Olive Way Closed For Tunnel Preparation

Wondering why the Olive Way exit has been closed for months?

The long-awaited light rail is underway! U-Link (University Link) will connect downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, and the University of Washington.

Then in early 2011, tunnels will be created working south from Capitol Hill. When the Pine St. area is reached, the ground under I-5 will need to be prepared.

The Olive Way exit will be closed for approximately one year.


Get all the details on SoundTransit.org

FREE Santa Photos!

Come in for your FREE photo with Santa. Please bring a donation for Northwest Harvest (non-perishable food items or monetary donations). Limit one per family please.

Hosted by SAV-ON Insurance
22815 Pacific Hwy S
Des Moines WA 98198
Sunday, December 13th
11am and 2pm

Seattle: Best Fall Destination

MSN named Seattle as one of the 14 best Fall destinations!

It’s true that Seattle gets rainier in the fall, but it’s still an enchanting city to visit in autumn; be sure to leaf-peep in the Washington Park Arboretum. If it does rain, Seattle’s renowned arts scene has plenty to keep you occupied, with fall openings in theater, opera and fine art. Also delightful: Hotel rates are down 20 percent this fall from a year ago, while airfares have dropped 13 percent. (MSN)

Take a stroll through Discovery Park or hike Mount Rainier! Whatever your fancy, see the top 10 Best Seattle Park Attractions for more fun jaunts this Seattle Fall!

One that didn't make the list (and a personal favorite of mine), is the somewhat hidden Parsons Gardens (see photo) located on Queen Anne hill on the corner of 7th Ave. W and W Highland Dr.

New Spanish Commercial Airs this Month!

Our latest commercial to air this month on a few Spanish channels. Here's the sneak peek! Marque ya!

Media Event Announces Solar Pie Project

Elected officials and news reporters will be at PEMCO tomorrow, Sept. 2, for a lunchtime media event announcing our support of Solar Pie, a local not-for-profit that teamed with our Real Estate department to install solar panels on PEMCO’s Home Office roof. The event takes place in PEMCO’s parking lot directly across Harrison Street from our loading dock.

During the event, we’ll “unveil” new information on our rooftop time and temperature sign. In addition to showing time and temperature, during daylight hours the sign will also show kilowatts being generated, while at night you’ll see reductions in carbon emissions made possible by the solar panels. Web surfers will be able to track the data at http://solarpie.org/pemco/, and a new webpage on pemco.com will summarize the Solar Pie project.

PEMCO is playing a support role in this project. Our purpose is to help Solar Pie’s principals, Carolyn and Scott Sherwood, educate the public that solar energy works, even in cloudy Seattle. The PEMCO Seattle Solar Pie Project is made possible by our Real Estate department; Seattle-based contractor McKinstry, project managers; and Seattle City Light and the Seattle Department of Planning and Development, regulatory oversight. For more information, check out the recent Seattle Times article: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009614669_solarpie07m.html

This post was made possible on the behalf of Jon Osterberg, PEMCO marketing communications manager, 206-628-4019.

New Laws Protect Tenants Against Forclosed Homes

Tenants across the country are being forced to leave the homes they rent due to foreclosure.

According to the Seattle Times, "The number of foreclosures on all types of houses in the state is up nearly 50 percent from a year ago and rising, driven by unemployment and a weak housing market." A national group estimates that a whopping 40% of these foreclosed homes are rented.

But new state and federal laws are to be enacted to protect tenants who find themselves in this situation.

Prior to the new law, tenants who were told they had to move due to foreclosure had just 20 days after the sale to move out-- however many moved in just a few days in fear of losing their possessions. And what's more is that the owner was not required to provide notice before they filed an eviction lawsuit.

The new federal law which went into effect May 20th requires tenants to continue to pay rent until 90 days after the sale of the foreclosed home or until the end of their existing lease, whichever is longer.

The new state law which goes into effect July 26th doesn't require tenants to pay rent to the new owner, does not require the owner to honor the existing lease, and tenants must move out within 60 days of being notified of the sale.

Although generally, federal law trumps state law. But experts say in cases where the laws conflict, the provision that provides tenants the greatest protection should apply.

A total of 23,705 homes foreclosed in Washington State in 2007, up 27.95% from 2006.

Celebrating the 4th: Local Firework Shows

Like last year, many cities are banning fireworks within city limits. But this doesn't mean you can't enjoy the displays! See the full list of local fireworks shows and displays.


City: Bellevue - www.bellevuedowntown.org/events
Event: Symetra Family Fourth
Place: Bellevue Downtown Park
Date: July 4th
Time: 6:00 p.m. to late evening Radio simulcast on 94.1 KMPS & 106.1 Kiss FM
City: Burien - www.swkcc.org
Event: 4th of July Family Days (No Fireworks)
Place: Downtown Burien S.W. 153rd Street
Date: July 4th
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m.

