Did The Seahawks Do It Right?
January 18th, 2010
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Issaquah Firemens Quick Response
January 13th, 2010Starpoint residents were jolted early this morning when the fire alarms in the building went off. The alarms are LOUD. Those who hadn’t already gone to work, worked their way down the stairs in various stages of early morning aparel and appearance. No one reported smelling any smoke, but ear drums were suffering and cats and dogs were not too happy either. The firetrucks arrived very quickly, considering they had to fight their way through school buses and morning commuter traffic. ( Maybe they can testify that we do have a twice a day traffic problem, after all)!
All ended well, there wasn’t a fire, evidently some construction work set off one of the sprinklers, and in turn the building’s alarms went off. We are thankful for the Issaquah Fire Departments attention and expertise, and thankful we didn’t really have a fire.
Advice For Those Moving To Issaquah Highlands
January 11th, 2010Issaquah is divided into two areas, the Highlands and the Lowlands. The lowlands are made up of neighborhoods like South Cove, Mirromont, Downtown, olde town, Tibbetts Creek, etc. Some of the highlands face west or are deep in the trees and miss the afternoon sun: Montreux, Talus, Squak Mountain.
But the Issaquah Highlands residents have a different problem, “the sun”. High above the clouds and basking in the warm afternoon sun, the highland folks have to deal with 365 days of sun. Even those rare snow days create Utah like sun ray reflections that they must be prepared for.
We encourage highlands residents to shop the new Issaquah Highlands Central Market that has plenty of Ponds Extract in stock. It will protect your skin and make your life here in the highlands a better one.
O K I was just kidding.
2nd Saturday, Issaquah Highlands Open House Event
January 8th, 2010Each 2nd saturday in Issaquah Highlands is an open house event. For sure their are 17 homes and 7 condos that have open houses announced. More are likely to be added at the last minute. Drive the speed limit or the traffic cop might get your number.
1 home and 5 condos are under $300,000
7 homes and 14 condos are between $301,000 and $400,000
8 homes are between $401,000 and $500,000
5 homes are between $501,000 and $700,000
1 home is $729,950 and 1 is $899,000
Let me know if I can help: 206.618.3724 Larry Cragun
By the way: There have been 32 homes and 37 condos that came on the market after January 1st. There is a lot of inventory you may not have yet seen.
At the same time 15 homes were sold pending after the 1st.
What Attracts People To Issaaquah Highlands
January 5th, 2010
What are the top reasons people move to Issaquah Highlands. Here are a few. Add yours as a comment if you would like.
1- We moved here 12 years ago loving the idea of a planned community.
2- What is now Highlands Fiber Network appealed to us.
3- The shopping Center, especially a grocery store. When we moved here there was no Fred Meyer shopping center. We didn’t have the Park Drive entrance either, came up Black Nugget.
4- The architecture.
5- We worked in Bellevue, and counted on getting our own freeway entrance. It happened.
7- The diversity in home prices appealed to us.
8- We don’t have kids at home now, but wanted to make sure there was a good elementary school. Whew, we almost got a middle school.
9- Views. Even when we didn’t have one (3 homes ago) we would drive to the top and watch the fireworks and the skyline.
10- Issaquah. Even if you don’t move to the highlands move to Issaquah. We love Issaquah. If you are considering it you will too. There are so many things we discovered when we moved here and so many more we have learned about after starting this blog.
Best Careers of 2010
January 1st, 2010
OK, it’s New Years Resolution Time. Here is some best careers info for those you know that are looking to a future career decision.
US News lists these as occupations that will add jobs at an above average rate: X-ray technicion, Veterinarian, Meteorologist, Computer software engineer, firefighter, Special Ed teacher, finincial advisor, meeting planner, funeral director, and mulitmedia artist. It looks like this is a nice wide variety, hope for everyone. Did you note that real estate agent and loan officer isn’t on the list? It also mentioned biomedical engineer, curator, and urban planner.
From the article: It’s not a little bit optimistic to be establishing a list of best careers now, at the tail end of a particularly hard-knocks recession that has helped put 15.4 million Americans out of work. That’s particularly so because no industry or occupation was spared the misery of layoffs, hiring freezes, benefit cuts, and general anxiety. But some industries were much safer harbors for workers than others. Healthcare, most notably, managed to expand its payrolls, though not at the clip customary for a healthier economy. It’s clear that the recession is ending and that employers aren’t slashing jobs with the blunt instrument they used over the past two years, but many unemployed workers and college students have a question that can’t be answered by upticks in the GDP, namely: Where on earth will the jobs be?
Click here for the full article on Yahoo News:
Why have mortgage interest rates stayed so low this year?
December 29th, 2009I thought this follow up with more detail would appeal to some of you. I hope I am right.
Contrary to common belief, mortgage rates are not controlled by Banks, the Federal Reserve, the Government or even the President. They are dependant completely on market demand of long term mortgage bonds called “Mortgage Backed Securities” (MBS). When there is demand for Mortgage Backed Securities, this means the market is buying this instrument, thus causing mortgage rates to go down. When the market decides to sell these instruments (less demand), this causes mortgage rates to increase (go higher).
