|Real Estate Ruminations...

Selling homes during Covid

We have seen big changes in how homes are viewed, toured, and marketed over the past 6 weeks and I anticipate that more transitions lie ahead.  What has mattered, more than anything, are solid communications in the realtor community, as well as with your clients.  Since the beginning of “stay at home, stay safe” I have sold three homes in Ballard and a condominium in Madison Park.  Every step of the way I’ve done my best to anticipate upcoming issues and iron them out in advance.  No one anticipated how we would modify the steps to get from accepting an offer and depositing earnest money to closing & funding, but through phone calls and work arounds, we have found good solutions and my recent sellers and buyers are happy with our results.  If you have questions about how things are, and how the market is doing, feel free to give me a call.

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Tips for Buyers in our hotter Spring Market

Last Spring I listed this home and it flew off the market following some busy open houses over the weekend. We are seeing the same thing this Spring – so what are buyers to do? First off, be realistic about where you want to land on a purchase price and perhaps shop up to $100k lower than that, so if you end up extending to the top of your price range you still feel good about the purchase. Second, consider properties that are not as cute as a bug, such as homes that have been on the market ‘contingent’ or are duplexes which right now don’t seem to be getting the same level of interest from investment buyers. Many older duplexes convert easily back into single family homes and investors are looking at 8-9% interest rates so you will have less competition. Pick a home to buy that doesn’t boast a ton of street appeal and plan to work in an exterior house painting job and perhaps building a new fence and accents into your budget (to get the look of the photo above). You can’t move a home, but you can easily dress it up. Happy Shopping!

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Phinney Ridge is a wonderful neighborhood

My painting of the back porch on Phinney

Sitting in the sun on Phinney Ridge, as the open house was getting ready to start, I realized just how many people would connect with this darling listing on Dayton Ave N. My clients had literally flipped for it years before and sure enough, as we presented this listing to the market our results were the same. So many buyers wandered through, and stayed for a while. They’d cluster in the kitchen, or on the backyard patio, talking and considering the home. When it came time to for offer review, we sold the home well above list price. For more information about this area, just get in touch.

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Valentine Love to Everyone!

Ah, love is in the air! It’s one of the best times of year, for those falling in love – and those falling in love with real estate. So many buyers are checking out our slim inventory, imagining themselves cooking in stylish kitchens and starting backyard gardens. Enjoy Spring, smile at folks you see on walks, and share valentines with friends. Mom and I painted this sweet bouquet of flowers so I’m sharing it with you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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We have been at it again!

Our next charity cookbook is at the printer

When we are not selling houses around Seattle, Gloria Jackson and I spend time creating these charming little cookbooks. The first two editions of “Sharing Out Best” did so well, that we’re at it again, printing up a 2024 edition that features wonderful recipes from friends and relatives. All of the profits from the cookbook sales are given to the local food bank. If you’re looking for a collection of new recipes for yourself or a friend, please reach out and order one or two. They are $25 each and available in February.

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Painting with my mom at the Arboretum

Capturing the Autumn Colors this past Fall

This year the calendar deceived us and our typical rainy fall weather was late arriving. With crisp and dry days in October, mom and I headed over to the Arboretum and found a cozy bench that suited us for painting one of the nearby trees. This is the first time we collaborated on a painting and we noticed different things about our subject, a gorgeous tree in full Autumn color. Mom started matching the gold and peach tones of the leaves, while I worked on the shadows around the trunk. Within an hour or so, we had created this lovely little painting together and it captured that moment in time for both of us. Who knew we would start painting trees? Enjoy.

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Cookbooks now for sale

We are at it again! Gloria Jackson and I have been asking all of our friends who are masterful in the kitchen to share their best recipes for our third Cookbook. We are taking pre-sales in November for our December publishing date. They run $25 each, and almost 80% of the cost is donated through the Windermere Foundation to the Ballard Food Bank. You’ll enjoy our favorite recipes from soup to cookies. Let me know if you’d like a few copies.

“Great meals you can enjoy from your own Kitchen!”
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Painting at the P Patch

The Picardo Pea Patch in Wedgwood was the old Italian Farm, and my relatives on mom’s side of the family worked there. They lived over in North Greenlake and would walk to the farm for the day, then head back to a stretch of homes between 77th & 80th just off Bagley Ave North. The boss lived in the big home, relatives across the street. Mom and I met for a couple of days of painting at the Picardo garden recently, as they were about to celebrate their 50th Anniversary as the first official Pea patch in the city. My painting is acrylic on a small board, capturing the late fall colors as I looked west. Enjoy!

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Loving the Capitol Hill vibe

Open Sunday Oct 15th 2:00 – 4:00. Tree-lined streets and charming vintage buildings add to the feeling you get walking around North Capitol Hill. Our featured listing at 714 Bellevue Ave East #403 sits among all of this, just above the treetops offering some sensational City views and creating a treehouse vibe with lovely privacy. Seldom found in our current marketplace, the property has that NYC vibe which you’ll notice the minute you walk in the door. Absolutely one worth seeing, now at a new price of $799,900. Call me for more information about this truly special corner condo.

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For the artist in all of us

Have you grown creatively these last few months?  Looking for a little gallery space to show your art?  I’m thrilled to be representing another Loyal Heights work loft with just the right space for a new gallery if you have a calling to show and sell your work.  2767 NW 85th Street popped on the market for $599,000 and features a main floor gallery currently with a show by nature photographer Marlin Greene.  The upper two floors are the most marvelous condo, with a separate entrance.  Let me know if you’d like to tour this very unique property.  My partner in this listing, Gloria Jackson, plans to hold private showings on Sunday between 1 – 3.

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Drone photos are buyer candy

Wasn’t long ago that drone photos were the new thing, now we’re using them all the time to provide overviews looking down on a property, featuring close-by parks and views, and also allowing buyers near and far to get a sense of the hood.  Recently Jen with Porchlight Imaging took this shot of one of my listings which flew out the door and it really is artistry.  So great to see a terrific home from an entirely new angle!  Between seller inspections, drone shots and Covid required appointments, selling real estate is once again going through a transition.  The sellers market continues and buyers are thrilled when they get house keys.

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