Thinking About Moving?

Are you thinking about moving? According to this graphic there are three major reasons that people are moving. Maybe you're just plain tired of your present home. You don't want to really want to remodel and maybe the home you're living in just isn't suited to the kind of space that you want in a home. Moving seems to be the best choice here.

The second most commen reason for moving is increasing family size. I think it could also be that family size is reducing or certainly changing. Maybe you're thinking about a multi-generational home or having a baby. Maybe you're downsizing because the kids have all moved out. In any case, the household dynamics are changing.

And then we have the age old getting married or moving in with a partner. Very common scenario. All great reasons for moving.

Remember, I can help. I love to help my friends, family and clients through these transitions. Are you thinking about a change in your living space in 2018? Let's talk!

Live Love Own

Live, Love Own.. the Windermere Wall Street Group has a wonderful website.

On the live tab, you can learn more about the transportation, government, development and taxes in Seattle. On the Love tab there are things like food, pet resources, Seattle attractions, art, culture and sports. Under the Own tab there is a home search feature, information on schools, neighborhoods and neighborhood blogs. There are also tabs for informational blogs and reports on market conditions. We can't forget about the contact us feature with location information for our offices and an email contact form. Check it out today. Tell me what you think and let me know if I can help you with your real estate questions.

Do You Need a Handyman or a Specialist?

I often get asked for referrals for home maintenance. Sometimes it's obvious what the person is looking for. If it's an appliance I can recommend an appliance repair person. If it's a furnace an HVAC person. Sometimes however I need more information. I found this great chart on the HomeAdvisor website that gives a better understanding of the skills you're looking for when you do these projects.

Check it out, do you need a handyman or a specialist?

Seattle Real Estate Market

For those of you watching the Seattle real estate market, the increase in home prices is not a surprise. It's been in the news for many months and now has made notable headlines by being nearly double in increase of the next closet contender. Seattle is at +13.5% and Portland at +7.6% What are your thoughts? Is this good news or difficult news? I suppose it depends on if you're selling or buying a home or even just watching the property tax bill go up.  Let me know what you think.

If you want current information on what your home may be worth give me a call or get in touch. I'd love to have a conversation with you.

Home Tips, Selling and Buying

I just read an article that got me thinking about selling and buying. Now I think about these things each and every day as I'm actively helping buyers and sellers but this article made a couple of different observations.

One was that if you're thinking about buying home near the water, consider the recent natural disasters on the east coast and the south coast. FEMA flood map changes are aggressively expanding the flood zones, forcing owners to buy flood insurance for the first time and forcing others to pay thousands more annually. Some insurers are also imposing coverage caps so you might not recover as well as you thought.

Another thought for people selling homes in the future is to do an exterior photo shoot on your home this fall. You'll be able to show fall colors, flowers and things will look better than during the winter months if you take marketing photos now.

Also, remember that curb appeal can increase prices by 10% or more.  A few new plants, or native plantings can add that curb appeal easily and little expense.

Where is the Right Place to Live?

Looking for the perfect house in the perfect location can be a challenge. How do I decide where the right place to live is?

Let's start with making a list.

• Kid friendly
• pet friendly
• retiree destination
• walkability
• cultural experience
• outdoor activities 

You may have other items on your list as well.

Now it's time to visit and learn about this place.

• what are the challenges and issues this place is facing?
• what are the good things happening in this area?
• do nighttime visits look different than daytime visits? 
• are you willing to accept both the good and bad?

If you're thinking about relocating as well as finding the perfect house, don't make the move from just one vacation visit. Considering just the good and bad might not be the best solution either. How does the locations make you feel? Are the people friendly. Can you see yourself living and thriving there? Does it feel welcoming?

When you need more information or would like to talk about moving, please give me a call. I would love to help.

The Words We use

We all use common phrases and words when we talk with people but have you really stopped to think about what those words convey?

I recently read an article that made me re-think these phrases and words.

The first one that was mentioned was "no problem". It looks and sounds okay, but are you really being a bit resentful or is that implied?

The next word is one I hear from my kids all the time. "Whatever" It does annoy me but I've never stopped to consider that the reason it annoys me is the dismissal of my ideas. Do you really want a boss or co-worker to feel that way?

An then the saying, "It is what it is"  It really doesn't say too much about any thinking skills. No comment and a bit meaningless.

The ever present "Can't" is a no brainer as far as I'm concerned.  Not only is it negative but makes it sound as if you're not even willing to try to make an effort or maybe find another solution. 

What do you think Are there other words or phrases that don't really say what they mean?