Nascar fans have fun in Covington.

On Aug 27th 2008 the Covington Home Depot got swarmed buy Nascar and Tony Stewart #20 Fans. There are not a lot of big name drivers that make it up to the Great NW. There has been hope that a track would be built in Washington. Former NASCAR star Darrell Waltrip thinks Washington State is so pretty, he might be willing to build a racetrack here by himself.
"Who would not want to come to Washington state and not see all the beautiful things you have here? You folks have got a little bit of heaven out here and we would really like to come out here and enjoy some of it with you." Waltrip said. Tony Stewart got stuck in traffic on the 167 highway but made up the time for his fans that had camped out to see him. He did a great job of taking a minute to talk with his fans as they made their way through the line for an autograph or a chance to take a photo.

Thanks to Tony and everyone. Wish more Drivers would come up to the Great NW.

Lonnie Snyder

Real Estate professional and Nascar Fan

House for Sale

You've found the house of your dreams and the price is even within your budget. There's just one problem: the location. The front porch swing happens to face the second-busiest highway in the state.
Fabulous house or good neighborhood?
Houses can be adapted to meet your needs, but neighborhoods take years to change. And there's no guarantee they'll change for the better.Choosing the right neighborhood is arguably the most important decision you will make, and the whole family needs to be involved in the discussion. Have each member list neighborhood characteristics that are important to him or her. How important is....

• Living on a quiet street?.
• Being close to shops and public transportation?.
• Having access to quality schools?.
• The diversity of neighborhood demographics?

Start by focusing on the characteristics you like best about your old neighborhood. Once you have formed a picture of an ideal neighborhood, you can begin to research your options.

Visit the town hall

Find out how the city government works: the tax rate, utility services, trash collection times and methods, and services the town provides. Read the local newspapers to learn about the major issues.

Contact the board of education

Ask the hard questions:.

• What is the graduation rate?.
• What percentage of graduates go to college?.
• How do students perform on SATs or other standardized tests?.
• What extracurricular activities are offered?.
• What counseling services are available to help your child make the transition to a new school?

Go for a walk

Drive through the neighborhood, and then walk through -- without your real estate agent..

• Do you like the way it looks?.
• Does it feel safe?.
• Is it noisy?.
• Is there a lot of traffic?

Try to find out if there is interaction among neighbors, such as crime watches, block parties, or a neighborhood association.Once you've found a neighborhood that fits your family's needs, all you have to do is find the house of your dreams. I have a great internet site that you can sign up for your own personal search site. You will be able to log in see all the listing, photos and more. You can email me with the search area and price and I can get you set right up.

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.

Renton Photo Enforcement Program

Photo Enforcement Speed Camera Citations to begin in September at McKnight Middle School and Renton High School
For more information contact:
Kent Curry, Police Commander, Patrol Services, Renton Police Department 425-430-7555
Preeti Shridhar, Communications Director, 425-630-6569

Starting September 16, 2008, the City of Renton will begin issuing citations to motorists who exceed the speed limit at McKnight Middle School and Renton High School. The city has also installed speed cameras at Talbot Hill Elementary School and a 30-day warning period will begin on September 2, 2008.
The registered owners of the offending cars will receive a notice of infraction in the amount of $124.00 when the speed violation is 6 to 15 miles per hour over the posted school zone speed. If the violation speed exceeds 15 miles per hour the penalty is $250.00. The citations that will be issued to violators at McKnight Middle School and Renton High School following the 30-day warning period that also included testing of the cameras and a training session for law-enforcement officers.
The initial phase of the warning period for McKnight Middle School and Renton High School was in early July, during the summer school program. During this time a total of 1084 warning notices were sent to violators at McKnight Middle School and 897 to violators at Renton High School.
“We continue to provide warning signs to advise motorists about the cameras and encourage responsible driving in our school zones,” said Mayor Denis Law. “As children start school after Labor Day, I urge everyone to slow down.”
In addition to the warning signs currently installed, the city is adding additional signs near the intersections to alert drivers to the school zones and provide ample warning of the speed cameras.
The cameras operate during school hours and capture still photographs and video of every vehicle that exceeds the school zone speed limit. Each fixed speed site is posted with a photo enforcement sign in addition to the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control devices approved for school zones.
“As summer ends and we begin the start of a new school year, it is important that we are vigilant in maintaining the safety of our children as they go to and from school,” said Mary Alice Heuschel, Superintendent, Renton School District. “I am pleased to see that the city has installed speed cameras near our schools. This will go a long way in encouraging drivers to slow down and watch out for our children.”
The City of Renton has a contract with American Traffic Solutions (ATS) to provide the photo enforcement program. ATS is installing and maintaining all equipment related to this program and process. If a violation occurs, a notice of infraction will be sent to the vehicle’s owner. Violators may view a 12-second video clip through the website www.ViolationInfo.com, provided by ATS.
Photos are not taken until the law is broken, and the cameras only capture pictures of the rear of the offending vehicle and license plate. These cameras pose no threat to privacy and cut down on vehicles violating speed regulations during school hours.
The registered owner who receives the notice can pay the fine using one of the following methods: online at www.ViolationInfo.com, by mail, by phone using a credit card, or in person at Renton Municipal Court. Violators may also request a hearing on the notice of infraction. More information on these options is available on the web pages of the Renton Police Department or Renton Municipal Court at rentonwa.gov.
“Our goal with this program is for motorists to slow down to the speed limit and pay more attention to the pedestrian traffic around them,” said Mayor Law. We would consider this program a huge success if we did not have to issue any tickets.”
For more information on Renton’s Photo Enforcement Program, visit rentonwa.gov.

