If you would like to join our community as an advertiser or with your own consumer blog you may contact Larry Cragun at larrykcragun(at)yahoo.com or at 206.618.3724

Agave Mexican Cuisine And Tequila Bar

February 8th, 2010
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Welcome to Agave Mexican Cuisine Undressed, click here for their new blog AgaveCuisineUndressed.com.

Julian Ramos, of Agave has joined us in the world of Social Media. His blog is the hub in our “The Hub And Spokes Solution” (TM). He will be using his normal advertising methods and social media elements such as Twitter, Facebook, Fan Page, YouTube, Flickr, and LinkedIn

Successful Grange Supply Coat Drive

December 31st, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

On behalf of the Grange, I would like to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to all of our generous customers. With your support, we were able to donate nearly 70 coats, sweaters, jeans, shoes (and even some cash donations!) to Issaquah Valley Community Services.

Social Media Announcement By Larry Cragun

November 4th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

We can bloggle your mind with how effective our approach to social media can be. Bloggle as in boggle with a blog as the hub. We are introducing the Hub And Spokes solution. Our meetings are getting rave reviews. We know our craft and can help you implement it without wasting time and without being overwhelming. This is good news for any business or professional. Contact Larry Cragun at 206-618-3724 or larrykcragunat(@)yahoo.com.

Don’t Worry We Make The Loan Process Simple

July 16th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun 1 Comment »

To have a great mortgage experience, deal with experienced mortgage banker – brokers. You have the advantage of mulitple lenders, multiple programs, and many advantagers not available by banks and small brokers. Small brokers are suffering many disadvantages. That was our problem at Homes And Loans. Thus we moved to become a branch of a large agressive mortgage bank. We do make the process simple by knowing our craft and being connected to a great company. Larry

The Mortgage Process Seems Complicated Doesn’t It”

July 16th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

An Overview of the Loan Process

Organize your documents

If you are buying or refinancing a home

  1. If you are salaried: provide two years W-2 and one month of paystubs OR if you are self-employed: provide two years tax returns and a YTD profit and loss statement.
  2. If you own rental property, please provide rental agreements and two years tax returns.
  3. If you wish to speed up the approval process, please also provide three months bank statements for each bank, stock and mutual fund account.
  4. Provide recent copies of any stock brokerage or IRA/401K accounts that you may have.
  5. If you are requesting a cash out refinance please provide a letter explaining what you plan to do with the proceeds.
  6. Provide a copy of divorce decree if applicable.
  7. If you are NOT a US citizen, provide us with a copy of your green card (front & back), or if you are NOT a permanent resident provide us with your H-1 or L-1 visa.

If you are applying for a home equity loan

  1. If you are salaried: provide two years W-2 and one month of paystubs OR if you are self-employed: provide two years tax returns and a YTD profit and loss statement.
  2. If you own rental property, please provide rental agreements and two years tax returns.
  3. Please provide a copy of the note on your first mortgage. This will normally be found in your closing loan documents.
  4. Please provide a signed letter explaining what you plan to do with the proceeds.
  5. Provide a copy of divorce decree if applicable.
  6. If you are NOT a US citizen, provide us with a copy of your green card (front & back), or if you are NOT a permanent resident provide us with your H-1 or L-1 visa.

Get Qualified

Getting qualified before you apply for a loan can help you understand how much you can borrow.

When buying a house, you may get pre-qualified or pre-approved. You can typically get pre-qualified over the phone or on the Internet in a few minutes. A pre-qualification is not as beneficial as a pre-approval where you have to go through a more rigorous process which includes verification of your credit, income, assets and liabilities. It is highly recommended that you get pre-approved before you start looking for a house. This will help you:

  1. Find out the maximum house you can buy, so you don’t waste time looking for properties you can not afford.
  2. Puts you in a stronger position when you are negotiating with the seller, because the seller knows that your loan is already approved.
  3. Helps you close quickly, since your loan is already approved.

Shop loan programs and rates

To shop for a loan you will need to:

  1. Think about how long you plan to keep the loan. If you plan to sell the house in a few years you may want to consider an adjustable or balloon loan. On the other hand, if you plan to keep the house for a longer time, you may want to look at fixed loans.
  2. Understand the relationship between rates and points. Points are considered to be prepaid interest and are tax deductible. Each point is equal to one percent of the loan. So for example 1 point on a $150,000 loan is $1,500. The more points you pay, the lower the rate you will get.
  3. Compare different programs. Shopping for a loan can be difficult. With so many programs to choose from, each of which has different rates, points and fees, it’s hard to figure out which program is best for you. That’s where an experienced loan officer can help you make a decision that’s best for you.

