in need of fresh paint? Is there an element that just doesn't fit — ugly screens, odd-looking shutters, scraggly ivy? Get rid of it, whatever it is, or paint it to make it less noticeable.
A little paint can brighten up a home like nothing else. Try a different-colored trim and you may be surprised at how different your house looks. But be careful. If you're trying to sell your house, play it safe. Neutral tones look good on just about any house — sage green, ivory, warm brown.
You might also get some ideas if you look at other houses in the neighborhood. They're likely to be made of similar materials, and you can tell immediately which colors work and which ones don't.
One place you can be a little bolder? The front door. Ideally, people should see your front door from the street, and a color that pops will help them find it.
It's also good to create a welcoming pathway to the door. Put down some stepping stones, maybe, or a few well-placed plants that lead to the entrance.
Finally, pay attention to the details. It's often the small things that will catch a buyer's eye. Put some plants in containers and use them to showcase the entrance. Add a garden bench or a birdbath to add interest to the landscape. Check to see if your accessories coordinate. If the mailbox, front door handle and house numbers have the same finish, it makes your house look put together.
Take a look at your lighting; the bigger the light fixture, the bigger the effect, Owens says. Something large and dramatic-looking will make the house look grander.
And for heaven's sake, invest in a nice doormat.
"Oftentimes, I'll go to these beautiful homes, and people have the nastiest doormats," Owens says.


I pull out all the stops to sell your home.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Will a neighbor problem reduce the value of my property?

While it may not reduce the actual value, a cluttered landscape next door can detract from the positive aspects of your home. Review your local laws, which should be on file at the public library, county law library or City Hall.

A typical "junk vehicle" ordinance, for example, requires any disabled car to either be enclosed or placed behind a fence. And most cities prohibit parking any vehicle on a city street too long. It also may be worthwhile to check into local zoning ordinances.

An operator of a home-based business usually is required to obtain a variance or permanent zoning change in residential areas. In addition, if a neighbor's repair work produces loud noises, he may be breaking local noise-control ordinances, which are enforced by the police department. Before bringing in the authorities, you may want to make a copy of the pertinent ordinance and give it to your neighbor to give them a chance to correct the problem.

I pull out all the stops to sell your home.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue

Updated Renton Real Estate, Newcastle Real Estate & South Bellevue Real Estate Market Statistics (As of June 13th, 2008)

These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that is updated on a weekly basis.

MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90)
Single Family Homes
Average Days on Market: 93 Days (No Change From Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 603 (Up from 591 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 225 (Up From 165 Last Week)
Average List Price: $888,917 (Up from $888,342 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $751,967 (Up from $737,816 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $623,000 (Up from $615,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 500 for Single Family Homes: This market has seen rate increases for three weeks in a row. However, the area still favor buyers over sellers. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.

Condominiums
Average Days on Market: 77 Days (Up From 67 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 158 Active Listings (Up from 149 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 80 (Up from 52 Last Week)
Average List Price: $335,146 (Down from $335,408 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $346,088 (Up from $337,467 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $325,000 (Up from $315,500 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 500 for condos: The condo market in MLS Area 500 had been fighting to stay within buyer territory for the last three months with moderate success. There was a small boost in the average sale price. Looks like summer is here.

MLS Area 350 (Northeast Renton / Renton Highlands, East Highlands, Briarwood)
Single Family Homes
Average Days on Market: 102 Days (No Change From Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 462 (Up from 453 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 266 (Down from 181 Last Week)
Average List Price: $526,687 (Down from $565,097 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $486,395 (Up from $474,348 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $425,000 (Down from $420,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 350 for Single Family Homes: Last week’s numbers show that buyer activity remained strong with average days on market holding steady .Things look great for buyers which means the same is true for sellers who are willing to price their homes correctly in this MLS Area.

Condominiums
Average Days on Market: 78 Days (Up from 75 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 94 Active Listings (Up from 89 last week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 36 (Down from 37 last Week)
Average List Price: $250,116 (Up from $249,390 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $243,280 (Down from $241,593 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $245,000 (Down from $254,990 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 350 for condos: Real estate trends indicate a shift a market that favors buyers over sellers in this MLS Area. A market with a six month supply of homes is considered balanced between buyers and sellers. A market with less than a six month supply of homes typically favors buyers. Buyers are taking advantage of the over pricing here.

