Archive for July 2008

Top 10 Mistakes When Buying a home

  1. Looking for a home without being pre-approved. Pre-approval and pre-qualification are two different things. During the pre-qualification process, a loan officer asks you a few questions, then hands you a "pre-qual" letter. The pre-approval process is much more thorough. During the pre-approval process, the mortgage company does virtually all the work associated with obtaining full-approval. Since there is no property yet identified to purchase, however, an appraisal and title search aren't conducted. When you're pre-approved, you have much more negotiating clout with the seller. The seller knows you can close the transaction because a lender has carefully reviewed your income, assets, credit and other relevant information. In some cases (multiple offers, for example), being pre-approved can make the difference between buying and not buying a home. Also, you can save thousands of dollars as a result of being in a better negotiating situation. Most good Realtors® will not show you homes until you are pre-approved. They don't want to waste your, their, or the seller's time. Many mortgage companies will help you become pre-approved at little or no cost. They'll usually need to check your credit and verify your income and assets.
  2. Making verbal (oral) agreements! If an agent tries to make you sign a written document that is contrary to their verbal commitments, don't do it! For example, if the agent says the washer will come with the home, but the contract says it will not--the written contract will override the verbal contract. In fact, written contracts almost always override verbal contracts. When buying or selling real estate, abide by this maxim: Get it in writing!
  3. Choosing a lender because they have the lowest rate. Not getting a written good-faith estimate. While rate is important, you have to consider the overall cost of your loan. Pay close attention to the APR, loan fees, discount and origination points. Some lenders include discount and origination points in their quoted points. Other lenders may only quote discount points, when in fact there is an additional origination point (or fraction of a point).This difference in the way points are sometime quoted is important to you. One lender will quote all points, while another lender may disclose an extra point, or fraction thereof, at a later time--an unwelcome surprise. Within 3 working days after receipt of your completed loan application, your mortgage company is required to provide you with a written good-faith estimate (GFE) of closing costs. You may want to consider requesting a GFE from a few lenders before submitting your application. With a few GFEs to compare, you can get a feel for which lenders are more thorough, and you can educate yourself regarding the costs associated with your transaction. The GFE with the highest costs may not indicate that a particular lender is more expensive than another--in fact, they may be more diligent in itemizing all fees.The cost of the mortgage, however, shouldn't be your only criteria. There is no substitute for asking family and friends for referrals and for interviewing prospective mortgage companies. You must also feel comfortable that the loan officer you are dealing with is committed to your best interests and will deliver what they promise.
  4. Choosing a lender because they are recommended by your Realtor®. Your Realtor is not a financial expert. He or she may not know which loan is best for you. Your Realtor® gets a commission only when your transaction closes. As a result, the Realtor® may refer you to a lender who will close your loan, but who may not have the best rates or fees. Also, many Realtors® refer you to one of their friends in the loan business--who also may not have the best rates or fees. Although most Realtors® are professional and concerned about your best interests, you should do your own homework. I recommend shopping for a loan with at least three mortgage companies before you make a decision. There are countless stories of consumers who ended up paying higher rates, or got a loan that wasn't right for them, because they blindly followed their Realtor's® advice.
  5. Not getting a rate lock in writing. When a mortgage company tells you they have locked your rate, get a written statement detailing the interest rate, the length of the rate lock, and other particulars about the program.
  6. Using a dual agent (an agent who represents the buyer and seller in the same transaction). Buyers and sellers have opposing interests. Sellers want to receive the highest price, buyers want to pay the lowest price. In most situations, dual agents cannot be fair to both buyer and seller. Since the seller usually pays the commission, the dual agent may negotiate harder for the seller than for the buyer. If you are a buyer, it is usually better to have your own agent represent you. Proceed cautiously and do your homework!
  7. Buying a home without professional inspections. Taking the seller's word that repairs have been made. Unless you're buying a new home with warranties on most equipment, it is highly recommended that you get property, roof and termite inspections. These reports will give you a better picture of what you're buying. Inspection reports are great negotiating tools when it comes to asking the seller to make repairs. If a professional home inspector states that certain repairs need to be made, the seller is more likely to agree to making them. If the seller agrees to make repairs, have your inspector verify the completed work prior to close of escrow. Do not assume that everything will be done as promised.
  8. Not shopping for home insurance until you are ready to close. Start shopping for insurance as soon as you have an accepted offer. Many buyers wait until the last minute to get insurance and find they have no time left to shop around.
  9. Signing documents without reading them. Do not sign documents in a hurry. As soon as possible, review the documents you'll be signing at close of escrow--including a copy of all loan documents. This way, you can review them and get your questions answered in a timely manner. Do not expect to read all the documents during the closing. There is rarely enough time to do that.
  10. Making moving plans that don't work. You expect to move out of your current residence on Friday and into your new residence over the weekend. Also on Friday, your lease terminates and the movers are scheduled to appear. Friday morning arrives: bags packed, boxes stacked, children under arm and the dog on a leash; you're sitting on your front door stoop awaiting the arrival of the movers. Your phone rings. Your loan closing is delayed until the following Tuesday. The new tenants turn into your driveway with a weighted-down U-Haul and the movers pull up across the street. You ask yourself, "Where's the nearest Motel 6 and storage facility? How much will the movers charge for an extra trip? Can we afford it?" How can you avoid such a disaster? Cancel your lease and ask the movers to show up five to seven days after you anticipate closing your transaction. Consider the extra expense an insurance policy. You're buying peace of mind--and protecting yourself from expensive delays.

