It’s mid-May and our region’s Farmer’s Markets are opening for business.

Even though the region is home to a number of fabulous year-round markets, most locations are seasonal. Do you enjoy eating fresh and local? Our farmers markets support many local farmers as well as provide a great place to sell local jams, breads. meats, eggs and so much more. These markets are an important part of the local economy. It’s also great to know exactly where the food you eat and serve your family comes from and how it was grown.

The first farmers markets technically originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago when farmers along the Nile brought their fresh produce to be sold. Today there are farmers markets all over the world with the smallest ones being no more than 3-4 vendors selling their fresh produce to the largest one in the world in Tokyo, Japan which has over 1,700 stalls! Today, most communities support farmers markets. With obesity in both adults and children at an all time high, it only makes sense to put more emphasis on fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are some top reasons why eating locally is better:

• Local food is fresher and tastes better than food that been trucked or flown in from thousands of miles away. Think you can’t taste the difference between lettuce picked yesterday and lettuce picked last week, factory-washed, and sealed in plastic? You can. Plus fresh local produce lasts longer.
• Those thousands of miles some food is shipped? That leads to a big carbon footprint for a little bunch of herbs. Look for farmers who follow organic and sustainable growing practices and energy use to minimize your food’s environmental impact.
• By buying foods grown and raised closer to where you live, you help maintain farmland and green space in your area.
• The fewer steps there are between your food’s source and your table the less chance there is of contamination. Also, when you know where your food comes from and who grows it, you know a lot more about that food.
• Money spent with local farmers stays close to home building the local economy.
• Knowing where your food is from connects you to the people who raise and grow it. Instead of having a single relationship–to a big supermarket–you develop smaller connections to more food sources: vendors at the farmers’ market, the local cheese shop, your favorite butcher, the co-op that sells local eggs, a local café that roasts coffee.

As my father always taught me, you are what you eat. High quality food that is freshly picked is loaded with so much nutritional value. Even though vitamins have their place, isn’t it better to get as many of our nutrients from the foods we eat?

Let’s all do our part to support our local farmers. It’s good for everyone!

Spring is here and with it the start of one of the busiest times of year for housing. Everett/Seattle is one of many metropolitan regions in the country showing signs of a strong market in the coming months. Even though many communities are still seeing prices fall, buyers are  shopping and some are  willing to pay more than fair market value to secure a deal. But is it a deal if you get into a bidding war and end up using your heart rather than your head?

We certainly don’t want to see a repeat of the housing crisis of a few years ago. Even though prices are more realistic than during the great housing boom, prices are still stabilizing and paying more than a house is worth is never a wise decision. Prices are not inflated like they were in years past but no one knows what the economy will have to endure over the next few years and the housing market is still very fragile.

Make sure to use your head when making such a huge financial decision. Ask yourself if you really HAVE TO have “that” house. Why do you HAVE TO have “that” house. Are you willing to shell out the extra money for it when the appraisal comes in at fair market value and you just offered $20,000 or more over?

With home purchases, I have seen many buyers become emotionally invested in a particular house. When this happens, many times the buyer compromises on what they need in a home, the price range they are comfortable with and even the location. Just because there are 5 other people who want that particular house doesn’t mean that you have to want it as well. It’s like the car lot scenario where everyone is standing around the red sports car, drooling over it.  The first thing human nature has us do is walk up and drool over it as well. We want what everyone else wants sometimes for illogical reasons.

Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most will ever make. Make sure you team up with a  Real Estate Broker that has your best and long term interests at heart and will help guide you to make logical decisions. A good reality check is important when emotions are such a big part of home purchasing decisions.  Always take time to think about major purchases like a home. Sleep on it. Crunch the numbers. Will you own the house or will the house own you? And remember, we are just getting to the time of year when many sellers get their homes ready for the market along with another huge influx of foreclosures slated to hit the market this Spring.

I am here to partner with you and help you achieve your dream of home ownership. I will take as much time as it takes to find the right fit for you and your budget, whether it be days, weeks or months. I want to be your real estate consultant for life.

