New Listings in Queen Anne and Magnolia

In the last week there have been 14 homes newly listed in the neighborhoods of Queen Anne and Magnolia. Below are six homes that looked interesting. See the link at the bottom of the page for more details.

11 Smith St, Seattle 98109
MLS#: 268378
Price: $469,900
Year Built: 1910
Beds: 3
Baths: 1.75
SF: 2,500
Marketing Remarks: Wonderful Queen Anne location! Charming, well-maintained craftsman with lots of updates. Spacious and bright living room with gleaming fir floors, huge formal dining room off kitchen with eating area and butler's pantry. Three generous bedrooms upstairs, renovated bath with original claw foot tub. Extra room on lower level with plenty of storage and space to expand. Updated plumbing and electrical, and fresh interior paint. Off-street parking.

2612 32nd Ave W, Seattle 98199-3222
MLS#: 268614
Price: $475,000
Year Built: 1951
Beds: 3
Baths: 1.75
SF: 2,820
Lot Sz: .157 ac/6,846 sf
Marketing Remarks: Beautifully Maintained and updated Mid-Century home on large lot with gorgeous private back yard retreat. 3 beds on main, 1 3/4 baths, newer kitchen, roof, bath & heating system. Close to shops, schools, stores & community pool. Huge family/recroom with cosy fireplace, spacious laundry room, loads of storage, office in extra finished room, basement garage with work space, sprinklered front yard and much more.

2855 13th Ave W, Seattle 98119
MLS#: 266547
Price: $525,000
Yearr Built: 1946
Beds: 4
Baths: 3
SF: 2,620
Lot Sz: .122 ac/5,319 sf
Marketing Remarks: Charming exterior masks the spacious interior. Fully updated w/contemporary flare. Chef’s kitchen w/granite, SS appliances and sun-drenched eating area. Perfect layout w/ great room concept. Spacious master suite fills the entire upper level w/ complete privacy, lovely westerly views & his/hers closets. Lower level media rm and guest bedrm. Sip a drink on the oversized patio under the old apple tree. Move in ready w/new landscaping, paint, roof, windows and more. Don't let this one slip away!

3015 W Viewmont Wy W, Seattle 98199
MLS#: 266261
Price: $765,000
Yr Blt: 1930
Beds: 5
Baths: 2.75
SF: 3,100
Lot Sz: .146 ac/6,380 sf
Marketing Remarks: Romance is back! 5-bedroom/3 bath brick Tudor home on Magnolia's Millionaire's Row. Market priced with tons of space & level fenced yard. Old world charm abounds with original oak floors, stunning fireplace & stained glass. Granite kitchen & stainless steel appliances open to a charming family room. Gas heat & hot water. Master with own bath & private deck with Olympics & Sound views + 2nd upstairs bedroom for nursery or study. 2 bedrooms & bath on the main, guest suite & media room on lower.

2807 W Viewmont Wy W, Seattle 98199
MLS#: 267719
Price: $1,950,000
Yr Blt: 1928
Beds: 6
Baths: 3.25
Lot Sz: .294 ac/12,793 sf
Marketing Remarks: Pure elegance in this restored 1928 classic sited on an expansive corner lot with panoramic Sound, Olympic and Island views from most rooms. Lovely formal spaces include a sun room, kitchen, family room that opens onto an entertainment size deck overlooking the views and gardens. The master suite includes a dressing room/closet, 5 piece bath and opens onto a private patio. 4 bedrooms upper floor.

1419 8th Ave W, Seattle 98119
MLS#: 268114
Price: $1,995,950
Yr Blt: 1993
Beds: 4
Baths: 2.25
SF: 4,270
Lot Sz: .209 ac/9,107 sf
Marketing Remarks: Sweeping, unobstructed views on all 3 levels lift your soul. Reflects the best of the neighborhood's craftsman charm, w/ a light-filled, airy, updated floorplan & many modern conveniences. Featured in Home Magazine! Woven throughout all 3 levels are rich architectural details: box beam ceilings the living/dining rms, ribboned hardwood floors, & mullioned transoms on the windows. Kitch w/ granite counters/cherry cabinets. Incredible view decks for outdoor entertaining! Rare double lot!

Click the following URL to see the Listings: http://www.matrix.nwmls.com/DE.asp?ID=3247381539

Click here to search for listings.

New Listings in Northwest Seattle

In the last week there have been 18 homes priced under $550,000 newly listed in the Ballard/Green Lake neighborhood. Below are five homes that look most interesting to me. See the link at the bottom of the page for more details about these homes.



