August 17th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The homes are almost done and ready to move into. August 14th, 2010 was as exciting day for many who gathered to witness the dedication of these long awaited home. The project began in June of 2009 (groundbreaking). Aquirre, Reyes, Talton and Thao families all worked hard along with many volunteers and Habitat for Humanity. These are not giveaways, recipients need to qualify with a down payment, be able to afford the mortgage payments as well as provide 500 hours of sweat equity.
The home are sold at no profit and Habitat uses the funds to build even more homes for families who otherwise would not be able to afford them. Their goal is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world. Habitat is a nonprofit ecumenical Christian Housing Ministry.
Founded in 1979, Habitat has built over 350,000 houses around the world providing safe, decent and affordable shelter. They invite people of all races, religions and backgrounds to partner with them. To find out more go to www.habitat.org
The home are attractive and fit in with the IH neighborhood they are situated in. Issaquah Highlands has been very welcoming to Habitat and to the new families. Four more homes are beginning to take shape and many more volunteers are needed to help. www.habitat.com
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August 14th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
August 6th the last steel beam was set into place for the new Swedish Hospital in Issaquah Highlands. I posted the main article on our Issaquah Blog. For video and more info go to www.issaquahundressed.com or to go straight to the article click http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2010/08/13/watch-the-last-beam-put-into-place-swedishissaquah/
The top of the beam is adorned with a US Flag and a tree. To see why click on the Issaquah blog link.
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July 30th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Every Tusday night July through August Issaquah residents are treated to free concerts on the lawn at the Community Center. They are top notch performers, we haven’t been to a bad one. One that was over the top was last Tuesday evening July 29. If you think violins can’t rock or Celtic music is not for you, Geoffrey Castle will change your mind. The energy was contagious and spread throughout the crowds on the lawn, beginning rather quietly while we listened in awe to what a fiddle can do. Later many couldn’t contain themselves and were soon rockin’ and dancin’. www.geoffreycastle.com
Dan Connolly, a local song writer and performer with Celtic roots shared the stage with Castle. Connolly is a passionate musician with an incredible voice. Performing together with Castle made the evening even more enjoyable. Connolly performs regularly at Zeeks Pizza on Tues nights. www.danielconnolly.com
Next check out the McOmbers, members of the audience that started dancing to the music. WOW! Howard and Amy McOmber teach performing arts to children. www.smallhandsonart.com
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July 23rd, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
If you would like more information about the Zero Energy Homes that are going up in Issaquah Highlands, they make it easy to find. The Z Home project has had a lot of interest. To satisfy people’s curiosity they are giving tours the 1st Thursday of each month at 3:30 – 4:30. They have an excellent website http://z-homes.org/ and also from there you can get to their blog http://z-homes.org/blog.
This project of 10 townhomes will use less energy than they create, and use 60% less water than standard homes. Low toxicity materials will also be used in constructing the homes. Z-Homes project should pave the way to this type of construction going mainstream.
The project is one of the construction sites near the Issaquah Highlands Park N Ride. Z-Homes faces High Street. A neighboring site is the YWCA project.
Dennis Rominger speaks to those interested in Z-Homes.
I attended an event, meeting at Vista Park where we were treated to refreshments as well at information and answers to our questions. The event included a tour of the site. Nick Nied of Ichijo USA, Clint Hamilton of Howland Homes and Dennis Rominger of PSE conducted the tours and provided the answers.
Nick Nied of Ichijo shows us the foundations and cisterns.
The taller building in the background is part of the YWCA project, not Z-Homes.
Involved in the project are the City of Issaquah, Howland Homes, Ichijo USA, Built Green, King County, Port Blakely Commuities, Puget Sound Energy and Washington State University, that is a lot of smart people, even an international builder. Issaquah residents among many others will enjoy watching Z-Homes take shape.
At http://z-homes.org you can even find help in greening your existing home. Check it out.
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July 23rd, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Hope you got to go. It seemed like almost everybody in Issaquah was there.
For more info and photos go to http://issaquah.neighborhoodsundressed.com/2010/07/23/meet-me-at-the-concert-on-the-green-mr-miyagi/
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July 16th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
I sat on my deck looking at a beautiful sunset, but I couldn’t resist the moon. I grabbed my camera.
