BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a new, two-story Craftsman style home in Seahurst.

The main floor has an entry with open staircase, and there’s a large open gourmet kitchen with elegant cabinets, slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas cook top range, and a built-in microwave and oven.

The hardwood floors are made of Brazilian Cherry, the upper floor has four bedrooms, two full baths, and a large master suite with five-piece bath and walk-in closet.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, March 21st, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 14438 12 Ave SW • Burien 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $415,000
• Listing#: 28106636
• Beds: 2
• Baths: 2.5
• Fireplaces: 1
• Year Built: 2008
• 2 Garage-Attached, Off-Street Parking
• Approximate House SqFt: 2,420
• Lot Square Footage: 5,245

Interior Features:

• Bath Off Master
• Dining Room
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Walk-in Closet

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Fenced-Partially
• Nat. Gas Available

Marketing Remarks:

Quality built new construction in Seahurst. Gorgeous Two-Story Craftsman style.

Main Flr. has entry with open staircase, living Rm., dining rm., large open gourmet kitchen w/elegant cabinets, slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, gas cook top range, built in microwave & oven, spacious family rm. w/gas fireplace off kitchen, gleaming Brazilian Cherry Hdwe. flrs., half bath, & utility rm.

Upper flr. has 4 bedrooms, two full bths., lg. master w/5 piece bath & walk-in closet.

DIRECTIONS:

• Take Ambaum to S.W 146th St.
• Go West on S.W. 146th for 1.5 blocks.
• Turn right into alley between 11th Ave. S.W. & 12th Ave. S.W.
• House is on the left side, middle of alley.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

by Lori A. Alden
Prudential Northwest Realty

Opportunity is knocking for those considering home-ownership in Burien for the first time.

Historically low interest rates, lower home prices in most South King County neighborhoods and the first-time homebuyer tax credit – part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – brought first-timers to the market in droves throughout the year.

In fact, these consumers represented about half of home sales logged during 2009, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, a significant increase from historic levels. And the favorable conditions that prompted many of these first-time buyers are likely to continue. President Obama in early November signed into law a five-month extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit of up to $8,000, as well as a new tax credit of up to $6,500 for existing homeowners who want to purchase a home to be their primary residence (see your real estate professional and tax advisor for details). Both credits will be available through April 30, 2010 (NOW is the time to get your house on the market if you are looking to attract these consumers).

Today’s opportunities aside, here are eight time-honored reasons why those considering homeownership for the first time should make their move.

1. Pride of Ownership
Owning your own home adds to your own sense of self-esteem and personal pride. The satisfaction that comes from feeling connected to the land you occupy and the home in which you live is ages-old.

2. Security of Tenancy
With homeownership comes stability. When renting, you never know when you may have to move because of new ownership, rent increases or other changes. As a homeowner, you decide when and if you want to move.

3. Privacy
While there are usually some limits on the access landlords have to property, almost all landlords can access your property for necessary inspections and maintenance. For many renters, this lack of privacy is a significant discomfort. Homeowners on the other hand generally have much stronger property rights and experience an increase in perceived and actual privacy.

4. Decorating
Homeowners are free to decorate, remodel and accessorize a home any way they want. Not only do you have the right to make improvements, but the value of those improvements becomes yours as well. Having your living space and exteriors just the way you want them can significantly increase your satisfaction with your living environment.

5. Financial Predictability
When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you have more predictability over future housing costs. Because your interest rate never changes, the amount of your payment never changes. Financial planning and credit are more easily managed with a fixed-rate mortgage compared to renting.

6. Building Equity
When you own your own home, you pay rent to yourself instead of a landlord. Most homeowners pay for their purchase by obtaining a mortgage. As you pay off that mortgage, your equity builds and you gain an increasingly larger share in a valuable asset. Over time, that asset can work for you in many ways, such as home equity lines of credit. And of course, a home is a wonderful asset to pass along in an estate.

7. Investment Appreciation
There are certainly no guarantees of property value appreciation. In the long-term, however, real estate valuations almost always increase. This means that when you decide to sell your home, its value may be significantly higher than when you purchased it. The difference in value is called appreciation. You can reinvest that appreciation in other real estate or you may wish to downsize and keep the value of that appreciation for retirement or other purposes.