Just Listed.

WOW 3 Bed 2 Full Bath Condo for $215,000

975 Aberdeen Ave NE C-303 Renton WA. 98056


Directions: Go East off exit 5 of I-405. Turn R onto Sunset Blvd. NE. Make a sharp R. onto Aberdeen Ave NE (At blinking yellow light) Renton Ridge is in 1/2 mile on the left. Take 2nd Renton Ridge entrance. go R.





Beautiful top floor condo recently remodeled. Features include new flooring, designer paint, light fixtures and stainless steel appliances. You will love the open kitchen; large master bedroom with walk-in closet; vaulted ceiling, and view of greenbelt. Stackable washer and dryer and all appliances are included. Convenient to the freeways and shopping. Club house with an outdoor pool, athletic court, play ground. Perfect for the first time home buyer wanting an upscale home. 1 year AHS Warranty

I pull out all the stops to sell you 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.

So you want to sell your home.

This is a funny little story that was sent to me. It is depressing to say but working on selling homes I can see where he would have problems that as a realtor I deal with daily with out even thinking about it.

Confessions of a For Sale by Owner (or never again will I attempt to sale my home)


After careful planning, doing hours of research, I decided to sale my home myself. Really what could be so hard about it- I would save thousands of dollars!

Day one: I purchased a sign at my local hardware store that had a tube attached it to put in flyers. Wouldn’t have guessed that flimsy metal and plastic tube would have cost $29.00. Couldn’t wait to get home and put the sign up. There is so much traffic on my street that someone will buy it!

Day two: Made some flyers on my inkjet printer at home, not to bad. I knew I had some marketing talent! Put 15 or so in the tube and took some to the office.

Day Three: While at work, a coworker commented on my flyer. Looks like a buyer! But all she said was that I misspelled some words and my $139.00 sales price seemed low.Went home and made more flyers.

Day Four: When I got home, I put the home on the web in as many places that would take a free listing; promising millions of people would see my ad. Sure I made the right decision now!

Day Five: Another coworker puts up a flyer on her house, with a price close to mine. Kind of jealous, her flyer looked better than mine and had more pictures.

First weekend: Worked outside cleaning up the home and really cleaned the inside. Sure someone will want to look at it this weekend.

Second Week: Keep getting emails from porno sites, have no idea where those are coming from. Also, getting a lot of callers that hang up. Maybe my answering machine isn’t working properly. Might need a new one. Somebody must be interested; I keep having to make flyers. One of my coworkers said that she heard of someone selling their home in two days after buying a marketing plan they saw on TV. Got the information on it and will look at it when I get home tonight. Mistakenly deleted an important email today while deleting the porno sites and the multi level marketing schemes. Unplugged my answering machine, clearly doesn’t work. Made more flyers with my cell phone number on them.

Third week: Received the marketing plan in the mail. For only $200.00 it looks great, lots of great ideas on how to market your home. Think I will put flyers at local Apartment. Complexes. I know one of them want to buy a home. Made 200 more flyers. Need to go to Office Dept to buy more ink. Spend 4-5 hours putting out flyers at the apartments. Tired, but happy. Received 10 calls on my cell phone about the house. Told them all they wanted to know and two callers set up appointments for tomorrow night. Left work early to get home to meet with the prospects but neither showed up. Guess they had something come up. More calls and three appointments this weekend.
Called my good friend and told her I couldn’t go out of town this weekend due to the appointments. Someone must have pulled up in the driveway to look at the house; there was a large oil stain on the driveway. Didn’t take long to clean it up though.

