Oct
30
Now You Can Rewind Those Clocks
Filed Under Blog, Events | Leave a Comment
This coming Sunday, November 4th, marks the end of the Daylight Savings Time window for 2007.
Don’t forget to set your clocks back an hour.
Many of you probably remember that back in 2005, legislation was passed to add 4 weeks to Daylight Savings. This year was the first year it was implemented, beginning by “springing forward” 3 weeks early. The last week was/is added this fall.
Oct
29
30 Year Fixed At 6% AND Possible Federal Rate Cut Coming!
Filed Under Blog, Buyers, Mortgage Update, Real Estate | 2 Comments
I SEE ANOTHER FED RATE CUT, DON’T YOU?… Wake me up Wednesday at 2:15 in the afternoon, OK? That’s when we’ll have the Fed’s announcement on rates.
No question it’s a biggee.
But, seriously, I’ll be up early that day for Q3 GDP, Employment Cost Index and Chicago PMI, which are also key. No doubt the Fed themselves may have taken a peak at the very significant October employment reports (especially Non-farm Payrolls), but we’ll have to wait ’til Friday to see how it all fits together. Thanks to Mortgage Market Guide for the heads up.
Current Rates
30 Year Fixed: 6% (APR 6.125%)
30 Year Fixed with 10 Year Interest Only: 6.375% (APR 6.491%)
40 Year Fixed: 6.375% (APR 6.484%)
5/1 ARM (2/2/6 caps): 5.625% (APR 6.666%)
5/1 ARM 10 Year Interest Only Payments: 5.750% (APR 6.737%)
FHA/VA 30 Year Fixed: 6.375% (APR 6.813)
JUMBO (Non-Conforming) Rates. Pricing is based on the same criteria above, with the exception that the loan amount is $417,001-$650,000 (20% down)
30 Year Fixed: 6.500% (APR 6.596%)
30 Year Fixed with 10 Year Interest Only Payments: 6.625% (APR 6.713%)
5/1 ARM: 6.250% (APR 6.914%)
5/1 ARM Interest Only: 6.375% (APR 6.970)
Conforming loan limits are currently up to $417,000. Quotes below are based on 30 day pricing with a 1% loan fee and a credit score of 680 or better. Quotes are also based on full loan documentation files and a minimum of 5% down. If you are planning on putting less than 20% down you will need Private Mortgage Insurance or a second mortgage to cover the difference.
These programs are only a sample of the many products available. Rates published Monday October 29, 2007 @ 10am and are subject to change any time as well as programs may change without notice. This is not a guarantee nor is it a commitment of interest rate.
For further information on any of these programs or additional programs, please feel free to email me or give me a call on my direct line (425 820-0601) or my mobile.
Barb Paetzold - Mortgage Expert
Oct
27
Issaquah Restaurant Review: Taqueria La Venadita
Filed Under Blog, Issaquah, Issaquah Highlands, Restaurants | 2 Comments
Are you tired of the run of the mill Mexican fare? If so, check out this hidden hole in the wall on Gilman Blvd in Issaquah. Located discretely tucked away behind Denny’s, La Taqueria Venadita is a wonderful little place where the service is friendly and the food is fantastic. I tried their tostada de camerones and thought they were wonderful. Their refried beans are the best I have tasted this side of Baja. Another tasty dish is the camarones el diablo which consists of grilled shrimp sauteed in a spicy tomato and chile sauce with mushrooms and onions. My husband is a fan of their soft chicken tacos and gets at least two every time. And our daughter, well she loves what ever she can pry out of our hands. Tacos are around $1.25 each and the tostadas are about $2.50 to $3.00. Both very reasonable for the quality and portions.
There is also a market and bakery associated with Taqueria La Venadita a few doors down that I have yet to check out, but the last time we were at the restaurant I noticed a delivery truck unloading and the baked goods looked mouth-watering. I will let you know what I think once I have a chance to stop in and check out the market for myself.
As for the taqueria, you can’t beat the cheap prices and the quality authentic Mexican food.
Oct
23
I love the Issaquah Highlands community. I love the neighborhoods. I love the parks. I love that I can walk to the few shops that are currently here with relative ease. I love the fact that we have narrow streets which causes people to slow down and encourages more walking. Starting to get the idea? Just wait a second then…
While I love all of these things about the neighborhood, one thing that I HATE, is people who IGNORE the No Parking signs. Specifically, the people that ignore the signs that are on the corners of each intersection.
