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.

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

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.

An Update to SR 99 Tunnel

For months we have been watching and hearing about the removal of the Alaskan Way viaduct and the new SR 99 tunnel. After using the tunnel for a few months, it's now time to start the tolling process. If you want to know more about that process, here is a great video from  WSDOT that will provide more information.

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. 

ADU's and the City of Seattle

In 1988 when I bought a house that was previously a duplex (after WW2 Seattle eased housing restrictions to allow apartments in homes, as there was a housing shortage then). In the 80's and 90's Seattle cracked down on the "illegal' MIL apartments, and I had a hard time getting two garbage cans and two recycling bins so my tenant and I could have separate cans. The city came to "inspect' the house and the regulation was you could have a family member live in your apartment in your home, not a stranger, so there must be an interior staircase connecting the two units and if there was a second kitchen, there could be no stove, in fact the city made me remove my range/oven.

fast forward to now: OK to have both a MIL and a backyard cottage, and OH! they can cook while they live in your basement or backyard...

For more information on this current Seattle regulation, here is a article that was published recently by Curbed Seattle

Should I Choose a 15 year or 30 year Mortgage?

When you meet with a loan representative to secure financing after you've made a home purchase one of the questions you'll be asked is if you would like a 15 year term or a 30 year term. Time to make that decision.

At this point you need to consider your options. A 15 year term will likely give you a higher payment over a shorter time period, but a 30 year term will give you a lower payment with a longer time to pay it off.

Several things to consider are your job stability and your financial situation. Would you like to put more money into savings or a retirement or education account each month? The lower payment with a 30 year loan plus the tax deductions may make this a better choice.

If your job is stable and you don't see any changes in your future, this might be a good option and you will be paying less interest overall.

One other option if you want the lower payment but would still like to pay off your mortgage early, is to make biweekly payments rather than monthly payments. This alone will shave years off of your mortgage.

The bottom line, which is best for your budget and peace of mind?

Remodeling or updating your home in 2019?

Curb appeal continues to be the highest return on investment in the 2019 real estate market. Curb appeal and first impression are central to the real estate professional's estimation of resale value. A home's exterior will either encourage or discourage a potential buyer to look at your home. These impressions will set the stage for what a buyer is willing to pay for in your home.

The top five projects in 2019 according to Remodeling Magazine are:

1. Garage Door Replacement
2. Manufactured Stone Veneer
3. Mid-range Minor Kitchen Remodel
4. Wood Deck Addition
5. Siding Replacement

If your're interested in more information you can use this link Cost VS Value

New Lifestyle Vision Guide!

It’s time to create your 2019 lifestyle! Let your imagination run wild with my gift to you. Get a free Lifestyle Vision guide here.

Lifestyle Vision Guide 

Should I Sell My Home Now or Wait Until Spring?

Should I sell my home now or wait until spring? This is a common question among sellers. There are certainly advantages to selling now rather than waiting.

The Seattle housing market has been difficult for buyers for several years. There was so much competition for very few homes, that buyers got burned out. They were exhausted by making offers and not getting the house they had counted on. The market has changed and we're seeing more buyers in the market again. One of the differences with a more normal market, is buyers are taking longer to make a decision as well as having home inspections done and seeing more homes before they make an offer. This is to your advantage. Many of these buyers will wait until spring but many are tired of waiting and they want to buy a new home now. There is traditionally less competition for homes in the winter and buyers are ready to make that move.

Mortgage rates are also usually better in the winter. With record low rates for many years, we're seeing the interest rates start to rise and we do expect that trend to continue. Again, a strong reason to consider selling now.

One other important thing to remember is houses are bought and sold every day of the year. Good agents want to help you buy and sell in all seasons. This is a great time to sell and a great time to buy. Give me a call and I'd love to talk about it.

It's That Time Again!

Hey folks, it's that time again. yes, I'm talking about fall maintenance.

So what do you usually do when you get ready for fall and winter? Do you pick up your yard, put tools away trim trees?  Sometimes it can feel overwhelming and you don't really know where to start.

I found this great list from the National Realtors Association that will help me make plans and schedule my projects. I think my first project will be to check the chimney.  I do love a good fire for atmosphere and taking the chill off a room. What will your first chore be?

