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In the housing realm, luxury real estate has always been a beacon of elegance, comfort, and prestige. Seattle's luxury real estate market continues to flourish with an intriguing blend of exclusivity, quality, and sophistication. As the city expands, so does its repertoire of luxurious dwellings, each offering something uniquely captivating. This article offers an insider's perspective on this exciting and thriving market, shedding light on its allure, offerings, and future.&nbsp; The Appeal of Seattle's Luxury Real Estate&nbsp;Perched on the edge of the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is a city uniquely enveloped by natural beauty. The towering mountains, serene bodies of water, and lush green forests surrounding it form an enchanting backdrop for luxurious living. These natural features add to the city's visual appeal and enhance the value of its properties.&nbsp;But Seattle's charm extends beyond its physical landscape. The city boasts a thriving cultural scene filled with art galleries, museums, theater, and music venues, providing a plethora of entertainment for its residents. Furthermore, Seattle is a gastronomical haven with various fine dining establishments catering to every palate.&nbsp;The city's robust economy and job market also contribute to its allure. Seattle attracts professionals worldwide with a booming tech industry and several Fortune 500 companies. The promise of career opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle make it an attractive destination for potential luxury home buyers.&nbsp;Seattle's Luxury Real Estate Landscape&nbsp;A closer look at Seattle's luxury real estate market reveals an enticing tapestry of affluent neighborhoods, each with its distinct charm. Queen Anne, for instance, is known for its grand Victorian homes, historic mansions, and sweeping city views. The charm of Queen Anne lies in its seamless blend of old-world allure and modern luxury.&nbsp;Madison Park, another standout neighborhood, boasts opulent homes alongside Lake Washington, offering breathtaking water views. On the other hand, Laurelhurst is a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood known for its attractive collection of luxury homes and strong community feel.&nbsp;In Magnolia, you'll find a combination of luxurious homes and stunning views of Puget Sound. Here, the beauty of nature meets human architectural brilliance. Lastly, Capitol Hill, one of the <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-top-neighborhoods-in-seattle-for-first-time-homebuyers-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top neighborhoods in Seattle</a>, stands as a testament to architectural grandeur, showcasing a diverse range of luxury homes, from classic mansions to contemporary villas.&nbsp;The architectural styles in these neighborhoods are as varied as the neighborhoods themselves, ranging from modern minimalist designs to traditional Tudor, Craftsman, and Colonial styles. The market prices, reflecting the demand, have seen a steady upward trend, underscoring the continuing appeal of luxury living in Seattle.&nbsp;Insights Into The Seattle Luxury Home Buyers&nbsp;Delving deeper into the profile of a typical Seattle luxury home buyer, we find discerning individuals who value quality, aesthetics, and location. They seek homes that offer more than just comfortable living spaces. They desire residences that cater to their refined tastes and lifestyle preferences, properties that act as an extension of their identity.&nbsp;In response to these expectations, Seattle offers many high-end amenities ranging from designer boutiques and luxury brands to world-class spas and exclusive clubs. This means that when you own a home in Seattle, you're not just investing in property but a lifestyle that offers the best luxury living within a vibrant and dynamic city.&nbsp;Understanding Challenges in Seattle's Luxury Real Estate Market&nbsp;However, like any vibrant market, Seattle's luxury real estate market has its share of challenges. Potential buyers may face stiff competition, price fluctuations, and limited inventory, especially in sought-after neighborhoods. Navigating these obstacles requires astute decision-making, comprehensive market knowledge, and often the guidance of experienced real estate professionals.&nbsp;Moreover, it can be quite a complex process if you find yourself juggling<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/how-to-juggle-selling-your-seattle-home-and-moving-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> selling your Seattle home and moving</a> into a new one. Each step requires careful consideration, from timing the sale to deciding on the right pricing strategy and coordinating with various parties.&nbsp;Yet, moving to a new luxury home in Seattle isn't just about overcoming challenges. It's also about embracing an exciting change, experiencing a new neighborhood, meeting new people, and starting a new chapter of your life. Our friends at <a href="https://familyaffairmoving.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Family Affair Moving Orange County</a> recommend taking your move very seriously and researching beforehand. It's about welcoming a fresh perspective, indulging in a different lifestyle, and enjoying the unparalleled offerings of Seattle's luxury living.&nbsp;Future Trends of Seattle's Luxury Real Estate Market&nbsp;Looking toward the future, the emerging trends suggest that Seattle's luxury real estate market will continue to evolve and thrive. New luxury neighborhoods are surfacing, smart home technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent, and sustainability has taken center stage, with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances being sought after by luxury homebuyers.&nbsp;Given these trends, it appears that now is <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/why-now-is-the-perfect-time-to-buy-a-home-in-seattle-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the perfect time to buy a home in Seattle</a>. The city's continued economic growth and ongoing population influx indicate a promising future for those considering a luxury real estate investment.&nbsp;Conclusion&nbsp;Navigating Seattle's luxury real estate market can be an exhilarating journey, rich with opportunities and experiences. From understanding the multifaceted appeal of Seattle's luxury lifestyle to exploring the top neighborhoods and keeping a pulse on emerging market trends, each step brings you closer to finding your dream home.&nbsp;While challenges do exist, with the right approach and guidance, they can be surmounted. Amidst all this, one thing remains clear - Seattle's luxury real estate market continues to thrive, and for those considering a foray into this dynamic realm, there's never been a better time. After all, becoming part of Seattle's luxury real estate scene is not just about buying a property but investing in a uniquely Seattle lifestyle.&nbsp;

Exploring Seattle's Luxury Real Estate Market 

Seattle's real estate market has seen a significant surge in recent years, making it a great time to buy a home in the city. Many factors contribute to the current real estate situation in this city, and right now, it is the perfect time to buy a home in Seattle. This blog post will provide information to those planning to buy property in Seattle, focusing on why now is the perfect time to do so.&nbsp; Low-Interest Rates&nbsp;One of the main reasons why now is the perfect time to buy a home in Seattle is due to low-interest rates. Interest rates for a 30-year mortgage in Seattle are currently hovering around 3%, making it a favorable time for buyers to secure a mortgage. However, what&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/navigating-the-homebuying-process-from-pre-approval-to-closing-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many first-time homebuyers don’t know</a> is that the lower the interest rates, the more affordable the monthly mortgage payments. This means buyers can purchase a higher-priced home for the same monthly payment.&nbsp;Housing Inventory&nbsp;Another reason why now is the perfect time to buy a home in Seattle is the current housing inventory. The city's real estate market has seen an increase in the number of homes for sale, giving buyers a wide range of options to choose from. Moreover, the higher the inventory, the more choices buyers have and the more bargaining power they hold. Our friends over at&nbsp;<a href="https://royalmovingco.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Moving Company</a>&nbsp;advise new buyers to check out more options before making their decision to make sure their new house has optimal storage space and all the amenities they need.&nbsp;Strong Job Market&nbsp;Seattle has a robust and thriving job market, with several tech giants, including Amazon and Microsoft, headquartered in the city. Understandably, this has led to a steady influx of new residents moving to the area, increasing demand for housing. And with a strong job market and a growing population, the <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-current-state-of-the-seattle-housing-market-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">value of homes in Seatt</a>le is expected to continue to rise, making now the perfect time to buy a home in Seattle.&nbsp;Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods&nbsp;Seattle has several up-and-coming neighborhoods, making it an excellent time to buy a home in these areas. For example, neighborhoods such as Beacon Hill, Columbia City, and Rainier Beach have seen significant revitalization efforts in recent years. This means attracting new businesses, restaurants, and shops. So, buying a home in these areas now can provide significant returns on investment in the future.&nbsp;If you plan on moving to Seattle and hiring long distance movers, you can have&nbsp;<a href="https://royalmovingco.com/seattle/services/long-distance/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">skilled neighbors at your disposal</a> to help you relocate to your new home. But, with all these new up-and-coming neighborhoods, the movers are busier than ever, so get in touch with them on time!&nbsp;Home Value Appreciation&nbsp;Seattle's real estate market has seen significant appreciation in home values over the past few years. And great news! This trend is expected to continue. So, investing in a home now can provide significant returns on investment in the future. According to Zillow, the median home value in Seattle is $876,239, which is an increase of 12.5% over the past year. This trend is expected to continue, making it a great time to buy a home in Seattle.&nbsp;Lifestyle&nbsp;Seattle is a vibrant and thriving city, with many <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-top-neighborhoods-in-seattle-for-first-time-homebuyers-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">great neighborhoods</a> offering a high quality of life to its residents. With an abundance of outdoor activities, cultural institutions, and dining options, Seattle has something to offer everyone. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, Seattle is a city full of energy and opportunity.&nbsp;Real Estate Taxes&nbsp;Washington state has no income tax, making it an attractive destination for those looking to save money on taxes. The state also has lower property tax rates compared to many other states in the country, making it an excellent time to buy a home in Seattle.&nbsp;Remote Work&nbsp;The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shifted the way many businesses operate. Remote work has become the new norm for many professionals. This has opened up opportunities for people to move to cities they love, such as Seattle, without having to worry about commuting to work every day. Remote work has also increased the demand for homes with home offices, which can provide a dedicated space for work without the distractions of other household activities. Seattle, luckily, has many spacious homes to accommodate these new needs.&nbsp;New Construction&nbsp;Seattle is experiencing a construction boom, with several new housing developments and buildings under construction. This increase in new construction can provide buyers with a wide range of options. From modern high-rise condos to single-family homes with the latest amenities, the options are endless. Additionally, new construction can provide buyers with the opportunity to customize their homes to their liking. All of this makes now an excellent time to buy a home in Seattle.&nbsp;Strong Rental Market&nbsp;Seattle has a strong rental market, with a high demand for rental properties. This can be an excellent opportunity for buyers who may be hesitant about purchasing a home to invest in a rental property in Seattle. With a high demand for rental properties, buyers can expect a steady stream of rental income. This will, in turn, provide a return on their investment.&nbsp;Seattle Is Waiting for You!&nbsp;We hope this blog has helped you understand why now is the perfect time to buy a home in Seattle. With low-interest rates, a strong job market, increasing housing inventory, up-and-coming neighborhoods, home value appreciation, lifestyle, lower taxes, remote work, new construction, and a strong rental market, buyers have many reasons to invest in the city's real estate. If you're planning to buy a home in Seattle, be sure to do your research. Also, work with a knowledgeable real estate agent and take advantage of the current real estate situation in the city. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a home in one of the most vibrant and thriving cities in the United States.&nbsp;

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home in Seattle 

As young professionals with a family, buying our first homes is extremely exciting but can be overwhelming. Seattle is famous for its natural beauty, the bustling tech industry, and cultural attractions. Thus, it is a highly desirable place for families buying their first home. However, with so many options, it can be a challenge to determine which&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/best-seattle-neighborhoods-for-young-families-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">area is the best fit for you and your family</a>. For that reason, in today's post, we'll explore some of the top neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers and, hopefully, help you choose the best one for you. Read on!&nbsp; The ultimate list of top neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers&nbsp;Buying your first home in Seattle is an exciting milestone. And, with so many great areas out there, it can feel difficult to choose the perfect one. So, as you start your search, it's essential to consider different factors, like:&nbsp;<div><ul><li>proximity to work</li><li>schools</li><li>public transport</li><li>local amenities, and so on.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: start">Then, once you find the best fit, you'll need to start thinking about the logistics of the move itself. Again, reading reviews and comparing movers is crucial to&nbsp;<a href="https://consumeropinion.org/moving/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find the right long distance movers</a>&nbsp;for your Seattle relocation. Once you have a reliable moving company on your team, you can now focus on the excitement of settling into your new home and exploring your new neighborhood.&nbsp;Now, let's take a closer look at what's in the store regarding the best neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start"> </div><div style="text-align: start">Ballard&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Ballard&nbsp;is in northwest Seattle, a highly sought-after neighborhood for first-time homebuyers. With a population of approximately 17,000, this neighborhood has a strong community sense. Apart from that, it's also known for its charming streets lined with boutiques, shops, cafes, and restaurants.</div><div style="text-align: start">Moreover, Ballard is home to some of the top-rated schools in Seattle, which makes it an ideal neighborhood for families with children. Regarding housing, Ballard offers a mix of old and new homes ranging from single-family houses to condos and townhouses. And although housing prices can be higher, it's still relatively more affordable than in some other popular Seattle neighborhoods and the&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-current-state-of-the-seattle-housing-market-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current state of its housing market</a>.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start">West Seattle&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">West Seattle&nbsp;is located across the West Seattle Bridge and offers a more suburban feel compared to other neighborhoods in Seattle. However, with its beautiful parks, beaches, and stunning views of Puget Sound, this area is an excellent choice for families who wish to enjoy outdoor activities. In addition, it has a year-round farmers market and numerous festivals, which ensures a lot of fun for the whole family.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Furthermore, this neighborhood offers excellent schools, a pro for families with children. Regarding housing options, they also range from single-family houses to townhouses and condos, with a mix of older and newer homes.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start"> </div><div style="text-align: start">Beacon Hill is one of the top neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Beacon Hill&nbsp;is just south of downtown Seattle and offers a diverse and multicultural community. With a mixture of historic and newer homes, Beacon Hill has relatively more affordable housing options than other neighborhoods.</div><div style="text-align: start">In addition, you'll be glad to know that it's home to high-quality schools if you have kids that age. Overall, Beacon Hill represents a one-of-a-kind mixture of a supportive community with a rich history, a vibrant cultural scene, and reasonable housing prices.?&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">Fremont&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">In the north-central part of Seattle,&nbsp;Fremont&nbsp;is a quirky and trendy neighborhood best known for its eclectic mix of music, art, and nightlife. In addition, its downtown area is vibrant, filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars. Thus, compared to previously mentioned neighborhoods, Fremont offers a lively urban experience for first-time homebuyers.The housing options here range from modern condos and townhouses to historic single-family homes. The housing prices in this neighborhood are slightly higher compared to other areas.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"> </div><div style="text-align: start">Green Lake&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Green Lake&nbsp;is a popular neighborhood that is north of downtown Seattle. With its beautiful park and lake (that is green, you guessed right), this neighborhood offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as:&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"><div><ul><li>jogging</li><li>boating</li><li>cycling</li><li>walking and running</li></ul></div><div>Furthermore, Green Lake offers top-notch schools for the little ones in your family. In terms of housing, the same&nbsp;applies as in Fremont. Finally, this community provides an urban feel, even though it's outside the city.&nbsp; </div></div><div style="text-align: start">Queen Anne&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Another one on the list of the top neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers is the famous&nbsp;Queen Anne&nbsp;neighborhood. This area is considered to be an excellent option for families. There are numerous playgrounds, parks, and activity options, like Seattle Children's Museum.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">This neighborhood got its name from its architectural style, called Queen Anne. The facades have an asymmetrical style, portrayed in asymmetrical facades, roofs, spindlework, chimneys, etc.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"><div>The Queen Anne area is divided into four main areas:&nbsp;</div><div><ul><li>East</li><li>West&nbsp;</li><li>North&nbsp;</li><li>Lower Queen Anne</li></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: start">And although the housing prices are on the higher side here, this neighborhood makes it up with its amenities and overall feel. Ultimately, North Queen Anne is home to Seattle Pacific University.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start">Capitol Hill&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Ultimately, suppose you're interested in historic homes, great offers of restaurants and cafes, street parties, as well as farmers' markets. In that case,&nbsp;Capitol Hill&nbsp;is where you should start your&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/navigating-the-homebuying-process-from-pre-approval-to-closing-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">homebuying process</a>. Apart from being named one of the best hipster neighborhoods in the US, it's good to know that it's a walkable area, has a wide offer of great coffee shops, and is extremely LGBTQ+ friendly.&nbsp;To truly enjoy your new area, check out the Japanese Garden, cool bars and restaurants, the Washington Park Arboretum, and the Capitol Hill block party in July. So, if you're looking for a friendly community with lots of activity opportunities for your family, this could be the right one for you.&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start"> </div><div style="text-align: start">Final thoughts on the top neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">By considering these top neighborhoods in Seattle for first-time homebuyers and digging deeper into the ones you like, you can find the one that caters to your needs and preferences. And, whether you're looking for a good school district, amenities, or safety and affordability, be sure Seattle will have something to offer you.&nbsp;</div>

