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Natalie Malin
Managing Broker

    Masters Degree
    CRS: Certified Residential Specialist

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Posts Tagged ‘Mercer Island Homes’

Mercer Island’s Claim To Fame (among others)!

Monday, February 1st, 2010

We recently were heralded in the Seattle Times for our wonderful unique “Pioneer Park”.  We are so fortunate to have this beautiful park so accessible from so many areas.  As was stated: It is 120 acres of forested area with over 6 miles of trails encircling the northwest quadrant of the Island, and more great trails in the northeast quadrant, and in the south end as well.  We regularly walk in the south end.  It’s so beautiful, like walking in the woods somewhere in the San Juans – it’s quiet and relaxing; you can even hear the birdsongs.  And after it feels like you’ve been away for awhile, you come out near Starbucks and the southend QFC for a latte or chai tea and a snack.  It’s level in the southend and a very comfortable walk for most everyone.  The northeast quadrant is level to moderately steep, but still a very enjoyable walk.   You can pick up a trail map at one of the kiosks near the parking areas, and there is ample parking nearby.  For more information: www.mercergov.org/pioneerpark or call: 206-275-7609.

It’s so nice to live on the Island!  Last evening we had a neighborhood meeting regarding replacing our shared fences, and it was wonderful to discover that we are all in agreement as to what we prefer.  We love our neighbors – they are great, so helpful and thoughtful.  That’s one of the many benefits of living in a small closely knit community.

I will soon be listing several superb Mercer Island homes – I will keep you posted as soon as we are ready to put them on the market.  Are you contemplating a move or wanting to purchase investment properrty?  Please let me know - I can help you.

Incidentally, I’m sorry for any misinformation regarding earthquake safety in my prior blog (since erased), the author appeared to be reputable and my source was a trusted classmate and the information sounded quite logical.  In fact, I would like to learn more about the subject if you have additional information.  It would be interesting/helpful to see what scientific evidence there is for the various theories.

Best regards,

Natalie

P.S. For you Islanders, please remember to contribute to our Boys & Girls Club annual campaign: “www.mi.positiveplace.org“!

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Posted in Homes | 1 Comment »

MERCER ISLAND HOUSING MARKET – NO MORE “SOUR GRAPES”; JUST VINTAGE WINE!

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Dear Reader: To paraphrase a quote from a recent email I received, 2009 has been a year of “sour grapes”. 2010 promises to be a better vintage! The Real Estate market is picking up, and that should help the economy generally, as well as locally.

Our Mercer Island market is still the best investment around! Great properties are for sale at incredible prices, and that together with interest rates at historic lows makes it possible to own a gorgeous home/lot/condo on our wonderful Mercer Island, and still have an affordable mortgage payment. And if the property you wish to buy is covered by the latest “Tax Credit” (found money), you’ll be even further ahead. See my last blog to see if you and your desired property qualify.

Speaking of that, I have an incredible Mercer Island listing coming on the market soon. It is an exciting 2 bedroom, 2 bath, top floor, corner unit condominium, with its own private entrance and beautiful panoramic view. It has been freshly painted, with new carpeting, and features skylights, updated kitchen, and spacious light and bright rooms. More details to follow. CALL/TEXT/EMAIL me if you would like to be notified as soon as it comes on the market. As always, I look forward to hearing from you and helping you find your dream property.

And of course, I will sell your home for you with the least amount of hassle for you. As you may have heard, or as you know, I’ve amassed great skills in marketing and selling my listings over the 30 years I’ve successfully done so on Mercer Island and the Eastside. For those of you who have first hand knowledge, I thank you for your business over these many years!

Best regards,

Natalie

P.S. For fine wine, our “Cellar 46″ (206-407-3016) is the place to be.

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Posted in Housing Market | No Comments »

BUY NOW – THERE WON’T BE A BETTER TIME TO BUY ON MERCER ISLAND!

