Design Trends Due To COVID-19

 

All of us have felt the impacts of the current pandemic. It's altered our lifestyle and our wants and needs. 

In the current real estate market, I'm seeing people looking for different amenities in their homes. Instead of wide open spaces, people are now looking for spaces they can use in different ways. Builders and people remodeling now want flex spaces in their homes. These spaces can be used for things like exercise studios, home offices, a place for school and studying and more. 

People are also looking at ways to reuse the space in their homes. Maybe that dining room could be used for online schooling or a laundry room might also make a good arts and crafts area. 

Good air quality, storage and more outside space is also more important to todays homeowners. 

Have priorities in your home changed? What would you most like to add to your home?

Is it Time to Move into a Single-Story Home?

 

Is it Time to Move into a Single-Story Home?

Once the kids have left the nest, you may be wondering what to do with all of the extra space in your home. Chances are, you don’t need four bedrooms anymore, and it may be a great time to sell your house and downsize, maybe even into a single-story home. You’ve likely gained significant equity if you’ve lived in your home for a while, so making a move while demand for your current house is high could be your best step forward toward the retirement goals you set out to achieve several years ago.

The dilemma, though, is where to go next. A big concern for many homeowners who are ready to sell is finding a home to move into, given today’s lack of houses available for sale. There is, however, some good news: the number of single-family 1-story homes being built today is on the rise, improving your odds of finding the right home for your changing needs. In a recent article, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) explains:

“Nationwide, the share of new homes with two or more stories fell from 53% in 2018 to 52% in 2019, while the share of new homes with one story grew from 47% to 48%.”

Here’s a map showing the breakdown of newly constructed homes being built by region, and the percentage of 1-story and 2-story homes in that mix:

What are the benefits of buying a one-story home?

Still not sure about buying a single-story home? An article from Home Talk covers several advantages of switching from two floors to one:

1. Energy Efficient

“It is easier to heat and cool a single-story house [than] it would be to regulate the temperatures of a multi-story house.”

Most single-story homes only need one heating or cooling unit, and they typically stay cooler than a two-story home, both of which can lead to significant savings.

2. Easier to Maintain

“Doing a general cleaning in a single story requires less effort and you will be able to see all areas that need cleaning and the areas are easily accessible.”

Cleaning and maintenance of a single-story home can take less time and effort, and better upkeep helps improve the overall value of the home.

3. Accessible for Everyone

“A single-story house can be accessed by anyone, whether they are young children or the senior citizens.”

If you’re looking for a house that provides a safe and easily accessible environment at any age, a single-story home may be optimal.

4. Good Resell Potential

“When buying a single-story house, you should consider the resale value should you think of reselling it in case of a circumstance that can happen. Look at the growth rate of that area. Due to the high demand of these types of houses it is [easy] to resell them and depending on the growth rate of an area, it increases in value significantly.”

Single-story homes have a lot of benefits and are often in higher demand. This bodes well for future resale opportunities.

Bottom Line

There are many benefits to downsizing into a one-story home. Doing so while demand for your current house is high might make it easier than ever to make a move. Let’s connect if you’re ready to purchase the single-story home you need while homes are so affordable today.

UNIQUE HOME IN THE HEART OF WALLINGFORD!

See this special home today! 

Asking Price $995,000

3 BED · 2 BATH

Uniquely built, this cantilevered design creates angular architecture and many different spaces for living, working, and playing. Featuring three bedrooms and two baths with a space on the main floor for a studio, workshop, office, or playroom. Built in 1982, this home has had the same owner since 1983. Fresh paint and carpets gives the home an updated feel. In the heart of Wallingford, close to shops, restaurants and near the UW, Greenlake, Gasworks Park.

2312 Wallingford

Today we have a guest post from Michael Longsdon Elder Freedom @ Empower the Elderly  http://elderfreedom.net. Michael will share some thoughts with us about senior downsizing for a successful move. 

Photo via Unsplash

 

Senior-Friendly Downsizing: How to Ensure a Successful Move

 

Thinking about downsizing in your senior years? After retirement, many seniors find that they no longer need as much house as they once did. And all of those rooms get a little more difficult to maintain and keep clean over the years. Who wants to spend their retirement mowing the lawn, wading through clutter, and plugging away at relentless home maintenance? If you’re considering a minimizing move, here are some tips to keep in mind!