8. Tax Benefits
In the United States, the cost of home mortgage interest and property taxes are usually tax-deductible. Depending on your circumstances, thousands of dollars in taxes can be saved each year. These tax savings are not limited to federal taxes either. Many states and localities either base their tax system on the federal system or offer similar incentives to homeownership. Some additional benefits are designed specifically for first-time homebuyers. (See your tax advisor for additional information.)

If you still have doubts, contact a real estate professional in your community. He or she can answer questions you may have about homeownership and explain the buying process to you.

Lori A. Alden can be reached at 206-244-6400, or via email at lorialden@PNWRealty.com.

Prudential Northwest Realty is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity. They’re also a proud sponsor of The B-Town Blog’s Real Estate section.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is an “extremely clean 3 bedroom, 2 full (all new) bath rambler” located near the beach in Hurstwood and priced at $376,950.

This home features newly-refinished hardwoods, new tile in the kitchen and family room, new interior paint, and a 2-car garage with huge attic storage.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, March 7th, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 13843 17th Ave SW • Burien 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $376,950
• Listing#: 32089
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 2
• Fireplaces: 1
• Year Built: 1966
• 2 Garage-Attached
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,420
• Lot Square Footage: 16,000

Interior Features:

• Bath Off Master
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Fenced-Partially
• Patio

Marketing Remarks:

Extremely clean 3 bdrm, 2 full (all new) bath rambler.

Newly refinished hardwoods and new tile in kitchen and family rm.

New interior paint. 2 car gar. w/huge attic storage.

Sought after Hurstwood-near the beach.

Get in this one! Furniture negotiable if interested..

Directions:

• Ambaum Blvd. to SW 144th St.
• West to 13th SW.
• Right to stop sign.
• Turn Right then immediate left to 13843 17th SW.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

by Lori A. Alden
Prudential Northwest Realty

Thinking about investing in Burien? Now is the Time!

Turn on any financial news program and at some point you’ll hear the experts extolling the virtues of diversification. Real estate, even through the market downturn, has long been considered a conservative, long-term strategy to growing wealth.

In fact, that very downturn has created a historic buying opportunity for potential homebuyers and investors alike. The combination of lower home prices across the Burien and Southwest King County areas and historically low mortgage rates, two essential factors that usually don’t trend in the same direction, have triggered a buyer’s market in many areas of the county. For real estate investors who want to rent their properties, this can make the difference in achieving positive cash flow sooner or right off the bat.

While some seasoned real estate investors make it look easy, to be successful, beginners should follow some basic principles.

Learn all you can. Before committing your cash, you should have a fundamental understanding of real estate. For example, be aware that, in general, investment properties are not liquid investments. Barring exceptional circumstances, real estate does not sell at a moment’s notice. It could take days or months to sell a property, depending on the strength of the market in a particular region.

Consider cash flow. You’ll need to have enough capital on hand to cover any short-term losses due to vacancies between tenants.

Start small. Look into buying a condominium, single-family home or a duplex. Leave large apartment buildings and commercial properties to the pros.
Inquire at the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce about companies relocating into or out of the area. Company movement is one indicator of demand for rental and/or office space.

Find a property that will be in demand. Look for a moderately priced home with three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a garage that sits on a quiet street.

Research the property. The most common way first-time investors lose is by failing to investigate a property thoroughly. Look beyond the front door. Investigate the reputation of the school district, the crime rate, and plans for expanding a nearby highway or developing vacant land. Ask a local Prudential Northwest real estate professional about the area, its history, and how fast (or slow) properties are moving.

Inspect the home you’re considering for signs of water damage, such as stains on the ceiling and crinkling or gathering wallpaper; open and close every door and window; and check all electrical sockets by plugging in an appliance. Get an independent home inspection, roof inspection and termite inspection. Unexpected repair costs can eat away your cash flow. Because even the best inspection can’t always predict problems, try to set aside some of the rental income for unexpected repairs.

Spend time driving the streets of the neighborhood noting the condition of other properties. Are lawns maintained? Are roofs in good shape? Are homes kept up?

Be ready to make fixes quickly and respond to the renter’s needs. If you’re not prepared to be a hands-on landlord, consider hiring a property management firm.