Staging Your For Sale Home

If you've been looking for a new home to buy, no doubt you've been in lots of homes already. Did you think about how you felt about the house when you walked in? Do you know why you liked or didn't like that home? Curb appeal is certainly a contributing factor but how about the furnishings.

A homeowner who is selling their home wants to appeal to as many people as they can. How can you do this in your home? The easiest way to help those potential buyers "move in" to your home is by removing your personal belongings. Help those buyers envision this house, as the perfect home for them, the one they've always wanted to lived in. You don't want to sell the house with your "lived in" look but instead, stage your home with neutral belongings. A staging professional will remove the clutter and create the sense of a warm, inviting atmosphere.

This is a good time to appeal to the emotions of a home and the neighborhood. Who will most likely buy your home? Is it a single person living in the city or is more likely to be a growing family? Maybe it will be a couple or friends so think about how your home fits into the neighborhood.

Fresh paint, designer furniture and accessories meant to appeal to the perfect buyer will enhance your homes appeal. This is a best reason to use a staging professional when you sell your home.

Remember that you can control the message your home displays to potential buyers. Make it the best that you can and let's chat about the benefits of using a staging professional.  ~ D. Lisa

Are you Thinking About Selling?

Are you thinking about selling your home? If and when you are, there are several things that will not help you sell your hme.

Don't over improve.
While you're sprucing up your home for sale you will make a greater return on your investment if you do make some changes like updating appliances or replacing broken cabinets in a bathroom. Remember to not over-improve however. Finishing a space to your taste with color or function will probably not bring bring the return that you're looking for.

Don't over decorate,
Choose neutral colors and schemes, to appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. Pink and lace may not make the impression that you would like.

Don't hang around.
You will want the buyers to imagine themselves living in the space so don't hang around when your home is getting shown to potential buyers. Leave and take the dog and the kids with you! You'll make buyers uncomfortable if they think you're watching and making judgements while they're in your home.

Don't take things personally. 
Remember that selling a home is personal for you but real estate is a business. Don't be offended when you get a low offer or the buyer asks for money to replace carpets.

If you would like to talk more about getting your home ready to sell, please give me a call or send me an email. I'd love to chat!

Fire Safety and Property Protection

At this time of year we usually don't have much rain and the ground and trees are dry. This increases the chance of fires. For the last couple of years, we also have been plagued with smokey skies and poor air quality. It's a reminder that we need to be vigilant and do what we can to protect our property.

One of the most important items on your checklist will be what wildfire protection experts call a "defensible space" in order to create the most protection that you can during this dry season. Brush and debris are a hazard at this time of year so using a zone system will help you create a safer place.

Zone 1

30 feet from any structure is the first zone of protection. Remove all dead vegetation, dry leaves and pine needles and remove any branches that hang over your roof.  Clean your gutters and have your trees pruned regularly to keep all branches at least 10 feet from other trees. Remember to clean under decks and keep foliage away from your house.

Zone 2

Within 100 feet of buildings, cut or mow the grass down to four inches or shorter. Remove fallen leaves, branches, cones and bark. On trees, remove branches at lease six feet from the ground.

Smoke Alarms

Make certain that all smoke alarms are in working order.

Fire Escape Route

Have an escape plan in place. Know how you're getting out and review plans with all family members including young children.

We all hope that we never have to deal with fire in our lives but being prepared, will make for the best possible outcome if we do have a fire. 

Who Lives in Seattle?

We have certainly seen many changes in Seattle in the past few years. The tech industry and growth of Amazon as well as many other companies  both tech and healthcare has created a population explosion and housing challenge for all of us here. Oh yes, and don't forget about the traffic problems.

The latest reports however show that Seattle is reaching some of it's density and transportation goals for downtown.

This infographic demonstrates how our commuters got downtown last year. This is certainly good news for other folks on the road as well as good news for the environment and downtown congestion.



Since 2010 downtown Seattle has added more than 60,000 new jobs.  We will certainly need more housing and will be grateful to have the new light rail links completed.

Here's to Seattle of the future!