FAQ – Inspection vs. Appraisal

By Rosie Rourke, posted Mar 25, 2016

What is the difference between an inspection and an appraisal? What do they do for me?  These are questions I am asked all the time, so here is a brief run down of each.

Inspection

  • Optional,  but highly recommended for the buyer.
  • Inspector works for the buyer to find any issue that may make the home purchase unwise or less desirable.
  • The Rosie Rourke Team will always be there at your inspection, representing you and your interests in the home purchase.

Appraisal

  • An appraiser is sent by the bank doing your loan on the home purchase.  They represent the bank’s interest and their function is to determine the value of the home.
  • Appraisers do not inspect a home for hidden structural issues.
  • Appraisals are not required if you purchase a home with cash.
  • A bidding war drives the home price up? An appraiser may determine that the agreed price is above the value of the home, in which case the bank may not loan the full amount.
  • The Rosie Rourke Team will always be there at your home appraisal, offering strategies to help you navigate through the process.

Let me know what YOUR questions are ~ I am happy to help!

~ Rosie

Seattle job market among country’s hottest!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Mar 17, 2016

blog picOnly 3 cities across the country had a hotter job market than Seattle last year!

The Puget Sound Business Journal reported that Seattle added over 78,000 jobs in 2015.

Dallas was #1, followed by San Jose and Los Angeles.  Finding and keeping talent is a hot topic across the Puget Sound region. More than 25,000 technology jobs in the state have remained open for at least six months, according to the Washington Technology Industry.

What that says to me is that we are perfectly placed in our area to see an increase in buyers looking for that perfect home in a central location.  My team is ready to help you find that home!  If all of this activity has you wondering what your home might be worth in today’s market, I will be happy to meet with you.

Is it time to start dreaming about your next home??

~ Rosie

Seattle housing market is HOT for 2016, according to Zillow

By Rosie Rourke, posted Mar 04, 2016

Zillow has posted it’s new hottest housing markets list for 2016, and guess what?  Seattle is #2 nationwide, right behind Denver.  To make the list, Zillow uses home value appreciation, unemployment rates and income growth.Featured Home | Rosie Rourke

Based on their research, Seattle home prices will rise 5.4% this year (second only to Dallas-Fort Worth at 5.6%).  Seattle’s income is projected to rise 1.1%.

Trendy tech centers hogged the spotlight for 2015. But this year, the markets that shine brightest will be those that  manage to strike a good balance between strong income growth, low unemployment and solid home value appreciation.

Remember as well that I can always provide a more accurate value of your home than Zillow can. I am happy to let you know how to increase the value of your home as well.

Happily serving the community and answering your Real Estate needs!

~ Rosie

 

 

 

Fairwood Featured Business: Fairwood Golf & Country Club

By Rosie Rourke, posted Feb 03, 2016

Happy February!

I am excited to continue the “Fairwood Featured Business” series on my blog with installment #4.

I am committed to sharing what I LOVE about the Fairwood area. I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings. So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood specifically and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.

Previously on this blog, I have featured Plaza Cleaners, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, and Cosmo Nail Parlor.

For February I am proud to highlight the Fairwood Golf & Country Club.

fairwood pic 2Family Friendly

The Fairwood Golf course was established in 1967 as part of the Fairwood Greens neighborhood development plan. It is a gorgeous, tree-lined, rolling course that serves as a beautiful centerpiece to our Fairwood neighborhood.

The clubhouse boasts a beautiful dining room, ballroom, lounge, fine dining and more casual pub fare. The food is amazing and the atmosphere can’t be beat.

Beyond the golf, amazing restaurant, 8 lane pool and fitness room, what I personally love about Fairwood G.C.C. is the FAMILY FRIENDLY atmosphere.  It is a FUN place to be! …and I don’t even golf!!

  • Did you know that memberships start as low as $38/month?
  • Did you know that there are fun family events going on at the club all the time?
  • Did you know that Fairwood supports a championship swim team, youth golf camps and the Kentridge golf team?
  • Did you know they offer a comprehensive Wellness program including swimming, fitness room and personal training? (**ask me about BOOT CAMP – I love it!)

Award Winning Golf Course

You definitely do not need to be a golfer to take advantage of this wonderful community resource we have right here in Fairwood. But if you are even a little bit interested in experiencing the course and what club membership has to offer, the staff will happily offer you a free round of golf & lunch with a club ambassador. No heavy sales pitch – just a great day out on the course.

In fact, right now Fairwood G.C.C. is offering a special 2016 GOLF PREVIEW so you can experience membership with no long-term commitment and no dues until MAY.

