Fairwood Featured Business – Salon Tii Gavo!!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Sep 08, 2016

With this post, I am happy to be continuing my “Fairwood Featured Business” series with installment #8.

My ongoing passion is to highlight and celebrate the neighborhood I live in, raise my kids in and work in.  I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings.  So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood specifically and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.

Previously on this blog, I have featured Plaza Cleaners, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, and Cosmo Nail Parlor, Fairwood Golf & Country Club, Fire District #40, Station 17, Shakey’s and There Ya Go Espresso.

For September I am thrilled to be featuring Salon Tii Gavo!blog-pic-salon_tiigavo1

Salon Tii Gavo has been a fixture in the Fairwood community for EVER – in fact 2017 marks their 20th anniversary!

A Gathering Place

Tii Gavo means “A Gathering Place” in the native Havisupi language. Believe me, the spirit of the name rings true the very moment you step into the salon. You are greeted as if you are family when you walk in (but here’s a hint, it’s BETTER than family – there are SPA services!!) Nine stylists are on staff to provide the full range of hair services, manicures, hot stone spa pedicures and more.  If nothing else, you must experience the luxury of “the lather lounge”…a 5 minute stress relieving scalp massage while getting your hair washed.  It is heaven!

Service Oriented

Owner Jolene Casey showcases her many talents and gifts through her business. Top among them are her dedication to customer service and community outreach. First rate, high-touch customer service is the standard at Salon Tii Gavo. Their reputation in the industry is excellent and customer reviews are outstanding. Jolene takes that commitment a step further, however, by her continuous efforts to give back to her community. Jolene and her team at Salon Tii Gavo are regularly sponsoring raffles, community events and promotions to raise money for worthy charities. Many local and regional organizations have benefited over these 20 years from donations of money, goods and services that the Salon Tii Gavo team has provided! That dedication to service is amazing and rare… I am so happy we have Jolene right here in Fairwood!

Referral Promotion

Jolene shared with me that Salon Tii Gavo is running a referral promotion through the end of October! For current clients, when you refer a new client you will be rewarded from a list of amazing gifts!

The holidays are around the corner as well.  If you have never seen the Salon, please do stop in during November and December to shop from a wide variety of gift ideas for your loved ones…or yourself 🙂

Thank You to Jolene Casey and Salon Tii Gavo! It is businesses like yours that make our community so very special!

~ Rosie

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Fairwood Is Turning 50!!!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Aug 09, 2016

FAIRWOOD IS TURNING 50!                                     

fairwood_50_wordpress1Everyone please save the date and JOIN US at Petrovitsky Park on Saturday,
August 27th for an amazing celebration of our beloved Fairwood Neighborhood!

King County Parks is hosting a wonderful day crammed full of activities, including a FUN RUN, Crafts for Kids, Dunk Tank, FOOD TRUCK, Concert in the Park, an outdoor MOVIE in the PARK, and so much more!!

I will be personally involved in the event as well!  The Rosie Rourke Team is proudly offering FREE popcorn at the movie night!  YAY!!!!

All of the details of the day can be found at the King County Parks website. They have done a great job of pulling together local businesses and individuals to highlight our community ~ I am so honored to be able to help celebrate the neighborhood I love.

I can’t wait to see all of you at the party!

~ Rosie

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Fairwood Featured Business – THERE YA GO ESPRESSO!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Jul 11, 2016

With this post, I am happy to be continuing my “Fairwood Featured Business” series with installment #7

My ongoing passion is to highlight and celebrate the neighborhood I live in, raise my kids in and work in.  I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings.  So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood specifically and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.blog pic 6

Previously on this blog, I have featured Plaza Cleaners, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, and Cosmo Nail Parlor, Fairwood Golf & Country Club, Fire District #40, Station 17, and Shakey’s.

For the month of July, I am so happy to feature There Ya Go Espresso!!