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.

Hunt for a home: Searching for a dream home often feels more like a nightmare

The house was perfect.
The 1950s rambler in Bellevue's Lake Hills neighborhood was in good condition, had three bedrooms, one bathroom and a little patio out back where Rebecca McCuen could hold cocktail parties. The commute to her job at Microsoft would have been short. And the price was right for McCuen: $360,000.
She quickly bid on the house, but someone else beat her to it. She lost her perfect house. "I felt kind of let down," said McCuen, 32, who was shopping for her first house. "I felt like if I can't have that house, I don't want any house." Disappointed, she mulled her options. She wanted a two- or three-bedroom house under $400,000 in a good school district with a big yard for her 19-month-old toddler.
As a first-time homebuyer, she figured she wouldn't be able to afford her dream house, so she set her sights on a house she could live in for a few years to build equity. She paid off her school loans, consolidated her credit cards, and paid off her car. She put more money into her savings account and lined up 100 percent financing for a house. In February, she was ready to look again.
A month later, she found a three-bedroom rambler in Kenmore's Finn Hill neighborhood for $382,000 that sounded promising. It needed work, but McCuen made an offer for $10,000 less. She and the sellers countered a couple more times, but McCuen went with her gut and decided to keep looking. "It sounds strange, but I go along with my vibes," she said. "And I didn't feel right about this house." Her agent, Lonnie Snyder of Keller Williams Real Estate in Renton, suggested they expand their search south to Renton. A few days later, Lonnie called to tell her that a three-bedroom, two-bath home in Renton had gone on the market for $345,500 the day before. The house had wood floors, new appliances, natural gas, two fireplaces, copper pipes and a spacious family room. Would she be interested in seeing it? McCuen and her boyfriend checked it out on her lunch break. "We walked in and said, 'This is the house,' " she said. McCuen offered $335,000. She included an escalator clause that allowed her to add $2,000 over the highest bid and didn't include a cap if the bidding rose. Paul, a former home inspector, told her the house was in good shape: It had newer wiring, a good foundation, and old-growth timber that was more resistant to pests. Four buyers, including McCuen, made offers the next day. Lonnie decided to turn up the heat and pleaded her case directly to the sellers. He brought a letter McCuen had written explaining why she wanted the house, told them she was preapproved for a loan, and was a single mother and needed to be closer to work. "We had to show she was the best candidate even though she had 100 percent financing," he said. Lonnie told her to have her cellphone with her at 6 p.m. so he could call her about the meeting. While she waited, she picked her daughter up from day care and headed back to work to be near a fax machine. At 6 p.m., the agent called. "We got it," he said. She won the house with a bid of $352,500 — her escalator clause kicked in. McCuen was excited, but she was also relieved that she wouldn't have to haggle with sellers or plot strategies anymore. "I didn't have a lot of faith in the bidding process," McCuen said. "For me, buying a house was a totally stressful, scary thing."

