Seattle Real Estate & Homes For Sale | Seattle, Washington » West Seattle

Classic Seattle Architecture – Craftsman House

Marybeth Cicirello — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:00:05 +0000

Classic Craftsman house in Mount Baker

Seattle is known for an early 20th-century American architecture called Craftsman. People who visit our city notice the abundance of Craftsman houses & bungalows and note that these aren’t quite so common (or exist at all!) in their own home towns. Considering the weather in the NW and our history in lumber and fishing industries, it’s an architectural response to Seattle’s rainy season and blue collar roots.

Bungalow in Genesee

The term “bungalow” refers to the size of many Craftsman homes we may see in parts of West Seattle, Wallingford, Fremont, or Genesee and some still have original built-in benches, ironing board closets and bookshelves. Larger – more formal – Craftsman houses can be found in Queen Anne, Leschi, Capitol Hill and Mount Baker with deep eaves, asymmetrical facades and wide street-facing gables. Generally, the structural, siding and interior element is wood and the floorplans are similar, but still irregular from home to home. In Seattle’s in-demand neighborhoods, a solid Craftsman house will range upward from $699,000 and a Craftsman bungalow upward from $450,000, with some exceptions.

Marybeth Cicirello * 206.214.6556 * marybeth.cicirello@exprealty.com * Downtown Seattle Real Estate

The Seattle Market – is it true?

Marybeth Cicirello — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:00:53 +0000

Here’s a common misnomer, but one that we all use often and for different reasons: “The Seattle Market.” But really, to mix up all the neighborhood data into this one market snapshot is like mixing all the primary colors till they’re brown, and then trying to paint a rainbow with it. Seattle is comprised of neighborhoods – each a primary color with more complex shades & layers beyond that. What $350,000.00 buys in Capitol Hill (maybe a 1-bedroom condo), is completely different from what the same amount buys in Arbor Heights (maybe a 2/3-bedroom house and yard). Your pennies stretch differently per neighborhood. And we haven’t even gotten into streets and blocks within the neighborhood!

Seattle Neighborhood market data is unique to each...

As of April 25, 2010, the statistic is that a median single-family home in “The Seattle Market” is $392,731.00 and I can say confidently right now, there is no move-in ready 3-bedroom house on Montlake, Capitol Hill, Mount Baker or Queen Anne for this price. But in Maple Leaf? Yes this price point will buy a house and yard, maybe a nice 2-bedroom mid-century home. In West Seattle? Yes definitely in some micro-neighborhoods in West Seattle this is possible. In Beacon Hill? Yes again, a mid-century or Craftsman bungalow at $392,731.00 is definitely possible. So for buyers, it quickly becomes clear what neighborhoods your price point allows and this makes your search constructive and efficient. And for sellers, be the best option in a certain bracket within your neighborhood, because even in this economy, we still see multiple offer situations if you’re priced right. Buyers know a good residence when they see it!

Marybeth Cicirello * 206.214.6556 * marybeth.cicirello@exprealty.com * Downtown Seattle Real Estate

Residential Housing Statistics in King County December 2009

Sebnem Oden — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:54:38 +0000

I was just asked this week how is the Real Estate Market in King County since I mentioned earlier about Snohomish County. Well here is information which was requested about King County. Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) reported as following statistics for Dec 2009. Jan 2010 stats will be published in the coming weeks. We still got 21 months of inventory in King County while Snohomish County got 19 months of inventory of homes for sale.

UNITS	ACTIVE	PENDING	SOLD
DEC 09 UNITS	6,918	1,413	1462
DEC 08 UNITS	8,707	911	929
Total Unit +/-	-1789	502	533
Difference DEC %	-20.55%	55.10%	57.37%


YTD 09 UNITS	33,744	23,019	16,022
YTD 08 UNITS	38,889	18,895	15,991
Total Unit +/-	-5145	4124	31
Difference YTD %	-13.23%	21.83%	0.19%

As seen above chart, Residential active listings units dropped 20.55% from 8707 units in 2008 to 6918 units in December 2009 while Pending Residential units increased 55.10%, as Dec 09 pending listings were 1413 units compare to 911 units in December 2008. There is a huge increase in sold units at 57.37%, 1462 units closed in 2009 vs 929 units in 2008. Snohomish County Sold Residential unit increase is at 89.02% when compared to 2008.

