If school is around the corner, we’re on the cusp of Fall. Which means it’s County Fair Season! First to kick off is Snohomish County’s Evergreen Fair, in Monroe. Click HERE to download your copy of the printable schedule.

Situated on almost a third of an acre off of a private driveway, this 4 bedroom home feels as spacious & serene as the lot that surrounds it. Almost 2,500 square feet of living space inside, including large living & dining rooms with vaulted ceilings, a kitchen with copious amounts of cabinet space, and an immense family room downstairs with gas fireplace. Westward facing deck offers mountain views and overlooks a manicured backyard with rosebushes, blueberry bushes, and plum & apple trees. Oversized 3-car garage AND a detached shop with 220v service. Located in the Mukilteo School District with easy access to I-5, 405, and Alderwood Mall. 

List Price: $435,000
MLS#: 28138364
Address: 4107 148th Street SW,  Lynnwood, WA  98087
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.75
Square Feet: 2,437
$/Square Ft: $178.50
Lot Size: 0.32 Acre
Year Built: 1978
Taxes: $3,823
School District: Mukilteo
Listing Flyer: Click HERE (PDF - will load in new window).

Call Jesse Moore at 425.876.0766, Dennis Pearce at 206.931.9945, or Lisa Bender at 425.770.4438 for more information.

If you’re planning to sell, you better sit down in front of your TV.

I’ve been selling real estate for over 8 years now, and I have encountered many different, shall we say, less than appealing homes. I have had sellers tell me “Oh, I’ll just give the buyer a carpet allowance, they probably won’t like the color I pick anyway.” That same reasoning has also applied to the removal of paint colors that are very specific to the seller’s taste. There are also the awkward conversations about pet odors, kitchen odors or lingering cigarette smoke.

Naturally, when you live in a home, you get used to how things are. You probably have a few projects that “you’ll get to” later- also known as ‘Round-to-it’s’. Those little coffee spots on the carpet add “character”. The huge display case of a collection that has been growing for the last decade is a source of pride and the hallway of family photos makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Ahhh, if only a buyer felt the same way about things.

Unfortunately, the buyer may not appreciate the lilac wall with the purple sponge painting technique. The wall of mirrors with the gold mottling might not be their taste. Brass and glass light fixtures beckon to decades of the past- yes, those lights might be “perfectly functional” and in “good condition”, but for a fairly small investment, you can go to Lowes or Home Depot to the close-out department in the lighting section and get a whole new look for your room for around $100.

What about the theory that you can “offer a carpet allowance”? Personally, I think that unless you REALLY can’t afford new carpet, you can’t afford NOT to put new carpet in. You don’t have to go overboard- just get a nice, neutral color in builder grade. I have shown a LOT of homes to buyers and let me tell you- I have never EVER had a buyer say “Like the brand new carpet, hate the color.” Really, I haven’t heard that. I definitely have heard “oooh, new carpet!” I have also heard the less charming, “ewwww, what’s that on the carpet?!”

FYI-white walls are cold and uninviting. The current trend for neutral wall colors is to either add a colored tint to white, or the somewhat bolder approach of using the wheat and grey tones for a touch more pizzaz. If you need ideas for the latest home color trends (including appealing neutrals) go check out a model home or two, or even a walk down the paint aisle at your neighborhood home improvement store.

This brings me back to your required TV viewing. An absolute “must see” if you plan to sell is Designed to Sell on HGTV (weeknights at 8pm) or check out the HGTV website and see *full episodes* of Designed to Sell. Try to pick a show the looks a bit like your home, pop some popcorn and watch an episode..or two… or three. The great thing about this show is that it is completed on a relatively small budget, in a short period of time, with truly amazing results.

Better than watching the show, hire one of the Pickett Street Property team members to list your home and we’ll provide a Professional Stager whose staging consultation is tailored specifically to your home and budget. If you’re serious about selling, you can’t afford to waste time and money on guesswork.