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July 7th, 2010
Posted by Larry Cragun
Thanks to those who live on Lake Sammamish and provided this for us. Thanks to the Lawrences who had a bunch of us to their home. Thanks to those who make this Country great. Even in hard times there is a difference here.
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July 6th, 2010
Posted by Larry Cragun
More real estate inventory leaving the market than coming on? How unusuual. That is an interesting statistic as this graph depicts.
Four homes were added to the market. Counting expired listings, new pending sales, and listings that were cancelled we have 12 gone from inventory. Also, 5 real estate purchases closed last week. These aren’t big numbers.
Of course when it comes to real estate statistics for a market one week does not a trend make. I will watch this going forward, lets see if we have more of this. It did catch my eye as it is so unusual these past few years.
As I write this I decided to look at how Issaquah Highlands compared to Issaquah. Using percentages there were somewhat similar results. See below.
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June 28th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
There is a lot of new stuff going on if you look around Issaquah Highlands, since a picture is worth a thousand words, I decided to do it in pictures. Pictured below, the WSDOT Pond is really blooming right now. This is one of my favorite places to walk, but when it is in bloom it is #1.
Habitat for Humanity on 25th. They can still use volunteers
An unusual house just before Grand Ridge Drive
Choice lots are still available.
Zero Energy Homes go up.
Construction of new home on Harrison Street
Swedish Hospital is quickly rising from the ground.
YWCA Family Village - photo from the Park N Ride
New Bennett homes in West Highlands Park.
New Issaquah High School - not in the highlands but our kids go there.
This home found a family.
Central Park's artificial turf soccer fields, no more soggy games
Have I forgotten anything??? Let me know, Oh, I thought of one, the goats are back!
Goats in the backyard.
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June 24th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Issaquah Highlands answer to the 4th of July is Highlands Days. Always a lot of fun, a KIDS parade, booths, games, food, at the Village Green on June 26th – 10am to 2pm.
You might even see a BEAR!
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June 18th, 2010
Posted by Larry Cragun
Amy from Las Vegas, formerly of Issaquah noted that last week 1 home owner increased their listing price. I note that in the last 7 days that has happened 3 times in Issaquah Highlands. She saw that on a graph I sometimes post, like the recent stats graph below.
Good question Amy, why? I have no way to know for certain on these 3 but here are possible reasons.
The first is less likely these days as a few years ago. That is that a buyer offered more than the asking price and wanted the seller to pay closings costs. With appraised values a struggle in this market, it is unlikely this was the reason this past week. However, note that there were 7 new pending sales in Issaquah Highlands – so it is possible it applies to this answer.
The most common reason for a price to go up is a bidding war. That is what will drive any market up, including the future. I doubt if this happened in the 3 cases last week as you would probably only see it as a closed transaction with a higher than the listing price.
Other reasons could be that there is a lot of activity on a listed home and the seller or agent decided they were priced too low. Also, some people raise their prices to reduce activity. I know that seems odd, but it has happened. There may be a new circumstance that caused the seller to raise their price such as an addition is completed or an upgrade of some sort. It happens that sellers get remorse on a decision they have made, such as price. Couples sometimes are in disagreement on the price, one wins on listing day, the others opinion takes over later.
For sure, more price decreases take place these days than price increases – thanks for asking – nice to hear from you. I hope you get as nice a home in Vegas as you had here.
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June 15th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
JUST A HEADS UP: ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS GARAGE SALE IS ALMOST HERE AGAIN. This Saturday, June 19 from 9am to 4pm. IH will advertise, you put up your own signs. It can be a fun event, we invite all our kids and fix burgers. They come back thrilled with all their great bargains.
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June 15th, 2010
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Weed eaters in IH
The first herd arrived June 12, at 28th Ave and Julep Street. They are fun to watch, busy eating, eating and eating weeds, blackberries, and whatever is in their path. They won’t eat you though. Don’t worry they don’t bite ( at least that is what Russ at IH says)!
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May 22nd, 2010
Posted by Larry Cragun
Just an interesting Snapshot for the week. Click here for all of Issaquah.
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