Bahn Lee
Reach me at bahn@redfin.com
Recent posts
May 9, 2008
Long surveys suck. Especially when you know many of the results are going to end up on a corporate Powerpoint as useless filler. That’s why we’re getting down to the nitty gritty. We want to know who are readers are and why you read Redfin Sweet Digs. That’s it. Please take a minute to fill out our blog survey. It will help us improve Sweet Digs, Scout’s honor.
Click here to take the survey.
We’ll share the results with everyone in a couple weeks. Thanks.
-The Sweet Digs Team
Photo credit: glenOX on Flickr
January 10, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday & Sunday, Jan. 12-13th, 12-5PM
22755 SE 12th Ln
Sammamish, WA 98075
Coffee shop of choice: It sounds cliche, but we’re Starbucks devotees. There are three nearby, but we’re partial to the free-standing Starbucks off 228th that has outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to relax on the weekends and devour miniature lemon scones.
Favorite restaurant in the area: We can’t choose just one! Pine Lake Pizza has amazing pizza and salads, plus they deliver which is really convenient. Himitsu Teriyaki has become a staple. We also love DC’s Grill - the week we discovered their French dip sandwich, we had it two days in a row! Oh, and the Pine Lake Alehouse is a favorite Saturday-night hangout with great beer, food, and close enough to stumble home from!
Favorite place(s) to go: Pine Lake Park is just down the road… it’s really beautiful, has great picnic areas, a boat launch, and a fun rock climbing wall. Since we’re close to I-90, we’re also really close to some great hiking trails. Snoqualmie Falls is another favorite and is remarkably easy to get to from the plateau.
Best features of the home: The kitchen has a huge window with a northern exposure, which provides lots of light and a great view. We were surprised the cabinets were large enough to store all of our wedding gifts (most of which had to be boxed up in our previous home). We use the upstairs closet as a home office, which is perfect for our work-at-home lifestyle. A skylight located nearby provides lots of natural lighting throughout the day, and the doors close on all the office clutter when guests come over. We’ve been spoiled by the walk-in closet in the master, too, and can’t imagine going back to something smaller.
Favorite room: We immediately fell in love with the living room… there are tons of windows, a great view, and a cozy fireplace. When it’s nice out, the balcony becomes an extension of the living room, perfect for entertaining.
Most Romantic Spot: In front of the fireplace - of course!
What’s in the neighborhood: What isn’t? We have a QFC with the world’s best Nanaimo bars (yum!), a Safeway with an accessory selection that’s perfect for buying last-minute gifts, several banks, gas stations, gyms, bus lines, two large park-n-rides, home improvement and accessory stores, and best of all: Mercer - the best place to find a pair of high-end jeans. The Issaquah Costco is just down the hill, and Redmond Town Center is a short drive away.
What we will miss the most: Sitting on the balcony looking at the snow-topped Cascades in the winter, and the beautiful cherry blossom trees in the spring.
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, October 28, 12-6pm
12313 40th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Starbucks
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Toyota Sushi voted Seattle’s best Sushi.
Favorite Places to Go: Matthews Beach in the summer and Bike Riding the Burke-Gilman Trail.
Best Features of the Home: Each room offers an interesting architectural detail: to crown molding throughout the home – including the closets (Only this house and Kenny G’s offer that detail in the Seattle Area) Fir Wood Windows with their own custom made screens – to a gourmet kitchen with Cherry Cabinets – plus everyone comments on the huge backyard.
Favorite Room: The master bedroom has the feel of an adult tree-house when you look out the windows – so private and quiet.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: The house was completely re-done in the year 1999 to 2000. Only one wall was saved from demolition. With a great architectural team we took a 900 sq. ft. home and created 3,700 sq. ft. Cape Cod Craftsmen. Every detail to the floor joists is top of the line.
Most Romantic Spot: The Master Bedroom is the most romantic room in the house, the gas fireplace with the fir wood detail – to match the windows and the complete privacy from the rest of the house.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Cedar Park is closely located to the Lake City Area and within minutes of University Village and Lake Forest Park (Third Place Books). The Lake City Area is currently undergoing revitalization and many new shops and restaurants are entering the neighborhood.
