Today's Home - Spring 2017

Supplement to the Federal Way Mirror, Auburn Reporter, Covington Maple Valley Reporter and Kent Reporter

Spring 2017

Exterior Painting Preparation Tips for Home Owners

You can make prep work go quickly and smoothly by doing some prep of your own. The following is a helpful checklist to follow to ensure your home’s exterior is ready prior to the ProTect Painters professionals arriving at your home.

Before ProTect Painters Pressure Wash Your Home: • Trim back landscaping to allow painters close access to siding and trim

• Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim

Why Customers Choose ProTect Painters?

We are ProTect Painters, a full-service, interior and exterior painting company. We believe in helping others fully realize the pride and joy of home ownership. We, not only treat our customers like family, ProTect Painters treats your home like it was our own, by finding the right color that represents you and your space. We’re professional painters that never cut corners in delivering unparalleled quality YOUR home is our showcase.

What makes ProTect Painters different? We always do what we say we are going to do! We’re proud of the Top 5 reasons why customers choose ProTect Painters: 1. Gift of Time: ProTect Painters manages the entire project from beginning to end.

2. Upfront Pricing: A detailed plan. No hidden costs.

3. Color Consult: Our painting professionals provide the right color for your surroundings.

4. Flexible and Reliable: Experienced in working with your schedule.

5. Communication: Always knowing what’s happening and when.

Transform your home with a new coat of paint!

• Make sure water spigots are in good working order for pressure washing • Close your windows on pressure washing days • Check window sills for water after pressure washing is completed

Before ProTect Painters Begin Prep and Painting: • Have paint colors selected approximately one week prior to scheduled painting • Move items, such as potted plants and/or lawn furniture, to allow close access to siding and trim • Ensure that the painters will have access to electrical outlets

• Designate a safe area where the crew can leave their ladders and miscellaneous equipment • Coordinate your painting plans with other potential tradespeople working on your project

Terry & Jeanette Koubele

• Reschedule lawn service and turn off sprinklers while your house is being painted • Unlock windows on the days they are painted – it is necessary to open and shut

• Ensure access to doors that will need to be painted, as they may need to be open for several hours on the day they are painted

Call 253-561-8494 TODAY for your free estimate!

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INTERIOR x EXTERIOR x RESIDENTIAL x COMMERCIAL

Our Dedication To Complete Satisfaction Is Unsurpassed!

• Top Quality Materials • Environmentally Friendly • Exterior/Interior • Dependable Scheduling • 100% Fully Insured 7

Call today for a free estimate

253-561-8494

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

ProTectPainters.com

Market Update:

IT’S A SELLER’S MARKET LIKE NO OTHER

Home inventory in King County is at an all-time low, making this an extreme seller’s market and your listing is needed! Team Marti sells on average one house per week, and would love to make yours the next one! Whether you’re just giving it some thought or are ready to PMWX XLMW WTVMRK GSRXEGX 8IEQ 1EVXM XSHE] XS ½RH SYX LS[ [I GER LIPT you list—and sell your home—for the highest possible price.

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Use my search app!

We’re experiencing a huge shortage in real estate inventory right now with only a half month’s supply. A “balanced market� is closer to a six month’s supply. Sellers typically wait until the warmer months, but buyers tend to be ready to purchase after the holidays. Buyers are feeling the effects of the low inventory with bidding wars, multiple offer situations, and continued house hunting. “Our robust market has created extreme conditions, and we’re seeing frenzy hot activity on each new listing coming on the market,� reported J. Lennox Scott, chairman and CEO of John L. Scott. “We’re also experiencing some of the lowest inventory levels on record,� he noted.

Per the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, whose records date back to 2004, February

2017 was the first month when the number of active listings dipped below 10,000.

Confirming the low inventory remark from the NWMLS, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that this is the lowest inventory level recorded since they began tracking housing supply in 1999.

Scott expects inventory to start rising in March, but he also anticipates the number of buyers will increase too. “It will continue to be a competitive market in the more affordable and mid-price ranges,� he predicts.

If you’re remotely considering selling your home, NOW would be the time to call your Realtor.

Marti Reeder

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Same Great Services in a New Location!

• Tab Renewal • Title Changes • Quick Titles • Notary Public • Recreational Vehicles • Disabled Plates & Placards • Express Service • Knowledgeable Customer Service

Federal Way Licensing Services has moved locations after 20 years in the same location! Our sub-agency is a private business providing vehicle and vessel licensing services on behalf of the county and state. With the new location, at 1320 S. 324th St, Suite A102, came a remodel and special area for people to schedule appointments, a new feature that is “not heard of in this industry,” Jan Novak, owner, said. “It’ll be a wonderful thing, to be able to provide appointments,” she said. “We also have a very high volume of Internet pick-ups.” We’re open Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm and Saturday 8:30 am - 1 pm.