The corollary to that is: if you’re not prepared to get serious about selling, you will likely be on the market a seriously long time!

Every once in a while (about twice a day, or so) someone asks for my thoughts on the current housing market. I’m in the industry, I read everything I can get my hands on, and those who know me generally consider that I’ll give them the straight scoop, to the best of my abilities. It’s that little caveat ‘to the best of my abilities’ that keeps me up at night. I was reminded of this conundrum last week, as I happened to catch a snippet of ‘Mad Money‘, the CNBC financial show hosted by loudmouth Wall Street pundit and market observer, Jim Cramer.

As he blathered about WAMU, Wachovia, the general financial picture, and whom to buy, hold, and sell, it became apparent once again that even his views are in a constant state of flux. As we all have seen, the economy is an unfolding story- one that even a guy like Cramer, with all his access to the inside can’t keep up with. However, Cramer’s on the same page with guys like Warren Buffet’s housing expert, Ronald J. Peltier, when he said in last week’s show, “Buy a home in the next 6 months!” This is the bookend to his statement of November, 2007, in which he said, “Don’t you dare buy a home right now!” and implies he has revised his opinion, based on new information.

Here’s Jim’s quote, in response to a viewer’s question, “I thought you were of the opinion that banks could not bottom before housing bottomed. What changed?”. To which Jim says, “We saw quarters from Wells Fargo,(and) from USB.

US Bancorp (Del) USB 31.03 1.01 +3.36% NYSE

Quote | Chart | News | Profile

We saw a quarter from JPMorgan. We saw a quarter from Bank of America. And those guys had already put charges in that made it so that when
housing does bottom, they will be overreserved. That’s the ticket.
That’s what Wachovia did. They anticipated a housing bottom and they’re
going to be right.” The Federal Housing Authority will put $300 billion
to work to help homeowners with exotic loans and that will put a bottom
in housing. “I was the first guy that said torch your house for the
insurance money. I am now telling you that between now and the next six
months you have to buy a house.”

Interestingly enough, I am not surprised. Nor do I find his behavior indicative of an insidious desire to mislead. The reality of our current situation is far too complex to expect any one individual, board, committee, or administration to have all the answers at once- it’s been a roller coaster ride, with new developments dropping out of the sky on a nearly daily basis over the past 9 months. However, as with all things public and political- especially the economy, it’s easy to get pretty fired up, and develop an expectation that the ‘responsible others’ should have answers, and ‘do something’.
They should, they will, and they have- but that’s not the whole story.

It’s true, we have seen hundreds of financial institutions become victims of subprime mortgages, default rates have risen dramatically, and housing markets in some parts of the country have witnessed valuation declines up to 30 & 40% of their values 2 & 3 years ago. There is no way to minimize the impact of these activities on our national economy.

Regionally we’re seeing impacts, too: new home starts are down, housing inventory is up, time on market is averaging about 100 days, appreciation rates are flat, if not reversed, and savvy sellers are now happy to negotiate; the inverse of the blazing hot seller’s market we had just 2 years ago. Believe it or not, that’s the good news. Or at least it is if you’re a buyer- especially a first-time buyer- today.

Looking simply at the trendlines, and heeding the wisdom of some of history’s most well-regarded investors, it’s difficult to deny that housing has reached a low point. One which would have had those same investors on the line to their broker in a froth, screaming:”Buy, Buy!”

On that note, I’m going to break with my traditional reticence to make predictions; I’m going to go out on a limb here and say I believe that if we’re not at the bottom of the market, we are very close. If you heard about WAMU last week, or have been following their challenges, you know they are struggling to survive. They may, or they may not- that’s not for me to say. However, with the Fannie Mae/ Freddie Mac bailout, WAMU and Wachovia in a fight for their lives, and Congress finally making some decisions- I’m not going to take sides on whether they made the right ones- it’s my view that we have finally reached that critical turning point which every swing-pumping child recognizes must come: We are on the cusp of the apogee in our economic trajectory toward a brighter day.

