Posts Categorized: Buying a Home

Fairwood Featured Business – Shakey’s!

By Rosie Rourke, posted May 06, 2016

With this post, I am happy to be continuing my “Fairwood Featured Business” series with installment #6.shakey's blog pic

My ongoing passion is to highlight and celebrate the neighborhood I live in, raise my kids in and work in.  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 and Fairwood Golf & Country Club and Fire District #40, Station 17.

For the month of MAY, I am proud to highlight Shakey’s Pizza Parlor!

Only 2 in Washington State

Did you know that our Fairwood Shakey’s is one of only two in Washington?  You’ll have to drive to Pasco to find the other! Shakey’s was founded in 1954 and has been a center point of West Coast culture since then.  Shakey’s has a long history in Renton and I am glad that Fairwood is home to this classic family restaurant.

New Owner

In February, 2016 Lori Bender took over the reins as the new owner.  A Fairwood resident herself since 1977 and longtime restaurant owner, Lori is passionate about revitalizing our Shakey’s.  Here are just some of the exciting changes underway:  remodel of restaurant and kitchen, revamped menu, improved beer & wine selections, larger game room, and some lower prices.  With such a long history in Fairwood, Lori wants to ensure that Shakey’s is going strong for years to come.

Family Friendly

Shakey’s has always been a great gathering place for families. It’s kid friendly and comfortable with selections for adults as well. Our sports teams have long enjoyed after game meals and banquets there.  Lori showed me the reconfigured party room, and it is a great gathering place.  Shakey’s has hosted engagement parties, baby showers, sports team banquets, birthday parties and even a wedding reception!  If your group really needs the party room, it is best to make a reservation, but Lori said that Teams are ALWAYS WELCOME – just c’mon in!

Take a New Look!

I am excited to take a new look at an old favorite!  Shakey’s is open daily from 11-9pm and until 10pm on Friday and Saturdays.  Lori has generously offered  to take $2 off of any large pizza order if you mention Rosie Rourke anytime in the month of May.

Thank You Lori!  And thank you Shakey’s for continuing to be our Fairwood family gathering place!

~Rosieshakey's blog pic 2

 

 

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

 

 

 

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; rosie@rosierourke.com, to schedule a walk-through. Ask for listing #843473.

Tip for New Construction Visit

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jan 27, 2015

tipforconstructionAfter running into this challenging situation several times throughout my career, I thought you might benefit from this tip during your home search.

When you visit a new construction neighborhood, the site agent may ask you to sign a registration card. If you mark the box that you do not have an agent, the site agent will assume you will be using them to represent you.

In most cases, the site agent represents the seller.

Who represents you? That’s the rub!

Then I get the call from a buyer who wants me to represent them, but if the buyer already marked the box “no agent” then my fee to represent them gets discounted by the builder by a whopping 70%!

It is not fair that a buyer cannot freely choose who they want to represent them without ramifications.

Tip:

When you visit new construction and are asked if you have an agent, say, “Yes…Rosie Rourke, John L. Scott, 206.719.5870.”