See your tax advisor for related planning and laws that can affect your investment decisions.

Remember, investing in a property is much different than living in one, and while emotion and attachment can be prime motivators when it comes to homes, it is return on investment that counts when investing in real estate.

Lori A. Alden can be reached at 206-244-6400, or via email at lorialden@PNWRealty.com.

Prudential Northwest Realty is an independently owned and operated member of The Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity. They’re also a proud sponsor of The B-Town Blog’s Real Estate section.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a “Wonderful Rambler looking for new owners” priced at an affordable $274,950.

This is a 3-bedroom, 1-bath home built in 1954 with some recent renovations. It is located in the Gregory Heights neighborhood of Burien.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Feb. 22nd, from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE: 16012 10th Ave SW • Burien • 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $274,950
• Listing#: 23869
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 1
• Fireplaces: 1
• Year Built: 1954
• 1 Garage-Attached
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,080
• Lot Square Footage: 7,620

Interior Features:

• Ceiling Fan(s)

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Fenced-Partially
• Nat. Gas Available
• Outbuildings

Marketing Remarks:

Wonderful rambler looking for new owners.

Kitchen features custom cabinets, new granite countertops & deep stainless sink.

Remodeled ceramic bath, wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors & wood wrapped windows.

1-car garage with tons of extra storage, private yard & Cascade Mtn view.

One Year Home Warranty.

You won’t be disappointed, call me or your Realtor before it’s gone.

Directions:

• From First Ave South, go west on SW 160th, then South on 10th Ave SW.
• Home is on the left(east) side of street.

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

BTB Real Estate Sponsor Prudential Northwest’s featured Open House for this week is a one-of-a-kind, classic and chic Seahurst sound view home priced at $449,000.

Here are the details

WHEN: Open House will be this Sunday, Feb. 14th, from 1pm to 4pm

WHERE: 15434 22nd Ave SW • Burien • 98166

INFO:

• List Price: $449,000
• Listing#: 10823
• Beds: 3
• Baths: 1.50
• Fireplaces: 1
• Year Built: 1926
• Approximate House SqFt: 1,720
• Lot Square Footage: 7,847

Interior Features:

• Bath Off Master
• Dining Room
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• French Doors
• Skylights
• Vaulted Ceilings

Site Features:

• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• Outbuildings
• Sprinkler Syste

Marketing Remarks:

Classy, Chic & Charming, this one-of-a-kind sound view home is located on a quiet street in the desirable Seahurst neighborhood.

This home features an absolutely stunning remodeled master bedroom/bath suite that looks out on an exquisite sound and mountain view from its huge sunfilled windows.

The newly remodeled entertainment deck is fabulous for those sunny day barbeques or relaxing with your morning coffee.

This home has amazing street appeal.

Directions: From 1st Avenue South, head West on SW 152nd, then South on 22nd Ave. SW. Home is on the left.
Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses

Our new Real Estate sponsor Prudential Northwest Featured Open House this week is for a gorgeous house on Lake Burien

Sunday, Jan. 31st from 1pm to 4pm:

1804 SW 156th Street
Burien, WA 98166

• List Price: $750,000
• MLS Number: 29064725
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms:3.50
• Approximate House SqFt: 2,980
• Lot Square Footage: 15,240
• Year Built: 1949



• Gorgeous grounds & pretty home in a super convenient location.
• Close to shops, restaurants of Olde Burien, St.Francis private school, Eagle Landing Park & the Seahurst community beach.
• This unique property has many exceptional spaces including the almost impossible to find level backyard of Waterfront.
• Every detail remains inviting & open while still allowing 4 estate & privacy.
• Home features 4 bed, 3.5 bath have plenty of closet space to keep things spacious & spotless.
• Cottage w/1bed,1bath,& kit.
• Parking Type: Carport-Detached

Click here to see the full, detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

“Once you’re pre-approved (to buy a home) you’re armed and dangerous,” says Mark Denniston, Senior Loan Consultant at new B-Town Blog Advertiser Northwest Mortgage Alliance LLC. “Pre-approval is as easy as a phone call or email. I will let the buyer know in a very short time,” he added.

You can reach Mark at 206-932-1500, or email him at mdenniston@nwmortgagealliance.com.

Mark feels that there is no better time than now to buy a home.