Please tell every dog or cat owner you know. Even if you don’t have a pet, please pass this to those who do.

Cocoa Mulch being sold at many garden centers is toxic and many times fatal to your pets! It contains a lethal ingredient called ‘ Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker’s chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center lists cocoa mulch on its list of hazardous garden substances. The symptoms of ingestion can be the same as with chocolate itself: vomiting and diarrhea is common in some dogs as well as a rapid heart rate, muscle tremors and acting hyper. Seizures are also possible. (Cocoa mulch — like chocolate — is also toxic to cats, but they’re far less likely to eat any of it.)

Each Spring I begin to look forward to the opening of our local farmer’s markets. I love to have my own small organic vegetable garden, but I really LOVE heading to a market to buy such an incredible array of fresh veggies, fruits, honey, flowers, breads, cheese and so much more. We are so blessed in the Pacific Northwest. We have a moderate climate and a long season for crops. Snohomish county has an abundance of farms and I want to do my part to support our local farmers. Eating local not only makes for a healthier diet, but think of the gas and pollution saved when trucks are not having to bring our crops in from across the country. Don’t forget to grab your cloth bags before you head out.

Here is a guide to the markets scattered throughout our county:

Arlington Farmers Market (Legion Park)   June-Oct     Sat 9-2pm
Description: The Arlington Farmers Market is a fantastic market set in Legion Park in recently renovated downtown Arlington. This market features fresh produce, flowers, crafts, prepared food, and other entertainment.
Location: Legion Park, 200 N Olympic Ave, Downtown Arlington 360-435-9272

Country Village Farmers Market, Bothell
23718 Bothell-Everett Highway
June 3rd – September 30th
Fri. 12pm – 6pm

Darrington Open-Air Market

June – September      Saturday 10-3        Seeman St., Darrington

Edmonds Museum Garden Market
5th Ave. N. & Bell Street
May 7th – June 25th
Sat. 9am – 3pm

Edmonds Summer Market
5th & Main
July 2nd – October 1st
Sat. 9am – 3pm

Everett (Waterfront)
1600 W. Marine View Dr.
June 5th – September 25th
Sun. 11am – 4pm

Granite Falls Open-Air Market on Getchell

June – September          Saturday 11-4  Old fashioned country farmers market

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Lake Forest Park Farmers Market
Lake Forest Town Center
May 8th – October 9th
Sun. 11am – 4pm

Lake Stevens Farmers Market
Downtown Lake Stevens
June – August
Thu. 5pm – Sunset

Marysville Farmers Market
Tulalip Amphitheater
June – September
Thu. 10am – 3pm

Monroe Farmers Market
Parking lot next to Monroe Historical Museum, 200  & Main Street
June – September
Tuesday 2-7

Monroe River Valley Farmers Market

May-October  Saturday & Sunday 11-5

Description: Local produce and products. Gourmet jellies, seafood, gourmet nuts and jewelry. Plants, flowers, wine and beer tasting room, live entertainment.
Location: 19829 168th St SE, Monroe

Mountlake Terrace Farmers Market May 20 - Oct     Fri 3-7pm
Description: Local farm fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and more.
Location: in front of the MLT Civic Campus at 23208 56th Ave W.

Mukilteo Farmers Market
609 Front Street
June 1st – September 28th
Wed. 3pm – 7pm

Snohomish Farmers Market
1st & Cedar
May 6th – September 30th
Thu. 3pm – 7:30pm

South County Farmers Market
Maltby Rd & 39thth Ave SE
June – September
Wed. 4pm – Dusk

Woodinville Farmers Market

Saturdays from 9  to 3

In the street on 133rd Ave NE

just south of the Carol Edwards Center in front of City Hall

Seattle Area Real Estate

During the past 5 years, no major county in the United States had a greater increase in personal income growth than Snohomish County. Isn’t it time for you to make a move to a county that is moving and shaking?

“This is not by accident,” says Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon. “We’ve made the conscious effort to make Snohomish County the most competitive county in the state.”