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Our prices are amazing, however our bargain properties here are starting to sell, so you’ll want to buy before prices go up again. The tax credit has been extended and even better news: It’s no longer just for first time home buyers. Details follow:

Feature First-Time Homebuyer

Tax Credit

 Repeat Homebuyer

Tax Credit
Amount of Credit The amount of the tax credit is the lesser of 10% of the cost of the home or $8,000. The amount of the tax credit is the lesser of 10% of the cost of the home or $6,500.
Eligible Homeowner Must not have owned a principal residence in the three years prior to purchase of the eligible property. Must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.
Eligible Property Any single-family home (including a condo or townhouse) may be an eligible property under the tax credit, provided it will be used as the homebuyer’s principal residence.
Maximum Price of Purchased Home $800,000
Income Limits To be eligible for the full tax credit, the homebuyer must have an adjusted gross income of $125,000 if filing singly or $225,000 if filing jointly. Homebuyers with incomes above those levels (up to $145,000 and $245,000 respectively) are eligible for a reduced credit.
Repayment There is no repayment of the tax credit by the homebuyer. The homebuyer can claim the credit to reduce their tax burden. If the $8,000 or $6,500 is greater than the tax owed, then the homebuyer will get a refund check for the difference. However, if the eligible property is resold within three years of purchase, the entire amount of the tax credit will be recaptured on the sale.
Effective Date The first-time and repeat homebuyer federal income tax credits are effective for purchases between now and April 30, 2010, provided the purchase is closed by July 1, 2010.

Source: National Association of Realtors®

Another of the many bonuses of living on Mercer Island: We’ll have a new art gallery! In the Avellino Condominiums just south of the north end QFC. The “MIVAL” (Mercer Island Visual Arts League) Art Gallery. Here you’ll find fantastic paintings, ceramics, and other objets d’arts by our very talented local artists. And the art is available for sale at reasonable prices. You can leisurely enjoy beautiful art without being hassled as in many art galleries, and when you find one you can’t live without, you’ll be able to purchase it.

As always, I love to hear from you, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. I will also find you the ideal home/condo for you, and I’ll be able to sell your current home for “top dollar”-please call me for a free market analysis and consultation. Just call/text/email me-I actually answer the phone when you call (no prompts to push numbers and wait).

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Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

Buying or Selling On Mercer Island – Here’s How:

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Are you on technology overload?  It seems that all of us seem to be spending more time on computers, cell phones, and other such devices, while consequently spending less time interacting face to face with family and friends.  With the wealth of information that is out there, it’s so tempting to want more and more of it.  The problem is that it’s like Bob Metcalfe–a pioneer of computer networking technology-says: “Sorting out useful information from the internet is like drinking from a fire hydrant with a soda straw.”

Well, I’m here to help you so you won’t feel overwhelmed in your search for the perfect home or condo for you and your family.  Certainly, you can narrow down your search to a particular geographic location and you can view photos of homes within that area, and you can research schools, medical facilities, etc. that are nearby.  However, when it comes to making that all important decision, you need to hear more from a trusted source that lives and works in that location.  You’ll want to know first-hand about all the beaches and parks, the grocery and drug stores.  You’ll need to find out exactly what your new lifestyle will be-what a typical day will look like in your new location.  There’s no substitution for a knowledgeable, helpful, interested help-mate who specializes in your desired locale.  That’s where I come into the picture.  Let’s get together and discuss your questions and concerns, and I’ll be able to “show and tell” you all about our glorious Mercer Island.  Please don’t hesitate to call/text/email me to help you, it will be my pleasure!

Also, if you currently live on Mercer Island and you are thinking of selling your current home, I am an expert in that-I’ve had 30 years of success.  I take the time and make a point of bringing out the special features of your home-each home has its own personality, and that’s what your prospective buyer wants to know about.  Why would your home suit him/her/them better than any other home or condo on the market?  I answer that question in the way I promote and market a property to full advantage.  A case in point: In this difficult real estate market, the beautiful condo I recently listed has already gone pending “subject to inspection”.  I have a wonderful track record of getting the job done for “top dollar,” within your time frame, with the least amount of hassle for you.  My many letters of recommendation attest to that.  Please call/text/email me for a free market analysis and consultation regarding the best plan for marketing your home.