“With interests rates as low as 5%, home prices at the bottom, and the government tax credit for first time and current homebuyers extended through April, there’s no better time than now to buy a home,” stated Mark.

The First Time Homebuyers credit is up to $8,000 and expires April 30, with closing by June 30. The Current Home Owners credit is up $6,500 with the same expiration and closing.

Northwest Mortgage Alliance (NWMA) has been a trusted leader in home loans in the Northwest since 1998. Mark has been a trusted loan officer with several companies throughout his nearly 40 year career in first the real estate business, and then the mortgage loan industry. Half of his career in mortgages have been spent right here in Burien.

As a mortgage loan consultant for so many years, Mark has learned that counciling prospective buyers on the ins and outs of home buying and ownership is the best way to earn trust and business. He has counseled thousands of buyers over his career. While BTB was interviewing Mark, he had a person call in that had used his services as a mortgage broker 10 years ago. She was downsizing, and called Mark before she even started house-hunting. His council was needed for this customer to start the process.

Knowledge, expertise and council is what Mark brings to customers who choose to finance their biggest purchase of their lives–their home–with Northwest Mortgage Alliance and Mark Denniston.

NWMA has nine offices throughout the Puget Sound, with one right here in Burien at 127 Southwest 156th Street, Suite 100.

So if you’re in the market for a home, be sure and give Mark a call at (206) 932-1500 for that pre-approval before you start looking at houses. He’ll get you pre-approved in minutes, and at no charge, so you can hit the streets, as Mark puts it “armed and dangerous.”

Visit their website here, or call Mark directly at (206) 932-1500.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Our new Real Estate sponsor Prudential Northwest will be showcasing a Featured Open House here every Friday, and here’s this week’s inaugural listing:

Sunday, Jan. 24th from 1pm to 4pm:

398 SW 176th Place
Normandy Park 98166

$475,000

“Smart, Chic and Classy with a fresh new look! This lovely home is located in gorgeous Normandy Park w/nice winter Puget Sound views.

The main floor features very spacious living & dining rooms, huge sun-filled windows, extremely large kitchen & three bedrooms with fabulous territorial views from all living areas.

Downstairs has a bedroom, 2 large rec rooms, an extra finished room, and is ready for a 2nd kitchen.

Newer 50-yr. roof and award-winning Marvista Elementary School make this a real gem.”

More details:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2.25 bath
• Over 2850 SF
• Spacious living & dining areas
• Nice winter Puget Sound views
• 2 lg rec rooms
• Bath Off Master
• Dining Room
• Dble Pane/Strm Windw
• Cable TV
• Deck
• Fenced-Partially
• Nat. Gas Available
• Patio
• It’s a gem you’ll want to see!

Directions:

• From 1st Ave South, head West on Normandy Road
• Turn Right on 3rd SW
• Turn Left on 176th Place

Click here to view the full detailed listing.

Click here to view all of Prudential Northwest’s Open Houses.

Today marks a big day in the just over two-year life (so far) of The B-Town Blog, as we’re proud to introduce our newest section and Advertiser: Real Estate Powered by Prudential Northwest!

This means that you can now access all local real estate listings by clicking on “Real Estate” in the upper navigation menu section between Advertise and Events. We’re happy to be working with the Burien-based Prudential Northwest office, and the entire company consists of six offices throughout the Greater Seattle area.

Techie-types at both PNW and BTB have been working ’round the clock to develop the innovative new “Zero Click House Finding Engine” for real estate listings in the Burien and South Seattle areas. Users will be able to quickly and easily see all of the area’s latest home listings, view by neighborhoods, see open house maps and more just by clicking on “Real Estate” in our top navigation menu. The real estate section will also be available soon on sister sites The Waterland Blog (Des Moines),  The White Center Blog, and soon The Normandy Park Blog.

“To search on a real estate site we wanted to make it easy to use so that every level of user can find what they are looking for,” said PNW Sales Manager Bradley Hawthorne. “Just by clicking on ‘Real Estate,’ you’ll instantly have every listing in all of Burien, Normandy Park, and Des Moines without having to do anything, hence the ‘Zero Click’ technology moniker.”

