My Blog

MERCER ISLAND LIFESTYLE – NEWS  & INFORMATION (Please read all of this–helpful info toward the end.):

Our Mercer Island Women’s Club offers outstanding new activities, as well as old favorites–it’s the best way to get acquainted with your bright and talented Island neighbors. It just costs $25 a year, and we have every imaginable activity from Book Clubs to Scrabble, Bunco & Bridge; luncheon get togethers; classes in Interior Design, Computer skills; a gardening group; Financial Guidance for women; impromptu tennis; ski groups; singing groups; movie get togethers, and so much more! We generally break into small groups and many of our groups meet in members’ homes, so we all get to know each other. Contact me for a list of all the great current offerings.

Mortgage interest rates are unbelievably low now-it’s the ideal time to buy on Mercer Island.  Speaking of ideal, let me tell you about 3  fantastic listings:

1) LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION: ACROSS FROM THE LAKE! A “fixer” with amazing potential on a superb site: a lovely corner lot across from the Lake, with lake access via the street-end beach right across the street, in a neighborhood of $$$ waterfront homes for just $525,000! Take a refreshing swim, or enjoy windsurfing, or a canoe ride or sailing on a “Sunfish” for a day of fun on the lake. From here it’s just a short stroll to Mercer Island’s nearby parks, boutique shops, and great restaurants, with quick and easy freeway access. What a fantastic location. Bring your builder and your imagination to have your dream home on this ideal site! Please call me for more information about this rare find! This great property has been sold.

2) WOW! An impeccable Ralph Anderson designed Black & Caldwell (blending indoor and outdoor beauty–a la Frank Lloyd Wright) with a Zen feel amid sylvan splendor and the soothing sound of the creek – in choice “Lakeview Highlands East” neighborhood. It boasts 5 bedrooms, a dream kitchen (SubZero; slab-granite island, “baking center,” etc.); skylights, window walls & French doors galore; elegant formal areas, and so many amazing bonus features! This exciting home, with all the “bells & whistles”, on a creek-side secluded sylvan site tucked away at the end of a scenic private lane in one of Mercer Island’s best neighborhoods – in perfect move-in condition with $50,000 of recent upgrades. All that and it’s just a short walk to beautiful Groveland Beach. (MLS #270181)!  www.6270westmercer.com I’m pleased to announce that this fantastic home has sold.

3) This great listing is an amazing custom home with gorgeous grounds (a huge level private yard complete with a pond and dramatic outdoor lighting)! This spacious home is within walking distance to both grade school & high school, as well as to two parks (one with tennis courts and playfields & one with play equipment, a skate park, the Sunday Farmers’s Market & summer’s Music In The Park), and to Mercer Island’s wonderful boutique shops & restaurants. Currently there are 3 bedrooms, with the potential for 2 more. There is a huge party/recreation room as well as a huge living room. The large west-facing deck, overlooking the gorgeous yard, is accessed from both the dining room and the master suite. There are also 3 beautiful fireplaces, and so much more! The price? Call/text/email me to see this fantastic home (#276822)! This listing is now sold, and the buyers are very excited about their great new home!

Seafair always takes me back to my young years when we lived near the Hydroplane Races and we always felt such a part of it. Since my father built trailers for the Hydroplanes, we were lucky to have “pit passes” (to the Stan Sayres Hydroplane “pit”, where they are kept during races). Our talented young neighbor then–who builds beautiful model hydroplanes–Mike Fitzsimmons, always announces the races on KIRO TV. It was exciting also when I was a Seafair Princess and we got to view the races from a Coast Guard Cutter timing the races in the middle of the race course.  Such fond memories…)!  For information about all the festivities we had during Seafair 2012: http://www.seafair.com/news.aspx?ID=228&Mon=5&Yr=2012

Mercer Island’s “Summer Celebration” was fantastic again this year, with a myriad of activities for all ages. Click here for information about all the events that took place: www.misummercelebration.com I hope you were able to attend so that you could get the feeling of what it’s like to live here. We Islanders always enjoy this event so much!