MEDIAN PRICE	ACTIVE	PENDING	SOLD
DEC 09 MEDIAN	$425,000	$349,000	$380,000
DEC 08 MEDIAN	$495,000	$374,900	$403,500
Price +/-	-$70,000	-$25,900	-$23,500
Difference DEC %	-14%	-7%	-6%


YTD 09 MEDIAN	$479,950	$370,000	$380,000
YTD 08 MEDIAN	$509,950	$424,950	$429,950
Price +/-	-$30,000	-$54,950	-$49,950
Difference YTD %	-5.88%	-12.93%	-12.0%

As seen above chart, Median Price declined all across for Active, Pending and Sold Listings. For December 09 sold median price was $380,000, dropped 6% compare to Dec 2008 while year to date Median price dropped further to 11.62%.

DAYS ON MARKET	ACTIVE	PENDING	SOLD
DEC 09 DOM	131	89	83
DEC 08 DOM	128	87	84
Days +/-	3	2	-1
Difference DEC %	2.34%	2.30%	-1.19%


09 YTD DOM	109	77	78
08 YTD DOM	93	75	73
Days +/-	16	2	5
Difference YTD %	17.20%	2.67%	6.85%

As seen above chart, the other important indicator to watch is “Days on the market” (DOM). There isn’t a significant difference, as little as 1.19% for Dec 09 and 6.85% for the year.

Over all, Inventory of homes dropping while sold home units are increasing. December 2009 Market Trend is showing a promising future for buyers and sellers. Yes, values are declining as there is activity out there…..

If you would like more personalized information for your area, please contact me via emailSebnem.oden@exprealty.com or visiting my website www.ProKeyRE.com

Wishing you a prosperous real estate future….

Heating Bills a Thing of the Past?

Edy Kizaki — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:14:18 +0000

I’m pretty sure if the power company offered you a month off from paying your bill, you’d say yes. It might not happen tomorrow, but according to an article I just read in a Sierra Club magazine, in a few decades looks like large power bills will be a thing of the past. As we all know, it’s possible to build homes and offices that will not only be energy self-sufficient, but will produce zero carbon emmissions. In the short run this might be more costly to build (which is why some elements of the building industry look on the movement to increase energy efficiency requirements in building standards with dismay) but in the long run it will more than pay you back for the investment… in other words, save you money. So where a Green-Built house might cost you however thousand dollars more now, it will more than pay you back over time in utility bill savings.

So how do we make it practical and attractive not only to spend the $ up front for long term savings, but to include the more than 100 million homes and offices we already have in the new technologies that result in these long-term savings? Looks like the plan is in place. Economically it makes sense to retrofit. Almost all older buildings could use improvements that pay for themselves and cut their power consumption in half. The loans to do it would be paid by the savings in energy. The programs to support these upgrades are starting to appear. Ideally, homeowners and small businesses could call a toll-free number and find out what local resources and loans are available to start their retrofit process in a cost effective way. Many local communities have started to develop this resources so check locally whereever you are and find out if your city provides the consumer information service to get started.

Here in Seattle, Seattle City Light has announced that it’s proud to be one of the first four Utilities in the country which is working with Microsoft in an innovative consumer support program. They are providing consumers an online application (FREE!) that helps them track their energy usage and then get personalized recommendations for improved energy efficiency! You can (and I am definitely going to, so I’ll report back) sign up to be one of the first customers to use the product! (Microsoft Hohm for Seattle.)

The activity taking place at the highest levels of government are already moving us toward lower public building utility bills. Often the second-biggest government expense after saleries, Obama’s first economic recovery packaged included retrofitting public buildings. This will help get into place worker training and factories which make energy-efficient windows, furnaces, insulation, as well as air conditioning. Local and state government energy bills will be much lower and will be able to repay the loans with their savings. Good to know!

What is a Buyer’s Agent and Why Do I Need One?

Edy Kizaki — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:55:49 +0000

WHAT IS A BUYER’S AGENT AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?

Q: How do Buyers’ Agents Get Paid?

A: Their services are free to the Buyer.

Q: How does that work?

A: When the Seller’s Agent signs a listing agreement with the Seller, they negotiate a commission. They then offer a part of that commission, usually half, but it varies, to the Buyer’s Agent. This is listed in the Agent part of the MLS. So when a Buyer chooses a home and purchases it, the total commission is subtracted from the Seller’s side of the totals, and is paid out to the Seller’s Agent and the Buyer’s Agent.

Q: But if the Buyer’s Agent gets paid by the Seller, do they really work for me?

