Local Real Estate News April 8, 2021

Seattle Experiences Second Highest Home Price Rise in the Nation

Across the nation, the coronavirus pandemic changed the way industries and individuals conducted their daily lives. In particular, the real estate market in Seattle overcame an initial slump at the onset of the pandemic, ultimately bouncing back to become one of the hottest markets in the nation.

Since 2019, home prices in our area have climbed 13.6% — the second-highest increase in the nation. Seattle wasn’t the only region to experience the surge, as new data indicates that home prices increased month-over-month by an average of 10.4% nationwide in December.

Th only city with a higher home price rise than Seattle in 2020 was Phoenix, which increased by 14.4%. San Diego was just behind Seattle, with an annual price rise of 13%. Even Chicago, which saw the slowest increase of the surveyed cities, had a gain of 7.7% over last year.

Many of these price increases have to do with incredibly low interest rates, which are encouraging more buyers to enter the market. Additionally, many companies are now offering remote work options, so buyers have a larger geographic radius in which to purchase a home.

Compounding the above is a general shortage of inventory in the region. This is causing buyers to compete with one another for the current available homes — further driving up prices and placing us firmly in a seller’s market.

This data comes after an unseasonably busy winter in which the housing market did not slow down at all. Real estate analysts and brokers are predicting continued high levels of activity in the market through spring.

 


This article was originally posted on KING 5 and GettheWReport.com

For Your Home February 11, 2021

Your Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

Winter is a magical season to spend at home. We all want to be able to enjoy the shorter days and longer nights from the comfort of our homes while we watch the season change.

To truly enjoy this winter at home with peace of mind, you’ll want to complete a home maintenance checklist to prevent unexpected costs, ensure your family’s safety and warmth, and keep your home in the best shape for the winter season ahead.

 

1. Weatherproof Windows & Doors

 

One of the best preparatory measures you can take to keep the cold from infiltrating your home is to weatherproof your windows and doors. Any leaks or cracks could lead to a chilly household and increased heating costs. Either weatherstripping or caulking will do the trick for minor leakage issues, but for any severe problems you may want to consider a replacement.

 

2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Burst pipes can be disastrous regardless of the season, but winter temperatures pose a greater risk than any other time of the year. Be sure to wrap interior pipes to provide them some insulation against the change in temperature. You’ll want to bring all hoses inside but remember to turn off your exterior water source before you do.

 

3. Prepare for a Winter Storm

Being fully prepared for the winter ahead includes completing both preventative home maintenance and disaster preparedness tasks. Keep a supply of flashlights and batteries handy in case a power outage should occur. If you have a fireplace, stock up on firewood so you’ll have plenty of fuel for your heat source. It’s best for your family to put together an emergency kit and evacuation plan so you’re prepared for any local weather emergencies.

 

4. Chimney Sweep and Fireplace Maintenance

 

We become more reliant on fireplaces, wood burning stoves, and chimneys to heat our homes during the winter. Accordingly, it’s crucial to prepare for the uptick in their usage. Clear out your air vents before your daily fires begin. When your fireplace is not in use, be sure to close the damper to save energy. Clogged chimneys can lead to house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Investing in a chimney sweep can save you money in the long run, while avoiding health scares.

 

5. Clean Out Your Gutters

 

After all the leaves, pinecones, pine needles, and other autumnal debris have fallen, it’s best to clean out your gutters in preparation for winter. By keeping your gutters clean you’ll avoid gutter damage from melted snow draining improperly. Make sure your downspouts are pointing away from your home’s foundation to prevent basement leaks and flooding.

 

6. Heating System Maintenance

Keeping up on your heating system’s efficiency is an integral part of winter home maintenance. If you use a furnace, be sure to clean out your air filters and ducts, making replacements as needed. Covering your HVAC system can help to prevent damage from any debris or moisture getting in. To protect against heat loss, seal your ducts with mastic tape or foil tape.

