Posts Categorized: Featured

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.

2.5 Tons Shredded During Fairwood Recycle Event

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jul 21, 2015

Our Fairwood Family Greenfest was a huge success!

Families visited with neighborhood friends while munching on Hawaiian Hot Dogs (we served 200 delicious dogs!). And the kids had fun in the bouncy house.

Anne - hawaiian hot dog Co

We helped over 500 Fairwood residents recycle metal and computers and shred confidential papers. We did 2.5 tons of shredding and filled two big trucks of recyclables.

Thank you, Fairwood community, for your kindness and your business. The Rosie Rourke Team had a blast giving back to the community.

Here’s a picture of the Hills family – they were so excited to get rid of the boat motor that’s been sitting in their garage for the past 20 years!

Hills family

Save the Date: July 18 – Family Green Fest!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jul 08, 2015

Only 10 days to go until the the Family Green Fest event at Fairwood Greens.

Date: Saturday, July 18

Time: noon-3 p.m., at Allen Park, on the corner of 145th Ave. SE and SE 167th Street in Renton.

Family Green Fest

Bring your recyclables (details below) and munch on a hot dog from the Hawaiian Hot Dog Company while you get to know your neighbors.

Free recycling

Recycling Trucks

1 Green Planet, a non-profit organization, is offering free recycling at the event for the following items:

  • Appliances – washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.
  • Electronics – televisions, stereos, etc.
  • Scrap Metal, machinery, circuit boards, etc.
  • Computers (secure data destruction, PCs, laptops, printers, monitors, etc.)
  • Cell phones
  • Batteries (car, computer, etc.)
  • Medical equipment
  • Ink and toner

Free shredding

Bring your confidential papers for shredding by Confidential Data Disposal. They’ll shred your papers and recycle them – no one will see or touch your materials from the time of removal until they are destroyed in the shredder.

Free bouncy house and giveaways!

There’ll be a free bouncy house for the kids, and free giveaways for the first 200 visitors.

Bouncy House at Recycle Event

The festival is sponsored by the Rosie Rourke Team (John L. Scott Real Estate) as our way of saying thank-you for your real estate business. Be sure to invite you neighbors! See you there.

Rosie at Recycle Event

Family Green Fest at Fairwood Greens July 18

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jun 01, 2015

Fairwood Greens is going green – really and truly green, on Saturday, July 18. Join us for a recycle celebration from noon-3 p.m. at Allen Park in Fairwood Greens.

Bring your recyclables (details below) and munch on a hot dog from the Hawaiian Hot Dog Company while you get to know your neighbors.

Free bouncy house and giveaways!

There’ll be a free bouncy house for the kids, and free giveaways for the first 200 visitors.

Bouncy House at Recycle Event

The festival is sponsored by the Rosie Rourke Team (John L. Scott Real Estate) as our way of saying thank-you for your real estate business.

Free recycling

Recycling Trucks

1 Green Planet, a non-profit organization, is offering free recycling at the event for the following items:

  • Appliances – washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.
  • Electronics – televisions, stereos, etc.
  • Scrap Metal, machinery, circuit boards, etc.
  • Computers (secure data destruction, PCs, laptops, printers, monitors, etc.)
  • Cell phones
  • Batteries (car, computer, etc.)
  • Medical equipment
  • Ink and toner

Free shredding

Bring your confidential papers for shredding by Confidential Data Disposal. They’ll shred your papers and recycle them – no one will see or touch your materials from the time of removal until they are destroyed in the shredder.

Save the date

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 18, noon-3 p.m. Allen Park is on the corner of 145th Ave. SE and SE 167th Street in Renton.

Rosie at Recycle Event

Be sure to invite you neighbors! See you there.

Share it!

Please share this image on Facebook and your other social accounts:

Family Green Fest

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.”