Saturday, January 26, 2008

Just Listed! Beautiful Golf Course Home in Fairwood Greens

Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, Regional - West, Listings, New Listings, Renton

This beautiful golf course home is located in the much desired Fairwood Greens community in Renton. This home sits on the fairway & has been completely renovated. Boasting gorgeous hardwood floors, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances & a new roof, you’ll find that no detail has been ignored. The partially finished, daylight basement is 1330 square feet & complete with fairway views, a bathroom, a fireplace, outside access & a patio. This home is a must see! Home Warranty Provided.

Price: $589,900
Square Footage: 3700 Square Feet
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=19365
Property Website: http://davidjedwards111.topproducerwebsite.com/featured-listings.asp
Call for a private showing today!

David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Price Reduced! 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condo Now $184,900

Price Reduced! 1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condo Now $184,900

Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, Regional - West, Listings, New Listings, Renton

Come home to your meticulously maintained, top floor condo & relax as you take in the unobstructed greenbelt view. The complex is a beautifully landscaped gated community that is professionally managed. Dues are exceptionally low & include landscaping, clubhouse, gated entry, pool, hot tub, & tanning room. You’ll be proud of the updated cabinetry, double paned windows, deck storage & designer paint. All appliances stay. Easy access to freeways & The Landing. 1 Year AHS Home Warranty is included! Call 425-890-8045 to arrange for a showing today!
Price: $184,900
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=17007
For More Information Visit: http://www.davidjedwards.com/featured-listings.asp
Address: 801 Rainier Ave N #G334 Renton, WA 98057-5381
Directions: From I-405, merge onto WA 167 N/Valley Fwy via Exit 2 toward Renton/Rainier Ave and go .8 miles. Merge onto Rainier Ave S. Go 1.7 Miles. Condo is on the West side of Rainier Ave N.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Pacific Northwest Events Calendar Updated 01/25/08

Pacific Northwest Events Calendar Updated 01/25/2008!

Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Sellers, For Realty Professionals, Regional - West, General Information, Local Events Calendar

As the balmy breezes give way to brisk ones, it becomes increasingly clear that winter has come upon us; and with the changing of the season, we close another chapter of events that have come to define autumns in the Pacific Northwest.

Nonetheless, when one door closes, another opens and with that, we are given an opportunity to enjoy the vast array of winter activities that are also unique to our region.

If you are looking for things to do in Renton and the surrounding area, I have updated my Local Community Events Calendar found online at:http://www.davidjedwards.com/events-calendar.asp

There are literally hundreds of pacific northwest events on the calendar. Some of the most recent additions have been added to the pre-school programs page and are listed below.

Messy Makers
Ages 2 to 5 (with adult). Tiny fingers will have fun exploring paint, glue, glitter, feathers, and more with Ms. Sharon. You and your favorite adult should dress for a mess. All supplies included. Held at Highlands Neighborhood Center. $33 for Renton residents and $40 for non residents. Register online at http://www.cybersignup.org/ or via touch-tone phone at 425-430-6729.
#43517- Mondays: 11:15 - 11:45 AM - February 25th through March 31st
#43518- Mondays: 11:15 - 11:45 AM - April 14th through May 19th
#43520- Wednesdays: 10:45 - 11:15 AM - February 27th through April 2nd
#43521- Wednesdays: 10:45 - 11:15 AM - April 16th through May 21st

Tumble Wees
This program is designed to promote and foster self condience and self-esteme with positive motivation. We encourage both boys and girles to learn gymnastics in a positive way. We do a musical warm-up and tumble, dance, learn balance, and add to your child's strenght and flexibility. Ann is a certified gymnastics instructor. Held at Highlands Neigjhborhood Center. $60 for Renton residents and $72 for non residents. Register online at http://www.cybersignup.org/ or via touch-tone phone at 425-430-6729.
#43507- Wednesdays: 5:00 - 5:40 PM - February 27th through April 2nd - Ages 2 to 3
#43511- Wednesdays: 5:00 - 5:40 PM - April 16th through May 21st - Ages 2 to 3
#43509- Thursdays: 9:30 - 10:10 AM - February 28th through April 3rd - Ages 2 to 3
#43513- Thursdays: 9:30 - 10:10 AM - April 17th through May 22nd - Ages 2 to 3
#43508- Wednesdays: 5:45 - 6:45 PM - February 27th through April 2nd - Ages 3 to 5
#43512- Wednesdays: 5:45 - 6:25 PM - April 16th through May 21st - Ages 3 to 5
#43510- Thursdays: 10:15 - 10:55 AM - February 28th through April 3rd - Ages 3 to 5
#43514- Thursdays: 10:15 - 10:55 AM - April 17th through May 22nd

