today's home - summer 2016

Supplement to the Federal Way Mirror, Auburn Reporter, Covington Maple Valley Reporter and Kent Reporter

Summer 2016

[2] June 24, 2016 Today’s HOME SUMMER 2016

1619592

Precision Custom Cabinets is proud to announce the opening of our new 2,000 sq. ft. showroom located on Auburn Way N. complete with appliances and countertops. We have several of our custom cabinets on display including kitchens, vanities, entertainment center, wine cabinet, and desks. We also have Corian, Zodiaq, and Cambria quartz displays, as well as a large variety of knobs and pulls.

Precision Custom Cabinets is a family owned and operated custom cabinetry shop located in Auburn, Washington. We custom design, as well as install all your cabinetry needs. We have a wide variety of options, and use high-quality, all-wood materials on all our custom cabinets. With a family owned and operated local business you can rest assured knowing that we will take care of you from the time you walk in our door until long after your custom cabinets are installed. Our expert sales team is highly experienced and we offer free consultations as well as design. We are a registered distributor of top quality products, including Corian, Zodiaq, and Cambria quartz, plus many other styles of quartz and granite. We tailor our cabinetry to fi t your décor, lifestyle and budgets.

GRAND OPENING! Friday, July 15th 2016 from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Located at 3705 Auburn Way N. Auburn, 98002. Ribbon cutting ceremony begins at 4:30 PM.

Food and refreshments will be provided as well as a raffl e for your chance to win a gift card.

Help us celebrate this huge milestone with the entire Precision Custom Cabinets family!

Precision Custom Cabinets3705 Auburn Way N. Auburn, WA 98002

(253) 397-4240www.PrecisionCustomCabinets.com

Today’s HOME [3]June 24, 2016SUMMER 2016

How to choose a mortgage lender. Selecting the Right Mortgage Lender.Selecting a mortgage lender is one of

the most important steps in the process of buying a home and an experienced lender can make the process a lot more comfortable. While you might focus initially on the interest rate of your loan, it can make a diff erence if the lender has local knowledge and presence. When you get a loan from a local company, you’ll benefi t from the fl exibility that comes with local decision-making. In other words, you won’t have some committee halfway across the country deciding whether or not your loan is approved. Another advantage of borrowing locally is the lender is likely to be familiar with the town or neighborhood you’re considering. Th is local knowledge is especially helpful if you’re looking at a unique property. Of course, when you take out a mortgage with a local company, your loan also helps stimulate the local economy.

In addition to the interest rate on the loan, you should also take a close look at the fees your lender will be assessing. Th ese fees are oft en referred to as “closing costs” and can include various combinations of the following:

• Origination fee• Discount fee• Underwriting fee• Processing fee• Administrative fee• Loan Review fee

When talking to your prospective lenders, ask them to provide you with a written estimate of your Rate/Fees and all Closing Costs which includes the A.P.R. (annual percentage rate). Th is document will disclose your interest rate, as well as all of the loan and lender fees. When reviewing, be sure to look at the A.P.R. which discloses the combination of the interest rate and the fees. Th e closer A.P.R. is to the interest rate, the lower the upfront cost of the loan. For example, if the quoted interest rate is 3.75% and the A.P.R. is 4.875%, then you know you are paying upfront costs to obtain the interest rate of 3.75%.

Many factors can aff ect your loan, interest rate and fees. Th ese include:

• Your credit score• Amount of down payment relative

to total cost – also known as Loan to Value Ratio

• Income vs. monthly debt – also known as Debt to Income Ratio

• Property type – single family, duplex, condominium

• Occupancy plans – owner occupied or rental

Together, you and your lender will determine the best loan for you based on such factors as credit score, down payment, how long you plan to remain in the home, etc.

Marcy DuenhoelterAVP, Mortgage Loan Offi cerNMLS ID:285468Allenmore Offi ce253.671.3733

Scott LeingangAVP, Mortgage Loan Offi cerNMLS ID:284305Lakewood Offi ce253.671.0839

Choosing a lender comes down to trust and education. Find someone you can communicate with, who asks you questions, honestly answers your questions

and provides you with knowledgeable service. Aft er all, a mortgage loan is more than likely to be the biggest fi nancial obligation in your life.


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MON.-FRI. 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

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We offer complete vehicle and vessel licensing services:Title Changes • Notary Public

• Disabled Plates & Placards • Tab Renewal

Serving Washington since 1976...Federal Way Licensing Services, formally Federal Way Auto License Agency,

is a private business providing vehicle and vessel licensing services on behalf of the County and the State as a licensed Subagent of the State.