The Top Neighborhoods in Seattle for First-Time Homebuyers 

Buying a home as-is is generally considered a pretty risky decision. This is because a buyer essentially agrees to&nbsp;buy a home in its current state. This leaves you open to quite a few possible issues. For example, if a problem shows up between viewing the house and buying it, it’s on you to fix it. So, a home that looks perfectly fine can end up being a money and time sink. You need to know the challenges of buying an as-is home and how to deal with them. If you know what to avoid and what you can compromise on, you can get a good deal. So, to help out, we’ve put together a list of challenges to look out for and how to deal with them.&nbsp;You can’t guarantee the condition won’t worsen&nbsp;As we already mentioned, one of the biggest challenges of buying an as-is home in Seattle is that problems&nbsp;might appear during the buying process. This is a risk because the problem can be as minor as a leak or as severe as structural damage. As such, knowing how to recognize problems when going on a walkthrough of a home is vital. If you know which issues are already present, you can predict what might happen. If you spot a leak, you know that there's a&nbsp;risk of water damage showing up before&nbsp;buying the home. So, avoid properties that can lead to expensive problems, and weigh up risks. And when it comes to fixing up the house, try to avoid mistakes in design. Bathroom design mistakes are the most common, so carefully plan the remodels before going through them.&nbsp;Calculating costs can be difficult&nbsp;One of the most common reasons to buy a home as-is is because they’re often much cheaper than other properties in the area. However, it would be best to consider the cost&nbsp;of repairing the house, which can be somewhat tricky. As we already mentioned, problems tend to pop up during the buying process, which makes budgeting problematic. Additionally, it can be challenging to take in the full scope of a problem from just a walkthrough. You might miss some issues or underestimate how expensive the repairs are. The best way to deal with this is to <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/what-should-a-home-inspection-in-seattle-include-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hire a professional home inspector</a> so you can know the exact problem. And when it comes to renovating the home, remember to make room for everything. Especially if you’re downsizing, it’s essential to arrange the storage space in your home in a way that allows you to store all of your belongings.&nbsp;You might be unable to live in the home until the repairs are done&nbsp;Another of the biggest challenges of buying an as-is home is that you might have to find a place to stay until the repairs are done. For example, if the home's plumbing&nbsp;or electrical systems are unusable, living in the house isn’t an option. So, remember to plan and have a place to stay while the repairs are ongoing. If staying in your old home is an option, you likely won’t have too many problems. Otherwise, you might have to rent an apartment or stay in a hotel for a while. If you are coming to Seattle from another state, <a href="https://mod-movers.com/monterey/interstate-movers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">finding a helpful moving team</a> can be a lifesaver. Many Californians decide to leave the state and settle in Washington, so be sure to research moving companies and find the one that works for you.&nbsp;You will likely have to replace appliances&nbsp;Before buying a home, you need to consider appliances, and when it comes to as-is homes, they usually need to be replaced. This?adds further costs to make the home livable and is&nbsp;something many forget to consider. So, when checking out the house, check&nbsp;if the appliances are old or even functional. You will either have to budget for new devices or look for a different home if they're not. If you need to buy appliances, <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-pros-and-cons-of-buying-a-fixer-upper-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fixing up an as-is home</a> can break the bank. Of course, if this is an option, you can always plan to bring in the appliances from your old home. Regardless, it's essential to consider the devices when considering an as-is home, as this often sneaks up on people buying as-is homes.&nbsp;Work with experts whenever possible&nbsp;At the end of the day, weighing up the risks of buying an as-is home in Seattle is easier with help. So, consider <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/connect-with-an-agent" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">working with a real estate agent</a> and professional home inspector throughout the process. If you find a potential home, contact a contractor and ask about price estimates for repairs and renovations. Since planning ahead is very important, getting these accurate estimates is vital. And if you’re unsure about a home, an expert can advise you whether or not the risk is worth taking or not. In addition to a realtor and home inspector, working with an attorney is also a good idea. They can point out any possible legal issues with the home through a title search. And, if they do find a problem with the property, you’re better off simply looking elsewhere.&nbsp;Biggest challenges of buying an as-is home – wrap up&nbsp;All in all, as-is homes can be very risky to buy. Because of the uncertainty when it comes to the problems present in the homes or how much it would take to fix the home up, planning ahead is very difficult. Working with experts and being careful can help you weigh up the pros and cons of a specific property. But, at the end of the day, there is no be-all-end-all solution to buying a home as-is, so remember to always be careful when considering one. We hope that this list of the biggest challenges of buying an as-is home helps you out, and we wish you a good day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Biggest Challenges of Buying an As-Is Home 

While preparing your home for sale can be difficult, selling your Seattle home and moving at the same time can be a lot more challenging. Numerous variables can prevent you from closing the deal fast. And, in the real estate world, time is of the essence.&nbsp;No matter what approach you take to balance the sale and the relocation, certain risks are always involved. These include:&nbsp;<ul><li>The risk of your previous home being on the market for too long&nbsp;</li><li>The financial loss associated with the need to <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/selling-in-10-easy-steps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sell the property as quickly as possible</a>&nbsp;</li><li>The next purchase being contingent on the sale of your current house&nbsp;</li></ul>Furthermore, upon successful closure, you will need to move out. This means that you must look at potential housing solutions beforehand to ensure you don't end up homeless once the deal is finalized. Renting is an option; however, having already been a homeowner, there's a high chance you would want the deed in your name once again.&nbsp;With that in mind, is there a way to juggle between selling your Seattle home and moving? And more importantly, do it simultaneously without losing your mind? The answer is a big YES! The following steps will help you achieve precisely that.&nbsp;Save time by offering your property to cash buyers&nbsp;All things have their buyers, and properties are no exception. If you are short on time and would like to skip the whole ''putting the house on the market'' part, you could look for a cash buyer. Finding one has never been easier, as you could potentially do it online from the comfort of your bed. Of course, if you decide to take up the offer, bear in mind that the final amount will be no match to the one you would get through a standard listing. Nonetheless, if you value time more than money, this could prove to be a wise decision.&nbsp;Deal with home selling and moving preparations early on&nbsp;The earlier you begin preparing, the faster your house will be ready to sell and the sooner you can make the move. Based on recent reports, the average time it takes for a property to sell is three weeks after putting up the listing. But don't wait to enlist your home to tackle repairs, cleaning, and staging. All of these are incredibly time-consuming and could potentially require the help of professionals. Professionals who may be incapable of adapting to your schedule and must, instead, be booked several days or weeks in advance.&nbsp;When selling your Seattle home and moving, it's not only home improvements that you may need assistance with. Instead of doing everything yourself, <a href="https://homegrownmoving.com/why-hire-movers-even-if-moving-locally/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">allow reputable experts to lead the process</a>&nbsp;of packing fragile items, handling transport, or providing temporary storage. Professional movers can be helpful even if you are moving only locally.&nbsp;Don't overestimate the value of the property&nbsp;The real estate trends are to blame for the speed and price at which your property sells. Figuring out the worth of your home?is extremely challenging without experienced real estate agents guiding you through the process. They can cross-analyze several similar listings to determine the right asking price for the deal to finalize rapidly.&nbsp;To yield results in a <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-current-state-of-the-seattle-housing-market-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">market that favors buyers</a>, you could be required to offer your property for a sum that's significantly lower than that of competitors. And while some people think that setting the initial cost high will bring more profit, the latter isn't true. As a matter of fact, an overly expensive listing is bound to remain on the market for a while. The longer it stays there, the lower the chance of it ever selling.&nbsp;Don't make rash decisions regarding the purchase of a new home&nbsp;The key is to take it slow. You are in no way obligated to purchase the next property right after selling your Seattle home. Instead, use the time between selling and buying to explore different neighborhoods. You can't possibly know if the first one you've stumbled upon will be the right fit, so try several of them before you decide to settle. In the meantime, rent an apartment or a house. Opt for a month-to-month basis rather than committing to a long-term lease. Doing so will allow you to leave the premises on short notice without worrying about legal consequences.&nbsp;It's worth mentioning that buying while selling is possible, but it isn't particularly advisable. Unless you have sufficient funds for a cash payment, that is. Chances are you don't, which means you would probably need to take out an additional mortgage to fund the undertaking. Paying for one loan takes a tremendous load on your finances, let alone paying for two! Not to mention you would have a hard time securing a second mortgage without a high credit score and a bank account in good standing. With that said, waiting for the sale of your current home to go through is a much better option.&nbsp;Seek out reliable real estate agents to handle both selling and purchasing&nbsp;If you've set your mind on purchasing housing while selling the old property, you'll need the help of <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/sell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reputable real estate agents</a>. The best agents are capable of closing deals quickly while ensuring greater profits. They are also notorious for introducing buyers to the ''best value for money'' kind of listings.&nbsp;Final words&nbsp;Selling your Seattle home and moving out of it comes with a set of difficulties. If we consider the financial and emotional tolls that relocation takes on us, the process may very well be one of the most challenging experiences you've faced so far. Still, with the right approach and the right people, finalizing the sale and relocating will surely turn from troublesome into bearable.&nbsp;

How to Juggle Selling Your Seattle Home and Moving 

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, purchasing a home can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. The process of purchasing a home can seem overwhelming, but it can be simplified with the right information. From pre-approval to closing, there are a number of steps and considerations to keep in mind. By knowing these, you can make well-informed decisions and sidestep typical pitfalls. In this post, we'll give you all the information you need for navigating the homebuying process so that you can start building a life in your new home.&nbsp; Pre-approval&nbsp;The pre-approval process is an essential step for anyone <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">looking to purchase a home</a>. This process covers a few things. Most importantly, it determines how much of a loan you qualify for. You have to know this so that you can shop for homes in the price range that are manageable for your budget. Pre-approval also gives both parties involved in the transaction - buyer and seller - an added layer of security. In order to get pre-approved, you will need to provide the lender documents such as pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and other investments.&nbsp;If you have these things in hand before you plan to shop, the process will go more quickly. Additionally, with pre-approval, negotiations will move faster because you will be able to secure everything in advance. That being said, It is important not to wait until after house hunting to get pre-approved. This is because waiting could create delays and confusion - thus risking the chance of not getting approved at all.&nbsp; House Hunting&nbsp;As soon as you have enough money saved for a down payment and have calculated how much you can spend on a house, you should begin your search. Finding out as much as possible about houses in your area is a good idea, whether you're working with a real estate agent or going at it alone. You may narrow down your search by researching various communities' prices, crime statistics, and proximity to surrounding schools. <a href="https://www.hansenbros.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hansen Bros. Moving &amp; Storage</a> Seattle experts also recommend getting in contact with local moving experts to get their two cents about the neighborhoods you are interested in. Home Inspection&nbsp;Getting a <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/what-should-a-home-inspection-in-seattle-include-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home inspection before purchasing a house</a> is vitally important for potential homeowners. A home inspector will perform a detailed examination of the entire property, looking for defects and potential problems. The inspector will typically examine the structure of the building, plumbing systems, electrical systems, and any necessary certifications like smoke detectors or CO/carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, during an inspection, you should look for areas that would require future maintenance in order to prevent additional costs.&nbsp;By identifying these areas in advance, you may be able to address the issue before closing. Additionally, you may be able to make adjustments to the pricing of the home. That being said, home inspections are not always necessary when purchasing a house. However, we recommend that you do them as they can greatly reduce risks if you are unsure about what condition the property is in. With so much riding on this process, getting an objective opinion from an experienced home inspector is essential to <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/7-ways-to-know-youve-found-your-ideal-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make sure have found the ideal home</a> you have been looking for.&nbsp; Financing&nbsp;One of the most important aspects of navigating the homebuying process is financing. This process can seem confusing, but understanding the basics can make it much easier to navigate. There are three main types of mortgages available:&nbsp;<div><ul><li>Fixed-rate mortgage&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: start"><div><ul><li>Adjustable-rate mortgage&nbsp;</li><li>Jumbo loan mortgages&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div>Understanding the differences between them is crucial in choosing the best option for you. When it comes to getting the best deal on a mortgage, it is vital to compare rates and terms from different lenders,?as this means you're in a better position to get the most suitable terms?for your needs at the best possible rate. Paying attention to all these details is necessary in order to find the right financing solution for you and ensure that your dreams of home ownership become a reality.&nbsp; </div><div>Closing Time&nbsp;</div><div>If everything checks out during the inspection period, you'll be ready to go onto the last phase of the home-buying process: closing. During closing, you'll sign a mountain of paperwork attesting to your understanding of and agreement with the findings of the home's appraisal and title search, among other things. In addition to finalizing the mortgage loan, you'll set up a house insurance coverage. After this, all you have to do is move in.&nbsp; </div></div><div style="text-align: start">Moving In&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">To make sure that your move-in experience is smooth, you should create a timeline with deadlines for when you need to complete specific tasks before and after the move. This timeline should include packing all your belongings, organizing a moving truck, and finding professional movers in Seattle. Additionally, this should include any complicated moving projects. For instance, <a href="https://www.hansenbros.com/piano-mover/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts can move your piano</a> or any other antique items needing special attention. After you have moved in, there are still more tasks to complete. For example, setting up utilities, such as electricity and water services, is essential.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Finally, to maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle in your new home, remember to schedule regular maintenance. Cleaning carpets, replacing air filters on a regular basis so that dust doesn't accumulate in your home's breathing space, and keeping outdoor areas free of debris are just a few of the ways experts recommend staying on top of keeping things tidy and comfortable while you settle into your fabulous new home!&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start">Conclusion&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Finally, navigating the homebuying process may be difficult, but, as you can see, it's not impossible. That said, it's crucial to be meticulous and precise throughout the whole process, from obtaining pre-approval to signing the final paperwork. Preparation, effective communication with your real estate agent and other specialists, and attention to detail can all contribute to a successful home-buying experience. If you follow these guidelines and take care of your new home, you will reap the benefits of homeownership and the satisfaction of making a house a home.&nbsp;</div>

Navigating the Homebuying Process: From Pre-Approval to Closing 

Making a well-informed decision is crucial when making such a significant financial commitment as buying a home. Furthermore, a thorough home inspection is a vital part of buying a home. An inspection report will detail the state of the home and point out any issues that need fixing. This article will examine what you should be on the lookout for during a home inspection in Seattle.&nbsp;Roof and exterior&nbsp;When protecting a home from the natural elements, nothing is more important than the roof and exterior. A professional inspector will examine the roof's condition during a home inspection. Checking for missing or broken shingles or tiles is also a part of the process. The gutters, downspouts, and fascia of the house will have to pass a check to ensure they are in good operating order and do not pose any threat to the house's exterior.&nbsp;The inspector will check the walls, windows, doors, and siding of the house. Decks, patios, and other outside features will be inspected for signs of wear and tear, like cracks, rot, and warping. With <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-current-state-of-the-seattle-housing-market-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the current state of the Seattle housing market</a>, you want to get the best house as fast as possible. Just be sure that you do your inspection well so that you won't regret it later on.&nbsp;Foundation and structure&nbsp;In order to ensure the safety and security of a property, a home inspector will pay special attention to the foundation and structural components. The inspector will check for cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings and signs of foundation settlement or movement. This entails inspecting for breaks, warping, or any other signs of potential weakness.&nbsp;The basement or crawl space will also be inspected for signs of moisture, mold, or other environmental problems. Beams, joists, and other structural components will also be inspected to ensure they are in good shape and are not weakening the house. Since your house won't last long without a good foundation, <a href="https://triple7movers.com/precautionary-measures-to-take-before-buying-a-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">make the necessary checks</a> before you buy the house. Checking the foundation thoroughly is one of the essential preventive measures to take before buying a house.&nbsp;Plumbing and electrical systems&nbsp;The plumbing and electrical systems in a home are essential to the building's smooth running and safety. During a home inspection in Seattle, the inspector will evaluate the functioning of these systems and look for any signs of damage, such as leaks. They'll check the wiring and switches throughout the home and the electrical panel to ensure everything is safe and up to code.&nbsp;Furthermore, the inspector will also evaluate the water pressure and the water heater's condition. All ducts, vents, and radiators will be checked to ensure they are in good operating order and undamaged. Checking these parts is considered one of the most critical <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/what-are-the-steps-in-the-home-buying-process-part-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">steps in the home-buying process</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Appliances and safety features&nbsp;Appliances like refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, and even washers and dryers are often part of the purchase price of a home. At the time of a home inspection, the inspector will look over these things to make sure they are in tip-top shape and ready to go. Wear and tear indicators like rust or other signs of age that may indicate the appliances need to be replaced soon will also be examined.&nbsp;The inspector will also assess safety features, including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. They will look for trip hazards, sharp edges, and other potential dangers to ensure that these fixtures are in good working order and up to code.&nbsp;Building code compliance and environmental concerns&nbsp;A home inspector will also assess whether or not the house complies with local and national construction codes. While also looking for things like faulty wiring or leaking faucets. The inspector will also check for environmental hazards, including lead paint and asbestos. Seattle is a coastal city. Therefore, its residents are especially concerned about the effects of humidity, mildew, and pests. An inspector will watch out for these issues and give you a heads-up if any adjustments are needed.&nbsp;For this reason, experts at <a href="http://triple7movers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">triple7movers.com</a> advise looking into a professional inspector from Seattle. However, it's also best for you to inform yourself about the environmental conditions and weather in the area you plan to buy a house. So be sure to check these important details before buying a house.&nbsp;The importance of a thorough home inspection in Seattle&nbsp;As you can see, before buying a house, it's essential to have a thorough inspection performed so you know exactly what kind of shape it's in. The results of the inspection can help you decide whether to move forward with the acquisition as-is or to attempt to negotiate better terms for sale.&nbsp;You can learn more about your home's systems and components and ask any questions you have during a home inspection. It's a great chance to find out how everything in the house functions. And also what sort of maintenance is required and how long the various parts will endure. Since there are a lot of good <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/best-seattle-neighborhoods-for-young-families-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle neighborhoods for young families to settle</a> in, there will also be a lot of competition. So you want to get your house fast, but not to the detriment of quality. That's why always be sure to do a good home inspection in Seattle beforehand.&nbsp;&nbsp;In conclusion&nbsp;A home inspection in Seattle should cover the inside and outside. This also includes plumbing, electricity, appliances, safety features, and building codes and regulations. If you hire a professional inspector to check out a potential house purchase, you'll be more equipped to make an informed decision.&nbsp;

