Rick hampton apri may 2014 newsletter

It is only through your continuing business, referrals and goodwill

that we have been able to build our successful team.

We truly appreciate

your continued support!

TH A N K YO U FO R AL L OW I N G US TO S E RV E YO U!

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Upcoming Events

May 3 Windermere Cup Races Montlake Cut facebook.com/WindermereCup

May 3 Urban Scavenger Race Seattle Area cnation.squarespace.com/seattle

May 9-11 & 17-18 Camano Island Studio Tour Camano Island camanoarts.org

May 17 Petapalooza Auburn auburnwa.gov/things_to_do/community/petpalooza

May 25-26 Car Show Everett seattlerod-tiques.com/Calendar.aspx

May 31 Herb & Food Fair Kirkland

Recipe: ..................... 2

Best Agents Suggest Price .............. 3

Signs of Promising Neighborhoods ................................ 3

Renovations That Pay You Back . 4

Current Market Stats ....................... 5

Windermere Foundation ................ 6

Rent or Buy in Seattle ..................... 6

How Long Should They Last ........ 7

Be A Tourist in Seattle .................. 8

Rick Hampton (425) 623-5060 [email protected]

RECIPE: VIETNAMESE SPRING ROLLS

I have compiled an extensive list of professionals that encompasses a wide range of services. If you are in need of any contacts for services ranging from Arborists

to Zoologists, I can connect you with a respected expert to meet your needs.

Call Me to Locate Your Professional!

NEED A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE?

Terrific Trivia: An area along the California and Oregon border produces 95 percent of all bulbs grown in the world for the potted Easter lily market. How many bulbs do they produce annually?

A. Over 9 million B. Over 11 million

C. Over 16 million D. Over 14 million

Ingredients:

2 ounces rice vermicelli

8 rice wrappers (8.5 inch diameter)

8 large cooked shrimp - peeled, deveined and cut in half

1 1/3 tablespoons chopped fresh Thai basil

3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

2 leaves lettuce, chopped

4 teaspoons fish sauce

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons white sugar

1/2 teaspoon garlic chili sauce

3 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 teaspoon finely chopped peanuts

Directions:

1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil. Boil rice vermicelli 3 to 5 minutes, or until al dente, and drain.

2. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one wrapper into the hot water for 1 second

to soften. Lay wrapper flat. In a row across the center, place 2 shrimp halves, a handful of vermicelli, basil, mint, cilantro and lettuce, leaving about 2 inches uncovered on each side. Fold uncovered sides inward, then tightly roll the wrapper, beginning at the end with the lettuce. Repeat with remaining in-gredients.

3. In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, water, lime juice, garlic, sugar and chili sauce.

4. In another small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce and peanuts.

5. Serve rolled spring rolls with the fish sauce and hoisin sauce mixtures.

Source: allrecipes.com/recipe/ Vietnamese-fresh-spring-rolls/ By Paula

Answer on pg. 5

Did You Know…

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest Easter egg ever made was just over 25-ft high and made of chocolate and marshmallow. The egg weighed 8,968 lbs. and was supported by an internal steel frame.

90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made for Easter each year.

Each day, five million marshmallow chicks and bunnies are produced in preparation for Easter.

16 billion jelly beans are made for Easter (that’s enough to completely fill an 89 feet high and 60 feet wide plastic Easter egg.

Source: lilduckduck.com/13-fun-facts-about-easter/998

W i n d e r m e r e B e l l e v u e C o m m o n s

5 SIGNS OF A PROMISING NEIGHBORHOOD

BEST AGENTS SUGGEST A REALISTIC ASKING PRICE

Bargain-hunting homebuyers willing to purchase in an up-and-coming neighborhood can get a good deal and, as Trulia's Michael Corbett says, "get in on the ground floor of appreciation."

Here are five signs that a neighborhood is about to take off:

1. An up-and-coming neighborhood often is charac-terized by retail or residential construction that is already in progress.

2. They also often are found where trendy establish-ments, such as wine bars or farm-to-table restau-rants, are opening.

3. Buyers also should look for neighborhoods adjacent to big cities or those where crime is on the decline.

4. Public building projects are on the rise.

5. Renovated homes are going on the market.

Spring is here... Historically, it remains the best time of year to sell a home.

In most communities, recorded residence transfers are at a peak during May, June and July. Most of those sales were actually made 30 to 60 days earlier, but it takes time to complete the transaction.

Home sales in 2014, both resale and new, are expected to exceed the volume of 2013 according to Fannie Mae, the National Association of Home Builders, and Standard and Poor's. In other words, it's a great time to be a home seller. So, what's the best way to proceed?