 

7. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

 

If you have ceilings fans in your home, there is a handy trick you can use to improve your home’s heating efficiency. By reversing the direction of your ceiling fan—running the blades in a clockwise direction—you’ll create a slight updraft, forcing warm air near the ceiling downward.

 

8. Bring Your Plants Inside

The winter season usually spells trouble for your potted plants. However, there are methods to keep them alive indoors through the winter months. You’ll want to provide continual air circulation, so keep a fan blowing in the direction of the plants. It’s best to mirror the conditions the plants will face outdoors, so you can afford to keep watering to a minimum. Since it is a harsher season, keep a close eye on your plants as the winter progresses.

 

After your checklist is completely crossed off, you’ll be able to kick back, relax, and enjoy your winter at home in comfort knowing your home is primed and ready for the winter season ahead.

 


This post originally appeared on the Windermere.com Blog

Buying a HomeSelling a Home October 9, 2020

10 Steps to Selling Your Home

Image source: Shutterstock

 

Navigating everything involved with selling your home can seem intimidating. Breaking the process down step by step will keep you organized and ready to work with your agent toward a successful home sale.

 

1. Choose an agent

A lot goes into choosing the right agent. If you’re unsure where to start, get referrals from trusted friends, family, and neighbors. Although the ultimate goal is the sale, think about your compatibility outside of the transaction. Their ability to connect with you on a human level through the ups and downs of a home sale is just as important as their expertise and knowledge of the market. If I am not the right fit, I’m happy to make some referrals to trusted colleagues.

 

2. Set a timeline

Depending on your local housing market conditions, your timeline for selling your home may vary. However, a timeline is valuable in that it will keep you organized throughout the selling process and allows you to adjust if circumstances change. We can work together to build the ideal timeline.

 

3. What is your home worth?

The key to selling quickly is correctly pricing your home from the first day it hits the market. In particular, overpricing can lead to serious complications in the selling process. I can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to better determine the best price of your home. CMAs provide information on comparable home sales in your area, both pending and sold, within the past six months.

While an agent will always have the best information, you can also try our automated value estimate tool as a starting point. Our seller page features home values and market information about what buyers are looking for in your area.

 

4. Repair & upgrade

Now it’s time to get to work on the house! This is the perfect time to tackle any and all outstanding projects or repairs. Create a list separating which repairs can be done yourself and which need professional attention. This is the time to consider a pre-sale home inspection to identify structural and mechanical problems before your home is on the market.

 

5. Make the best first impression

Making an impactful first impression goes a long way in the minds of buyers, so roll up your sleeves and prepare to check off that to-do-list. Start by cleaning up the garden and lawn, clearing out gutters, and adding color to your flower beds. Apply a fresh coat of paint anywhere you spot peeling or cracked paint. A great way to make an impact is by staging your home, with the goal of making each room feel as spacious and welcoming as possible.

 

6. Show your home

Your local pandemic-era regulations will dictate the ability for agents to conduct in-person showings and open houses. Discuss virtual home tour options with your agent and other ways to generate maximum buyer interest. For in-person showings, it’s best that you leave the premises so the buyer can freely ask their agent questions and visualize the home as their own. In Seattle, options are beginning to open up for showings of 5 people in the home at a time (one of which being a licensed agent).

 

7. Offers & negotiation

If you are in a seller’s market—defined by low inventory and high buyer competition—it is likely that you will receive offers at – or above – asking price. You can respond to an offer by a) accepting the offer, b) making a counteroffer, or c) rejecting the offer. Counteroffers should always be made in writing and provide a short window of time for the potential buyer to respond. If you are selling in a buyer’s market, you may have to be more open to negotiation. Discuss negotiation strategies with me or your agent to work toward a satisfying final price.

 

8. Prepare for closing costs

There are costs throughout the selling process, and as the close date approaches, that remains true. Be sure to budget for your real estate agent’s commission, and other common seller’s costs like title insurance, recording fees, and government transfer tax, among others.