What Should a Home Inspection in Seattle Include 

Whether you’re a real estate investor or just someone looking for a new home, fixer-uppers can be tempting. However, before you commit to one of these properties, you must know their risks. A fixer-upper property may seem like an incredible deal, but it can quickly turn into a bad idea. That is because of several factors that are very hard to predict. So, before deciding whether the property is worth it, you should know the exact pros and cons. And, of course, the decision is ultimately up to you, but remember to consider everything. To help you make the decision, we put together a list of the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper, and we hope you find it informative.&nbsp;Pro: the initial cost is typically much lower&nbsp;One of the main reasons people get tempted into buying a fixer-upper property is the purchase cost. Because these properties are typically in bad condition, they cost much less than other properties in the area. That draws in potential buyers and investors, and it’s an excellent reason to buy one of these properties. On the investing side, it can mean pulling a crazy amount of profit out of one property. On the other hand, homebuyers can be tempted to buy a house in a good neighborhood for a low price. So, the initial cost is one of the main selling points of fixer-uppers. However, buyers should still be aware of <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/hidden-fees-to-be-aware-of-when-purchasing-a-home-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hidden fees</a> involved in buying a property. Especially when aiming to buy a property because of how cheap it is, getting slapped with hidden fees can be surprising.&nbsp;Pro: there’s a lot less competition&nbsp;Another great thing about buying a fixer-upper is the lack of competition. After all, not many people want to buy properties they need to work on. Most people nowadays want to buy move-in ready homes, which fixer-uppers decidedly aren’t. So, when buying one of these properties, you don’t have to worry about bidding wars. Additionally, there isn’t as much pressure when offering the property. Of course, you still shouldn’t lowball your offer, as the seller might deny it anyway. But, because there is much less competition, negotiating the price is generally easier. However, you should <a href="https://peakservices.com/blog/home-improvement-hazards-you-should-avoid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">be aware of some dangers</a> of working on fixer-uppers. Safety should always be a priority, especially when working on home improvements. Unless you’re careful and take the necessary precautions, it’s very easy to get injured. So, take your time and make sure you’re doing everything safely.&nbsp;Pro: you choose where the money goes&nbsp;When working on a fixer-upper, you choose exactly where the money goes regarding improvements. That allows you to work on the parts of the home that matter most to you. For example, if you want to ensure the bathroom is extra comfortable, you can focus on that. Or maybe you want a home office or a nice kitchen. Whatever your preference is, you are entirely in control of home improvements, so you can make them happen. That is the main reason homebuyers are attracted to fixer-upper properties. However, it’s essential to know how to <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/6-ways-to-spot-a-home-with-potential-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spot potential</a> in a property, especially when looking at fixer-uppers. More for real estate investors, but knowing how to spot a property with the potential to be very valuable is quite valuable. So, take your time and watch for excellent properties.&nbsp;Con: you never know what issues you might find&nbsp;One of the most significant risks of fixer-uppers is issues you can’t spot immediately. For example, you might rip up your new project’s flooring to find asbestos in the subfloor. That then leads to an entirely new, expensive, and hazardous problem. A common issue people encounter is finding rot in the beams while replacing drywall. So, in truth, you can never know what sorts of issues you will run into while working on a fixer-upper. That is how a potentially good investment gets turned onto its head and becomes a time and money sink. However, you can save it if you <a href="https://peakservices.com/blog/7-tips-to-renovating-your-balcony/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">add value to the exterior</a> and interior. Renovating a balcony, for example, is a great way to do this. Homes with lovely interiors are typically much more valuable than homes without them.&nbsp;Con: plan to go over budget on the project&nbsp;It’s a sad truth that most fixer-uppers go over budget. According to real estate stats, 4 out of 10 fixer-uppers end up going over budget. As we already mentioned, that is because you usually run into issues you didn’t know were present. As such, you should have a very large budget for the project before deciding to commit to it. Finding the money to fuel this project can be somewhat tricky. Taking on leans is risky, but it’s an option. Just remember that you should only use credit cards for minor fixes. And, of course, only work with professionals regarding renovations. If you spend a lot of money anyway, you might as well ensure everything is done correctly. Also, you should know the difference between a <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/the-difference-between-home-warranty--home-insurance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home warranty and home insurance</a>, no matter what property you decide to buy.&nbsp;The pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper – wrap up&nbsp;Investing in a fixer-upper property is a risky endeavor at the best of times. As such, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of doing this before deciding to commit to it. Yes, the profit potential is there, but there’s also quite a risk involved. And according to the stats, the odds aren’t in your favor when it comes to these kinds of properties. We hope this list of the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper you decide, and we wish you a good day.&nbsp;

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper 

Whether you are interested in the housing market of Seattle as a home buyer or potential investor, it is natural to want to understand its condition before dipping your feet in its waters. So, what is the current state of the Seattle housing market like?&nbsp; Number of homes on the market&nbsp;During this past year, we've noticed a definite increase in the number of homes on the market. During 2021, the housing market inventory in Seattle was rather anemic. Finding the desired property, or any property at all, was difficult. This all changed in 2022 when we saw a sudden and overwhelming surge in inventory. It was much easier to <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/6-ways-to-spot-a-home-with-potential-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spot a home with potential</a> simply because of the vast array of them on offer. Now, what's even more interesting is that while 'inventory' is still considerable, the 'supply' of homes in the Seattle housing market is slowly drying up. After all, the number of new homes on the market is low, and there are few projects that are actively increasing it. Meaning that if the current situation persists, we will eventually encounter a problem with 'inventory' again as well. Still, that's pretty far off.&nbsp;&nbsp;The waiting game&nbsp;The state of the Seattle housing market was such that when there were few homes on it, they would be snatched up almost immediately. A house's average time on the market back in 2021 was around a week. Now, however, things have changed. The average waiting time for your home to sell is now closer to a month. This shows buyers are now much more discerning and taking the time necessary to organize everything properly. After all, if you are moving from California to Washington and hiring interstate movers, you want a <a href="https://www.losangelestransfer.com/services/interstate-moving/california-to-washington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">crew you can depend on</a>. And that's just one aspect of the moving and home-buying process. Naturally, this has negatively affected sellers looking to get an influx of cash quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;The price changes&nbsp;While the inventory has gone up and the waiting times have gotten longer, the average housing prices have actually gotten bigger. This is because the buyers are keener than ever on getting their hands on the 'best' properties on the market. Now, this is not to say that the prices are at an all-time high. Due to the pandemic, the state of the Seattle housing market has suffered considerably. Rent and home value had briefly dipped to levels threatening both the sellers and commercial housing investors. Since then, the prices have been climbing again, but they are still not 'ridiculously' high and are, in fact, quite affordable.&nbsp;&nbsp;A slower market&nbsp;If everything we've described so far hasn't made it obvious, then let us be direct: The current Seattle housing market is very 'slow'. Neither sellers nor buyers can expect to walk away quickly with a completed transaction. Sellers, because buyers are trying to find the perfect property at the right price. Buyers, because there is a lot more inventory on offer, want to ensure they've done their due research. This isn't necessarily bad since it gives both parties enough time to properly prepare and align everything to their advantage. But it can get a bit frustrating if it is in your best interest to finalize things quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;Harder sales&nbsp;At the end of the day, the sellers suffer the most from the situation we just described. This is because they need to have a competitive property to make it on the market and get the best price possible. It is no longer a question of <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/should-you-renovate-your-house-before-selling-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">whether you should renovate</a> your house before selling. Now, if you actually want to make a sale at all, you have to do it. While they will always appeal to a part of the market, Fixer-uppers are definitely not as huge as they used to be. A discerning buyer now much prefers a home that's ready for a move immediately after the purchase. This might, in part, be due to how long it takes to finalize a sale, to begin with. But it is also because people simply do not want to personally invest in renovation anymore.&nbsp;&nbsp;The matters of mortgage&nbsp;Unfortunately, while the Seattle housing market is generally tending towards being buyer-oriented, one aspect of the experience definitely isn't. If you are looking to get a mortgage, you will find that interest rates continue to increase. Naturally, this makes <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">looking for a new home</a> on a budget much more difficult. Since this is a direct consequence of inflation and an attempt to combat it, we can't hope that things will change anytime soon. As such, short of being able to make a home purchase outright, the best option would be to buy sooner rather than later.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Viability of commercial investment&nbsp;The final question concerning the current state of the Seattle housing market is whether investing in it is still worth it. And the answer, as things stand, is yes! If you want to work on flipping properties, the current scenario, where the good properties are valued very highly and the less desirable ones are not, is perfect for you. Of course, you need to carefully juggle your investment with your potential profits. But it is still possible to earn money from it. On the other hand, investing in commercial properties to rent them is only growing in profitability. New and old businesses alike still require proper facilities to function, and if you pick out the right investment, you stand to profit greatly.&nbsp;&nbsp;The present and the potential of the market&nbsp;As you can tell, the current state of the Seattle housing market is, paradoxically, both promising and worrying. The influx of new 'supply' is currently lacking, and the average buyer's experience is initially rough due to mortgage concerns and positive due to the massive inventory currently available. At present, if you have the money for it, making a purchase will be both easy and satisfying. But the sellers are not having as much fun, and some dark clouds are on the horizon.&nbsp;

The Current State of the Seattle Housing Market 

Being the owner of any real estate property, residential or commercial, can be a great investment opportunity. Becoming a landlord is a great way to have an extra stream of revenue. And in most cases owning commercial real estate will generate more profit in the long term. However, certain things, like the fact that there’s a higher risk when investing in commercial real estate, can scare people off. For some people, even the little things that are technically considered “extra work” are enough to turn them away from commercial real estate investing. For example, just like in residential real estate, as a commercial investor, you’ll have to <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/top-10-real-estate-terms-to-know" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">learn a lot of new terms</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp; Doing your best to understand why this type of investment would/wouldn’t be for you is a great way to ensure that you’re making the right investment decisions for your situation.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is commercial real estate?&nbsp; Before we talk about why you should or shouldn’t be investing, let’s first explain what commercial real estate properties are. Here’s a short list of what kind of property this term usually refers to:&nbsp;<div>1. retail buildings,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"><div>2. office buildings,&nbsp;</div><div>3. warehouses,&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: start"><div>4. industrial buildings,&nbsp;</div><div>5. apartment buildings.&nbsp; Of course, there is always variation and nuances. But, these reasons for and against commercial real estate investing refer to all types.&nbsp; </div><div>&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: start">Reasons why you should invest in commercial real estate&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start"> The extra income&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">The first and most common reason people invest in this type of real estate property is the higher income rate. Commercial real estate properties generally bring double the return off the purchase price than residential properties do annually. However, this does depend on many external factors. But, in general, if your goal with investing in rental real estate is to get as much revenue as possible, this investment is definitely for you.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Your relationship with your tenants will be more professional&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">Unlike residential rental properties, the relationship between the landlord and the tenant in commercial properties is much more professional. Any business owner renting your property would probably approach you with a business-to-business relationship. Suppose the thought of getting to know your tenants and making closer interpersonal relationships with them seems unappealing. In that case, investing in a commercial rental space is the right choice for you.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Your tenants are a lot more motivated to keep the place looking good&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">Most residential tenants will do their best to properly maintain your property. However, when your tenant is a business, they are more interested in having the place look good. For example, if you’re renting to a small business owner, who has a store in the property you’re renting out, they’ll want to maintain it as well as possible to attract more customers.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">In this scenario, you and your tenants have aligned interests. You will get something out of place, looking excellent and well-maintained.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">No sudden midnight calls&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">If you decide to own residential real estate, you can expect at least a few midnights calls over the years. Whether it’s because the tenant needs something fixed or they got locked out of their home and need your key. On the other hand, if you invest in commercial real estate, the business you rent to has set work hours. That means that you work the same hours as they do. Of course, you’re not totally off the hook. If a disastrous event such as a fire breaks out, you will probably have to get out of bed and do something about it. But those are rarer than the all too common “I forgot my keys” call.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">More security on your side&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">If you own residential rental property, your tenants will not be OK with you putting in cameras. However, as the landlord of a business’s rental space, you’ll probably be encouraged to add as many security features as possible. That means the risk of break-ins and other security breaches is much lower when you own commercial property. If you find security very important, then commercial real estate investing is more your speed.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Reasons why commercial real estate investing might not be for you&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">It can be a lot more work&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">Simply put, when you own commercial spaces, you have much more to manage, from dealing with annual CAM adjustments to handling multiple leases, maintenance issues, and public safety concerns. A piece of great advice from experts from <a href="http://a2bmovingandstorage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a2bmovingandstorage.com</a> is to have professional relationships with local moving and storage services. This way, if any of your tenants decide to close up shop. You already know whom to call to make sure they are moved out, and the space is clear for a new renter as soon as possible.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">If you want to be a commercial real estate owner, there’s no way for you to be an abstinent landlord. It’s a way more hands-on experience. So if that seems unpleasant, this investment is not suitable for you.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">You’ll likely always have to hire help when it comes to maintenance&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">Because of all the regulations in place for commercial properties and public spaces, unless you’re licensed, you’ll probably have to hire help regarding any maintenance issue. When you own residential real estate, you may get away with fixing a leaking pipe by yourself. But with commercial spaces, this option flies out the window.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">You can always outsource property management by employing a property management company. However, you should do all the calculations needed to see whether you would better handle everything by yourself or hand over some of your revenue to a management company.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">It’s a much more expensive investment at first&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;Buying a commercial property is a much larger investment upfront. There is much more money to spend, and getting your foot in the door may be challenging. Your general goal with this is that the profit you make from renting will outweigh the money you need for maintenance and investment. You can always get in touch with an experienced agent to help you figure out what the best course of action would be. Just make sure <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/About-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">that you know their story</a> and that they are reputable. They can help you properly account for everything and ensure you won’t lose any money.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">As you can see, there’s much to consider when deciding if commercial real estate investing is right for you. However, with enough preparation, calculations, and guts, you might turn quite a profit and get a new great source of revenue. Of course, you should always ensure you <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have a trusted real estate professional</a> when looking for commercial properties to invest in.&nbsp;</div>

Is Commercial Real Estate Investing Right for You? 

Seattle has long been an attractive location for all sorts of residents, especially the ones looking for a place to raise a family. The Emerald City is often one of the most family-friendly cities in the country due to the safety, affordability, and plethora of family-friendly activities you can do with your little ones. However, choosing the best location for your new home is often very challenging, as there are multiple factors to consider—the proximity to your work, reputable schools, overall safety and accessibility, and more. However, specific neighborhoods make the search a lot easier for you. Here are the best Seattle neighborhoods for young families – and some extra tips on choosing the one that works best for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;How family-friendly is SeattleSurrounded by beautiful nature, Seattle is a beautiful city that attracts many families. It’s often ranked high in However, if you’re still wondering if this is the right city for you, here are some reasons why Seattle is great for young families:&nbsp;<div><ul><li>Walkability – many family-friendly attractions are within walking distance, and the city is pretty easy to get around;&nbsp;</li><li>Seattle has high-quality education and childcare institutions, and that’s one of the main reasons why it’s always ranked high in lists of cities great to raise a child;&nbsp;</li><li>It’s the city of great outdoors – families love the fact that Seattle is surrounded by amazing nature, giving many opportunities for outdoor activities and an active lifestyle;&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: start"><div><ul><li>There’s no income state tax – Seattle makes a rather affordable city to live in, which is another special factor for families with kids;&nbsp;</li><li>It’s safe – safety is important to residents of Seattle, so you can expect low crime rates and an overall safe environment for little ones;&nbsp;</li><li>Great job opportunities – parents don’t need to worry about supporting their family. Seattle has plenty of career opportunities in different industries, so finding a job after the move won’t be an issue.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div>Seattle is a beautiful city where you’ll be able to provide your kids with a lovely childhood. The best part is – there are some great family-friendly <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/seattle-neighborhoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neighborhoods to choose from</a>, and here’s the selection of the best ones.&nbsp;</div><div>Where to move to in Seattle with your loved ones&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: start">You’ll now see the best choices when it comes to safe, family-friendly areas of Seattle. Consider each of them but narrow the list according to your personal preferences and needs. Pick a neighborhood that fits your family’s lifestyle and your needs, as well as your budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Madrona&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">A neighborhood that seems to have it all. You can choose among different architecture-style homes located in safe streets kids can play in. Madrona is one of the favorite areas of the city for families with kids, and there are a couple of reasons for it. Even though it’s a rather small neighborhood, Madrona includes many amenities, top-rated schools, and local businesses. Finally, living in Madrona ensures you’ve got the see the most beautiful view of lake Washington whenever you want! Parents love taking their kids to Madrona Park, but also the Madrona playground and a cute Alvin Larkins Park nearby – there are plenty of locations to go out without even leaving the neighborhood.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Queen Anne&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Another amazing neighborhood for families with kids boasts high safety levels and beautiful homes with lush yards. Queen Anne is a historic neighborhood that’s often considered a very luxurious part of the city. However, don’t expect prices that are much higher than in other parts of the city. The family also loves this place because of its convenient location and proximity to great schools. It’s also one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Seattle, which brings a special charm to the area that distinguishes it from other parts of the city.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Greenwood&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">This lovely neighborhood is often considered one of the best areas in Washington state. It provides its residents with a small-town feel but at the same time includes everything they need. Ten schools, many restaurants and cafes, safe streets with sidewalks, and homes of different prices and sizes. You can easily <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/search" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">choose a property according to your budget</a> and needs and make this great neighborhood your new home.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Ballard&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Ballard is surely one of the best Seattle neighborhoods for young families. It’s a highly walkable area where you can easily go out with a stroller or grab your toddler by the hand and take a walk together. People love it because of plenty of outdoor options, as you can both have a stroll along the coast and through the woodlands. The neighborhood consists mostly of single-family homes that are <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/how-to-cope-after-losing-the-bidding-war-on-your-dream-home-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">always in high demand</a>. So, if you plan on getting a property, make sure you’re ready for the purchase when a great property comes up, so you can act fast.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Make sure you move to Seattle safely&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Choosing the right neighborhood is just one step in the process. When you decide to make Washington your home, you need to plan this adventure carefully to make it as safe as possible. Finding a home can also be challenging if you don’t have a local expert by your side. Rely on the knowledge and experience of a local agent to help you find the best value for your money and a home that perfectly corresponds to your family’s needs. Also, when it comes to moving to Washington from another state, always ensure you’ve got <a href="https://bestcrosscountrymovers.com/" alt="reliable help for this." class="on">reliable help for this</a>. Research moving teams that specialize in interstate moving and have a lot of positive customers. Do online research and support it with recommendations you get from family and friends to make sure you trust the best team.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Final words&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">There are some great Seattle neighborhoods for young families – but only one is the right one for you. That’s why try to visit each of these and walk around to see if that’s the place you want to raise your family. Take a stroll, talk to the locals, and include your family in this decision – after carefully considering all the factors, you’ll be able to pick the best place to make your new home. And one thing is for sure – Seattle welcomes you with open arms!&nbsp;</div>

Best Seattle Neighborhoods for Young Families 

Losing the bidding war on your dream home is a lousy way to go – it can be disappointing! However, there are ways to cope with losing out on a home and keep moving forward with your search for real estate. Take a look at a few ways that can help you cope after losing the bidding war on your dream house.&nbsp; Keep a level head&nbsp;You might not be able to&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/buying" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">buy your dream home</a>&nbsp;at the moment, but that's not a reason to get frustrated. It's essential not to take it personally – it's just a house! Not everything in life works out, and there will be other homes for you. If you allow yourself to get wrapped up in this one house,&nbsp;it could affect how you view your future home search process.&nbsp;Nothing is worse than being emotionally invested in something that isn't meant for us. It would only make our lives more difficult if we tried forcing ourselves into something that wasn't right for us.&nbsp;Focus on the process&nbsp;The most important thing you can do after losing the bidding war is to focus on what went well – and how to improve for your next attempt at home ownership. Think about what you learned from this experience that will help you in future bids. It may be something new about yourself, such as that your family isn't ready yet or that it's time to upsize and move into a bigger house.&nbsp;If you have another dream home in mind, think back over all of your research: What did you learn from touring each property? Which were better than expected? Which were worse than expected? What could make them better (or worse) next time?&nbsp;Look for a new dream home&nbsp;When you find yourself in the position of having to move, it can be hard on your heart. You may have loved the home you lost out on, but now your search is on again – and this time, it's not as simple as finding a place that fits your budget and has all the right amenities. If you're looking for a <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new home in Seattle</a> after losing out on one that was perfect for you, keep the following things in mind.&nbsp;Be realistic about what features are important to you&nbsp;Don't set yourself up for disappointment by insisting that every new house has to have an open floor plan or a fireplace when those elements aren't even at the top of your list. Think about what's most important: location, parking, or a yard? Make sure these things are present in any new home before making an offer or signing papers with another real estate agent.&nbsp;Look for houses within your price range&nbsp;As tempting as it may be to try to get into something more excellent than last time because "you can afford it now," don't go overboard! It's easy enough when buying something more significant or newer will allow more space without affecting rent prices too much. However, buying something more expensive than necessary could put undue stress on your credit card debt and student loans.&nbsp;Re-evaluate your needs and budget&nbsp;Once you've gotten over the initial disappointment of losing the bidding war on your dream home, take some time to re-evaluate your needs and budget. It's important to focus on what you can afford instead of getting caught up in the excitement of a bidding war. Before buying a home, keep in mind that you might need to set some money aside for <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/hidden-fees-to-be-aware-of-when-purchasing-a-home-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">additional fees</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;If it was a matter of money, maybe other properties within your price range would be more suitable for your family. Or perhaps looking at foreclosures or short sales will give you more choices with similar price tags. Either way, don’t rush into anything – there may be another opportunity coming soon!&nbsp;Don’t let your emotions get the best of you&nbsp;If you have been in the market for a new home and have been outbid on your dream home, don't let your emotions get the best of you.&nbsp;Don't take it personally, and don't let it get you down. And most importantly, don't let it stop you from looking for a new home!&nbsp;If you feel frustrated or angry about losing the bidding war, try to remind yourself that this isn't personal. Your competition is likely going through the same things as well. And they&nbsp;just got lucky enough to win this particular house at&nbsp;this specific time. That doesn't mean they're better than anyone else: They could offer more money than everyone else combined at that moment (or maybe their agent had an extra coupon code).&nbsp;Use this experience to be more prepared for the next home you buy&nbsp;You can take this experience to be more prepared for the next home you buy. You’ll have a better understanding of what you want in a house and will be able to do your research better before putting in an offer on another one. Once you find the one you like, all you need to do is find Seattle movers who will help with your inventory. With help from <a href="https://verifiedmovers.com/top-movers-in-seattle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the right team in the area</a>, you will enjoy living in your new home in no time!&nbsp;While it might seem like every other house on the market is out of reach, that doesn't mean there isn't something else out there that's perfect for you. The process can get discouraging at times, but don’t let it get too emotional – it'll only make things worse! Just focus on what you can learn from it and move on to your next dream home experience.&nbsp;Conclusion&nbsp;After losing the bidding war on your dream home, try not to despair. You can still buy a home that's right for your family and budget, even if it isn't exactly what you were hoping for. Remember that this experience is an important one for future homeowners because it will help you learn about how to be more prepared for the next time around!&nbsp;

How to Cope after Losing the Bidding War on Your Dream Home 

When looking for a new home, you want to make sure you are making the right purchase. However, doing this can be very difficult, especially since smart sellers make it even more complicated by trying to cover up the bad and heighten the appeal of good features in their homes. Nevertheless, there are six ways to spot a home with potential reliably!A nice floor plan&nbsp;To spot a home with potential, the first thing you need to look at is its floor plan. There are lots of different&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/10-best-roi-home-improvement-projects" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">guaranteed return-on-investment home improvement projects</a>. But there’s very little you can do when it comes to changing a floor plan. Not without investing far too much money, at least. The best you could do is knock down a couple of walls before things get prohibitively expensive. Of course, the definition of a good floor plan fluctuates from person to person. Some prefer an open floor plan, while others like to have as many individual rooms as possible. What it really depends on is whether or not the floor plan would mesh well with your family’s needs. If it does, you can go ahead and consider the house an excellent potential purchase!&nbsp;An ideal location&nbsp; If it’s hard to do anything about a floor plan, then it’s impossible to do anything about the house’s location. If you settle down in an inconvenient part of the city, you’ll be stuck living there for a while. It might not seem like much of a downside at first. After all, a single person or a young couple would not have it too rough even if they travel a bit further for shopping or to go to work. However, consider what will happen once you have kids or if you already have them. Commuting to school could be difficult or even dangerous. Similarly, if you don’t own a car, you want to ensure there is an easily reached bus station or other public transport means. To&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">find your dream home</a>, selecting a good location is crucial.&nbsp;Solid foundations&nbsp;The next way to spot a potential home is to assess the house’s state. One way to do this is to inquire about its age. Older homes tend to have more issues than newer ones, but know this is not an ironclad rule. Of course, the best thing to do, especially if you are buying your first home and&nbsp;<a href="https://usmovingexperts.com/buying-first-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">if you lack experience</a>, is to hire professional home inspectors. They can accurately tell you whether the house would require renovation and whether it would be a minor or major investment to get it back into good condition. Even if a home has been lived in and it isn’t a fixer-upper, it is still possible for it to have hidden problems even from the previous owners. Of course, a thorough inspection would reveal most, if not all, of them.&nbsp;A good neighborhood&nbsp;Another thing you can have very little control over are your neighbors. If you purchase a house next to obnoxiously loud people, or people with particularly loud pets, your life can become significantly harder. This is why you should always ask probing questions about the neighborhood when trying to spot a home with potential. If you like a property, you should definitely go out of your way to talk to a few of the neighbors. They might reveal problems with the neighborhood to you, or you might spot troublesome neighbors yourself during the chats. Of course, another thing to check is whether the district is considered ‘safe.’ Areas with high crime rates are definitely not where you want to start a life and raise a family. Thankfully, this isn’t that hard to research, and you can even try to consult with local authorities on the subject.&nbsp;Size considerations&nbsp;One more thing to take into account is the size of the property. And we do mean the whole property. When viewing it, you will consider whether the house is large enough for you and your family. However, many people discard the importance of having a decently sized yard. Having extra space outside of your home is extremely useful. You can start a garden, make an area where you can relax and while away your time, or even build a playground for your kids. Alternatively, you can always consider building expansions for your home. This would admittedly be an expensive project, but it could be the perfect choice for you under the right circumstances. Whatever you decide to do with the space, it is obviously better to have it and do nothing with it than to not have options.&nbsp;Property history&nbsp;One of the last ways to spot a home with potential would be to check its history. Now, we don’t actually mean its purchase or ownership history. Instead, this refers to the building’s history of repairs, remodels, and renovations. This is because such data often reveals crucial clues about the house. For example, if the previous owners were frequently forced to do renovations caused by water damage in the attic, bathroom, or basement, you can guarantee that you will have to do it, too. This pattern can point to the fact that water is seeping through the walls or that the city or even just the neighborhood have high humidity, which causes issues. You do not want such a home since you’ll need to worry about&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/home-maintenance-checklist-for-fall-in-the-pacific-northwest" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">home maintenance checklists for fall</a>&nbsp;and other seasons anyway! Do not make your job more complex when you don’t have to.&nbsp;Final comment&nbsp;By properly utilizing the six ways to spot a home with potential, you will find the ideal property for your family. At the end of the day, it all comes down to trying to look past decorations, furniture, and even, to an extent, the current state of maintenance. If a house has a good location, an undamaged foundation, and even the other features we’ve listed out, then a minor renovation investment is not too big a deal.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

6 Ways to Spot a Home with Potential 

In order to keep your home safe and comfortable all throughout fall and winter, there is some prep work that needs to be done. To help you cover it all, here is a home maintenance checklist for fall in the Pacific Northwest!&nbsp; Inspect your roof&nbsp;While the home maintenance checklist for fall in the Pacific Northwest is not as complex as in colder areas of the US, one step must absolutely not be skipped: roof inspection. Your roof is the crucial barrier between you and whatever nasty weather is out there, which means that any issues with it directly translate into having that same weather invading your home. Having slush or water in your attic is less than fun. And the repair costs of something like that far outweigh the cost of having an inspection done! You do not want to&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">achieve your real estate goals</a>&nbsp;and get your ideal home to sink a ton of money on repairs. It is much better to make timely investments and get professionals to find any leaks and other issues and then fix them before they can grow into something worse.&nbsp; Clean out your gutters&nbsp;Maintaining your gutters is almost as important. They divert runoff from directly pouring down the sides of your home. This, in turn, protects its integrity and ensures it stays in top condition longer. Without working gutters, you might soon find water has begun seeping into your walls. And the subsequent battle with mold might force you to look into self-storage West Seattle to find <a href="https://www.portabox.com/storage-services/west-seattle-self-storage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">safe place for your items</a>. Note that neglecting your gutters can also have other harmful effects. Clogged and dirty gutters become a perfect breeding ground for an infestation. You might also have to deal with some rather nasty insects or animals. In other words, there is a definite reason why gutter cleaning made it onto our home maintenance checklist for fall in the Pacific Northwest, and you should never neglect them!&nbsp;&nbsp;Handle your heating system&nbsp;Now, there are several different ways you can warm your home up. There’s the city heating system, having your own private furnace and heating system, as well as just relying on ACs working full throttle. Whatever option you end up choosing, your heating system will need some maintenance before fall comes around. If you have one, your chimney and fireplace need to be cleared out and checked over. You might need to release air from your radiator vents to ensure proper circling of hot water in the system. And, in the case of using ACs, you need to replace filters, clean their inner workings, and just check they’re still working properly. Staying warm is, after all, one of the most important things during fall and winter. So, you don’t want your heating system to fail you due to your own laziness!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trim tree branches&nbsp;If you have a yard with trees near your home, then an essential part of your home maintenance checklist for fall is trimming them. Temperatures rarely get truly extreme in the Pacific Northwest. However, we do still get plenty of strong winds! If trees near your home and their branches brush against your roof or windows, the winds might whip the branches against them. This can easily cause damage you’d need to scramble to fix in hostile weather. This is a crucial point to remember among &nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/things-to-know-before-buying-a-vacation-home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">things to know before buying a vacation home</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;since those are not often used and can stay damaged for months. By the time you’d come around to check on the property, the insides of your home would be in very poor shape!&nbsp;&nbsp;Ensure there’s no draft&nbsp;You don’t want something directly working against your efforts when trying to warm up your home. The presence of drafts does just that. When you don’t have windows or doors open, drafts are caused by the warping of window and door frames, letting outside air slip into your home. This is not just bad for your health and comfort, either. As the experts from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portabox.com" alt="PortaBox Storage" class="on">PortaBox Storage</a>&nbsp;like to point out, there are plenty of items that are temperature sensitive. Instruments, paintings, and other precious belongings can easily get damaged by these extreme shifts in temperature caused by drafts clashing with warm inside air. Be it for the sake of yourself or your stuff, get any trouble spots that let drafts occur fixed!&nbsp;&nbsp;Check on your winter kit&nbsp;You will need a couple of things to do maintenance during fall and winter. A trusty shovel. A solid ladder. Mini heaters if you need to do something outside or, in the worst case scenario, unfreeze your car door, etc. And you need to ensure all these things are in working condition before you need them! They will help you keep your home safe, and you won’t need to&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/should-you-renovate-your-house-before-selling-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">renovate your house before selling</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;due to poor maintenance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Air out your home&nbsp;The final task on our home maintenance checklist for fall in the Pacific Northwest is ensuring your home is aired. Both fall and later winter, as mild as they can be in the Pacific Northwest, are accompanied by unpleasant weather. Meaning that you likely won’t have many chances to leave your windows and balcony doors open. This implies that your home will be rather stuffy during these months. Homes, however, need to ‘breathe’ too. Airing them out ensures it’s much harder for mold and other negative developments to occur. It also helps eliminate dust and foul air, which makes it much more comfortable to spend time inside. Both for the ‘health’ of your home and yourself, it is only wise to make sure your home has one final chance to cleanse itself of stuffiness before the seasons it’ll spend near entirely shuttered.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following our home maintenance checklist for fall in the Pacific Northwest, you will be able to finish all the crucial prep work before fall comes around. Just remember, the work you put in will later keep you comfortable!&nbsp;

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall in the Pacific Northwest