Obtain Loan Approval

Once your loan application has been received we will start the loan approval process immediately. This involves verifying your:

  1. Credit history
  2. Employment history
  3. Assets including your bank accounts, stocks, mutual fund and retirement accounts
  4. Property value

Based on your specific situation, additional documents or verifications may be required. To improve your chances of getting a loan approval:

  • Fill out the loan application completely.
  • Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents. This is especially critical if your rate is locked or if you plan to close by a certain date.
  • Do not make any major purchases. Do not buy a car, furniture or another house till your loan is closed. Anything that causes your debts to increase might have an adverse affect on your current application.
  • Do not move money into your bank accounts unless it can be traced. If you are receiving money from friends, family or other relatives, please contact us.
  • Do not go out of town around the closing date. If you do plan to be out of town when your loan is expected to close, you may sign a power of attorney, to authorize another individual to sign on your behalf.

Close the Loan

After your loan is approved, you will be required to sign the final loan documents. This will normally take place in front of a notary public. Be prepared to:

  • Bring a cashiers check for your down payment and closing costs if required. Personal checks are normally not accepted.
  • Review the final loan documents. Make sure that the interest rate and loan terms are what you were promised. Also, verify that the name and address on the loan documents are accurate.
  • Sign the loan documents.

Your loan will normally close shortly after you have signed the loan documents. On refinance and home equity loan transactions federal law requires that you have 3 days to review the documents before your loan transaction can close.

Try It And Like It????

June 16th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Have you tried the pizza at Zeeks in Issaquah Highlands yet? If so – how did you like it? Here our announcement of the new restaurant.

Have You Tried A Weekend At The Issaquah Hilton Garden Inn?

May 21st, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

We have and it was great.  You might make it a 3 day weekend: visit the Cougar Mountain Zoo, take in Show Boat at the Village Theator, or do something in Bellevue.

Woof Walks Pet Sitting, No Bones About It.

March 20th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

For some of Woof Walks favorite photos: Do you love Shelties like my children do? They have had a few. These are photos taken by Laurie. I can tell she loves these pets dearly.

Have You Let the dogs out WOOF WOOF?  If not, it’s time to fetch the phone and speak to Laurie at 425.392.1508. Pet sitting, dog, walking, pet loving. Woof Walks has a website, click here for that.

There is a poem on the site you should read: here is a portion of it. Be prepared to cry. If you want someone to care for and love your dog, you have found the right place.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow bridge.  There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

Photo from Flickr and by nyominx

Unbeatable Travel & Vacation Deals

March 17th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Teresa Barthol tells me this is a great place for great travel deals. You might visit her travel agency site and see. Click here:

A Plug For A Great Insurance Agent

February 24th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

When we moved to Issaquah from Bellevue we decided it was time to get a local insurance agent to handle our home, car, etc. That was about 10 years ago.

You would think it would be easy, but it seemed a little frustrating. We contacted several agents out of the phone book, met one at a local business meeting – but none would follow up with our inquiry.

Our conclusion was if you can’t get to them before they have you how can you get to them once they have got you.

We decided to give a local agent down the street from us a try. We have had claims (unfortunately) and we have had changes to make on our policies. It seems so seamless, our needs and our needs being met.

The agents name is Ron Vanderschaaf. He has Accent Insurance. Give him a call.

Also, he is not only efficient – he is wise. He has just joined the Undressed Network with Issaquah Insurance Undressed. Ron will speak to you the consumer – check his site out – click here and visit it often.

Love of Horses!!

February 24th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

If you love horses, the Issaquah Grange Supply is a must. We are proud to have them as one of our undressed merchants.

Click here for more from their horse expert Janet Payne

She writes: As a kid horses meant riding and being with my friends. Now they act as natural tranquilizers – their very presence can lower my blood pressure and improve my mood. I simply enjoy watching them do their normal horsey activities – from munching on hay to rolling on their backs in the sandpitt.

It Isn’t Too Late For Tanglewood

January 29th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Interestingly, this month there have been over 171 different ways people have used a version of the word condo and found our blogs. The human mind thinks searches in ways one cannot project. For example: “great condo blog” . Well that might be us – a great blog. We might be considered a great condo blog considering we promote a great condo property: Tanglwood In Klahanie.

Click here for the Tanglewood website.

Better yet, visit the last remaining units available.

Have You Shopped The Issaquah Grange?

January 29th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

It is the coolest place to shop in Issaquah.

Not only that – The newest member of our local consumer brand, “The Undressed Network” Is Issaquah Grange Undressed. This blog will provide you an assortment of great information. Please visit then bookmark it.

A sample from their website/blog:

A visit to Issaquah Grange is for more than the birds, but does have a wall of bird seed to marvel about. Click here for their blog.

Did You Know Tanglewood Has Dropped Prices As Much As $50,000?