Our professional staff facilitates quick titles, title changes, tab renewal, permits, reports of sale, disabled and specialty plates, and Notary Public services. Our subagency accepts payment by check, cash and most credit or debit cards. Renewing online will save time through our internet next-day mail-out service or express same-day pickup window...no waiting in line!

Federal Way Licensing Services takes pride in fulfilling your licensing needs by providing you with fast, quality service for your vehicle, seasonal recreational vehicles, and vessel needs. We provide complete vehicle and vessel licensing services as well as pick-up and delivery for Washington Licensed dealers. Please stop by Monday through Saturday! We take pride in fulfilling your needs and providing you with quality and fast service.

(StatePoint) If your home is the one your family and friends gravitate to for parties and seasonal celebrations, you need to make sure it can handle all that attention. Upgrading your kitchen can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects for those who entertain frequently.Here are a few upgrades that

can improve your kitchen’s vi-sual appeal and utility for better entertaining.

Open and ShutIs your kitchen storage bursting

at the seams? Do those cabinets that once looked so great now seem tired? Today’s top kitchens employ a combination of open shelving and closed cabinetry to deliver stunning looks and top functionality.Install open shelving for things

you use the most and for visu-ally appealing dishes and glasses. It’s easy for you to grab what you need and for guests to know where to turn for an extra plate or tumbler. And open shelves are terrific for showcasing that favor-ite set of after-dinner glassware or that sleek new cappuccino maker.But a well-designed kitchen

also needs large cabinets to hide clutter and clunky appliances that consume precious counter space.

Upgrade Your RangeUpgrading your range is a simple

way to take entertaining to the next level. Your range should be

the centerpiece of your kitchen, in terms of design and function. And these days, designs that combine sleek industrial lines with classic retro touches are all the rage.

But form needs to be matched by flexible function. Look for a range that comes in dual fuel, gas or electric, with choice of a single or double oven, such as the 36-inch professional style ranges from Ve-rona, a luxury Italian brand from EuroChef USA. Their new Classic Collection line comes in three col-ors, including stainless steel, matte black and gloss red, with a color-matched control panel, featuring teardrop control knobs, beveled

doors, rounded handles and ele-gant plinth legs. More information is available at veronaappliances.com/verona-classic.

No matter what range you choose, opt for one with high BTU sealed burners and easy glide oven racks for easy access to your meals. And be sure to look for such advanced features as an infrared broiler and/or convection set-ting so you can cook quickly and precisely.

Proper Prep and CleanupDouble-basin sinks and dual

drawer dishwashers don’t just look luxurious, they help speed prep work and cleanup.

If you have the space, nothing beats a tandem sink where you can use one basin for preparing the next course and the other for dirty dishes. That second sink is also great for a helpful friend to start cleanup.

Dual drawer dishwashers can help you complete post-meal chores faster. You can have one load of dirty dishes in progress while you enjoy dessert, and be able to fill up a second drawer with cutlery, coffee cups and dessert plates after the meal.

The key to upgrading your kitch-en is to streamline it to make your life easier as host.

Tips for Improving Your Kitchen for Entertaining


Mortgage talk is HOT on every-one’s minds right now – especially in the midst of the spring and summer buying season. Homes rarely stay on the market for long if they’re a hot buy — so here’s how to jump start your likelihood of getting a mortgage, so you can get the home of your dreams faster!

1. Financial Literacy: Before shopping for a mortgage you may want to check your credit report. Make sure everything on your cred-it report is accurate, and dispute anything that’s incorrect. Consider paying down high balance debt to at least 50% but don’t close old accounts. According to Realtor.com, 15% of your credit score is due to overall account length. The longer you’ve had a certain credit account open, and as long as that account is intact, it’s wise to keep it open.

2. Get pre-approved for a mort-gage loan. Getting pre-approved may not guarantee you a home loan, but it will help you get an “in” with your lender to show that you are capable of being fi scally responsible and are serious about

buying a home.3. Don’t apply for new credit short-

ly after applying for a mortgage. This could affect your score, and down the road, lead to rejection of getting a mortgage. Lenders will see every time that you have applied for credit and it can register a ding on your credit fi le.

4. Decide on the right type of mortgage. According to Realtor.com, the type of home you want, as well as assistance you’ll need, will help decide what type of loan you’re eligi-ble for. If you’re a veteran, you could consider a Department of Veterans Affairs loan. If you’re a fi rst-time homebuyer, the FHA could help you out, and offer a loan with only a 3.5% down payment requirement. Your lender will want to see proof of income, assets, credit documents, and any other important documents showing you make what you say you make, and that you are who you say you are.