Wee Sing and Play
Miss Sharon will teach you and your child fun action songs while incorporating musical instruments, the parachute, and more! Then, the children will run, jump, and explore the indoor playground toys. Held at Highlands Neighborhood Center. $33 for Renton residents and $40 for non residents. Register online at http://www.cybersignup.org/ or via touch-tone phone at 425-430-6729.#43526- Wednesdays: 9:30 - 10:30 AM - Feb 27th through April 2nd - Ages 18 months to 2 years#43527- Wednesdays: 9:30 - 10:30 AM - April 16th through May 21st - Ages 18 months to 2 years#43523- Mondays: 10:00 - 11:00 AM - Feb 25th through March 31st - Ages 2 to 4#43524- Mondays: 10:00 - 11:00 AM - April 14th through May 19th - Ages 2 to 4

Almost 3's Preschool
Registration: 7:00 AM on Feb 26th for Renton Residents & Feb 28th for Non Residents
Designed for children who are not yet ready for a 3-year-old program but are ready for an introduction to group play, classroom skills, art experiences, and more. Class meets Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and follows the Renton School District holiday schedule. Children must be 3 years old by December 31, 2008. Maximum class size is eight children. Participation is on a pre-paid monthly basis. Monthly tuition is $55 for residents and $65 for non residents. For more information call 425-430-6700.

Creative Kids Preschool
Registration: 7:00 AM on Feb 26th for Renton Residents & Feb 28th for Non Residents
The Creative Kids Preschool is held at the Renton Community Center. The preschool program features hands-on learning in a positive social environment. We provide fun-filled hours of educational experience in art, music, dramatic play, science, math, and field trips. Classes meet September 2008 through May 2009 and follow the Renton School District holiday schedule. Three-year-olds meet Tuesday and Thursday and four-year-olds meet Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The morning classes meet from 9:15 AM to 11:45 AM and the afternoon classes meet from 12:15 PM to 2:45 PM. Children must be 3 or 4 by August 31, 2008, respectively. Participation is on a pre-paid monthly basis. Monthly tuition is $100 for residents and $65 for non residents for 3's and $110 for residents and $131 for non residents for 4's. For more information call 425-430-6700.

Toe Stomping with Tots
Ages 18 months to 3 (with adult). A structured music movement class for parents and toddlers. In each class, we will sing action songs, dance, and play instruments. This is a wonderful time for you and your child! Ms. Sherrill is a former preschool teacher. Held at Highlands Neighborhood Center. $31 for Renton residents and $37 for non Renton residents. Register online at http://www.cybersignup.org/ or via touch-tone phone at 425-430-6729.
#43529- Saturdays: 10:00 - 10:45 AM - March 1st through April 5th
#43530- Saturdays: 10:00 - 10:45 AM - April 19th through May 24th

Creation Station
At the Creation Station you and your child will create a variety of fun arts and crafts with paper, paint, glitter, and more. Activities will come from the deep blue sea to the stars in the sky. Everyone should dress for a mess. Supply fee of $5 paid to instructor. No class February 19th and April 8th. Held at North Highlands Neighborhood Center. $33 for Renton residents and $40 for non Renton residents. Register online at http://www.cybersignup.org/ or via touch-tone phone at 425-430-6729.
#43642- Tuesdays: 10:00 - 10:45 AM - March 18th through April 29th - Ages 2 to 3
#43643- Tuesdays: 10:00 - 10:45 AM - May 6th through June 10th - Ages 2 to 3
#43645- Tuesdays: 11:00 - 11:45 AM - March 18th through April 29th - Ages 3 to 4
#43646- Tuesdays: 11:00 - 11:45 AM - May 6th through June 10th - Ages 3 to 4

If you have something you would like to see added to the calendar, please submit your request by responding to this post with a comment. Please limit your event postings to those taking place in Washington State's King, Pierce, Thurston, Snohomish, Skagit, Lewis, Mason, Island, Grays Harbor and/or Kitsap counties.

Event information is subject to cancellation or change. Please phone ahead to confirm event dates, times and costs.

Have a great weekend!

David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington's Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Open House Sunday January 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Open House Sunday January 27th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, Regional - West, Open Houses, Listings, Kent

9623 S 248th St #E16 Kent, WA 98030

Price: 109,995 Bedrooms: 1Bathrooms: 1Square Feet: 640Lot Size: 4.3 AcresYear Built: 1966MLS: 27196818

This top floor unit sits on 5 acres of landscaped grounds. Residents enjoy a community clubhouse, pool and basketball court. The unit has clean carpets, a fireplace, extra storage space, an oversized bedroom and a washer & dryer in the unit. It has recently been replumbed. A 1 year American Home Shield home warranty is included!

