I want to provide some positive comments regarding this year’s SoD. It’s the first one that has ever been marketed as Built Green (to my knowledge) and from a public-educating perspective it did a very good job of showing visitors what kinds of materials have sustainable alternatives, what kinds of appliances can be more energy friendly than others, etc. The Urban Lodge had the best signage – every single room had a framed sign explaining the green details, sources, and designers. Considering how much land this development is sitting on – and this is what the overall larger community was concerned about – the houses are closer together than most in that entire region, allowing for community building and actually knowing your neighbors. It seems weird to drive all that way for a cul-de-sac, but it’s a "golly" sight better than what I see most places. As for the number of TVs – which acts more and more like a computer these days depending on how you have it set up – They were mostly in common living areas or media centers or the parents retreat. The children’s and guest suites were not modeled with televisions (something that was important in my family).

There are acres and acres of preserved green space surrounding these homes, and they removed a minimal amount of trees (and frankly, those trees are mostly all alder (a weedy 100-year life tree) and will snap in the first strong wind storm anyway). Kudos to those builders who created COVERED outdoor living spaces – in the land where summer is 3 months long (or this year, 2), having a covered outdoor space means it’s actually usable and not just for show.

At least the developers behind this year’s SoD, easily tourable in 90 minutes since there are only 5 homes, all under 5,000 sq ft, had the common theme of trying to build green. Independent developers not involved in a project like this can come out and do whatever they want within the zoning restrictions for this area.

And since MOST people are either related to or good friends with a real estate professional, you can tour the SoD for free if accompanied by an agent outside of show hours. So yes, that means I was up at the crack of dawn both Saturday and Sunday driving out to where I grew up to give my family the opportunity to see what green development is all about. We arrived at 8 AM when they unlocked the doors and skedaddled by 9:45 AM, the cutoff time for on-site agent parking. It was nice to be the only people in the house, able to get an unobstructed glimpse at all of the neat features. (This is one way for you to find out just how good of a friend / family member you are – if they will get up that early for YOU on a weekend.)

I will say my parents thought it was idiotic to drive 10 miles to catch a shuttle back to down the street from their house to see the homes. SoD should have made some sort of accomodation for the community, giving local residents an opportunity to see these homes without the shuttle hassle – especially since they put up with all of the construction for the last year or more.

Even the rich elite depend upon American Middle Class to buy their goods and services, the world economy does too.

Some “pig-headed” far right “any Dem’Rep party folks” I know kind of think that way too.

They’re working less hours, barely getting their McMansion and giant SUV payments in on time [let alone gas money to drive it anywhere], yet they feel they’re the rich elite too….after all, their home is an ATM machine.

Ooops, strike that, not anymore.

I think everyone who reads the blog should get one!

Betcha we get kicked out. :)

For more fun, type “housing bubble” into the search box on cafepress.

I guess if one paid $5.5 million for a house one would want to get as much value out of being in the house as much as possible, but why would they watch TV? “We want to see how the “poor” people (people who can’t afford $5.5 million houses) live, but you know, not necessarily have to go outside and smell them or accidentally touch them.” In a huge house, surrounded by televisions everywhere within–sounds like Street of Nightmares to me. They could just look at their walls. “Wow, someone paid $5.5 million for this wall–wait, that was me.”

I think that what The Tim found funny about that listing was the fact that it referred to “downsizing” when the home is listed at 3,400SF! Wowza, that’s some downsizing!

I suspect the agencies are removing cruft because they are concerned about the appearance of high inventory. I bet a memo went around.

Then again, it was beautiful weather this weekend. Maybe that does result in high sales.

And Joel was right. I was the second post under his name.

Still, SFH inventory is down by 60 today; that’s the biggest weekend drop I’ve seen in a while. Perhaps all of those dreamers came back from Snohomish and decided to dig their own 1,600-bottle wine cellars beneath their 800-bottle townhomes? :-P

Or maybe they’re referring to the pretty, pretty, pink pony breeding stable in the backyard…

Not the last comment. The first ‘Joel’ comment was me.

I think you mean the second one.

Ex-Broadcom exec alleged to have sex, drug lair
The illegal network of tunnels and rooms underneath Nicholas’ Laguna Hills estate was kept secret from his wife and city officials, the documents said.
The purpose of one secret room was to allow Nicholas to “indulge his appetite for illegal drugs and sex with prostitutes,” the crew claimed.

Hi Joel, I know your email!

See if you can spot the part that made me laugh out loud…

Is it that it’s a “great downsizer”? I’ve never heard of a home having “a great pedigree”, as if it’s a showdog or a trust fund kid.

Do I win?

If I were spending $3M on a house you can bet that I would have a few secret rooms and passages.

And I wouldn’t tell anyone about them.

er…

I mean, secret rooms are stupid. I’d never put one in my house.

Not unlike Al Gore and his $2000/month personal power bills.

Not unlike the guy that trades in his perfectly good car for a brand new hybrid, not considering the immense energy costs and environmental impact of manufacturing that new car.

Not unlike Little Leo DeCaprio who has probably put more carbon into this atmosphere in the form of burned Jet-A than all of us combined.
We sure like our self-delusional warm fuzzies.

A blend of traditional & modern design creates intimacy & timelessness. Nearly 1/2-acre resort-like grounds; natural stone terraces, vibrant gardens, serene pond, & water feature. 4-BR + main floor bonus; main floor master, opens to terrace. Great pedigree; built by Bender-Chaffey; A/C,kitchen with granite, dark cherry, diffused glass. Alabaster lighting, leaded windows, recessed ceiling lighting; integrated sound. Great downsizer or buyers wanting location. Walk to Medina Elem, Overlake G&CC. Versatile & exquisite.

Asking price: $2,250,000.

I don’t know whose “dreams” these are. not mine.

What surprised me about this year’s street of dreams event is how small it is. Back in 1989 there were I think 17 homes, built with the English Tudor style that was popular at the time, and I think that the prices were in the 300-500K range, but the lots were much smaller (1/2-3/4 acre?) than the ones currently featured.

They should just cancel this event, as there is no longer any need for it. With housing prices where they are now and lending standards tightening, just pick a street –any street– and drive down it, and dream about being able to afford anything on it.

Hooray! Yippee! Pat yourselves on the back Seattleites, as we all live on a Street of Dreams today (and drive slowly, as those Pink Ponies like to suddenly dart across the street).

Also, this year’s SoD is in Snohomish County. :^)

I smell market manipulation.