Have questions? Reach out to a local mortgage lender or ask an expe-rienced Realtor for referrals. Happy Hunting!

– Marti Reeder 206-391-0388

4 Ways to Improve Your Chanceof Getting a Mortgage

WINDOWS • SUNROOMS • SIDING • ROOFING • HOME EXTERIORS

*The Champion limited lifetime warranty applies to Comfort 365 Windows® as long as the original purchaser owns the home. See stor for details. **Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 6.99% for 60

months. Based on each $1,000 fi nanced. 5 payments of $5.83 followed by 55 amortized payments of $21.30. *Discount applies to Comfort 365 Windows® . Buy 3 Comfort 365 Windows® at regular price

and get 1 additional window free. Free window must be of equal or lesser value. See store or website for details. All discounts apply to our regular price. All prices include expert installation. Sorry no adjust-

ments can be made on prior sales. Cannot be combined with other advertised offers. See store for warranty. Offer expires 7-31-16. Champion® 2016 OFFER CODE 35787. License #CHAMPIONWC008CJ

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206-391-0388martireeder.com

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Exterior Painting Preparation Tips for Home Owners

We are ProTect Painters, a full-service, interior and exterior painting company. We believe in help-ing others fully realize the pride and joy of home ownership. We, not only treat our customers like family, ProTect Painters treats your home like it was our own, by finding the right color that represents you and your space. We’re professional painters that never cut corners in delivering unparalleled quality - YOUR home is our showcase.

What makes ProTect Painters different? We always do what we say we are going to do! We’re proud of the Top 5 reasons why customers choose ProTect Painters:1. Gift of Time: ProTect Painters manages the entire

project from beginning to end. 2. Upfront Pricing: A detailed plan. No hidden

costs.3. Color Consult: Our painting professionals pro-

vide the right color for your surroundings. 4. Flexible and Reliable: Experienced in working

with your schedule. 5. Communication: Always knowing what’s hap-

pening and when.

Why Customers Choose ProTect Painters?

Terry & Jeanette Koubele

You can make prep work go quickly and smoothly by doing some prep of your own. The following is a helpful checklist to follow to ensure your home’s exterior is ready prior to the ProTect Painters professionals arriving at your home.

Before ProTect Painters Pressure Wash Your Home:• Trim back landscaping to allow painters close access to siding and trim

• Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim

• Make sure water spigots are in good working order for pressure washing

• Close your windows on pressure washing days

• Check window sills for water after pressure washing is completed

Before ProTect Painters Begin Prep and Painting:• Have paint colors selected approximately one week prior to scheduled painting

• Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim

• Ensure that the painters will have access to electrical outlets

• Designate a safe area where the crew can leave their ladders and miscellaneous equipment

• Coordinate your painting plans with other potential tradespeople working on your project

• Reschedule lawn service and turn off sprinklers while your house is being painted

• Unlock windows on the days they are painted – it is necessary to open and shut

• Ensure access to doors that will need to be painted, as they may need to be open for several hours on the day they are painted

Call 253-561-8494 TODAY for your free estimate!

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Over 1OO,OOO tile options, and we’ll

perfect one.Our new retail showroom is open to homeowners, designers, and contractors.

Stop by to see thousands of products: from durable

tiles, from decorative accents

beautiful granite, marble, and quartz for your countertops...

We offer complimentary in-store design assistance and professional installation advice.

Whether you plan to install

you’re just supervising, we have the experience and

through your project!

253.872.0449

1531 Central Ave SKent, WA 98032

Open Mon–Fri 7:30–5:30,Sat 9–5

Auburn

S 277th St

S Kent Des Moines RdWillis St

HW

Y 167

Downtown Kent

1544001

Welcome to Tile Lines…What project are you working on?

We’re a family-owned retail tile and stone showroom located in Kent, Washington. We provide a wide range of quality products to homeowners, designers, and contrac-tors from Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, and the greater King County area. We have a great selection of porcelain tiles, granite and marble tile for floors and countertops, travertine tiles for showers, floors, and backsplash projects. We can help you order solid surface countertops in granite, marble, and quartz. We have many decorative glass, metal, and stone tile and mosaic options on display. In-store designers can assist with ideas and product selection and answer many installation-related questions. We stock many installation supplies, including thinset mortar and grout, as well as shower waterproofing kits such as Wedi and Schluter Kerdi. Unlike the big box home improvement stores, we deal exclusively with tile and tile products; so we have consistently better selection, better information, and better customer ser-vice. Stop by today and see what’s in store!

Start your Project & Get Inspired!Allow us to guide you through your next tile or countertop project! Whether you

need a kitchen countertop with a coordinating backsplash or are replacing your bath-tub with a walk-in shower, we can provide installation advice, design assistance, and one of the biggest selections of tile and stone in the Northwest.

We offer complementary design assistance! Our talented staff can help you choose the right tiles, countertops, and decorative pieces to fit your style and your home. We also have numerous in-store design boards, product samples, and idea books that can help with the design process.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Products:

Why can’t I buy any products on your website? Tile and stone can look extremely different on a computer screen than they do in real life. We strongly recom-mend you see the color and feel the texture of a tile in person before buying. Choosing a product that you’ll live with for 10+ years without seeing it in per-son is like buying a new car without taking it for a test drive!We may, in the future, sell non-design items such as thinset and tools on our website and have them available for delivery or in-store pick-up. Subscribe to our quarterly email newsletter, to keep up to date on our latest website and product developments.

I found a tile/stone at another store. Can you order it for me? More often than not, yes! We work with over 30 different tile distributors, hundreds of tile manufac-turers, and can order over 100,000 tile and stone products. Contact us with the name of the product and when and where you saw it, and we’ll be able to tell you if we can get it and how much it would cost. However, if a man-made product has been discontinued, is exclusive to another retailer (such as a Home Depot or Lowe’s), or is unavailable in our region, we might not be able to order it.When looking for natural stone products from several different sources; so even if Company A stopped carrying a product, Company B might still have it. We always recommend seeing a sample of the current batch of any natural stone material in person, due to the high variation inherent in the product. The stone sample you saw three months ago might look very different from a cur-rent sample from the exact same company or quarry.

I have a tile I’m trying to match, can you help? We’ll certainly try! At least once a week, a homeowner comes to us with a broken piece of tile from a damaged shower or an old floor and asks if we can order it or something like it.Occasionally, we can track down the manufacturer and order more of the exact same tile. But if the tile is out of production or completely unavailable, we’ll let you know up front and recommend alternatives.

Submitted by Darrell Helbling, owner of Tile Lines, website www.tilelines.com.


By Susie HoranAre you looking to change careers or to re-enter the

work force? Perhaps selling real estate is the right career for you. Could this be your passion? Rarely does someone go to college to learn to sell real estate. Most sales associates start another career fi rst and then realize that they are not happy with their current career and start looking for the right career fi t. Several factors can lead them to real estate sales. Many people are unfulfi lled in their current job and want to make a change. They may also want to earn more money and have the freedom to work their own schedule.

A real estate sales career brings many opportuni-ties including a strong commitment to customer service. Top income earners may have fl exibility but also give an extra 1%. Additionally, the real estate company that an agent chooses to work with will make a big impact on their success. In this global economy a national brand with international expo-sure like Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is big factor to long term success. When you travel across the country national brands are easily recognizable and consumers feel confi dent with their products. It is the same with real estate brands. If you are con-

sidering a career in real estate check out the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand. The Federal Way offi ce and the Kent offi ce have monthly 1 hour Career Night seminars for the purpose of sharing an overview of a real estate career. In addition to shar-ing costs and how to study for your real estate license they also share the many tools that are necessary to be a successful agent.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate all of the tools and training are provided to the agents as part of the hiring package. These tools include providing sales people a fully interac-tive, responsive website with a full MLS download of Active, Pending and Sold properties, a mobile app to give to buyers, sellers and friends who can search for properties in 222 MLS areas nationally. For example if you are in Phoenix or Las Angeles or Chicago you have instant access to the listings in those local MLS areas. There are many other tools that are used in real estate and are provided to the agents. But just as important as the tools is the training. At BHHS NW Real Estate there is continuous training includ-ing training for newly licensed agents and advance continuous training for experienced agents. We have live training, webinar training, and on-line training.

With the busy schedules of agents they want fl ex-ibility with training opportunities and we provide it. Also, because BHHS NW Real Estate owns the Seattle School of Real Estate most of our classes provide clock hours at no cost to the sales associate.

To sign up for the next Career Night or to meet with a manager call Susie Horan in Federal Way at 253-946-4000 or Tom Jacobs in Kent at 253-854-9400. Or go to our Real Estate Career website at www.realestatecareer.org.

By Susie HoranHome values in South King County have

steadily increased and with today’s low inter-est rates the trend continues. The South King County average price of a home in May of 2015 was $327,121 and in May of 2016 was $371,400. This is a 13.5 percent year over year increase from 2015 to 2016. The real estate sales market continues to see multiple offers

on homes priced at fair market value. There are more buyers than there are homes for sale. Right now in King County there is a 1.2 month supply of homes for sale. An average market would have a 6 month supply of homes.

