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Methow Valley, Washington, is where many an Olympic hopeful trains. Nordic skier and local Sadie Bjornsen takes us on an insider’s tour

When most other kids were choking down their Wheaties and just dreaming of being Olympic athletes, 11-year-old Sadie Bjornsen was setting her mind to it. That’s the age she was when she decided she wanted to compete in the 2010 Winter Games in Whistler, British Columbia.

Nine years later, this 5-foot-8, 145-pound Nordic racer wakes in the wee hours to wax her skis and hit the trails.

Ask Sadie the key to her success, and she replies with two words: “Methow Valley. ”Here in eastern Washington, 124 miles of dedicated cross-country trails wind across the valley, home to the three tiny burgs of Twisp, Winthrop, and Mazama. One of her favorites is Bob Trail.

“It’s designed for ski racers,’’ she warns. “It has extreme inclines that kick your butt. But when you come flying down and catch air on the bump at the bottom, all that work is worth it.”

If you’ve given up the dream of earning a gold medal, Sadie has other workouts and hangouts for you to try in her hometown.

Info: To ski Bob Trail, park at Brown’s Farm (887 Wolf Creek Rd., 5 miles east of Mazama), and ski 1.2 miles on the Community Trail, toward Winthrop to Bob Trail.

Methow Valley: Follow in Sadie’s tracks

Where beginners ski: Winthrop’s Community Trail glides through open meadows for views of the Methow River and Cascade peaks. When the trail branches, go straight toward the WolfRidge Resort for a reward: hot chocolate inside a warming hut.

Park in the ski area lot next to Winthrop Physical Therapy, 202 White Ave.; the 6.2-mile (one way) trail to the hut starts at nearby Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink, which sells passes. Trail day pass $20, $10 ages 13–17; 509/ 996-3287.

Where to gear up: Rent at Winthrop Mountain Sports, where the local pros go. Or have your cross-country skis “ground” (smoothed and pat­­terned) by Nordic Ultratune’sMark Waechter. “It’s not just for racers,” says Sadie. “It helps anyone’s skis run better.”

Winthrop Mountain Sports: Ski rental $17; 257 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 509/996-2886. Nordic Ultratune: Closed Tue–Wed; grinding from $60 per pair; 134 Riverside.

The ultimate adventure: Sadie says the five ski-in-only Rendezvous Hutsare worth the 6-mile-minimum kick-and-glide climb over Rendezvous Pass for their, wood stoves full kitchens, and views of Gardner Mountain. “You cook dinner, play cards, and bundle up in blankets. Best of all, the next day, you get to ski down what you skied up!” $175 exclusive use, $35-per-person shared use; 800/422-3048.

For off-trail fun … 

Ice-skating under the sky: Methow Valley has a zillion pretty ponds that ice over in winter. But the new outdoor Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink is especially “romantic at night,” Sadie says, with white lights shining down and stars twinkling above. Check website for public sessions; day pass $4, $3 ages 6–18; rental $3; 208 White Ave. (at State 20), Winthrop; 509/996-3287.

The local hangout: At the Mazama Store, old-time ranchers and new age vegetarians rub shoulders. It’s an old-fashioned general store: Everything you need is under one roof. 50 Lost River Rd., Mazama; 509/­996-2855.

Après-ski spa: Sadie gets her much-needed weekly rub from sports massage therapist Alison Hanks. For an indulgent spa day, try the Sun Mountain Lodge. Hanks: By appointment, $60 for an hour; alisonhankslmp.blogspot.com or 509/996-3222. Sun Mountain: Massages from $65 for a half-hour; 604 Patterson Lake Rd., Winthrop; 800/572-0493.

Where to eat …

Breakfast: Wheaties, shmeaties. Sadie craves a three-egg omelet packed with cheese, spinach, olives, and mushrooms from the Duck Brand Cantina. The blueberry pancakes come in a close second. Calories? Carbs? Whatever, you’re in training. $; 248 Riverside Ave., Winthrop; 509/996-2192.