Want some real proof? Just click on one of the five areas below and see for yourself:

• South Seattle
• Burien
• Des Moines
• SeaTac
• Tukwila

If you click on any of those five areas, on that page is every listing for that area – and not just Prudential Northwest Realty listings – but everything that is inputted into the Northwest Multiple Listing Services website! Within those five major pages you’ll also find several communities and if you click on a community again just the listings in those communities will be shown without you having to input any search criteria (of course PNW’s standard and advanced searches are still available for the techie searchers, so you can tailor our search site to any criteria that you personally want), but for those of us that need a little help when surfing the web, “This is the simplest sight I have ever seen!”

Hawthorne adds: “Tying into these fast-growing community websites will not only help us showcase the latest listings for these areas, it will also help us serve our communities better. We all love the Southwest King County area and we hope we can help others find out what a hidden gem it is.”

PNW has been a community player since they first set foot in Burien seven years ago. With 56 active Realtors, they outgrew their first location in Olde Burien and they’re now located at 127 SW 156th Street. Broker/Branch Manager Lori Alden-Pense has been managing PNW Burien since they moved here; she’s been with them since 1994.

“It is PNW’s mission to help build a better tomorrow by partnering with our communities today,” Lori said.

She talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to PNW’s mission of giving back to the community.

Not only is Lori President of the Discover Burien Executive Board, you’ll find PNW sponsoring all of the events that Discover Burien brings to our community including the Farmers Market, Clean Sweep, the Father’s Day Car Show, Lunch-time Concerts (New!), Octoberfest, Winterfest and Empty Bowls.

For the past six years, PNW has held an annual food drive benefiting the Highline Area Food Bank on the first Saturday of October. They are currently hosting a three-month food bank drive at their office, and you can drop by non-perishable food items or money now through March.

Owned by long-time and well known real estate professional Mike Gain, Prudential Northwest Realty Associates has established itself as an industry leader by upholding the principles of the agent-customer relationship. Their combination of real estate expertise and responsive, flexible customer relations has allowed them to continue to grow and become one of the most influential real estate companies within the greater Puget Sound region. Constantly looking for ways to improve their company, PNW remains committed to the very highest standards of professionalism and service. More info is available at http://www.pnwrealty.com.

Prudential Northwest realty has a total of 450 real estate agents in their neighborhood offices, which, in addition to Burien includes Federal Way, Kent, West Seattle, Bellevue and Kirkland.

“We’re very excited to have Prudential Northwest Realty as our newest Advertiser,” said Scott Schaefer, B-Town Blog Founder/Publisher. “This brand new sponsored section will help inform the more than 55,000 monthly Readers of The B-Town Blog, Waterland Blog (Des Moines) and White Center Blog for the latest local news, events, arts, entertainment and now – up-to-the-minute local real estate listings.”

Be sure to stay tuned for another new related feature – “Open House Friday” on our blogs, where we’ll present the weekend’s best Open Houses throughout our coverage area, among other real estate related features.

[Would you like to have a “Blogvertorial” story, Ad and/or Event Listing like this on a popular, fast-growing website seen by nearly 50,000 interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

The B-Town Blog extends a welcoming hand to its latest Advertiser – Ventana Construction, LLC!

Ventana Construction is a full-service custom home and remodeling contractor based nearby in West Seattle. It’s a family-owned business with a full staff of skilled craftsmen. They specialize in whole-house remodels and additions, with a focus on seamlessly blending the new areas with the existing home. Ventana also does total face-lifts on kitchens, baths and basements, as well as build spectacular outdoor gathering places.

EXPERIENCE
With more than 25 years experience in remodeling and custom home building, Ventana Construction welcomes all kinds of projects. They’ve worked on every kind of home in the region — ‘50s ramblers, ‘40s Tudors, ‘20s Craftsman, ‘60s subdivisions and their own office, built just after the turn of the last century. They’ve done steep slopes and narrow lots, pin piles and lakefront. Ventana understands the materials, the millwork, the function and how to make it all come together.

As a Built Green member of the Master Builders Association, Ventana’s staff is very familiar with green building techniques and materials. They have the knowledge to suggest what makes sense and what may be a needless expenditure. They effectively and proactively work to keep your project in line with your budget.