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.

IKEA Renton River Days

This year marks Renton’s 23rd annual festival and celebrates the 10th anniversary with IKEA as the festival’s Title Sponsor. “Explore the Heart of Renton” is more than a theme for 2008 IKEA Renton River Days. It’s an invitation to explore the diverse offerings that highlight Renton’s passion for music, art, food and active lifestyle.
Festival favorites include Kids’ Day, Senior Day Picnic, stage entertainment, Nibble of Renton, Art Market, Renton Annual Art Show, Quilt Show, Chalk Art Contest, Petting Zoo, Parade, Wakeboard Invitational, and Rubber Ducky Derby. For the active, don’t miss the youth Six-A-Side Soccer Tournament, Golf Tournament, Volkssport Fun Walks, and Tennis Tournaments.
Join the fun and help volunteer on Kids' Day, July 23, or our main 3-day weekend, July 25-27. Download the Festival Volunteer Application at http://www.rentonriverdays.org/. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with children's activities, the Information Booth, Parade and much more.
For the complete list schedule of festival events with dates, times, and locations call (425) 430-6528 or visit http://www.rentonriverdays.org/.2008

Festival Highlights

• Wednesday, July 23, Kids’ Day, 11am-5pm, Liberty Park
• Friday-Sunday, July 25-27, Main Festival Weekend, 11am-8pm, Liberty Park
• Saturday, July 26, Parade, 10am, S. 3rd St.
• Sunday, July 27, Rubber Ducky Derby, 4:30pm, Houser Street Bridge & the Cedar River

10 Hot Tips for Investing in 'Me Time' - The Whole Family Will Profit

If you're like many parents, you're probably thinking, 'Me time? You must be kidding!' Juggling family demands and working long hours mean that you put time for yourself way, way on the back burner.Yet, you know that to feel well and function at your best, spending some time on your own health is a must. Your family needs you to take care of you, so everyone benefits when you invest even a few minutes to eat right, exercise and relax. As a bonus, you'll serve as a role model to teach your kids about the importance of self care and self esteem. Try some of the 10 tips below to find a little 'me time' in your busy day.
1. Make it short, but sweet. Even the busiest person can spare 10 minutes to recharge and refresh. Sip a cup of tea, call a friend, read your favorite magazine or just put up your feet and day dream.
2. Make a date with yourself. You're more likely to find time to take an exercise class or soak in a relaxing bath if you schedule it right on your calendar.
3. Forget perfection. In the evening, don't worry if that last load of towels isn't folded and put away. If a task can wait, use the time to unwind instead.
4. Bag it. Take your lunch to work and spend your lunch hour taking a walk, window shopping or getting a manicure.
5. Buddy up. Promising a friend you'll go for a walk or join a book club together makes you more likely to keep the commitment.
6. Get your ZZZZZs. Shortchanging yourself on sleep almost guarantees you'll be less productive the next day. Leave an unimportant chore undone or turn off the TV a bit early so you can turn in sooner.
7. Start a babysitting exchange. Trade off on babysitting duty with a friend or neighbor so you and your spouse can go out on a 'date.'
8. Multiply a recipe. It doesn't take much extra time to double or triple a batch of your family's favorite soup, chili or casserole. Freeze the extra for another night and use the time saved for yourself.
9. Enlist the kids. Assigning the kids their own household jobs strengthens their sense of responsibility and frees up some time for you.
10. Mellow out on your own time. Buy a yoga or meditation DVD or video tape to use when it's convenient for you.