Saturday, one of the prospects didn’t show on time and when he did show; I had to stop dinner to meet with him. Cold spaghetti isn’t very good. He said he was just looking.

On Sunday both prospects came by. One couple brought their kids and they got mud on the carpet. They ask if they could rent to own? Didn’t understand the question so I said no. They hurried through the home and left. Did I do something wrong? Made some more flyers.

Fourth Week: Had to change my email because of the spam. How did they get my email address? Left work early again to meet with prospect. No matter, I can work later tomorrow. Worked 12 hours today and still didn’t get anything done. Must be stressed because of the house. My boss commented on my looks, maybe I need to take some time off. Carpet cleaners finally arrived, took longer than they said, so I called the office and told them that I wouldn’t be back today. Cell phone is ringing off the hook, and I spend what I think is hours talking about my house, but it seems that everyone just wants to know what the rent is- can’t they get it through their heads that I want to sell the house?

Fifth Week: No offers yet so I am going to reduce the price. Made more flyers. Went to Office supply store for more ink. Someone rang the doorbell at 6:00am this morning. Came home one day and my deck chairs were missing. Saw another oil slick. I now turn off the cell phone when I get home, need the peace and quiet. Tried to do some work on my computer and checked the sites that I place my ads on. For some reason, I couldn’t find my ad. Took a couple of hours to redo the ads and upload them. Morning is going to come too soon.

Sixth Week: My boss asked me into his office and asked if anything was wrong. Had no idea where he was coming from. My coworker closed on her house. Went home and found my stereo and TV gone, someone had broke in. Funny, saw another oil slick. Called my insurance the next day and they said they would take care of it, but I do have to pay my $250.00 deductible. Another prospect came by and got the carpet dirty again. And he asked if I would seller finance? My cell phone bill came in and I was over my limit by $75.00. Need to not answer the phone and only take messages. One of the apartments sent me a letter to come and take down all the flyers or I would be sued. I am going to have an open house this weekend. Called my girlfriend and cancelled our trip out of town. Had the open house and got the chance to see my neighbors. No one came by except them and that is after I spent $30.00 on drinks and chips. Made more flyers.

Seventh Week: Put the house on a FSBO website, only cost $399.00. Needed to make more flyers because I lowered the price by $5000.00. Read somewhere online that kitchens and baths needed to be modern to get the best price. I might remodel. Took off a day and ½ to meet with the contractors. For $40,000 I can get the best kitchen and bath ever! Now that the FSBO site is up, I am receiving more calls. Had to go out and buy a better camera to take the right pictures. It was suggested that I have a virtual tour. Went into work late to meet with the photographer. Only cost $79.00, she did a great job. It is really beautiful. Met with my banker at lunch to apply for the line of credit to do the kitchen and bath work. Great rate, interest only! It is time to put lime and fertilizer on the yard, not sure if I am going to do it since I am selling.

Eighth Week: The contractor started this week and should be finished in about two weeks. I can show the property even with the work going on. A prospect can see how much I take care of the home. It will get me a much higher price. After a couple of days of hard work, the contractor had to go do an emergency job. He said he would still finish on time. Had a prospect come by, but he couldn’t seem to grasp my vision on the work being done. He probably wasn’t interested anyway. Made some more flyers. Received my check from the insurance money minus my deductible. Went and bought a new TV and stereo.

Ninth Week: My parents came by to look at the work being done and my mother said she was worried about me. After they left I finished off the last of the wine. Need to buy some more chips and ice cream too. The contractor is back working diligently. The contractor is gone again. Saw another oil slick, checked my car. It has got to be coming from somewhere.
Another co-worker sold her home. Someone stole my sign. Bought another. Had a prospect come by, invited him to drink wine with me. That was sure bold! Only had one glass and left. Must be losing it. Dropped the price again, made more flyers. Contractor came back.

Tenth Week: Boss told me not to miss anymore work. Had a beer at lunch. Got home and contractor wasn’t there but my kitchen cabinets were-in the wrong place. Called the FSBO site and cussed them out for not selling my house. Was told it was my problem. Really don’t care to mow the lawn, I’m moving anyway. First payment is due on the line of credit. After I eat and have a drink I might call a Realtor. Contractor said he could fix the cabinets but it would cost me more money. And he needed an advance.