Health & Wellness

Take it from me, if you have never experienced the Fairwood Golf & Country Club, you simply must. If you already enjoy the Club and its amenities, I know that you understand what a neighborhood jewel we have!

Thank you to General Manager Tom Frets, Wellness Director Melissa Korda and to ALL of the amazing Fairwood staff who help make each club experience special for my family.

~ Rosie

Renton Proposes Park and Ride Garage Relocation

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jan 21, 2016

 

Hello Fairwood and Renton community friends~

I came across something that may interest you:  Thank you to fairwoodcommunitynews.com for reporting that Renton City leaders are proposing relocating the Renton Transit Center from downtown Renton to the former Sound Ford site at the corner of South Grady Way and Ranier Avenue South.  The plan would include a large public parking garage with easy access to 1-405 and SR 167 for commuter buses.

This will take the majority of the buses out of downtown (YAY) and expand the Park & Ride on Grady Way (another YAY).  You can find additional information at rentonwa.gov.

I love hearing about what’s going on in our community!

~ Rosie

Rosie Rourke Awarded ‘America’s Most Honored Professional’

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jan 10, 2016

I’m so pleased that The American Registry selected me for “America’s Most Honored Professionals” award.

I received the award for “continuous professional recognition – an accomplishment realized by the top 1% of American professionals.”

Rosie Rourke Named America's Most Honored ProfessionalThe American Registry website says:

“The honorees we have selected comprise high achieving professionals including CEOs, doctors, lawyers, local business owners, Internet superstars and more… A Most Honored Professional is part of the top ten, top five, or even top one percent of the most recognized professionals in America. An achievement such as this is considered by American Registry to be one of the most dignified of any individual recognition.”

Fairwood Featured Business: Cosmo Nail Parlor

By Rosie Rourke, posted Dec 11, 2015

Happy December!

I am excited to continue the “Fairwood Featured Business” series on my blog with installment #3.

I’m committed to sharing what I LOVE about the Fairwood area. I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings. So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood surroundings and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.

For December and into January I would like to highlight one of my favorite service-oriented businesses: Cosmo Nail Parlor.

This is an especially exciting blog post for me to write because Cosmo is a NEW business in Fairwood, open for just over a year.

Cosmo Nail ParlorThe owner, Chan, has worked in the industry since 2006. She decided to open her own business because she felt she could do it differently and hopefully, better. Chan’s vision for Cosmo is to combine a lovely spa ambiance with a professional staff of seven nail artists, superb product knowledge and excellent customer service.

Here’s a picture from Cosmo Nail Parlor’s Facebook page that features gorgeous holiday shellac designs by Yen:

Holiday shellac nailsThe salon, located at 14300 SE Petrovitsky Road in Renton, is large, sparkling clean and beautiful. The menu of spa nail services is extensive and designed for luxury & relaxation. I personally LOVE the Classic Pedicure & Shellac Manicure.

Special events

Something you may not know: You can book special events at Cosmo! Think graduation, retirement, ladies’ wine night, birthday, bridal/baby showers… talk to Chan about planning a spa gathering.

Ready for a new year spa day?

For the month of January, Chan has graciously offered a 15% discount to any NEW customer just for mentioning my name. Wow! Thank you so much! To book your spa day at Cosmo Nail Parlor, call (425) 777-6619.

Fairwood Featured Business: Fairwood Thai Cuisine

By Rosie Rourke, posted Nov 15, 2015

Fairwood Thai Cuisine 14252 SE 176th St, Renton, WA 98058Hi friends,

I am excited to continue the “Fairwood Featured Business” series on my blog.

I’m committed to sharing what I LOVE about the Fairwood area. I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings. So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood surroundings and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.

Last month, I introduced you to Plaza Cleaners and Alterations.

For November I would like to highlight one of my favorite restaurants: Fairwood Thai Cuisine.

Fairwood Thai Cuisine has been a strong feature in the neighborhood for almost 13 years. Dan, the owner, runs a family-friendly business. His menu has been developed over the years through collaboration and testing, and he consistently receives great reviews.

I personally appreciate Dan because, after meeting him years ago, he has remembered my name and makes a point to welcome my husband and me each time we eat there.

I love Phad Thai. Once when I ordered it, Dan suggested that I try the Kee Mao noodles instead. “If you like Phad Thai, you will LOVE the Kee Mao.” He was right! If you’re a Phad Thai fan like I am, you will love the Kee Mao noodles too!

