Real estate advisor Amanda Sipos recently filmed segments for “The American Dream” throughout the Duvall area, offering the nation a peek into the people and places that make up the community.
“The American Dream” is a real estate show that displays locally situated realtors from across the country touring unique properties and local hotspots within their home regions, as well as hosting interviews with successful entrepreneurs, community leaders and homeowners.
Currently, there have been 51 episodes recorded in Washington state, primarily displaying places and homes throughout Seattle and the Eastside. And thanks to Amanda Sipos, an upcoming episode will feature a segment dedicated to Duvall.
Amanda Sipos has long found herself in the home industry. She grew up in upstate New York surrounded by a family of business-minded individuals. She recalls flipping homes with her father on the weekends, and gaining tricks and tips from her grandfather, a 50-year restaurant owner, and her stepfather, a real estate appraiser.
Sipos and her husband moved to Washington in 2016, first settling in Eastlake. Seeking an escape on a typical day of pandemic lockdown, the couple enjoyed a motorcycle ride through the scenic Snoqualmie Valley, passing into Duvall. Sipos remembers the impression of the charming downtown as “a place that feels like a hug.”
After a spot of lunch at the Duvall Tavern, it was decided that the leisurely cruise through the rural foothills had turned into a house hunt. And following an impromptu viewing of the nearby Toll Brothers housing development, the house hunt proved successful — they ended up signing a contract that very day.
Sipos describes her journey, and the journey she wishes to share with customers, in her words: “Home is not just a place, it’s an experience. Its where you’re happy, where you’re sad, where you’re sick, where you have parties and blow out candles… it’s not just ‘buy something.’ I think it’s important that people know that.”
Sipos had originally connected with “The American Dream” team for a segment in Raleigh, North Carolina, presenting a multimillion-dollar self-sustainable farm. For her, it was an easy decision to request a segment back home in Washington, displaying the community which she has come to love in the past four years.
Microphone in hand and film crew in tow, Sipos showcased C.C. Espresso & Ice Creamery, the Rustic Rose gift shop, as well as the Dougherty Farmstead, a historic property with buildings built as early as 1888. Across social media prior to filming, she notified the public to come down into town, interact with the businesses, and to enjoy a free scoop from the ice creamery — a surefire way to show the world what Duvall enjoys most.
For the local business leaders and lifetime friends of Amanda, the production of the segment helped them as well. Owner of the Rustic Rose Janelle Timm said: “It has been amazing to have another female boss come to me and want to help my business. Retail has been really hurting over the last couple years and we need the community’s help. I can’t express more on how shopping local is important to keep us here. Amanda knows this and wants to help her community thrive.”
Duvall Historical Society President Marilyn “Country” Roney, and Amanda’s contact for the Dougherty Farmstead, offered her words: “I met Amanda as a Civic Club volunteer and she instantly fell in love with Duvall. She has contributed time as well as money to help our Society archive item, pictures, and the community’s memories […] She is the kind of person our town aspires to be with a ‘roll up your sleeves and get the job done’ attitude.”
Amanda Sipos expects the episode to air this coming September. She also said to “stay tuned” for the potential announcement of a viewing party — somewhere local, of course. She can be contacted at her website, siposhomes.com.