City: Des Moines - www.desmoineswa.gov/index.html
Event: Fireworks Over Des Moines
Place: Des Moines Marina, 22307 Dock Ave S.
Date: July 4th
Time: 10:00 p.m.

City: Kent - www.kentarts.com
Event: 4th of July Splash, Fireworks Display
Place: Lake Meridian Park
Date: July 4th
Time: noon - late evening fireworks at dusk

City: Kirkland - www.celebratekirkland.org
Event: 4th of July Celebration
Place: Marina Park
Date: July 4th
Time: 10 p.m.

City: Lacey - www.capdevco.com
Event: 43rd Annual 3rd of July Fireworks Spectacular
Place: South Sound Center
Date: July 3rd
Time: 5:30 - 10:00 p.m. fireworks at 10:15p.m.

City: Lynnwood - www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/parks
Event: Star Spangled Celebration
Place: Lynnwood High School Athletic Complex
Date: July 4th Time: 6 - 10:15 p.m.

City: Renton - www.ci.renton.wa.us
Event: Fabulous Fourth of July
Place: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
Date: July 4th
Time: Events mid morning to 9:30 p.m. fireworks 10:00 p.m.

City: Seattle - www.familyfourth.org
Event: Family 4th at Lake Union
Place: Gas Works Park
Date: July 4th
Time: Noon through late evening (televised KING 5, simulcast on, JACK 96.5 FM, or KZOK 102.5 FM)

King County Home Values Continue To Drop

Seattle area home prices dropped 16.4% in March compared to last year at the same time according to the Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller Home Price Index.

Just between February 09 and March 09 home prices dropped 2%.

In July 2008, research for the National Housing Federation claimed the downturn would be over by 2010 with home prices rising 25% in the 5 years following. It predicts a rise of 5.2 per cent in 2012 and 9 per cent in each of the following two years.


Thank you to KIRO.

New SR 519 Construction

WSDOT is improving connections for traffic heading to the Port of Seattle terminals, Colman Dock ferry terminal, central waterfront area and sports stadiums and destinations in Seattle's SODO neighborhood. SR 519 improvements will separate car, freight, pedestrian and rail traffic to help improve mobility, pedestrian safety and reduce the risk of collisions. The entire project is scheduled to be completed by June 2010, in time for the start of construction to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct between S Holgate and S King streets.

Closure Information:
-Royal Brougham Way is closed to through traffic between Occidental Avenue and Fourth Avenue on non-event days until further notice.
-Third Avenue S. will be fully closed until early spring 2010.
See weekly WSDOT closure information.


Thank you to WSDOT. See all the details on the new SR 519 Construction here.

Alaskan Way Viaduct to be Replaced

Finally after much controversy on whether to rebuild, replace, or repair, Gov. Christine Gregoire will officially sign the bill at 2pm PST to have the Seattle Viaduct (pictured here) replaced.

The current elevated structure, which more than 100,000 vehicles travel per day, will be replaced by a tunnel running under the waterfront.

The state will pitch in $2 billion leaving another $2 billion or more to Seattle and King County.

Click here for a history of the Seattle Viaduct.

Free WIFI Locations - Seattle

Back in 2005, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels launched a free WIFI program in some areas of Seattle. Look for the sign in the photo picture above. You'll be able to connect by using seattlewifi for the ssid.

There's no commitment from the city on expanding this citywide but even with the limited locations it's still made a difference. Graduate Student KD, resident of Columbia City and mother to a small child loves the free WIFI adding "it allows me to work in cafes without having to worry about whether they provide Internet access, and I hope to work in the park when the weather is nice this summer."

The locations are:
Many of the Seattle Public Library branches, the Seattle Center "Center House", the City Hall lobby area.

The 4 Seattle parks are Occidental, Westlake, Victor Steinbrueck, and the north end of Freeway Park.

In the University District, coverage currently runs along University Way (The Ave) from 40th Street NE to approximately midway between 47th and 50th Streets NE. See the map.

In Columbia City coverage runs along Rainier Avenue South from Dawson Street northwards to South Alaska Street. See the map.

Justin Timberlake's The Phone Debut's Tonight

Justin Timberlake wants you to answer The Phone.

We've got the inside scoop on MTV's exciting new show, The Phone, produced by Justin Timberlake. How? We got connections...Joel stars-- nephew of our very own Dana Hays (of our exclusive Graduate Department).

What is The Phone?
The Phone is not your garden variety reality show. Think Ashton Kutcher's Punk'd meets Amazing Race but replace the comedy with non-stop action.

Two teams of two people (complete strangers) are suddenly given a dangerous mission by way of phone call which they take for the chance of winning $50,000. According to MTV, "One minute they might be sipping on a latte, watching the world go by. One phone call later, they could find themselves hanging from the edge of Seattle's Space Needle or racing into a burning building to save the life of a man about to be executed."