 

9. Home inspection

Buyer offers are usually contingent upon a professional home inspection. Ask me or your agent for a home inspection checklist, so you know what the inspector is looking for ahead of time. They typically inspect the home’s foundation, structure, roof, plumbing and electrical systems, floors, windows, doors, and more for signs of damage and weathering.

 

10. Closing time

Congratulations! Your home is sold, but there are still some final steps before the deal is done. This is the time to ask the buyer to release any contingencies, sign the title, and close escrow before handing over the keys. Consult me or your real estate agent for any questions about legal documentation and settlement costs.

 

If you’d like more information about selling your home, I am more than happy to help!


This post originally appeared on the Windermere.com Blog

For Your Home August 2, 2020

This Home Office Will Make Work a Dream

 

As the pandemic drags on, many of us are continuing to struggle while working from home in less than ideal conditions. Whether it’s the lack of an actual desk, or the distractions of kids, pets or even the dishes you meant to do last night, it can be difficult to stay focused during your working hours.

Luckily, office space designer Autonomous has created the home office of your dreams — and they’ll deliver it right to your door.

Comfortingly titled the “Zen Work Pod,” this portable office space promises to create a calm, organized workspace free from distractions. Complete with a SmartDesk 2 – Home Office, a Kinn Chair and plenty of shelves, the Zen Work Pod is your office away from the office.

Floor-to-ceiling tempered glass walls, a high sloped ceiling and pre-installed lighting fixtures ensure that you’ll have plenty of breathing room and space for your creativity to flow. But the Zen Work Pod is more than just a temporary solution. Built with sustainable wood, strong aluminum and tempered glass, the pod can handle almost any weather, no matter where you choose to place it.

Not only will Autonomous deliver just about anywhere in the U.S., they’ll also install the Zen Work Pod for you at no extra charge. The pod’s lightweight and innovative design requires no in-ground fixtures, meaning it can be installed on just about any flat surface — including concrete, grass, gravel or soil.

This minimalistic paradise can also function as more than a simple office space. The surprisingly versatile design makes the pod perfect for everything from a personal yoga studio or music room to a backyard bar or reading room.

Normally retailing around $14,900, early-bird subscribers can purchase the pod for as little as $5,400 — practically a steal.

So if you’ve got the working-from-home blues and a backyard begging for a new addition, the Zen Work Pod could be your ticket to a more tranquil workspace.

Check it out for yourself here.

 


This post originally appeared on GettheWReport.com

For Your Home July 3, 2020

DIY Home Projects

Image Source: Shutterstock

 

In recent months, homes have taken on additional roles as offices, schools, and places of entertainment as staying at home has become the norm. With the extra time spent inside and the additional wear and tear on your home, this is a perfect time for those Do-It-Yourself projects you’ve been wanting to get done.

 

Before getting out the power tools, take time to consider the projects you have in mind. Assess your budget to see if certain projects should be prioritized over others, or if you have the financial capacity for only one or two projects at this time. If you’re questioning how the renovations will affect resale value, please feel free to reachout to me!

 

Here are a few ideas:

 

Landscaping and garden projects: the steppingstones of your home’s DIY outdoor makeover.

 

  • A great first step is to start with your front yard—it’s the first thing people see when approaching your home and upgrades to it will improve the curb appeal.
  • Start with the hardscaping projects—driveways, decks, fencing, walkways—before installing plants.
  • When it comes time to plant, add organic material to your soil such as peat moss, mushroom compost, or leaf mold for added health.
  • Add in different shapes and textures of plants to give your landscaping a varied, vibrant look.

 

Repainting a room: follow these steps to give any room a fresh look and feel.

 

  • The repainting process begins by moving all furniture out of the room. If you want to pile everything in the center and work around it, be sure to lay your drop cloths on the floor before doing so and cover your furniture to prevent damage.
  • Repair any damage to the walls and fill in cracks with putty. This is a good time to remove all electrical outlets and switch covers to get the walls completely flat.
  • Choose the appropriate brush or paint roller depending on the size of the surface area.
  • Once the walls are painted, remove your painter’s tape and paint the trim.

