Agent: For One Family From California, Sammamish is Their New Home Sweet Home

After living in a community for any length of time, one sometimes takes for granted the amenities that are available or forgets the reasons that helped to make the decision to buy a home in that  area. New services are being created all the time that we are too busy to discover. It is interesting to look through the eyes of a relocating family to get a perspective on the value that is placed on living in the Sammamish area.

Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a family moving from Southern California. Although distance to work seemed to be the most critical issue, schools and family life came in a close second. With a budget up to $600,000, we were somewhat limited in the areas that were available.

We began our journey in Seattle because of easy access to Interstate 5. After driving through Green Lake, Queen Anne and several of the other areas, it became clear that homes in their price range did not meet their expectations. Most were in need of updating or repair with little or no yards. Schools did not have the ratings they wanted even though they understood that each school was different. We moved on to the Eastside, to Kirkland and Bellevue. There were homes in the right price range, but not in communities and were on busy streets or next to commercial construction.

The family thought that Sammamish and Issaquah were too far from the new job. But it was only after many trips and looking at many homes and not finding anything that they were comfortable with visiting. We actually drove up 228th Avenue. First impressions are important and this time it was love at first sight.

When asked what they thought, the answer was: “We like the trees. It feels more like where we lived in California and we were comfortable there.” This was a really good start. I was ready with school statistics which impressed them.

We drove through Klahanie, Autumn Wind, Trossachs and Vintage. They appreciated that these were communities with schools, parks and trails. These were planned communities that took advantage of views and topography. The homes had well maintained yards that were full of trees and flowers and promised an increase in value for future sale. They could get to know their neighbors, feel safe and still have a relatively easy access to Interstate 90.

Inventory is still high and that means a myriad of floor plans and lot sizes. We went back more than a few times to many of the homes before that final decision was made because each home offered different amenities.

But, the opportunities to enjoy the environment made the decision easier. As avid bikers, they appreciated the bike trails, especially the Grand Ridge Trail and the refurbished Duthie Hill Trail. Work may be a little far to ride to, but the scenic ride around Lake Sammamish is already in the plans. 

I heard over and over again: “Wow, that restaurant is here. My kids are going to enjoy that park. How close is the skiing? There is a summer music in the parks series! There are community parties! Only 20 minutes to downtown Seattle?”

There are many more great things about the Sammamish area, things that keep the values up. According to a recent report in the Seattle Times, Sammamish home values have not declined nearly as much as many other areas. The reasons for retaining value are simple. Offer a quality life that appreciates the environment, build communities that are close to many outdoor activities,  maintain a competitive school system, offer many different home choices, plan for future development, appreciate the value of homeownership to the stability of the community and keep the rural feel that is close to big city life.

Where did they finally decide to purchase? 

After driving down Issaquah-Fall City Road through what they called a forest and walking around  and enjoying the incredible views of the mountains, Trossachs was the only place they wanted to be. The extra drive time to work became incidental to what they believe is going to be a great experience for the whole family. 

Joan Probala is the managing broker for Issaquah Windermere (Windermere Real Estate/East Inc.). She has 30 years of experience in real estate, construction and sales.

Editor's note: In case you missed it, Kathleen Miller, a Patch contributing writer has talked about why people move to Sammamish. Freelance writer Rick Van Cise has chronicled how the Sammamish Plateau came to be. Recently, Forbes gave Sammamish high marks for the public schools in the city and for real estate value.