January 15th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Yes, even in stable Issaquah there is a deal to be made. Take Tanglewood Unit J102, 2 bedroom 2 bath luxurious condo in Klahanie for instance. It has dropped from $274,950 to a Sellout price of $224,950.00

Slate entry & gas fireplace surround, granite counters, cherry cabinets, stainless appliances, hardwood floors, new siding, and 9-ft ceilings with crown molding. Community amenities include a pool, spa, exercise room, and sport court. Also, as part of the master planned community of Klahanie, you will enjoy miles of trails, parks, pools, lakes, and a shopping center.

Low Prices, Lower Actually + High Value, Highest Actually + Low Rates = ?

January 7th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun 3 Comments »

Click the photo to see the answer in slide show format.

It is Tanglewood Condominiums in Klahanie of Couse

It is Tanglewood Condominiums in Klahanie of Couse

Click here for the Tanglwood website.

Did you see the slide show? Oh, Click here then.

Should Your Business Be In The Undressed Network?

January 5th, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Probably… It can help you drum up business.

Contact Larry Cragun @larrykcragun@(at)yahoo.com

Welcome To Our New Issaquah Undressed Merchant Blog, Issaquah Grange Supply Undressed

January 3rd, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

The Issaquah Grange Supply has just joined the Issaquah Undressed Network. This fun and interesting store is one of the oldest businesses in Issaquah and has an forward thinking vision of serving and marketing. I have had so much fun visiting the Issaquah Grange and love to just walk the store, read, watch product videos, read the product pamplets, and pet the Lionhead Rabbit.  Click here and bookmark this business blog. It will be a fun and interesting site to read, as well as visit and shop. Larry Cragun

A Time To Keep On Giving

January 2nd, 2009
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Hey, the economony needs those of us in Issaquah to keep spending.  Our Gig Harbor Undressed blogger suggests a great sounding way in this he placed on his blog:

My wife laughed at me when I told her I was going to get a massage.  Seeing as how I don’t like to be touched, and I’m afraid of germs, she thought that was an odd mix.  When I was offered a shot at Myofascial Release, I thought I’d give it a try.

I was amazed.  Soul Serenity Massage in Gig Harbor was professional, clean, and unlike any massage I’ve ever heard of.  If you’re looking for a spa, massage, masseuse, whatever in the Gig Harbor area, please read my account of Myofascial Release on my merchant’s page! There’s an amazing coupon for a massage on that site as well!

Now you Issaquah Folk: Tell me, where in Issaquah can we find such a place? Or, do you have any other suggestions on ways to spend money just for the sake of the economy. Keep it local, we want issaquah to prosper. How does that saying go? ” As Issaquah does, so does the world.” Proseper Issaquah – Prosper the world.

In the meantime, Kathleen, where is that coupon for a massage. Lar

Is Having A Condo, A Lifestyle, And A Concierge Unheard of?

December 29th, 2008
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

Perhaps in Issaquah yes, but not next year when the Bentley House opens: CLick here

Amante Customer Review

December 29th, 2008
Posted by Larry Cragun Click Here To Comment »

 Amante Pizza and Pasta, Issaquah, WA

I grew up in Issaquah,and I thought I knew every restaurant Issaquah had to offer, but I had never heard of Amante until about a week ago. Issaquahs Amante is located in a cute European-style building on Locust Street , and is fairly well hidden from the heavy traffic cruising down Gilman Boulevard. The interior is small and cozy with only a dozen or so tables, but a courtyard also contains a couple more. On a quiet evening, my two friends and I were shown a spot by the window by our friendly server. The first thing that struck each of us was the extensive menu. Amante offers 17 salads; 30 pizzas; six calzones; 10 hot oven grinders (such as turkey or roast beef entres); nine hot sandwiches; 28 pastas; and 12 desserts. The menu even features a low-carb section with six more entres. Amante also allows guests to create their own pizzas and calzones by picking and choosing their own ingredients. Sizes for pizzas range from 10 inches to 18 inches. Entres range from about $7 to close to $30 (mostly for the extra large pizzas). However, most entres run between $9 and $15. . Everything on the menu looked quite delicious, and after coming to terms with the fact we could not possibly eat everything on the menu in one sitting, we made our selections. I order the chicken penne pasta. I received an entre of grilled chicken, artichoke hearts and garlic, all lathered in pesto sauce. The meal was beyond delicious and quite possibly some of the best Italian cuisine Ive ever eaten. My friends ordered the four cheese baked spaghetti and Spartacus pizza. I tried a bite of the spaghetti, which was rich and also very delicious. As somebody with an unhealthy obsession with cheese, I can confidently recommend the dish. The four cheese baked spaghetti and the chicken penne, were very generous servings. My friend found the pizza to be quite tasty. The restaurant also delivers, and guests can order food online. For tasty Italian in Issaquah, look no further.

Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes