First Time Home Buyer

Live Washington: Valentines Day Getaway

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This week in the “Live Washington” series, we are getting into the spirit of love in honor of the beloved consumer holiday, Valentines Day.  Whether or not you are single or coupled up, these mini getaways are a great alternative to the traditional activities, as well as another perfect excuse to see what Washington has to offer it’s residents.

I hope your week is full of love and am so grateful for all of the amazing people that make up this incredible community I get the privilege of living in.  

The Heron Inn & Day Spa
117 Maple Ave.
La Conner, WA 98257
(360) 399-1074
www.theheroninn.com
Located in the artist town of La Conner, The Heron Inn & Day Spa is near both the small town art galleries and Fir Island. La Conner is a small town, filled with wonderful restaurants and art galleries. It sits on the Swinomish Channel, across from Hope Island. The channel is home to otters, great blue heron and other wildlife. The galleries feature local Pacific Northwest artists of all disciplines. The Next Chapter Bookstore & Coffee House has some of the best coffee in town, and great selections of books. The La Conner Pub & Eatery has wonderful fish and chips, burgers and other food. In the other direction, Fir Island is the wintering grounds for 40,000 to 60,000 snow geese. The birds feed in the wintering farm fields along Fir Island Road and other areas throughout the island. A stay at this inn will fulfill your wildlife fix with your loved one.

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort
33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd.
Crystal Mountain, WA 98022
(360) 663-2265
www.crystalmountainresort.com
If I had to choose, this would be my perfect getaway….Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is located about two hours from Seattle. It is situated off Highway 410 and near Mount Rainier. The resort offers runs for beginners through advanced skiers. Equipment is available for rental or purchase at the Mountain Shop (base area) and the RDL Test Center (top of the gondola). They both offer opportunities to test out the latest equipment and will take the rental fee off of the purchase price. The resort also offers guided snowshoe tours. Lodging is available in the area and is listed on the website.

A Tree House Retreat

(206) 571-3165
www.whidbeywellness.com
A Tree House Retreat is a romantic getaway in the trees. The Tree House has views of the forest and Puget Sound (looking west). A continental breakfast is included, and guests can make an appointment with Whidbey Wellness in the Woods for a rejuvenating massage. The beach is a 1/8-mile walk, with views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sounds. Other areas to visit in the area are Fort Casey State Park, South Whidbey Island State Park and Fort Ebby State Park. The area is home to deer, raccoons, eagles and more. Reservations are required.

Salish Lodge & Spa
6501 Railroad Ave. S.E.
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
(425) 888-2556
www.salishlodge.com
The Salish Lodge & Spa is located at the scenic 270-foot Snoqualmie Falls near North Bend on I-90. The lodge is the perfect place for a pampered getaway for any couple. The spa facilities are first class, offering a variety of services for both men and women. The four-star restaurant is one of the best in Western Washington, and looks out over the falls. In North Bend, the avid shopper can explore the North Bend Premium Outlet Mall, which includes stores like Reebok, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Wilsons Leather, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and more. For those who love the outdoors, the lodge is next to Snoqualmie Falls Park, which has two observation decks overlooking the falls.

Argosy Cruise
1101 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 622-8687
www.argosycruises.com
The Locks Cruise is 2.5 hours of seeing Seattle and Ballard from the water. It starts at Pier 56 on the Seattle waterfront and ends at Lake Union. Visitors are brought back to the pier via motor coach, which takes about 15 minutes. The tour starts in Elliott Bay, goes around Magnolia, through the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, and finishes in Lake Union. Local history and current sites are shared throughout the trip. Tours are discounted if booked more than one month in advance. The company offers several other tour options that cover the Seattle waterfront, Tillicum Village, Lake Union and Lake Washington areas.

Home is where the heart is; Creëer jouw lievelingshuis - Blog - ShowHome.nl

And remember, YOUR referrals are the HEARTBEAT of my business. Thank you all, love and blessings to you and your families.

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Market Mondays: Kirkland

Rachel Leave a comment

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Happy Monday everyone! The Holidays are over, football season has ended and the post Super Bowl depression has started to lift…that means people are getting back into thinking about real estate!

This week, we are taking a quick look at the current market in Kirkland, Washington.  If you want to see what is happening in your immediate neighborhood, download my app at http://jlsapp.com/rachelwagner , this will show you all the active listings in your area as well as pending and sold! It’s a great resource to have at your fingertips and I use it personally daily and clients also love it! If you want more information on a property, you can request it on the spot and I will get back to you immediately.

Currently, there are 105 active listings in Kirkland, ranging from $234,000-3.4 million with a median list price of $900,000.  In the last 90 days, there have been 116 residential/condominium sales ranging from $220,000-3.12 million, with the median sale price of $860,000.  The graph below shows months of inventory based on closed sales.  Currently, we are in what is considered a “sellers market” with 1.8 months supply of inventory, up slightly from the end of December and similar to the numbers seen in January.  As we move into the Spring months, this may fluctuate slightly with the increase of inventory.  With historically low interest rates, however, it’s a great time to purchase a home in any area…Kirkland being one of the hottest markets in the greater Seattle area.