For More Information Visit: http://www.davidjedwards.com/featured-listings.asp

Directions: From I405, Merge on WA-167 S, Take 84TH Ave S exit to N Central, Left on 84th Ave S. 84TH becomes Central Ave. Left on E Smith St/WA-516. Follow WA-516. Turn Left on 94th Ave S. Right on S 248Th St.

If you would like to view this home but are unable to make it to the open house, please contact me to arrange for a private showing.

David Edwards
REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp
Mobile Site: http://davidjedwards.mofuse.mobi

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue Washington.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Just Sold! 1603 Glenwood Ave SE, Renton WA 98058





I’ve just sold a Single-family property at 1603 Glenwood Ave SE in Renton. Come and visit my site to see other properties in that area. If you are interested in looking for a new home or learning more about selling your own home, please feel free to contact me at any time.

David Edwards
REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp
Mobile Site: http://davidjedwards.mofuse.mobi/

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue Washington.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Open House on January 20, 2008 at 1219 Colchester Drive

Open House on January 20, 2008 at 1219 Colchester Drive

Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, Regional - West, Open Houses, Listings, Port Orchard

Puget Sound Waterfront Home with Views of Seattle!

MLS#: 27196900

Price: $799,900!!!

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms:

Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=17439

Presentation on My Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/featured-listings.asp

You'll love this custom home boasting 60 feet of Puget Sound waterfront and breathtaking views of Seattle's skyline & the Cascades! Enjoy new tile floors in the upstairs kitchen, a renovated bathroom & new exterior paint and gutters. You'll own 3 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms downstairs. Each floor has it's own full size kitchen, bathroom, living room & entrance. Either rent out the lower level or easily convert it for single family living. 20K in renovations! 1 Year Home Warranty Included!

Address: 1219 Colchester Drive, Port Orchard, WA, 98366

Driving Directions: Only 5 minutes from Southworth Ferry or 60 minutes from Seattle by car. By car, Take Hwy 16 to Sedgwick East, Left on Jackson, From Mile Hill turn left on Colchester.

Please contact me to arrange for a showing if you would like to preview this home but are unable to make it to the open house.

David Edwards

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound

Phone: 425-890-8045

E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com

Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/

Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington's Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Price Reductions!

Price Reductions!

Posted by David Edwards under For Buyers, For Realty Professionals, Regional - West, Listings, New Listings, Washington

Oversized 1 Bedroom Condo
MLS#: 27196818
Price: Was $114,995 Now $109,995
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=17422
Presentation on My Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/featured-listings.asp

This top floor unit sits on 5 acres of landscaped grounds. Residents enjoy a community clubhouse, pool and basketball court. The unit has clean carpets, a fireplace, extra storage space, an oversized bedroom and a washer & dryer in the unit. It has recently been replumbed. A 1 year American Home Shield home warranty is included!

Address: 9623 S 248th St #E16 Kent, WA 98030

Driving Directions: From I405, Merge on WA-167 S, Take 84TH Ave S exit to N Central, Left on 84th Ave S. 84TH becomes Central Ave. Left on E Smith St/WA-516. Follow WA-516. Turn Left on 94th Ave S. Right on S 248Th St.

Please contact me to arrange for a showing.

Puget Sound Waterfront Home with Views of Seattle!
MLS#: 27196900
Price: Was $829,000, Now $799,900!!!
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 2
Virtual Tour: http://www.flyinside.com/tour.php?id=17439
Presentation on My Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/featured-listings.asp

You’ll love this custom home boasting 60 feet of Puget Sound waterfront and breathtaking views of Seattle’s skyline & the Cascades! Enjoy new tile floors in the upstairs kitchen, a renovated bathroom & new exterior paint and gutters. You’ll own 3 bedrooms upstairs and 2 bedrooms downstairs. Each floor has it’s own full size kitchen, bathroom, living room & entrance. Either rent out the lower level or easily convert it for single family living. 20K in renovations! 1 Year Home Warranty Included!

Address: 1219 Colchester Drive, Port Orchard, WA, 98366

Driving Directions: Only 5 minutes from Southworth Ferry or 60 minutes from Seattle by car. By car, Take Hwy 16 to Sedgwick East, Left on Jackson, From Mile Hill turn left on Colchester.

Please contact me to arrange for a showing.

