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SAVE THE DATE: A Valentine’s Gourmet Dinner Gala to Benefit SE Seattle Senior Center
NEW LISTING: Nicely Remodeled 60’s Rambler in Burien
828 S 147th St, Burien, WA 98168
Listed at $299,950
Nicely remodeled 60’s rambler with 3 bedrooms and 1 ¾ bathrooms, a spacious kitchen and separate dining area, with a glass slider out to big covered back deck, plus a sunny living room. There’s a huge fenced back yard for play and gardening & a cute insulated out-building for an office or guest space. Updates include a new roof, & triple pane windows. One car garage and off-street parking, super close to freeways and downtown Burien.
Specs:
- 3 Bed
- 1.75 Bath
- 1,050 SQFT
- Built: 1962
- Heat: Forced air
- Taxes: $2,688 (2016)
- MLS #: 1042274
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
NEW LISTING: Sharp & Sunny Mount Baker Home
3336 York Rd S, Seattle, WA 98144
Listed at $485,000
Sharp & sunny well-cared for 1950’s home, on a lovely, secluded, treed lot with territorial views, in the heart of Mount Baker. Freshly painted inside & out with oak hardwoods & a wood burning fireplace. 2 good size bedrooms, plus a spacious lower level family/guest room, with more room to expand in high-ceilinged basement. Updates include newer vinyl double pane windows & an interior drainage system. 1 car garage + off street parking. Easy stroll to eateries, Mt Baker Park, the lake & light rail.
Specs:
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,590 SQFT
- Built: 1958
- Heat: Forced air
- Taxes: $$3,961 (2016)
- MLS #: 1042278
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
GUEST POST: Precautions when Insulating & Preparing Your Basement for Remodeling
Dear friends: Please enjoy this guest blog post from Rinehart Inspection Services, LLC, one of many local contractors found on Serena’s List, my little black book of useful resources. For your own copy of the list, just subscribe to my Top Secret blog — here to bring you valuable information on home-ownership, the local real estate market, the South Seattle community and much more.
Insulation Installation
Before adding insulation to the basement walls or the crawl space foundation, and prior to refinishing a basement room, it is essential that you repair any leaks and solve any problems with dampness. Wait until it is thoroughly dry before you install the insulation, to be sure all problems have been eliminated. If you are unsure whether or not you have such a problem, tape a square-foot piece of plastic to the basement wall or floor. Leave it in place for a week. If condensation builds up under the plastic, you have a problem that needs to be solved.
Preparing The Basement
The causes of such condensation can be extensive. Some of the most common are leaks and cracks in the concrete, and seepage, condensation, or drainage problems around the foundation. That may sound like a lot of work but a systematic going over of each potential trouble spot will save you a great deal of time, trouble, and money later on. Cracks can be caulked. Seepage can be lessened by painting waterproofing sealant on the interior walls. I recommend installing closable vents for the crawl space. Open them in warm weather to air out the crawl space and close them in winter to prevent heat loss. In low-ground areas where drainage is a problem, install drain tiles or pipes around the perimeter of the foundation. In some cases you may even need a sump pump to pump out excess water. Be sure the clothes dryer is properly vented outside.
Different Types Of Insulation
Insulating basement and crawl space sometimes calls for a different type of insulation than does insulating attic and walls of a home. In the first place, the basement and crawl space are more susceptible to moisture seepage, which can lead to problems like wet or damp surfaces, stained finishes, mildew, and so on. Water vapor moves easily through most materials used in construction, including brick and concrete block. A basement wall that is not adequately insulated with a moisture-resistant material will conduct warm moist air from the living space through to the cooler outer wall where it is likely to condense. If you are not heating the basement or crawl space, you will want to insulate underneath the first floor. This is best done with fiberglass insulation installed between the joists with the vapor barrier up toward the heated area. You may want to use a closed-cell, rigid foam panel or the reflective layered type of insulation in these areas if you plan to heat the space below the floor. In this case, you will be insulating the basement walls, not the floor. Rigid foam panels can be used to insulate both interior and exterior walls. The closed- cell type is not as susceptible to moisture as are other types of insulation. Use only closed-cell types in below-grade application. It usually comes in 2′ x 8′ sheets and should be covered with a fire-resistant material, such as drywall, when exposed to the inside.