The home below is listed for $489,500 on 112th st in Kirkland, Washington and is a perfect home for first time home buyers on a large lot, beautifully updated and located near the Kirkland Corridor trail, elementary school, gym and within walking distance from Juanita beach park and shopping.  Call/text 425.324.0302 if you are interested in more information.

Market Mondays: First Time Home-Buyers + West Seattle

Rachel Leave a comment

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The market predictions for 2015 are all about buyers – especially young home buyers – having their best shot in years at finding a home.

First-time buyers who stayed out of the market – either for demographic reasons or because they just couldn’t find the right entry-level home – will have a breakthrough year in 2015..

These predictions are based on housing data that shows rents continuing to skyrocket while the for-sale market levels off. That economic reality, increased inventory, and millennial s getting married and having children after delaying those choices, will give buyers more negotiating power.

In fact, it is predicted the millennial generation will overtake Generation X as the biggest group of home buyers in 2015.

This week I’m excited to look at the market in West Seattle., from the beach culture at Alki and tide pools of Lincoln Park to “city” living at The Junction (SW Alaska Street and California Avenue SW) and its proximity to the multicultural up-and-comer White Center, West Seattle is diverse and full of opportunity.  It is becoming an increasingly popular destination for young families and with it’s affordable housing opportunities, I am beginning to see why.  For those who are concerned about the commute, through some qualitative research (asking West Seattle friends about their commute), the average commute time to downtown Seattle is approximately 30 minutes, which isn’t too bad considering the lifestyle and community that West Seattle offers its residents.

Micro ’hood to watch: Arbor Heights. While it’s not a destination, Arbor Heights, full of modest homes built for Boeing workers in the 1940s, is on the rise. Sadly, it ranks 98th of 100 Seattle neighborhoods on Walkscore.com, which means you may have to drive to get a latte, a cupcake and a library book, but people love it because the backyards are huge, the views are expansive, and the kids can walk safely to the school right down the street.

Don’t miss: Primo shopping at The Junction, including a growing assortment of consignment boutiques; the fried chicken at Ma‘ono; anything from Bakery Nouveau; and a delicious, kid-friendly breakfast at Salvadorean Bakery and Restaurant (technically in White Center).

Go-to for out-of-town guests: Lincoln Park for the view.

Famous for: Current resident Eddie Vedder and former residents Frances Farmer and Ivar Haglund.

So, what’s happening in the housing market? Well, as of January 26th, 2015 there are 148 active listings which include both single family homes and condominiums.  The price range is between $143,100- $2.85 million with the median list price being $469,500.  In the past 90 days, there have been 368 homes sold, ranging from $113,500-$2 million with the median sale price being $399,000.  This puts months of inventory based on closed sales at 1.21 months, down slightly from December that was at 1.7 months inventory.  This indicates a really hot market, which is understandable based on historiclly low interest rates and a great place for young famlies who are first time home-buyers to move.

Months of inventory through Devember 2014. January 2015 is almost down to record low months supply of inventory.

Average price for sale vs. actual sale price through December 2014.

What does $400,000 get you in West Seattle? After doing some research, I have become quite the fan of West Seattle myself and below are a few pictures of what $400,000 will get you in West Seattle.

New Construction Town homes minutes from Alki + the city

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, please contact me at rachelwagner@johnlscott.com, shoot me an email and I can send you a buyer’s packet outlining the process.  It’s a great time to buy, and the more questions you ask up front the better prepared you will be when you decide to take the purchasing plunge.  Happy Monday everyone!

Market Mondays: Kirkland Condos and Holiday Happenings

Rachel Leave a comment

Happy Monday everyone! Can you believe it’s almost Christmas? It’s been an amazing year and I can’t wait to see what 2015 has in store personally and professionally. I am grateful to be part of such an exciting and dynamic time in real estate.  Nothing is more fulfilling than walking alongside each and every one of you through this process.  While most people don’t think of the holidays as a good time for house-hunting, that may be just the reason to do it. Less competition with other buyers and more motivated sellers can mean a smoother transaction and more leverage in the negotiation process.

This week we are taking a quick look at the Kirkland/Bridle condo market.  There have been 94 condominiums sold in the last 90 days, ranging from a low of $105,500 – $3.1 million with a median sale price of $350,000.  With 43 active listings ranging from $169,950 – $5.75 million and a median listing price of $375,000 there is about 1.4 months supply of inventory in the market! There is typically a shortage of inventory during the winter months, however, sellers are still seeing 98% percent of their listing price…people are still buying houses! With low interest rates and a healthy market, it is a prime time to buy and sell!

As we move into 2015, where do you see yourself next year? Is buying your first home or perhaps moving into a larger home one of your goals? I have talked to a lot of people who are looking into buying homes in 2015 and I challenge you to write down what that looks like for you! We have a lot of exciting things planned and will be holding a webinar workshop for First Time Home-Buyers in January that will take you step by step through the process as well as allow for any questions you may have….so stay tuned and get your questions ready! 

As a continuation of last week and as I can’t help but marvel at all the beautiful light displays, there is one house that has developed quite the reputation in the Kirkland neighborhood AND shows huge support for our beloved Seahawks.  Dubbed the “Seahawks House” by locals, this home is a sight to behold, it’s one you MUST check out for yourself! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

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