As part of the Federal Stimulus Package, the Federal Reserve pledged to purchase $1.25 Trillion (yes, Trillion) of these Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), thus creating HUGE demand – causing mortgage rates to stay low for this extended period of time. Basically, through this “asset buying program” the Federal Reserve has artificially kept mortgage rates low to stimulate the housing markets.
The Fed announced today that it is about 85% through the program ($1.096 Trillion), planning to have the program completed by the end of the first quarter (March 2010). We’ve attached a chart of cumulative total for you to see.
What is going to happen to mortgage rates after the asset buying program is complete (March 2010)?
Undoubtedly, it is going to be a bumpy ride as we go through the transition from artificial Fed money to natural market money, purchasing Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS). The vast majority say that mortgage rates will likely rise since the Fed was such a significant amount of the buying. The other school of thought says there is a tremendous amount of cash sitting on the sidelines waiting to get back into the market. Which scenario plays out will be the interesting part. Again, one thing we can count on is definite volatility.
So what does this mean?
If at all possible, it would be a prudent decision not to wait for this transition period. With 30 Year Fixed mortgage rates at or under 5%, it is absolutely unlikely that rates to go much lower. Additionally, the $8,000 First Time Buyer Credit as well as the $6,500 Move-up Buyer Tax Credit expires April 30, 2010 (signed contract date). Buying a house during the first quarter of 2010 may be a great time to buy. Sales were up this year through November from the horrible 2008.
What are current closing times for us?
We continue to impress our mortgage customers with incredible service and market leading mortgage rates. I can give you a local Issaquah Highlands reference that just closed to support that. Our lending firm has “in-house” Underwriting, Processing and Doc Drawing – all done locally here in Bellevue. We fund all of our mortgages in our own name, so we retain full control from Origination to Funding. Absolute Loans LLC offers our team the absolute top notch lending platform in the industry. We are closing all our purchase transactions within 20-30 days on average, with some closing as quickly as 10 days.
We have an experienced high quality staff to make sure your experience with us is first rate. If you’re looking for a new lending team, give me a call or email us today.
Thanks so much for all your business through this amazing year of 2009. We are looking forward to 2010! Larry Cragun and the Issaquah Highlands Absolute Mortgage Team.
Issaquah Highlands Residents, Here Are A Few Good Things To Do.
December 24th, 2009
Kids at the Cougar Mountain Zoo Reindeer Festival: 12/23/2009
Bark Park
I wanted to summarize a couple of my favorite Issaquah things to do. Some you can and should do right away.
1. Visit the Cougar Mountain Zoo Reindeer Festival. Kathleen writes about it in a fun way on Issaquah Undressed: Click here.
2. Take time to go to the top of Harrison Street for an evening view. It is awe inspiring. I do it often.
3. Help the local economy, make sure you patronize local merchants.
4. Pray for our public servants. Can you tell how concerned the police officers that serve us are. Can you feel their committment to serve even when dangerous?
5. Now I know you need to bundle up a little for this one, but Issaquah has great parks. It even has a bark park and a tiny dog bark park. I notice that the tiny dogs use the big dog park. Oh well for a novel idea. Take in one of our great parks for a walk in the park.
6. Click here for a very nice Merry Christmas card I received from Kathleen.
A Merry Christmas To You My Issaquah Highlands Neighbors
December 24th, 2009
- Issaquah Highlands
First of all I would like to offer you my Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, And May You have a Happy and Prosperous 2010.
We live in a wonderul community. Some of us have struggled through this last year and some have been fortunate. May those who have struggled be blessed by their experiences. May those who have been forunate this year be reminded to be grateful.
Irregardless of the new pressures of a troubled economy, each of us has our times of trials. I have had my share and I know we all have those times.
I am amazed at how many young children live in Issaquah Highlands. It’s a delight to see them gather at Grand Ridge Elementary each morning. It brings a smile on my face to watch the mothers with strollers brigade trek through the Highlands at such a fast pace.
From our home I can look out over the valley as I sit at my desk. Today I see clear skies, a layer of fog, Talus, and beautiful mountains. What a picture. An evening photo I have included above.
At this Christmas Season I want to be respectfully grateful that this is not an accident. There is a Father in Heaven, and a Son Jesus Christ. The testimony I have that they live and know us, that they care and are aware guides me and gives me great hope. Merry Christmas neighbors and a Happy 2010. Sounds good doesn’t it?
OK Highlands Residences, What Do You Want Santa To Bring Us This Year?
December 21st, 2009Lets have a present for our community. How about that for a 2010 cheary idea? Here is my wish list, you can add yours in comments if you like – or just ask Santa on your own.
1- Hey Santa how about a Grocery Store? I have been a good boy here in the Highlands for 12 years now. It’s getting old. I mean I’m getting old. I don’t need something yuppy, just something close. Being the not too demanding boy I would settle for an AM PM or 7-11. PS: Here is the one Kathleen really wanted.