CREATIVITY & COLLABORATION
Ventana Construction works closely with its clients and architects to build functional spaces with inspired design and stellar finishes. They gather your project team for weekly meetings to go over finish materials, answer questions and look ahead to future decisions.

Creative solutions and use of materials make their projects stand out, from custom-built Craftsman-style railings to modern steel and green materials, Ventana creates seamless transitions from existing to new spaces.

ACCOUNTABILITY
The two most frequently asked questions during a project? “How much”? and “How long?” Ventana Construction provides answers with frequent schedule updates and a weekly report detailing progress and costs by line item.

Clients log in directly from their website to see all of this information. Ventana hosts all project documents, progress photos, master schedules, and post material ordering deadlines online. This allows clients, architects and subcontractors to have a central source of information for project management. Clients can continue to use this login after project completion, sharing photos, looking up paint colors and requesting warranty work. Ventana is one of a select few contractors in the region utilizing this superior project management system.

COMMUNICATION
Ventana Construction provides an exceptional level of communication to its clients. They know their clients have busy lives, so they communicate primarily by e-mail, which allows them to be responsive without being intrusive.

Ventana makes the best possible use of available technology, issuing their site supervisors laptops and digital cameras. The architect needs to send a detail of where the soffit meets the edge of the roof? No problem—Ventana’s supervisors will be able to see it and build from it in just minutes.

Ventana Construction provides complimentary initial consultation and estimates, and also offer fee-based pre-construction budgeting services. Contact Ventana via their website or office—they look forward to hearing what you have in mind!

Ventana Construction
5458 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98136
206-932-3009
Email: office@ventanabuilds.com
Website: www.ventanabuilds.com

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story and Ad like this for your Business on a popular, fast-growing website seen by 31,000+ interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

We’re proud here at The B-Town Blog to welcome aboard as our latest Advertiser: custom home remodelers Powell Renovations!

Their friendly home office is located just down the road in the heart of Des Moines on Marine View Drive.

Started by their grandfather, Powell Renovations, a fourth generation family business, has been providing homes in our neighborhoods for 100 years. They began swinging hammers in 1909!

Led by brothers Todd and Brooks Powell, the whole team at Powell Renovations is very involved in their local community. For example, this spring they participated in the Master Builders Association Rampathon, a free service where access ramps are constructed by contractors for disabled people in the Puget Sound area.

The Powell family has built thousands of quality homes at affordable prices. They’re dedicated to working with the customer through the entire renovation process.

Their long history and dedication to quality have earned them their slogan: “Our Tradition of Excellence is evident in every detail.”

Todd and Brooks point out: “Starting with Powell Renovations early in the design process helps you save money. We can give direction on costs so you design upgrades to your home you can ultimately afford.”

Powell Renovations emphasizes the Built Green approach to building and renovating.

Here just a few of the Built Green features inside and around a Powell Home:

• They use non-toxic and low-toxic outdoor materials for landscaping, helping to build biodiversity and increase soil nutrient reserves without contaminating waterways
• They install thermostats with an On-Switch for the furnace fan to circulate air allowing warm air to circulate throughout the house without running the furnace
• They clean furnace and air ducts thoroughly before residents move in providing better air quality
• They verify seals at doors, windows, plumbing and electrical penetrations against moisture and air leaks

Click here to see just a small sample of the impressive accomplishments of Powell Renovations and the quality craftsmanship that goes into every Powell-built home.

Todd and Brooks Powell have recently written the hardback book: “Building a Quality Custom Home. What You Need to Know.” This is a terrific step-by-step guide to making the necessary informed decisions, whether renovating or building from the ground up.

To order a copy or discuss a renovation or new construction in your life, contact Powell Renovations here:

Phone:

• 206-824-8001

Fax:

• 206-824-9030

Email:

• brooks@powell-homes.com

Street Address:

22211 Marine View Drive South
Des Moines, WA 98198

Hours:

• Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Website:

• www.PowellRenovates.com

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by thousands of interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

BTB Advertiser El Dorado West Retirement Community and Village Concepts Inc. have partnered with Kiel Mortgage for a FREE seminar on creative mortgage and home sale plans this coming Monday, Feb. 9th at 3pm.

Here’s some info from a press release:

Kiel Mortgage and El Dorado West understand that in these tough economic times making the transition into retirement living can be stressful and confusing.

