The Power of Poo

 

I know this is a subject that most don’t really want to think about much, let alone talk about BUTT……

If there ever was a renewable resource that we have more of than we even know what to do with, it’s poop. It’s cheap, plentiful and chances are high that we’ll never run out of it. But why should you give a sh*t? Well, scientists and engineers are harnessing the power of poo to generate energy, create building materials and more.

Poop happens. The birds do it, the cows do it – we all do it. But nowadays, instead of seeing it as waste, researchers have been harnessing the power of poop and converting the precious substance into energy, building materials and even back into food (talk about circle of life)!

1. Many developing countries do not have toilets, or even proper sewage disposal systems, which can lead to the spread of bacteria and water-born illnesses. With these issues in mind, designer Virginia Gardiner created a solution to both problems, called the LooWatt. The eco-commode is itself made from poop- molded from 90% horse dung, with a biodegradable lining. Aside from creating a sanitary place to sit and think, when the LooWatt is full, thewaste can be turned into energy, with the aid of a biodigestor, bringing sanitation and an energy source to underdeveloped countries.

2. Building off of poop’s molding capabilities, students at the Prasetiya Mulya Business School in Indonesia developed the EcoFaeBrick, a lightweight brick made from cow patties. The durable bricks are 20% stringer AND lighter than clay bricks, and since the material is natural and not quarried, their usage would cut down on the environmental destruction thatquarrying creates. EcoFaeBricks create a solution for cow waste, while saving local environments, and providing local farms with a new revenue stream.

3. A park near MIT in Cambridge, MA that has a popular dog run has become energy self-sufficient, thanks to a project by Matthew Mazzotta. Dubbed “Park Spark,” the project asksdog owners to dump dog doo into Mazzota’s special digesters, rather than the trash. Funded by the city and the school, the large drums then convert the natural methane that is given off by thepoop into energy, which powers the park’s street lamps at night. Park Spark also helps cut down on naturally emitted greenhouse gas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Big companies are also recognizing the power of poop. Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Google have investigated partnering with American dairy farmers, to discuss the possibility of creating poop-powered data centers. The initial equipment investment may be what is holding them back, but the renewable power is great, with the average cow pooping enough power to light a 100 watt lightbulb.

5. Volkswagen should also take note- Bristol, UK based waste treatment company, Geneco has converted a cute VW Bug into a bio-fuel guzzling machine. Using the solid waste from 70 homes, the Bio-Bug could drive 10,000 miles a year with a fuel efficient of 5.3 miles per cubic meters f the bio-gas. The Bug can also run on traditional gasoline as well. The Bio-Bug, unlike other bio-fueled prototypes, runs more cleanly, with a comparative performance to petroleum based fuels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it. The scoop on the poop.

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Saint Patrick’s Day Is All About Green!

 

Saint Patrick’s Day is almost here. It’s a great holiday to sample some great green beer, eat traditional Irish foods and wear green to avoid being pinched.

But did you know that you can also be green? Here are a few fun ideas:

Tip #1: Bike to the Bar

The Irish, more than any other national group, have managed to get their bars into nearly every city on Earth. When you head out for the pub this year, join the growing movement of bike only commuters and cycle there instead of driving to slash your greenhouse-gas emissions. However, remember to  limit your intake; a BUI can be serious business. If your regular bar is too far to bike, try someplace new: Use your smartphone to locate the closest bar with Guinness on tap. Cheers!

Tip #2: Buy organic, local corned beef.

Although not traditional Irish cuisine, corned beef has become a St. Patrick’s Day staple for North Americans. If you plan to serve it up — with cabbage, of course — buy your beef from an organic producer who practices sustainable ranching methods. You can also visit your local farmers’ market to find beef raised in your area; often, eating local is even eco-friendlier than eating organic.

Tip #3: Wear Green Clothes

Rather than contribute to conspicuous consumption, consider dying one of your less favorite (natural fabric) items from your closet an appropriate hue of green for the day.  Green vegetable dyes can be extracted by boiling, pulverizing then straining dark, leafy greens (such as kale orchard).  You’ll need a pretty intense pigment, so start with a couple of bunches of greens.  Put your togs into the hot liquid and let soak (at least a few hours and preferably overnight).  Air-dry and enjoy!