GUEST POST: Meet South Seattle’s Pied Piper of Math
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
Longtime South Seattle teacher and Columbia City neighbor Norman Alston has quite the reputation, with local parents, students and colleagues singing his praises.
“Norm is the Pied Piper of Math,” says Mount Baker mom Christiana Muoneke. “He doesn’t just teach the subject, he brings it to life and inspires a love for learning and exploring. He sings his merry tune and the children happily follow into the magical lands of algebra, calculus, physics and all things numerical.”
Norm has been teaching in South Seattle for more than two decades and is the founder of eMode Learning Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing more mathematics enrichment opportunities to students in the Rainier Valley. Headquartered right here in the community, eMode offers Early Algebra Program instruction and a Saturday Math Academy.
“The best way to spend a Saturday morning — whether you’re a grade school student, or a professional who wants to help kids learn math — is at the Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club with Norm’s eMODE Saturday Math Academy,” says Shemiele Da’Briel. “He makes Math irresistible!”
Norm says he wants to help bring about an urban mathematics renaissance.
“Our country needs a revival, a rebirth of simply learning and doing mathematics for its own sake,” he says emphatically. “Not for a test score, not for a grade, and not for admission into some college. We simply need to learn that mathematics can be enjoyed the same way you’d enjoy literature, the arts, entertainment, or athletics.”
This week, he was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for our People in Your Neighborhood column — a series of interviews with some of South Seattle’s most interesting and engaging people.
Name:
Norman V. Alston
Age:
54
Neighborhood:
Columbia City
How long in South Seattle?
Teaching in Southeast Seattle since 1994
Where from originally?
San Francisco, California
Day job:
Acting Executive Director: eMode Learning Foundation
What do you like most about your day job?
I get to share my love of mathematics with children.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My love of teaching and learning.
What motivates you to do this work?
Seattle Public Schools failed me. I loved learning but hated school. I fear that if we continue to turn out children who feel this way then the system has again failed. I am motivated to see children learn to enjoy learning for its own sake, and therefore, to become autodidacts; life long learners.
What are you passionate about?
Giving children inspired and expanded opportunities to learn mathematics outside, and apart from their regular classroom.
What are your hobbies?
Biking, swimming, cooking, Googling and learning new things.
Tell us about your family:
My wife Marilyn and I have four children and seven grandchildren. We celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary on June 1st. We host foreign students in our home and presently have two Japanese siblings that we love!
What’s your most favorite thing about South Seattle?
The diversity and the flavor that it brings. South and the Central District are the two places in Seattle that I truly feel at home.
What’s your least favorite thing about South Seattle?
I am extremely troubled by the disparities in education that children of color experience in South Seattle Schools. It seems there are achievement gaps, enrichment gaps, and opportunity gaps that are becoming chasms. But there are solutions!
Norm Alston has been teaching Southeast Seattle students for more than two decades.
Where is your favorite place to go in South Seattle?
Seward Park has been a favorite haunt of mine for many years now.
If you could live anywhere besides South Seattle, where would it be?
The Piedmont Region of North Carolina, ancestral home of the Alston’s. I have 23 acres there that I inherited from my great grandfather. I’ve been visiting there since 1972. In 2002 my wife and our youngest two children went to visit the Cherry Hill Plantation and visited with the great grandson of the Alston family that had once held my great great grandparents in bondage there at Cherry Hill in Warren County, North Carolina. My earliest known ancestors are buried there and often I go back to be near that part of my being.
If there was one thing you could change about South Seattle, what would it be?
I would build the most fantastic institute to mathematics and science. It would be the intellectual crown jewel of the city of Seattle. It would be filled with exhibits that children would be drawn to and inspired by. It would be staffed by people who love children, and teaching and learning.
Who inspires you?
Children are my heroes and my role models. I always look up to them. They have kept me laughing and loving to learn. Every time I even see a kid I just smile!
What was the last thing you read?
The Bible, the Book of Proverbs
Tell us something about you that not many people know:
That History is my favorite subject, and not mathematics!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having a relationship with Jesus Christ. He loved kids so much and was an awesome teacher.
What is your greatest fear?
That I am not doing enough fast enough to bring about serious education reform. Ultimately, I fear that after I am gone far too many children (especially African American youngsters) still won’t like school very much.
What is the trait you most admire in yourself?
I am RESOLUTE. All my life I never even once had a “Plan B.”
What is your greatest regret?