If you are a homeowner thinking of selling this is an excellent time to put your property for sale. Homes that sell quickly are in excellent condition, priced slightly above similar homes

that have recently sold and are the best value among active listings that are similar to their home in their multiple listing area.

Sales people at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices offer a free market analysis using current multiple listing data. They will also present our 60 page Home Selling Marketing Presentation. Good marketing affects value. When a home has photos that are taken by a professional photographer and is then widely marketed on the internet it will bring in a high-er value. The fi rst preview of a home is on the internet. If a buyer likes what they see for the value that the home represents then they will want to go inside the home. Broader exposure reaches the buyers who match up to the unique features of that home and those buyers will pay more money. So price is not the only consider-ation when you list your home. It is important to also measure the marketing and exposure that your listing agent and listing company will provide for you.

We live in a global society and today’s market-ing should include national and global expo-sure. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has offi ces in 47 states and in addition to national exposure we advertise on 5 continents in 37 countries on over 70 international websites. If you would like to see our 60 page Homeselling Marketing Presentation call our Federal Way offi ce at 253-946-4000 or our Kent/Auburn offi ce at 253-854-9400 and one of our profes-sional agents will show you how to get your home sold quickly and bring you top dollar.

Attend Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real EstateCareer Night to Find Out if Real Estate Sales is the Right Career for You

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Brings More Global Listing Exposure Advertising on 5 Continents in 37 Countries on 70 Global Websites

Susie Horan, Manager and Marketing Director, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate, standing by the readerboard at their Federal Way offi ce.


Tom Brunner 253-332-7400

Sally Law206-817-1114

Chuck Barrios206-841-9101

Roxanne Kurosky206-890-9801

Stephen Kitajo 206-972-9721

Michele Hunt 206-334-7449

Kathy Gendron 253-332-6300

Cris LeCompte206-595-7422

Jasmine Santana206-422-5618

Karen Stevenson206-251-6200

Lisa Kimball253-223-7444

Denise Tholl253-740-6986

Cindy Smalley206-841-5321

Larry Davis206-949-3434

Mary Saucier253-639-8608

Elizabeth Waloweek253-217-6173

Joy Urakawa206-669-6828

Leon Lyman253-639-3350

Natalie Duran253-315-9827

Jim McConville 253-229-4510

Darren Monson253-606-5112

Cindy Lucas206-714-9716

Florence Ong253-347-0510

Julie Horton206-300-0400

Dawn Dube206-396-8926

Jan Glenn253-261-3025

Tom Jacobs253-854-9400

Lorelei Windhorn253-569-1058

Duane Coleman206-818-1706

Joan Hanson206-949-4811

Melanie Scott253-261-8882

Kyong Kwon 253-332-5388

Tami Wooding253-221-6945

Holly Schramm206-390-9268

James Smith206-290-6387

Kay Jones206-227-7525

Jeff Kuhnsxxx-xxx-xxxx

Stacy Larson206-362-0575

Bihn Nguyen 253-381-2902

Mary Schultz 253-529-0843

Ron Blood206-660-2884

Jacob McLain253-392-7600

Alex Prokhor253-217-2364

Maurice Mayben 253-256-2663

Marilyn Maras Cade 206-963-5300

Paula Huse206-510-3976

Katy Brett253-335-6144

Suzanne Cheney 253-740-4168

Don Donat253-380-2612

Shari Song206-790-9044

Paulette Pedersen253-297-3479

Pat Roragen 253-230-0217

Lewis Liu206-294-8668

Bob Kim253-670-0131

Bunny Caswell253-332-7789

Gayle Miller 206-795-6284

Pam Collins360-509-4547

Donnell Delzer 206-909-0748

Bob Almeda 253-377-5600

Donnell Delzer 206-909-0748

Connie Sprickman253-350-6122

Susie Horan 206-227-3900

Mary Hefty206-651-6950

Stan Smith206-650-3007

Larry Coyne253-653-4456

Robert “Bear” Carper 253-222-0831

Robin Stanko206-853-3030

Barbara Geraghty253-332-1924

Charlotte Carper 206-601-6821

Miky Hyun206-941-9821

Leanne Emery 253-921-7019

Larry Prokop 253-653-5392

Tom Clark253-332-6767

Terry Traynor206-499-7771

Shirley Hopkins206-947-8369

Raj Sangha206-617-4934

Zdenka Kalezic206-407-4404

Victoria Gulsvig 206-818-8038

Deidre Hicks206-898-1964

Colleen Linder253-329-7566

Gina Galando253-350-5106

Teresa Saenger206-510-8407

Teresa Lyman253-709-0913

Monica Bracken206-321-1047

Marlene Burns206-948-5829

Sue Desimone,206-683-4570

Sarn Saechao 425-445-6795

Hee Jung Lee206-679-8328

Rhonda Ingalls253-332-9941

Carla Vertrees 253-859-7438

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Cathy Jacobs206-755-4840

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Brittney Shining206-651-1872