Warm regards,

Natalie

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Posted in Homes | No Comments »

Mercer Island Real Estate… Convenience and Affordability!

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

This past weekend I attended a beautiful wedding up at the Salish Lodge overlooking spectacular Snoqualmie Falls, and it only took about 30 minutes to get there from Mercer Island.  Regarding the convenience of living here, for those of you who may not know, we are centrally located on our beautiful Island between Seattle and Bellevue.  Another great thing about Mercer Island which is quite unique is that we are the only area locally where the entire city is within just one zip code, with one high school and one middle school where our students get to know each other and have a sense of community unlike any other.  Plus we have such interesting citizens: so bright, so talented, so helpful and caring.  And we have an enviable lifestyle with beautiful surroundings and exciting activities for every age group from infants to retirement.  Speaking of lifestyle, like many other Island neighborhoods, our neighborhood has great “block parties” where all ages come together for good food and camaraderie.

Mercer Island Real Estate is the best investment now…fantastic properties are selling at a fraction of their recent costs-many far below assessed value!  Interest rates are still very low and we have great affordable waterfront homes and spectacular view homes, as well as very desirable homes of all types in wonderful neighborhoods.  If you would like more information about Mercer Island living or about the available homes or condos here, please call/text/email me (although I understand that email is already passé).  I’m here to help you!

The great two bedroom Mercer Island condo I have listed for just $219,000 has a wonderful brand new kitchen with beautiful slab granite counters with “bull-nose” finish; brand new stainless steel appliances; “under mount” sink; tall faucet – ideal for soup pots; and lovely new cabinets.  Its light and bright window walls and neutral palette will enhance your favorite décor.  The sunny west facing private deck is covered for year round enjoyment, with a view of the private park setting below.  Please call/text me to see it-you won’t believe the value for this price!

P. S.  I have other exciting Mercer Island listings coming on the market soon.

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Now is the Time to Buy a House on Mercer Island!

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

I’M TOLD THAT INTEREST RATES ARE THE LOWEST THEY’VE BEEN IN 70 YEARS!

MERCER ISLAND PROPERTIES ARE SELLING NOW, SOME AFTER BEING ON THE MARKET FOR OVER A YEAR WITH AMAZING PRICES YOU COULDN’T HAVE IMAGINED A FEW YEARS AGO!  BUY NOW!!!

I just attended a most interesting seminar in which it was stated that our current interest rates are the lowest rates we’ve had in 70 years.  I don’t know about you, but I was certainly impressed as to what a wonderful time it is to buy now.  Home, Condo, and Vacant Land prices have hit rock bottom in my opinion and that of my fellow Realtors.  Years from now you may well be saying: “I wish I would have bought back in the last months of 2009 when prices and interest rates were so very low-we’ll never see the likes of that again!”  I’m here to keep you from making that mistake.

Here’s your chance to accumulate “instant” equity with a low monthly mortgage payment.  Prices may not go all the way back (to where they were in the past few years) for three years or so–at least that seems to be the conventional wisdom at this point.  However, rest assured they will go up again as soon as the inventory sells off.  It’s a case of “supply and demand”.  And our beautiful Mercer Island properties are selling readily now, some of them after having been on the market for well over a year.  If you are financially able to buy property now, and if you have been hoping for a better lifestyle-one more in keeping with your interests and talents and those of your family…take my advice and buy now.  You’ll be glad you did.  An opportunity like this may not present itself again during your lifetime, and I hope that’s a very long time.  Don’t forget, for those of you (or your “adult children”) who qualify and take advantage of it, the $8,000 tax credit is a great “gift” that will expire soon.  Please call/text/email me to get started.  Remember:  “The thousand mile journey begins with the first step!”