Being estranged from a father that has never shown me any respect or love despite all I have tried to do to earn it from him by demonstrated achievement.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The Lord Jesus Christ, my wife and family, and my students.
What is your current state of mind?
EXCITED!!!
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Being married and having raised our children.
What is your most treasured possession?
It isn’t a tangible thing. What I hold most dear is the affection and admiration that children and their families seem to have for me.
What do you most value in your friends?
LOYALTY and TRUTHFULNESS, even if I don’t always like hearing it!
Who are your heroes in real life?
My grandfather, Anderson Alston, Dr. King, Nelson Mandela, my students and Russell Wilson. Go, Hawks!
What is it that you most dislike?
Violence, Injustice, Unfairness and Inequality
What else should we know about you?
That serving children is my life’s work, and only by death will I retire.
Is there a South Seattle neighbor you’d like to know more about? Nominate them for our People in Your Neighborhood column — a series of interviews with some of South Seattle’s most interesting and engaging people. Send your suggestions to gosouthseattle@gmail.com. Photo/Norm working on Applied Mathematics with students at Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club.
GUEST POST: Go Play! Top 10 South Seattle Playgrounds
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
With all this wonderful sunny weather and the re-opening of the new and improved Mount Baker Playground, we knew it was time for a list of our favorite South Seattle parks. So many fun options! Where are your favorite places to play in South Seattle?
1. Othello Playground (4351 S. Othello St., 98118) This eight-acre park features a big beautiful green space with grassy meadow, play area with awesome slide, public art, basketball courts, open meadow and short walking path. Othello
2. Beer Sheva Park (8650 55th Ave S., 98118) A one-acre, pesticide-free park perched right on Lake Washington just east of Rainier Beach High School. Beer Sheva Park was named for Beer Sheva, Israel, one of Seattle’s International Sister Cities. Features a play area, boat launch, and picnic sites, all in just 0.1-acres. Beach High
3. Jefferson Park (3801 Beacon Ave S., 98108) This 45-acre park — the sixth largest in the city — offers unparalleled views of the Duwamish River, the city and the Olympic Mountains. Home to Jefferson Park Golf Course, Jefferson Community Center, Jefferson Lawn Bowling, Jefferson Skate park and Beacon Mountain. Also includes a basketball court, skate park, water feature and play area. Beacon Hill
4. Mount Baker Park (2521 Lake Park Dr S., 98144) A picturesque gem with a gentle ravine boulevard sloping down to Colman Park and the Mount Baker Bathing Beach on Lake Washington.The nearly 22-acre open space features waterfront, tennis courts, a wide walking path and a newly renovated playground. Mount Baker
5. Seward Park (5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.) Within the Seattle city limits, Seward Park boasts 300 acres of beautiful forest land, home to eagles’ nests, old growth forest, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, an amphitheater, a native plant garden, an art studio, miles of hiking trails, shoreline, beaches and a sweet playground complete with zipline. Seward Park
6. Lakewood Playground (5013 S Angeline St., 98118) This two-acre neighborhood playfield features a playground, soccer field and baseball field. Lakewood
7. Genesee Park and Playfield (4316 S Genesee St., 98118) This 58-acre park features a play area, off-leash dog park, picnic sites and a broad, grassy meadow that stretches for about five blocks north from Genesee Street to Stan Sayres Memorial Park on Lake Washington Boulevard. Columbia City
8. Dearborn Park (2919 S Brandon St., 98126) This 7.7-acre Beacon Hill park sits just north of the Dearborn Park Elementary School and features a play area, softball field and lit, graveled pathways. Beacon Hill
9. Atlantic Street Park (1501 21st Ave S., 98144); Cozy neighborhood playground along the I-90 interstate corridor with seating, playground equipment, adult fitness equipment and paths. Mount Baker
10. Brighton Playfield (6000 39th Ave S., 98118) This expansive 12-acre park sits adjacent to Aki Kurose Middle School and includes a basketball court, tennis court, play area and more. Brighton
Photo/Dani Weiss Photography
NEW LISTING: Dreamy Mount Baker Craftsman with Separate Apartment
3235 37th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144
Listed at $650,000
Own this dreamy craftsman and enjoy a lucrative income from the separate 1 bedroom apartment. Situated on a coveted Mt Baker street, this tucked away home, surrounded by lovely gardens, is truly a refuge. A class act awaits inside with lots of original features: leaded glass, high ceilings, crown moldings, big casement windows, a stone real fireplace, floor to ceiling kitchen cabinets and a claw foot tub. The living and dining room have refinished oak floors and out back is a 1 car garage/studio.