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Pat Conger206-227-1959

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Philip Baskaron206-255-3400

Tracie Pentzold206-920-1063

Good to Know®

FEDERAL WAY ...........................................$874,990Puget Sound Waterfront on almost ½ acre with 52 sqft of Puget Sound waterfront says come and join me. You can enjoy this 2970 sqft home with upgrades galore and walk the beach all the way to Redondo. Extra parking too. 253-946-4000 #937053 KENT ...........................................................$398,500Serenity surrounds this updated beauty featuring a chef’s kitchen with slab granite countertops and stainless appliances. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a stun-ningly landscaped backyard with a coi pond. 253-946-4000 #954461 FEDERAL WAY ...........................................$620,000Enjoy a Puget Sound & Maury Island view from this huge 3600 sqft Twin Lakes 2-story home including 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. This home also overlooks the Twin Lakes Golf Course Fairway. 253-946-4000 #952383

RENTON .............................................. $750,000Welcome Home! This stunning 4BD/3.25BA 2-story home w/fully fi nished daylight basement is located in desirable Wood-side community. Features gourmet kit. w/granite, butler’s pantry and stainless appls. 253-854-9400 KT944487 AUBURN .............................................. $577,500Beautifully maintained 4BD/2.5BA home on shy acre corner lot in gated community of Golden Ridge. Cooks delight kitchen, hrdwd flrs, central AC, 3 car gar, lrg deck, and gazebo surrounded by park-like set-ting. 253-854-9400 KT958406 MAPLE VALLEY .................................... $575,000Highly desirable Katesridge home in Award winning Tahoma School District! Immaculate 5BD/3.5BA 2-story, 4130 sq ft w/two mstr suites, spacious great room, huge kitchen, close to shopping, parks, and trails. 253-854-9400 KT952103

©2015 BHHS Affi liates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affi liates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Angela Chambers253-271-8112


“A product

”

Recycling of Drywall reduces the need for the quarrying of virgin gypsumSustainable purchasing is a growing global trend

shifting manufactures to create closed-loop products. For some, this just brings to the forefront the actions their companies have already made. Located in Seattle WA, CertainTeed Gypsum is one of these companies. Working with New West Gypsum, a gypsum wallboard recycling company, a closed-loop system has been made for the infinite reuse of Drywall.

Closed-loop Product?“Closed-loop” is when a production process uses

post-consumer waste collected, recycled and uses it to make new products and a “Closed-loop Product” is a product that was produced in this process.

When something gets recycled, a common misconception is that it gets easily and immediately turned right back into the same thing it was. The reality is many materials are “downcycled,” meaning they are converted into new materials that are usually of a lesser quality or reduced functionality. For a closed-loop system to work properly, consumers, recyclers and manufacturers must work hand-in-hand to reclaim valuable resources from our waste stream and be committed to making new products with them. When in working order, this closed-loop recycling system becomes the backbone to a manufacturers supply chain. To keep the reclaimed material in the closed-loop system infinitely, it is paramount that manufacturers put a premium on designing products for recyclability.

Drywall?Basically Drywall is made up of an inner layer of gypsum

including various additives sandwiched between two outer layers of lining paper with varying designs for weight, strength and sound proofing dependant on the products usage. North America is one of the largest Drywall users in the world and an average new American home contains more than 8 tons of it.

Why recycle?Recycling of Drywall reduces the need for the quarrying

of virgin gypsum raw materials.Drywall should be recycled because of environment

concerns that arise when it is land filled. The primary component of Drywall is calcium sulfate dehydrate or gypsum. When gypsum is mixed with other materials in the moist, airless, carbon-containing environment often found in a landfill, the sulfates convert to toxic hydrogen

sulphide gas. The decomposing of gypsum can release up to a quarter its weight in hydrogen sulfide.

The ideal solution for gypsum material is a closed-loop re-utilization of the material. That is, recycled material is returned to the wallboard manufacturer to re-enter the wallboard manufacturing process so ensuring gypsum is not ‘lost’ as it is with composting or land spreading. Gypsum can essentially be recycled forever with no degradation to the material.