Selling a house is an overwhelming and exciting process. When the time comes for an open house, it gets even more exciting. This is your moment, the opportunity to wow the potential buyers. You may have a little anxiety about how it will all turn out, and that's alright. If you want to know how to do an open house right, sit comfortably and let us let you in on some carefully guarded realtors' secrets.&nbsp;Make it Spotless&nbsp;For you as a seller, the open house doesn't begin on the day that says on the poster. It starts weeks before that. The first thing you want to watch out for is not leaving the mess and clutter to wait for the last minute. In fact, it's best to start preparing for it the minute you set a date for an open house. The first thing buyers will notice is how clean your home is. Make sure to keep your cleaning game strong, so you don't have to stress right before the big day. Also, try using some of the <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/10-best-roi-home-improvement-projects" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">best ROI home improvement projects</a>&nbsp;in your advance.&nbsp;Start by decluttering&nbsp;The thing about the clutter is - it can make a person feel like they're intruding on your personal space. For example, if many of your favorite books lay around in the home office, potential buyers will have a hard time imagining themselves in that space. Cluttering is like marking your territory and making it appear smaller. A lot of stuff everywhere can visually shrink your property, and you don't want that. For an open house, you want to open potential purchasers to all the possibilities your home has. So, decluttering is a pretty good idea to start with. What's good about it is - you don't have to torture yourself a day before an open house; you can do it little by little every day.&nbsp;Also, decluttering is good in the long run for you. Once you sell and decide to move far away, you won't have to bother with all the clutter that's built up over the years. If you decide on long distance move, moving&nbsp;<a href="https://bestlongdistancemovers.com/washington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">experts are there for you</a>&nbsp;to help you on the whole journey.Put all your good cleaning products to work&nbsp;Since your house will be decluttered by the day before the big day, you'll be able to focus on making everything shine. This is the time to bring out your spring cleaning kind of game. Use the best products you've got. Tidy, vacuum, and clean every millimeter you own, indoors and outdoors, equally. Make sure your windows are spotless. If you have glass doors, make them so clean that it becomes hard not to walk through them. A cleaned house will make a great impression on the buyers. And, for the bonus brownie point, make sure to speak to their subconscious by using beautifully scented products and some final touches of pleasing smells after cleaning.Make all the little adjustments&nbsp;After you clean thoroughly, it's time for a look around. Does your desk need a fresh coat of finishing shine? Do your doors have some of the paint scratched? Whatever you see wrong - try to make it right. Repair the broken chair, fix the lock on the doors, etc. <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/should-you-renovate-your-house-before-selling-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Renovate</a> your home and make sure everything is spot on and ready to impress potential future owners.&nbsp;Put some thought into staging&nbsp;Staging is undoubtedly an essential part of selling the property. It can help you sell faster and for a better price when done right. Overlooking the importance of staging is one of&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/common-open-house-mistakes-seattle-sellers-make" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the common mistakes</a>&nbsp;sellers make. But, it's not just a task you'll do through a mainstream tutorial you see in a real estate magazine. If you want to do it right, you need to put some thought into it. Take all the advice you saw and think about what will work best for your property. Try staging in a way that will highlight its best qualities and hide its not-so-great features.&nbsp;Make your curb appeal stand out&nbsp; The majority of sellers don't realize how potent curb appeal can be. It's important to make sure the front of your property looks inviting as well. So, clean up the front garden and prune any hedges that are there. If the front door is looking a bit worse for wear, you may want to give some thought to repainting it with a new coat of paint.&nbsp;Promotion is essential if you want to do an open house right&nbsp;If you want to sell, you need to ensure that people are aware of your next open house. In addition to promoting your open house online, <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/8-reasons-to-hire-an-agent-when-selling-your-home-in-seattle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ask your real estate agent</a> to develop a brochure that can be sent to prospective purchasers and that can be handed out on the day of the open house. Your real estate agent should also advertise your open house:&nbsp;<div><ul><li>In the property listing on their website&nbsp;</li><li>In their branch&nbsp;</li><li>In local media</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: start"><div>Talk to them to contact everyone on their list who is interested in purchasing a home similar to yours and urge them to come to the open house. Also, your friends could help in an old-fashioned way. They could spread the word on coffees and their job, wherever they get to chance to bring up the fact that you are selling a beautiful home. Having extensive promotion is enormously important for the success of the whole process.&nbsp; </div></div><div style="text-align: start">When to do it?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">The last thing you want to do if you want to do an open house right is - pick the right time. Every good realtor will suggest Saturday, considering it's when almost everyone can make it, and no one is preparing for an exhausting work week ahead. The perfect timing and setting up everything prior to it will get you on the road to success. Play your cards right, and at the end of it will await the sweet taste of good and prosperous sale. Good luck!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"> </div>

How to Do an Open House Right 

Should you renovate your house before selling? Well, unfortunately, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question! And, why? Because it depends on many factors. For instance, it depends mostly on your home's and the market's conditions. Then, it also depends on whether you want to sell it fast or whether you want to sell it for the highest price possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you do decide to relocate your home before selling, you will have to be ready to invest a lot of time, energy, money, and nerves into it! And, you will have to be prepared to do a lot of research to see what renovations will bring the most bang for your buck.&nbsp;&nbsp;Finding out the answer to this question is difficult, but it is far from impossible! Especially as you have us to help you out. So, keep reading to help yourself find answers to some of your 'selling' questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;What Renovations Are Worth Doing?Without a doubt, if you want to sell your house fast and for the best price possible, you should make it look its best. Sometimes, that means renovating. But, what renovations are worth doing? That is, what renovations will get your money's worth?&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the real estate specialists or the <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/8-reasons-to-hire-an-agent-when-selling-your-home-in-seattle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate agent you hired to help you sell your home</a>, the only renovations worth doing are the small ones! For instance, you should fix the following:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<div><ul><li>Leaking faucets, showers, toilets&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Repainting the interior&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Fix cracks and scratches on the walls and floors&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Fix loose tiles and floorboards&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Reapply tile grout&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">It is all about the details! Be sure that making these small and inexpensive changes will make a lot of difference when the time comes to welcome potential buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start">What Renovations Are an Absolute Must?</div><div style="text-align: start">The previously mentioned small renovations are something you should do to show that you care about the house you are selling. They are something every buyer will appreciate. But, at the end of the day, they are not a must - they are just your goodwill.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"><div>However, some renovations are an absolute must. If you don't do them, well, the chances of you selling your house are relatively low. Those are things such as:&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><ul><li>Leaking roof&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Bowing walls&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Pest infestations&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: start"><div><ul><li>Structural cracks&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Homes with these problems are not safe to live in. And because of that, buyers will not even consider them. Thus, do your best to fix all the severe issues your house has before putting it on the market. But, don't do this by yourself - it can be pretty dangerous! Instead, hire a home inspector and then a contractor!&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div></div><div> Moreover, it is also worth mentioning that, when selling your house, you need to look at your neighbors&nbsp;and their homes. When buying a house, buyers will look for homes that fit the neighborhood's&nbsp;description. For instance, if the whole area is into sustainable living, your home must also be a part of that. Thus, find some <a href="https://www.getmovedtoday.com/simple-and-sustainable-home-improvement-ideas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eco-friendly ideas to follow</a> if you want to consider sustainable home improvement ideas when renovating.&nbsp;&nbsp; </div></div><div style="text-align: start"><div>What Doesn't Need to Be Renovated?</div><div>Now that you know what needs to be renovated let us tell you what doesn't. This list is a lot longer. And, it is longer for a good reason - most house renovations will not bring back your money or help you sell your house faster. So, avoid doing the following:&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><ul><li>Renovating the entire kitchen&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Renovating all the bathrooms&nbsp;</li></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: start"><div><ul><li>Adding an extra bathroom&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Custom-made furniture&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>Making the master bedroom deluxe&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>Some areas of the house are better left unfinished! Just think about it - you can spend $10,000 on renovating your kitchen, just for the future buyer to tell you that it doesn't suit their style. Buyers will most likely redecorate everything once they move in, so there is no point in you making expensive upgrades. So, if you were wondering <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/what-to-do-with-an-unfinished-basement" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">what to do with your unfinished basement</a> - the answer is NOTHING. Leave it undone. Leave it to buyers to do whatever they want, and leave it to them to add their own personal touches.&nbsp; </div></div><div style="text-align: start">Details Count!?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">As previously mentioned - it is all about the small details. But, this time, we are not talking about making minor and essential upgrades. This time, we are talking about details that will show all the potential buyers how loved your house is.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">Whether you should renovate your house before selling is debatable, as you have seen by now. But, doing things such as thoroughly cleaning each and every corner of your home, decluttering and organizing everything, staging, etc., is never debatable. Believe it or not - making your house presentable with cleaning, decluttering, and staging can increase its overall value by up to 9%. So, don't make <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/articles/my-dumbest-real-estate-move" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the dumbest real estate move</a> and not do this before listing your home.&nbsp;&nbsp; </div><div style="text-align: start">Can You Sell a House As-Is?</div><div style="text-align: start">As you have seen, in some cases, it is better to renovate your house before selling, and in some, it's not. Ultimately, it all comes down to what is truly important when <a href="https://seattlehouses.com/sell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selling your home</a> and why you're doing it. At the end of the day, know that if you don't have enough time, energy, and money to devote to renovations, it is okay not to do them.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start"></div><div style="text-align: start">If you are in a hurry, that is, if you want to sell your house fast, you can always sell it as-is. But, don't expect to get the highest price possible for it. Investors or potential buyers will want to negotiate the price, so be prepared for that.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: start">If you are still unsure whether you should renovate your house before selling, consider talking to a home inspector or, even better, a local real estate agent. This kind of agent knows your market well and will be able to advise you on what is worth changing and what is not.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>

Should You Renovate Your House Before Selling 

If you are thinking about purchasing a place where you'll go to relax and recharge, you must consider many crucial factors. A vacation home is not only a place where you go to spend some time in peace with your family and friends. It's also a worthy investment. Therefore, it's necessary to&nbsp;consider all critical matters before buying a vacation home. This guide will help you make the best buying decision that will benefit you in the long run.&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-start" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: auto; width: 1px;"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-origin=",20" alt="" data-proportion="true" data-size="1px,20px" data-align="start" data-file-name="yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" data-file-size="0" origin-size="1,1" style="width: 1px; height: 20px;" data-index="0"></figure></div> <div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-start" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: auto; width: 485px;"><img src="https://20514715.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20514715/undefined.png" alt="pastedGraphic.png" data-origin="485," data-proportion="true" data-size="485px,301px" data-align="start" data-file-name="undefined.png" data-file-size="0" origin-size="451,301" style="width: 485px; height: 301px;" data-index="1"></figure></div> &nbsp;There are many things to consider before buying a vacation home&nbsp;The location of your vacation home is crucial&nbsp;Do you dream about a movie-like vacation home tucked in the mountains or beside the beach?&nbsp;As much as these locations seem appealing, they aren't as convenient in reality. If it takes you hours to drive to your vacation home, rest assured you'll soon grow bored of it. Your vacation home doesn't have to be that far to be close to natural areas. That's why it's good to&nbsp;explore the locations&nbsp;and find the best one. Use this checklist to help you determine if the location is ideal for your future vacation place:&nbsp;<ul><li>Community</li><li>Proximity to the grocery store</li><li>Safety&nbsp;</li><li>Distance from your home</li><li>Proximity to the nature</li></ul> Make sure your home follows your aesthetics&nbsp;&nbsp;When a space where you are resting follows your lifestyle, it's much easier to enjoy it. However, try to make your vacation home different from your actual home. Opt for a more neutral color scheme that includes beige, taupe, light gray, wood, or other neutral colors. You can also add a touch of your favorite bright colors to spice up the place. Just make sure not to overdo it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Opt for comfy furniture in complementary colors. Comfort is everything when it comes to vacation houses. Add just enough souvenirs and pictures. Generally,&nbsp;a slightly minimalistic approach is highly recommended when furnishing vacation homes.&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-start" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: auto; width: 451px;"><img src="https://20514715.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20514715/undefined-2.png" alt="pastedGraphic_1.png" data-origin="," data-proportion="true" data-size="451px,301px" data-align="start" data-file-name="undefined-2.png" data-file-size="0" origin-size="451,301" style="width: 451px; height: 301px;" data-index="2"></figure></div> Make your vacation home pleasant&nbsp;Home improvements will be necessary at some point&nbsp;Your new vacation place won’t be as picturesque as in the beginning. Roof repairs, changing floors, doors, windows, etc., will be required when necessary. If you want to have a pleasant time in your new home, be ready to spend extra money on future&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/_hcms/analytics/search/conversion?redirect=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zZWF0dGxlaG91c2VzLmNvbS9ibG9nL3RoZS1iZXN0LXJlbnRhbC11cGdyYWRlcw%253D%253D&amp;ct=SEARCH&amp;pid=20514715&amp;cid=75382984571&amp;t=cmVub3ZhdGU%253D&amp;d=www.seattlehouses.com&amp;c=2&amp;c=3&amp;c=6&amp;rp=2&amp;ab=false&amp;opcid=&amp;rs=UNKNOWN&amp;hs-expires=1687553705&amp;hs-version=1&amp;hs-signature=APUk-v7w09wr2m03rrfzMAMm-PXZCatgBw">property upgrades</a>&nbsp;that'll be necessary to make. That said, saving some money aside for future refurbishments is desirable. That way, you'll be ready for unanticipated repair work.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hire a realtor and interior designer&nbsp;An experienced realtor can help you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/search-results">find the best property</a>&nbsp;for the type of vacation home you have in mind. In addition, you can get the best deal. Realtors are patient professionals who know the market very well. Listen to them if they advise you to wait for about a month or two. Their guidance will save you lots of headaches and money.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once you purchase a perfect place for vacationing, hire an interior designer to help you come up with refurbishing ideas. That way, you’ll easily&nbsp;personalize your newly-bought place&nbsp;and make it homey. A vacation home should be a long-term investment&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchasing real estate should be a long-term investment. For example, you could sell or rent your vacation home at some point. For many,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/owning-rental-properties-in-2022-is-it-worth-it">owning a rental place</a>&nbsp;is a perfect passive income. However, remember that you must go through a lengthy procedure to make the home rentable within the legal frames.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-start" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: auto; width: 451px;"><img src="https://20514715.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20514715/undefined-1.png" alt="pastedGraphic_2.png" data-origin="," data-proportion="true" data-size="451px,301px" data-align="start" data-file-name="undefined-1.png" data-file-size="0" origin-size="451,301" style="width: 451px; height: 301px;" data-index="3"></figure></div> Think how far you would like your vacation home to be.&nbsp;Make sure to shop smart&nbsp;&nbsp;Make a budget for your vacation home you’ll stick to, then browse different furniture options. Check discounts, both online and offline stores, and compare product reviews. Remember that&nbsp;comfort is imperative&nbsp;when shopping for a vacation home. You don't have to splurge on brand new fancy sofas or shiny, aesthetically-pleasing kitchen tables. Quality and yet affordable furniture pieces are quite possible to find. If you want something custom-made, pay a visit to a skilled carpenter who can create your ideas for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;Put everything you bought for a vacationing place in storage&nbsp;It takes time to set up your vacation home from top to bottom. First, you have to decide how to furnish and decorate it. Second, you need to go shopping. And finally, you have to&nbsp;put all those items in safe places like storage. Rest assured,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.zippyshellphl.com/reasons-you-need-storage-when-buying-a-second-home/">this is a great solution</a>&nbsp;for keeping your items safe when buying a second home. You can opt for either&nbsp;short-term, portable containers or indoor, climate-controlled storage.&nbsp;Once your vacation home is ready, take the items and move them inside your new home. You can ask the storage company personnel to help you out. Many offer full services for those who are a bit further from storage. They load containers with your items, bring them to a designated location, and unload them for you.&nbsp;Hire a moving company to help you move everything&nbsp;&nbsp;If you decide to move all those items yourself, be sure it'll take you too much time. This is where it helps to have a team of fast and efficient movers who can complete packing and transport for you. So,&nbsp;choose a licensed relocation company you can rely on&nbsp;from the beginning. Browse the internet and pick a few movers with well-rated moving, packing, and storage services. It would be even better if they offered a variety of packing boxes because it would save you plenty of time.&nbsp;&nbsp;Final thoughts&nbsp;The purpose of a vacationing home is to have a relaxing weekend getaway or an entire holiday if you like. Therefore, take time to weigh various options before buying a vacation home. Purchasing a property is generally&nbsp;a process that will bring you long-term satisfaction. It's not a race you ought to complete as fast as possible. Also, try not to get discouraged if it takes longer to find an ideal vacation home. It's better to wait for perfect timing than to rush and regret a hasty buying decision afterward.