We are fortunate that Mercer Island properties are selling now – some in just a short time (some within a few days, or a few weeks), and many with multiple offers.  This is the lowest inventory we’ve had in 10 years.  If you live on the Island and have been waiting for a good real estate market to put your home on the market and move on, that time is now. Interest rates (and inventory) remain low, and more buyers are out now. Please call/text/email me to get started–I have a wealth of information to share with you that will help you receive “top dollar” for your home in the shortest time possible. By the way, I’m proud to announce that our office (Mercer Island Coldwell Banker Bain Associates) is the top office year-to-date in new listings sold, and closed sales!  Our great office has been the #1 Real Estate Company on the Island for the entire 35 years that I’ve been in the business.

Women singers being sought for  ‘Barbershop Quartet’ style harmony  (“Northwest Chorus”) plus free vocal instruction.  Rehearsal at Congregational Church on Island Crest Way.  Info: 425-443-7464.

If you are contemplating moving to our beautiful Island, please contact me so I can share with you my knowledge of what it’s like to live on Mercer Island (I’ve lived here over 40 years). There are so many benefits to living here, I can hardly wait to tell you all about them. And we now have a popular delicatessen/restaurant (“Stopsky’s”) next to “Island Books” (we love our book store)!  And our “Yo Yogurt” in the south end near Starbucks is a unique concept – great flavors and every imaginable topping (you just pay 44 cents an ounce) it’s healthy and so satisfying, you have to try it! And don’t miss our new store offering delicious fresh fish, ”Freshy’s”, now serving  fish & chips.   And, of course the Roanoke is always a favorite meeting place, and the Islander is also great!   I recently enjoyed meals at Bennetts (delicious healthy food), and Island Crust (fantastic pizza).

Best regards,

Natalie

P.S. We’re so excited that our Alec won an award from DownBeat Magazine, for outstanding original musical composition by a High School student – we’re so proud of him; and his Jazz quartet performed their original music at the World Cafe Live in Philadelphia recently (with two encores)!

WOW!  The sun is out and our beautiful Island is looking great!  We’re so fortunate that we haven’t experienced severe weather like so many other areas of the Country/and in other parts of the world.  Mercer Island remains so desirable since we are a small town with the feeling of a village, yet with a preponderance of interesting, helpful, friendly, well educated residents, and we are located close to both Bellevue/the Eastside and Seattle.  Mercer Island’s current real estate market is active, with many superb homes and condos for sale at reasonable prices, with low interest rates, and with an amazing choice of properties in all price ranges. 

If you live on our great Island and are contemplating a move, our Real Estate market is active.  This link with take you to information about my listing which just sold with multiple offers.  I would love to help you sell your home – please call/text/email  me to get started.  http://www.xpressdocs.com/xlinks/2290126.

Thank you,

Natalie

The great Mercer Island listing I’ve mentioned is on the market at the affordable price of $769,000!   What’s so special about this home?  It is a bright spacious 4 bedroom 2006* “Craftsman”, all on one level and just the right size (2400+/- square feet), with skylights and storage galore.  Here you’ll find the perfect art studio (which would also be an ideal hobby room or play room);  plus there are so many bonus features, you’ll want to access the listing for all the details #139834.  The great corner lot–on a quiet street, walking distance to the High School, PEAK, Youth Theater, Mercerwood Shore Club, and the JCC–boasts the best yard ever: A glorious Grape Arbor; unique foliage and floral fantasia, with disease-resistant roses and roses that grow in the shade; a vegetable/herb garden; a delightful flagstone path leading through the yard past the ever-blooming floral display designed with something blooming each month of the year, many are exotic species rarely seen.  And the sprinkler system adds to the easy maintenance of this great yard.  Please call me for a private showing at your convenience – you won’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity! 

