Dear Friends,

Seattle Real Estate Associates is very pleased to invite you to join us for the West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday, December 7th between 6 and 9pm. At this time, we will have the distinct privilege of hosting the incredible exhibits of Larine Chung and Doug Tsang.

Larine Chung

Larine Chung was born in Shanghai, China and raised in Hong Kong. She was trained as a classical pianist since her childhood, but decided to pursue art in college. After she completed her BFA in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, she immigrated to United State in 2004 with her family. She is currently living in Washington State and had just graduated from the 4 year Classical Atelier program trained in classical painting tradition under Juliette Aristides. With her traditional art training background, she is interested in creating works that is relevant to now and would evoke an intellectual and emotional response in people. Chung’s work has received recognition nationally and internationally. She was the recipient of the Waterway fellowship organized by Studio Escalier, France, Robert DeZordo scholarship and Gregory Robinson Scholarship. Her works shown locally with Fountainhead Gallery and Seattle Art Museum gallery, her works also being written in the Stranger (02-2007),  American Art Collector (10- 2009) and Classical Painting Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio practice by Aristides.

Artist Statement

Human face is one of the most intriguing things in art. We are so familiar with faces. Since the day we were born, we can make out faces and our brand new face recognition power is on. Every face is unique, each with its own story to tell. Our faces (and body) show the way we are, what we eat, how we feel and what have we went thru… everything is written clearly and honestly all over us. With that in mind, I love drawing and paintings my family and fellow friends as they are all a complete entity who bears such amazing stories.

All the works in this exhibition are being done since 2008. Some were created while I was a student studying in the Classical atelier under Juliette Aristides, some were done in Argenton, France and others were created in my independent years. They all were created with my most sincere feeling. When a model/ friend sitting in front of you and revealing his/ her life in front of you, it’s the most humbling experience. I wish I have captured a glimpse of deeper human connection thru my depiction of them and I hope you will enjoy the show.

Doug Tsang

Doug started taking photos at a young age, with his own Meikai plastic lens camera.  He has since explored the joys and frustrations of both darkroom and lightroom photography.  Counter to his training in engineering, he prefers the serendipity of handheld shots, snapshots, and the journalistic style.  He loves traveling, meeting people, and cooking, so his subjects often include people, their reactions and interactions, as well as their interactions with food.  He’s lived in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Rhode Island, New York City, and finally settled in Western Washington State for its seasons, its sunny and rainy days, and the range of outdoors activities.  He holds an ScB from Brown University and an MBA from Columbia Business School, and is currently a software engineer doing what he loves – analytical problem solving.

Artist Statement

Light and Shadows – without light and shadows, the world would be but a flat display of colours without depth, contrast, hue, tone, and vibrancy.  In this collection, the artist attempts to show how the differentiation and integration of light and shadows make the world whole and balanced.

ART WALK MISSION
The mission of the Art Walk is to acquaint the audience with Igor’s latest art as well as introduce our business to West Seattle community. The exhibit will take place at our new office located on 4535 44th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Be ready for food, beverages, art and of course a lot of fun! We look forward to seeing you soon!

Dear Friends,

Seattle Real Estate Associates is very pleased to invite you to join us for the West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday, November 10th between 6 and 9pm. At this time, we will be hosting the incredible exhibits of Josh Pemberton and Christopher Ramsey.

Josh Pemberton

Josh Pemberton’s unique work utilizes the phenomenon of how, through even a few marks of charcoal, an artist can evoke an idea in whoever sees it. Josh’s astonishing attention to detail, and creative imagery introduces new thoughts and emotions to the viewer. It allows the viewer to introduce their own narrative to the work, and to decide for themselves it’s meaning.

Artist Statement

The phenomenon of how, through even a few marks of charcoal, an artist can evoke an idea in whoever sees it interests me to no end. In my work I strive to engage the observer in this activity through content, composition, and technique. I have heard it said that the single image is not a very effective way to convey a narrative because it relies on the viewer to bring meaning to it. This suits me just fine. I strive to balance meaning and ambiguity to challenge the viewer to bring their own narrative to my work and hopefully confront and re-evaluate it along the way.

Christopher Ramsey

A Washington native from Spokane, Chris knew he loved painting even as a child. His favorite subjects are landscapes, with a focus on Northwest light, colors, dramatic geography and textures that often are juxtaposed with the human constructed world.

Christopher’s landscapes transport the viewer to places both real and imagined. They invoke the freedom of imagination, fantasy, and reality all in a unique, and beautiful style.

Artist Statement

I am a Washington State native from Spokane. I knew I loved to paint when I was a young child and first dipped a brush into a jar of tempera paint. I have not stopped painting since. I graduated from the University of Washington School of Art with a BFA, majoring in painting.