David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Open House Thursday January 10th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

801 Rainier Ave N #G334 Renton, WA 98057-5381

Price: 194,900
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Square Feet: 680
Lot Size: 7.2 Acres
Year Built: 1998
MLS: 27195586
New Carpet and paint in this meticulous top floor condo with unobstructed greenbelt views. Bokara By The Lake is a beautifully landscaped, gated community that is professionally managed. Dues are exceptionally low & include clubhouse, gated entry, pool, hot tub, & tanning room. You'll love the new carpets, updated cabinetry, double paned windows, deck storage & designer paint. All appliances stay. Easy access to Renton Airport, freeways & The Landing. Warranty included! Very quiet!
Directions: From I-405, merge onto WA 167 N/Valley Fwy via Exit 2 toward Renton/Rainier Ave and go .8 miles. Merge onto Rainier Ave S. Go 1.7 Miles. Condo is on the West side of Rainier Ave N.
Best Regards!
David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Updated Renton Real Estate, Newcastle Real Estate & South Bellevue Real Estate Market Statistics (As of January 7th, 2008)


MLS Area 500 (Newcastle, Bellevue South of I-90 & Issaquah South of I-90)

Single Family Homes

Average Days on Market: 99 Days (Up from 98 Last Week)

Inventory of Active Listings: 394 (Down from 403 Last Week)

Inventory of Sold Listings: 382 (Down from 400 Last Week)

63.66 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 66.66 as of Last Week)

6.18 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 6.04 as of Last Week)

Average List Price: $893,563 (Down from $895,409 Last Week)

Average Sale Price: $776,050 (Down from $777,394 Last Week)


Condominiums

Average Days on Market: 60 Days (Up from 59 Last Week)

Inventory of Active Listings: 97 Active Listings (Down from 101 from Last Week)

Inventory of Sold Listings: 194 (Down from 196 Last Week)

32.33 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 32.66 as of Last Week)

3.00 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 3.09 Last Week)

Average List Price: $335,791 (Up from $334,906 Last Week)

Average Sale Price: $315,482 (Down from $316,131 Last Week)


MLS Area 350 (Northeast Renton / Renton Highlands, Briarwood)

Single Family Homes

Average Days on Market: 95 Days (Down from 97 Last Week)

Inventory of Active Listings: 389 Active Listings (Down from 395 Last Week)

Inventory of Sold Listings: 380 (Down from 382 Last Week)

63.33 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average.(Down from 63.66 as of Last Week)

6.14 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 6.20 Last Week)

Average List Price: $549,140 (Up from $547,504 Last Week)

Average Sale Price: $458,663 (Down from $460,800 Last Week)

Condominiums

Average Days on Market: 66 Days (No change from Last Week)

Inventory of Active Listings: 61 Active Listings (Down from 67 last week)

Inventory of Sold Listings: 74 (Up from 73 Last Week)

12.33 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Up from 12.66 as of Last Week)
4.94 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 5.5 Last Week)

Average List Price: $253,938 (Up from $253,569 Last Week)

Average Sale Price: $227,751 (Down from $228,227 Last Week)


MLS Area 340 (Southeast Renton / Benson Hill, Fairwood)

Single Family Homes

Average Days on Market: 83 Days (No change from Last Week)

Inventory of Active Listings: 309 Active Listings (Down from 326 Last Week)

Inventory of Sold Listings: 321 (Down from 319 Last Week)

53.5 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 54.33 as of Last Week)

5.77 Months Worth of Supply (Down from 6.0 Last Week)

Average List Price: $430,740 (Up from $430,420 Last Week)

Average Sale Price: $390,283 (Down from $392,029 Last Week)


Condominiums

Average Days on Market: 65 Days (No change from Last Week)

Inventory of Active Listings: 89 Active Listings (Up from 85 Last Week)

Inventory of Sold Listings: 102 (Down from 104 Last Week)

17.0 listings are absorbed by demand each month on average. (Down from 17.3 as of Last Week)5.23 Months Worth of Supply (Up from 4.90 Last Week)

Average List Price: $245,833 (Down from $248,982 Last Week)

Average Sale Price: $238,546 (Down from $239,899 Last Week)


If you are interested in statistical information for an MLS area not covered here, please respond to this post to let me know what neighborhood you live in and I will follow up with the statistics specific to your area of interest. You are also welcome to visit my website at http://www.davidjedwards.com/ where you can access my Market Snapshot research tool found on the left side of the homepage.