What I Will Miss the Most: I will miss our neighbors most of all. They were the only con we could come up with when we decided to move to the country. Everyone looks out for each other which is great for an in-city neighborhood, plus during the wind storm last year some neighbors had power when others did not. Everyone made sure the neighbors without power had extension cords brought to their homes.
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, October 28, 1-4pm
5037 Baker Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Lighthouse Roasters
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: For VERY special occasions – Le Gourmand. Oliver Twist for drinks and snacks.
Favorite Places to Go: Sambar – a little slice of Manhattan style within walking distance. Woodland Park Zoo – walk to Summer Concert Series and picnics at the rose garden.
Best Features of the Home: The view!! Modernity within a 1916 craftsman bungalow. Secluded back yard.Favorite Room: Both the living and dining rooms with the view of sunsets over the Olympics.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Completely remodeled daylight basement master bedroom and suite. Both full baths remodeled and all copper service. New paint throughout. New stainless appliances. One-year-old roof. Complete landscaping. New electrical service.
Most Romantic Spot: The deck, for cook-outs and sunsets over the Olympics.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Phinney Avenue is a four block walk to neighborhood community center, summer farmers’ market, preschool, restaurants and shops.
What I Will Miss the Most: The view and central location.
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, October 28, 1-4pm
8117 17th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98106
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Uptown Espresso
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Puerto Vallarta at the Junction
Favorite Places to Go: Beveridge Place Pub, Talarico’s Pizza, Eats Market Café, 2nd Use, McLendons, Eats Market for Great ice cream sandwiches
Best Features of the Home: The huge covered deck with hot tub overlooking our pond and gardens. The built in light display between the Living Room and Office. The sunlight lit, retro chic bathroom.
Favorite Room: Bathroom when the morning light hits it.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Bathroom, bedroom, office, living room, wiring, plumbing, garage interior.
Most Romantic Spot: The covered hot tub during a snow.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Westlake center with QFC, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, Marshalls, Taco Del Mar, Eats Market, Barnes and Noble and more.
What I Will Miss the Most: Going to sleep in the summer with the window open so I can hear the pond waterfall.
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, October 28, 1-4pm
16003 NE 106th St
Redmond, WA 98052
Price: $449,500
MLS #:27157269
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Victor’s Celtic Coffee in Redmond
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Purple Café and Wine Bar
Favorite Places to Go:
Farrell McWhirter Park
Redmond Town Center
Marymoor Park
Spa Agio
Athena’s Dairy for fresh milk, eggs, and homemade ice cream
Best Features of the Home:
The natural daylight
Air conditioning
The French Doors
Remote-controlled gas fireplace
The large deck out back is perfect for BBQ’s
Tankless hot water heater means never running out of hot water!
Favorite Room: Open central living area
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price:
Downstairs has new easy-care laminate flooring
Paint, lighting, and crown molding
New front porch
Laundry Room Remodeled
New Landscaping in front yard
Most Romantic Spot: Breakfast on a sunny weekend in spring with the French Doors open.
What’s in the Neighborhood:
Beautiful Meadow Park is across the street
Large mature trees and landscaping
Community trails leading to the river walk
Excellent schools all in Walking distance
What I Will Miss the Most: The Location! Besides being a wonderful home, it’s close to all the best amenities – Whole Foods, the new Gold’s Gym and Agio Spa, REI, even the Woodinville wineries are near!
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday & Sunday, October 27-28, 12-5pm
7553 34th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Cupcake Royal on California Ave - We love getting a little something sweet along with our coffee and a cupcake always hits the spot.
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Endolyne Joe’s on 45th Ave - fun eclectic décor and new menu every quarter where you are sure to find something you like to eat.
Favorite Places to Go: Lincoln Park - we enjoy quite walks there rain or shine. Alki Beach - This is a great place to people watch.
Best Features of the Home: The vintage charm of a Craftsman home, including the high ceilings, moldings and designer colors
Favorite Room: The living room, it is sunny in the morning and throughout the day and at night the beautiful color of the walls makes it a wonderfully cozy place to be.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Refinished the hardwood floors, new carpeting and new lawn laid with sod.
Most Romantic Spot: Salty’s on Alki - as the best views of Seattle and in the bar my favorite spot is near the fireplace where you can cozy up to on rainy nights. Also, Salty’s is fabulous because you just can’t beat their brunch!