Lunch: Twisp River Pub, a family-friendly hangout and small-batch brewery, is Sadie’s stop for a veggie burger (the beer will have to wait another year until she’s 21) and live rock or reggae on Friday and Saturday nights. $, cover charge from $5; closed Mon–Tue; 201 State 20, Twisp.

Dinner: After a day outdoors, it’s okay to eat like an Olympic contender. Sadie splurges with a creamy arugula pesto pasta, enjoyed fireside at Freestone Inn. The finish? The bittersweet chocolate truffle torte. “Irresistible.” $$$; closed Tue–Wed; 31 Early Winters Dr., Mazama; 800/639-3809.

Getting to Methow Valley:

State 20 is closed in winter over the passes separating Methow Valley from western Washington. Give yourself 51/2 hours to drive the long way: From I-405 outside Seattle, take State 522 to U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee, then head north on U.S. 97 and State 153 to Twisp.

Where to stay:

At the Freestone Inn in Mazama, choose a lodge room with a stone fireplace or one of five new condos with kitchens. Rooms from $140, including breakfast; condos from $195; 800/639-3809.

If you want the whole shebang (spa, ski lessons, gourmet suppers, and stunning views), book a room at Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. Sadie likes to stay in the freestanding cabins, where she’s spent many birthdays sledding down the hill out back. Rooms from $160, including breakfast; cabins from $265; 800/572-0493.

The tiny Owl’s Nest Cabin at Winthrop’s Spring Creek Ranchhas it all―if all you need is a cute, dog-friendly bolt-hole with kitchen, bedroom, and easy access to Methow’s main ski trails. From $100; two-night minimum; 509/996-2495.

Simple, Revitalizing Home Updates

Thoughts and plans of change always accompany the New Year. Focusing more on personal health and becoming more organized are among the ever-present resolutions. This year, why not extend the theme of renewal to your home, where small, strategic updates can make a big impact? You don't have to gut the kitchen, knock down walls or rip up flooring - simple changes or additions can make a big difference without requiring a huge financial investment. The following are some of our favorite examples, with potential updates ranging in price from under $100 to over $1,000.

For the Heart of the Home

In the kitchen, cabinetry and drawers can be modified to great effect without wholesale renovations. While updating cabinets or adding stone countertops is an obvious solution, why not take it to the next level and add glass cabinet doors for a completely different look? Another common update - replacing hardware - can be done with a unique twist. Urban Archaeology's hardware recalls the company's history in architectural salvage, while focusing on the highest standards of detail and craftsmanship. Their attractive pointed bin pull was inspired by an 1880s era home in the Gothic Revival style and is available in several finishes.

If modern is more your style, a simple and elegant contemporary look can be achieved by adding luxury accessories from Ontario-based Neff Kitchens, which provide the perfect combination of form and function. The hanging midway spice jars create space on your countertop or in your cabinets while keeping spices accessible and adding more than a dash of design flair.

Lighting helps set the mood in any room, from the automatic dimmer in the home theater to the glowing hallway sconces. Changing a fixture can help create a desired look with a minimal amount of effort.

Illuminating in more ways than one, the fixtures designed by Peter Carlson of Cl Sterling & Son are handmade in Portugal using recycled lead crystal. The Rock Crystal Collection of hanging bowls, pendants and more are one-of-a-kind pieces sure to spark conversation.           

For cutting edge style that is also energy efficient, consider the sleek new L'ale sconce from Ivalo Lighting. Developed in partnership with architect William Pedersen, the custom fixture was designed to complement most decors while adding a sense of intimacy and warmth to the home. Made to work with LED light sources, the stylish sconce is also ADA-compliant and is available in a number of finishes and custom colors.

On the Walls

Art and wall hangings also help define a space and display your personal style. Simply hanging a mirror can add natural light reflected from the windows, creating virtual space for a small room or widening a narrow hallway.

Artist Scott Grove has produced a mirror that satisfies in both utility and aesthetics. Hand-crafted of wood carved with a chain saw, finished with copper and sealed to prevent oxidation, the beautiful mirror has a unique look making some wonder whether it is metal or wood.