 

Flooring projects: how to repair or add flooring that will have you walking through your house comfortably.

 

  • Wood floor damage: To remove surface scratches from wood floors, use steel wool or fine grit sandpaper and finish with a top coat of polyurethane. For deep scratches, use wood filler that closely matches your flooring in color, and apply a wood finish layer on top.
  • Vinyl floor damage: If your vinyl flooring has ripped up, apply a vinyl flooring adhesive and lay the ripped piece into place. For sections that are completely torn off, use a utility knife to cut a new piece of flooring and apply adhesive when matching the piece back into the floor.
  • New tile flooring: Before you start tiling, wash the floor with a commercial detergent to remove dirt and stains. If you are laying new tile over old tile, make sure the original layer is secure. Begin by laying out the pattern before making your tile cuts. Then you are ready to apply the mastic or mortar, and finally lay the tiles. Let the tile sit for at least a day before grouting the joints.

 

With so many people staying at home, DIY projects are at an all-time high. Doing projects like these yourself may not be easy, but it gives a greater sense of ownership, and can often save you money by not outsourcing the work. For additional help on these projects and to find new ones, check out YouTube’s vast DIY resources.

 


This post originally appeared on Windermere.com

Buying a HomeLocal Market UpdateSelling a Home March 12, 2020

Local Market Update – March 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has not yet dampened demand in the housing market. Traffic at open houses remains heavy. Buyers who had waited last year for a drop in prices have now seen several months of home prices increases. With demand far outstripping supply and record low interest rates, the market heading into spring looks hotter than ever.

EASTSIDE

Buyers that may have been in wait-and-see mode at the end of 2019 jumped off the fence in February. Pending sales (offers accepted but not yet closed) jumped 27%, snapping up already-tight inventory. 55% of homes on the market sold in 15 days or less. The median home price jumped 9% over a year ago to $985,000, an increase of $58,000 from the prior month. Development on the Eastside continues to surge and includes the recent groundbreaking for a 600-foot tower in Bellevue and a proposed 11-acre mixed-use project.

VIEW FULL EASTSIDE REPORT

KING COUNTY

The tight housing market here got even tighter. There were 40% fewer homes on the market in King County in February than there were in January. The median home price rose 3% over the prior year to $675,000, up from $630,525 in January. With mortgage rates and the local unemployment rate both hitting record lows, demand isn’t likely to drop any time soon.

VIEW FULL KING COUNTY REPORT

SEATTLE

With just six weeks of available inventory, competition for homes in Seattle remains fierce. Multiple offers were the norm, and 34% of homes purchased in February sold for over the listing price. The median price for a single-family home in February was $730,500, unchanged from a year ago and up from $719,950 in January.

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

The numbers in Snohomish County tell the story. There were 42% fewer listings in February than a year ago, and 42% more pending sales. With inventory at under a month of supply, there just aren’t enough homes to meet demand. That scarcity translated into higher prices, with the median price of a single-family home rising 8% over a year ago to $515,000.

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com

Local Real Estate NewsReal Estate InvestingSelling a Home March 5, 2020

Seattle Home Sellers See Some of the Highest ROI in the Nation

 

As the housing boom continued to roar across the country and home prices soared in 2019, median home sales profits and returns-on-investment (ROI) achieved record highs, according to an annual year-end report from ATTOM Data Solutions.

Western states and metropolitan areas, especially those on the coast, continue to reap the highest returns on home sales. (In the report, returns are expressed both as a dollar amount and as a percentage and are factored by analyzing the difference between the median sales price of homes and the median sales price of the previous sale of those same homes.) Seattle is comfortably situated in the top five of 220 metro areas surveyed nationwide with an average of 65.6% return on investment. Seattle sellers’ ROI is nearly double the new nationwide average.