According to Brenda Holmes of Windermere Real Estate in Puyallup, take the time to interview several agents. Ask friends and associates at work for recommendations. The best agents will include a written brochure showing their accomplishments, with names and addresses of their recent home sales and information about their education and realty experience.

Several years ago, a friend of mind made a business of flipping homes. "At first, I'd ask the office manager for the top-selling agent in the building," Bobby recalled recently. "I figured the person with the most sales under his belt would be the best person for me. That method turned out to be a train wreck on more than one occasion. The conflict in personalities made the relationship not worth it for me."

After finding an agent that fits your style, what's next on the list?

"I'd choose a full-time agent, one that is on top of his or her

market every day," Holmes said. "Choose one who truly knows your neighborhood and has worked there for years. Make sure your agent is a specialist in the home you want to buy or sell."

As part of the interview process, expect each agent to give you a comparative market analysis (CMA) of your home. This form shows recent sales prices of comparable nearby residences, asking prices of competitive homes now listed for sale. The CMA should also include each agent's opinion of your home's market value and probable sales price.

The most important service a professional agent provides is setting an asking price that

the market will bear. It's human nature for a seller to think his or her home is worth more than every other home on the block. However, rolling out a home with a too high tag in any neighborhood can scare homebuyers during the critical first 14 days on the market.

Beware of any agent who estimates an abnormally high or low valuation for your residence. An agent with a high estimate might be trying to "buy" your listing, only to drive down your asking price if it doesn't sell within 30 to 60 days. If an agent estimates a very low valuation for your home, he or she might be trying to get a listing for a quick, easy sale.

Be sure each agent gives you the names and phone numbers of their most recent customers. Follow up and contact those persons and ask, "Would you hire the same agent again, and were you in any way unhappy with your listing agent?"

The answers will help you select the best person for your deal.

Source: mynorthwest.com/800/2472676/Best-agents-suggest-a-realistic-asking-price

Source: mynorthwest.com/800/2470191/ 5-signs-a-promising-neighborhood-is-ready-to-shine

Painting by Carole Spandau www.carolespandau.com

SMART HOME RENOVATIONS THAT PAY YOU BACK

Small renovations to your home can pack a big punch. Big renovations can also pack a big punch, but they can also be a big headache and come at a big cost. Beware that not every renovation pays you back at the same rate.

Here are some tips for making smart renovations that can bring enjoyment of your home and also make you money.

How much should you spend?

Determine your budget and then bump that amount up against home values in your area.

“Don't expect to get optimum return on a

$65,000 kitchen if the home is valued at $300,000," said HGTV. Generally speaking, you can spend between 6 and 10 percent of the total home value and get fair returns.

Choose materials that appeal to the masses. This means opting for stainless steel appliances that are high quality rather than professional-grade models. Spend on functional features like pantry drawers, soft close cabinet drawers and doors, waste-recycling, cabinetry. But don't over-personalize.

Exterior

Take a good look at your home's exteri-or with fresh eyes. Is the paint peeling? Is the lawn dead? "If your house doesn't look appealing from the outside, chances are a potential buyer will never make it inside," said TLC.

If it's landscaping you need, re-seeding your lawn costs a fraction of putting down new sod, but takes longer to bear fruit. If you just need a quick fix before an Open House, get some potted flowers to place at either side of the door or along your front walkway. The splash of color brightens up a house to invite potential buyers in.

Important, but often overlooked, is the front door. Replacing or repainting can give you a big return for little money.

A New Coat

Once you have taken stock of your exterior, it's time to take a look around the inside. Outside of picking up your stuff and de-cluttering the home, painting is probably the easiest change you can make for the lowest cost and biggest impact.

Are all your walls white? Are the colors too bold or to

personal for potential buyers? You can add a little personality without going overboard just by splashing some neutral paint on the walls.

Kitchens

If you have old cabinetry and it's not cost-effective to change it out, a coat of paint can give you a great head start. "For potential buyers, the kitchen is the room that can make or break the sale. An upgraded, attractive kitchen can make your home irresistible. Ideally, your kitchen renova-tion should earn a 70 percent return on investment when you sell your home”, said HGTV.

Bathrooms

A recent story about home renovation projects from the Chi-cago Tribune found that "the average small bathroom home renovation cost is a little under $16,000. However, you'd only expect to see a payback of a little over $10,200 on that project if you turned around and sold your home within a year of completing the project.”

“That's not to say that a well-thought-out and executed bathroom reno won't pay off for you. Kitchen and bathroom remodels continue to be two of the best investments you can make in your house," said HGTV .

If you're considering a bathroom renovation, Better Homes and Gardens recommends:

"White sinks, tubs, and toilets all cost less than those in colors because manufacturers make and sell more of them." Updated vanities and tubs can fetch a near 100% ROI”, said Yahoo.