Kidnetic.com
Kidnetic.com is a healthy eating and active living website for kids and families. Kidnetic.com combines food, fitness, fun, feelings and family dynamics, all rolled up into an interactive and educational site. The website provides a non-commercial internet resource geared toward kids ages 9 – 12 and their parents. In addition to providing great games and information to keep kids active and learn to eat healthier, Kidnetic.com also has a special section just for parents, packed with information for every parent with any question on nutrition or physical activity.

How can I avoid private mortgage insurance?

If you have a loan amount that exceeds 80 percent of the value of the property, you can avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) by breaking the mortgage in two. Let's say you have 10 percent down and you can get a first mortgage for 80 percent and a second mortgage for 10 percent of the price. Many lenders will not charge PMI with this financing arrangement. Another way around PMI with a high loan-to-value mortgage is to use a portfolio lender. Portfolio lenders generate loans to hold in their own portfolio, not to sell to other investors. Many portfolio lenders self-insure for PMI. To cover the cost of self-insuring, the lender charges the borrower a higher interest rate. Because mortgage interest is tax-deductible, that can work to your favor. Consult your tax advisor.

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.

Nascar Update:

When things are going your way, it often seems as if nothing can work against you. Such is the case for young Kyle Busch, who notched his sixth victory of the season -- and fifth in the last 10 races -- in a wild shootout in the Coke Zero 400 from Daytona International Speedway Saturday night.
Four caution flags thrown in the final 20 laps marred what was a relatively clean event. A wreck with four laps to go when Jimmie Johnson was spun by Dave Blaney collected polesitter Paul Menard, Regan Smith, David Reutimann, Denny Hamlin and J.J. Yeley, who was driving in relief for Tony Stewart.
The race then went to a green-white-checker finish -- and the fireworks were about to start. Kyle Busch led Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch to the green when Gordon threw a block on the 99 of Edwards. Gordon's left rear clipped Edwards' nose and was sent spinning but came to rest deep to the inside apron of the track, allowing the race to remain green.
"Everybody was laying back and trying to get a run on that last restart," Gordon said of this final restart. "They got the jump on me and I tried to block them and I don't know, maybe I came across his nose, I don't know. I'm probably more mad at myself than anything else."
As the field took the white flag a bevy of cars mid-pack banged off one another and critical-mass came in Turn 1 as Sam Hornish Jr., Clint Bowyer, Michael Waltrip, Travis Kvapil, Reed Sorenson and J.J. Yeley were involved in a massive pileup. The race was frozen at that point and after review by NASCAR officials, Kyle Busch was deemed the race winner.
"Well, it was close, I knew that," Busch said. "When I did see the yellow light come on, I could barely see the nose of the 99 car (Edwards) at my right-front fender. I was hoping that we were the winners and it ended up that way."
"I wasn't sure until we were going down the back straightaway (who won)," Edwards said. "(Spotter) Jason Hedlesky told me. He said, 'the 18 to Victory Lane.' I was pretty sure, though, (based on) where we were running when the yellow light came on. Right as I was going by it, I was getting a run on his door so I was probably second."
Behind Busch and Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Kurt Busch and David Ragan rounded out the top five.

10 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs

With the price of just about everything increasing, everyone is looking for ways to save. Maybe you skip your morning stop at the coffee shop or bring your lunch to work. One way to save that many people forget about is saving on your car insurance.

Compare Car Insurance Rates Every 6 Months
If you check your car insurance rates in January, make sure your check them again in July. Tickets or no tickets, you're a different driver than you were last summer. Get updated quotes and see what your individual savings could be.

Raising Your Deductible Can Save You Money
Simply put, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Indeed the cost of an accident will be that much more expensive; however, if the damage is minor, you'll be spending the same out-of-pocket amount regardless.

Don't Pay in Monthly Installments
Additional administrative fees are commonly applied to payments when you split your premium in to installments. A monthly fee of even $7 can add up to $84 over 12 months.

Insure Your Home and Car with the Same Company
One of the most under utilized car insurance discounts is the multi-line insurance policy: buying your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance from the same insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15% on both premiums.