The Phone airs on MTV tonight, April 21st at 10pm.

The Phone - MTV Shows

Northwest Harvest Update

I've been speaking to Northwest Harvest Major Gifts Officer, Todd Girouard. They're super excited with what we're doing and sent some great information.

With Northwest Harvest, 67 cents feeds a family. Our recent donation will provide about 1600 meals!

Menu

2 lbs boneless salmon fillets (donated)
1 lb. sliced ham (39 cents)
2 lb potatoes (6 cents)
1 lb. potatoes (3 cents)
2 lb onions (5 cents)
2 lb. onions (5 cents)
2 lb apples (8 cents)
3 lb. apples (12 cents)
8 oz. canned fruit (16 cents)
4 oz. canned fruit (8 cents)
1 lb. broccoli (10 cents)
2 lbs froz. corn (donated)
1 can tomatoes (22 cents)
2 loaves of bread (donated)

Total: 67 cents


Meatless Menu

1 lb potatoes (3 cents)
2 lb. potatoes (6 cents)
2 lbs onions (5 cents)
2 lb. onions (5 cents)
2 lb apples (8 cents)
2 lb. apples (8 cents)
8 oz. canned fruit (16 cents)
1 lb. broccoli (10 cents)
1 lb beans (25 cents)
8 oz. canned fruit (16 cents)
2 lbs froz. carrots (donated)
2 lbs edamame (donated)
2 loaves bread (donated)
1 can tomatoes (22 cents)
1 lb broccoli (10 cents)

Total: 67 cents


Again, anyone is welcome to donate non-perishable food items OR monetary donations to any of our 6 locations.

Northwest Harvest Donation

SAV-ON has been donating to Northwest Harvest since December 08! It started with non-perishable food items but starting January 1st we'll donate $1 for each referral!

Why wouldn't you refer our excellent service to friends and family? Giving referrals is EASY and everyone wins!

• YOU receive -- automatic 2 Washington Lottery Tickets, one entry (per referral) into our monthly $50 dinner drawing, and one entry (per referral) for a chance to win a 32" Flat Panel HDTV.
  
• WE get the opportunity to provide our excellent service.
  
• NORTHWEST HARVEST receives $1 per referral!

This quarter we'll be donating $321 in addition to boxes of food drop offs. Anyone is welcome to donate non-perishable food items or monetary donations to any of our 6 locations.

Want more info? Call 1-888-867-2866 and speak to any of our SAV-ON Special Agents or e-mail info@sav-on.com.

Amazing Savings!

These Sav-on Clients were the top 10 savers through our Graduate Department for March! These savings are over the course of 6 months!!

Top 10 Savers:
Viktor L. of Kent $1207
Brandi S. of Renton $1004
Rosa L. of Renton $832
John B. of Edmonds $753
Miguel C. of Seattle $720
Olga P. of Kent $540
Tim H. of Bellevue $502
Johnny R. of Tacoma $468
Amber K. of Lynnwood $413
Erica V. of of Snoqualmie $411

The total savings was 33% and the total dollar amount saved was a whopping $13,844 !!

4 Major Seattle Cities at Flood Risk

Renton, Auburn, Kent, and Tukwila run a large risk at being flooded this fall and winter after 40 years without a problem. The last was in December 1959 which flooded some houses up to their second floors.

The culprit is the flood-control dam on the Green River. The Army Corps of Engineers who built the Howard Hanson Dam cannot decipher what caused a 10-foot-wide, 6-foot-deep depression in an abutment to the rock and earthen dam, but see that it could be a catastrophic issue.

For now, the Corps will store less water behind the dam until engineers can figure out what caused the problem and how to fix it. To achieve this, essentially all rainwater from storms will be released into the Green River. This runs a risk of overwhelming levees that protect Renton, Auburn, Kent, and Tukwila.

Officials from the possibly affected cities, the Corps, and King County have been telling businesses and residents to buy flood insurance and have an evacuation plan.
"We need to prepare for a long-term possibility that over the next few flood seasons we may experience anywhere from significant to catastrophic flooding, depending on the event," said Dana Hinman, a Auburn city spokeswoman.

A larger number of homes and businesses could be hurt in flood-prone parts of Kent, where about 50,000 people work and 22,000 people live, said Mayor Suzette Cooke. She said the damaged abutment "clearly raises our level of concern" about levees downstream that haven't been certified as meeting federal standards.

There is chance that I-405 could be severely flooded, and Highway 167 and two main rail lines could be severed.

Although there is a good chance some repairs could be made by fall, people in these high risk areas need to put careful consideration into buying flood insurance.

Many don't realize, flood insurance does not go into effect for 30 days from the date written and the rates are all the same-- because flood is only offered through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Also, it's important to note that during most catastrophic times, companies will put a "moratorium" on writing new policies. Therefore, you have to be prepared.