ART WALK MISSION
The mission of the Art Walk is to acquaint the audience with Jack’s latest art as well as introduce our business to West Seattle community. The exhibit will take place at our new office located on 4535 44th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Be ready for food, beverages, art and of course a lot of fun! We look forward to seeing you soon!

For more information please see our West Seattle Artwalk Website

Dear Friends,

Seattle Real Estate Associates is very pleased to invite you to join us for the West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday, October 13th between 6 and 9pm. At this time, we will be hosting the incredible exhibit of Jack Johnson.

Jack Johnston

Jack Johnston has been an artist most of his life, since his years of study at the San Francisco Art Institute instilled a conceptual and process approach to visual art. Photographs were, and are, documentation of performances, performances for small gatherings and for one, just the machine and him.

Artist Statement

An artist most of my life, three years of study in the 1970s at the San Francisco Art Institute instilled a conceptual and process approach to visual art. Photographs were, and are, documentation of performances, performances for small gatherings and for one, just the machine and me. I reconnected with visual art in the neo-expressionist eighties, then in the nineties returned to process-generated drawings and paintings, as now, pulled from or inspired by life but not literally drawn from life. For a long period I retreated to punk-era duplication and appropriation modes, collages built from headlines and ripped from papers, manipulated only slightly to reveal the questioning hand of the not-so-gullible consumer.

For the last several years I have been working in series, often based in short texts and usually executed on whatever is cheaply available—consumer-product packaging, the pseudo-credit and discount cards received in the mail, and business reply cards. Media are approached as nonchalantly as support material: ink pens, permanent markers, water-soluble crayons, spray enamel, and random elements affixed by glue. I am drawn to creating ever new spaces, non-existent but non-fantastic images.

The works here are explorations of grisaille, the generally monochromatic range of tones available from black and white. Starting with some pieces on matt board discards, I began to fill sketchbooks with drawings, notations in grey, random pieces, always trying to be different from the last, in which the very process of placing the mark is primary. I try to undercut that self-imposed importance—“the burden of originality”, which is a certain block to creativity, by using templates cut from cardstock; random dots, lines, and shapes through which I make marks. The template-instigated marks may disappear, or they may re-appear as the finishing statement.

Jack Johnston has published non-fiction and artwork in KNOCK Magazine, the literary journal of Antioch University Seattle. Three vintage, self-portrait Polaroid SX-70 photographs were in the group show, “Instant Joy,” at A. M. Richard Fine Art, Brooklyn, NY, in June 2010. Nine more of the self-portrait Polaroids, circa 1978, were included in the Gay City Health Project anthology, Re-Pulped, Vol. 3, summer 2010. Additionally, he has exhibited in numerous group shows since 2007 at Antioch University Seattle, for which he was one of a team of curators. Jack remains a vital member of the art committee at AUS, most recently curating a show by Mary Coss and June Sekiguchi. Jack and his partner David are monetarily-deprived but avid art collectors.

ART WALK MISSION
The mission of the Art Walk is to acquaint the audience with Jack’s latest art as well as introduce our business to West Seattle community. The exhibit will take place at our new office located on 4535 44th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Be ready for food, beverages, art and of course a lot of fun! We look forward to seeing you soon!

For more information please see our West Seattle Artwalk Website

As previously reported, the real estate market has received a lot of negative press in recent years. However, the negativity is focused on the market as whole, when the reality is much of the trouble is regional rather than all over. While many other cities are seeing homes that are undervalued, Seattle homes are still overvalued by 14 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal.

This information is interesting in light of a recent Seattle Pi article. The article suggests that there is a lot of competition for reasonably priced homes in Seattle neighborhoods. Homes that reflect the overvalued number are seeing a low number of offers, but houses that are in good condition, move-in ready, and priced to sell are, in fact, selling in within reasonable time frames.

The trend started as spring came to a head and has only continued. More and more buyers have the aforementioned parameters. But because of the doom and gloom reports, this has left many buyers confused by the competition: they have been hearing about the down-and-out market, and are expecting a great deal. But for houses with those parameters, this isn’t the case anymore. It is still a buyer’s market, but those in a position to buy are looking for the same deals and quality.

This means those who are looking to buy need to be prepared, especially if they are interested in areas like Northeast Seattle, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Greenlake. They could very well end up in a multiple-offer situation.