MLS Area 340 (Southeast Renton / Cascade, Tiffany Park, Talbot Hill, Benson Hill, Fairwood)
Single Family Homes
Average Days on Market: 95 Days (Up From 94 Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 403 (Down from 409 Active Listings Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 189 (Down from 190 Last Week)
Average List Price: $441,179 (Down from $442,052 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $369,405 (Down from $374,352 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $359,950 (Down from $388,407 Last week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 340 for Single Family Homes: Based on the numbers where everything went down basically says there are buyers out there but they are only interested in the homes that are priced correctly for their condition and location.

Condominiums
Average Days on Market: 84 Days (No change from Last Week)
Inventory of Active Listings: 111 Active Listings (Up from 110 Last Week)
Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 57 (Down from 62 last Week)
Average List Price: $231,773 (Down from $234,457 Last Week)
Average Sale Price: $225,821 (Down from $232,259 Last Week)
Median Sale Price: $223,000 (Down from $230,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 340 for Condos: The condo market in MLS Area 340 had been fighting to stay within buyer territory for the last three months with moderate success. It is a little more difficult for first time home buyers to get approved for their loans.

If you are interested in statistical information for an MLS area not covered here, please respond to this post to let me know what neighborhood you live in and I will follow up with the statistics specific to your area of interest. You are also welcome to visit my website at
www.callsnyder.com where you can access my Market Snapshot research tool found on the left side of the homepage.

This information is deemed reliable but it is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. I generated these statistics using the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. These statistics were not compiled or published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The analysis of each MLS Area is based on the market statistics but is the personal opinion of the author.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail :
snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Top Ten Signs That It's Time To Own Your Own Home

So you have found yourself starting to look at homes and even picking up flyer's. But are you ready to buy a home?

What are some of the signs that it's time to own a home.


10. You're ready to stop paying your landlord's mortgage payment, and essentially financing his retirement.

9. You really need the tax deductions associated with property taxes and mortgage interest.

8. You want to have a vested interest in your community.

7. You can no longer tolerate waiting a week, in the middle of summer, for your landlord to send a repair person to fix your air conditioning unit.

6. You are working at a job where you aren't required to relocate out of the country every three years.

5. You want to provide your family with a sense of stability and plant roots.

4. The number of members of your household more than double the number of bedrooms in your current residence.

3. You want your home to be your castle, your domain, your own property, which you can improve in any way you please.

2. You are tired of saving all your quarters for the laundromat.

1. When you say you are "going home", you want to really mean it!
I pull out all the stops! Give me a call to help make your dream a reality.
Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

What is the best time to sell your house?

There is no "best" time to sell per say. Selling a house depends on supply, demand and other economic factors.



But the time of year in which you choose to sell can make a difference both in the amount of time it takes to sell your home and in the ultimate selling price. Weather conditions are less of a consideration in more temperate climates, but most of the time, the real estate market picks up as early as February, with the strongest selling season usually lasting through May and June.
With the onset of summer, the market slows. July is often the slowest month for real estate sales due to a strong spring market putting possible upward pressure on interest rates. Also, many prospective home buyers and their agents take vacations during mid-summer. Following the summer slowdown, real estate sales activity tends to pick up for a second, although less vigorous, fall market, which usually lasts into November when the market slows again as buyers and sellers turn their attention to the holidays.
If this makes you wonder if you should take your home off the market for the holidays, consider the advice of veteran agents: You are always more likely to sell your house if it is available to show to prospective buyers continuously.
The Real Estate Marke also vareys from state to state. It pays to consoult a REALTOR®.

I pull out all the stops to sell your home!


Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

What to consider when buying a condo

The condominium market has been rising steadily for the past few years. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the condo market has regained the momentum and importance it had in the initial condo boom of the 1980s.
Condo buyers fall into three main groups: first-time buyers making the jump from renting; people looking to buy a second home that they will use part-time; and retirees who are trading in high-end homes for the low-maintenance lifestyle a condo provides. A condominium can be a great purchase under the right set of circumstances.