A: Good question! Actually the Washington State laws have changed. It used to be that both parties worked for the Seller! Even though you might pick out your own agent to tour and help you, they would still be obligated to guard the best interest of the Seller of any property you saw. That was deemed unfair to the Buyer and the law has been changed. The Buyer’s Agent by law owes the Buyer confidentiality and fiduciary loyalty… i.e. has a responsiblity to guard the best interest of the Buyer. Ask me for a copy of the Washington State Pamplet on Buyer’s Agency Law. And by the way, all agents are obligated by law to provide this to their clients, many do so at the time of making an offer but I like to do so upon our first meeting … or even before!… to give my clients a chance to review the pamphlet and open up any questions or discussion they may have.

Q: So can I save money by working directly with the Seller’s agent?

A: Usually if the Buyer approaches the Seller’s agent directly the Seller will have both Buyer and Seller sign an agreement that the agent is neutral and represents both parties. They are supposed to not disclose confidential information to either side. In practice this can be difficult to do since they already have a well developed relationship with the Seller and are psychologically devoted to their interests. For this reason some Seller’s Agents will suggest another agent to be the Buyer’s Agent if approached directly by a Buyer. Some will go ahead and represent both, in which case they keep the entire commission.

Q: Is there a disadvantage to me in working with the Seller’s Agent directly?

A: In my opinion it is disadvantagous to have an agent who would prefer you to buy one certain property. The Seller’s Agent really wants you to like that property, because his job is to get it sold, so he is in the position of advocating or presenting the property to best advantage. If you select and work with your own Buyer’s Agent your agent does not care which property you select, just that you get the property that best fits your needs at the best possible price. My job is to get you what you want and negotiate to get you the most possible advantage. That way you are satisfied and if your friends and relations need a realtor you will be able to recommend me wholeheartedly.

It’s a Buyer’s Market…enjoy!!

AMAZING lodge for sale in Chilliwack, BC

Seattle Guide — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:15:23 +0000

I was up in the Vancouver BC area last week and my friend Laura Howren took me with her to see a property she just listed in Chilliwack. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the area, it’s a city in the Fraser Valley region in BC about an hour and a half away from Vancouver (home to the 2010 Winter Olympics!!) with an abundance of recreational activities…hiking, fishing, golfing, water sports, you name it.

This log home is currently a short term executive rental, rented out on a nightly or weekly basis, and is in a perfect location as it’s only 35 minutes to Harrison Hot Springs and 25 minutes to Cultus Lake, a popular camping destination. Think 26′ ceilings with ceiling-to-floor windows that take advantage of light, beautiful Hans Rhodes natural rock fire place, large recreation room in the daylight basement and a private master suite on the upper level…it’s literally the perfect Getaway!

With the exchange rates today at $1.08, with US dollars it’s like getting an 8% discount right off the top of the purchase price. The listed price is $969,000 and the home has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, about 2600 sqft and is just shy of 2.5 acres, which may be able to be subdividable in the future. The furniture is negotiable, and for those who would like to keep it as a vacation rental, the seller will negotiate the websites for the lodge as well!

For more information, visit VancouverPowerSearch.com or contact Laura at 604.209.3674 or at laura@vancouverpowersearch.com.

Click here to see a virtual tour of the property and more pictures!

Sailing Puget Sound

Edy Kizaki — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:53:45 +0000

Puget Sound is ever changing and one of the never forgotten facts of our lives here on the edge of the world. Living in the Pacifc Rim city of Seattle here in the Northwest provides so many opportunities to enjoy the abundant nature that surrounds us. But the Sound is for me one of the most treasured facets of our environment!

A client that moved here because of work sent me a link to her photos while taking a walk with her daughter recently.

Sailing Puget Sound

I love this one showing a sail boat on the Sound with the city and Space Needle in the background. Krista, thanks for sharing a perfect moment!

Seattle Professional Sports Scene

Dave Sato — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:44:35 +0000

Seattle has always been the professional sports mecca in the Pacific Northwest. Even after losing the Seattle Supersonics of the NBA, we still have the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners (currently in 1st place) the only professional teams in the National Football League and Major League Baseball, respectively in the Pacific Northwest. We also have the Seattle Storm of the WNBA and a winner of the league title a few years ago. By the way, they just re-signed Lauren Jackson, 2-time MVP, to another contract. Why did she as an unrestricted free agent sign here again? Because of the incredible fan support the team has.

New to the scene this year are the Seattle Sounders, a Major League Soccer team. Out of the gate, they have taken the league by storm and are currently in 2nd place, not bad for a team in it’s 1st year of existence. They have one of the premier goalkeepers in Washington’s own Kasey Keller. So far this season, he’s given up 1 goal in the 5 games he’s played. The other two games were lost as he was ejected from one and could not play the next. This team has played to sellout crowds in every home game.

Not surprisingly, even golf has made a stop in Seattle. There have been several Senior level golf tournaments played here and one PGA event was hosted here. Even Seattle native Fred Couples, a very successful pro on the PGA tour, has hosted a small multi-day event that has always been very well attended.

If you want to see an NBA game, it’s just a two hour drive south to Portland to see the Trailblazers led by former Washington Husky, Brandon Roy and for those NHL fans, it’s north to Vancouver, B.C. to see the Canucks. So as you can see, whatever you like in professional sports, it’s here in Seattle.

Is your neighborhood walkable?

Dave Sato — Mon, 04 May 2009 05:15:37 +0000

These days, most people looking for houses that are in neighborhoods that have the same community spirit that was prevalent in the 60′s, 70′s & 80′s. These were neighborhoods where everyone knew each other and their kids all grew up together. You didn’t have to find a babysitter, there was probably one next door. How is this type of community created? One way is to slow down the pace of our lives and to stop trying to schedule every hour of every day. In place of rushing here and there, people need to take the time to walk around their neighborhood. It’s pretty interesting to meet all of the neighbors on your street in maybe a one block radius. In my old neighborhood in Seattle, there was the grade school a block away that drew every kid there after school, on weekends and you almost couldn’t help getting to know each other. Most neighborhoods have a central core area that defines it. Within the core area there are grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, parks, libraries, bookstores, fitness centers, drug stores, hardware stores and clothing stores to name a few. All of them are within walking distance of where people live. In most instances, mass transit is available within a block or two that can take you to and from work. Which means…you don’t need a car! Wow, what a cost savings that would be. Just think about how much you’d save not having to pay $2.00 – $5.00 for a gallon of gas, your annual insurance cost, upkeep and maintenance, licencing…etc.

A lot of people are thinking this way and are looking for this style of living. But how do you find it? There are plenty of ways to do this. The first is to start from where you work and decide how far out you want to commute. Once you determine that, you look at the communities within the radius of that commute time and bingo, you should have found neighborhoods that you’d like to live in. Then go and visit the neighborhoods and see what’s there. Are there the activities that you’d enjoy? Does the school in the area meet the quality you’d want for you kids? Are there groceries and clothing stores? If you don’t have enough time to work on all of that, you might try looking up the walkscore for the house that your looking at. What’s a walkscore? It’s a numerical score that takes into account all of the items previously mentioned. You can then compare the different houses and their walkscores to help you decide on the perfect house for you. The website is http://walkscore.com and it does most of the areas here in the Greater Seattle area.

Communities are built on people and if you think back on the nicest place you’ve ever lived, it is probably where you felt the most comfortable. What makes most people comfortable, is living in an area where people know and respect each other. That brings safety as people watch out for each other. So when you do walk down to the neighborhood coffee shop and see your neighbor you’ll realize that you picked the right place. Happy walking!

Spuds of West Seattle

Seattle Guide — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:32:20 +0000

Spuds Fish and Chips has several locations around the Seattle area. This one is near Alki Point in West Seattle. Some of the better fish and chips we’ve ever had, we usually get a three piece cod combo and split it between the two of us.

In the entry before you reach the order counter, there’s a bit of a museum with photos of a natatorium that used to be essentially right across the street. Well if you are anything like me, you do not know what a natatorium is. I’ll tell you. It’s an indoor swimming pool arena. Yes, there are photos of old time bathing beauties….. Also on the wall are photos of Spud’s fish and chips, in the early years, with soldiers just home from the war, and signs for the fish and chips for 10 cents. Oh, and just a clue, it costs just a bit more than that now.

At the other end of the room near the front window seats are copies of a newspaper ad where local land merchants (you know, real estate agents) were selling lots by auction, called Alki Point Beauty Home Tracts. I’m sure some of them are homes that are still standing, but I wonder just how many. That might be a fun study some day. Alki Point has mostly view condos along the street and across from the beach. Also some older beach houses, some that grew like Topsy through the years. (Wow–am I revealing my vintage!)

And then if you wander upstairs and have a seat to eat your fish and chips, you can watch the water taxi make it’s run across to the city, and enjoy the water views. Take a look!

At the time these photos were taken, it was too cold for all the beach walkers to be out, but in the summer time, this is a very popular spot.