The other metros with the highest home seller ROIs are: San Jose, CA (82.8%), San Francisco, CA (72.8%), Merced, CA (63.2%) and Salem, OR (62.1%).

Nationally, raw profits and ROI have improved for eight straight years. In 2019, the average home price gain and percent return on investment also reached a 13-year high. The average seller saw a home price gain of $65,500 on a typical sale, which represents a 34% return in investment compared to the original purchase price.

This rise in ROI may remain a trend locally as home prices continue to rise and the Puget Sound region is squeezed for inventory and the Seattle area remains a sellers’ market.

Read more from ATTOM on 2019 market trends here.

 


A version of this article was first published on realtor.com and GettheWReport.com

Buying a HomeLocal Real Estate News February 27, 2020

Local Builder Brings New Townhome Communities to Bellevue & Kirkland

Bellevue-based builder Quadrant Homes has introduced two new communities in Kirkland’s Totem Lake neighborhood and Bellevue’s Spring District. Featuring rooftop entertainment spaces, plenty of windows for natural light, and the latest home tech (including electric vehicle charging and whole-home voice control), these exciting new communities are sure to satisfy buyers.

 

Minutes from The Village at Totem Lake, the Lake Washington School District, and Google and Tableau campuses, the Vareze community promises convenient access to work and play plus open floor plans, in-home tech offerings and community spaces. Select floor plans are now available with more options coming soon.

 

 

 

Debuting in March 2020, the Lario community will be part of Bellevue’s Spring District, surrounded by beautiful parks, shopping and plenty of restaurants. Ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms, each residence is complete with a 2-car garage and the community boasts its own park and rooftop entertainment spaces.

 

These townhomes offer buyers proximity to plentiful amenities and transit opportunities — from highways to walking trails and the future light rail stations. In booming Eastside neighborhoods where inventory is already low, these communities are sure to be welcome additions!

 

Reachout it you want to view these beautiful homes! karen@karenprinsrealestate.com 

 


A version of this article was first published on 425 Business and GettheWReport.com

Uncategorized February 26, 2020

5 Cool New Smart Home Gadgets from CES 2020

An international springboard for consumer tech, the CES conference this year did not disappoint, with plenty of new technologies, gadgets galore and even innovative food products (plant-based Impossible pork, anyone?).

A veritable smorgasbord of smart home tech was on full display for every space, from garages and walkways to under-sink cabinets and showerheads. Here are seven new smart home products that caught our attention:

KOHLER SMART SHOWERHEAD WITH SPEAKER

Kohler offers a range of high-tech shower speakers, from basic bluetooth to Amazon-Alexa-enabled. The luxurious showerhead option has a magnetic docking system that holds the speaker — crafted with Harmon Kardon audio tuned to cancel out water noise — right in the center.

BOSCH FRIDGE WITH FOOD RECOGNITION

We’ve all lost food containers to the depths of our refrigerators. While reducing food waste isn’t the top goal for Bosch’s Home Connect Fridge, it’s inventory abilities can certainly help. In partnership with Chefling — a recipe planning app — this fridge keeps track of what you have on hand and can recommend recipes so nothing goes to waste.

LG ThinQ Washing Machine

Working to make your weekly washing a little easier (on you and your water bill), the ThinQ washing machine is equipped with AI that can sense the type of fabric and automatically determine the best cycle for your clothing. As an added bonus, if you have the compatible dryer, the machines can communicate and share the optimal drying settings too.

HUB FREE SMART SWITCHES (THAT DON’T NEED A NEUTRAL WIRE)

GE Lighting is swinging for the fences with it’s smart home lighting lineup — from color-changing bulbs to motion-sensing switches. It’s latest offering includes three-wire and hub-free switches that are available in 5 different designs, are well-priced, include dimming and motion-sensing functionalities. Most impressively, only need three wires to connect (line, load, and ground), making them an excellent option for older homes.