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LED Bulbs Pose Health Hazard! Alarmist or Sensible – You Decide!

 

A recent study published by University of California researchers found that LED light bulbs considered environmentally preferable to traditional light bulbs contain lead, arsenic and a dozen other potentially hazardous substances, according to newly published research: Potential Environmental Impacts of LED’s

“LEDs are touted as the next generation of lighting. But as we try to find better products that do not deplete energy resources or contribute to global warming, we have to be vigilant about the toxicity hazards of those marketed as replacements,” said Oladele Ogunseitan, chair of UC Irvine’s Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention, who led the study.
The university states that lead, arsenic and many additional metals discovered in the bulbs or their related parts have been linked in hundreds of studies to different cancers, neurological damage, kidney disease, hypertension, skin rashes and other illnesses. The copper used in some LEDs also poses an ecological threat to fish, rivers and lakes. While breaking a single light and breathing fumes would not automatically cause cancer, Ogunseitan said it could be a tipping point on top of chronic exposure to another carcinogen.
The study found that risks are present in all parts of the lights and at every stage during production, use and disposal, according to the statement.
One of the motivations for doing this research is the fact that LED’s are used in many household appliances and consumer products, including products aimed at children like LED pacifiers and rubber ducks.
Ogunseitan cautioned consumers, manufacturers and first responders to accident scenes to take care when handling the light bulbs.
When bulbs break at home, residents should sweep them up with a special broom while wearing gloves and a mask, and crews dispatched to clean up car crashes or broken traffic fixtures should don protective gear and handle the material as hazardous waste, he advised.
LEDs are not currently classified as toxic and are disposed of in regular landfills. Ogunseitan has forwarded the study results to California and federal health regulators, the university reports.
I certainly hope that manufacturers of LED lights can find a way to reduce or remove the toxic substances from their products because there really is not another solution that is as energy efficient currently. It seems that LED is the future of light. Let’s try to get it right and make it a truly sustainable solution, rather than another toxic solution.  And with most of our products being made in China, let’s hope that our manufacturers demand that the quality is high and the product is safe.  We live with toxic materials all around us, but when we are touting LED’s as the answer to so much, it makes sense to make them as safe as possible.
What do you think? Post your comments.
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Gas Prices Are Going Up Every Day in the Greater Seattle Area. Electric Cars Offer Hope-Know the Facts from the Myths.

 

President Obama has pledged that America will have one million electric vehicles on the road by 2015 — a goal that can create good American jobs, slash pollution, combat climate disruption, and help end our dependence on oil. This year and next, almost every major car company is rolling out at least one road-ready alternative, including battery-powered cars, plug-in hybrids and “range-extender” vehicles.

Each year, American passenger cars and trucks spew approximately 1.3 billion tons of carbon pollution into the air by burning 129 billion gallons of gasoline. Our dangerous dependence on oil has resulted in catastrophes like the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico and, every day, we send more than $500,000,000 abroad to pay for oil, increasing our national debt and dependence on many nations hostile to our policies.

What is a plug-in electric vehicle?
A fully electric vehicle uses electricity to power a battery -typically one made of lithium ion. No gasoline, no dirty oil changes, no internal combustion engine. Most new fully electric vehicles can drive 80-140 miles on one charge. An extended range electric vehicle and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle run on electricity for a certain number of miles, and as its battery runs out of juice, a gasoline powered engine or generator kicks in.

Myth: Plug-in cars will lead to the production of more coal and nuclear plants.
Reality: Even if the majority of drivers switched to electric, the existing electrical grid’s off-peak/nighttime capacity for power generation is sufficient without building a single new power plant. Studies have shown that electric vehicle owners will largely charge their vehicles at night when there is plenty of capacity on the grid. In some areas, new “smart charging” allows you and the utility to set up a system by which you and other electricity users distribute the load evenly during charging so that the system is not overwhelmed by increased demand.