As David Billings, Redfin’s Seattle market manager, said to the Seattle Pi, “When the ideal, cute, turn-key starter home comes on market at a price that a buyer feels is a decent value, they’re shocked to find that there are lots (three, four, maybe six) of other buyers that feel just like they do … After having patiently waited out the market and read every article about how terrible Seattle real estate is, they can’t believe they’ll need to pay full list price, let alone the possibility of paying more in order to beat out others. It takes some time for them to come to grips with this reality and get competitive with their offers, or adjust their search to a home that needs some work, or is in a slightly less prime location.”

What is the take home point, then? Be prepared to up your offer if the house is The One, as there is likely to be other interested parties. If the house isn’t the be-all, end-all, keep looking at other properties. You may find one that is a little farther out but gives you room to negotiate an offer, opposed to stretching your budget for one in a more prime location, which may have a several offers. Relax your parameters and see if you can find something that still works for you.

This article was co-authored by Rachel Pinter and Becki French.

On August 9th, 2011, the Federal Reserve promised to maintain short-term interest rates through at least June of 2013 and possibly beyond. While some forecasters are nervous about this decision’s effect on consumer confidence, this is great news for the potential home-buyer and for those still sitting on the fence about purchasing a home.

Right now, for those who are interested in purchasing a home, the market boasts two great features. The first is the low rates that the Federal Reserve has now promised to maintain until the middle of 2013. A low interest rate means savings for the home buyer. It also means a lower monthly payment, which can be an important consideration in a difficult job market. Ultimately, the Federal Reserve’s promise is hoped to spur investment. If consumers can count on low interest rates, it may encourage those who have not made up their mind about purchasing a property. This is important, as each purchase is an increase in economic growth, since large purchases tend to foster greater growth.

The second great feature is the availability of homes on the market. There are countless homes for sale and they are often at a great deal. For the potential homebuyer, it may be easier than ever to find a home that he or she can afford and that has the features he or she desired.

Therefore, those who are not certain yet, it is time to hop off the fence. Between a record-low interest rate and an abundance of choices, your dream home could be yours… soon!

This article co-authored by Rachel Pinter and Becki French.

Dear Friends,

Seattle Real Estate Associates is very pleased to invite you to join us for the West Seattle Art Walk on Thursday, August 8th between 6 and 9pm. At this time, we will be hosting the incredible exhibit of Elana Winsberg.

Elana Winsberg

Elana Winsberg knew she was going to be an artist from the start. Her life took her on a path to a career in visual journalism – photography, web and graphic design. She has worked at various newspapers.

When her last newspaper shut down she decided to jump at the chance to study the intesive painting and drawing genre of realism at Gage Academy of Art. For the last two years she has studied full time under Mark Kang O’Higgins’Drawing and Painting Atelier.

Artist Statement

I thought I was supposed to be an artist from the start. My life took me on a path to a career in visual journalism – photography, web and graphic design instead. I worked at various major newspapers.

When my last newspaper shut down I jumped at the chance into intensive study of painting and drawing in the genre of realism at Gage Academy of Art. For the last two years I have studied full time under Mark Kang O’Higgins’ Drawing and Painting Atelier.

This show, my Swan Song to Gage before embarking on my next step as an artist, features a collection of paintings done over that course of that study. It includes charcoal drawings, life studies, original oil portraits, still life paintings and also master copies of some of the living artists I most admire: Lucien Freud, Susan Hauptman, Xenia Hausner, Michael Boremans and John Currin.

Creating master copies or copies of work by masters much in the way a pianist plays Mozart or Bach, was a traditional learning tool used by artists, who learned in apprenticeships under a master artist. This was so until the practice went out of favor, but has been reestablished in the reemergence of the atelier system and realism in American art.

ART WALK MISSION
The mission of the Art Walk is to acquaint the audience with Igor’s latest art as well as introduce our business to West Seattle community. The exhibit will take place at our new office located on 4535 44th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98116. Be ready for food, beverages, art and of course a lot of fun! We look forward to seeing you soon!

For more information please see our West Seattle Artwalk Website

Seattle is home to many festivals throughout the year, but Hempfest is one of its more unique inclusions. The self-dubbed ‘protestival’ is devoted to cannabis and includes speakers, performances, and vendors. This year, it celebrates its twentieth anniversary.

The three-day event starts today, Friday, August 19th, at Myrtle Edwards Park. It opened at noon and will remain open until 8:00 P.M. today. On Saturday and Sunday, the festival runs from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. The festival location will span Centennial Park, Myrtle Edwards Park, and the Olympic Sculpture Park. Admission is free.

The current festival’s stretch is a far cry from its original inception. Started by “a humble little gathering of stoners,” according to the Hempfest website, the festival had only 500 in attendance at its first festival and was located in a small park. This year, 80,000 individuals are expected to attend on Saturday.

