What do we want from our homes in 2022?
The pandemic has certainly shaped the way many of us think about our homes. What elements would you want to see added or changed in your home? For me, it would be a remodeled kitchen space, something we plan to tackle in 2022. What's on your wish list?
End of Year Market Stats
End of year market stats are in!
December was predictably dry with new inventory, down 59% in King County and down 39% in Snohomish. This forced median sales prices to rise by large margins. (A whopping 26% increase in Snohomish County and 11% in King County since December of 2020!)
As you can imagine, the new year is off to a frenzied start with some pretty intense offers happening all over the place. I just witnessed a home in Redmond receive 33 offers and sell for $800K over asking! To date, that's the largest jump I've seen and it's completely mind blowing. We are hopeful that more inventory will come as we get closer to spring to help spread buyers out a bit and release some of the tension.
If you have a home to sell, there's truly no time like the present to make a move before inventory rises. Let's chat to see how we can help you capitalize on this unprecedented inventory shortage and cash in on your equity. I think you'll be pleased with the results!
Happy New Year!
As we prepare to close the door on 2021, there is so much to be thankful for!
2021 brought about an insane real estate market, which allowed me to help 24 buyers/sellers move on to their new homes. I am so grateful to all of you for your support of my business over the past 17 years, whether it be by buying or selling, or by sending me a referral. Your confidence in me means the world and I cannot say thank you enough! I truly love what I do and being able to serve you and your friends and family is the greatest gift.
On the home front, 2021 gifted us a great year of family time, good health, travel (Belize!), new friends and school fun. Though times were strange for much of it, we persevered, laughed and enjoyed each other's company. Family will always be paramount.
As we open the door to 2022 tomorrow night, I'm choosing a word to set the tone for the new year. PEACE. May we live each moment of 2022 with a peaceful heart, knowing we are doing our best to navigate the world as we now know it. And that our best is enough.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year! Cheers to PEACE in 2022!
Happy Holidays!!
From our family to yours, wishing you a safe, healthy and very Merry Christmas and holiday season!
Listed & Pending in 5 Days
This stunning townhome was so fun to work on! For out of state repeat clients, we took the reins and helped take this charmer from tenant occupied to fully staged, repaired and ready to list! 6 offers later and $40,000 over asking, and we've got happy sellers on our hands. Congratulations, Chris and Kim! It was a pleasure.
Augusta Woods
This fabulous end unit townhome at Augusta Woods lives large in a peaceful and convenient south Everett spot! The open concept main level boasts great natural light, sleek hardwood floors, a living room with a cozy gas fireplace, full dining room, a large Trex deck and an elegant chef's kitchen complete with rich cherry cabinets, large pantry and a breakfast bar. All three bedrooms are upstairs including a spacious owner's suite with en-suite full bath. All new carpet, CAT-5 wiring, upstairs laundry and an oversized 2-car tandem garage with additional bay just for storage! Huge fenced yard offers room for pets and play. Tucked at the end of a quiet street just minutes from shops, dining, parks, great Mukilteo schools, Boeing, transit and thoroughfares. FHA approved!
1524 95th Street SW #10 | Everett, WA 98204
3 Bedrooms • 2.5 Bathrooms • 1806sf
PENDING at $560,000
Sold at the Seaboard
Seaboard Condo, #800
Live at the heart of downtown! Some of the city's best dining, shopping, and nightlife are right outside your doorstep at the historic Seaboard Building, fully renovated in 2001! This studio unit lives large and boasts stunning, tasteful updates: fresh paint, walnut plank flooring, high-end Subzero and Viking kitchen appliances, a walk-in closet, A/C and more. Tons of space to spread out and relax at your in-city retreat with ample sunlight shining through big windows all day. Watch the city come to life from your private balcony or the rooftop deck then head out to nearby restaurants, shops, bars, light rail and more. Dues cover W/S/G, no rental cap, AirBNB approved, and a helpful concierge! Live the good life in bustling downtown!
1500 4th Avenue #800 | Seattle, WA 98101
Studio • 1 Bathroom • 863sf
Sold at $440,000
SOLD: Sundance at Klahanie
Sundance at Klahanie
You'll love life at Sundance at Klahanie! This immaculate ground floor unit has it all: fresh interior paint, all new carpet, in-unit laundry, an extra storage unit, designated covered parking, and a desirable 3-bedroom layout. Whip up tasty meals in the spacious kitchen, complete with an eating bar, ample storage and a roomy pantry (rare in a condo)! Relax on the private patio with park-like green views, cozy up next to the gas fireplace with a good book, or retreat to the spacious owner's suite, boasting dual closets and an ensuite full bath. Incredible community with top amenities: a gym, pool, hot tub and dues that include W/S/G! Set in a peaceful location that feels away from it all, yet is just mins to dining, groceries, parks, top schools and more!
25235 SE Klahanie Blvd | #K101, Sammamish, WA 98029
3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1,060sf
SOLD at $453,100
Snowflake Lane: Is it too early?
