Category Archives: Recommended Resources

Updated Seattle Area Homeowner Resources Page

Updated Seattle Area Homeowner Resources Page

I just updated the Resources page with a big list of Seattle and Eastside service providers such as electricians, remodelers, house cleaners, dog walkers, and much more.  I also added some property and neighborhood research links that I’ve been wanting to make easily accessible for a long time. There’s a 2-page version of the list… Continue Reading

Resource: Seattle Area Structural Engineer Dave Pioli

A couple of weeks ago civil engineer Dave Pioli came out to do a structural evaluation of a raised basement in a Seattle home some clients of mine are purchasing.  They found him through online reviews, and when I put a request out to my office for recommendations from fellow agents the two I got… Continue Reading

Resource: The Mortgage Professor Website

I was looking around for information about home loans yesterday and was reminded of a great resource: The Mortgage Professor website, run by Jack Guttentag, Professor Finance Emeritus at Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania.  It’s one of those old-school-looking sites with a ton of information that’s very easy to sort through, from tutorials on how to… Continue Reading

Before You Buy that Home Security System

I found a site today that I think would be really useful for anyone looking into getting a home security system – it’s called www.AlarmSystemReviews.com, and it appears to really provide unbiased information, not only about the various security system companies, but also about things you need to know in general before you choose a home alarm system…. Continue Reading

Need a Good Seattle or Eastside Drainage Contractor?

Last week was the third or fourth time in the last ten years that I’ve personally called Seattle-based Wu Construction to come out to evaluate a property for me in order to see what it would take to solve a drainage problem, and during that time I’ve heard their name come up consistently in the two… Continue Reading

Corey Hubbell Blown Glass in Redmond is a Treat for Seattle Gift Shoppers

A few weeks ago I stopped by Corey Hubbell’s glass design studio in Redmond at the urging of my friend Charles from AquaSports, and I was simply amazed at the quality and quantity of beautiful blown glassware Corey has for sale.  Here are some shots I took of his warehouse with my Blackberry. Prices that I… Continue Reading

Good Reviews on Seattle Electricians and Plumbers

I’ve been passing out a resource list of my top recommended service providers for Seattle and the Eastside to my clients (if you’re a client and are wondering why you haven’t gotten one yet it’s just because I haven’t given them all out yet – you’ll get one soon!) Anyway, it’s great to get feedback from… Continue Reading

Recommended Resource: Furnace Contractors for Seattle and the Eastside

If you’re looking for a heating and cooling contractor in the Seattle or Eastside areas, here are three recommendations.  (Two I’ve used successfully, and one was recommended by a long-time agent who has sent me good people in the past.) Eastside: Tom Duff, Highlander Heating and Cooling:  (425) 868-2971 * Seattle and Eastside: Bassett Home Heating… Continue Reading

Recommended Resource: Hydrophysics Pipe Inspection for Sewer Scoping

Whenever you buy a home, even if it’s new construction, it’s a good idea to have the sewer line scoped.  That means hiring a sewer scoping contractor to check for damage by running a video camera down the line from the home to the street by means of a long steel cable. In the Seattle area this typically… Continue Reading

Free Mortgage Refinance Guide from the Federal Reserve Board

Are you thinking about refinancing your existing home mortgage?  If so, there’s a handy guide to home loan refinancing from the Federal Reserve Board that covers some important topics, such as: Comparing home loan refinance options Understanding ‘no cost’ refinances Calculating when you will recoup the expense of refinancing your mortgage Home mortgage prepayment penalties… Continue Reading

Recommended Seattle Area Window, Roof and Gutter Cleaning Contractor

I wanted to put in a plug for Jeff Fravel, owner of The Clean Doctor, for window, roof and gutter cleaning.  I used him a couple of times and he always does a good job and leaves the premises very clean.  Jeff does roof cleaning using a blower, not the hard pressure washing that can decrease the… Continue Reading