This information is deemed reliable but it is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. I generated these statistics using the Northwest Multiple Listing Service. These statistics were not compiled or published by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Open House Sunday January 6th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM


9623 S 248th St #E16 Kent, WA 98030



Price: 114,995

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Square Feet: 640

Lot Size: 4.3 Acres

Year Built: 1966

MLS: 27196818


This top floor unit sits on 5 acres of landscaped grounds. Residents enjoy a community clubhouse, pool and basketball court. The unit has clean carpets, a fireplace, extra storage space, an oversized bedroom and a washer & dryer in the unit. It has recently been replumbed. A 1 year American Home Shield home warranty is included!


For More Information Visit: http://www.davidjedwards.com/featured-listings.asp


Directions: From I405, Merge on WA-167 S, Take 84TH Ave S exit to N Central, Left on 84th Ave S. 84TH becomes Central Ave. Left on E Smith St/WA-516. Follow WA-516. Turn Left on 94th Ave S. Right on S 248Th St.


Best Regards!


David Edwards

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound

Phone: 425-890-8045

E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com

Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/

Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp


David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Eliminating the Mortgage Interest Deduction?

Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, wants to phase out mortgage interest write-offs for houses larger than 3,000 square feet, using a graduated scale that ends with zero deductions for properties with 4,200 square feet or more, which he calls "energy guzzlers," in the interest of global warming.

Here is a quote from Representative John Dingell's proposal summary: "These homes have contributed to increased sprawl and longer commutes. Despite new homes in and of themselves being more energy efficient, the sheer size, sprawl and commutes lead to dramatically more energy use – or to put it more simply, a larger carbon footprint."

He puts it simply, albeit too simply. Dingell's stated goal is to reduce U.S. carbon emissions 60 percent by 2050 but hasn't explained how his proposal will specifically achieve this.

He fails to make any exceptions for the lifestyle of each home's residents. For example, a family occupied, 3,000 square foot home, has a smaller carbon footprint on a per capata basis than a 3,000 square foot home with only one or two people living in it. Both scenarios should not be held to the same standard.

Furthermore, homeowners that maintain home offices have a justifiable need for more square footage and directly contribute to reduced traffic congestion and the pollution that results from longer commutes but there is no accomodation for this in Representative Dingell's plan either.
I am in favor of reducing each home's carbon footprint but Representative Dingell's proposal is too extreme for many reasons but mostly because it arbitrarily focuses on square footage instead of differentiating between homes that are environmentally friendly and those that are not.

A new or remodeled home of 3,000 square feet or more could easily have a smaller carbon footprint than a smaller home with fewer resource-efficient elements that are crafted to exceed building codes while protecting the environment. Penalizing tax payers for harming the environment based on square footage is unjustifiable because square footage doesn't consistently correlate to a specific carbon imprint.

It would be nice to see a proposal that continues to reward owners of green-built homes rather than punishes owners of homes based solely on their square footage. The movement to build "Green" has already taken off without the need for government intervention because green-built homes are more energy and water efficient, more cost effective to own and maintain, healthier to live in and friendlier to the environment than traditional homes.

The concept doesn't require government intervention because it is already economically viable for builders and owners. Small investments can pay huge dividends over time. Even modest measures can result in significant savings of money, improvements in the health of the residents and conservation of resources.

Here in Washington State, we have "Built Green" which is an environmentally-friendly, non-profit, residential building program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. The organization was developed to provide consumers with easy-to-understand rating systems, which quantify environmentally friendly building practices for remodeling and new home construction. Our citizens are paying close attention to a home's rating and this is already starting to have an impact on home values.

The timing of the proposal stands to further depress real estate markets and the economy as a whole. The mortgage interest deduction was meant to be an incentive for people to buy and afford a home and mortgage interest write-offs are among the largest benefits in the federal tax code. The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation estimates that homeowners will take $403 billion in deductions from 2006 to 2010. Legislating away the mortgage interest deduction on homes that are more than 3,000 square feet would stigmatize affected properties and further contribute to the existing glut of homes on the market which would the delay the stabilization of the housing market prediced for 2008.

According to the National Association of REALTORs, this legislation will cost consumers $34 billion:

Mortgage Interest Deduction Tax Benefit for 2005: $116 billion
Portion of that to large-home owners: $31 billion (27 percent)
Increase in mortgage debt since 2005: 10%
Tax cost in 2007: $34 billion

Representative Dingell's concern for the environment is commendable and his willingness to propose such controversial solutions is a true testament to his committment to the cause. However, if Representative Dingell insists on moving forward with his proposal, he needs to wait until the real estate market has stabalized and his proposal needs to provide tax credits instead of tax penalties. The basis for the credits should focused on energy efficiency standards and lifestyle variables not arbitrary square footage calculations.

David Edwards
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Washington’s Renton Highlands, Newcastle and South Bellevue.