Good Driving Equals Lower Rates
Most insurance companies reward good driving with lower premiums. In fact, in some states a good driving discount is required by law. If you haven't had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, compare car insurance quotes to find savings.

Don’t Pay More Than You Have to for a Ticket
Unfortunately moving violations are an accurate reflection of your liability to a car insurance company, and your rates will be affected accordingly. Even if you have a ticket on your driving record, you might find a reasonable rate with another company.

Safe Cars Mean Car Insurance Savings
Many companies offer discounts for various safety features on your vehicle, including air bags, alarms, factory-installed mechanical seatbelts and antilock brakes. In getting updated insurance quotes, be sure to indicate such safety features to benefit from available discounts.

Eliminate Unnecessary Coverage
You may be paying for coverage that you don't need. For example, you may be a member of an auto club that provides towing services, yet you're also paying for towing on your auto insurance policy. Look for opportunities to eliminate unnecessary coverage.

Good Grades and Your Golden Years Can be Insurance Savings
Students currently enrolled in school often receive a discount on auto insurance for good grades, as many companies feel conscientious students make conscientious drivers. Similarly, insurance companies are known to value the wisdom of an experienced driver, offering discounts to drivers over 50 as a result.

Pay Less for Driving Less
Has your commute to work changed? If you’re driving less miles to get to work, notify your car insurance provider about qualifying for their low mileage discount.

Visit www.InsWeb.com to compare auto insurance quotes from top providers today.

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.

When You’re Patio Door Sticks and Rubs

Yes it’s that time of the year when we get to enjoy the wonderful weather that we have here in Seattle, Renton WA. Now we all need to keep up on our maintenance and your seldom used screen doors are no different. So what can you do with a sticking sliding door?

Hints To Correct Sliding Doors
Almost every sliding patio screen door in the world sticks, because few homeowners know they can adjust the rollers that run in the track. You still need to keep the track clean, but adjusting the rollers is the key.

The Base Of The Door Sliding Doors
Look at the base of the door; you will see two small Phillips screw heads. They will be above the frame or in the side of the door, near the bottom. Tightening these screws lowers the rollers and lifts the door so the door rolls on the rollers without rubbing the frame.

Roller Adjustments Top Rollers
Most doors have a similar roller adjustment for the top rollers. If the door is tight or bound in the frame, loosen these top screws to allow the door to be raised when lowering rollers and screws. Don't adjust the door to the point that it's squeezed between the top and bottom frame. When you adjust the rollers, clean the track. Then spray a light lubricant on the frame and track.

Hope you are able to enjoy the warm summer days.

I also love a good BBQ. If you have good recipe please email it over to me.

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.

Foreclosure: What It Means, How It Works

Foreclosure is the process through which a lender can sell or repossess (take ownership of) a property in order to recover the amount owed on a defaulted loan secured by the property. Anyone worried about missing their home payments--or those thinking about purchasing a foreclosure property--should understand how foreclosures work.
State laws govern the foreclosure process, and they vary from state to state. You'll want to check with your own state to learn the details, including whether a judicial procedure is required.
Following is a broad-brush summary of the three stages of foreclosure, assuming the homeowner fails to satisfy the repayment obligation along the way.

Pre-foreclosure. This stage begins when the homeowner falls behind on home-loan payments (or sometimes other terms of the loan). Lenders may wait for a second, third or even fourth missed payment before sending the homeowner a "default" notice--which becomes public record. The homeowner then has a given period of time to respond to the notice and/or come up with the outstanding payments and fees--often by selling the home. (If a judicial procedure is required, it occurs after the default notice is given.)

Foreclosure. At this stage, the former homeowner may or may not have been evicted (depending on state law) when the lender puts the home up for public auction (after a judgment of foreclosure in those states requiring judicial procedure). If the home sells at auction, money from the sale is used to pay off the costs of the foreclosure, tax and other prior liens, service charges and advances, interest and principal on the mortgage, late charges or fees, and liens recorded after the first mortgage. Any amount left over is paid to the borrower (former homeowner). Often, however, proceeds of the sale are less than the various amounts owed, in which case the lender may be able to hold the borrower responsible for the difference.