What’s in the Neighborhood: The neighborhood has great parks, good place to walk and shop. Westwood Towne Center has department stores, grocery stores, a fitness center, a post office, banks and much more.
What I Will Miss the Most: We will miss the home itself. We have many fond memories there and wish the same happiness in this special place with its new owners.
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday & Sunday, October 27-28, 12-4pm
24416 16th Ave S
Des Moines, WA 98198
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Marine View Espresso on Marine View Drive in Des Moines. Tasty Sandwiches, combined with an espresso are perfect for a late morning Sunday brunch.
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Love the Latin groceries in the area: take home a Carne Asada and throw it on the grill. Also, Athens Pizza and Pasta on Marine View Drive have the best Greek Food around. And for fresh seafood, you can’t beat Wally Chowder House, and really good pies are at the Des Moines Creek Restaurant.
Favorite Places to Go: Saltwater State Park, Des Moines Pier and Marina, Redondo Beach, Des Moines Farmers Market, and one of the best dog parks around is only five minutes away.
Best Features of the Home: Bright kitchen, large living room, large fenced yard, lots of closet and storage space, lots of parking space, fruit trees, large bedrooms, downstairs second kitchen, dining and living space create apartment like basement. The deck will be redone mid October.
Favorite Room: Main bedroom sits at far end of house, with three large windows. It makes for the perfect retreat area.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Tons of updating – deep cleaning, new paint, new flooring throughout the house, new appliances and new fencing.
Most Romantic Spot: Des Moines Pier for a sunset walk with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. There’s also the boardwalk at Redondo Beach with dinner at Salty’s.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Highline Community College is just minutes away. Easy freeway and airport access. Shopping is nearby at Southcenter and SeaTac mall.
What I Will Miss the Most: Convenient location, neighbors that help each other out, small town feel of Des Moines, and the area parks and beaches
October 26, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, October 28, 12-3pm
1110 E Harrison St #101
Seattle, WA 98102
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Victrola on 15th
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Coastal Kitchen. It’s 3 blocks away, and has ever changing regional menus.
Favorite Places to Go: Volunteer Park and the new Cal Anderson Park are within a few blocks and are two of the best parks in the city!
Best Features of the Home: Lot’s of windows. The southern light from all of the windows makes the place bright and cheery. During the winter gloom the wood pellet stove adds the perfect cozy warmth.
Favorite Room: Living room. See “best features” above.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: The bathroom was remodeled down to the studs; new tile, deep soaking tub, sinks, floor, fixtures. All new wood laminate flooring throughout the entire condo. Wonderfully refinished kitchen cabinets, and new appliances.
Most Romantic Spot: Sunsets viewed from the Black Sun sculpture in Volunteer Park.
What’s in the Neighborhood: What’s not in the neighborhood? Halfway between Broadway and 15th Ave. shopping districts with restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and theatre’s what more could you want? If that’s not enough, it’s just a 15 minute walk to downtown.
What I Will Miss the Most: See “what’s in the neighborhood” above.
October 19, 2007
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, October 19, 1-5pm
October 20, 10-4pm
3416 64th Dr NE
Marysville, WA 98270
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: Carabinieri bar for drive thru service and Venecio for sit down – both have great coffee and service
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: Maxwell’s – consistently good American and Mae Phim for award winning Thai
Favorite Places to Go: Jennings Park to walk, outlet malls to shop, Tulalip casino for 5 star dining and entertainment
Best Features of the Home: Great room design – open, light with the gorgeous cherry floors
Favorite Room: Living room with the fireplace going
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Original owners, we put in all new carpet, appliances, kitchen tile counter tops and back splash, tile in master bath, Brazilian cherry floors, finished bonus room, new paint inside and out, added water features and stone patio, custom FP mantels and lots of little touches to make it shine!
Most Romantic Spot: A 10 minute drive to Everett Marina to walk, watch boats come and go, have dinner at Anthony’s Seafood or Lombardi’s Italian restaurant
What’s in the Neighborhood: On Sunnyside Blvd - a small market with gas station/espresso, a great nursery and a seasonal farm stand (local and state produce), Elementary is walking distance. Marysville, Lake Stevens and Everett are 10 minute drives from home
What I Will Miss the Most: The sunsets over the Sound