Things to Know Before Buying a Vacation Home

<h1 style="text-align: start">Seattle Real Estate Market Update | April 2022</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/sach" rel="author">Zach McDonald&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Apr 12, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">In this Seattle Real Estate Market Update, Zach shares a client story, Seattle housing market stats from March 2022, and current applications for buyers and sellers. Check out the video below to learn more:<div class="se-component se-video-container __se__float-" contenteditable="false" style="width: 100%;"><figure style="width: 100%; height: 56.25%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zw_BY9LrCFg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-percentage="100%,56.25%" data-size="100%,56.25%" data-align="" data-index="0" data-file-name="zw_BY9LrCFg?feature=oembed" data-file-size="0" data-origin="100%,56.25%" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe></figure></div><div> </div>&nbsp;Seattle &amp; Bellevue both set new median home sales price records last month. In March, we saw more homes listed and mortgage interest rates rise, but the housing market remains extremely competitive.&nbsp;</div>

Seattle Real Estate Market Update | April 2022

<h1 style="text-align: start">We're Live on the Market! Now What?</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/laura-petermeyer" rel="author">Laura Petermeyer&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Apr 19, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">All the listing preparation has happened, and now your home is live! Laura Petermeyer and Garrett Brown talk to us about what happens what happens once your listing is online.So much work has gone into the preparation of your home and getting it ready to go to market, and now that you are on the market, what happens next? Laura and Garret go into detail about ongoing marketing, check-ins with sellers, and the negotiation process:<div class="se-component se-video-container __se__float-" contenteditable="false" style="width: 100%;"><figure style="width: 100%; height: 56.25%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oANonIRRyGI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-percentage="100%,56.25%" data-size="100%,56.25%" data-align="" data-index="0" data-file-name="oANonIRRyGI?feature=oembed" data-file-size="0" data-origin="100%,56.25%" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe></figure></div><div> </div>&nbsp;To see more of their videos, check out their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCawiVicmyDaksnComfFqYjQ" rel="noopener">YouTube channel</a></div>

We're Live on the Market! Now What?

<h1 style="text-align: start">Ugly And Uglier</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/gordon-stephenson" rel="author">Gordon Stephenson&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Apr 26, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Originally published May 13, 2008 It’s a constant refrain from a certain segment of our buyers — “go find me a fixer!” Maybe there’s some romance to bringing these things back to life, maybe it’s a fun retirement hobby for some people. Or maybe just too many hours spent watching “<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/">This Old House</a>” and those get-rich-quick and flipper shows.We don’t do many of these anymore, but back when we had the time and inclination, we’d scoop up these hammered fixer homes, restore them, and sell or rent them. It seemed like a good side job to our main job of brokering real estate. Here are some of our projects, before pictures only:<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/6803-weedin-pl-ne.jpg" alt="6803-weedin-pl-ne" data-origin="100,451" data-proportion="true" data-size="447px,451px" data-align="" data-file-name="6803-weedin-pl-ne.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 447px; height: 451px;" data-index="0"></figure></div> Weedin Avenue, near Greenlake — This brick tudor had settled about 8? due to the weight of the masonry and the fact that Weedin and Oswego at 68th are essentially built on fill (it’s an old bog).<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/2136-front.jpg" alt="2136-front" data-origin="100,451" data-proportion="true" data-size="431px,451px" data-align="" data-file-name="2136-front.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 431px; height: 451px;" data-index="1"></figure></div> East Hamlin — a few steps from MOHAI. Todd Turner, the UW Athletic Director, bought this when the remodel was done. The owner had inherited the house, started letting her kids salvage parts (hardwoods, trim) thinking she’d tear it down and build a new home. Then she got bids for that from her contractor…&nbsp;<div style="margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto"><table><tbody><tr><td><div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/img_1170.jpg" alt="img_1170" data-origin="100,102" data-proportion="true" data-size="290px,379px" data-align="" data-file-name="img_1170.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 290px; height: 379px;" data-index="2"></figure></div><div> </div></td><td><div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/img_1171.jpg" alt="img_1171" data-origin="100,102" data-proportion="true" data-size="368px,375px" data-align="" data-file-name="img_1171.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 368px; height: 375px;" data-index="3"></figure></div><div> </div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>501 NE 65th — This guy had lived in the house for over 70 years, and never discarded a thing. There was a 24? aisle from entry, to living room, to bedroom. The rest of it was stacked high with “stuff.” You literally couldn’t see the house from the street for the overgrowth. <div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/img_1302.jpg" alt="img_1302" data-origin="100,411" data-proportion="true" data-size="593px,411px" data-align="" data-file-name="img_1302.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 593px; height: 411px;" data-index="4"></figure></div> This is on North 50th, across from the Zoo. You can actually hear the lions roar (or is it Aurora?). The hardest part of this remodel was that cool window in the dormer over the living room bay was stolen during the project! We had to have glass custom glazed to replace it.&nbsp; &nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/img_0372.jpg" alt="img_0372" data-origin="100,355" data-proportion="true" data-size="420px,355px" data-align="" data-file-name="img_0372.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 420px; height: 355px;" data-index="5"></figure></div> Out in Shoreline, this house had been boarded up for years. Really strange. We ended up tearing this one down and are doing townhomes out there (eventually).&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/img_0021.jpg" alt="img_0021" data-origin="100,372" data-proportion="true" data-size="421px,372px" data-align="" data-file-name="img_0021.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 421px; height: 372px;" data-index="6"></figure></div> Great house, adjacent to Matthew’s Beach on Lake Washington. The architect who designed all of the north Seattle Windermere offices in the 70’s and 80’s custom built this for himself on a 40? sliver of waterfront. We dubbed it the “cheese wedge” and it took nearly a year to repair all of the water damage and deferred maintenance.&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs/1231-e-spruce-ne-elev.jpg" alt="1231-e-spruce-ne-elev" data-origin="100,371" data-proportion="true" data-size="416px,371px" data-align="" data-file-name="1231-e-spruce-ne-elev.jpg" data-file-size="0" style="width: 416px; height: 371px;" data-index="7"></figure></div> Triplex on First Hill.&nbsp; Really rough spot across from a juvenile detention center. &nbsp;It’s worth saying that we never made much money doing this, unless we were doing the work during a time when the market appreciated dramatically — and then we didn’t make the money because we we so brilliant at adding value, we made it because the market bailed us out.&nbsp;&nbsp;In my mind it’s just too hard to predict what the remodel will cost, how extensive it will need to be, and what the carrying costs (length) are. I think lots of contractors do this themselves, make $30-$50,000 in the process, and feel good about it. Most of the time they’ve just made the same wage they could have earned working for someone else, without being compensated for the risk of the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it can be fun, and that’s worth something. And it’s nearly always good for the neighborhood to bring something back to life that was neglected for a long time.</div>

Ugly And Uglier

<h1 style="text-align: start">8 Reasons to Hire an Agent When Selling Your Home in Seattle</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/dorothy-carter" rel="author">Dorothy Carter&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;May 3, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">With so many options available when selling your property, it may be hard to know which path to choose. You might ask - is it really that hard to be your own real estate agent? But, there are certainly a lot of benefits to cooperating with professionals. We'll discuss eight good reasons to hire an agent when selling your home in Seattle.&nbsp;1 | They know how to sell a houseSelling your house is a once-in-a-lifetime event (maybe twice). When it comes to selling property, real estate agents have a lot more expertise than you have - since that's what they do for a living. Some of the best real estate agents sell more than a hundred homes each year!With a real estate agent, you can be confident you will be walked through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/selling-in-10-easy-steps">every step of the process</a>&nbsp;and be completely at ease. There is a lot more to this process than just preparing the house for sale and having a few conversations with prospective buyers. A good agent can help you stay on top of everything.&nbsp;2 | They live and breathe Seattle's marketHaving a good understanding of the real estate market in the region where you reside is far different from knowing your neighborhood. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/seattle-real-estate-market-update-january-2022">market in Seattle</a>&nbsp;has been fluctuating these few years. The top real estate agents have been up to date with it. So, they will provide you with crucial information that could save you or gain you more money.&nbsp;3 | You'll get a thorough pricing planAdditionally, a real estate professional may assist you in determining a fair market value for your house. This is critical to a successful transaction. As a result, you need to come up with a realistic price for the kind of house you're selling. It needs to be appealing to potential buyers in your neighborhood and profitable for you.There is a lot of work involved in pricing your house effectively. Having a real estate professional help you with pricing strategy may go a long way toward attracting buyers and increasing demand for your home.&nbsp;4 | It's their expertise to market homes for saleIn addition to their skills and knowledge, the finest real estate listing agents are also excellent marketing specialists. They know how to get the perfect shots of your property so that it shines out on the web. A good agent will use the most recent digital marketing strategies and real estate platforms to ensure you get the most out of the sale.Finally,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/common-open-house-mistakes-seattle-sellers-make">open houses</a>&nbsp;and walking interested buyers around the property are just a tiny part of the marketing strategy for a house. Good real estate marketing is a contact sport. It employs a handful of approaches and techniques to get the proper eyes on your house and start receiving bids.&nbsp;5 | Take advantage of an existing systemA real estate agent's extensive network of purchasers and other real estate agents is another incentive to engage one to sell your property. The best agents have access to a large number of potential buyers who are actively searching for properties like yours. The sale of your home will go much more quickly.When selling without an agent, you are in charge of reaching out to people and generating interest in your house. Cold calling and making random connections takes a lot of effort and yields few returns. Why not rely on someone who already has a clientele of potential customers?&nbsp;6 | You can leave the tedious paperwork to someone elseSelling a house requires a great deal of documentation, which is another reason to hire an agent when selling your home in Seattle. You don't want to jeopardize the sale of your property by bungling the paperwork, do you? Listing real estate agents handle all the paperwork, so you don't have to worry about it.There are a lot of things to consider:7 | They're willing to put on their work clothes and glovesAn advantage of working with a real estate agent is that they will put in the time and effort necessary to have your house sold. It takes a lot more than just putting up a "For Sale" sign in the yard to sell a home. A lot of work is necessary if you want to find a large number of clients and sell it for the price you want.The moving process will also require a lot of labor. If you need to organize a long-distance move somewhere in WA, you must consider hiring good professional movers. It's crucial to&nbsp;<a href="https://verifiedmovers.com/long-distance-moving-companies/washington/">find the right experts</a>&nbsp;in this field to have a stress-free move. The relocation will demand a lot of your time even with experienced movers by your side, so it will be helpful if you can delegate a house sale to a professional.&nbsp;8 | Excel the closed-end dealingsOnce you start receiving offers on your property, you'll have fo through heavy negotiating. Real estate agents can help. They are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/about">skilled negotiators</a>&nbsp;who look out for your best interests.What's the harm in having someone on your side?&nbsp;In the end, you decide if you will hire an agent when selling your home in SeattleSo, those were the main eight reasons to hire an agent when selling your home in Seattle. We hope that we made that decision at least a bit easier and that you will walk into your new chapter of life happily.<ul><li>the listing contract</li><li>tax details</li><li>the deed's title</li></ul></div>

8 Reasons to Hire an Agent When Selling Your Home in Seattle

<h1 style="text-align: start">What to do with an Unfinished Basement</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/marie-macon" rel="author">Marie Macon&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;May 10, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Although currently dimly lit and a little rough on the eyes, your unfinished basement still has a lot of potential. With just a little love and the help of the following ideas, you can spice it up in no time and get some great use out of the space.&nbsp; <ol><li>Add a pop of color.&nbsp;Give your basement a whole different look without a big renovation by adding some color to space. Consider painting and sealing the floors, opening up the room by painting the rafters white or a light color, or creating a bold accent wall.</li><li>Divide the space.&nbsp;Want to make your basement a multi-use room? Partition out the area by installing an inexpensive curtain system. This can be done either with a curtain track or a simple wire, some hooks, and curtains will suffice.</li><li>Add foam mats.&nbsp;Whether you’d like to use the basement as a home gym to get a quick workout in or a place for the kids to play and rough house, adding some foam mats into the mix is a great and easy solution. They come in various colors and can quickly be picked up and tucked away if need be.</li><li>Use a large rug.&nbsp;As an alternative to adding mats, find a large, eye-catching rug to be used as a focal point, and furnish the area around it.</li><li>Add lighting.&nbsp;Basements often offer very little built-in lighting and few outlets around the room. Consider stringing café lighting across space from the rafters to give a nice ambiance and glow without any difficult electrical work.</li></ol></div>

What to do with an Unfinished Basement

<h1 style="text-align: start">The Difference Between Home Warranty &amp; Home Insurance</h1><div style="text-align: start"> </div><div style="text-align: start">When purchasing a new home, it is important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One thing you will need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong. Check out the information on home insurance versus home warranty below to educate yourself on your options.Home InsuranceHomeowners insurance pays for any accidental damages and loss caused by fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail, however, damage from earthquakes and floods is typically not covered. It also covers the replacement of personal property in case of theft or damage and liability if a person were to get injured in your home or on your property. According to American Home Shield, the average annual cost of a homeowner's insurance policy ranges between $300 and $1,000, and the bank usually asks you to obtain a policy before the mortgage is issued. Make sure to keep in mind that each type of coverage in the policy is subject to a limit and, in most cases, you will have to pay a deductible.&nbsp;Home WarrantyA home warranty is designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacements of larger appliances and crucial systems in your home that may fail or break due to age and wear and tear. This includes but is not limited to HVAC, electrical, or plumbing components, kitchen appliances, and your washer and dryer. With a home warranty, you are required to pay premiums year-round, even if you do not use it, and it will not cover damages if appliances were not maintained properly or if the damage is from a fire or other disaster.</div>

The Difference Between Home Warranty & Home Insurance

<h1 style="text-align: start">10 Best ROI Home Improvement Projects</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/dorothy-carter" rel="author">Dorothy Carter&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;May 31, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Regardless of if you're planning to sell your Seattle home soon or you want to enjoy a few upgrades, it's important to remember that&nbsp;not all home upgrades are made equal. While turning a bathroom into a spa-like place is enticing, the cost of doing so may not be worth it when the time comes to sell. In contrast, replacing gutters or repairing a leaky roof is more likely to boost a home's value no matter how non-luxurious these upgrades might sound. So before you reach out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/contact">Seattle's finest real estate professionals</a>&nbsp;and list your home for sale, find out what are the top 10 ROI home improvement projects you can invest in and boost the value of your property.&nbsp;With house prices in Seattle continuing to rise, now is a perfect moment to upgrade your home's infrastructure.&nbsp;Prioritizing home improvement ROI could boost your house's value even more. So to help you decide where to invest your money, here are the top 10 home improvements that give the best ROI.<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hubfs/image-png-2.png" alt=" Living room with large windows and a swimming pool outside" data-origin="100," data-proportion="true" data-size="399px,177px" data-align="" data-index="0" data-file-name="image-png-2.png" data-file-size="0" style="width: 399px; height: 177px;"></figure></div> Many people wrongfully believe that luxurious features such as swimming pools or home spas bring high ROI while, in reality, it's completely the opposite.&nbsp;#1 (Minor) bathroom remodelAny real estate professional would confirm that&nbsp;bathrooms and kitchens sell homes. A minor bathroom remodel has the best return on investment - an astounding&nbsp;102%!&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no need to gut the entire area but making small changes can make a big difference. For example, replace the showerhead with a rain shower, replace the vanity, or try upgrading the lighting to brighten things up.&nbsp;And even if you decide to do a complete bathroom remodel, you still won't make a mistake. You can expect roughly around&nbsp;93%&nbsp;ROI.&nbsp;#2 LandscapingWhen fixing up your house,&nbsp;money spent on the outside goes a long way. If nothing else, a home's curb appeal helps it sell. New landscaping could be just what the house needs to look fresh and appealing.&nbsp;The curb appeal may be the first thing buyers see, so update the landscaping to&nbsp;make an excellent first impression. You don't have to go too far. The best landscaping designs are the simplest ones. A good landscaping job should look nice and not make it look like there is much work to do.&nbsp;#3 Minor kitchen upgradeWithout tearing down a whole room, you can increase your ROI with a small kitchen remodel. It's essential to&nbsp;invest in small changes that make the most significant difference.<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hubfs/image-png-3.png" alt="Kitchen with white cabinets during renovation" data-origin="100," data-proportion="true" data-size="399px,189px" data-align="" data-index="1" data-file-name="image-png-3.png" data-file-size="0" style="width: 399px; height: 189px;"></figure></div> &nbsp;&nbsp;Investing in minor kitchen upgrades is one of the best ROI home improvement projects to focus on.&nbsp;Start by getting better, newer versions of the appliances you already have. Next, instead of buying new cabinets, try giving the ones you already have a fresh coat of paint. This, along with new hardware, could make a massive difference in a kitchen.&nbsp;#4 Converting your atticIf you are lucky to live in a home with an attic that can be converted into a room, don't think twice about doing so. There's&nbsp;no better way to make a home worth more than by adding extra rooms!&nbsp;&nbsp;#5 Updating your windowsIt may surprise you, but&nbsp;getting new windows can make a huge difference&nbsp;and give you a great ROI. As your windows get older, they don't keep your house as warm and dry as they used to.&nbsp;Old windows often let in more allergens, don't keep the house warm, and cause energy bills to go up. If you think your windows cost you money and make you less comfortable, you might want to replace them with new ones. Nowadays,&nbsp;energy-efficient features are very sought-after among buyers.&nbsp;&nbsp;#6 Replacing your entry doorEven though it's the easiest home improvement on our list, replacing the front door could easily be one of the most important ones. A front door will be one of the first things prospective buyers see, and it's an excellent chance for your Seattle home to&nbsp;make a great first impression.&nbsp;Remember that&nbsp;most people will decide in the first few minutes if they want to buy a home or not. So, it's in a homeowner's best interest to put their best foot forward and make their house look better from the outside.&nbsp;#7 Full kitchen remodelIf you want to go a step further, consider doing a complete kitchen remodel. Consider&nbsp;creating an open-plan kitchen&nbsp;as they are very popular among buyers. One of the best things you can do is take down a wall that doesn't need to be there and connects the kitchen to the rest of the house.&nbsp;As major kitchen remodels should involve tearing everything out and starting over,&nbsp;make sure to keep your belongings safe from potential damage. One of the easiest ways to go about this is renting a storage unit in Seattle. And the best part is that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hansenbros.com/storage/">Seattle offers safe facilities</a>&nbsp;that are inexpensive at the same time.&nbsp;#8 Adding a deck, porch, or a patioIf there is enough space, consider adding a deck, patio, or porch. Adding one of these structures to the outside of a house can make a huge difference and boost the value of your Seattle home. At the very least, a deck could&nbsp;make your yard more useful for living in. At most, it could be just the feature a buyer has been looking for all along.&nbsp;#9 Finishing your basementNot all homes have the luxury of a basement and if you are lucky enough to have one, consider changing your underground living space. By doing this, it would be easy to&nbsp;make your home's living space bigger.&nbsp;Instead of keeping a dark and dingy basement, which could hurt your chances of selling the house,&nbsp;try making the basement a selling point in and of itself. If you are unsure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/what-to-do-with-an-unfinished-basement">what to do with your unfinished basement</a>, consider creating a home gym, office space, or laundry room. Just think about what your target audience is probably looking for, and we're sure you'll figure it out quickly.&nbsp;&nbsp;#10 Update your flooringLastly, consider updating the flooring in your Seattle home. In fact, research suggests that new floors can yield an average of upwards of&nbsp;300% ROI.&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float- __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure style="margin: 0px;"><img src="https://www.seattlehouses.com/hubfs/image-png-4.png" alt="A living room with gray walls, a fireplace, large windows, hardwood floors, and a large gray sofa" data-origin="100," data-proportion="true" data-size="408px,198px" data-align="" data-index="2" data-file-name="image-png-4.png" data-file-size="0" style="width: 408px; height: 198px;"></figure></div> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Adding hardwood floors can boost the value of your home up to an amazing 2.5%!&nbsp;Which ROI home improvement projects will you choose?As you can see, when selling your home, it's best to be practical and choose ROI home improvement projects that really help you boost your property's price. So listen to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/?hsLang=en">Seattle real estate experts</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;stay away from expensive and luxurious features. Instead, focus on improvements that will only enhance your Seattle home's potential and make prospective buyers instantly want to move in. Hopefully, we've helped you choose which ones!</div>