Well that was two months ago, the contractor took my money, got broken into again and I lost my job. My parents had me committed because of my drinking but I am not worried. The bank is foreclosing on the line of credit and I am going to lose the house.

Wasn’t that what I wanted anyway?

If you would like to sell your home in the Seattle area. I offer a free booklet to help you out. Please email me with your request.

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.

I-405 - Construction Updates For August 2008

I-405 - Construction Updates
Overview
Construction schedules and activities are subject to weather conditions. Please review the construction updates on this page for the most current information on I-405 construction projects. Travelers can also call 511 for real-time traffic and weather updates
Updates are posted frequently.

Last updated: August 11, 2008 10:44 a.m.

If you have questions or comments that are not addressed by these resources, please contact the I-405 Project Office at 425-456-8585.
For construction update information about other projects in King County visit the King County Construction project updates page.
Highlights on I-405

Driver Alert: August 8-11, southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and I-90 will close to remove the Wilburton Tunnel. Detours will be posted.

I-405: Renton Widening (I-5 to SR 167) - Stage 1

8:10 p.m., 8/9
Mileposts: 0 - 4.5
Lisa Hodgson, Project Engineer, 425.282.6826
WSDOT will add one northbound and one southbound lane to I-405 between I-5 and SR 167. We will also add one southbound lane on SR 167 between I-405 and S. 180th Street, and extend the southbound SR 167 HOV lane from I-405 to the existing start of the HOV lane.
I-405

Monday, August 11 - Crews will close up to two lanes of southbound I-405 between SR 167 and I-5 for paving. The first lane will close at 10 p.m. The second lane will close at midnight. All lanes will be open by 5 a.m.

Tuesday, August 12 – Crews will close the HOV lane on southbound I-405 between Oakesdale Ave. SW and SR 181 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for electrical work.

SR 167

Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 15 – Crews will close two right lanes on southbound SR 167 between I-405 and South 180th Street nightly for roadway widening work. The first lane will close at 8 p.m. The second lane will close at midnight. All lanes will be open by 5 a.m.

Renton and Tukwila City Streets

Monday, August 11 – Monday, August 18 – Crews will close one lane in each direction on Oakesdale Avenue SW from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sunday.

Monday, August 11 - Monday, August 18 – Crews will close one lane of eastbound Grady Way near Oakesdale Avenue SW from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sunday.

I-405: Renton Widening (SR 167 to SR 169) – Stage 2

8:13 a.m., 8/8

Mileposts: 2.35 – 4.5
Chad Brown, Project Engineer, 425.456.8569
WSDOT will add a northbound and southbound lane to I-405 between SR 167 and SR 169. We will also constructs a new half-diamond interchange at SR 515 and reconstruct the Benson Road Bridge over I-405.

We do not expect construction to impact traffic this week.
I-405: South Bellevue Widening (112th Ave SE to SE 8th Street)

10:44 a.m., 8/11
Mileposts: 8.94 - 12.34
Stacy Trussler, Deputy Project Director South, 425.401.4126
We will widen I-405 within the city of Bellevue between 112th Avenue SE and SE 8th Street. The principle features of the 112th Avenue SE to SE 8th St project are one southbound lane from SE 8th Street to I-90 and one northbound lane from 112th Avenue to SE 8th Street.
I-405

Monday, August 11 - Crews will close up to three lanes of northbound I-405 between Coal Creek Parkway and SE 8th Street for pavement repair. The first lane will close at 8 p.m. The second lane will close at 10 p.m. The third lane will close at 11 p.m. All lanes will open by 5 a.m.

Monday, August 11 - Crews will close up to three lanes of southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and I-90 for pavement repair and to set girders. The first lane will close at 8 p.m. The second lane will close at 10 p.m. The third lane will close at 11 p.m. All lanes will open by 5 a.m.


Friday, August 15 - Monday, August 18 - Crews will close southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and the I-405/I-90 interchange from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to remove the Wilburton Tunnel.

I-405/Downtown Bellevue interchanges

Monday, August 11 - Crews will close the ramp from NE 4th Street to southbound I-405 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. for pavement repair.

Monday, Aug. 11 – Crews will close the ramp from SE 8th Street to southbound I-405 for pavement repair from 8 pm. to 5 a.m.


Friday, August 15 – Monday, August 18 - Crews will close the ramp from NE 6th Street to southbound I-405 from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to remove the Wilburton Tunnel.

Friday, August 15 – Monday, August 18 – Crews will close the ramp from NE 8th Street to southbound I-405 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to remove the Wilburton Tunnel.