BALLIE ROLLING BUTLER

Unlike Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, this AI assistant from Samsung is on the move. It can navigate your home and interact with you and other smart home devices. Like a rolling butler, it can do everything from dim lights to active your Roomba. Outfitted with a camera, Ballie (and you) can keep eyes on what goes on around the house.

 


This post originally appeared on GettheWReport.com

For Your HomeSelling a Home December 4, 2019

Remodel for the Most Resale Value

Image Source: karamysh on Shutterstock


What’s the best remodeling project for your home? The answer, in part, depends on where you live. Every year, Remodeling Magazine evaluates which projects bring the most return at resale in different markets around the country in their “Cost vs. Value” report.  For the purposes of this blog, we are focusing on the Pacific states (WA, OR, CA, AL) and the Mountain states (MT, ID, UT, CO, NV).

According to Remodeling Magazine, these are the six top projects in those two regions that currently have the best return on your investment when it comes time to sell. To see the full report, click here.

 

Garage Door Replacement

The project with the most return from Washington State to Nevada? A new garage door.

In the Pacific States, replacing your garage door will cost an average $3,785, but will increase your resale value by $4,686, recouping 123.8 percent of what you paid for it. Homes in the Mountain States will also benefit from a garage door replacement, recouping 98.6 percent of their costs.

Due to its size, a garage door can have a big impact on a home’s curb appeal.  But adding to your home’s aesthetic is only one advantage; the warranty that comes with the new garage door is also a selling point for potential buyers who can trust that they likely won’t have to deal with any maintenance issues in the near term.

 

Manufactured Stone Veneer

As long as the new stone veneer is consistent with your neighborhood’s overall look, this siding is the second-best project across the Pacific and Mountain states.

Stone veneer can replace your home’s existing siding, adding a fresh, modern look that conjures a cozy vibe all the way from the street, before buyers ever step foot inside. Along the West Coast, it can recoup 110.4 percent of the cost when you sell, and Mountain states will recoup 96.5 percent of the cost.

 

Wood Deck Addition

While building a deck might seem like a big undertaking, it’s actually a pretty cost-effective way to positively impact your home’s resale value. Pacific states can expect to pay around $15,000 and Mountain states just above $13,000, but they’ll see 87.8 percent and 74.3 percent recouped respectively when they sell.

Adding a deck extends the living space of your home and provides even more area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors.  Whether you choose a natural wood deck or a low-maintenance composite deck, you can pick from a variety of styles based on the lay of your land and the areas of your backyard you wish to highlight.

 

Minor Kitchen Remodel

No need to move walls or appliances around, a minor kitchen remodel will do the trick to recoup 87.1 percent of the cost in the Pacific states, and 80.3 percent in the Mountain states.

An outdated kitchen can go from drab to fab and become a focal point with a fresh palette. Replace the cabinet doors with new shaker-style wood panels and metal or metal-looking hardware. Switch out the old counter tops with laminate that matches the new look. Think about adding a resilient flooring option, then finish the project with a fresh coat of paint to the walls, trim, and ceiling.

 

Grand Entrance

Looking to improve your curb appeal and create an entrance that guests and homebuyers won’t soon forget? Add a fiberglass grand entrance. This project involves replacing a standard-sized front door with a larger opening with dual sidelights (glass panels). Typically costing around $8,000, Pacific states will see 85.1 percent of that recouped in the sale, and Mountain states will see 71 percent.

 

Siding Replacement

Depending on the size of your home, replacing the siding can be an expensive undertaking. However, it’s a project that comes with high returns. For Mountain states, sellers can expect 75.4 percent of the costs recouped, and Pacific sellers will see 84.3 percent.

Not only is siding one of the first things a buyer sees, but it also serves as an indicator of the overall health of the home. Broken or damaged siding could mean that there are other problems with the home, such as pests and rot. Replacing old siding is a cost-effective way to boost your home’s curb appeal and ensure buyers are going to walk through your front door.


This post originally appeared on the Windermere.com Blog