Before you buy a condominium, make sure you understand exactly what is involved in condo living. When purchasing a condo, the owner buys the title to his or her individual unit, up to the walls, but not including them. A common description of a condominium is a “box in the air.”
Rules to live by :
Condominiums are governed by a set of rules called Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). The rules vary from one condo development to another. They may impose restrictions on pet ownership, noise levels, remodeling projects, and renting. The CC&Rs are enforced by the condo association. It’s a good idea to read the CC&Rs to make sure that you are comfortable with them before you purchase a condominium.
Common Area :
The common areas of the development, such as stairwells, dividing and outer walls, fitness centers and rooftop gardens, are under shared ownership. Each unit owner holds an interest in these spaces. In order to manage the maintenance and repair of the shared common areas, every condo development has a condominium association, also known as a unit-owners’ association. The association is elected by condo owners and makes communal decisions in the interest of the community.
Condo costs include:
• down payment, mortgage and property tax.
• Condo fees, otherwise known as maintenance fees. Condo fees are paid by every resident to help with the maintenance of the building, pay the salaries of groundskeepers, concierges or handymen, and provide luxury facilities such as a pool, gym or rooftop garden. Condo fees are paid monthly and are subject to change.
• Special assessment fees. These fees may be requested when an unexpected repair or planned modification exceeds the cost of the condo fees collected.
Now with the record number of foreclosures, one of the residual points of concern is when condo owner’s dues begin to suffer. When a condominium goes into foreclosure, more than likely the dues for that unit have not been paid for months – long before the property went into foreclosure.
Considering a monthly condo fee of $400, each unit represents $4,800 to the income of the condominium owners association. Now what happens when the condo owners quit paying their fees, then the condo association may face a shortfall such that it will not be able to pay its bills, for instance, pool care, maintenance and utilities.
The association could also begin requiring escrowing three months’ of condo fees to protect the governing body from this type of problem.
Your biggest help can be your professional REALTOR®.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Light recipe: Chocolate Kahlua Brownies

Makes 16 brownies
- 1-½ cups sugar
- ½ cup egg substitute
- 3 tablespoons Kahlua or other coffee-flavored liqueur
- ¼ cup stick margarine, melted
- 1-¼ cups sifted cake flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Vegetable cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. With an electric mixer, beat together sugar, egg substitute, liqueur and melted margarine until blended.
2. Combine cake flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Add to the sugar mixture, beating just to blend. Fold in walnuts.
3. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with vegetable cooking spray. Transfer batter to the pan and bake 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Cool completely on a rack before cutting.
Data per brownie
Calories 161
Protein 2g
Fat 5g
Carbohydrates 28g
Sodium 81mg
Saturated fat 1g
Monounsaturated fat 2g
Polyunsaturated fat 2g
Cholesterol 0g
From "Cooking Light: Guilt Free Desserts"

I love chocolate. I would love to see any other recipes that you have.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/

Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Updated Renton Real Estate, Newcastle Real Estate & South Bellevue Real Estate Market Statistics (As of June 2nd, 2008)