Nah…it’s time for holiday music, wrapping paper and eggnog! Let’s do it!
If you’ve never been to Snowflake Lane it is an experience of epic proportions with a huge parade, shopping and lots of singing and dancing! And don’t forget Santa!!
Experience the wonder of falling snow, dazzling lights, festive music, toy drummers, and dancers in this complimentary nightly parade of holiday floats. The parade starts between Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square from NE 4th to NE 8th Streets every night at 7 pm. Park in any of the free parking garages and choose your favorite spot on the sidewalk to see the show.
Have a Wonderful Holiday
gratitude
noun.
Appreciating what you already have.
Being present in the moment.
Also comes with pumpkin pie.
Lauren’s Pumpkin Pie
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
½ cup white sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
5 cups peeled and sliced pears
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Place a baking sheet on the bottom oven rack.
Combine sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and lemon zest in mixing bowl. Roll out half the pastry and line a 9-inch pie pan.
Arrange pear slices in layers in the pastry-lined pan, sprinkling the sugar mixture over each layer. Dot with butter and sprinkle with lemon juice.
Roll out remaining dough for the top crust. Use your finger dipped in a small bowl of water to moisten the rim of the bottom crust. Place top crust over filling, and trim edge using kitchen shears or a sharp paring knife. Fold edge under bottom crust, pressing to seal. Flute edge. Cut slits in top crust to allow steam to escape.
Bake in the preheated oven on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes longer. Allow to cool several hours before serving.
NEW TO MARKET: Sundance at Klahanie
Sundance at Klahanie
Open House: October 24th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
You'll love life at Sundance at Klahanie! This immaculate ground floor unit has it all: fresh interior paint, all new carpet, in-unit laundry, an extra storage unit, designated covered parking, and a desirable 3-bedroom layout. Whip up tasty meals in the spacious kitchen, complete with an eating bar, ample storage and a roomy pantry (rare in a condo)! Relax on the private patio with park-like green views, cozy up next to the gas fireplace with a good book, or retreat to the spacious owner's suite, boasting dual closets and an ensuite full bath. Incredible community with top amenities: a gym, pool, hot tub and dues that include W/S/G! Set in a peaceful location that feels away from it all, yet is just mins to dining, groceries, parks, top schools and more!
23803 55th Avenue W | Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1,060sf
Offered at $435,500
Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes and More
What are you doing for spooky season? Whether you’re looking to do apple picking and pressing at an apple orchard or razor clam digging on the coast, it’s that time of year when we all wander towards the Halloween hotspot; Pumpkin Patches.
It’s time to get out your flannels, slide into your waterproof boots and head out to pick your favorite pumpkin, sharpen your carving tools and head out for an adventure. SeattlePI has an amazing list of things to do to celebrate the autumn!
Dream Home Survey
Since the initial quarantines of COVID-19 and now the aftermath of continued caution; most desirable home amenities look quite different than even 5 years ago. A home office used to be relegated to sprawling suburban homes for executives and accent spaces that almost no one used, like the old kitchen office space where Mom paid bills and organized her recipes.
The lifestyle changes that COVID-19 has born, do not seem to be going away all too soon and homebuyers are keen to find a work/life balance, at home. Flexible spaces in newer townhomes are becoming quite common in the Townhome trend, with garage level rooms that can be used as an office, guest room – or both.
During the early months of lockdown, quarantines, and sheltering in place, a survey called The America at Home Study was launched online to understand the design changes consumers would want in new communities and homes. On the heels of this research, The America at Home Study Concept Home was born, and they named it Barnaby.
The concept, design, and the forethought of looking forward to something more tangible than paint colors and open vs. closed kitchen cabinets warrants deep consideration. Does your home still serve most of your needs? Each home has it’s comprises, but sometimes they start to add up and you might find yourself living in a functionally obsolescent situation.
If you are dreaming of a new home that better serves your lifestyle and footprint, give me a call and let’s start planning your next move.
A Fall Checklist Before Winter Sets In
Is the fall maintenance of your home on point? If not, here are some helpful tips to get you started before winter. According to HouseLogic.com, when the last of summer's heat is a faint memory, and you're pulling out your hoodies more than your shorts, it's time to tackle a few simple chores that'll make winter more pleasant and prevent some nasty surprises next spring. From cleaning a storing your lawn mower to pruning plants in your garden, this checklist will keep you moving forward as winter sets in.
SOLD: Phantom Lake Craftsman by MN Custom Homes
What a pleasure it has been to watch this beauty take shape! From a hole in the ground at the beginning of the year, to 4,300+ finished and customized square feet today, this one really shines. Stellar work by MN Custom Homes and a HUGE congratulations to my wonderful repeat clients! Wishing you a lifetime of happy memories in your gorgeous dream home!