This belief is partly in response to the numbers of investors we’re seeing come into the market, recognizing that windows of opportunity don’t stay open very long. The old ‘Buy Low, Sell High’ adage, being realized by those with the wherewithal to do so.

And of course, we’re in an election year- things are going to change: change being the only constant, we’re bound to see something different soon.

It’s also a function of my optimistic view of ‘the American Way’. Then again, maybe I just want to believe Jim Cramer- Call that pollyanna, call it wildly unrealistic- the reality is that nobody can contradict me today. They’ll be happy to criticize tomorrow, but that’s what critics do.

We all know the old saying, “All work and no play… ” in which Jack becomes a dull boy for keeping his nose to the grindstone. Well, Jack and I have had too much in common lately, and it has prompted me to reminisce on summers past, when I’ve had the luxury of exploring some of our areas scenic escapes. As I’ve spent a little time reviewing, I’ve realized with some surprise, that I’ve amassed a pretty fair travelogue, and since I’m not likely to get back to many of them any time soon, the decent thing to do would be to spread the wealth to those enterprising folks with a little more time on their hands. Most of my favorite trips have involved a few days in the woods with a backpack, and a flyrod, so that’s going to be the slant of this post.

The majority of my travels have been in the North and Central Cascades- starting in college with short weekend trips around the Bellingham area to Pine & Cedar Lakes- small, twin lakes packed with brown and rainbow trout, and populated by clouds of voracious mosquitoes. The hike in is, while not overly long at 2.5 miles, punishing with it’s unrelenting grade. Which makes it all the more remarkable that the group I hiked it with were treated to fresh berry pies by one of our fellow dorm dwellers, who grunted up the trail after dusk with 2 warm pies cradled in his arms- now that’s what I call service!

A favorite destination for many years was the Jordan Lakes located off the Sauk river road, just south of hwy 20, near Rockport. A 20 mile logging road (FS Road 16) takes off from Hwy 530 (Sauk valley Rd.), and winds its dusty, ravine-traversing way through some beautiful country, eventually ending at a gate. Opposite the only available parking space is an overgrown trail that leads almost immediately into a stunning alpine meadow. I’ve made this trek in a variety of weather conditions, and can state with some authority, that I don’t recommend making the trip before the end of June, or you will likely find yourself camping in the snow, with only frozen lakes to greet you. One of my favorite memories of this hike is the small fairy ring nestled at the top of the abruptly descending trail, which drops quickly through a field of house-sized boulders populated with whistle-pigs (marmots) and jays whose warning calls spread ahead of our advance.

Further to the east, outside of Marblemount, is Trapper Lake, which retains the crown as the most brutal hike in my experience. This is probably due to the route we chose, rather than the actual trail, but nonetheless, my shins still bear the scars, and the photo at the head of this article, taken from the craggy saddle above the North end of the lake, is a painful reminder that this is one destination I won’t likely visit again- in spite of rumored monster trout.

In recent years, my travels have tended toward the central Cascades, in particular around the Cle Elum area. This part of the Wenatchee National Forest is a hiking anglers dream, with access to numerous alpine lakes- enough potential destinations to spread out the pressure, and provide solitude to please most everyone. For many years, Waptus Lake was our primary destination- an 18 mile round trip, with good trails. If you’re willing to hike another 2 miles around the side of the lake, a private island campsite puts you in the middle of the lake, with nothing but fish, water, and silence. Pure heaven. Be warned, this lake is snow fed, as are most in the Alpine Lake Wilderness, which means the risk of hypothermia to swimmers is very real! But boy is it refreshing on those 90+ degree days! If you’re up for a day hike from Waptus, I highly recommend making the effort to see Spade Lake, which is a true High Alpine Lake, nestled placidly below rugged Cascade peaks. The primary hazards of the Waptus lake trail are the black flies that accompany the many horse pack trains visiting the area. Well, that and the horse apples littering the trail- watch your step.