 

Selling Your Home in a Pandemic 

Selling your home is a major part of the downsizing process, and likely one of the more stressful items on your to-do list. To make things easier on yourself, hire a great real estate agent who can take the lead. An experienced agent like D. Lisa West will have all the knowledge needed to market your home and find buyers as quickly as possible. This is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic! If you’re concerned about potential buyers bringing COVID-19 into your home, ask your real estate agent about virtual showings. Thanks to video-chat tours and 3D walkthroughs, it’s possible for buyers to tour homes without ever stepping foot inside! 

When it comes to selling your home, you also have to consider the best day to list it. According to Redfin, homes listed on a Wednesday tend to sell for the most money while homes listed on a Thursday typically sell the fastest. So, it’s important to think about your goals carefully when deciding which day of the week to list your home!

 

Finding Your New Home 

As you begin looking for your new home, think about where you want to live. This is your opportunity to move somewhere that fits your lifestyle and personal preferences.

Besides location, there are a variety of other factors to consider when searching for your new home. For example, how will your home accommodate aging in place? Buying a home with accessibility features will ensure you can remain in the home for as long as possible! Keep in mind that you can make your own accessibility modifications after moving in. You can hire a professional to take on all kinds of home modification projects, like lowering your countertops, adding a stairlift, or replacing showers and toilets. You’ll also need to consider home prices in the areas you’re looking in. Seattle home sales have been averaging $742,000, but you can find a smaller home for considerably less.

 

Decluttering Your Possessions 

One of the most difficult parts of downsizing is decluttering. Not only can decluttering be physically taxing, but mentally exhausting as well. It’s important to approach your decluttering projects one day at a time. Start with a really small section of your home, like a single kitchen drawer or bathroom cabinet, and work from there. The last thing you want is to take on too much and wind up overwhelmed. It can also help to have a friend or family member with you for emotional support and encouragement. You’ll be surprised at how hard it is to say goodbye to stuff you don’t even want!

 

Surviving Moving Day

 Moving day is another hurdle to conquer on your downsizing journey. Again, take it one step at a time. Constellation recommends creating a moving checklist a couple of months out so you can start tackling important tasks well ahead of time. For example, it’s a good idea to book your movers at least two months in advance, especially during the busy summer season. Remember to update your address with the post office and switch over your utilities to your new home. Finally, if you have pets, make a plan with a friend or family member to get them away from the moving action. Once the moving day is over, you’re nearly done with this whole process. All you have to do is unpack and set up your new home!

 

Downsizing isn’t easy, but the result is often worth the work! Think about how your life will improve without the ongoing demands of your large house and the clutter it contains. As you navigate the downsizing process, focusing on your end goal will help you make it through!

The Real Estate Market in Seattle - July 2020

July was an unseasonably busy month in our real estate market. As my video shows, King County pending home sales went through the roof, up 21% compared to July 2019. The COVID-delayed market has kept buyers in the game later in the season, so August looks to be very active as well. With the right timing and listing strategy, home sellers may well benefit. Connect with me to discuss how this hot market could boost your real estate goals!

Make Your Home Shine For Buyers

I've created a short video to share tips and tricks about making your home shine for buyers.

If you would like to have more conversation about this or any real estate subject, please contact me. 

D. Lisa West

Dlisa@dlisawest.com

206.694.0610

Our New Step Inside Website is Live!

Our new Step Inside website puts Windermere’s Seattle listings right at your fingertips with video, 3D tours and live walkthroughs using your favorite chat app. It’s the city’s largest marketplace of real estate listings that can be toured remotely using interactive media. Check it out at stepinside.withwre.com and contact me if you’d like to schedule a tour! 

Mold!

Yikes! Winter is coming to an end but mold can still be a problem. Cold nights, warmer days and hot steamy showers all cause problems. To help control and eliminate mold you can follow these recommendations. 

- Use exhaust fans when and where necessary 

- Remove condensation from windows, bathroom ceilings,     and other surfaces  

- Provide adequate ventilation to the premises at all times

- Store furniture and personal possessions so as to provide   for adequate airflow between the walls and the personal   possessions

- Leave blinds/window coverings up half an inch from the  window sill so as to allow for     adequate airflow 

- Clean and dust premises at regular intervals 

Furnace Filters

When the weather is cold most of us have the furnace running more often to keep our homes warm. 

How regularly do you change your furnace filter?

A furnace filter that is clogged with dust, pet dander, and other particles will cause your furnace to work harder because of decreased airflow.

If your furnace has to work harder, this means it is using more energy to operate. 

Changing its filter monthly, you will help reduce your home's heating costs.