Sustainability?Sustainability is defined as “Development that meets

the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable construction aims to meet present day needs for housing, working environments and infrastructure without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs in times to come. Recycling Drywall supports the commitment of governments, companies and individuals to sustainability and the environment.

Do my purchases make a difference?Yes, by purchasing products containing recycled materials,

we are encouraging the manufacture and increasing the demand for these products, providing a use for the recyclable materials that companies and communities collect. The benefit of increased demand in closed-loop products is the opportunity for manufacturers to step up and show there commitment in the lifecycle management of there products from inception, through design and manufacturing, to service and disposal or recycling.

This article previously ran in the Seattle DJC..


(StatePoint) Is your house in need of a seasonal overhaul? Get your home in shape with these easy tasks and upgrades, and enjoy the warmer months.• Top-to-bottom cleaning: In each room,

start at the top and work your way to the bottom. Crumbs will inevitably fall from kitchen counters and dust will fly from fixtures, so clean your floors last so you don’t have to redo them later.In the kitchen, circle around the sink,

starting at the right side of your stove and then move clockwise around the room. Stoves can be the dirtiest part of the kitch-en, so ending there prevents the spread of grease and dirt.Finally, when it’s time to sweep, hold

the broom with one hand on top of the handle and the other in the middle. Hav-ing a proper grip on the broom will make each stroke more effective. Ensure you don’t miss any dirt by sweeping from the outside in. Pulling dirt to the center of the room will make for easier pick-up.• Creative upgrades: After the garage, the

kitchen is tied with the home office as the second most cluttered room in the house,

according to a Moen survey. Get rid of clutter by updating features with those that create a “home” for items that live out in the open.For example, when selecting a faucet,

choose one with style and function, like the Voss faucet from Moen, which has a transitional low-profile design, ideal

for installation in front of windows or on a kitchen island, and features Reflex technology, which allows for easy, secure docking of the spray wand. The collection also offers matching accessories like towel bars to make organization functional and fashionable.A new kitchen sink, when chosen care-

fully, is another update that can reduce

the appearance of clutter. Look for a model with a low-profile center divider that provides the versatility of a double bowl with single-bowl functionality. For instance, those from Moen allow you to fit items like pots and cookie sheets across two bowls easily, limiting the visibility of dirty dishes in the sink -- which is ideal for open concept layouts. To learn more, visit moen.com.• Color Your World: A fresh coat of paint

can do wonders for a room. And lighter hues are both in style and perfect for sum-mer.For the first time, Pantone, the world-

wide standard for color communication, selected two colors of the year: Serenity and Rose Quartz. The light pastels com-plement each other and make for a calm and soothing design aesthetic. Mean-while, paint maker Sherwin-Williams named Alabaster its 2016 color of the year. Keeping with the trend of light col-ors, this white hue is a nice blank canvas to showcase your summer décor.A few projects around the home can get

you set for sunny seasons ahead.

Summer Home Updates to Enhance Your Space

(StatePoint) You might not earn your living taking care of lawns, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the same quality of cut as landscape profession-als.For a consistently superior cut, ex-

perts say average consumers should look for commercial grade products.“Homeowners can also benefit from

the performance and reliability a true commercial mower offers,” says Lloyd von Scheliha, product manager at Exmark, a leading manufacturer of lawn care equipment. “You’ll get lawn care done faster and it will look better in the end. Your mower will also last longer and require less maintenance.”Homeowners should be advised

however that the term “commercial grade” is thrown around a lot these days in advertising. If you’re in the market for a new mower, you should understand what commercial grade really means before making a pur-chase.

“Take a look at the equipment your lo-cal landscape professionals are using and you`ll get a good feel for what commer-cial mowers look like,” says von Scheliha.

He says homeowners should consider the following:• Your mower should offer superior

durability to stand the test of time. Look for fabricated cutting decks, which are stiffer, stronger and more durable than stamped decks -- even reinforced models. The durability advantage should extend to the components as well.

• Productivity and maneuverability in a mower offer average consumers time-savings, reducing the time that’s needed to cut a lawn, and then do trim work. Consider a zero-turn mower, which de-livers a finished appearance more quick-ly than other mower types.• Even a commercial mower will deliver

superior results longer if you perform routine maintenance. Always consult your owner’s manual to determine what specific maintenance is necessary for your machine. Cleaning, sharpening or replacing blades as they dull, replacing belts as they become worn, oil and filter changes, and other specific maintenance as outlined in your owner’s manual, will improve equipment performance and longevity.More information about lawn care and

commercial grade lawn equipment can be found at Exmark.com.This season, take steps to be informed

so you can mow like a pro.