I have a dream of hiking from Canada to Mexico on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and have covered many sections of it in my various ramblings, but by far the most ambitious trip to date was one taken in 1997, starting at the Cooper Lake/ Owhi Trailhead, and covering roughly 40 miles to Hyak. The 1st section, to Pete Lake, is a great hike for kids- I took my 6 year old daughter on a 2 night trip there last year- and it’s truly ideal in length and difficulty. It’s also a nice, easy warmup to the rest of the trek. From Pete Lake, the trail begins climbing to Spectacle lake. Approximately 1/2 mile off the PCT, Spectacle is a stunning, deep and chilly lake surrounded by peaks and alpine meadows. A great day hike from Spectacle is Glacier Lake, which takes its name from the large chunks of ice that drift around the surface most of the year- the water temperature is the definition of ‘bone chilling’. Surrounded by granite tables and the clink of ice floes grinding together, Glacier Lake is a spectacular setting for lunch before heading back to base at Spectacle.

Next stop is the Park Lakes, a set of smallish twin lakes divided by the PCT and nestled together below Chikamin Ridge, and the base of Alta Pass. We reached the lakes just as a squall blew in, and were treated to a distant electrical storm tickling the peaks of the Three Queens, while dark clouds threatened to make our rain fly a decided necessity. Did I mention that Gore-Tex is a backpackers best friend? There’s nothing like hunkering in a tent, sipping a warm cup of tea while thunder rolls overhead.

Without question, the highlight of our trip was the next section. We had been told about Edd’s Lake
by my hiking buddy’s father-in-law, a member of one of nearby Roslyn’s founding families. The lake was rumored to have huge trout, but access was also rated as ‘difficult’. Both statements are true. This is a destination for the hardy and trout-obsessed only. Approximately 800 vertical feet below the PCT, Pete Lake is not visible from the trail, and could easily be missed if you weren’t looking for it. The trail to Joe Lake, on the other hand, is well-marked on the South side of the PCT, and draws lots of visitors. The drop in to Edd’s is precipitous, and with a full pack, can be considered treacherous.

As dedicated anglers, we had brought along our float tubes (we’re not lightweight, toothbrush-sawing, bare- necessities-type backpackers). They’d been pressed into use at every stop, but they really came in handy at Edd’s. After making the hairball descent, we were pretty wiped out. Resting lakeside, we contemplated the boulder field of house-sized rocks that litters the shore, and blocked our easy access to the one campsite near the lake’s log strewn outfall. It was time. The rest of our recovery time was spent inflating float tubes and donning waders and fins. Carefully balancing the remainder of our still bulging packs (this was a 10-day trip) across the tops of the float tubes, we paddled our way across the mirrored surface of the lake to our new home. Nirvana!

Large Mayflies were dropping from the surrounding spruce trees as we set up camp. Hungry trout swirled and slurped as we frantically rigged flyrods, and pushed off in pursuit. We fished until well after dusk, and the last couple ‘hogs’ were carefully wrapped in foil, given a dash of pepper and lemon, and gently roasted over a small campfire. This is living!

Last stop on our adventure was Alaska Lake, at the base of Alaska Mountain. We have visited this lake numerous times, and it has become a favorite, in spite of the strenuous nature of the 1100′ climb in. On this particular trip, we had come in the back door to the lake, coming down from the PCT, and were treated to a drop in, rather than the usual climb up. The drop was no picnic, but it beat the usual option. Especially welcome was the stash of food we had lugged in the previous weekend, as we knew our supplies would be running low by this stage. Best of all, we had the foresight to cache 2 oilcans of Foster’s Lager! Nothing beats a cold brew at the end of a long hike and not coincidentally, it’s also the perfect complement to a lakeside snack of Chick’n in a Biskit & Sardines in mustard sauce- Nectar of the Gods!

