Rainier Valley Light Rail Update

There's been a lot of talk recently revolving around the light rail opening soon in Rainier Valley. After five years of construction, Sound Transit’s light rail is nearly up and running and not everyone is excited.

I've put together a couple of links so you can catch up on all the news.


The Rainier Valley Post is an AWESOME blog and if you live in South Seattle it is a must read.
On the Light Rail Issue:
Here you can find local opinions a plenty with viewpoints ranging from semi-racist, to hyper-informed, most worth reading. There are a couple of different articles written on the subject, so be sure to check this blog out.


The Seattle Pilot has a recent article that expounds on the development, or lack there of, that the light rail has brought to Martin Luther King Blvd.

Seattle Transit Blog talks about similar development issues surrounding the transit line.

Public Purpose This was written a few years back and is the "against" in the light rail argument. It's pretty dense read, and if I had to summarize that main point of the article can be understood with this quote:

Sound Transit is hurrying to sign a 'full funding grant agreement" with the federal government. That will oblige the region to complete the project, without regard to its burgeoning costs, diminishing benefits, or the fiscal capacity of current taxing authority. This is a precarious moment in the history of Seattle and the region.

So there you have it. If you're in the area, and would like to chime in with an opinion, please feel free.


-Raj

Seattle Slugger Ichiro Puts Issaquah, WA Home on Market

According the Wall Street Journal, Seattle's Super Star right fielder, Ichiro Sazuki has put his Issaqua, Washington home on the market for $1.75 Million. The home was extensively remodeled in 2003 and boosts sweeping views of Lake Sammamish, the Cascades and Mt Baker.

Ichiro, or "一郎" to Manga lovers, has moved into new digs-also on Lake Sammamish. And while local agent Rick Minor decided against using the Japanese sluggers name (or symbol) to promote the listing, he did subtly eluded to the possibility . This, from the listing:

"Batter Up!..for this knock your baseball socks off luxury home with unobstructed views of Lake Sammamish, the Cascades and Mt Baker! This magnificent home is in a gated community with 8 custom luxury homes. A superstar remodel will leave you in AWE! Formerly listed as high as $3.2 MIL, now priced at a steal of a deal. Exotic stonework graces this one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Private patios, gardens & sports court. Step up, take a swing, hit a grand slam and make this your home base!"

The foul mouthed Ichiro has made over $75 Million since signing with the M's in 2001. Among his many baseball talents, perhaps Ichiro's most over looked skill is his ability to provide awesome quotes. The jet setting super start had this to say about upon hearing his club would be going to Cleveland instead of Chicago:

'To tell the truth, I’m not excited to go to Cleveland, but we have to,' Ichiro said through an interpreter. 'If I ever saw myself saying I’m excited going to Cleveland, I’d punch myself in the face, because I’m lying.' Ladies and gentlemen, 一郎!

You can check out additional pictures of the Ichiro's 5,000 sq home here.

Distressed Property Law Changes Realtor® Liability

Changes to the Distressed Property Law have passed both branches of the Washington State Legislature and the bill is headed to Governor Gregoire’s desk for signature. You can read the piece of legislation here. Agents are now exempt “from the definition of “distressed home consultant” when the broker or salesperson is providing services governed under the real estate brokerage laws and the services do not result in a distressed home conveyance.”

Realtors® had been unhappy when their liability increased under the original Distressed Property Law. Many Realtors were refusing to list short sales because of the risk leaving potential clients wade the murky foreclosure waters on their own. Things began to change in early 2008 as the foreclosures began to pile up like. Now thanks to the pending law change Realtors® are now exempt from the DPL. However, not all Realtors® are trained to deal with foreclosures, so make sure your Realtor has attended a certified course and knows what he or she is doing.

Check out Seattle Foreclosures here.

Redfin To Begin Working With Outside Agents

Seattle-based online real estate brokerage Redfin has announced it will stat working with outside agents in markets where it has no agents of its own.

"We've got nearly half a million people browsing our website in areas where we can't afford to have agents," Redfin Chief Executive Glenn Kelman said. "So we're asking those folks if they want to work with a traditional agent, but on Redfin's terms."

Clients who buy form one of the outside agents will receive half of Redfin's referral fee, which is usually run 30% of the agents commission.Customers will be able to choose an agent from profiles that show details of every transaction since Dec. 15, 2007 and every review Redfin could get for those transactions.

Unique Spaces in Seattle

The Smith Tower Residences

There are many weird residences in and around Seattle, but none as cool as the Smith Tower Penthouse. The space sits on the 37th floor was originally occupied by the buildings manager and shared the space with a 10,000-gallon, cast iron water tank, which was dissembled and removed through the elevator in 1996. In 1997 a women (all attempts to located the wealthy lady were unsuccessful) signed a 40 year lease and had the space renovated by architectural firm, Castanes Partners. A massive Dale Chihuly chandelier hangs down through the center of the residence making the unique space taste like blueberry.

Fun Facts:
The Smith Tower opened on July 4, 1914. At he time of completion is the was the fourth tallest building in the world and weighed 48,650 tons. It remained the tallest building west of the Mississippi River for almost 50 years.
The Penthouse is the only residence in the building.









We plan on updating the Unique Spaces Of Seattle Series every month. Suggestions are welcome.