Note:  The brand new kitchen at the beautiful 2 bedroom Mercer Island condo I have listed will be complete by this week end and there will be an Open House this Sunday October 18th: 2500 – 81st Ave. SE #337 at our desirable “Mercer Isle” condominiums; it’s in the building toward the rear of the park-like grounds on the south side.

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Posted in Buying a Home | No Comments »

WOW! MERCER ISLAND WON THE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TITLE TO REPRESENT THE NORTHWEST REGION IN THE WORLD SERIES!

Tuesday, August 18th, 2009

We enjoyed watching–on national television, televised live on ESPN– the Regional Little League Championship Tournament play off game, which Mercer Island won in San Bernardino, California!  Mercer Island will now advance to represent the entire Northwest Region at Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  What a talented and well mannered group of guys we have!  We should all be so proud of how they represented us.  That was quite an experience.  Of course we have always had our share of talented athletes on the Island.  Along that line, Ed Pepple, our amazing renown and highly esteemed Mercer Island Basketball Coach has recently retired after coaching all of our sons from “Little Dribblers” all the way to the High School team for 42 years.  It was a thrill years ago when my son was young when his Mercer Island “Little Dribblers” team got to go to Lubbock, Texas for the play offs.  As I’ve mentioned often, Mercer Island is such a wonderful place to grow up, with great activities and opportunities for all ages.

And, as I’ve mentioned, this is the ideal time to buy on Mercer Island with the most amazing values in some incredible properties.  And if you live here and are planning to sell, the good news is that our homes are selling again now-some after being on the market for quite some time.  I hope you are able to take advantage of the situation.  I’m here to help you every step of the way.  I’ve been helping fellow Islanders for 30 years now and I would love to help you as well.  I was reminded of how long it has been when our exceptionally beautiful, gifted neighbor– with a gorgeous voice–Paget Knebel, sang the National Anthem so beautifully at the Mariner’s Game last week.  We are all so very proud of her!  I sold her parents their lovely home here on Mercer Island when she was just a little girl.

Ready to sell or buy?  Just starting to think about it?  Please call, text, or email me – you’ll be glad you did!  Incidentally, ask me about my great new listings coming on.

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WOW! EXCITING SUMMER ACTIVITIES ON MERCER ISLAND!

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

Hope you’re enjoying this wonderful summer weather!  If you would like to see some of the amazing values to be had in homes and condos here on our beautiful Mercer Island, just let me know.  Chances are your dream home is available at an affordable price, with low mortgage payments as well since interest rates remain quite low.  We have gorgeous waterfronts, breathtaking views, and spacious floral-fantasy garden properties.  An opportunity like this won’t come along again anytime soon, if ever.  You have to see to believe what awaits you here in the lifestyle to which you would like to become accustomed.  Please call/text/email me to set up an appointment at your convenience.

Remember our great free “Mostly Music In The Park” series on Thursday evenings, and Sunday afternoons at Mercerdale Park; and our wonderful “Farmer’s Market” every Sunday from 11:00 to 3:00, ideally located in front of Mercerdale Park in downtown Mercer Island.

And since Bellevue is so close, you will enjoy the world renown free “Bellevue Arts & Crafts Fair” this coming weekend-July 24th through the 26th.  And while you’re there, you’ll want to check out Nordstrom’s famous “Half Yearly” sale also.  And since Seattle is also so close, you will want to start planning for Bumbershoot too.  I’ve just seen the line-up for Bumbershoot at Seattle Center over the Labor Day weekend.  What a spectacular array of superstars!  Just visit the link on my web site, or go to www.bumbershoot.org &/or www.SeattleCenter.com for more information.

Remember my 30 years of experience and knowledge and:

Creative Home Marketing & Sales-Custom Designed With You In Mind!

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  • Avg. Sales Price: $1,893,471

  • Avg. Days on Market: 160

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