I also have listed a wonderful 3 bedroom Mercer Island view condo, 1440 square feet with an indoor pool and Sauna, washer/dryer in the unit, covered parking, and so much more.  Call or text me for more information on this ideal condominium.

At our recent business meeting, we learned that our lowest-ever interest rates have just gone up 1/2%, which means that you have just lost 5% of your buying power.  If interest rates go up 1%, you will have lost 10% of your buying power.  NOW IS THE BEST POSSIBLE TIME TO BUY!  Our Island homes are selling now – don’t miss out on this opportunity to have your dream home in our great community with an affordable monthly mortgage payment!

It’s hard to believe that summer is already over, although some of our great Mercer Island events will continue on.  For instance, our great Farmer’s Market will continue on Sundays from 11:00-3:00 through October 17th. 

Regarding Mercer Island Real Estate, prices and interest rates are so very low compared to what they were just a few years back.  Don’t miss out on these great bargains with low mortgage payments to boot – you’ll be sorry you didn’t take advantage of them.   Don’t be put off by the “doom & gloom” in the media; it gets your attention (which is the goal).  Granted your home most likely won’t be the “cash cow” of former years, but it’s still wonderful to live in a beautiful home with your favorite decor in your ideal location.  Contact me to find exciting Mercer Island homes for sale with gorgeous views, and/or waterfront (or shared waterfront), and/or with amazing gardens, many of them near parks or beaches.  It’s the ideal time to find that one home that’s ibest for your family and your lifestyle.  

Speaking of spectacular properties, I have a fantastic listing that will be on the market soon.  Feel free to call me for more information about it - it’s truly a rare find!  And if you will be selling your Mercer Island home, I’ll be able to help you get ‘”top” dollar in today’s market.  Just call/text/email me to get together for a consultation so that I can answer all your questions about the market, and my marketing plan designed specifically for your home.  As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Natalie

 My kids, and then my grandkids, used to enjoy Deane’s Children’s Park so much when they were young.  This is a great opportunity for others to have that same great experience! The information follows:

“Adventure Playground” Offers Outdoor Play & Fun
Every Tuesday & Thursday from 1:00-4:00!

Adventure Playground Runs Now through October at Deane’s Children’s Park:

 Did you used to play in the woods as a kid? If you are of a certain age, chances are you did. Today, kids are not as likely to have this same experience. Busy schedules, fear of crime and electronic media all play a part in the loss of outdoor play in a child’s life.

 To encourage outdoor play, the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Department has created an “Adventure Playground” this summer at Deane’s Children’s Park (5500 Island Crest Way). At the Adventure Playground, kids ages 4 to 13 can dig in the dirt, build forts, play knights and dragons, or create whatever world they can imagine—all in a forested setting.  City staff will provide materials and tools as well as guidance on how to use them so the participants can work on their own safely.   

The Adventure Playground is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm to 4:00pm now through October 28. Children ages 4 to 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 7 to 13 may attend without adult supervision, though parents are welcome to stay.  Registration is not required; however, all first-time participants must have a parent sign a waiver before participating. Mercer Island residents may participate in Adventure Playground for free. A drop-in fee of $2 applies to non-residents beginning August 10.

 Adventure Playground Requests Building Supply Donations: The Parks and Recreation Department requests donations of building materials for the Adventure Playground, including unpainted lumber, bricks, hand tools, fasteners and other materials that may be useful for creating forts and climbers. Call (206) 275-7891 if you have materials to donate.