Snohomish County’s personal income expanded by 40%, the largest 5 year increase among major counties. Reardon’s efforts are not just to create jobs, but high paying jobs that allow families to send their children to college. In 2009, Snohomish County residents earned a total of $30.3 billion dollars, according to research conducted by the American City Business Journals. That was an increase from $29.8 billion dollars in 2008.

For a complete look at the report, click here.

Seattle Area Real Estate

Earth Day 2011 is a great opportunity to give back to our beautiful earth by volunteering to clean up a public beach or park, plant trees or native plants, plan an activity that brings awareness to the importance of taking care of our planet or use your imagination to plan a fun event or activity in your neighborhood.

In Snohomish County, we have an opportunity to choose from different events being held on different days and at different locations, including those listed below:

Earth Day Celebration of the Allen/Quilceda Watershed: Come celebrate Earth Day with friends and family by planting trees, removing invasive species, and spreading mulch at Jennings Nature Park! Contact Jacob Zarate to register for this event at 425-508-6709 or jacob.zarate@snoco.org.

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Location: Jennings Nature Park, 5315 64^th St. NE, Marysville

Earth Day Work Party with Friends of Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary: Please join us for an Earth Day work party at Narbeck Wetlands Park, including removing invasive plants, trimming alders to preserve views, refreshing the parking lot planting beds and more. Contact Jim Maynard with questions at 425-388-5108.

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Location: Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary Park, 6920 Seaway Boulevard, Everett

Ivy-Out at Meadowdale Park: Volunteers will work in partnership with the Snohomish County Parks Department to remove invasive ivy. Contact Doug Dailer with questions at 425-508-6618.

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Location: 6026 156th St. SW, Edmonds

Spring Recreation Expo: Jump start your spring and summer by exploring everything you need to know or have for a great outdoor or backyard adventure. For more information, contact Brenda Granstrom at 360-805-6707 or click here.

• Date & Time: Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Location: Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe

Earth Day Weekend! – Snohomish – Receive a FREE plant with purchase
4/22/2011 – 4/24/2011
Contact: Tiffini
Location: McAuliffe’s Valley Nursery 11910 Springetti Road Snohomish
Phone: 360-862-1323
info@mcauliffesvalleynursery.com

Earth Day in Snohomish, Washington Click the link for all of the activities that will take place all day April 22, 2011 in the city of Snohomish

Navel Station Everett Recycling Earth Day Fair:

POC:
Denise Lesniak
(425) 304-3071
denise.lesniak@navy.mil

I am sure that there will be many other local events and celebrations for Earth Day 2011 around Snohomish County. Remember, April is Earth Month.

If you know of an event or activity, please feel free to post it by commenting on this post.

Thank you!

Seattle Area Real Estate

Snohomish County Real Estate Statistics  March 2011

Spring is the perfect time to start planning a move. Are you a first time home buyer? You could not have picked a better time to become a home owner. Are your children grown and living on their own? Maybe it’s time to downsize. Even though you will only get fair market value for your current home, if you buy another home in the same or similar market, the savings will be evident. Is your family growing? Smaller, less expensive homes are selling quicker – this gives you an advantage when selling.

Spring is the perfect time to spruce up your home for the market. We had a harsh winter and our outdoor spaces show it.  Road appeal is more important now than ever before. Landscaping adds real dollar value to a property and makes it stand out among the competition. Look for my blog post on landscape and outdoor space tips and tricks in early April.

Arlington Real Estate Statistics:

Bothell Real Estate Statistics:

Everett  Real Estate Statistics:

Granite Falls Real Estate Statistics:

Lake Stevens Real Estate Statistics:

Lynnwood Real Estate Statistics:

Marysville Real Estate Statistics:

Mill Creek Real Estate Statistics:

Monroe Real Estate Statistics:

Mukilteo Real Estate Statistics:

Snohomish Real Estate Statistics:

Stanwood Real Estate Statistics:

*Active listings are the exact number of active listings for the respective city and Pending, Sold, Canceled, and Expired range back 180 days

Seattle Area Real Estate

From the desk of Snohomish County’s Aaron Reardon, I thought this was well worth sharing:

Recently released data from the 2010 U.S. Census shows Snohomish County’s population has grown nearly 18 percent since the last official count was taken in 2000.

