Alexa or Google Home

Many people I know have either an Amazon Alexa device or a Google Home device. The people that  own one of these devices also varies by age. I know there are all sorts of integrated apps that you can use with either device,  but I'm just beginning to learn how many seniors have one and how useful these devices can be.

You can use them to play games, check the weather, find your cell phone, get encouragement, turn on lights, medication reminders and more. One of the most intriguing to me is the Ask My Buddy skill. By setting up this feature to work with your device, if you need help you can say "Alexa, ask my buddy to send help" and your contacts will receive alerts. This is not a substitute for calling 911 but would be helpful if you can call out but are unable to reach your phone for a text or a call.

Here is a link to the directions to set up this app if you're interested. Ask My Buddy helpful instructions.  

Amazon Spheres

 Amateurs, employees and King5, and more all love to show and talk about  photos of the Amazon Spheres here in Seattle. They are amazing structures and make a fun field trip for out of town visitors. 

The idea behind the spheres is to create a space where employees and nature can co-exist. They do house over 40,000 plants from over 30 countries. 

You can visit the spheres on two Saturdays a month. You do need a reservation that can be made by using this line Amazon Spheres Reservation

Check it out, I think you'll find it fascinating. 

HQ2 and Amazon and Seattle Housing

Many of us here in Seattle have been waiting for the news about the new HQ2 for Amazon. The bigger question has been how it will impact Seattle housing costs. Now that the locations have been announced, it appears that Seattle housing will probably not be impacted in the near future. Both New York and Virginia have housing costs that are equal to the Seattle area and both areas also have state income taxes as well as high corporate taxes. Most current employees will not be moving for cheaper housing. The real draw in both cases is most likely the access to talent. In Seattle Amazon has 8,200 jobs listed but there were only 3.200 people in King County actively searching for jobs. Amazon is still hiring here in Seattle and is planning to continue expanding in Seattle and in Bellevue.

The good news about the housing here in Seattle continues to be more inventory and dropping prices. We're starting to see a more balanced market and this will make a better market for buyers in the new year.