Friday, August 15 – Monday, August 18 – Crews will close the ramp from NE 4th Street to southbound I-405 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to remove the Wilburton Tunnel.

Friday, August 15 – Monday, August 18 – Crews will close the ramp from SE 8th Street to southbound I-405 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to remove the Wilburton Tunnel.


I-405/I-90 interchange
Monday, August 11 – Crews will close the ramp from southbound I-405 to westbound I-90 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to set girders on the new bridge over I-90.

Monday, August 11 – Crews will close the ramp from southbound I-405 to eastbound I-90 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. to set girders for the new bridge over I-90.


I-405/SR 520 Interchange

Friday, August 15 – Monday, August 18 – Crews will close the ramp from eastbound SR 520 to southbound I-405 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday to remove the Wilburton Tunnel.

Bellevue City Streets

Monday, August 11 – Crews will completely close Coal Creek Parkway under the bridge at I-405 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for seismic retrofit work.

I-405: NE 10th Street Bridge Crossing


8:13 a.m., 8/8
Mileposts: 13.5 - 14.28
Doug Haight, Project Engineer, 425.649.4429
WSDOT is partnering with the city of Bellevue to build a new freeway bridge at NE 10th Street in Bellevue. The NE 10th Street Bridge will be built in two stages. The city of Bellevue will construct the first stage. WSDOT will construct the bridge over I-405 in the second stage.
I-405

Monday, August 11 - Tuesday, August 12 – Crews will close two left lanes of northbound I-405 nightly between NE 8th Street and SR 520 to pour concrete in the median. The HOV lane will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The second lane will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Monday, August 11 - Tuesday, August 12 – Crews will close two left lanes of southbound I-405 nightly between NE 8th Street and SR 520 to pour concrete in the median. The HOV lane will be closed from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The second lane will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.


I-405 Ramps

Monday, August 11 - Tuesday, August 12 – Crews will close the ramp from NE 6th Street to northbound I-405 nightly from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to pour concrete in the median.

Monday, August 11 - Tuesday, August 12 – Crews will close the ramp from southbound I-405 to NE 6th Street nightly from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. to pour concrete in the median.

Where is mom or dad going to live?

Increasingly, senior assisted living and retirement communities are meeting the needs of a broader range of seniors, including active seniors. If you are researching and considering senior assisted living and retirement communities, consider the following tips:
*Start a notebook, which you will use to compile notes and other information about the assisted living and retirement communities you consider.
*In the notebook, list the qualities you want (or if you are assisting an elder, ask them about their wishes and preferences).
*Ask friends, relatives, and colleagues to recommend assisted living and retirement communities for you to consider.
*Contact the facilities, arrange for tours, and request references.
*Check into the background of each facility. The Better Business Bureau may be able to help, and they may also be able to put you in touch with the agency in your state that oversees assisted living and retirement communities.
*Finally, tour each facility and note amenities and conditions. Ask to speak with a few of the residents about their experiences there.

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.

A new addition to your family

So you're expecting a new addition to your family? Congratulations! Adding a new family member brings excitement, stress, and fun all wrapped up in one. Whether you're expecting or adopting, you might be considering whether you need to upsize your living quarters.
First determine how soon you'll need more space. If you are bringing home an infant or toddler, your needs will be different than if you are adding an older child to the family. Newborns don't take up much room. In fact, at first, you may not need a separate room for baby. For the first few weeks or months, some parents choose to have baby sleep in their bed or place baby in a bassinette next to their bed. Newborns don't have many worldly possessions, and what they do have is still tiny (and space-saving).
A Toddler, on the other hand, may require his or her own room right away. If you find that you can't upsize your accommodations right away, look into ways to temporarily "create" a place for your toddler. You can do the same for an older child. Perhaps you can put up a temporary wall in another child's room or section off a corner of a large living room. However you do it, be sure that it is safe and quiet and still allows your household to function.
Next consider how much space you need and how you want to add it. The apartment with one more bedroom will suit some people's immediate needs, with the idea that they will move into bigger accommodations as their space needs grow along with their children. For others, a move from an apartment to a rental house or duplex is ideal because of the additional storage gained on top of the extra bedroom. After all, the bigger the child, the bigger the toys and the greater the need for storage space.If the apartment-dwelling family finds that upsizing by one room isn't enough, they may want to consider whether they gain more from upsizing by one room plus a rented storage bin/ unit or from upsizing by two bedrooms. The cost may be nearly comparable.
Other families may need to remodel their existing house or move into a bigger home, contingent upon cost and available resources.