What you’ll need before you renew Make sure we have your current address. If you’ve moved, change your address.

License plate number of the vehicle you want to register.

Driver license number of each registered owner.

Most all credit cards accepted (No gift cards).

Renew your tabs online in 5 easy steps 1.

2.

3.

4.

Tell us which vehicle you’re renewing.

Make sure your address is current.

Decide how you want to get your tabs Choose Federal Way Licensing Services to process. Pay your fees. As you go through the process, if you do not see our office in your selection simply click on “change start location” and then type in our zip code of 98003.

5. Print your receipt, bring I.D.

Follow the road to complete vehicle and seasonal licensing services Same Day Pickup at our Express Window • Great Customer Service Mailed to You by Next Business Day • Se Habla Español

Order Your Tabs Online fwtabs.com VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION AT

1320 S 324th #A102 Federal Way 2017

SAVE $1,000S NOW

ON NEW WINDOWS

Champion Comfort 365 Windows® are Energy-Star rated to make your home more energy efficient, helping to reduce your energy bill costs.

BUY 2 WINDOWS

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ACT TO DA Offer E Y nds

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CALLCALL TODAY: 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS TODAY: 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYSAAWEEK WEEK

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. **Subject to credit approval. Fixed APR of 6.99% for 60 months. Based on each $1,000 financed, 5 payments of $5.83 followed by 55 amortized payments of $21.30.

Financing for GreenSky® consumer credit programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or familial status. † The Champion limited lifetime warranty applies to Comfort 365 Windows® as long as the original purchaser owns the home. See store for details *Discount applies

to Comfort 365 Windows®. Buy 2 Comfort 365 Windows® at regular price and get 1 additional window free. Free window must be of equal or lesser value. See store or website for details. All discounts apply to our regular prices.

All prices include expert installation. Sorry, no adjustments can be made on prior sales. Cannot be combined with other advertised offers. See store for warranty. Offer expires 4-30-17 3-31-17 ©Champion®, 2017 CHAMPWC008CJ

Relax…It’s not a project to own a Softub!

Have you ever noticed the number of big, heavy hot tubs that have morphed into the landscape of so many backyards across town? Many of those hot tub owners were filled with hope as they set out to find the solution to aches and pains and fulfill the vision of relaxing after a hard day. Sadly, many of them ended up with a monstrosity and a project that required infrastructure before installation—concrete slabs, cranes for install, extra 220V wiring and expensive monthly utility bill increases. And all to often that big hot tub ended up empty and alone before it began to grow it’s own vegetation.

Alas there is another option. An option that frees you from the perils of a project! A brand 30 years ago that created the alternative, portable, energy efficient, soft hot tub.

Welcome to Softub!

Here’s how Softub makes life easy on first time and and often 2nd time spa buyers; True portability; one person can move a Softub. A 5 year old can roll a Softub around the yard. Softub’s largest model is 75lbs and rolls like a beach ball through any standard door in the house. Put them anywhere, in or out.

No site preparation Required! We have placed thousands of Softubs all over Washington on rooftop decks, balconies, grass, gravel, inside, outside, and yes we even put them on houseboats and yachts.

No extra wiring required! Softub’s are rated as appliances and plug into a standard outlet. For $10 or less per month, you have a tub that is always hot and ready to use at a moments notice.

We don’t have enough room to cover it all but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the one obvious advantage…

ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES Softub’s are actually Soft.

When you’re relaxing at home are you sitting in a plastic chair or a nice comfy sofa? Softub’s are manufactured using a high density polybond foam and encased in a 27mm marine grade vinyl. The barrier freewww. softub . com /eco-advantage soft soaking environment minimizes discomfort and slippery hard surfaces while enabling the deepest most versatile soak in the industry.

For over 30 years Softub has sat on it’s own island, although if we wanted to move to a different island…. well you get the idea it wouldn’t require a crane.

Simple is better, less is more when it comes to hot tubs! At the end of the day people just want to relax and enjoy the benefits of hot bubbly water and soothing jets. We make that easier than any other product can.

Come check out our retail boutique to see or soak in a Softub and learn more about this timeless tub!

22013 68th Ave. S. Kent, WA 98032 877-515-7119 Toll Free sales@evergreensoftub.com www.evergreensoftub.com Hours; Mon 10am-6pm Tue-Friday 9:30am-5:30pm Exclusive weekend appointments available PRODUCTS ARE REGISTERED AS

WITH THE CALIFORNIA ENERGY COMMISSION. 112

Watts

Actual Energy Usage, as a percentage of Maximum Allowable:

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

83%

135 Watts

139

Watts

Actual Energy Usage, as a percentage of Maximum Allowable:

77%

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

180 Watts

146

Watts

Actual Energy Usage, as a percentage of Maximum Allowable:

65%

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

225 Watts

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE standby power (watts) based upon California Energy Commission requirements. Title 20, Sections 1601 – 1608, adopted by the CEC on October 19, 2005.

