Better Seattle

While I rave about Bellevue proper, and I rave about Seattle proper,

(granted, both of these cities are smoking hot, and their obstinance in maintaining their values despite greater market turmoil elsewhere testifies to this...)

...some of you may be wondering, "Sara, sure these areas are great, but what about a terrific larger home for a price I can afford?"

With the median home price in Belleuve at $635,500, and the median condo price at $324,995, many are feeling priced out of the market. If you work in either of these two great cities. promising homes can be found just a short commute away, and no, you don't have to sacrifice on the bedrooms, or the space!

The following home is a terrific example.

This is one of my listings, located in Bothell, on a quiet street with quick access to 405 and a short dash to I5. It's tucked into the edge of a cul de sac, in a friendly neighborhood of like houses, and comes complete with three bedrooms, a bonus room, a supersized entertaining deck, and a hottub below, as well as the preliminary living and dining room. The kitchen features  newer modern and visually appealing cabinetry, and all three bedrooms are reasonably sized with generously large windows. The home is fully fenced with visibly high quality wood fencing (new), and the landscaping maintenance is minimal, yet aesthetically inviting.

The price? $349,950, just an elbow above the median price for a condo in Bellevue. What a steal!!

The home is owned by an executive who commutes to Bellevue, and he is downsizing because he no longer needs such a large home. It's been maintained exceptionally well, and if this is the home for you, you're guarranteed to love it as much as he did.

Feel free to take a drive by to see the home, or give me or your agent a call and I'd love to show you the home (or any others you're interested in).

Home Facts:

Address: 20616 13th Drive South East, Bothell, WA

Square Feet: 1,650 as per seller

Beds: 3

Baths: 1.75

Year Built: 1975

Details: Two car garage, laundry room, well-maintained bright and airy Bothell home, close to 405, quick drive to I5, nearby grocery and shopping, great Bothell schools! Large Deck, hot tub, fully fenced, fabulous home for entertaining, on cul de sac in quiet, friendly neighborhood! Steal of a price!

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest,

it was common for residents of the Bellevue/Eastside and residents of Seattle not to intermingle, viewing Lake Washington as a great expanse separating two very different worlds. I still encounter people who won't jump the "pond" to the other side, but for those in the Emerald City ignoring their eastern neighbor, an almost seemingly overnight transformation is taking place.

Calling Bellevue Seattle's sister city may be a bit presumptious, but no doubt this shining star is becoming a neighbor with which to contend. Why?

Bellevue residents have the "hots" for Bellevue,

and the temperature is rising: In the city's annual performance survey, 95% of respondents said they believe Bellevue is an excellent place to live, up two percent from last year. 94% rank the quality of life in their neighborhood as good to excellent, up 4%.

Bellevue is being "urbanized":

Aside from the stunning additions such as Bellevue Towers and Washington Square in the downtown district (and a new nightlife!), Bellevue's Bel-Red Corridor will be transformed into a more urban environment, with mixed use development, new neighborhoods (including affordable housing), parks and open areas, improved transportation, and more streets, bike lanes, and trails.

Preparing for the commuting future:

Bellevue's Light Rail Best Practices Commitee issued a report on the development of light rail after firsthand observation of the light rail systems in Portland, San Jose, and San Diego. What you need to know: connections will include downtown Bellevue, the Bed-Red area, Overlake, and Seattle, while preserving and enhancing Bellevue's character. Your ongoing participation is sought by the Best Practices commitee.

Commitment to environmental stewardship:

By the close of 2008, the City of Bellevue vehicle fleet will include 31 Hybrids, as well as several "flex" fuel vehicles which run on a combination of gasoline and ethanol. Thirty-two diesel vehicles have been retrofitted with "diesel particulate filters" that trap pollution normally emitted into the air. The entire fleet (as well as maintenance equipment) recycles its engine oil, antifreeze, fluids, tires, batteries, metals, mercury switches, and brake components.

No longer in Kansas, Toto! Shopping is stepping up:

Neiman Marcus is moving into the Braven (under construction, on the corner of 8th and 112th), as well as the emergence of other stores like Burberry and Lacoste in Bellevue Square. We knew you'd finally get here!

[Picture of Bellevue Towers taken from my car heading west on Bellevue Way. These are my favorite new addition to the city!]