Normally I am a pretty relaxed person and don’t get to pissy about people breaking rules. But this one not only one that affects safety, but one’s ability to drive throughout the neighborhoods.
Example - Down by Cafe Ladro at the corner of Park and 10th, there is a No Parking sign on the East side of 10th that covers about 15 feet North from the intersection. Every Saturday morning, I go down for my morning hot chocolate (I know, I am a NW freak that doesn’t drink coffee). Half the time, I can’t turn right onto 10th because someone decides that they don’t need to pay attention to the No Parking sign. If there is a car already stopped at the light on 10th, trying to turn left onto Park and there is a car parked in this no parking area, it leaves about a 6 foot spot for someone to try to squeeze through.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE!
Sure, the streets could be wider to solve this problem, but that isn’t the point. There are some rules that people should just respect. So if you are one of these people, please find a legal parking spot. I really get grouchy when I can’t get to my morning chocolate.
Oct
22
Issaquah Restaurant Review: Shanghai Garden
Filed Under Blog, Issaquah, Issaquah Highlands, Restaurants | Leave a Comment
Shanghai Garden has become a family favorite not only for my daughter, husband and myself, but for our extended family as well. I wouldn’t say we are regulars there but we do frequent the restaurant quite often. In fact we just went there Saturday night.
A few standard dishes that are a must have on our list are the Hand Shaven Noodles. We like to get them with beef, but you can choose other options as well such as chicken, pork, shrimp or tofu. We are also particularly fond of the Steamed Dumplings, even if they do take about 20 minutes. You can’t beat how fresh they are! My personal favorite is the Crispy Shrimp In Sweet Chili Sauce. Other tasty dishes include:
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Bean Curd Sheet Roll
- Sauteed Sugar Pea Vine
- Sizzling Triple Delight
- Mu Shu Pork
Service is friendly and fast. My only recommendation is to not go there on Mondays (they are closed) or just before or after the Village Theater performances as they tend to be very busy causing the service to be slower.
So next time you are looking for a reasonably priced (entrees range from $8 - $20) and tasty meal check out Shanghai Garden.
Oct
20
Winter Windstorms…Again
Filed Under Blog, Issaquah, Issaquah Highlands, Weather | Leave a Comment
If last week was any indication, winter is not waiting to arrive. Last years storms were harsh and headache inducing for many so don’t find yourself ill-prepared this year. Make sure you keep plenty of bottled water and canned goods on hand. Hearty soups and protein rich snack bars will help give you the energy you need get through any power outages we might have. If you are lucky enough to have a gas fireplace, make sure the battery operated igniter has an operable battery in it (this allows you to manually turn on the fireplace instead of flipping the light switch). For that matter be sure to keep plenty of batteries on hand for your flashlights as well. Have a plan and keep your flashlights, batteries, candles and matches (or lighter) all in one place. If you have a gas stove, the matches or lighter will also allow you to have a working stove. Doing this - you can weather the storm in style, warmth and comfort.
P.S. - If everything in your home is electric, I suggest you hit up priceline.com to get a great last minute deal on hotels in downtown Seattle.
Oct
19
Gated Grand Ridge - Part 2
Filed Under Blog, Issaquah, Issaquah Highlands, Trails | 2 Comments
A while back, I wrote about a little rumor I heard about the Grand Ridge area of Issaquah Highlands becoming a gated community.
Well it is official; at least part of it.
Grand Ridge Drive is going to become a private community. While I am not crazy about a “private community” in our neighborhood, I am even more upset about the loss of access to Grand Ridge Trail. Last month’s issue of Issaquah Highlands Connections newspaper had an article talking about this private community and this fantastic trail. The article points out that you can access the trail from Central Park or further down by High Point trail head; and soon to be Duthie Hill park.
That is great and all, but it overlooks the fact that one of the easiest access points for the trail is from Grand View Drive. The article specifically points out that Grand Ridge Drive is private and that while the trail crosses Grand Ridge, it is not to be accessed from that point. To me, this is unfair in that this particular access point is the most convenient access point for Issaquah Highland residents the trail at a point that has little slope in either direction for those that can’t take the strain of steep inclines. As I mentioned in the previous article, when you want to take a two year old hiking - ease of access is a big deal. We have a lot of tiny trekkers in our wonderful community and I feel strongly that they should be able to enjoy this trail too.
What do you think??? Voice your opinion here - maybe together we can make a change.
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