SAV-ON can quote and write flood insurance. You can get a quote by calling 1-888-867-2866, e-mailing info@sav-on.com, or filling out our Quik Quote Form.

Huge thanks to Seattle Times Newspaper

Don't Be Fooled!

Other companies, agencies, and brokers have used similarities to our brand, our name, and even our logo.

We've been in business for more than 40 years and we're not going anywhere. Don't let flailing companies trick you by riding our coattails.

Don't be fooled by others using red hats, "SAVE ON INSURANCE" slogans, and even using layouts and similar ads!

We're the original SAV-ON Insurance and you can place your trust with us.

Graduate Results: February

These are savings for our February Graduates off their 6 month policies!

Alla D. of Tacoma - $1546   WOW!!!
Derendida V. of Kirkland - $813
Mario G. of Tukwila - $807
Lyubov K. of Kent - $754
Alfredo H. of Federal Way - $721
Julie D. of Issaquah - $621
Bonifacio G. of Mountlake Terrace - $619
Noe R. of Seattle - $526
Jason D. of Maple Valley - $498
Raul M. of Everett - $494

OUR TOP SAVERS SAVED AN AVERAGE OF $1479 PER YEAR!! And all our savers saved an average of 38%!


Do you know how the program works? We have a special department dedicated to looking at clients with "high risk" policies and work to move them to lowest-cost "preferred" companies.

It's the cornerstone of what we do and our clients happiness to show for it!

Graduate Results: January

These are savings for January Graduates off their 6 month policies!

Tara H of Federal Way $781
Alejandro A of Auburn $683
Harold F of Renton $648
Michael D of Seattle $510
Phaly S of Seattle $508
Piter P of Auburn $480
Katy Q of Sumner $453
Andres T of Bellevue $446
Drago P of SeaTac $442
Lois S of Burien $407


That's an average savings of 33%!


Think you might be a graduate? Call your Sav-on Special Agent and find out today! 1-888-867-2866.

Experts Say Refi Soon...Or You Might Miss Out!

Eyeing a Refi? The Time is Now

Many homeowners may feel like burying their head in the sand, an understandable sentiment given the recent shakeup in many markets. But with most interest rates in 2009 hanging around the lowest levels in decades, those playing the "ignorance is bliss" game may be missing out on a rare chance to improve their finances.


The Advantages of Now

Interest rates have dipped to levels not seen in decades, particularly on fixed-rate loans for prime borrowers. As the new year and a new administration get into full swing, average interest rates on 30-year fixed rate mortgages have hovered in the low 5% range (and in some cases, have dropped below 5%).While these rates have yet to translate into a quick turnaround home sales, they have spurned an increase in mortgage applications by homeowners looking to refinance at a lower rate. For homeowners sitting on a higher fixed rate or a less stable variable rate loan, the current interest rates may present an opportunity that just can't be ignored.

If you've been considering a refinance but have been waiting to see exactly how far rates will drop, this just may be the time to make a move.


What to Expect

While the last few weeks have seen an increase in refinancing applications, a sizable percentage of these applications will not be approved. Low interest rates aside, lenders are focused on protecting their investors and to that end have more stringent credit requirements than in years past.

Homeowners who owe more than the current market value of their homes are unlikely to be approved for refinancing. By the same token, would-be borrowers with low credit scores or without well-documented income have a much greater chance of being denied. Some homeowners who hold jumbo mortgages (over the $625,000 limit for loans that can by guaranteed/bought by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac in high cost areas) may find refinancing hard to come by.


What to Do

• Do You Qualify? - Do you have a solid credit score (660 and above)? Are you up to date on your current mortgage payments? If the answer to either is no, your chances of being approved are much worse. Also, if you are shopping for a cash-out refinance, you'll find that the credit and loan-to-value requirements are even more stringent.
  
• Establish Value - The next step is to begin determining your home's value. You can use various online resources to get a rough gauge of current market value. Some owners will pay for their own appraisal prior to applying for the mortgage. Other homeowners have been known to seek a ballpark estimate from their real estate agent.
  
• Compare Savings - Conventional wisdom was that a refinance loan should be 2 percentage points below your current mortgage to be worthwhile. That standard may not apply, however if you can lower your interest rate slightly but still recoup closing costs in a short time span. Likewise, switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate mortgage may be worthwhile regardless. Be wary of refinancing that extends the life of the loan, as this will most likely make the loan more expensive over the long term.
  
• Prepare for Screening - Lending standards have become much stricter over the last year. Be prepared to discuss all aspects of your credit, your current loan and your income history. Have at least a two-year documentation of your income, as "stated income" mortgages have all but gone by the wayside.

From Prudential Real Estate Advisor e-newsletter