©

2009 Softub, Inc., Poway, CA

US Patent Numbers 4,843,659 – 4,858,254 – 4,981,541 – 5,092,951 – 5,133,818 – 5,283,915 – 5,392,473 – 5,585,025 – 6,066,253 – 6,444,129 – 6,800,205 – 6,875,961 – Conforms with UL Standard 1563 –

Softub Portable Spas

12 Months No Interest Financing!

On approved credit Who doesn’t want a ‘Staycation’—and something to look forward to after a long day? Softub makes that simple and project-free while alleviating aches and pains and providing daily stress relief.

Mention this ad/article • TRUE Portability @ 70lbs 1 person can easily roll and you’ll receive a this tub in and out of any standard door custom luxury spa • No Site Prep (Set it anywhere inside or out) package for FREE with • Plug n’ Play (Standard Outlet) any tub purchase.

• RELAX……

Optimize your daily performance and maximize rejuvenation with hydrotherapy in the softest most effective form = SOFTUB.

FREE DELIVERY AND SET UP FOR LOCAL CLIENTS Check out Softub’s Retail boutique in Kent, WA where they have tubs on display and a full line of chemicals and accessories.

22013 68th Ave. S Kent, WA 98032 • 877-515-7119 • EvergreenSoftub.com

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Green Thumbs For Everyone

Everyone loves a beautiful, healthy garden. But not everyone knows how to get one or how to care for one. It can be so complicated. Soil PH, perennial or annual, hardiness zones, fertilizers, pruning techniques, blah, blah, blah, blah! It is just too hard and takes too much time!

Stop right there! Let’s keep it simple.

Everyone can have a green thumb. No reason to keep it complicated or mysterious.

(Unless you are trying to impress your family and friends.)

Having a beautiful yard and garden does require some time and effort on your part.

The house does not clean itself, pets require some effort, and even a self-cleaning oven is not totally self cleaning. But feeding, grooming, and cleaning up after your pet reaps hug rewards. And providing a few basic needs of your ‘plant friends’ will bring hug rewards as well.

Green Thumbs 101: Keep it simple!

To help your green thumb flourish just remember this one basic truth: “All the plants in your yard like the very same things you like.” No. Not pizza, beer, and chocolate cake. It is even more basic than that.

WATER Nothing is more vital to our survival than water. The human body is up to 60% water with some parts, like the lungs, made up of about 83% water. Doctors recommend that we drink up to eight 8

ounce glasses of water each day.

All plants require water to survive as well.

But it can get complicated when we try to figure out just how much water they need. To keep it simple remember this: • Older trees and shrubs are ok on their own.

They will get their own water.

• To train newly planted trees and shrubs to require less water, give them lots of water every week or so rather than a little water every day.

• When undecided to water or not, less is better than more. Very few plants like to have wet feet all the time.

FOOD Both people and plants need food to survive and flourish. When is the last time you fed yourself? When is the last time you fed your plants? There is nothing like a good helping of organic fertilizer in the garden to make your thumb turn green and your plants look happy.

We are told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and a spring application of fertilizer for your plants after their long winter’s nap is also very important.

Nothing will do more for the strength and vitality of your yard and garden than regular feeding with a quality, organic fertilizer. Be sure to ask us the difference between organic and chemical fertilizers and plant health.

FUN IN THE SUN We all benefit from time in the sun both physically and

emotionally. The body gathers Vitamin D from sunlight and sunlight helps prevent other health problems. Plants, like people need sunlight for their systems to work and grow properly. Like people, plants also have differing levels of tolerance to sunlight. Ask us to help you select the right plant for the right spot and sun exposure and everyone will be happy.

THE BIRDS AND THE BEES Yes, we all learned about the Birds and the Bees and the benefits to human life a long time ago. But did you know that plants, like people, enjoy the many benefits of the Birds and the Bees as well?

Birds and bees in the garden aide in pollination and reproduction of flowers, fruits, and vegetables (that is plant sex) as well as destroying the bad bugs. Don’t be too quick to spray and kill insects in your garden. There are far more good bugs than bad bugs in your garden. If your plants are well watered, and well fed, and the birds and the bees are welcomed in your garden, all the plants, animals, and people will be happy.

At Branches Garden Center we are ready to help turn the brownest thumb into a green one. We are also committed to keeping it simple. Come in today and get your green thumb. GREEN THUMBS FOR EVERYONE!!!!

Branches Garden Center, Your Spring Organic Gardening Headquarters.

• Organic veggie and herb starts • Seeds and seed starting supplies • Organic soil builders and Fertilizers • Spring flowering plants and shrubs • Fruit trees • Blueberries • Grapes • Seed Potatoes • Onion sets and so much more.

320th & Military Rd., Federal Way 253.941.7705

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