I would be happy to help you buy 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.

Most Overpriced ZIP Codes

America's Most Overpriced ZIP Codes
By Matt Woolsey, Forbes.com

Ten spots where buyers pay a huge premium to own relative to how much it would cost to rent.
In San Jose, Calif., home to Silicon Valley and some of the highest home values in the country, a bumper sticker reads, "Dear God, one more bubble before I die."
Chances are the car's driver lives in Willow Glen, a neighborhood with a small-town feel, Spanish-style single family homes and a main street with sidewalk cafes and locally owned shops. To live there, residents are paying the city's highest prices relative to what they could pay to rent similar properties in the same area. When you compare mortgage payments to the value of a similar home on the rental market, the price to buy is 26.1 times higher, one of the biggest differences in the country.
Willow Glen is one example of a neighborhood where homeowners are still taking chances on future appreciation--and paying a premium above and beyond their neighbors for that confidence.
Still, it's not as overpriced as New York's TriBeCa (10013) or Boston's Chinatown (02111), where demand for high-end condos, new development and proximity to downtowns have pumped up prices.
Behind The Numbers
While real estate markets may be slumping across the country, there are plenty of neighborhoods with similar characteristics. These include downtown Seattle (98104), Mission Hills, San Diego (92103) and Coronado, Phoenix (85006).
To find them, we used data from Hotpads.com, an aggregator of rental listings from brokerages and real estate investment trusts, as well as home sales offerings from multiple listing services and individual brokers.
In a report for Forbes.com, Hotpads.com produced a price-to-earnings spread for each ZIP code in the nation's 40 largest cities by comparing rental costs with buying costs for similar properties, based on number of bedrooms, location and price per square foot.
Price-to-earnings, or P/E, expresses how much one has to pay for each dollar of return. A neighborhood with a high P/E is overvalued because a buyer is getting a low return based on costs--and paying a huge premium to live in area relative to how much it would cost to rent a similar property there. In TriBeCa, for example, which is No. 1 on our list, the P/E of the measured property is 36.3.
A high P/E can be a sign of an investment being overpriced, but a rock bottom P/E doesn't mean a bargain. In fact, when you get into the single digits, you're usually buying a weak investment in an area few are interested in. Detroit's 48235, around 7 Mile Road, for example, has a P/E of 3. It is inundated with foreclosed properties and houses going for as little as $25,000. It's hard to put an exact epicenter on Detroit's real estate crash, but this neighborhood is in contention.
High-Priced Properties
Instead, mini-bubbles are created when buyers invest in robust areas where they expect homes will continue to rise in value. If their gamble pays off and the neighborhood appreciates further, today's overpriced buyer is tomorrow's smart investor.
A neighborhood with a very high P/E, like West Hollywood, Calif., where rents trail prices by 30 times, has an expectation of future price increases baked into the cost of buying. It's not prime West Hollywood, but since it's on the edge of nicer parts of town and of affluent neighborhood Los Feliz, it's been attractive to speculators, despite the cost.
But expensive does not mean always mean overpriced.
Limestone townhouses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, for example, are listed for ever-dizzying prices. Financier J. Christopher Flowers bought a $53 million townhouse on East 75th Street in 2006, and sold a smaller East 73rd Street townhouse undergoing renovation for $23 million in 2007. Expensive? Yes. Overpriced? Not so much. Consider that a five-bedroom mansion on East 74th Street that once belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt is currently listed for $60,000 a month. Prices may be tops in the city, but prime rental prices are peerless as well.
Instead, the country's most overpriced areas are ZIP codes like San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood, 94122, which, given its location near the Pacific Ocean and on the south side of Golden Gate Park, was during the most recent boom widely thought to be up-and-coming. Median prices surged from $560,000 in June of 2003 to a peak of $771,000 in March of 2008, based on Trulia.com price data drawn from California's multiple-listing service.
Sometimes, however, betting on price appreciation doesn't quite work out, and when markets start to soften, speculative areas are often the first to take a hit.
San Francisco as a whole has declined 6% over the last year, but prices in the Outer Sunset have declined 10%, dropping to $692,000. Based on asking prices and asking rents, though, the market still has a way to fall before reaching equilibrium.
Investors and homeowners in the other nine neighborhoods on our list are likely hoping for immunity from this trend.

If you would like more information on your area with what the current real estate market is doing send me an email on your request.
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 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.