"Real Estate Owned." A foreclosed property that does not sell at auction--either because no one bid on it or bids were too low to cover the outstanding loan--becomes the property of the lender (or government agency that guaranteed the loan--HUD, VA, etc.). Most lenders prefer to list their "real estate owned (REO)" homes for sale through real estate brokers, rather than keeping them or managing the sale of REOs themselves.

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.

Nascar Update:

Oftentimes in racing, the fastest car does not win. A combination of strategy and luck can take a car that lagged mid-pack all race and propel it to Victory Lane. Such was the case in Sunday's LENOX Industrial Tools 301 from New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Kurt Busch and crew chief Pat Tryson opted not to pit during a late-race caution period and assumed the lead just before the rains came.

"These guys made an awesome call," Busch said. "Sometimes you just don't win 'em the right way. I think we can honestly say that, but we had a lot of work and a lot of effort put in today and we'll take it."

A wreck involving Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jamie McMurray and David Ragan with 30 laps remaining set up the dramatic conclusion. Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick and a host of other leaders came down pit road to get fuel as a storm cell neared the facility. Busch, Michael Waltrip, J.J. Yeley, Martin Truex Jr., Elliott Sadler, Reed Sorenson and Casey Mears all stayed out, gambling the rain would hit before the end of the scheduled distance.

The race restarted with Busch on point but went yellow on the first green flag lap due to a spin involving Clint Bowyer and Sam Hornish Jr. As the cars circled behind the pace car, the rain set in and NASCAR immediately pulled the cars down pit road. A few moments later, the sanctioning body called the event, with Busch claiming the victory.

"We had a pretty good car all day," crew chief Pat Tryson said. "We topped off the fuel and were pretty close to make it to the end. We were hoping for some cautions, we got them and I told Kurt that we were going to stay on track and take a gamble. Today it worked and it got us a win."

Waltrip, Yeley, Truex and Sadler rounded out the top five.

Sea Fair Fourth Of July Splash

Seafair Pirates Landing
July 5
Allstate Milk Carton Derby
July 5

32nd Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival
July 4 - 6
Location: The Center for Wooden Boats (1010 Valley St.) and South Lake Union ParkTime:10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Parade: Boat Parade, Schedule TBD
Admission: Donations accepted
Contact: Eldon Tam (206) 382-2628
Email: eldon@cwb.org
Web site: http://www.cwb.org/
Description: The Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival is a multi-day event featuring over 100 visiting vessels. You will enjoy live music, on-shore skill deomstrations, food vendors and plenty of classic wooden boats ranging from motorized lauches and runabouts to sailboats, rowing craft and large cruisers. The kids will enjoy making their own toy boat and sailing models in the sailing pond. In past years, the festival has exhibited many of the vintage hydroplanes that have raced and won at Seafair.

Allstate Insurance Company Milk CartonDerby at Seafair
Dates: Saturday, July 5
Location: Southwest Shores of Green Lake, Seattle
Times: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Contact: Seafair (206) 728-0123
Seafair is proud to welcome Allstate Insurance Company as the title sponsor of the 2008 Milk Carton Derby!
The 37th annual Allstate Milk Carton Derby at Seafair will kick-off an action-packed Seafair summer 2008. Nearly 100 colorful milk carton boats of all shapes and design will compete for $10,000 in prizes. The derby is highlighted by a full day of boat-building "competition" as children, adults, families and businesses build milk carton watercraft for show and racing on Green Lake.
Registration available now!
Milk Carton Derby Rules/Instructions

Activities on water... and on land!For those looking to stay dry, there will be plenty of activities on shore as well. Make sure to check out the Children's Show at noon, which is sure to excite the crowd. The Sea Gals will be onsite signing autographs, pig petting will be available to all, bounce house fun for the kids and plenty of food booths will line the shore.