Specs:
- 3 Bed
- 2 Bath
- 1,628 SQFT
- 3,000 SQFT lot
- Built: 1919
- Heat: Forced air
- Taxes: $3,439 (2106)
- MLS #: 1030945
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
Windermere Real Estate Teams with Seahawks to Help Homeless Youth
What do Windermere Real Estate and the Seattle Seahawks have in common? We both got our start in Seattle in the 1970s. And we’re both organizations who believe in giving back to our community. So when presented with the opportunity to become the Official Real Estate Company of the Seattle Seahawks, we didn’t have to think twice.
At the center of this partnership with the Seahawks is a new #tacklehomelessness campaign in which the Windermere Foundation will donate $100 for every Seahawks home-game tackle during the 2016 season, including $3,100 from last Sunday’s game. And on the receiving end of these donations is YouthCare, a Seattle-based non-profit organization that has been providing services and support to homeless youth for more than 40 years.
In addition to raising money, the #tacklehomelessness campaign will also bring awareness to the very issue of homeless youth struggling in our community. We know the Seahawks are equally committed to this important cause.
Our partnership with the Seahawks and YouthCare fits perfectly with the mission of the Windermere Foundation which is to support low-income and homeless families in the communities where we have offices. Through the #tacklehomelessness campaign, we hope to be able to do even more.
You can follow our progress throughout the Seahawks season on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/WindermereRealEstate
NEW LISTING: Light & Bright Seward Park Contemporary with Views!
4919 52nd Avenue South
Listed at $950,000
Seward Park Contemporary, light and bright with Lake, Cascades and City views. Spacious and open main floor with warm Brazilian cherry floors, two gas fireplaces, a living room, dining area and big family room with eat-in kitchen and west facing deck for al fresco dining/parties. Four bedrooms up, the master suite has a view deck. Finished basement with high ceilings, plumbed for a bathroom, for extra living or rental. Huge two-car garage, low maintenance yard. Walk to nature, city life and light rail.
Specs:
- 2,900 Square Feet
- 3,600 Square Foot Lot
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2.5 Bathrooms
- Lake, Cascades and City Views
- Heat: Forced Air
- Taxes: $5,972 (2016)
- MLS #: 1024964
Information provided as a courtesy only, buyer to verify. For more, go here.
SELLER SUCCESS STORY: Minimal Investment Results in Maximum Return
Jo Goodwin was tired of being an out-of-town landlord. She had been renting out her father’s Seattle house for several years while living in Las Vegas, and she was ready to sell.
Jo initially planned to sell the Upper Rainier Beach home through her property manager, but lost confidence after some poor quality fix-it jobs, and hired me instead.
I immediately saw the potential of this 1963 mid-century modern. They’re very popular, and athough it was a little out of the way and needed sprucing up, I knew it would sell for a good price if the work was done.
On went my general contractors hat!
Joanne Goodwin, Associate Professor of History and Director of Women’s Research Institute of Nevada.
The big question is always how much work to do in order to achieve maximum return. Jo thought she might need to totally remodel the kitchen, but I knew that a major remodel would likely recoup less than 85%, whereas a minor remodel would get more than 100%, so I suggested we minimally update the kitchen with a new cook top and dishwasher, and let the new buyer invest in remodeling the kitchen.
In addition, the basement was partially finished but rather grim with a concrete floor in the biggest room. I suggested putting an inexpensive yet tasteful bamboo-like flooring over the concrete. Voila, welcoming new family room!
The entire interior was also in need of a fresh look with murky brown walls making the house look dark and dingy. We chose two light colors to brighten the rooms and bring out the warm tones in the hardwood floors.
After a thorough cleaning, I staged the house with 50’s style furniture to appeal to folks who love that period, and make it stand out in the professional photographs.
Jo’s home received five offers and ultimately sold for 11% over the asking price.
“Serena listened to what I wanted and gave me more than I expected,” said Jo. “You can hire her and relax.”
Photo/Jo Goodwin’s South Seattle home received five offers and ultimately sold for 11% over the asking price.
As a special agent, my mission is to help you feel safe and well-tended as you make some of the most important decisions of your life, guiding you through the adventure of buying or selling a home with diligence, humor and respect. Call me today: 206-999-8159