The official number for 2010 is 713,335 residents versus 606,024 people in 2000.

While Snohomish County maintained a steady population increase during “boom years,” statistics show that more people moved to the county during the recent financial downturn.

“Our greatest growth came during the years of the Great Recession, a direct result of our fiscal discipline and ability to make infrastructure improvements during that time,” Reardon said. “When you consider our quality of life, natural environment and the fact that we’re a lower cost county in terms of taxes and fees than other counties, it’s obvious that Snohomish County is in a class all its own.”

A leader in global aeronautics and home to a U.S. Naval base, Snohomish County is a major employer in the state and across the nation. It also boasts world-class attractions such as the Everett Events Center – home to hockey’s Everett Silvertips and the national champion Stealth Lacrosse team – and the Tulalip Resort and Conference Center. Access to the Cascade Mountains, saltwater and more than 10,000 acres of county owned park land also make Snohomish County a place worth living.

City development also is improving quality of life. Everett remains the county’s largest city, but the city of Marysville is now the 15^th largest city in the state – home to more than 60,000 residents – and the city of Lake Stevens has more than quadrupled in size during the last decade.

“It’s easy to see why people want to live, work and play in Snohomish County,” Reardon said. “We bring together the best of many worlds.”

To view U.S. Census data, click here.

Seattle Area Real Estate

Everett is the largest city in Snohomish county. Snohomish county has been striving for many years to keep it’s farming and farmers economically viable.

The announcement for a marketplace comes less than a year after the creation of the Snohomish County Growers Alliance, a farmer-led initiative with support from County Executive Reardon.

The Alliance’s top objective has been to create a farmers’ market and distribution center for locally produced products. It’s also a direct outcome of Reardon’s 2004 Ag Initiative, the annual Focus on Farming conferences and last year’s Ag Sustainability Project report, which called for the creation of a locally driven farmers’ market.

It was announced yesterday that a 60,000 square-foot agriculture center will house a full-time, year-round indoor farmers’ market, commercial kitchen and processing facility as well as farm-product distribution hub. The facility, on Grand Avenue between Hewitt Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Everett and near the Everett Public Market, will anchor a 180-unit housing project being constructed by Dargey Enterprises.

The Grand Avenue project is cutting edge in the world of farmers’ markets and is unique in its features, which includes a large commercial kitchen that agricultural producers can use on site to make products to sell at the market or load on delivery trucks. Operated by the nonprofit Snohomish County Growers Alliance, the agriculture center will offer residents and shoppers farm-fresh and high-quality local meat, dairy and produce as well as value-added products created onsite solely from local farm crops.

Products at the market are likely to include fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, pears, peas, beans, arugula; locally butchered beef, lamb and goat; dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream; as well as more specialized products including fresh-cut and dried flowers, local honey, soaps, beer and wine. The marketplace is expected to offer 90 retail spaces to large and small direct-to-market farm producers. More than a dozen farmers already have asked to reserve a space. In addition, café-style and full-service restaurants will be strategically located throughout the marketplace.

The market is set to open Spring of 2012. I know that I can’t wait and hope that many others feel the excitement and will do their part to support our local farmers. Eating locally produced foods benefits everyone – better nutrition, better for the environment and better for the region as a whole.

Seattle Area Real Estate

Approximately 61,000 tons of recyclable plastic bags and film are thrown into King County’s landfill every year.

No matter how hard we all try to remember our reusable bags, the fact is that most people still have a collection of plastic bags at home.

Participating “Bag your Bags! Bring ‘em Back” retailers include Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Top Food & Drug, Town & Country Markets, Metropolitan Market and the Duvall Family Grocer.

And don’t forget to bring your reusable bags when you shop. A great way to remember them is to leave them in your car in a visable spot or hang them on the same hook as your coat or car keys.

Here is a short video on why it is so important to recycle plastic bags.

Seattle Area Real Estate