7208 32nd Ave NW, Seattle 98117
MLS#: 266655
Price: $350,000
Beds: 4
Baths: 1
SF: 1,960
Lot Sz: .115 ac/5,000 sf
Remarks: 1922 Craftsman Styling holds much of the Original Flavor & Charm yet Enjoys Upgrades to include; Complete New Kitchen w/Stainless Appliances & Vinyl Windows, New Copper Plumbing & Gas Heat. This Rambler w/Daylight Basement has 4 Bedrooms [2-up & 2-Down], Living Room w/Masonry Fireplace & Formal Dining Room. Flat / Usable Back Yard. Close to Golden Gardens & The Locks / On Bus Line. Bonus! Qualifies for State Bond / House Key Plus Seattle $45,000.00 Down Assistance! Ask for Details.




2239 NW 64th St, Seattle 98107
MLS#: 266404
Price: $425,000
Beds: 2
Baths: 1.75
SF: 1,400
Lot Sz: .057 ac/2,500 sf
Remarks: Check out the stunning remodel on this 1908 home in the heart of Ballard! Main floor boasts Brazilian Teak flooring, beamed ceilings & a charming open stairwell. Large gourmet kitchen features lots of wood cabinets, recessed lighting, honed granite counters, pantry off kitchen & newer stainless appliances. Master bedroom has vaulted ceilings w/walk-in closet. All systems have been upgraded including new foundation, electrical, plumbing, doors & windows. Off street parking with alley access.



8921 30th Ave NW, Seattle 98117
MLS#: 267533
Price: $485,000
Beds: 3
Baths: 1.5
SF: 1,630
Lot Sz: .172 ac/7,510 sf
Remarks: Lovely 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home in Ballard community of Seattle, meticulously maintained by one owner family. Freshly Refinished oak hardwood & Lovely Tiled flooring though out. Wood burning & gas fireplaces; Laundry chute; Jacuzzi bathtub, European kitchen appliances; Family room wetbar w/Miele glass cooktop; New W/D. Gas furnace, Ample workbenches in garage great for projects; Large fenced backyard and charming front yard garden. Close to Downtown, Marina, Puget Sound, UW. Quiet Neighborhood.



130 NW 58 St, Seattle 98107-2027
MLS#: 267687
Price: $499,950
Beds: 3
Baths: 2
SF: 2,260
Lot Sz: .085 ac/3,689 sf
Remarks: Classic 1928 Craftsman Bungalow has sweeping Sound, mountain, & sunset views along with original architecture! Amazing tulip leaded glass windows, natural woodwork, breakfast nook, formal dining room, coved ceilings & tile fireplace. Two large bedrooms upstairs & one on the main. Spacious & open, this home awaits your cosmetic touches & presents a rare opportunity. High ceiling basement has new full bath. Only 3 blocks to the Zoo & close to many shops, restaurants, & amenities of Phinney Ridge.



1529 NW 62nd St, Seattle 98107-2336
MLS#: 265070
Price: $525,000
Beds: 3
Baths: 2.25
SF: 2,050
Lot Sz: .055 ac/2,375 sf
Remarks: Elegant, quality, spacious--just a few words to describe this beautiful home. Built by Greatwood Homes & for sale by original owner. Three floors with a large third floor bonus room & storage. 3 bedrooms on 2nd level. Granite, stainless steel, hardwoods, soaring cathedral ceiling are just some of the in-house qualities. Location, location! 98 out of 100 walkability. Parks, outstanding restaurants, theatre, Ballard Farmer's Market, medical facilities, & library to name a few. Outstanding value.


Click the following URL to see the Listings: http://www.matrix.nwmls.com/DE.asp?ID=3222668397

Ready to Renovate? 5 Strategies for Increasing Value

The abundance of television shows and magazines focused on home updating and remodeling is simply astounding. A quick check of a television program guide for a single day listed more than twenty-five home “improvement” episodes! In 30 minutes you can follow a major six-month kitchen renovation to completion; in just ten minutes you can read a detailed magazine article on how to update your bathroom.

How do you know which projects will not only provide you with inviting home setting you crave right now, but will also add value to your home when it’s time to sell? It’s not easy, but the folks at Builder Magazine recently researched this very topic! Here’s a partial list of their findings:

1. Bring the fireplace inside. People love fireplaces. For many of us, having a fireplace located inside, with the main fireplace structure on an exterior wall, is what we’ve always known. However, if you plan to revamp or replace your fireplace consider a “zero-clearance” option. The venting system will leave your exterior walls and roof intact, which translates to lower construction costs. An added bonus? Ongoing maintenance will be a breeze.