Phantom Lake Craftsman by MN Custom Homes
MN Custom Homes presents a craftsman design in the convenient Phantom Lake neighborhood. Entertainment spaces include two story great room, outdoor covered living space with BBQ hook up and vaulted bonus room. Private main floor guest suite. Dedicated office and dining room. Master suite with stunning 5-piece bath and heated floors. 3 car wide garage. 10' ceilings on the main and 9' ceilings upstairs. Convenient access to I-90, Microsoft campus and DT Bellevue. Bellevue Schools, Spiritridge Elementary.
5 Bedrooms • 4.5 Bathrooms • 4,315sf
SOLD at $2,895,000
SOLD: Ballard Townhome
There's truly nothing better than assisting repeat clients on the sale of their homes...homes that you sold them long ago!
Ballard Townhome
Effortlessly chic, perfectly situated and 4-Star Built Green - this townhome truly has it all! Tasteful details can be found at every turn in this beautifully modern Ballard home: sleek concrete and hardwood floors, an open layout made for entertaining with tons of great natural light, efficient radiant in-floor heat and a stunning chef's kitchen complete with quartz counters, gas cooking and tons of storage space. Two generously-sized bedrooms on the middle level while the luxurious primary encompasses the top floor, complete with walk-in closet and spa-like ensuite full bath. Savor great sunsets from the HUGE rooftop deck plumbed with water and gas. No HOA and conveniently just blocks from Ballard fun: top-notch dining, breweries, Farmers Market, transit and more!
1139 A NW 56th Street | Seattle, WA 98107
3 Bedrooms • 2 Bathrooms • 1,530sf
SOLD at $825,000
SOLD: New Rainer Vista
New Rainier Vista
Life is just better in Columbia City! This end-unit townhome at desirable New Rainier Vista is full of light with a rare 4-bedroom layout. Bright and open main level is made for entertaining - spacious living areas, covered deck, bamboo floors, full-size dining room (no cramped eating area here!) and a beautiful chef's kitchen with gas cooking, stainless appliances, and a center island. Three bedrooms upstairs including the owner's suite with vaulted ceilings, views of downtown Bellevue and the Cascades, a walk-in closet, and an ensuite bath. The lower-level bedroom makes for a great office or guest room with access to a beautiful fenced-in garden patio. A rare 2-car garage makes it easy to leave the car at home & stroll to nearby dining, shops, groceries, parks & light rail.
4327 Jill Place S. | Seattle, WA 98108
4 Bedrooms • 2.25 Bathrooms • 2020sf
SOLD at $850,000
4327 Jill Place S. | Seattle, WA 98108
4 Bedrooms • 2.25 Bathrooms • 2020sf
Offered at $850,000
Dual Price Drop: The Seaboard
Seaboard Condo, #1000
Bask in city views from this freshly painted, beautifully updated 1 bedroom loft unit at the historic Seaboard building, fully renovated in 2001! Live the good life with A/C, tons of storage, no rental cap, AirBNB potential, hardwood floors, built-ins and a tastefully appointed chef's kitchen complete with Viking gas range, stainless appliances, Subzero fridge, granite counters and an eating bar. Large windows and vaulted ceilings fill the space with all-day light. Chill up on the rooftop deck and savor stunning skyline views, then head out to explore some of Seattle's best dining, bars, nightlife, shops & more - all right outside your doorstep! Great investment potential plus concierge and in-unit washer/dryer. The city life is calling!
1500 4th Avenue #1000 | Seattle, WA 98101
1 Bedroom • 1 Bathroom • 1,106sf
Offered at $498,000
Seaboard Condo, #800
Live at the heart of downtown! Some of the city's best dining, shopping, and nightlife are right outside your doorstep at the historic Seaboard Building, fully renovated in 2001! This studio unit lives large and boasts stunning, tasteful updates: fresh paint, walnut plank flooring, high-end Subzero and Viking kitchen appliances, a walk-in closet, A/C and more. Tons of space to spread out and relax at your in-city retreat with ample sunlight shining through big windows all day. Watch the city come to life from your private balcony or the rooftop deck then head out to nearby restaurants, shops, bars, light rail and more. Dues cover W/S/G, no rental cap, AirBNB approved, and a helpful concierge! Live the good life in bustling downtown!
1500 4th Avenue #800 | Seattle, WA 98101
Studio • 1 Bathroom • 863sf
Offered at $455,000
Just Listed: Mountlake Terrace Cottage
JUST LISTED - Offered at $475,000
23803 55th Ave West, Mountlake Terrace
Just minutes to the blossoming center of Mountlake Terrace - this affordable home is cute as a button & has it all! Inviting living spaces greet you w/ warm natural light & a cozy gas fireplace, while the kitchen has great cabinet space and a breakfast nook. 2 generously-sized bedrooms plus a full bath give you just the right amount of space. Relax in the spacious and private fenced backyard w/ ample driveway parking & room for pets, gardens, BBQs & play. Conveniently located close to great dining, shops, parks, schools & more, + just mins away from I-5, future light rail, transit lines & park-n-ride. Truly an unbeatable opportunity for first time homebuyers or investors!
Join us Saturday from 12-3pm for an open house or give us a call and we'd be glad to schedule a private tour!
This one won't be around long...