How to Mow Your Lawn Like a Pro


(StatePoint) No longer must you choose be-tween your lawn and saving water. Experts say there are ways to save both water and money that won’t hurt your turf.

“We often see sprinklers watering sidewalks and drives, running during rain, or sending water down the drain from leaky heads,” says Josh Friell, Ph. D, senior agronomist of The Toro Company’s Center for Advanced Turf Technology. “The good news is there are simple, cost-effective actions homeowners can take to save up to 30 percent in outdoor water usage alone.”

Friell recommends these lawn-care watering tips:

First Things FirstMost timed sprinklers water in the early morn-

ing, without homeowner attention. At the begin-ning of the season, run each zone briefly during daylight hours to see how the system is operat-ing. Look for broken lines or damaged sprinkler heads, and inspect spray patterns to ensure water isn’t wasted.

When to WaterExperts suggest watering deeply and infrequent-

ly. This helps wet the entire root zone and encour-ages deeper root growth, which helps the lawn better tolerate mild to moderate drought. It is best to water in the early morning around 4 to 5 a.m., as this gives lawns time to absorb the moisture and prevents evaporation due to daytime heat.

How Much to WaterDuring summer, your grass should receive be-

tween 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water weekly, includ-ing natural precipitation. Water requirements vary by turf variety, local weather conditions, and site conditions such as shade. Your local university extension office can be a good source of information to assist in understanding local conditions.

The total water applied can be determined by placing a rain gauge or empty tuna cans around your yard prior to an irrigation cycle. Another option is to install a wireless soil moisture sen-sor, like the Toro Precision Soil Sensor, which fits almost any controller and installs in minutes. This helps eliminate guesswork by continuously

monitoring soil moisture levels to prevent the system from overwatering.

Limit Water IntakeFriell says a general rule to keep in mind is that

turfgrass does better when managed on the dry side rather than wet. When soil is constantly wet, grass roots are deprived of oxygen and may become more susceptible to disease.

When in DroughtAvoid lawn mowing during heat and drought.

Lawns under such stress have limited ability to recover from mowing and can be damaged even more. Instead, mow after a rainfall or irrigation day. Finally, maintaining higher mowing heights will help turf tolerate the heat and drought of summer. Doing so also requires less frequent mowing, which means more time to enjoy your lawn!

Water RebatesMany cities and water agencies across the U.S.

offer water conservation and rebate programs to homeowners to encourage adoption of more ef-ficient irrigation solutions. Find a list of the latest rebates at watersmart.toro.com/rebates/.

You can learn more about proper watering at watersmart.toro.com.

With the right watering techniques, you can save water, money and time while maintaining a healthy lawn.

A Guide to Saving Water and Your Lawn

(StatePoint) Not all home upgrades require a ton of research. But for more complicated repairs and replacements, being informed can help you make better decisions.For example, replacing your home’s

HVAC system is one thing you want to get right, as a good decision can benefit both your comfort and pocketbook for years to come.“Before talking to a contractor, home-

owners should be prepared with ques-tions,” says Karl Zellmer, VP of Air Conditioning at Emerson Climate Tech-nologies.According to Zellmer, here are some im-

portant factors to consider and questions to discuss with your contractor:• What size or capacity system is right

for my home?• What is the expected life span of my

current system?• How much should I plan to pay for a

new system if mine has to be replaced?

• How much will my monthly energy bill be reduced with a new system? Are there ways to reduce it even more?• Will the new system reliably produce

the desired air temperature and humidity levels evenly throughout my home?

• What maintenance will the new sys-tem require? Will it automatically notify me when it needs servicing or repair?• What are the contractor’s qualifica-

tions? Can they provide referrals from previous customers?

• Is my system environmentally-friend-ly? Are there any government and utility rebates available for buying certain “high efficiency” equipment?• Am I going to be adequately covered

by a warranty and how long will I be covered?• Am I purchasing the most up-to-date

technology available? For example, will I be able to remotely monitor and control my home’s climate via the internet or a mobile device?To view the results from recent home-

owner research, and to learn more about what type of system might be best for your home, free resources are available at www.ac-heatingconnect.com.If you own an older, problem prone sys-

tem, it might be time to skip the repairs and opt for a replacement instead. No matter your priorities, long-term reli-ability, modest operating costs and great year-round performance are key features to seek in your next HVAC system.

What to Know Before Upgrading Your Home’s HVAC System

today's home - summer 2016

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