El Dorado West invites you to a FREE SEMINAR with our partners at Kiel to explore creative mortgage or home sale plans which may help answer your financial questions.

Please join us at El Dorado West, located at 1010 SW 134th Street (map below) Monday February 9th at 3pm to learn more about this exciting partnership.

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A couple of weeks ago, we received this email inquiry from a BTB Reader:

There is a lot of dirt piling up at the old senior center by the corner of 136th and Ambaum, by the Arco quick mart station there. I’ve heard it might be a large complex of apartments, or it might be a mental health hospital.

I see a sign that says “Abbott” which makes me think it might be related more to a medical facility than an apartment complex.

I live close by, so I’m very interested in what goes into my neighborhood.

If you could comment in the blog, I would be much appreciative!

So, being the conscientious local bloggers that we are, we went out and took the following photos of the construction in question:

We also asked folks at the City, who lead us to Navos, a non-profit organization formerly called Highline/West Seattle Mental Health, who provided this answer:

The property behind the glass business on Ambaum at 136th is owned by Navos. On that site, Navos is building fifteen units of safe and affordable housing for twenty two people, including three beds reserved for Veterans. The former senior center property that your reader referred to has been leased by Navos from the Highline School District. We plan to raze the current buildings and build a new building where we will continue to provide effective outpatient services (no hospital is planned for that site). Our current facility in Burien is located under the new third runway and we will have to move when our lease expires in 2012.

A community meeting regarding plans for the property was held for nearby neighbors late last year, and Navos has also been in touch with neighbors via letter.

Navos is a non-profit organization founded in 1966 with locations in Burien and West Seattle. We are one of the three largest providers of mental health services in the state. Last year we helped over 5,500 people in King County. Our programs help low income children and adults with emotional and mental illnesses. Navos is a leader in developing innovative programs focused on helping each individual achieve their greatest potential for recovery and resiliency. In addition to specialized inpatient and outpatient services, we provide housing and support services to over 200 people in locations around South King County.

So…now you know what the heck’s being built on SW 136th:

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According to the Redfin Blog, home sales prices in Burien are at 100.4%, higher than 75 other Seattle-area neighborhoods.

Condo sales prices in B-Town are at 100.5%, higher than 25 other neighborhoods.

In fact, Burien’s sales prices are higher than all but Boulevard Park, Skyway and Delridge area homes.

Redfin speculates on the reason:

But Burien. Really.

Could it be the evangelism of the B-Town blog?

Or is it just a fluke?

Nope Redfin, it ain’t no fluke.

The B-Town Blog is not only responsible for the higher sales price average, it’s also responsible for the recent area reduction in crime, increase in productivity and overall satisfaction with life (which is surprising in these difficult times).

The real reason?

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SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES!

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The B-Town Blog is proud to present our second Advertiser, Susan Plecko, Realtor, CRS, SRES!

Susan sells real estate in the Burien and Seahurst areas. Her ad is on the upper right Sidebar, so please support her efforts.

She can be reached at (206) 650-9626, by email at susanplecko@johnlscott.com or via her website: www.susanplecko.com

According to Susan:

I moved to Burien from Chicago in 1968 to work for the airlines.  I worked for Northwest, United and Thai Airways until Thai moved its North American headquarters to LA. Houses are my passion so I became a Real Estate appraiser. While I enjoyed appraising, I didn’t get in to see enough houses and I missed working with people.  I joined John L. Scott 5 years ago.  I have earned the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designations. I love my job and love being sure that people have the best representation when selling or buying their homes.   After living in other areas of the metropolitan Seattle area, my husband, Andy Vagi (Barrier Volvo Southcenter) and I moved to Seahurst 15 years ago. I am a Highline Historical Society volunteer as well as a sponsor of the 2008 Highline Garden Tour (June 14th), VP of the Seahurst Community Club, and I was honored to have named Eagle Landing Park.

People outside our area are recognizing what we’ve known all along – Burien is a wonderful place to live and to invest in.  When it comes to real estate, we have it all…from the starter home to the view or waterfront dream home…including everything in between. Our new Town Square and the proposed Community Recreation Center will just add to the livability of our city.

Susan’s website is here, and we’re proud to have her join us as an Advertiser on the B-Town Blog!