Several upscale mirror options are also available through Made Goods, a boutique line popular with designers including Michael S. Smith, interior designer of the current U.S. President's White House. One piece that we find exceptionally striking is the Beatrice, which has a simple metal frame surrounding soldered antique mirror tiles. Upscale mirror options are also available through Made Goods, a boutique line popular with designers including Michael S. Smith, interior designer of the current U.S. President's White House. One piece that we find exceptionally striking is the Beatrice, which has a simple metal frame surrounding soldered antique mirror tiles.

Western Washington Pending Home Sales Mark Best December since 2006

KIRKLAND, WA, January 5, 2010 – "Home for the holidays" took on special meaning for 4,399 buyers whose purchase offers were accepted during December, according to the latest report from Northwest Multiple Listing Service. That volume of pending sales was up more than 35 percent from a year ago and marked the best December since 2006.

Brokers say it's a tough market, but point to several indicators for good activity during this year's first quarter. "The distance seems great, but the direction is a good one," observed NWMLS director Dick Beeson.

"With what our agents already have in the pipeline, I'm optimistic about a positive first quarter," said NWMLS director Meribeth Hutchings, the broker at Windermere RE/Lake Stevens. "We had a very strong December and the momentum seems to be there to keep things moving," she remarked, noting three agents were in the office on New Year's Eve writing offers.

Shrinking inventory, the extension of the first-time home buyer tax credit, and favorable interest rates are among factors brokers believe will sustain activity.

"Affordability has never been better," said Dick Fulton, a past chairman of the NWMLS board of directors whose career spans more than two decades. Fulton, the executive vice president at Coldwell Banker Bain, suggests would-be sellers list their property soon, rather than wait until spring, to take advantage of favorable conditions. With inventory much smaller than a year ago, sellers should benefit from more exposure to a good pool of buyers, he suggests.

Inventory area-wide is down about 15.6 percent from a year ago. At the end of December, brokers reported 32,152 active listings of single family homes and condominiums. For the four-county Puget Sound region, the number of active listings is down more than 18 percent, with Kitsap County reporting the biggest drop at 25.4 percent.

NWMLS members reported 4,711 closed sales during December, up 54.7 percent from the year-ago total of 3,045 when the holiday slowdown was compounded by record low temperatures and snow.

The median price for last month's completed transactions, including single family homes and condominiums, was $265,000. That compares to a year-ago sales price of $285,000 (down about 7 percent). Compared to January, prices are down about 2.9 percent.

For single family homes (excluding condominiums), last month's median sales price was $273,000. Twelve months ago it was $290,000, a difference of about 5.9 percent. Condo prices have dropped about 14.6 percent, from $263,475 to last month's figure of $225,000.

Dick Beeson, owner/broker of Windermere Commencement Assoc. in Tacoma, said the market is "chugging along," despite hurdles associated with the lending market, appraisals and foreclosures. "The hardest part of the process still remains the uncertainty of the lending market as banks continue to ratchet up the qualifications and criteria for borrowers. Appraisals are difficult because even if the value comes in at the purchase price many lenders do a second review of the appraisal and find fault with the outcome, therefore creating a problem for buyers and sellers." He also noted the large volume of foreclosures has driven down prices – something he believes will persist throughout much of this year.

Beeson also said he does not expect much sales action as a result of expanding the tax credit to qualifying repeat buyers because many owners have little or no equity in the homes to use to move up. "First time buyers will still lead the charge in sales," he suggests.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member brokers, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes more than 24,000 brokers and agents. The organization, based in Kirkland, currently serves 21 counties in western and central Washington. Ferry and Clallam counties are now included in the monthly statistical reports.

New Federal law and regulations are changing the requirement for residential mortgage transactions. Sellers and buyers benefit by being informed about these new procedures to improve YOUR closing experience.

The Effect upon Transaction Timelines:

• Closing Dates:

The earliest any home purchase transaction can close is seven business days* after the initial mortgage disclosures are received by the borrower.

• Initial Disclosures:

These must now be received by the borrower before upfront fees can be collected by the lender. Credit Report Fee is an exception.

• Appraisal:

Homebuyer must be provided with a copy of their appraisal at least three business days prior to closing**.