2. Expand your pantry. Custom cabinetry is beautiful, but expensive. Consider expanding a pantry space by using drywall and wire shelving. You still get abundant storage (which both you and future homeowners will appreciate), but your costs will be significantly less.

3. Reconsider the soaking tub. Soaking tubs take up a huge amount of space and are difficult to keep clean. If you’re updating your master bathroom, instead create a tub/shower combo or a two-person walk-in shower. Use the space you saved to expand the closet.

4. Save space with a “straight-run” stairway. Stairways with a corner and a landing are beautiful, but they swallow up a lot of extra space. And these days, with buyers coveting an abundance of storage space, a straight stairway will provide more opportunities for built-in storage under and around the stairs.

5. Consider window placement. Most of us know the value of natural light, and are drawn to homes that are light, bright, and open. If a renovation to the front of your home is on your list, consider adding more windows on the street side. Well-placed windows on the front of the home provide terrific curb appeal, while also suggesting abundant natural light throughout the rest of the house.

5 Reasons to Buy a Home Right Now!

When the housing market softens the media begins talking about the value of buying versus renting. Because these types of news stories are often written on a national level, the content must meet the needs of readers who live in a wide array of geographic locations.

Here are my reasons why right now is the right time to buy in Seattle, Washington … and why, if you’re currently renting, you may be missing an incredible opportunity.

1. Prices are lower than they have been in many years. According to a recent CNN article, home prices have dropped enough – and rents have risen enough – to make buying the better option. As an example, Seattle-area home prices have fallen nearly 26% from their peak in mid-2005; however, rental rates are rising quickly.

2. Interest rates are still at historic lows. Rates have just dropped on 30-year fixed loans to under 4%, and 15-year fixed loans to just over 3%.

3. Jumbo loans rates (rates for mortgage loans in excess of $417,000) are lower than they have been in years. Until recently it’s been difficult for buyers in higher price ranges to find affordable financing options. But many lenders have begun offering jumbo loans again, with rates on 30-year fixed loans between four and five percent. As recently as two years ago, the average jumbo rate was more than 6%. If that doesn’t sound like much of a savings, look at this example: by lowering your rate from 6+% to 5%, you could save more than $5,800 a year on a $600,000 mortgage.

4. Mortgage interest can be deducted from your taxes. The same can’t be said for renting.

5. You can’t build equity or leverage your money when you rent. This graph shows what you might pay your landlord in rent in each month, and doesn’t even take the inevitable rate increases into account. Yes, the money you pay in rent builds equity – but it’s your landlord who’s benefiting, not you! Renting doesn’t give you an opportunity to leverage your money into something that will create long-term value for you.


It’s important to understand how the current economy affects our local market, and what it means to you, your budget, and your housing needs. As an expert in our market, I can help you determine the best ways to maximize your resources by providing sound real estate advice. Give me a call at 206-930-8238, or contact me via the web and let’s talk about why now is a terrific time to step into the market.

Northwest Seattle Home Values

Northwest Seattle ( Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake...) home values jumped up from the low in February of this year. In July the median home value was $418,000 and the average was $456,405, which is an increase of 12% and 15% from February of 2011. However, it is a decrease of 3% and 1% from July of 2010.

The number of homes sold continues to be strong. While the number of pending sales is showing signs of declining which is typical for this time year.

Queen Anne and Magnolia Residentual Home Values

Queen Anne and Magnolia home values are trending up from the low in March of this year. In July the median home value was $548,000 and the average was $655,035, which is an increase of 17% and 24% from March. However, it is a decrease of 10% and 1% from July of 2010.

The number of homes sold is up significantly from the February. While the number of pending sales is showing signs of declining which is typical for this time year.

King County Residentual Home Values

The median home value has remained relatively flat from May to July at $350,000, while the average was $444,827. When comparing July of 2010 to 2011, the median is down 12%.

The number of homes sold in July was 1678, while the number of homes that are pending was 2,297.

King County Home Sales

Since the beginning of 2009 more homes sold in June of 2011 than any other month in King County! The number rose to 1,884, while the number of homes that are pending fell to 2,389.

The median home value plateaued from May to June at $345,000. The average jumped up to $449,715. When comparing June of 2010 to 2011, the median is down 10.0%.

Statistics provided by the NWMLS. Information deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

Queen Anne and Magnolia Home Values

From January to May home values in the Seattle neighborhoods of Queen Anne and Magnolia have been slowly increasing. However when comparing May of 2010 to May of 2011 both the median and average home price is off by 15%. So far 2011 has been a tough year on home prices in Queen Anne and Magnolia.

The number of pending and closed homes sales were strong in May with 57 homes pending and 51 homes closed.

Northwest Seattle Home Values

The median home value in northwest Seattle was relatively flat for May at $402,500, and the average dipped to $435,128. When comparing May of 2010 to 2011 the median home price moved up $1,000 while the average moved down approximately $8,500. This includes the neighborhoods of Ballard, Fremont, Wallingford, Green Lake, Greenwood, Broadview and Haller Lake.

The number of pending sales moved up to 177. While the number of homes that closed was 128.

King County Home Values

King County's median home value slid down by approximately $5,000 in May to $345,000. The average moved down as well by approximately $17,000 to $420,145. When comparing may of 2010 to 2011 the median is down 9.0% and the average is down 8.4%.

The number of homes that sold rose to 1,654, and the number of homes that went pending rose to 2,485 in May. These numbers should continue to rise in June.

May 2011 - Seattle Homes Selling Faster

When comparing May 2011 vs. May 2010, homes are selling faster in central and north Seattle, Washington.

Queen Anne and Magnolia: 58 vs. 116

Capital Hill and Madison Park: 57 vs. 132

Ballard and Green Lake: 42 vs. 91

U-District and Lake City: 41 vs. 101

The number of days a home is on the market is a good indicator of how active the real estate market is in an area. Typically, homes that sell in fewer days have a selling price that is closer to the listing price.

King County Home Values

King County home values continue to rise from the low in February of this year. In April the median home value was $349,950 and the average was $437,178, which is an increase of 4.7% and 5.6% from February. However, it is a decrease of 6.7% and 1.5% from April of 2010.

The number of homes that sold plateaued at 1,533, and the number of homes that went pending decreased slightly to 2,318 in April.

Typically May and June are the months that the largest amounts of homes sell. So it is likely that the volume of home sales will continue to rise.

February of 2011 was a new low for home values. Experts say one factor that may have caused this is consumer confidence, which was pushed down by rising oil prices, unrest in the Middle East, the major earth quake in Japan, and the growing inventory of Bank Owned and Short Sale homes.

If you’d like to know more about our local home values and what they means to you, contact me and let’s talk 206-930-8238.

Queen Anne/Magnolia Home Values

The home values continue to slide in the Seattle neighborhoods of Queen Anne and Magnolia in March with a median of $469,500 and an average of $528,457. High end homes sales were suffering in these neighborhoods because the pending and average home value are so close together. The NWMLS lists only 5 homes closing with a price of over $800,000 in March (View Listings).

Pending and closed homes sales rose with 60 homes pending and 36 closed.

Capital Hill Home Values

Pending and closed homes sales in the Seattle neighborhoods of Capital Hill/Madison Park rose dramatically in March with 81 homes pending and 68 closed.

The home values jumped back up to just above February's value with a median of $477,000 and an average of $649,795.

Central Seattle Home Values

As with other areas of Seattle Washington the number of pending homes sales was skyrocketing in March in central Seattle with 141 homes pending. Closed home sales moved up too with 52 homes closed.




The home values moved up as well with a median of $473,250 and an average of $589,126. February looks to be the low point for 2011.

Northeast Seattle Home Values

In northeast Seattle Washington the number of pending sales and closed home sales is skyrocketing with 127 homes pending and 73 homes closed. Buyers are moving into the market.



The median home value for northeast Seattle moved up in March to $388,000. While the average dropped to $472,666. February may be the low point for the median home price in 2011.

Northwest Seattle Home Values

Like north Seattle as a whole the number of pending sales skyrocketed in northwest Seattle. However the number of homes sold also skyrocketed. Pending sales jumped up to 175 and closed sales jumped up to 140. Buyers are moving into the market. The median and average home values perked up a little as well in March with a median of $377,475 and an average of $407,744.

North Seattle Home Values

In north Seattle the number of pending sales is skyrocketing and closed home sales are leveling off with 235 homes pending and 127 homes closed. Buyers appear to moving into the market to take advantage of low prices and spring weather.




The median home values for north Seattle moved up in March with a median of $382,738. While the average moved down to $440,205. February will likely be the bottom for the median value in 2011.

King County Home Values

The median and average home values for King County Washington rose slightly in March with a median of $345,000 and an average of $420,118. February may be the low point for 2011. The number of pending sales is skyrocketing and closed home sales are moving up with 2,435 homes pending and 1,525 homes closed. Buyers appear to moving into the market to take advantage of low prices and spring weather.