This my favorite coffee stop for so many reasons!  It’s close, it has a convenient drive thru, and They Know My Name!  I love great customer service, and that’s what I get every time at There Ya Go Espresso.

Owners Brian & Shelly Cox bought the Fairwood stand in 2008.  Both local kids, (Brian – Kentridge HS, Shelly – Tahoma HS) their commitment to bringing quality independent business to their community is something I truly admire.  They own two locations, Fairwood and Maple Valley, and have been working in the coffee industry since 1995,

Caffe’ D’arte Coffee

There Ya Go proudly serves Caffe’ D’arte Coffee, which I learned is one of the oldest roasters in Seattle.  They were roasting here when Starbucks and Seattle’s Best were just baby coffee companies!  Caffe D’arte also has a roasting plant in Italy, so it’s like having “real Italian roast” right here in Seattle!  In addition to coffee, There Ya Go serves a variety of teas, food items, and recently began offering SPARK, by Advocare!

The Fairwood location was just remodeled in 2016, employs 6 Amazing Baristas, and offers specials every weekday!  Free Muffin (banana bread) Monday, Two Stamp Tuesday, 4th Shot Free on Wednesday, 50c off Food Thursday, and Free Flavor Friday!!!

Open every day from 5am-5pm, There Ya Go Espresso is one of Fairwood’s Finest!

Thank you Brian and Stacy Cox ~ keep up the good work!

~Rosie

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Fairwood Featured Business – Shakey’s!

By Rosie Rourke, posted May 06, 2016

With this post, I am happy to be continuing my “Fairwood Featured Business” series with installment #6.shakey's blog pic

My ongoing passion is to highlight and celebrate the neighborhood I live in, raise my kids in and work in.  I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings.  So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood specifically and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.

Previously on this blog, I have featured Plaza Cleaners, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, and Cosmo Nail Parlor and Fairwood Golf & Country Club and Fire District #40, Station 17.

For the month of MAY, I am proud to highlight Shakey’s Pizza Parlor!

Only 2 in Washington State

Did you know that our Fairwood Shakey’s is one of only two in Washington?  You’ll have to drive to Pasco to find the other! Shakey’s was founded in 1954 and has been a center point of West Coast culture since then.  Shakey’s has a long history in Renton and I am glad that Fairwood is home to this classic family restaurant.

New Owner

In February, 2016 Lori Bender took over the reins as the new owner.  A Fairwood resident herself since 1977 and longtime restaurant owner, Lori is passionate about revitalizing our Shakey’s.  Here are just some of the exciting changes underway:  remodel of restaurant and kitchen, revamped menu, improved beer & wine selections, larger game room, and some lower prices.  With such a long history in Fairwood, Lori wants to ensure that Shakey’s is going strong for years to come.

Family Friendly

Shakey’s has always been a great gathering place for families. It’s kid friendly and comfortable with selections for adults as well. Our sports teams have long enjoyed after game meals and banquets there.  Lori showed me the reconfigured party room, and it is a great gathering place.  Shakey’s has hosted engagement parties, baby showers, sports team banquets, birthday parties and even a wedding reception!  If your group really needs the party room, it is best to make a reservation, but Lori said that Teams are ALWAYS WELCOME – just c’mon in!

Take a New Look!

I am excited to take a new look at an old favorite!  Shakey’s is open daily from 11-9pm and until 10pm on Friday and Saturdays.  Lori has generously offered  to take $2 off of any large pizza order if you mention Rosie Rourke anytime in the month of May.

Thank You Lori!  And thank you Shakey’s for continuing to be our Fairwood family gathering place!

~Rosieshakey's blog pic 2

 

 

Fairwood Featured Business – Fire District 40, Station #17

By Rosie Rourke, posted Apr 14, 2016

blog pic station 17 2Happy April everyone!  With this post, I am happy to be continuing my “Fairwood Featured Business” series with installment #5.

Previously on this blog, I have featured Plaza Cleaners, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, and Cosmo Nail Parlor and Fairwood Golf & Country Club.

For April, I am proud to be highlighting our very own Fire District 40, Station #17!

Our Neighborhood Fire Station

We are so lucky here in Fairwood for so many reasons – and one BIG one is that the crew at Station #17 is here for us 24 hours a day.  Did you know that our contract with District 40 gives us extra personnel on shift here in Fairwood?  That’s right – the rest of the City of Renton will typically staff a station with 3 fire fighters on an engine.  At Station #17 we have 6 fire fighters on shift – 3 on an engine and 2 on an aid car – all the time.

Community Outreach

Recently, I spoke with station Lieutenant Chuck DeSmith about all of the ways that the Station 17 crew is involved with our community and found out about some exciting new programs. For example, coming up this month:

April 14th – the Station 17 crew is hosting a Firefighter Challenge for 8th graders at Meeker Middle School (this will be a modified fire service obstacle course challenge, created to inspire and educate local kids about fire service career opportunities)

April 26th – the Station 17 crew is hosting “Chief For A Day” for 3rd graders at Carriage Crest Elementary

May 5th – Nelson Middle School 8th graders will participate in the Firefighter Challenge

May 24th – 150 kids at Ridgewood Elementary will participate in an Egg Drop physics experiment from the ladder truck

May 26th – 8th graders at Northwood Middle School will participate in the Firefighter Challenge

In addition, Lieutenant DeSmith shared that his crew also pairs with the Apogee and LA Fitness for community outreach events as well.  He wanted me to remind everyone that the public is WELCOME at Station 17.  Please come by for a station tour, or free  blood pressure/ blood sugar test. The department also hosts free basic CPR.  If anyone is interested in CPR, please call 425. 430. 7000.

THANK YOU Station #17!!  You make our neighborhood better!

~ Rosie

 

 

SUMMER RECYCLE EVENT – SAVE THE DATE!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Apr 04, 2016

blog pic recycle eventI am so happy to be able to give back to the community in small ways.  One of my FAVORITES is our annual Family Green Fest at Fairwood Greens!!

Each year I sponsor a recycle celebration coinciding with the Fairwood Greens community garage sale.  This year the SALE is on July 9th.  If you can sell it – sell it!  If it doesn’t sell… bring it to the RECYCLE EVENT on July 16th!!

We will have 1 Green Planet for your bigger items.

We will have Confidential Data Shredding for your paper and confidential items.

We will have a HOT DOG cart, a BOUNCY HOUSE and FACE PAINTING for the kids!!!!

Save the date ~ and your recyclables!!  July 16th from 12-3pm.

Allen Park in Fairwood Greens: at the corner of 145th Ave. SE and SE 167th St.)

 

~ Rosie

 

FAQ – Inspection vs. Appraisal

By Rosie Rourke, posted Mar 25, 2016

What is the difference between an inspection and an appraisal? What do they do for me?  These are questions I am asked all the time, so here is a brief run down of each.

Inspection

  • Optional,  but highly recommended for the buyer.
  • Inspector works for the buyer to find any issue that may make the home purchase unwise or less desirable.
  • The Rosie Rourke Team will always be there at your inspection, representing you and your interests in the home purchase.

Appraisal

  • An appraiser is sent by the bank doing your loan on the home purchase.  They represent the bank’s interest and their function is to determine the value of the home.
  • Appraisers do not inspect a home for hidden structural issues.
  • Appraisals are not required if you purchase a home with cash.
  • A bidding war drives the home price up? An appraiser may determine that the agreed price is above the value of the home, in which case the bank may not loan the full amount.
  • The Rosie Rourke Team will always be there at your home appraisal, offering strategies to help you navigate through the process.

Let me know what YOUR questions are ~ I am happy to help!

~ Rosie

Seattle job market among country’s hottest!

By Rosie Rourke, posted Mar 17, 2016

blog picOnly 3 cities across the country had a hotter job market than Seattle last year!

The Puget Sound Business Journal reported that Seattle added over 78,000 jobs in 2015.

Dallas was #1, followed by San Jose and Los Angeles.  Finding and keeping talent is a hot topic across the Puget Sound region. More than 25,000 technology jobs in the state have remained open for at least six months, according to the Washington Technology Industry.

What that says to me is that we are perfectly placed in our area to see an increase in buyers looking for that perfect home in a central location.  My team is ready to help you find that home!  If all of this activity has you wondering what your home might be worth in today’s market, I will be happy to meet with you.

Is it time to start dreaming about your next home??

~ Rosie

Seattle housing market is HOT for 2016, according to Zillow

By Rosie Rourke, posted Mar 04, 2016

Zillow has posted it’s new hottest housing markets list for 2016, and guess what?  Seattle is #2 nationwide, right behind Denver.  To make the list, Zillow uses home value appreciation, unemployment rates and income growth.Featured Home | Rosie Rourke

Based on their research, Seattle home prices will rise 5.4% this year (second only to Dallas-Fort Worth at 5.6%).  Seattle’s income is projected to rise 1.1%.

Trendy tech centers hogged the spotlight for 2015. But this year, the markets that shine brightest will be those that  manage to strike a good balance between strong income growth, low unemployment and solid home value appreciation.

Remember as well that I can always provide a more accurate value of your home than Zillow can. I am happy to let you know how to increase the value of your home as well.

Happily serving the community and answering your Real Estate needs!

~ Rosie

 

 

 

Fairwood Featured Business: Fairwood Golf & Country Club

By Rosie Rourke, posted Feb 03, 2016

Happy February!

I am excited to continue the “Fairwood Featured Business” series on my blog with installment #4.

I am committed to sharing what I LOVE about the Fairwood area. I believe that a big part of what enhances our quality of life is when we enjoy our surroundings. So I’m taking an opportunity to focus on our neighborhood specifically and to appreciate all that we have here, so close to home.

Previously on this blog, I have featured Plaza Cleaners, Fairwood Thai Cuisine, and Cosmo Nail Parlor.

For February I am proud to highlight the Fairwood Golf & Country Club.

fairwood pic 2Family Friendly

The Fairwood Golf course was established in 1967 as part of the Fairwood Greens neighborhood development plan. It is a gorgeous, tree-lined, rolling course that serves as a beautiful centerpiece to our Fairwood neighborhood.

The clubhouse boasts a beautiful dining room, ballroom, lounge, fine dining and more casual pub fare. The food is amazing and the atmosphere can’t be beat.

Beyond the golf, amazing restaurant, 8 lane pool and fitness room, what I personally love about Fairwood G.C.C. is the FAMILY FRIENDLY atmosphere.  It is a FUN place to be! …and I don’t even golf!!

  • Did you know that memberships start as low as $38/month?
  • Did you know that there are fun family events going on at the club all the time?
  • Did you know that Fairwood supports a championship swim team, youth golf camps and the Kentridge golf team?
  • Did you know they offer a comprehensive Wellness program including swimming, fitness room and personal training? (**ask me about BOOT CAMP – I love it!)

Award Winning Golf Course

You definitely do not need to be a golfer to take advantage of this wonderful community resource we have right here in Fairwood. But if you are even a little bit interested in experiencing the course and what club membership has to offer, the staff will happily offer you a free round of golf & lunch with a club ambassador. No heavy sales pitch – just a great day out on the course.

In fact, right now Fairwood G.C.C. is offering a special 2016 GOLF PREVIEW so you can experience membership with no long-term commitment and no dues until MAY.

Health & Wellness

Take it from me, if you have never experienced the Fairwood Golf & Country Club, you simply must. If you already enjoy the Club and its amenities, I know that you understand what a neighborhood jewel we have!

Thank you to General Manager Tom Frets, Wellness Director Melissa Korda and to ALL of the amazing Fairwood staff who help make each club experience special for my family.

~ Rosie