Myth: Electric car batteries pose a recycling problem.
Reality: Internal combustion engine vehicles use lead-acid batteries, and their recycle rate is about 98% in the US. The newer batteries for electric vehicles, such as those made of lithium-ion, include even more valuable and recyclable metals and will have a life well beyond the vehicle. In fact, a Belgian company plans to use Tesla Motor’s electric vehicle battery pack material to produce an alloy it can further refine into cobalt, nickel, and other valuable metals as well as special grades of concrete. Technology will soon allow for EV batteries to store energy produced by solar or wind power.

Myth: My electricity bill will go way up.
Reality: While you’ll spend more on electricity, the savings on gas will more than cover it. If you drive a pure battery electric vehicle 12,000 miles a year at current electricity rates (assuming $.12 per kilowatt hour though rates vary throughout the country), you’ll pay about $389 per year for the electricity to charge your battery, but you’ll save about $1200 in gas (assuming $3 per gallon, a 30 miles per gallon vehicle, and 12,000 miles driven). So $1200 minus $389 equals $811 in savings -a 68% reduction in fueling costs. Some utilities are offering EV owners lower off-peak/nighttime rates. The more we successfully advocate with local utility companies  for these off-peak incentives, the lower our electricity payments will go.

Myth: Electric vehicles will just fail again like they did before.
Reality: Manufacturers are serious this time — rolling out more than a dozen new plug-in models in the next couple of years, starting now. With higher gas prices and climate change worrying many consumers, stricter fuel economy standards for new vehicles required of auto manufacturers, and billions of public and corporate dollars being spent on an EV infrastructure and research in the US, EVs are here to stay. Plus do we really believe that gas prices are every going to really be affordable again? Now is the time to move forward and fast, IMO!

Myth: My battery will run out of juice.
Reality: The majority of drivers in the US drive less than 35 miles each day, sufficient for a fully charged pure electric vehicle (most can go 80 to 140 miles on one charge), and an extended range electric vehicle (that drives about 35 miles on electric and then the gasoline power kicks in). Using a 220-volt outlet and charging station, a plug-in hybrid recharges in about 100 minutes, an extended range plug-in electric in about four hours, and a pure electric in six to eight hours. A regular 110-volt outlet will mean significantly longer charging times, but for plug-in hybrids and extended range electrics, this outlet may be sufficient. Most of the time, the battery will not be empty when you plug in, thus reducing charging time. Most people will charge at home. However, some businessess and public entities are beginning to install 220-volt public chargers. Some are installing fast-charging stations along highways and in public places that can re-charge a car to 80% of battery capacity in less than 30 minutes.

Most people will charge at home. However, some businesses and public entities are beginning to install 220-volt public chargers. Some are installing fast-charging stations along highways and in public places that can re-charge a car to 80% of battery capacity in less than 30 minutes.

Myth: Electric vehicles are only available in California.
Reality: While EVs are not yet available for purchase in every state, they are quickly becoming available in many. The fully electric Nissan Leaf is being sold to customers in California, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Tennessee. The Chevy Volt, an extended range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, is currently being sold at select dealerships in California, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Texas, and Washington, DC. Customers in nearly all states are expected to be able to purchase or lease a Leaf, Volt, or plug-in Toyota Prius by late 2011 or early 2012. The Tesla Roadster, a fully electric luxury sportscar, is available in several locations throughout the country. By 2012, many other models will become available nationwide, including the Ford Focus EV, Tesla Model S, and the Mitsubishi iMiev.

I believe that we need to start looking towards the future and be a part of making that future a reality now. High gas prices hurt everyone. We need to embrace new options and break old habits. Even if we cannot justify the purchase of an electric or alternative vehicle, the least we all must do is to change how we go about our daily life….ie trip after trip to run yet another errand or pick up one or two things at the store, being unwilling to take public transportation because it is less convenient, the list goes on and on. Apathy breeds inaction. Let’s all be a part of the solution rather than the problem. It isn’t going to go away.


 

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Greening Your Super Bowl 2011 Party

Say what! Isn’t the Superbowl all about having fun and eating and drinking and screaming for your team? Yes, and it can be just as much fun while keeping the environment in mind. Here’s how:

Tell us: What’s your favorite environmentally responsible brand of beer?