 Adventure Playground Details:

• July 27, 2010-October 28, 2010
• Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm-4:00pm
• Deane’s Children’s Park (5500 Island Crest Way)
• No registration required
• Ages 4 to 13
• Free for Mercer Island residents; $2 drop-in fee for non-residents
• For more information, visit www.mercergov.org/outdoorplay

And speaking of the Park, “Mostly Music In The Park” at Mercerdale Park is always so much fun.  There will be more music this coming Sunday from 7:00-8:30, and next Thursday and next Sunday also.  And remember Mercer Island’s “Farmer’s Market” on Sundays from 11:00 – 3:00.   And if you’re looking for real estate on our great Island, call/text/email me – I have the best priced 2 BR/2BA condo listing on Mercer Island, priced at just $249,900!  And I’ve now  listed an exciting Mercer Island “Craftsman” rambler (effective year built 2006) with an amazing garden, including a glorious grape arbor - it will be on the market soon!  Interest rates remain at historic lows - it’s the ideal time to buy real estate on our great Island!!

Best regards,

Natalie

Last night (Thursday, the 29th) Bob & I attended the great “Mercer Island Volunteer Appreciation Dinner” held at Mercerdale Park where we enjoyed a fantastic dinner with fascinating people.  We were also treated to “Thank You” tributes from our Mayor, Jim Pearman, and from Volunteer Coordinator and our host (& chef extraordinaire): Jeanette Eggebrecht of  Mercer Island “Parks & Rec.” (her Caramel Flan dessert was amazing!).  We then enjoyed the toe-tapping Brazilian music of the wonderful “Show Brazil” group  (part of our Concerts in the Park series held Thursday, and Sunday, evenings).   There will be another “Mostly Music In The Park” group this Sunday evening; as well as our Sunday Farmer’s Market from 11:00 – 3:00, complete with music, food (great pizza) and healthy fresh fruits & vegetables to purchase.  If you don’t currently live on the Island, this is a chance to experience a little of the lifestyle here.

And if you are contemplating a move to Mercer Island, I have an amazing offer: a bright, spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at desirable “Island Court” for the incredibly low price of $249,900!  I will also soon be listing an exciting Island home with the best garden ever, including a prolific grape arbor.  I’ll let you know as soon as it comes on the market.  We have such great homes for sale at affordable prices!  Some with “drop dead” views, wonderful waterfront homes, and others with gorgeous open floor plans in walk-to-school neighborhoods.  Now is the ideal time to buy while interest rates remain so low! 

I always love to hear from you – please call/text/email me for upcoming Mercer Island events!

Best regards,

Natalie

We enjoyed celebrating this past weekend, with birthday cake for all, and at our great “Mostly Music In The Park” where we enjoyed all the old Beatles songs beautifully rendered by the group “The Nowhere Men” at Mercerdale Park, complete with glorious sunshine.  It was a wonderful opportunity to see friends and neighbors.  We are so grateful to live in such a beautiful city!  During last week’s great Summer Celebration, I enjoyed helping at the Mercer Island Women’s Club booth and meeting some new potential members, and I also had a chance to visit the other booths ands to purchase some wonderful products.  If you don’t know about the Women’s Club, please call me.  It’s a unique and exciting way to meet your fellow Islanders.  The only requirement is that you live on Mercer Island; and if you aren’t currently a resident here, I can certainly help you with that.  We also have our Farmers’ Market every Sunday from 11:00 to 3:00 with amazing fresh fruits and vegetables as well as gorgeous bouquets of flowers, food booths and music too.

Interest rates remain unbelievably low so that if you can take advantage of our low prices for spectacular properties combined with the low interest rates, your monthly mortgage payments will be surprisingly low for your “dream home”!   Our Island is a great place to live, with so many parks, trails, and beaches; friendly interesting neighbors, and enjoyable activities for all ages.  Please call or text me to learn more about living here.  Unlike some areas on the Eastiside, there’s no need to dress up to go the mailbox – we’re more relaxed than that.  And speaking of living on Mercer Island, I would like to remind you of the wonderful condo I have listed at Island Court (a friendly helpful community of just 14 units) for just $249,900 for a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 full bath corner unit with a fireplace, a large deck, and cheerful southwest exposure.  Also I will be listing a gorgeous property with the most exquisite gardens (including a prolific grape arbor) and so many bonus features–too numerous to mention!

