Real Estate

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ASK RAY ABOUT REAL ESTATE | Real estate in 2011: Tea leaves and crystal ball required

I’m anxious to buy a house while prices are low, but I need to work on my credit score and save for the down payment. What will the real estate market be like next year, in 2011?

IN THE GARDEN | Herbs in the garden

Spring is the time to plan for a bright culinary future. Herbs not only liven up your cooking, they also can be easy-care ornamental plants.

REAL ESTATE CHASE | These abodes bring new meaning for the term 'spec house'

A 5,800-square-foot Georgian Colonial-style mansion sits prominently on a prime piece of Washington Park real estate at 821 34th Ave. E. Completed late last summer, it’s a $5.65 million “spec house.”

IN THE GARDEN | Have a great-looking garden without all the work

Good garden design can reduce time spent mowing, caring for plants and weeding.

REAL ESTATE CHASE | Real estate market surges - what next?

Those looking for evidence that a comeback is under way in the local real estate market need look no further than the latest statistics from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

IN THE GARDEN | Rhododendrons add variety, color to planting design

Almost everyone in the Northwest has a rhododendron in his or her garden. They are so commonplace we overlook the value that they can bring to planting design.

REAL ESTATE CHASE | Are we dense enough yet?

There was a time not that long ago when Madison Park could lay claim to a significant number of modest homes with airy yards and plenty of space between neighbors.

IN THE GARDEN | Make your garden flow with water features

Add the magic of water to you garden without breaking the budget or spending a lot of time on maintenance. The key is to keep it simple. Even a small water feature can have a big impact.

Building better communication

Contracting company develops software to keep customers updated on projects

After working as a contractor with his Seattle-based The Finish Co. for a few years, owner and Madison Valley resident Michael Grabham said he became frustrated with the seemingly endless lack of communication between contractors and their customers. He spent three years developing software to help clients stay connected and informed on their projects.

REAL ESTATE CHASE | Decline in our house values: Worst in the city?

One of the side benefits of claiming homeownership on Zillow.com (the house-values site) is that Zillow sends you periodic updates on the supposed value of your property (Zillow calls these Zestimates). So, for many a month after signing up, I received e-mail notices stating how much my house had risen in value since the last report.

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