  • OTHER BEVERAGES: When serving water, the best choice is to provide a pitcher of ice water and reusable glasses for your guests. If bottled water is a must, buy bottles made with less plastic and make sure they get recycled. I found a new favorite way to flavor my filtered (using Brita) water. I slice a few rounds of crisp cucumber, leaving the skin on, and put it in the water pitcher. It gives the water a refreshing twist.
  • PLATES, UTENSILS: Reusable dinnerware and utensils are the least wasteful means of throwing a party, but it’s not always practical. When shopping for disposable products like napkins and paper towels, look for ones made from recycled paper. Paper plates are a bit trickier, but non-coated ones are your best bet, because they break down in the landfill more quickly. There are also fun and eco-friendly plates, bowls and utensils made from bamboo or other sustainable materials.
  • Run A Clean Grill: If you’re one of those hardy people who don’t mind cooking outdoors in the dead of winter, think green. If you own a charcoal grill, consider something like Greenlink’s All Natural Briquettes. They’re made from entirely renewable materials, such as coconut husks, and don’t contain clay or anthracite fillers. Skip the liquid charcoal starter for an electric one, or opt for an efficient charcoal chimney to get things going.
  • Source Local Foods: Whenever possible, serve locally produced and locally sourced foods. It’s better for the environment and many times, better for our health. Local Harvest is a great resource.
  • Recycle: Make sure to put out containers for guests to place their used bottles, etc. Recycle all wine and beer bottles and try to put all things that cannot be recycled into eco friendly plastic bags made from recycled plastic.
  • Cleanup: When the fun is over and it’s time to clean, do a green cleanup. Use eco friendly cleaning products like Method and Seventh Generation and use reusable cloth rags.
Watch this video to learn how the NFL and the Superbowl Committee have teamed up to make 2011 the greenest Superbowl yet!


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What The Heck Is A No Idle Zone In The Greater Seattle Area?

No, it’s not another greenwash gimmick.

Have you ever left your car engine running while you waited to pick up your children, or while you waited in the drive-through line at your bank or a favorite fast-food restaurant? Have you sometimes let your engine idle for several minutes to warm up your car first thing in the morning?

Most of us have. But when you leave your car or truck running while it’s parked or sitting still, the engine produces air pollution. This pollution contributes to problems like smog and global warming, and is also harmful to our health. Vehicle exhaust contains air toxics and fine particles, among other pollutants, which are associated with increased incidence of respiratory ailments and heart disease, as well as greater cancer risk.

Stopping unnecessary vehicle idling is one relatively easy way to contribute to improved air quality and respiratory health in our communities.

The following are some interesting facts sourced from the Oregon Environmental Council:

  1. An idling vehicle emits 20 times more pollution than one traveling 32 mph. By turning off your engine, you can reduce global warming, pollution and smog.
  2. Air pollutants from your vehicle’s idling engine – ozone, sulfur dioxides, and particulate matter – are respiratory irritants. When inhaled, they can work together to increase asthma symptoms.
  3. Vehicles left idling in traffic areas around schools cause surrounding buildings to have significantly higher pollution levels inside and out.
  4. Children are more vulnerable to air pollution because they breathe 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than do adults.
  5. A single car dropping of and picking up kids at a school can put 3 pounds of pollution into the air each month.
  6. Vehicle exhaust contains carbon which mixes with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming.
  7. Breathing car exhaust can increase asthma symptoms – especially in children. In 2008, an estimated 120,000 children in Washington suffered from asthma, making our state one of the highest rates of asthma in the country.
  8. Asthma in children leads to lost school days for them, and lost work days for parents.

Back in the “old days” , it was conventional wisdom to warm up the engine before driving in the winter. As we shiver through the coldest part of the year, it’s tempting to run the car just to warm up the interior.

While I’m not asking people to freeze unneccessarily, because sometimes I run the car to keep warm, consider these reminders from The Daily Green:

1. Driving is a more effective way to warm up your engine than idling.

2. The Environmental Defense Fund recommends turning off your ignition if sitting for more than 10 seconds because you waste more money running the car than restarting.

3. Just as the local No Idle Zone effort said, idling is bad for fuel efficiency and our health.

Possibly the most interesting thing to me: New electric cars like the Nissan Leaf will have the functionality for owners to use their cellphones to “call” the car to warm up the interior only.

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Green Kitchen Countertops That Fit The Seattle Region’s Focus On Sustainability

This weekend, January 15th and 16th, the Seattle Remodeling Expo is taking place at the Washington State Convention Center.

Kitchen remodels are one of the top projects homeowners take on. Why not choose materials that are good for our health and the planet, as well as easy on the budget?

If you’re replacing your kitchen countertops, it’s smart to go green whether you’re on a tight budget or can afford something luxe. These days, sustainable materials are just as good-looking as traditional countertops like granite or quartz, so making a green choice won’t ding your home’s resale value. What’s green? Green kitchen countertops feature recycled or sustainable content, low-toxicity binders, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, or a combination. Local production is good, too, if you can arrange it, because transporting countertops is a big fuel-guzzler.  But the most important thing is to pick something durable—if you never have to buy new countertops again, that’s as green as it gets.

Here are 3 great choices that earn high marks in durability and style. And for value, compare them to the ubiquitous slab granite, which costs $60 to $100 per sq.ft.
  • Recycled Paper Countertops: It may seem counter-intuitive to use paper for a countertop, but when you bind paper fibers with resin, it makes a surface that’s tough as nails. What’s more, they tend to be easy to install. Since installation can equal 80% of your total cost, expect to save on labor. Cost starts at $30/sq. ft. and they are easy to install, which saves on expensive labor costs. Life span is yet to be determined since this is a new product, but it is likely to be very long. Source this product right here in our own backyard at Squak Mountain Stone, where they use recycled paper, recycled glass, reclaimed fly ash, and cement; the finished countertop slabs resemble limestone and soapstone.
  • Reclaimed Wood Countertops: Reuse trumps recycling when it comes to conserving resources because it keeps products from entering the waste stream. So salvaged wood countertops are green by definition. Purchase them directly at a local salvage supply or through a manufacturer that uses reclaimed materials. Starting at $40 per sq.ft., manufactured countertops made from reclaimed wood are typically more expensive than regular butcher block.
    Wood’s a beauty. But it’s prone to water damage, needs occasional re-sealing (or frequent applications of mineral oil, which can be a hassle), and shouldn’t be installed directly next to a sink or dishwasher. So you’ll need to budget for a second material to use in your kitchen. Endurawood is a Pacific Northwest company, located in Oregon.
  • Recycled Glass Countertops: Recycled glass is gorgeous and tough (you can actually set hot pots directly on it)—but you’ll pay a price comparable to slab granite, starting at around $50 per sq.ft. and going much higher. Another great Pacific Northwest company specializes in recycled glass countertops. FUEZ is located in Portland, Oregon. Seattle area real estate owners have great northwest resources to make sustainable choices when remodeling.
  • Recycled Paper and Recycled Glass Countertops

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Community Spotlight – Woodway

Woodway is a unique town in southwest Snohomish County. This bedroom community is situated on 600 acres and is zoned only for single family dwellings on a minimum of 1/3 acre lots.

The town began in 1912 with a vision to maintain a rural, natural setting and this vision still holds true. Woodway is a peaceful, quiet community that is true to its town logo – “The Quiet Place”.

Woodway has an incredible network of volunteer leadership. A small Town Hall is run by an unpaid Mayor and Council members. It’s small but efficient police force strive to maintain the bike and walk friendly community by strictly enforcing speed restrictions.

The population of Woodway is approximately 1180 residents and 470 homes. No commercial activity is allowed other than home occupation activities. Woodway is served by the Edmonds School District.

The community prides itself on tree preservation with mature evergreens dominating the landscape. Stewardship of it’s natural surroundings is a priority of Woodway residents so much so that they have a Tree Preservation Ordinance  in place.

Some unique community services include lifetime dog and cat licenses, house security checks when residents are vacationing and notary services.

There are always a few properties listed for sale as well as a few vacant parcels of land. This unique community may be calling your name. I would be happy to show you any available Woodway homes or parcels. Woodway is most definitely a gem!

