Windermere Coloring Contest, 2011: Top Three Entries For Each Age Group

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All of us at Windermere R.E. / Mercer Island appreciate all the energy and creativity that went into each entry submitted to our annual coloring contest. Above is a slide show of the top three entries for each age group (5-7, 8-10 and 11-14). We hope you had as much fun creating your picture as we did looking at everyone’s incredible ideas.

Be watching for the September 21st print edition of the Mercer Island Reporter— the first place entry for each age group will be showcased in print!

Summer Bodes Well for Residential Real Estate

Mercer Island, Seattle, the Eastside and King County all posted strong gains in number of units sold over those of the prior year. In fact, residential sales met, or in most cases, far exceeded the volume of any July over the last four years.

While unit sales have risen dramatically, sales prices continue to be badgered by local short sales, foreclosures and bank-owned properties, many of which are coming to market in reasonably good condition. We continue to see signs that our market is in the early stages of recovery and are reminded that we are faring much better than most markets across the country. We expect to enjoy a robust Fall market across the Northwest this year.

Mortgage Interest Rates Are On Our Minds– see what their impact can be on your home purchase

The continuing low interest rates has been a topic of discussion in the media, at social gatherings and around the water-cooler. Last week’s closing interest rate for 30 year mortgages was 4.32%. Yesterday, 30 year mortgage rates reached a low of 4.125%, breaking the November 2010 record of 4.17%.

Refinancing activity is greatly increased due to the continued low interest rates. According to Mortgage Bankers Association, refinancing application volume has jumped by 63% in the last month Interestingly enough, the applications for home purchases have not matched the refinancing activity the low interest rates have churned up.

If you are contemplating a home purchase, it’s worth taking a hard look at today’s record low rates. Examine concretely how taking advantage of today’s rates will save you money during the life of the loan. Also, it’s good to keep in mind how much of a home you can afford at different interest rate points. Back in March 2010, the blog post How Do Interest Rates Impact Your Buying Power was published. This particular blog post has been receiving a lot of attention in the past two weeks, and the information contained within it is as relevent today as it was a year ago. It might be an opportune time to think about investing in your future.

Below are two of the charts featured in How Do Interest Rates Impact Your Buying Power for your viewing pleasure!

This article is not intended as an offer to extend credit nor a commitment to lend. The loan interest rates, fees and terms presented here are for illustrating purposes only and may not be currently available. Payment estimates courtesy of Windermere Mortgage Services.

There’s Still Some Summer Left! Mercer Island Events Scheduled August 11th-31st, 2011 (and most are FREE)

Now that Seafair Weekend has finished up, Summer will be moving quickly toward Fall. Don’t think that summer is completely gone, however — there’s plenty of Island summer fun scheduled in the month of August. And a good share of it is free, which is awesome! 

Check out the calendar below to see the details regarding these August Mercer Island events.

Now to Wednesday, August 31st (Mondays through Fridays)

  • Various Times & Locations   l The Fun Mobile is bringing “Fun on the Run” around the island this August. It’s free to participate, although donations are gladly accepted. Activities include mega squirt guns, water balloon launcher, and giant slip-n-slide. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1-4PM, Fun Mobile staff will be stationed at the Adventure Playground.

Thursday, August 11th

  • 7 – 8:30PM l Mostly Music in the Park featuring Black River Blues, a Bluegrass, swing, country & blues band. Concerts are located in Mercerdale Park, at the Veteran’s Recognition Pergola.

Saturday, August 13th

  • 7:45PM & 9PM l Outdoor Movies : Free Family Films at Mercerdale Park. All ages welcome! The movie will be The Karate Kid, which is rated PG and stars Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Mercer Island Martial Arts Studios will be giving demonstrations starting at 7:45PM and the movie will start approximately at 9pm.

Sunday, August 14th

  • 7 – 8:30PM l Mostly Music in the Park featuring 85th Street Big Band, which plays “Big Band” oldies but goodies. Concerts are located in Mercerdale Park, at the Veteran’s Recognition Pergola. This is the last performance of the 2011 season.

Thursday, August 18th

  • 11:30am – 1:00pm l National Senior Citizen’s Day Celebration: for ages 55+. Location is the Community & Event Center, Mercer Room. Free activities are planned, along with a $7.00 BBQ lunch served at noon. Transportation is available. Reservations required for lunch. Please call (206)275-7609 to reserve your lunch spot and request a ride.
  • 5:30 – 8:30PM l 3rd Thursday Artwalk: This month’s free artwalk is located in the Northwest Downtown Zone. Please stop by Windermere R.E. / Mercer Island, one of the participating businesses for the month of August. The Windermere coloring contest entries from Summer Celebration will be on display, along with other local art. The 3rd Thursday Art walk is evening of art, music, light snacks and other goodies.

Saturday, August 20th

Saturday, August 27th

  • 7:30PM & 8:30PM l Outdoor Movies : Free Family Films at Mercerdale Park. All ages welcome!The movie will be the animated Disney film Tangled, starring the voices of Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy.There will be a Prince & Princess Party (costumes encouraged) at 7:30pm, and the movie will begin around 8:30pm.

 
If I missed an island event, please share the details in the comment section. Thank you!

Save the Date! FREE Recycle Event Saturday, August 20th, 2011

MC900437348 Make a note on August 20th in your calendar: Windermere R.E./Mercer Island and 1 Green Planet are teaming up again for a FREE Recycle event . August 20th is a Saturday, and event hours are 10 am to 2 pm. 1 Green Planet, with their recycling trucks, will be parked in our parking lot, located at 2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island 98040.

Are you wondering what will be accepted?

• Appliances – washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc.
• Electronics – televisions, stereos, etc.
• Scrap metal, machinery – circuit boards, etc.
• Computers (Secure data destruction) – PCs, laptops, printers,
monitors, etc.
• Batteries – car, computer, etc.
• Medical equipment
• Ink & toner
• Cell phones
• Vehicles

For information about recycling other items, you can reach 1 Green Planet at (425) 996-3513 or info@1greenplanet.org.