2. If I can’t have my grocery store Santa my friend, how about at least a gas station. I prefer shell, but any will do.
3. Santa, please don’t be offended, but I want summer back. There were so many things to do in Issaquah – fun things. There were concerts, picnics, hydroplanes, and food. There was a monthly art walk with food. There were people having fun everywhere, including Kathleen and I. Oh please Santa, may we have summer again real soon? Please?
4- I haven’t been bad Santa, oh I know, I haven’t been real good either. So I guess you will make me wait for summer. I suppose we have to have some snow. OK then how about helping those nice people on the top of the Highlands that built all those cool snow goddesses and snow forts. That was a fun find.
5. How about longer days?
6. Or shorter nights?
7. How about keeping interest rates under 5%. That has sure helped our business.
8. I wouldn’t mind property values rising a bit. A lot of bit. We own a nice condo here in Issaquah Highlands.
9. This is a fair request: we have nice neighors. Could you do something extra for them. Anything good will do.
10. And for the lovely Kathleen, bring her the best of everything. Listen to her prayers, she asks for little and deserves a lot. Oh, excuse me, you don’ t listen to prayers, the big man above does. Forget this one, I will ask him myself.
lar
Job Posting: Public Relations Director
December 14th, 2009
The NAofRL (National Association of Rooster Lovers) is seeking a public relations director. It seems the recent battle between a Pit Bull and McNugget the Staples Rooster has brought on the wrath of the PBAof Issaquah. (Pit Bull Association of Issaquah).
Here is an eye witness account of the attack:
“I was here when it happened,” said Teresa Mercado, who works at Your Espresso, previously known as Espresso Time. “Basically, I was working and I heard the rooster screaming — the pit bull had the rooster in its mouth.”
Luckily, the rooster was freed from the pit bull’s jaws…. (from the Issaquah Press)
However based on the ferocious and mean intended comments toward the rooster from the Issaquah Chapter of the PBA the rooster is in more danger from the PBA than from the Big Bully Pit Bull.
Note these coments that has caused the NAofRL to post this. This Bird Needs Help, NOW!
This is the very same rooster who has attacked patrons in wheelchairs, so let’s go easy on the “very friendly little guy” quotes.
If it was a pit bull and not a rooster attacking folks in wheelchairs I bet your beloved little McNugget would be going home in your child’s Happy Meal right about now.
I’ll take him with a side of sweet and sour sauce, please
Rachel you are right on. “very friendly little guy” came after me while I was walking with my daughter (who is in a wheelchair) and jumped on the back of my legs. No blood and guts but it just took me by surprise.
My daughter goes to another bus stop so she doesn’t have to encounter Mr. McNugget. I am glad the pit bull didn’t kill him because I’m sure the town of Issaquah would have had a fit and demand the pit bull be put down
What gets me is the crazy headline: “…survives PIT BULL attack”….I mean, seriously…had a Golden Retriever attacked the poor chicken the headline would have read “…survived DOG attack”. Give me a break! Anyways, gotta go….my chicken dinner is burning in the oven, while hundreds of friendly dogs labeled as “pit bulls” are being euthanized in the shelter right this minute
okay btw no one cares about this chicken hahahahah get a life
oh my ga this rooster needs to stop attcking dogs
omg carry some pepper spay for this evil one
that was my pitbul… Its a rooster for gods sake that attacks random people, and interrogated my dog, yes my ‘pitbul’ who is 1/4 pit by the way, attacked your rooster, but only because it was trying to cluck at my dog.
Issaquah Highlands Christmas Festival 2009
December 8th, 2009Yep, that’s a real camel. The kids loved him, and so did we! Most of the time he was sitting down looking at or over the nativity scene and baby Jesus. For those of you who weren’t willing to go out in the cold weather you missed some great tacos and tamales from Agave, not to mention a nice Christmas Festival. Their food is tasty. There was live music, nativity tours, horse and buggy rides. You could take your kids to visit Santa, and hear a story from Mrs. Claus. It was awfully cold, so not to many sat in the chairs to listen to the music.
The cold nights make for clear sky. Some of the best views are on top of Issaquah Higlands. Many of the local homes are decorated with Christmas Lights. A good place to drive around with the family. It is a wonderful season. Merry Christmas. Larry And Kathleen Cragun.
Blakely Hall: We the People: How our Government Works
December 1st, 2009This is the second opportunity Issaquah residents have had to learn more about how our government functions. Representatives Rodne and Anderson will be there to educate us on how decisions are made and insights into budget matters, how committees work and so on. Wednesday Dec 2 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Blakely Hall in Issaquah Highlands.
Joel Washing’s photostream |
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Olympia, WA
It’s Not About Turkey and May You Feed At the Horn of Plenty Without Blowing It.
November 21st, 2009Thanksgiving is NOT Turkey Day, it’s about being thankful. Visit www.issaquahUndressed.com Go directly to the post Click here: It’s Not About Turkey
AND/BUT does it have to make you gain weight? Click here: May You Eat from the Horn of Plenty Without Blowing It