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Snohomish County Real Estate Statistics for June 2010

Not even the lowest interest rates in decades and incredible deals could get many wary buyers off the fence.  Home sales remain sluggish and off from last year even though closed sales in June were up from May.

The world’s economy, home values continuing to slide in many areas and a roller coaster stock market all are contributing factors to buyer uncertainty.

A bright spot was the extension of the Home Buyer Tax Credit, giving buyers already under contract more time to close the transaction. This was a very important extension since the National Association of Realtors claim that as many as 180,000 buyers would have missed the previous deadline of June 30th.

All I can say is that this is the BEST BUYERS market I have seen in the 22 plus years I have been selling real estate. I hope that buyers take advantage of the incredible market conditions because it never lasts.

Here are the Snohomish County statistics for June 2010 broken into categories:

Residential

New Listings: 1237     Active Listings: 4694    Average Price: $372,781

Residential New Construction

New Listings: 160    Active Listings: 818    Average Price: $384,835

Condominiums

New Listings: 260    Active Listings: 1119    Average Price: $236,780

Condominiums New Construction

New Listings: 35    Active Listings: 210    Average Price: $340,018

Residential Pending Sales:

699 pending sales with an average price of $306,712 (list price) and 102 days on market

Residential New Construction Pending Sales:

89 pending sales with an average price of $331,108 (list price) and 118 days on market

Condominium Pending Sales:

122 pending sales with an average price of $221,669 (list price)  and 119 days on market

Condominium New Construction Pending Sales:

24  pending sales with an average price of $270,083 (list price)  and 127 days on market

Residential Closed Sales:

751  closed sales with an average price of $302,870

Residential New Construction Closed Sales:

208  closed sales with an average price of $320,966

Condominium Closed Sales:

147 closed sales with an average price of $220,493

Condominium New Construction Closed Sales:

49  closed sales with an average price of  $253,077

**This data was obtained from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service

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Snohomish County Real Estate Statistics for May 2010

Home sales during May tapered off around Washington state following a surge of activity in April as buyers hustled to meet deadlines for tax credits.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service brokers reported 5,242 pending sales (mutually accepted offers) last month, a decline of more than 44 percent from April’s total of 9,438 pending sales.  Compared to twelve months ago when members tallied 7,160 pending sales of single family homes and condominiums, the volume dipped about 27 percent, but year-to-date figures show 2010 sales are well ahead of 2009.

This  is a natural adjustment and as consumer confidence increases and interest rates stay near or at record lows, the housing market should continue to rebound.   This incredibly low interest rate trend is expected to last through the summer and into fall, which should give buyers good reason to purchase even without the tax incentive. Low interest rates coupled with incredible bargains available make home ownership a smart move.

Here are the Snohomish County statistics for May 2010 broken into categories:

Residential

New Listings: 1167     Active Listings: 4518    Average Price: $376,492

Residential New Construction

New Listings: 164    Active Listings: 798    Average Price: $385,724

Condominiums

New Listings: 214    Active Listings: 1103    Average Price: $245,169

Condominiums New Construction

New Listings: 28    Active Listings: 208    Average Price: $349,392

Residential Pending Sales:

671 pending sales with an average price of $337,597 (list price) and 99 days on market

Residential New Construction Pending Sales:

107 pending sales with an average price of $380,722(list price) and 109 days on market

Condominium Pending Sales:

119 pending sales with an average price of $205,774 (list price)  and 126 days on market

Condominium New Construction Pending Sales:

19 pending sales with an average price of $251,663 (list price)  and 152 days on market

Residential Closed Sales:

713 closed sales with an average price of $309,752

Residential New Construction Closed Sales:

169 closed sales with an average price of $340,345

Condominium Closed Sales:

139 closed sales with an average price of $224,611

Condominium New Construction Closed Sales:

47 closed sales with an average price of $268,082

**This data was obtained from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service

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Lynn Newcomb, Seattle REALTOR®

With over 22 years experience in residential real estate, Lynn feels strongly that service is the key to satisfied customers. Lynn's passion for the environment prompted her to be one of Washington's first EcoBrokers. She is excited to assist both buyers and sellers in making choices that will lessen their footprint on the earth. Contact Lynn.