Daylight Saving Time

Washington State is trying to join the states of Arizona and Hawaii and no longer observe daylight saving time. For many years, there have been other bills proposing the permanent switch to permanent standard time like we use in winter. If the law passes this time, it will go into effect on the first Sunday in November following the effective date of federal authorization. If congress does not authorize the revision, legislators are proposing that the state seek approval to change Washington to year around Mountain Standard time which would have the same effect.

Apparently studies show that about 400 lives are saved due to more light in the late afternoon hours when more people are up and out.

It is estimated that there would be 20% less crime because the preferred working hours for criminals would be reduced due an hour less of darkness.

It would improve the well being by avoiding disruption in schedules.

Opponents say they don't like the idea of children standing in the dark waiting for buses as the sun would rise at 9 am rather than 8 am.

If you count out the months however, we do spend 8 months of the year in daylight saving time and only 4 months in regular time.

 The federal Uniform Time Act followed in 1966, instituting a nationwide daylight saving time, but allowing states to opt out as long as the entire state (or the entire part of a state that’s in a given time zone) does so. That exemption allowance is what could let Washington and other West Coast states make this change.

What do you think, would you like to eliminate daylight saving time?

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 

Clock Hour Video Class!! Press and Record!

Guess what, I'm also now a licensed Real Estate Instructor and I'm teaching my first class about making a video on your phone December 6th from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.

Content will include best practices of shooting engaging video and also include helpful information such as editing video and types of video that you might shoot for your audience. I'll also talk about how to market your video.


It will be held at:

Windermere Wall Street office
2420 2nd Ave,
Seattle 98121.

Parking is available at 3rd and Wall (we'll give you a parking pass). Cost is $25 for 3 clock hours. You can pay at this link.

PAY FOR CLASS HERE.

I hope to see you there.

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.

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.

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?