Dan has graciously offered a free appetizer to anyone who comes in and mentions my name! Yay!

Fairwood Thai Cuisine has a lovely dining room and is open for lunch and dinner every day. They also offer DELIVERY after 4pm every day.

Fairwood Thai Cuisine is in in the Fairwood Shopping Center at Fairwood Shopping Center, 14252 SE 176th St, Renton, WA 98058.

Fairwood Featured Business: Plaza Cleaners and Alterations

By Rosie Rourke, posted Oct 13, 2015

Plaza Cleaners and AlterationsI frequently talk about my favorite neighborhood of Fairwood. I work here; I live here; I raise my kids here… It’s the people, and the neighborhoods, and the schools, and the easy proximity to everything we like to do, right? It’s also the local businesses that we know and love!

I thought I would take the coming year to appreciate OUT LOUD some of my favorite spots – those local businesses that really make a difference for my family. I will be posting a new business here every month, as a way of sharing the love about the places that provide great service and help make Fairwood the best place to live!

First, I would like to present Plaza Cleaners and Alterations.

Mike and I have used them for years because of the way they make us feel each and every time. The owner, Kay, calls us by name whenever she sees us come in! I am so impressed by what I have learned about their business that I want to share a little here:

The owners, Kay and Young Sim, have been in the business in Renton since 1984. They use “green drycleaning” practices, and have a 5-Star EnviroStar Certification (out of a possible 5 stars). Knowing that they run an environmentally conscious business makes such a big difference for me!

I encourage you to check out their website, and check out the BUSINESS! Please give them a try! Tell them that Rosie Rourke sent you and they will take off 10% just for using my name! (I love them!)

We’re #66! Renton Ranks in Top 100 Best Places to Live

By Rosie Rourke, posted Sep 24, 2015

You’ve heard the “We’re #1” chant at high school football games. I personally believe Renton is #1 when it comes to great places to live and work. According to Livability.com, Renton is the 66th best place to live in the U.S. Okay, so it ain’t #1, but close enough!

So, how’d Renton make #66? Livability ranked more than 2,000 cities with populations between 20,000 and 350,000. They ranked the cities in areas such as amenities, demographics, economy, education, health care, housing, social and civic capital, transportation and infrastructure.

Of Renton, Livability said:

Population: 93,601

Median Household Income: $64,141

Median Home Price: $285,800

Residents Who Own Their Homes: 20,148

Median Monthly Mortgage: $2,024

“Located just southeast of downtown Seattle, lining the shore of Lake Washington, is Renton, a city with magnificent views of the Cascades and Mount Rainier. Adding to the beauty is Cedar River that runs through the downtown district.

The city is best known for assembling Boeing 737 commercial airplanes, while other key industries are information technology and service companies.

The NFL’s Seattle Seahawks have a training facility in Renton, and residents have access to quality of life conveniences like Valley Medical Center and an acclaimed Renton School District No. 403.”

Hot Place to Live

The Renton real estate market is still extremely healthy. We’re seeing low inventory, low interest rates, and money to lend. We just sold a home in Fairwood Greens in a bidding war and it went for above asking price.

5-Bedroom Stunner in Renton

Here’s one of our current listings in The Parks neighborhood of Renton:

Renton home for sale in The Parks neighborhood - Rosie Rourke

Built in 2000, this beautifully appointed 5-bedroom home has nearly 3,800 square feet of stylish elegance, with a soaring entry and 9-foot ceilings on both floors.

The home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac in The Parks, a sought-after community with miles of King County trails steps from the back door. There’s easy access to freeways and public transportation, and the neighborhood is close to major shopping amenities such as Renton Landing.

The home features many designer touches. The elegant formal living room has coffered ceilings, crown molding and custom blinds; a marble surround gas fireplace and gorgeous mantel piece.

There’s also a formal dining room; a family room bathed in natural light; a dream kitchen with granite counters, custom raised panel maple cabinets, custom knobs and stainless steel appliances, a commercial grade gas stove and walk-in pantry, double oven, planning desk, breakfast bar, and more.

A guest bedroom and bath on the main floor is a rare feature. Don’t miss the 4-car tandem style garage, air conditioning, stand by generator and air purifier. The fully fenced, private yard with patio has been professionally landscaped for low-maintenance outdoor enjoyment.

If you’re looking to buy a home, this one is definitely a “keeper.” Join us for an open house Saturday, September 26, from 1-4 p.m., or contact me at 206.719.5870; [email protected], to schedule a walk-through. Ask for listing #843473.