After 3 days of fishing at Alaska Lake, we made the final push out the Gold Creek Trail, where our wives picked up 2 very grizzled, thinner, and tanned husbands. This trip is still fodder for daydreams of ‘Glory Days’, but it seems that in my current life, responsibilities override calendars on a regular basis, and health concerns trump adventures. My fishing buddy had valve-replacement surgery a few years ago, and between blood-thinners, children, and work, there’s just not the time and wherewithal to embark on major outings. But I still dream. In fact, I’m leaving this afternoon to take my nephew to Waptus for 3 days; there’s hope! If I can inspire the next generation…

We know a thing or two about marketing. Before he got into real estate, Dennis spent most of his career managing advertising projects for a sign company – not just stand alone signs, but convention booths and tables, where his work had to be good enough to lure people in without the promise of free pens or letter openers. Before I got into real estate I helped other real estate agents develop ad campaigns in print and online – alerting them to new techniques, strategies and technologies that were having success in other areas of the country.

I say this because I’m about to reveal one of our best marketing secrets. It’s something I picked up from my days at the advertising firm, and if I hadn’t lucked into it, I probably never would have known how important it could be to our business. It’s responsible for our greatest volume of lead calls every month, and helps us secure buyers by getting them to respond emotionally not just to a home, but to an idea. Our secret? The log home.

We try to feature a log home in almost every form of advertising that we do. If we don’t have a log home listing, we look through all of the log homes available, pick out a few of our favorites, and ask the listing agent for permission to advertise their listing for free. Why do we do this? Simply said – we get more calls on log homes than any other niche home: more than waterfront homes, more than view homes, more than cheap homes, more than equestrian homes.

I think that we have Michael Landon to thank. TV shows like Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie showed several generations of viewers that log homes were: (1) impervious to attacks from wolves, (2) too thick to be pierced by arrows,(3) great for escaping from blizzards, and on a sub-conscious level – (4) kept families together (at least that’s true of the Cartwright and Ingalls families).

I’m being a little cute, but my point is true: people respond to the qualities of a log home much differently than any other home. I would argue that this isn’t necessarily because of its architectural style, but because of everything it embodies. A log home is like a sculpture that begs to be touched ; I’ve been a kid playing in a log home, and we grabbed every beam and truss as we raced and played – something I never would have done on the sharp edge of drywall. Log homes are their own deodorizer - the natural smell of pine and cedar is a part of the sensory appreciation that gets people to call on log homes. And the setting! Imagine if you will a log home and everything around it. Now imagine a brick home.  It’s not the same is it? Log homes evoke a sense of privacy and a sense of nature – and for good reason: the log homes for sale in Snohomish County average a lot size of 3.9 acres.

My wife grew up in the house log business. At one time or another all of her brothers worked in her dad’s log distribution business, and every family member helped in the construction of the three log homes that lived in at one time or another. Her brother Casey now owns his own log distribution company, so I asked him why he thought people bought log homes:

“The biggest benefit to a log home over the many alternatives is probably the value that they hold. Although there is a lot of work involved in keeping any kind of wood siding maintained, the fact is that a log home is almost always worth more in any market area.”

I tested his theory. It’s too comprehensive to test the available log homes in Snohomish County against the remaining available listings, so I compromised. I took available homes with a similar average lot size (around 3.9 acres) and that weren’t log homes or have log siding, and I ended up with about the same number of listings (about 40). Log homes for sale in Snohomish County average $287.94/square foot, while the sampling of homes without log siding average $258.87/square foot  – a difference of over 11%.

We love listing and looking at homes that we would buy ourselves, and we like listing and looking at log homes most of all, for all the reasons I stated above. I’ve put together a link with a map search of all the log homes available in King and Snohomish Counties, so if you want to feed your log home fantasy a little bit, click on the links below.

Log Homes in Snohomish County
Log Homes in King County