Skimp on high-cost items like tile, buying only enough to tile the shower and/or bath area walls. If it's within your budget, tile halfway up the wall, add a border design, and paint the area above.

Update the cabinet Hardware to provide an instant visual im-pact at a minimal cost.

Source: realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice1/item/ 26880-20131215-smart-home-renovations-that-pay-you-back

W i n d e r m e r e B e l l e v u e C o m m o n s

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE MARKET?

B. Over 11 million

-Donald Trump

Number of Homes

Median Sales Price

Average Market Time

Number of Homes

Median Sales Price

Average Market Time

East of Lake Samm./Snoqualmie

433 $500,000 66 days 373 $555,601 67 days Up 10.0%

West Bellevue 71 $1,155,000 55 days 82 $1,276,000 55 days Up 9.5%

East Bellevue 145 $510,000 36 days 119 $528,000 36 days Up 3.4%

South Bellevue/Newcastle/Issaquah

226 $552,710 73 days 178 $592,500 51 days Up 6.7%

Kirkland/Rose Hill 126 $655,000 61 days 100 $614,250 51 days Down 6.2%

Redmond 136 $530,041 58 days 125 $634,990 68 days Up 16.5%

Mercer Island 80 $930,000 74 days 63 $1,070,000 78 days Up 13.1%

Woodinville/Juanita/Bothell/Duvall

298 $413,500 65 days 271 $503,000 55 days Up 17.8%

Renton 166 $335,500 63 days 179 $378,000 55 days Up 11.2%

Kent 228 $248,725 89 days 211 $255,000 60 days Up 2.5%

Ballard 338 $453,100 29 days 357 $477,500 28 days Up .5.1%

Madrona 154 $595,000 40 days 141 $582,500 51 days Up 2.1%

West Seattle 255 $330,000 44 days 299 $370,000 48 days Up 10.8%

NE Seattle 197 $445,000 36 days 215 $499,000 31 days Up 10.8%

Queen Anne/Magnolia

107 $670,000 47 days 131 $700,000 41 days Up 4.3%

Central Seattle 313 $325,000 68 days 274 $372,500 46 days Up 12.8%

N. Bothell/Maltby 192 $374,950 60 days 158 $431,990 63 days Up 13.2%

Lynnwood/Mt. Lake Terrace

334 $299,975 46 days 328 $360,911 56 days Up 16.9%

Mill Creek/Everett 486 $285,000 62 days 236 $324,950 60 days Up 12.3%

Monroe/Snohomish 206 $230,500 75 days 227 $264,950 72 days Up 13.0%

*All data compiled from information supplied by Northwest Multiple Listing Association on 4/7/2014. Accuracy of information herein is not guaranteed. This information was only taken of single-family homes, and does not include condominiums or vacant land.

LOCATION Year-to-date 2013 Closed Sales thru March

Year-to-date 2014 Closed Sales thru March

PRICE CHANGE %

Buy, buy, buy! That's the message Trulia is trying to send home to Seattiltes torn between the ongoing struggle to figure out what's better…to invest in a home or rent 'til you die.

Says Trulia, homeownership is 38% cheaper than renting nationwide, though rising mortgage rates and home prices have narrowed the gap over the past year. Still, you'd have to wait until mortgage rates rise to 10.6% before renting become cheaper than buying nationally. Locally, they've determined it's 34% cheaper to buy than to rent in Seattle, versus 42% at this time last year.

Take Trulia's Rent vs. Buy calculator for a test spin yourself and see if it checks out for you. Depending on how much you're paying, it could swing the other way.

Source: Trulia.com/rent_vs_buy Monday, March 3, 2014, by Sean Keeley

WINDERMERE FOUNDATION 25TH ANNIVERSARY

SHOULD YOU RENT OR BUY IN SEATTLE?

Own home for ...................... 10 years Income tax rate ..................... 28% Mortgage rate ....................... 4.3%

Babies in need of diapers and formula

Families with critically ill children in need of housing.

Kids with no shoes or school supplies

For the past 25 years, these are the types of needs the Windermere Foundation has helped fulfill, thanks to the incredible generosity of our agents. That’s because every time someone buys or sells a home using a Windermere agent,

A portion of their commission goes to fund the Windermere Foundation, which to date

has raised more than 26 million dollars.

This year, the Windermere Foundation proudly celebrates 25 years of giving back to those in our communities who need it most. Our mission is simple: support non-profit agencies dedicated to helping homeless and low-income families. And we keep the red tape to a minimum, using less than four percent of the money raised for administrative costs. That way, the vast majority of the funds can be used where they’re needed most.

Last year alone, our agents donated more than 1.6 million dollars to support local organizations like

Eastside Baby Corner, Low-Income Housing Institute, and Seattle Public Schools’ Family Support Program.