These numbers are based on a three month historical analysis that is updated on a weekly basis.
MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 93 Days (Down From 97 Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 591 (Up from 562 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 165 (Down From 253 Last Week)47 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down From 51 Last Week)11 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 8.5 Last Week)Average List Price: $885,342 (Up from $883,481 Last Week)Average Sale Price: $737,816 (Down from $747,990 Last Week)Median Sale Price: $615,000 (Down from $625,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 500 for Single Family Homes: This market has seen drops in the absorption rate for three weeks in a row. However, the area still favor buyers over sellers based on the fact that there is an 11 month supply of homes. A market is considered balanced when the supply of homes is closer to a six month supply.
CondominiumsAverage Days on Market: 67 Days (Down From 69 Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 149 Active Listings (Up from 144 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 52 (Down from 99 Last Week)15 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down From 20 Last Week)7.8 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 7.2 Last Week)Average List Price: $335,408 (Down from $337,384 Last Week)Average Sale Price: $337,467 (Up from $321,810 Last Week)Median Sale Price: $315,500 (Up from $306,900 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 500 for condos: The condo market in MLS Area 500 had been fighting to stay within buyer territory for the last three months with moderate success. The absorption rate is at 7.8 months. (a six month supply is considered a balanced market).MLS Area 350 (Northeast Renton / Renton Highlands, East Highlands, Briarwood) Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 102 Days (Down from 103 Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 453 (Up from 459 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 181 (Down from 311 Last Week)54 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 62 Last Week)8.2 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 7.4 Months Last Week)Average List Price: $565,097 (Down from $579,342 Last Week)Average Sale Price: $474,384 (Down from $497,702 Last Week)Median Sale Price: $420,000 (Down from $436,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 350 for Single Family Homes: Last week’s numbers show that buyer activity remained strong. The average days on market went down. The absorption rate is the key number to watch. At 8.2 months, things look great for buyers which means the same is true for sellers who are willing to price their homes correctly in this MLS Area.
CondominiumsAverage Days on Market: 75 Days (No Change From Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 89 Active Listings (Up from 83 last week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 37 (Down from 48 last Week)9.7 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 10 Last Week)8.9 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 8.2 Months Last Week)Average List Price: $249,390 (Down from $252,390 Last Week)Average Sale Price: $241,593 (Down from $244,503 Last Week)Median Sale Price: $254,990 (Up from $245,000 last week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 350 for condos: Real estate trends indicate a shift a market that favors buyers over sellers in this MLS Area. The absorption rate dropped is 9.7 months. A market with a six month supply of homes is considered balanced between buyers and sellers. A market with less than a six month supply of homes typically favors buyers.
MLS Area 340 (Southeast Renton / Cascade, Tiffany Park, Talbot Hill, Benson Hill, Fairwood)Single Family HomesAverage Days on Market: 94 Days (Up From 93 Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 409 (Up from 395 Active Listings Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 190 (Up from 232 Last Week)44 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up from 46 Last Week)9.1 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 8.5 Months Worth of Supply Last Week)Average List Price: $442,052 (Up from $437,413 Last Week)Average Sale Price: $374,352 (Down from $374,629 Last Week)Median Sale Price: $388,470 (Up from $361,855 Last week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 340 for Single Family Homes: Based on an absorption rate of 9.1 months, this market now favors buyers over sellers. An average of 44 listings are being absorbed each month out of 406 listings available for purchase which basically says there are buyers out there but they are only interested in the homes that are priced correctly for their condition and location.
CondominiumsAverage Days on Market: 84 Days (No change from Last Week)Inventory of Active Listings: 110 Active Listings (Up from 109 Last Week)Inventory of Sold & Pending Listings: 62 (Down from 63 last Week)12 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down From 13 Last Week)8.6 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 8.3 Last Week)Average List Price: $234,457 (Down from $233,948 Last Week)Average Sale Price: $232,259 (Down from $235,819 Last Week)Median Sale Price: $230,000 (No change from $230,000 Last Week) (1/2 sell for more & 1/2 sell for less)
Analysis of MLS Area 340 for Condos: The condo market in MLS Area 340 had been fighting to stay within buyer territory for the last three months with moderate success. The absorption rate is at 8.6 months. (a six month supply is considered a balanced market).
If you are interested in statistical information for an MLS area not covered here, please respond to this post to let me know what neighborhood you live in and I will follow up with the statistics specific to your area of interest. You are also welcome to visit my website at http://www.callsnyder.com/ where you can access my Market Snapshot research tool found on the left side of the homepage.
This information is deemed reliable but it is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. I generated these statistics using the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. These statistics were not compiled or published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. The analysis of each MLS Area is based on the market statistics but is the personal opinion of the author.

Lonnie Snyder
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 206-406-2710
E-Mail : snyder@kw.com
Website: http://www.callsnyder.com/
Blogsite: http://renton-real-estate.blogspot.com/
Lonnie Snyder is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Kent, Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue.