Welcome to Our Maple Valley Real Estate Blog

We hope you enjoy your visit. Cathy, Clark and I are constantly posting the latest real estate news that effects everyone that owns real estate in Maple Valley.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Beautiful Ravensdale Rambler

Open House Saturday
and Sunday 1-4pm.
$299,950
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Baths
  • 1,530 Sq Ft
  • .82 Acres
  • New Roof
  • New Flooring
  • New Appliances
  • New Deck

This home is located near Lake Retreat. Easy access on a private road with only 4 homes on the street. Level lot ready for your pets or garden or both. This home is ready for its new family to move in and have a happy life.

View more pictures of this home at www.johnlscott.com/68332

Friday, July 3, 2009

Maple Valley Home with Swimming Pool!



$679,000
  • Granite kitchen counters
  • Hardwood floors
  • Master bedroom on the main level
  • Family room with river rock fireplace
  • Wet bar
  • Media room
  • Exercise room
  • 3 car garage with 1/2 bath
  • In-ground, heated swimming pool
  • Sports court
  • Shy one acre lot
View more pictures of this home at www.johnlscott.com/80922

Monday, June 22, 2009

Maple Valley Home with 3 Car Garage

Wilderness Downs Home
$580,000

  • 4 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths
  • 3,100 sq ft of living space
  • Large .8 acre lot
  • Den/office with glass panel doors
  • Formal living & dining rooms
  • Slab granite & updated appliances in kitchen
  • Master suite has his/hers closets, dual headed shower and jetted tub
  • Central Vac

View more pictures of this home at www.johnlscott.com/22937

Friday, June 19, 2009

Maple Valley Farmers' Market

Tomorrow is the big day!
Maple Valley Farmers' Market opens up Saturday at 9am rain or shine. Are you a fair weather fan? Or will you be there rain or shine? We have 35 vendors that will be awaiting your arrival, most are produce vendors. There will be plenty for everyone. I am most looking forward to tasting Lorrie Gommi's Biscotti and filling up my basket with produce for the week. I will also have to bring home some of Richard Gradwohl's grass-fed beef. I hear you can cut his fillet's with a butter knife.
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Maple Valley Farmers' Market at Rock Creek Elementary every Saturday starting tomorrow through October 10th. Hope to see you in the morning!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Sun Safety


Remember when a tan was all you wanted?
Sunburns were all I ever got!
Today suncreen is my best friend. Summertime! Sunshine! Sunscreen! After too many sunburns, I have decided that a "True Redhead Suntan" is the only way to go. I wear sunblock. The more freckles you have, the more it looks like a tan!

Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM - 4 PM. You will be able to avoid about 75% of the sun's most damaging rays.

Always wear a broad-spectrum (UVA & UVB) sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.

Apply sunscreen/sunblock at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply frequently, especially after swimming, perspiring heavily or drying off with a towel. Discard outdated products or anything from last season. Avoid products that combine UV & insect protection in one. The sunscreen effectiveness may be reduced.

Wear a hat! It protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, scalp and hair color!

Wear sunglasses! Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 99 to 100% of UVA & UVB readiation.

Wear cosmetics and lip protectors with at least an SPF 15 year around. It does require a full teaspoon of the product on your face to provide adequate protection.

Medications, such as antibiotics, can increase your skins sensitivity to the sun.

Children need extra protection. One or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer. Keep babies younger than 6 months out of the sun. At 6 months, a product formulated for babies may be used, though sun exposure should be minimal.

Things you should know:

Sun coming through your car windows can damage your skin.
Snow and ice can reflect 90% of the sun's rays.
Sand, water and the concrete around pools reflect up to 85% of the sun"s harmful rays into shaded places.
White fabrics also reflects the sun.
A wet T-Shirt lets in alsmost as much light as bare skin.
You can get a sunburn on an overcast day. I know this one is true!

Maple Valley Days

Are you ready? Ready or not, here comes Maple Valley Days. This is going to be a record year for us with the number of activities and exciting events. The parade begins at 10am and starts on Witte Rd at 240th and travels down past the Community Center where the judges stand will be then turns down 248th and travels into the park and around the carnival.

The Cedar Grill is cooking up breakfast for us at the Community Center both Saturday and Sunday. We have a packed line up for the entertainment stage including a Neil Diamond impersonator. The Hydros race on the lake Saturday and Sunday, the Street Rats will have upwards of 300 classic cars on display Saturday in the park. We are overflowing with vendors this year. Lots of hand crafted booths with very unique items. RealLife church has souped up Kidland for us this year. The train will be traveling from Kidland to the Car Show, Hydros and Carnival all day. The Farmers Market will be on display talking about their opening day the following Satuday.

I hear the weather is going to hold out for us and bless us with 70 degree temperatures. I hope I didn't jinx it!

The festival opens Friday June 12th at 4pm and closes Sunday at 5pm. For an official line up of activities pull the insert from next weeks Voice of the Valley or stop by our info booth at the Festival.

See you next weekend!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

If rates are peaking your interest check out www.mortgagemastermv.com

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Here is a group photo from our first Vendor meeting for Maple Valley Farmer's Market. You are gonna love these guys, they are so nice and many of them are from Maple Valley.
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Opening Day is 3 weeks away. See you on June 20th!


Rock Creek Elementary School on Maple Valley Hwy.
Every Saturday starting June 20th and ending October 10th.
9am-1pm.

Maple Valley Farmers' Market

Can you believe that we have 35 vendors for the grand opening of our very own Farmers Market? We are meeting with them today to talk about the set up and what to expect. They will probably be telling us what to expect :) A lot of these vendors have participated in our Farmers Markets. We do have a number of local citizens that are using our Market as a spring board for their new business. Now, that is exciting. My hope from day one was that we would offer the opportunity for our own Maple Valley residents to start a new business at our Market.

Opening Day is June 20th. The market runs every Saturday until October 10th from 9am-1pm. See you there :)

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Maple Valley Rambler For Sale

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 1280 Square Feet, $289,950
Beautiful updated rambler in Wilderness Glen just south of Lake Wilderness Golf Course. Kitchen has granite countertops and radiant heated tile floors. Refinished hardwood floors, new furnace and hot water tank. A/C! Insulated finished heated garage. Storage shed. Beautifully landscaped front and back yards. Fully fenced backyard. Backs up to a farm. AHS Home Warranty included. A must see!
View more pictures of this home at www.JohnLScott.com/50028

Search for listings online at home or on your mobile phone at http://www.johnlscott.com/

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Maple Valley Rambler!

Cherokee Bay - Private Lakefront Community

  • $234,000
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 1.5 Baths
  • 1,180 Square Feet
  • Slate Entryway
  • Hardwood Floors
  • RV Parking
View more pictures of this home at www.JohnLScott.com/86340
Search for listings online at home or on your mobile phone at http://www.johnlscott.com/

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Maple Valley Real Estate Market

Spring is in the air... everywhere you look around! We've had a few glimpses of sunshine in between the spring rains, gardens are starting to bloom, and Real Estate in Washington is picking up. With incentives like the $8,000 tax credit for new homebuyers and all-time low interest rates, Buyers are out looking for homes. And Sellers are taking notice, more homes are being listed as the Real Estate market gears up for its busy spring/summer season.

Here are a few of our recent homes for sale in the Maple Valley area:


SOLD IN 48 HOURS!
Kent area Split Level Home.
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,430 sq ft $219,950



Maple Valley Rambler in Valley Green Neighborhood.
Extensive and exotic landscaping. 3 bedrooms, 1,260 sq ft. $269,950



Country Living in the heart of the city of Maple Valley.
2,950 sq ft home on 2.5 acres. $539,990

You can find these listings and more online at www.JohnLScott.com/MapleValley

See a home you want more information about? Call us today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have. 425-432-7007

Friday, May 8, 2009

Maple Valley Real Estate Market

Our real estate market is finally shifting gears. We are down to just 5 months worth of inventory in the market. That is in comparision to the 9-10 months that we have been dealing with since the start of 2008.

For all of King County our inventory levels are down 15%. Prices have not started to go up but most price points either have stabilized or showing strong signs of stabilizing soon.

This is welcome relief to real estate agents as well as Sellers. But if your a Buyer you must shift into the fast lane and be willing to act fast if you want the property that you have your eye on.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Maple Valley Acreage For Sale














$259,000

Great Opportunity - 2.06 acres, ready for your custom home!

Build your custom home in an area of high end homes, one minute from Webster lake Estates. Private homesite with septic design approval for 4 bedroom home. Level lot has been surveyed, wetland study done, CAD letter in hand. Hook up to Cedar River water or Shared Well. Great for rambler or two story custom home. Bring your builder or use one of ours!

View more pictures of this home at www.JohnLScott.com/11697

Search for listings online at home or on your mobile phone at http://www.johnlscott.com/

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Fun for all at Maple Valley Fishing Derby!!


Gil Sandoval, helping to reel in a big one at the kids pen!




Berthy Carson, handing out prizes at the end of the derby!



Marie Collins and daughter Rainy, pausing for a photo op after their shift volunteering at the "Get it Now" prize table!


7th Annual Maple Valley Fishing Derby was a huge success!! Hundred's came out to help celebrate the opening day of fishing season at Lake Wilderness Park. Die hard fishermen were out and eager to fish starting at 12:00am Saturday morning. Maple Valley Rotary was busy cooking up pancake breakfast for everyone. Volunteers were out and about answering questions, handing out bait, and helping youngsters reel in their fish at the Fish Pen. This year's tagged fish "Sir Lucas," was snagged by a Tahoma High School student who won $300 for his catch. And for all those lucky people who caught fish this year, prizes were donated by local business owners and residents, and given out at the prize ceremony at the end of the derby. The 2009 Derby was a great experience, we hope to see everyone again next year!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Maple Valley Home For Sale

One of the best houses in Katesridge!

$375,000
  • Built in 2002
  • 4 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths
  • Over 2,600 Sq Ft of living space
  • Central A/C
  • Completely updated Kitchen with Granite Countertops and new Stainless Steel Appliances
  • Almost a 1/4 Acre Lot
  • Huge Patio, Gazebo covered Hot Tub, large matching Shed and in-ground Sprinkler System
  • Located close to stores, shops, restaurants and Lake Wilderness Park

View more pictures of this home at www.JohnLScott.com/97663


Search for listings online at home or on your mobile phone at http://www.johnlscott.com/

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Fishing Derby Tickets On Sale!

Maple Valley Fishing Derby &
Fishermen's Breakfast at Lake Wilderness
Saturday, April 25, 2009 12:01 a.m. to noon


Derby Tickets now on Sale!!

$5.00 tagged fish tickets are now on sale, buy your ticket prior to midnight, April 24th, to win the cash prize for the "Tagged Fish".

Finders Fee for the Tagged Fish! Tagged Fish Sponsor, "Automated Networking" is offering a $300 bounty on "Sir Lucas", this year's tagged fish! "Sir Lucas" must be caught on derby day and presented to derby officials for verification prior to noon on Saturday, April 25th, 2009.

Stop by the John L. Scott Office at 4-Corners and get your $5 tagged fish tickets now. 26837 Maple Valley Hwy, Maple Valley.

Friday, April 17, 2009

John L. Scott Mobile Website

Property information anytime, anywhere…
Ever wanted to look up a home for sale while you were on the road? Couldn't wait to get home to look it up on your computer? Now, you can look up homes on your cell phone! Go to www.JohnLScott.com on your mobile phone and get instant access to home information.

Special Features:
• JohnLScott.com is optimized for mobile browsing.
• MLS number, property address or the 5-digit John L. Scott property code can be used to find a specific listing.
• Comprehensive property information and all photos for every listing.
• Search nearby properties for sale.
• Search results can be filtered by radius, price range and beds/baths.

To experience John L. Scott’s mobile search, visit www.JohnLScott.com from any mobile phone.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

3 Bedroom Rambler on Green River Gorge

$395,000

3 Bedrooms
1.5 Bathrooms
1,900 Sq Ft
2 Car Garage

Serenity and Seclusion on the Green River Gorge. 2.5 usable acres (total 6.7) perched at the edge of the Green River Gorge (300 ft up!). This well maintained rambler has many new and updated features. There is plenty of storage in the attached "lean-to" (big enough for a boat) and covered RV parking off the large heated garage. Sitting on the covered deck you can hear the river running through the bottom of the gorge. To learn more about this home, visit www.johnlscott.com/81191

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Short Sale in Ravensdale

Great Opportunity!!

$156,900

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
Sq Ft: 1,200
Lot: 1.72 acres
Sloped acreage in Ravensdale with great territorial views. 1991 Guerdon Double wide. All appliances stay, plus new windows.

Maple Valley Investor meeting tonight

At our investor meeting tonight we will be having a live webinar with Mark Hodges from Entrust to learn about Self Directed IRA's. Only 3% of the 401k and IRA money in the U.S. is in what is called a Self Directed account. So, if you have never heard of it, your not alone. If you roll your 401k and/or IRA money into a Self Directed account you can then use your money to invest in Real Estate "tax and penalty free".

It is a great option that more of us need to learn about. RSVP at Meetup.com by clicking on the link on the right side of the page.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

House Swap available in Black Diamond WA.

Sold today with multiple offers!


We are looking for someone that has a VA loan on their current home that would like to swap for a beautiful home in Black Diamond WA. This home has a VA loan on it and the Veterans Administration said they would help coordinate a house swap. This home is 2000 square feet and in great shape on a quarter acre. We have it priced at $260,000. Here is a link to more information: www.johnlscott.com/92787

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

March is Eye Safety Month



Eye Safety


How important are your eyes?

I remember the day I left the doctor’s office with a patch over my eye. No big deal. They said I couldn’t drive. Why? I could see just fine! But, I really didn’t know. Not long afterwards, I noticed that I almost walked into things and I constantly had to turn my head to look at things. It was becoming irritating. Focusing was strange and it was difficult to function normally. I was done with having this patch on my eye. The doctor was right and I’m glad I didn’t drive. It didn’t take long before I realized my day was not going to be productive. What a relief it was to take it off the next day. My eyes are very important to me.

What are the most common causes of Eye Injuries?

At Work
Chemicals-gasoline
, Oil, Solvents, Acids……. Air-Blown & Wind-Blown Particles- Dust, Wood, Sand……. Flying Objects-bits of Metal, Glass, Plastic…….Harmful Radiation-Welding Arcs, UV
Wear your Face Shield or Safety Glasses!

At Home
Household Cleaners…. Chemicals….. Eyelash Curlers….Mascara Brushes (cosmetic applicators)….Fingernails….Lawn, Garden & Hand Tools….Air-Blown & Wind Blown Particles….Bungee Cords…Falls, Bumping into Walls etc….Champagne Corks….Battery Acid…Toys & Games with Hard or Sharp edges.
Be cautious! Think ahead! Wear Safety Glasses aim away from anyones face!

In Sports
Blunt Trauma, someone or something hitting your eye…..A Ball or Puck….A Stick, Bat or Racquet….Wind-Blown & Airborne Particles (Sand, Dirt)…….UV Radiation from Sunlight….Paintballs…..Fireworks
Put on your Helmet! Wear your Protect Gear!


Monday, March 23, 2009

Maple Valley Real Estate Market

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Is our housing market is heating up?

Ever since the Housing Stimulus was passed on February 17th our phones haven't stopped ringing, and that is music to our ears.

The investors purchasing homes under $250,000 now have competition with owner-occupied Buyers. First time home buyers are claiming this opportunity as their "perfect storm", and they are right. Never seen before low low interest rates, home prices down to 2004-2005 levels and the $8,000 credit as the icing on the cake, makes for a "never seen before" opportunity.

If this keeps up, we will soon see the under $250,000 price range stabilize and we will be looking to the $250,000-$350,000 range to stabilize next.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009

Maple Valley Community Events

Now taking applications for Maple Valley Farmers Market, Maple Valley Days Parade as well as donations for the Maple Valley Fishing Derby. if you want more information on any of these community events, let me know! I can come to you and show you all the possibilities that are available with these activities.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Housing Stimulus - Do you qualify for benefits?

If you would like to know if your home loan is owned by Fannie or Freddie, use these links to find out: http://www.fanniemae.com/homepath/homeaffordable.jhtml and https://ww3.freddiemac.com/corporate/.

If your home loan is owned by Fannie or Freddie, you need to check out the Housing Stimulus at: http://www.financialstability.gov/ and see what benefits are awaiting you. There are benefits for at least 5 million homeowners and you are probably one of them! If you have questions, please call me and I can help you. 425-432-7007

What does the Housing Stimulus Mean to You?

If you owe less than 80% of the equity in your home, you may qualify to get a payment reduction under this plan. Example: if you have a $200,000 mortgage and your home is worth atleast $250,000 and your interest rate is 8% and you are able to get a reduction down to 5% you would save about $400 a month which is $4800 a year. Sounds like a good savings.

For more information about the program, check out this link: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090313_stable.htm

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Maple Valley Fishing Derby at Lake Wilderness

Are you ready to get "Hooked on Fishing?" Preparation for the 2009 Maple Valley Fishing Derby is underway and we are in need of prizes! If you would like to donate a prize for the Fishing Derby, now is the time. We are collecting fishing poles, tackle boxes, tools, kids toys etc. You can drop your prizes off at the Chamber of Commerce office inside City Hall or at the John L. Scott office at Four Corners. For more information call Kim Emmons at 425 432 7007. Fishing Derby is April 25th.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Housing Stimulus

Here is a link to the Housing Stimulus: http://www.financialstability.gov/ This outlines who is eligible to receive help. There is an extra incentive for homeowners that have been paying their mortgages on time after the modification. You can receive $1,000 for 5 years if you continue to make your payments on time.

Maple Valley Farmers Market on Facebook

To join the discussion and to learn the latest happenings about the Maple Valley Farmers Market join the Maple Valley Farmers Market Group on Facebook. Here is a direct link to the group: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=56078103623&ref=nf