Their generosity also enables us to continue to send kids to summer camp, ensure families have enough food to eat, and provide emergency assistance to those in need.

In honor of this milestone anniversary,

We set a goal to raise 30 million dollars for the Windermere Foundation by the end of 2015.

That’s four million dollars in two years – our most ambitious goal to date. Just imagine how many more families this will help. How many more kids will be able to eat school lunches. How many more families will have milk in the fridge and food on the table. And how many more people will have their most basic needs met – and the dignity that goes with it.

If at any point during the past 25 years you’ve bought or sold a home using a Windermere agent, you are a part of the Windermere Foundation too, and you’ve helped make a positive difference in the lives of your neighbors in need. And for that,

We thank you on behalf of everyone at Windermere.

If you would like to learn more about the Windermere Foundation, please visit windermere.com/foundation.

Source: February 24 2014, 8:02 AM PST by Jill Jacobi Wood, OB Jacobi & Geoff Wood

Windermere Bel levue Commons

HOW LONG SHOULD THEY LAST? The life span of your household components… From the roof to the furnace, every component of your home has a life span. This information can help when buying or selling your home, budgeting for improvements and deciding between repairing or replacing when problems arise.

According to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) study, the average life expectancy of some home components has decreased over the past few decades. But the good news is the life span of many other items has actually increased in recent years.

These are averages for all brands and models, and may repre-sent the point which replacing is more cost-effective than repairing.

Appliances Gas ranges: 15 years. Electric ranges, standard-size refrigerators & clothes dryers: 13 years Garbage disposals: 10 years. Dishwashers, microwave ovens & mini-fridges: 9 years Furnaces: 15 years for electric 18 for gas 20 for oil-burning Central air-conditioning systems: 10 to 15 years

Kitchen & Bath Wood, tile and natural stone countertops: lifetime Cultured marble countertops: 20 years. Laminate countertops: 20 years

Kitchen faucets: 15 years. Enamel-coated steel sink: 10 years Stainless sink: 30 years Slate, granite, soapstone & copper sinks: 100 years Toilets: 50 years (parts such as the flush assembly and seat will likely need replacing)

Bathroom faucets: 20 years

Flooring Wood, marble, slate, and granite: 100 years Tile: 74 to 100 years Laminate products: 15 to 25 years Linoleum: 25 years Vinyl: 50 years Carpet : 8-10 depending on use and maintenance

Siding Brick: 100 years Aluminum siding: 80 years Stucco: 25 years Wood siding: 10 to 100 years – depending on the climate and level of maintenance.

Roofs Slate or tile: 50 years Wood shingle: 25 to 30 years Metal: 25 years Asphalts: 20 years

Windows Unclad wood windows: 30 years Aluminum: 15 to 20 years Vinyl windows: 15 to 20 years

Of course, none of these averages matter if you have a roof that was improperly installed or a dishwasher that was a lemon right off the

assembly line. In these cases, early replacement may be the best choice. Conversely, many household components will last longer than you need them to, as we often replace fully functional items for cosmetic reasons, out of a desire for more modern features, or as a part of a quest to be more energy efficient.

Are extended warranties warranted?

Extended warranties cover service calls and repairs for a specified time beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty. Essentially, warranty providers are betting that a product will be problem-free in the first years of operation, while the consumer who purchases a warranty is betting against reliability.

Warranty providers make a lot of money on extended warranties, and Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports, advises against purchasing them. You will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to you; for some, it brings a much needed peace of mind when making such a large purchase. Also, consider if it the cost outweighs the value of the item; in some cases it may be less expensive to just replace a broken appliance than pay for insurance or a warranty.

Source: http://www.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/how-long-should-they-last

BE A TOURIST THIS SPRING... Mt Rainier Tour May 1st—Oct 15th Duration: 10 hours www.clippervacations.com/multi-activity/mt-rainier-vista-day-tour

Whale & Sea life Search May 22—September 28 Duration: 2.5 hours www.clippervacations.com/multi-activity/whale-sealife-search-from-san-juan-island

Woodinville Wine Trail Experience All year round Duration: 5.5 hours www.clippervacations.com/multi-activity/woodinville-wine-trail-experience

Locks Cruise March 31—December 31 Duration: 2.5 hours www.clippervacations.com/seattle-activities/argosy-locks-cruise

Original Seattle Harbor Tour March 31—December 31 Duration: 1 hour www.clippervacations.com/seattle-activities/argosy-seattle-harbor-tou

Seattle City Tour March—January Duration: 3.5 hours www.clippervacations.com/seattle-activities/seattle-city-tour

Rick Hampton 1200 112th Ave NE, Suite B100

Bellevue, WA 98004 425-623-5060

Rick hampton apri may 2014 newsletter

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