In anticipation of high attendance levels, the festival has been extended to an extra day, but local residents in Queen Anne should expect delays and longer commute times due to large crowds.

Co-authored by: Rachel Pinter

When you’re ready to move there’s so much going on that sometimes the little things get forgotten. Hopefully the checklist below will provide some organization and ideas on for your move.

• Cancel or transfer any deliveries, newspapers, garbage collection, etc. Coordinate with the new owners to transfer gas and electric service to the new owners.
• Make certain any personal items that might be at the local photo shop, in a safe-deposit box, items at a neighbors house, on layaway or at a repair shop.
• Make the necessary arrangements for transporting plants you want to keep as well as your pets.
• Save the phone book from your former residence in case there is ever a need to tie up loose ends or for future correspondence.
• Transfer insurance policies or arrange for new policies.
• Service your vehicles before you travel to your new destination.
• Gather all valuables, jewelry, or important papers to take with you personally.
• Pack an arrival kit of necessities, just in case you arrive before the movers.
• Consider purchasing moving insurance. Your movers’ liability for lost or damaged goods will not equal their replacement cost.
• Arrange for the utilities service for your new home.
• Check with your attorney about your will, if crossing state lines.
• Ask for professional referrals, if available (e.g., doctor, accountant, dentist).
• Notify friends, relatives, and anyone else that is necessary of your new address. (Post office, banks, charge accounts, subscriptions, national and alumni organizations, church, etc.)
• Notify past employers to make sure you received your W-2 forms and retirement account information.
• Save your old address labels to speed up filling out change-of-address forms for your new address.

With all of the above tallied off, you should be ready to move! Always do a final walk around to ensure that all of your items have been taken and loaded. Have a good move!

A buyer will usually decide within two minutes whether they like your house. The first impression is often the lasting impression. And they start forming their opinion before they even set foot in your home!

It is a smart question to ask yourself if your house is as presentable as it can be for a faster sale at a the best price. The best way to find out is to imagine you’re a prospective buyer. You’ve probably been looking at other homes, so approach your present home the way you look at other houses.

Your real estate agent will do all of the things necessary to bring in the prospects – but when it comes down to the nub of it, your house is going to have to help sell itself.

Below are some tips to follow for making small, inexpensive cosmetic changes that will increase your chances of selling.

Clean Up, Fix Up, Paint Up Outside

1.)       Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight. A well-manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery, cleanly swept walks create a good first impression.

2.)       An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.

3.)       Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.

4.)       Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor. If you decide against painting, at least consider touching up front shutters and window frames.

5.)       In winter, walks should be free of snow and ice.

6.)       Inspect the roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place? Need paint or repair?

7.)       Consider putting flowers outside the front door.

8.)       Repaint the front door.

9.)       Put a bright coat of paint on your mailbox.

10.)   Repair broken outdoor steps.

The most frequently asked housing question is whether to buy or to rent. Currently mortgage rates are at a historical low and could be sending a signal that it’s a good time to buy.

More importantly is deciding what is best for you and your family. Stop to think about your immediate housing needs and your 5 year housing needs. Ask yourself questions like:

Am I pre-qualified?

Have I discussed my needs with an accountant or mortgage banker?

Where is my job going to take me?

How much traveling will I be doing?

Will I be having additional family ie. parents or children?

How important is it to me to be close to work?

Once I get into a home can I afford the maintenance and taxes that come with home ownership?

Do I want and enjoy the ownership so I can appreciate my own home?

Do I have time for yard work?

Sit down and take the time to analyze these important issues before you decide to buy a home. Be realistic about your wants, needs, requirements and financial parameters. Home ownership is a very personal decision and will most likely be one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime.

Renting is like paying for monthly parking. You’re paying only to be able to park in your spot, once the money is spent it’s gone. As a renter, you pay your damage deposit, possibly first and last month’s rent and continued rent payments. You never walk away with any equity and yet it may be the temporary solution for you right now. Maybe you don’t know where your job is taking you for the next year so it might be best to wait. Renting vs. buying depends solely on you and your financial situation.

If you have talked with the appropriate resources and have been pre-qualified and are ready to stay in one spot for at least 5 years than you are a good candidate for home ownership. You would then have the tax advantage of writing off your interest you have paid against your home loan. You also have the advantage of owning something that you can remodel or decorate as you want. While renting is more cost effective in the short term, purchasing a home builds equity and becomes and investment over a longer period of time.

Be sure you completely understand your financial picture and housing needs before making a decision. Long term it makes sense to buy and invest in a home. However, that may not fit your personal or financial situation at the time. Review the above questions and make a plan.