10 Best ROI Home Improvement Projects

<h1 style="text-align: start">Getting Ready For Retirement</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/marie-macon" rel="author">Marie Macon&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Jun 7, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">HOW TO GET READY FOR RETIREMENTFor most people, retirement feels like a long way off. But, if you don’t start preparing as early as possible, you may find yourself in a place of financial insecurity when the time does come. To avoid this, consider implementing the following tips.<ol><li>Calculate your target savings. In general, it’s recommended that you save between 10 to 15 percent of your income for retirement. However, you can always use an online savings calculator to determine the amount you need to save for your specific needs and goals.</li><li>Contribute to your employer’s retirement savings plan.&nbsp;Does your job offer a 401(k), traditional IRA, or Roth IRA? Sign up and start saving as soon as they allow you to. It’s recommended to set up automatic paycheck deductions and, once the money is in your retirement fund, don’t touch it.</li><li>Take advantage of employee benefits. Many employers offer matching which generally requires you contribute a certain percentage of each paycheck, and your company will then contribute a matching amount with funds of their own. They might also offer health savings or flexible savings account. By contributing to these accounts, you reduce your amount of taxable income, allowing you to save more money.</li><li>Pay off your debts. Start by paying off any high-interest credit card debt first. Then look at other debts, such as student loans and car payments, and make a plan for paying those off incrementally.</li><li>Reduce daily spending.&nbsp;Although this feels like a no-brainer, spending your money thoughtfully now can make a big impact later. Seek out areas of your life where you can.</li></ol></div>

Getting Ready For Retirement

<h1 style="text-align: start">Seattle Market Update June 2022</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/sach" rel="author">Zach McDonald&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Jun 14, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Listings are experiencing price cuts! Homes are sitting on the market past a week! What does all of this mean? In this video, I talk about the latest Seattle real estate stats and market conditions.<div class="se-component se-video-container __se__float-" contenteditable="false" style="width: 100%;"><figure style="width: 100%; height: 56.25%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/04slPiUQjdE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-percentage="100%,56.25%" data-size="100%,56.25%" data-align="" data-index="0" data-file-name="04slPiUQjdE?feature=oembed" data-file-size="0" data-origin="100%,56.25%" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe></figure></div><div> </div>&nbsp;VIDEO TRANSCRIPT Hey, you all, Zach McDonald, your real estate agent with Real Property Associates, and this is my Seattle real estate market update for June 2022. Can you say price reduction? That’s been the theme of the past few weeks in the Seattle and Bellevue real estate markets, and I think a theme that we’ll see here as we head into the summer months. It is typical that we see home prices stall out a little bit as more inventory comes on the market. May and June are typically the months in the year where we see the highest median sales price. So, if it’s not this month, it will be most likely next month. But typically, in a given year, we’ll see more houses coming on the market in the spring, and into the summer, a little less demand. And then we see prices flatten out or even go backwards a little bit as we try to figure out where the average person wants to pay for a house, versus those ones that really just want to buy a house in the spring when inventory is low. So, right now, we are starting to see price reductions. And I think that’s important just to talk about now, because the market has been shifting over the last few months. And I’ve talked about in my videos, how I don’t think we’re going to see some kind of cataclysmic correction in the housing market, or prices are cut in half, and home values are gone, and everybody’s got negative equity, but I do think we’re seeing what we historically see in a given year, that the market’s slowing down a little bit. And I think it’ll be a little bit more pronounced here with interest rates being a little bit higher. I think what’s happened is demand has slowed down a little bit. And we’ll talk about some of the stats here as we go through, because I don’t think what we’re seeing right now is showing a massive amount of new homes on the market. I don’t think what we’re experiencing is pointing to a massive fallout in prices, but I do think what we’re seeing is a little bit less demand because of those higher interest rates right now. So, we’ll talk a little bit more about that as we head into the rest of the update. Well, before we jump into the update, I want to share some good news. We had a client who reached out to us a few months back after watching and following this YouTube channel, and then receiving one of our just listed, just sold postcards nearby his house. And it sold. We got it sold. We had a listing in Kenmore here about a month ago and we put it on just as the market was starting to shift, and we ended up getting them a great price for the house. It did get one offer. So, we’ve been talking about the multiple offers. We ended up getting one really solid offer and closing within a month. So, I’m really excited for them. This listing was one of my favorites to market, just super gorgeous house, really great remodel done, mainly by them, which is pretty cool. So, the couples both walking away with some pretty good equity and money in their pocket as a result of the sale. I’m really excited for them, and also just super grateful to get to work with another person from the YouTube community. Now it’s time for the Seattle and Bellevue real estate market stats, because I know that’s what lots of you want to talk about, and that’s why you continue to follow this channel, because we talk about the stats. So, if you haven’t subscribed yet and this is your first time, or maybe you’ve watched a few of these videos, but haven’t subscribed to the channel yet, please pause and go ahead and get that done right now. The median sales price in Seattle last month was $995,000, which is 11.4% up year over year, and pretty much flat from last month at $997,000. So, Seattle’s price leveled off this month. Bellevue’s median sales price was up slightly from last month, but still down quite a bit from April’s number, or excuse me, from March’s number, at a over $2 million median sales price. And last month, Bellevue’s median sales price was $1,850,000, so still up 15.6% year over year. And last year, in these videos, we were hearing huge numbers up year over year. We’re hearing 20s and 25% most of last year. I think this year we’re going to be seeing this 10 to 15% trend through the rest of the year. It might even be a little bit less as we trickle towards the fall, where we had prices skyrocketing last fall and into the winter. I think what we’re going to see is just a lot less of the craziness that we’ve been experiencing over the past few years with lots of multiple offers, way, way, way over asking price. We’ve seen this before multiple times in our market, where it’s really low inventory and we have tons of offers and we see houses selling way over asking price, and it was even more so than ever. But I think what we’re going to see this next year or so, year or two years, is going to just be a little bit more of a, I’m not going to call it a normal market because across the country, it’s still going to look really competitive. But I think we’ll just see some houses selling with multiple offers, some houses not, some houses getting a price reduction. We talked about that at the beginning of the video. So, I think we’re going to see that trend here as interest rates remain high. I think what’s really happened is demand’s just been tapered a little bit. There’s still a lot of buyers, lots of houses going under contract, and we’ll talk about some of that here right now. So, outside of the interest rates, which I mentioned are a little bit higher right now, the interest rates, by the way, Freddie Mac’s primary market survey, which they do every week of lenders across the country, 5.09% for 30 year fixed was their average. And then bank rate was 5.46 for their average. So, this is still an environment where rates are higher, but they’re actually down slightly from where they were earlier in the year. So, we still are in this higher rate environment, at least what people are used to. Right rates are not at all time highs. They just feel dramatically higher, and it does affect affordability quite a bit, and especially as we’ve seen so much growth here over the past few years. So, rates are a little bit higher, but some of the things that we’re looking at outside of rates are what’s happening with new listings? How many listings are coming off the market? I think there’s a pretty basic way to see, okay, what’s the supply and demand look like? How can we project that forward? Let’s take a stat like average percentage of list price, which is one that people like to hear about, how much over asking price your house is selling. And in Seattle last month, 10% over asking price on average for a house. And in Bellevue, 10.2% over asking price on average. And Seattle’s actually up a little bit from last year, two percentage points, and Bellevue down two percentage points from the previous year. But if we look at that stat, that stat’s influenced by supply and demand. How many people are there in the market that are looking for houses, and how many houses are there available? Let’s look at the new listing numbers here. So, in Seattle, we saw a 10.7% decrease in new listings and 19.2% decrease in pendings. So, we didn’t have quite as many pending sales, but we had quite a few less new listings as well. In Bellevue, we saw almost twice as many new listings. So, 137 listings in Bellevue last year. In May, 205 in May this year. So, considerably more, which again, is putting downward pressure on the prices. You don’t see as much competition when there’s more houses. And pending sales in Bellevue were down slightly, 121. So, we saw a lot more new listings in Bellevue than we did pending sales. And as we look at the rest of this, that’s going to affect how many houses are currently on the market, what the supply number looks like. And that’s going to have a direct correlation with how much competition there is and how much people are willing to pay for their houses. As I mentioned earlier, there were fewer houses for sale in Seattle at the end of the month, 12.3% fewer houses for sale and available than there were last year. So, this number’s actually going down in Seattle. But in Bellevue, the number’s been going up. So, 59.2% more houses available to purchase in Bellevue than there were in Seattle, which is why we’re seeing the supply numbers increasing 200% in Bellevue. So, last year, 0.6 months of supply in May. And this year, 1.2 months of supply in Bellevue. So, there’s definitely some more houses on the market in Bellevue. But if we look at Seattle, it’s the same, 0.7 months of supply, same supply numbers that we had last year. And part of this is because I think in Seattle, we didn’t see as much of the craziness that we saw around the rest of King and Snohomish counties, which are the two counties that I service. And I think as we’re looking at the numbers, Seattle was a little bit insulated from that because people were looking in these other places. And now Seattle is, well, it’s staying the same. There’s still that same demand to be in Seattle. But in some of these other places, there’s a little bit less demand than there has been, which is causing some of these numbers to be impacted. The application part here, I think is one piece that many of you want to hear right now. And people are asking me, “What’s happening to the market? What’s going to happen to the market.” And I just have to say, I don’t know. I don’t have a crystal ball, but what I can do is share some thoughts and that’s what I’m going to do because that’s what you want to hear. And I think as I’m looking at the market and I’m thinking about the market right now, I’m seeing the weekly snapshot. So, as of the last seven days recording this video, it’s June 7th, filming this early in the month. So, at the beginning of June, most recent, we’ve had 1,172 new listings in King and Snohomish counties combined, and we’ve had 933 pendings. So, they’re still going off the market quickly. And 1,061 solds in the first week. So, lots of sales, lots of houses going off the market, lots of new listings. But again, it’s not like we have a ton more new listings than we have people purchasing. But I think there’s one stat that I want to share that’s interesting, and that’s the list price reductions. So we had 1,172 new listings in King and Snohomish county. 600 price reductions. Okay. 600 price reductions. Now, why are we having price reductions? I think every year you have people, ah, the beginning of the year, trying to figure out what the market is. You got really low inventory, and this is just normal for us in the winter and into the spring. Again, this year was not normal. We had even less than we normally do. And you have all these new buyers starting to buy houses for the year. And you have the influx of millennial buyers, which has been a huge piece of why the market has been so hot recently. And then you have, huh, you have more houses coming on the market, and all of a sudden, there aren’t as many buyers trying to pay the premium that they were paying earlier in the year. So, you have fewer buyers per house in the market. So, that ratio isn’t as high. And you also have this massive push, or at least this year we did, this massive increase in prices from the beginning of the year, or even the end of 2021, up until now. And the people getting the houses were the one or the two people out of 15 or 20 that were willing to pay that price. But then when it comes to pricing your house and you’re in May, you don’t really want to sell your house for what the list price was that your neighbor listed their house for in March. You want to get what they got. So, every year, you see this happen in the summertime where you start looking at, okay, the neighbors sold for this, the other neighbors sold for that, and the other neighbors sold for that. But they all listed for, in our case, maybe 100, 150, $200,000 less than what the sales price was. And again, there were a couple buyers willing to pay those prices, but not all of the buyers. So, right now, we find ourselves in a situation where money’s not as cheap, interest rates are a little bit higher. It’s affecting affordability. There’s a little less of the, “Ooh, I got to get a house.” And so, we find ourselves pricing houses higher, and this is normal, again. And I think it’s wise too. If I’m a seller, I probably don’t want to sell my house for 20% less than what my neighbor got. Especially if three or four neighbors got similar prices. But what that means is, you got to play the normal old school real estate game, where it’s a more balanced market. You price it on the higher side of the value, and then you have to find that price with the buyers. And so, that means there’s price reductions, and we’re seeing 600 price reductions. That’s a ton. We were hardly seeing any last year and at the beginning of the year. And everything just seemed to sell no matter what you priced it at. But what happens is buyers become a little bit more discerning. And the reason that we’re still seeing 10% over asking price in Seattle and Bellevue is because there are still some houses that everybody wants to buy, and certain neighborhoods that everybody wants to buy in. And those houses always are going to be like that. But then the rest of the houses, the average houses aren’t doing that. They’re pulling the average down. They’re maybe not selling even at asking price. They might be selling for 95% of asking price, or maybe the asking price is reduced before they sell for asking price. So, I think we’ve even had a few listings over the past couple weeks where we priced them higher, because as professionals, we don’t want our clients to get less money and there’s the risk. Some sellers are willing to take the risk where they list their house for what their neighbors did and hope to get that multiple offer frenzy. But the reality is, it’s just not there right now, in general. So, unless you have one of those houses in one of those neighborhoods where you just know you’re going to have the activity, it makes a lot more sense to price on the higher side and hope to get closer to that number, versus trying to price low and hope for the big bang. I think these are a big reason why we’re not going to see a massive drop off in home values like we did between 2008 to ’12 here in the Seattle area. And number one, we just haven’t had enough houses built. And I think I got to make another video about this separately, but we haven’t had enough new construction over the past decade or more to keep up with the demand. And it’s not like we’re going to be able to solve it overnight. So, if you have purchased a car recently or anything that’s back ordered, you know once you get into that supply issue where you don’t have enough supply, the only way to get enough is to not have any more demand, and catch up or over produce. But it’s really hard to over produce new construction. So, if you have over a decade of under production, it’s not like it just changes itself overnight. And you also have the millennial generation buying houses, and it’s the largest generation ever purchasing houses. So, you have all this new, fresh demand, not enough new construction over the past decade, not even enough to keep up with what was already going on. So, I think, especially in markets like ours here in the Seattle area, you just don’t have enough new construction. In some places, they’ve been able to build a little bit easier, but we haven’t been building enough for the demand, and that’s why it’s already been a hot market and one of the hotter markets in the country. But what that does is it keeps more pressure on the resale properties, because there’s not enough new construction. So, do I think the sky’s falling? No. Do I think that we are going to see an adjustment in prices? Yes, we always do, every year, seasonally. I just think it’s going to be a little bit more pronounced this year. But if we look back at 2018 to ’19, when we saw the most recent adjustment in the housing market, we saw prices level off for a couple years. So, if we look back from May to May, from May 2017 to ’18, we saw prices jump a bunch. And then from ’18 to ’19, and even to ’20, pretty much stayed about the same in King county and Snohomish county. And I’ll talk about that a little bit more in those updates. So, if you want to pay attention to those county updates, you can find some more information there and I’ll dive a little deeper into those numbers. But in reality, historically speaking, most of the time when you see these recessions, the housing market is more flat, and then it picks back up again when interest rates go back down. And in the most recent example, the one that sticks out in our mind, the housing market and the mortgage lending industry caused the crash, and that’s the reason it was so much more dramatic. I hope this video was valuable for you and helpful for you. These are just some of the things that are going on in my mind that I’m personally thinking about, and talking about with people, and dialoging with them about, so I figured I’d capture it here for you, my audience here online. If you want to talk about your situation and how all of this might apply to you, I’d be happy to be a resource for you. Feel free to reach out to me. My contact information is down below this video, and also pretty much anywhere online if you Google Zach McDonald. And I just want to say thank you so much for your attention. I really value it, and I value all of you here who continue to follow along and support the channel. And if there’s any way that I can bring value to you or be a resource, I want to do that for you.</div>