• Truth In Lending (TIL):

Homebuyers must receive a revised TIL disclosure at least three business days before closing** should there be  an increase of more than 0.125% in the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) from the initial TIL. This provides the homebuyer with the time required to decide if they are comfortable with their loan choice.

• Potential APR Impacts:
  • Unlocked rate
  • Product change
  • Change in closing date
  • Change in loan amount
  • Rate re-lock due to market improvement
  • Changes to fees, inclusive of settlement agent fees

*Saturday is a business day for purpose of disclosures 

**Closing refers to the signing of the loan documents

A day-by-day, “best case scenario” timeline* may help you understand the mortgage process timing required by new Federal rules affecting mortgages for primary residence or second-home purchases.

*Please be sure to talk to yor recommnded lenders regarging their regulatory and operational timelines.

**Saturday is a business day for purpose of disclosures

***Closing refers to the signing of the loan documents

An elderly woman and her young grandson, whose face was sprinkled with bright freckles, spent the day at the zoo. Lots of children were waiting in line to get their cheeks painted by a local artist who was decorating them with tiger paws.

"You've got so many freckles, there's no place to paint!" a girl in the line said to the little fellow.

Embarrassed, the boy dropped his head. His grandmother knelt down next to him. "I love your freckles. When I was a little girl I always wanted freckles," she said, while tracing her finger across his cheek. "Freckles are beautiful."

The boy looked up. "Really?"

"Of course," said the grandmother. "Why, just name me one thing that's prettier than freckles."

The boy thought for a moment, peered intensely into his grandma's face, and softly whispered, "Wrinkles."

Celebrate Grandparents All Year Long!

If your grown children are thinking of taking advantage of the best buyers' market in years, perhaps you are considering assisting them. There are several reasons why now is a great time to help your child realize his or her dream of homeownership.

Home Buyer Tax Credits

First-time home buyers are eligible for up to an $8,000 tax credit. Current home owners may be eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500. The IRS has issued new regulations saying that under certain circumstances, even if a parent co-signs on the home loan, the buyer can collect the credit.

Low Interest Rates

We continue to see historically low interest rates. While the Red has pledged to keep them as low as possible, it is inevitable that rates will creep up over the next several months. Low interest rates give you and your child greater purchasing power. When interest rates go up a percentage point or two, purchasing power is decreased by as much  a $100,000.

Great Selection of Homes

As 2020 gets underway, pent up inventory will enter the market, creating a wiser selection of affordable homes to choose from.

No Tax Consequences for You

Under current tax law, an individual can gift up to $13,000 each year to any individual with no taxable consequences to anyone. If you and your spouse gift to your child and his or her spouse, that gift can total $52,000 - a sizeable down payment.

For more information abut helping your child become a homeowner, please contact me anytime.

A national nod for local readergirlz

Reps from a Seattle-based nonprofit attended the glam New York City prestigious National Book Awards Ceremony event to pick up one of the five "Innovations in Reading" prizes for their online book community - readergirlz.

Readergirlz is the brainchild of five writers in the young-adult genre - Dia Calhoun, Holly Cupala, Lorie Ann Grover, Justina Chen Headley and Melissa Waler. "To promote teen literacy and leadership in girls, readergirlz features a different YA novel and corresponding community service project every month". One is Operation Teen Book Drop, which in the first two years has delivered "nearly 20,000 publisher-donated books to hsopitalized teens across the county."

If you know any teen girls, or if you are one, check out these fun, accessible and inspiring Web sites: http://www.readergirlz.com and http://readergirlz.blogspot.com or contact divas@readergirlz.com for more information.

Learn More

Here are some books that discuss energy-efficient renovations and building guidelines.

•      Green Remodeling:  Changing the World One Room at a Time, by David R. Johnston and Kim Master.

•      Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies, by Eric Corey Freed.

•      The Homeowner’s Handbook to Energy Efficiency:  A Guide to Big and Small Improvements, by John Krigger and Chris Dorsi.

Now is a surprisingly good time to consider home improvements.  One reason: Making upgrades has become less expensive.  The weak economy means many contractors are cutting their prices.  Costs have also fallen for many construction materials.  In addition, retailers are offering sales on household goods such as appliances, furniture and lighting.