Please call me to learn more, as always I enjoy hearing from you.

Best regards,

Natalie

P.S. FYI:  Real Estate is changing, and Realtors who were formerly “Agents” are now considered “Brokers” without having had any additional training, and those of us who were formerly “Brokers” (have “jumped through many more hoops” & have paid much more each year for our licenses) are now considered “Managing Brokers” since, by virtue of our additional training, we’re actually qualified to manage a Real Estate office.

Join us at Mercer Island’s 20th annual Summer Celebration – you won’t want to miss this one!  On Saturday, July 10th we’ll have our wonderful Community Parade – it’s always so much fun!  It starts at 10;00 AM and runs along 78th Ave. SE between SE 27th and Mercerdale Park.  Then visit our great Street Fair along 77th Ave. SE & SE 32nd, which runs from 11-7 Saturday & 10-5 on Sunday.  And there are so many fun activities for kids at Mercerdale Park from 11-7 Saturday & 10-5 Sunday.  And Saturday night, we have our spectacular FIREWORKS!  With live music from 7:15 to 10:00 PM, and the fireworks start at approximately 10:15.  If you prefer taking a bus rather than trying to park nearby, you can catch the shuttle bus that leaves from City Hall. You can also take a boat ride around Mercer Island on Saturday - it will leave from the dock at  Luther Burbank Park at 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00 – you’ll want to buy tickets in advance so you won’t miss out on this great activity.  There is so  much more to tell you about our fantastic festivities, including a celebration of Mercer Island’s 50 years as a City.  Please call/text/email me for more information.  Thanks – I look forward to seeing you there.  If this is your first time to attend, please come up and introduce yourself and I’ll be happy to help you find your way!

Hope you’re enjoying this sunshine!  And if you’re in the market for a condo on Mercer Island, unit #203 at our desirable “Island Court” condominiums is a great spacious 2 bedroom, 2 full bath, corner unit on Mercer Island – priced at just $255,000 – it’s a wonderful way to get started on our ideal Island.  If you lived here, you could just stroll to the parade and the street fair.  I would love to help you become a part of our Island community!

Best regards,

Natalie

Can you believe it?  Interest rates are at the lowest they’ve been in 50 years!  Add to that the fact that there are so many beautiful desirable Mercer Island homes for sale for affordable prices.  It’s the perfect time to buy – the confluence of those two amazing events may not ever happen again.  Please let me help you search for, and purchase, your dream home while the time is hot!  We’re seeing many more sales here lately than we’ve seen in a long time.  Don’t wait too long and let this fortuitous time pass you by.

Will you be in town and ready for Mercer Island’s Summer Celebration? See my blog of last week (below-at the end of this blog) for all the details.  Hope to see you at the fireworks!

Incidentally, here’s information about the lane closures while work is being done on the I-90 bridge:

The following lane closures will occur on I-90 during the week June 28 to July 2. Please plan accordingly.

Monday, June 28 – the morning of Friday, July 2 

• Up to two lanes on westbound I-90 from 76th Avenue SE to the Mercer Island Lid will close nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Crews will close a single lane of eastbound I-90 between Sherwood and East Mercer Way nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• The left lane on eastbound I-90 from East Mercer Way to just west of Bellevue Way SE will close nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Until further notice

• The I-90 reversible express lanes will be reduced to one lane near Island Crest Way for construction.

For more information on I-90 lane closures and construction projects, visit the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT’s) website at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/King/Construction/#I90.

And don’t forget my great listing at Island Court Condos – it’s by far the best deal out there!  Please call so I can show it to you at your convenience.  Wouldn’t it be great to have your adult/college age kids living near you at wonderful convenient Island Court, with its great features and its friendly helpful neighbors (only 14 units all together)!  This condo is great!!  You’ll want to see this one!

Hope you have a great week (we may even see sunshine)!

Best regards,

Natalie