Seattle Market Update June 2022

<h1 style="text-align: start">Hidden Fees to be Aware of When Purchasing a Home</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/marie-macon" rel="author">Marie Macon&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Feb 1, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don't forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase other than the price of the home.Here are five fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget.<ol><li>Home inspection.&nbsp;This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate price and repairs. The cost will depend on a couple of factors, including the home itself and the location.</li><li>Title services.&nbsp;Title services encompass the transfer of the title from the seller and a thorough search of the property’s records to ensure to no one will pop up with a claim to the property. Additionally, you may need to buy title insurance which will protect the lender or your investment in the home.</li><li>Appraisal fee.&nbsp;Before getting a loan, you will likely be required to get an appraisal of the home to determine its estimated value. This will be conducted by a third-party company and the cost will also depend on the size of the home and location.</li><li>HOA fees.&nbsp;Many communities have a homeowners’ association that enforces monthly fees. This money is used for general maintenance and updates to areas like pools, parks, and more.&nbsp;</li><li>Taxes. The taxes each buyer pays at the closing table differ, but it is not uncommon for it to be up to two months’ worth of county and city property taxes. Additionally, there may be taxes for the transfer of the home title.</li></ol></div>

Hidden Fees to be Aware of When Purchasing a Home

<h1 style="text-align: start">Common Open House Mistakes Seattle Sellers Make</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/dorothy-carter" rel="author">Dorothy Carter&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Feb 8, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Some open house mistakes Seattle sellers make come from inexperience, and others from a lack of professional help. Whatever the reason, know that these mistakes can be avoided. Seattle's seller's market demands an utter commitment to the process of selling a house. So, what can you do differently?&nbsp;1 | Not partnering up with a knowledgeable real estate agent The first and most significant error sellers plunge into is embarking on a home-selling voyage alone. If this is your first time selling a house, having an experienced agent by your side can make an huge impact. As a seller without an agent, you'd need to think about the listing price, inspection, listing photos, staging, administrative work, and be well acquainted with legal aspects of the sale. On top of that, if you didn't have an agent, you'd need to deal with buyers, often on a daily basis. Seattle's real estate market certainly does not lack demand, and you'd likely be overwhelmed with calls and inquiries about showings. Are your presentation and negotiation skills up to par? Do you have enough time to prepare and attend the showing? If your honest answer is no, that is ok! There are agents with years of experience ready to lend a hand. 2 | Not knowing the market If you're confident that you don't need a real estate agent, invest the time and effort to research the local market thoroughly as it strongly influences your listing price. Knowing how your property compares to others of the same type and size in the area is key. Checking out other listings will provide valuable insight into what home elements you might want to improve to be more competitive during an open house. Perhaps your home has great potential to stand out, but you'll never find out unless you research your local market well. And remember that an open house is a great opportunity to impress the buyers after they come enticed by your listing photos. 3 | Failing to prepare the home for sale Failing to prepare your home for sale tops the ranks of the worst open house mistakes Seattle sellers make. Preparation efforts don't include only cosmetic upgrades. Upon results of the seller pre-inspection, fix all the significant issues you discover. Once your buyers arrive, they will start scanning your Seattle home, searching for imperfections. You can't blame them; even the most minor faults are ground for price negotiation. One of the biggest mistakes during an open house is hiding these imperfections. Serious buyers know what they want and will easily expose your camouflage. In the end, it doesn't pay off to cover old floors with carpets, quickly paint water-damaged walls, and cover pet odor with air freshener. Perhaps your photographing skills can make your home look luxurious, but there's only so much you can mask during an open house. 4 | Overlooking home staging Leaving the best possible first impression during an open house will significantly influence the further course of negotiation with the buyer. If it makes sense to stage your home toward this goal, your real estate agent will let you know. Sometimes, simple decluttering and deep cleaning will do the job. Other times, you might need to do serious landscaping or store the excess furniture you've accumulated over the years. In the latter case, the home will look bigger, less personal, and allow the buyers to imagine themselves living there. To store your items during an open house, you will need storage space, packing materials, and someone to move your packed belongings. There is a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.portabox.com/portabox-services/" rel="noopener">solution to your needs</a>, and it lies in a reputable storage and moving company. In general, don't hesitate to partner with professionals in every phase of the home selling process. When specialists handle it, you can rest assured that your home will sell quickly and get photographed, cleaned, staged, packed, and moved safely and efficiently. 5 | Not using adequate listing photos Preparation for listing your home for sale and hosting an open house involves taking quality listing photos. The closer your photos represent the home in reality, the higher the chance of a successful open house. Poor quality photos, misleading images, and an insufficient number of shots will not deliver anticipated publicity at best. Buyers will assume the seller is hiding weak spots, and they will most likely guess right. At worst, they will deter the few curious visitors during an open house. Your top priority is to have as many potential buyers visiting your home as possible. The more people are satisfied with photo vs. reality, the better your negotiation position. In a seller's market such as Seattle's, your home may even attract enthusiastic bidders. 6 | Being dishonest with potential buyers Ideally, the seller shouldn't attend the open house, it would be best to have an agent host it on your behalf. The best chance of having a successful open house is to afford your buyers an easygoing, detailed, and honest tour. Have all the answers ready, even to the uncomfortable questions.&nbsp; In other words, if you haven't been listing the correct square footage, it will easily show during an open house. Avoid uncomfortable situations by being frank and unbiased from the begging. Although the buyer will know that the agent represents the seller, aka you, they will appreciate their professional attitude and perspective. A couple of last notes If you want to avoid open house mistakes Seattle sellers make daily, you will approach the home selling process with attention to detail. Unless you rely on a real estate agent to guide you from the start, prepare to oversee every aspect of the process. It starts with inspection and repairs, followed by advertising and staging, and concludes with a relaxing, informative, and unassuming tour of your Seattle home.</div>

Common Open House Mistakes Seattle Sellers Make

Seattle Real Estate Market Update | February 2022

<h1 style="text-align: start">What Happens in the Middle?</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/laura-petermeyer" rel="author">Laura Petermeyer&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Feb 22, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Everyone knows about the beginning of the purchase process, but what happens once you are in contract? Laura Petermeyer and Garrett Brown give some details on what happens once you have the winning offer and are in contract.After all the excitement is over and you are in mutual agreement, what happens next? Laura and Garret walk us through some details surrounding escrow, title, and appraisals:&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-video-container __se__float-" contenteditable="false" style="width: 100%;"><figure style="width: 100%; height: 56.25%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lquAvw2iwvU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-percentage="100%,56.25%" data-size="100%,56.25%" data-align="" data-index="0" data-file-name="lquAvw2iwvU?feature=oembed" data-file-size="0" data-origin="100%,56.25%" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe></figure></div><div> </div>&nbsp;</div>

What Happens in the Middle?

<h1 style="text-align: start">Giving Up The Commission</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/gordon-stephenson" rel="author">Gordon Stephenson&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Mar 1, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Originally published April 8, 2008&nbsp;<a href="https://seattlehouses.wordpress.com/2008/04/08/giving-up-the-commission/" rel="noopener">here</a>.Listing agents generally sign a exclusive listing contract with a seller (the “exclusive” contract is required for participation in the MLS as it binds the seller to pay a fee if the property sells during the contract period. Standard stuff). The fee is negotiated, but is often 6%; however in many cases, if the client is giving him repeat business, the listing agent will suggest or accept a lower fee.&nbsp;The listing agent then publishes the listing, offering typically 3% of that total listing commission to a cooperating broker who procures a buyer for the property. (If the listing fee was 5.5%, for example, we’ll nearly always give the same “full fee” of 3% to the coop broker). It’s important to keep that “buy side” cooperating broker fee close to whatever the market is paying for the procuring/cooperating buyer’s broker. To whatever extent, some agents are disincentivized by a “less than market” fee.&nbsp; It’s easy to see what the market is paying, and it varies based on price range and region. Your listing agent can easily pull this data and show you. In Washington Park, a high priced area in Seattle, the typical “buy side” fee (we use SOC — sales office commission — as an acronym) is 2.5%. This implies the total commission might be 5% if the listing agent is offering a 50/50 split to the coop broker.&nbsp;So there is the basic story. Listing agent (actually, his broker, but as a practical matter the seller works with an individual listing agent) has the contract with the seller for a commission. The contract is not with the buyer. If the seller’s co-worker, upon learning from the seller that they’re putting the house on the market, says “I’ll buy it!” then the listing agent should be elated with that. The contracted commission has already been agreed to, no matter who buys the house or whether or not they have an agent. Most sellers understand that. And when that co-worker offers a bit below asking price, the seller should negotiate with the buyer — not with their agent, with whom they ALREADY have a contact. After all, the listing agent has already put a lot of work into the property. The buyer may want the benefit of some savings, by not having their own agent. Let the buyer and seller negotiate over that sales price, and perhaps the seller and their agent can have the conversation about how much fee might be reasonably reduced to bring the parties together.&nbsp;As a practical matter in this scenario, will the listing agent “throw in” some of that fee to make it work? Sure. Maybe. Depends. But it needs to be the agent’s decision, not the buyers. And not unilaterally the sellers. It’s a modification of a contract which requires mutual agreement. Of course, the buyer can certainly go to Redfin, or to his buddy, and get them to write it up and rebate as much of the SOC as they can get. That’s not the listing agent or the seller’s issue.&nbsp;And there are other situations where I have voluntarily given back some of that negotiated fee. Most recently, we had a buyer balk at the 11th hour on a pending Greenlake listing that we had. Didn’t like the condition of the paint. Or the hardwoods. Of course, this was well past the inspection period, but he wanted $5,000 or he was going to default and walk from his $5,000 earnest money. While my seller was making a nice gain on this from when he bought in ’01 (selling for $500k, and had paid around $240k), I knew it would give him major gut burn to have to negotiate with this buyer. And I didn’t want to lose the buyer in this market, at that sales price. So I reduced my fee by the extortion amount ($5,000) and the thing closed smoothly. This was a seller I love, with whom we’d done maybe a half dozen deals in the past decade. So seller’s happy (I didn’t tell him about it for a few months, actually, to avoid any post-traumatic stress); buyer was happy (presumably); and I made a decision that I could live with, that no one asked me to make. And we have a closed sale.</div>

Giving Up The Commission

<h1 style="text-align: start">7 Ways to Know You've Found Your Ideal Home</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/dorothy-carter" rel="author">Dorothy Carter&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Mar 8, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">House hunting isn't always fun, especially when it takes you a long time to find something that feels like home. The question is, how do you even realize you've discovered such a property? Do you feel it, or how does it all work? Worry not, as we're bringing you the list of ways to know you've found your ideal home. After you've read through it, you should have no doubt in your mind that you've stumbled upon your dream house - or has it, perhaps, stumbled upon you?Despite everything in you telling you that the house is "the one", you might still be questioning whether it actually is that. That's where we come in to help out. With our expert advice, you should be able to finalize<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/what-are-the-steps-in-the-home-buying-process-part-1">&nbsp;the buying process</a>&nbsp;asap, without waiting to sleep on it. Because let's face it, if you wait to make your move, somebody else could scoop the property you've been dreaming about right from under you! We trust that isn't something you want. <h3>1 | You Feel Drawn to the House</h3>First impressions are of grave importance in all aspects of life,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/search-results">house hunting</a>&nbsp;included. If you feel a strong connection to the house right from the moment you see it - almost as if something is drawing you to it, inviting you in - chances are this property could be it. Call it a gut instinct or whatever you want, but the truth is, the feeling is real and can't be denied. <h3>2 | You Feel at Home the Moment You Enter</h3>Haven't felt butterflies in your stomach on your way to the house? How about when you came in? Were you instantly greeted by the warmth and coziness of the place? If the answer is yes, and you feel comfortable the second you enter, there's a pretty good chance you've just stepped foot into your future home. Sometimes, people have a hard time entering bathrooms while attending property viewings. Another dead giveaway that suggests the place is right for you is being 100% okay with snooping around the bathroom - for more than a couple of seconds at a time, that is.<h3>3 | You Start Fantasizing About Your Future There</h3>You haven't even made the purchase yet, but you already know how you will decorate the place. You are beginning to contemplate how your existing furniture will fit the layout. Furthermore, you can't help but make plans in your mind about buying new pieces, either. But it isn't only decorating that is occupying your thoughts. The images of your future here are also starting to flood in. You are envisioning spending your life in this house, and the excitement can't be hidden.&nbsp;If fantasizing about the future arrangements helps you realize that you should purchase this house, and you finally end up buying the place, it's time to start thinking about organizing the move. It's vital to begin planning as early as possible, as that will give you more time to prepare for the relocation and pack. While packing furniture, for instance, you'll want to&nbsp;<a href="https://usantini.com/how-to-prepare-furniture-for-moving/">pay attention to every piece</a>&nbsp;to minimize the possibility of damage in transit. <h3>4 | The Property Checks All the Boxes</h3>Okay, maybe it doesn't check all the boxes out there, but it fits the most important ones. It has the number of rooms you wanted it to have, the price is within your budget, plus the location is just right. If it's missing some features you wanted your dream house to have, think about it this way. Can you absolutely not live without them, thus, making them a deal-breaker? If yes, walk away from it. However, if you are willing to compromise - well, you know what that means.<h3>5 | You Are No Longer Willing to Consider Looking at Other Homes</h3>Among the ways to know you've found the ideal home is by being no longer willing to consider the possibility of buying another home. In fact, you aren't even interested in looking at other houses anymore. That's how much you've grown to like the property! It has simply set the bar so high that there isn't a place to compare to it. You are 100% sure of this, and there's no changing your mind.<h3>6 | You Want to Brag About It</h3>You have barely left the place, but you can't stop the urge to announce to the world how happy it made you feel. You absolutely can't wait to tell your friends and family all about it. You haven't even begun talking yet, but you know that, once you start doing so, there won't be stopping for a while. Your phone is flooding with interior and exterior photographs from all possible angles. Yet, neither words nor pictures do it justice, and both are impossible to convene just how excited you feel about the possibility of this house being finally yours.<h3>7 | It’s Consuming Your Thoughts</h3>Somehow, this property has managed to override all thoughts you might have previously had. It's all you can think about now. And that is actually your mind's way of telling you this is "the house". So, what are you waiting for?&nbsp;If we are being sincere, the ways to know you've found your ideal home defy all logic. We've been taught for years to look at everything in life from more than one perspective, to weigh our options. But, in the case of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/what-are-the-steps-in-the-home-buying-process-part-2">buying a house,</a>&nbsp;maybe we shouldn't. Perhaps it's best not to think too much about the matter, but rather, let your instincts take over and decide. Chances are, they won't be mistaken.</div>

7 Ways to Know You've Found Your Ideal Home

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How to Make Your Offer More Attractive | Real Property Associates, Inc.

<h1 style="text-align: start">How to Make Your Offer More Attractive</h1><div style="text-align: start">Published by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattlehouses.com/blog/author/garret-brown" rel="author">Garret Brown&nbsp;</a>on&nbsp;Jan 25, 2022 6:30:00 AM</div><div style="text-align: start">Laura Petermeyer and Garrett Brown give us some great tips on how to make your offer more attractive, including how to appealing to the sellers, waiving contingencies, and releasing your earnest money immediately.The Seattle real estate market is competitive, and it is important to put your best foot forward when trying to purchase a home. Working with an experienced agent is incredibly important, and it is great to learn about what strong agents like Laura and Garret recommend when putting together a winning offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="se-component se-video-container __se__float-" contenteditable="false" style="width: 100%;"><figure style="width: 100%; height: 56.25%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0px;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VNbrM9JgQlY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" data-percentage="100%,56.25%" data-size="100%,56.25%" data-align="" data-index="0" data-file-name="VNbrM9JgQlY?feature=oembed" data-file-size="0" data-origin="100%,56.25%" style="width: 100%; height: 100%;"></iframe></figure></div><div> </div>&nbsp;To see more of their videos, check out their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCawiVicmyDaksnComfFqYjQ" rel="noopener">YouTube channel</a></div>

How to Make Your Offer More Attractive

Published 06/17/2022 | Written by Sarah McCormick

How to Make Your Offer More Attractive

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