HomeownershipLiving October 10, 2024

How to Winterize Your Waterfront Property

After the long days of summer have come and gone and fall is ending, it’s time to begin preparations for winterizing your home. When temperatures begin to dip, your lakeside cabin, seaside cottage or mountain lodge will need some extra TLC to make it through the colder months until spring comes around again. Whether your waterfront property is your vacation home or a primary residence, it’s important to properly winterize it in order to avoid potential damage and to save you time and money.

Pipes and Plumbing

Burst pipes are often the cause of water damage. Prevent a water damage emergency at your waterfront property this winter by being proactive.

If your waterfront home is your summer getaway, then disconnect your hoses from outside pipes to prevent them from freezing and breaking. If you plan to turn the heat off for the winter, turn off your main water supply and open your faucets. Any water left in your hoses can cause damage, so be sure to drain the hoses connected to your dishwasher, washer, and any other appliances.

If you’ll be calling your waterfront property home for the winter, thoroughly inspect the insulation for both your interior and exterior pipes. Any areas where insulation is lacking could lead to a cracked pipe, which has the potential to cause serious damage and could end up costing a significant amount of money to repair.

Roof and Gutters

Properly winterizing your roof and gutters will help to avoid a buildup of rain, snow, or debris turning into a structural issue. For homeowners with a shingle roof, this is the time to check your roof for any signs of damage and make repairs accordingly. Cracked shingles can be carried off by high winds, torn off in a winter storm, or may fall to the ground after being struck by a fell branch, leaving your roof vulnerable to leaks.

This is especially important if you will be away from your waterfront property all winter. Since you won’t be around, you may not be aware that your roof has been damaged until it’s too late.

For metal roofs, check to make sure everything is screwed down tight. Clear your gutters of leaves and debris. The heavier your gutters become, the more prone they are to leaks, and could potentially rip away from your roof. Keep your gutters clear throughout the winter. Any blockages of leaves, twigs, or ice could lead to a leak, damaging your walls and insulation.

Other Areas

Once your plumbing, pipes, roof, and gutters are properly winterized, look to other areas of your property to prepare for the winter ahead. Check all windows and doors to identify any air leaks. If you identify a leak, be sure to patch it before you take off for the winter—or if you’re staying in the home for the season, before temperatures start to dip. Inspect your home’s insulation and weather stripping and make replacements as needed.

Bring your patio furniture inside and store them in a safe space to keep them in good condition until spring. Inspect your boat lift and dock. Consider investing in a bubbler or agitator system to keep ice away from your dock if you’re expecting freezing temperatures throughout the winter. Follow proper winterizing guidelines for your boat and any other watercraft you have before covering them or placing them in winter storage.

For more tips on home maintenance throughout the seasons and much more, visit the Living section of my blog.

Design October 8, 2024

A Guide to Upgrading Your Bedroom

For many homeowners, their ideal bedroom is that of a minimalist sanctuary—a place where you can kick your shoes off, relax, and get some shut eye. For others, making their bedroom as cozy as possible is their idea of perfection. No matter what kind of bedroom you’re dreaming of, keep the following information in mind as you prepare to make your upgrades.

How much does it cost to remodel a bedroom?

The total cost to remodel a bedroom depends on the size of the room and the scope of the remodel. According to a recent nationwide report by Fixr, the national cost range to remodel a bedroom is between $14,000 and $40,000, with the national average cost being roughly $21,000.  While this might sound like a lot, it includes everything from hardwood floors and painted walls to new furniture and a custom closet.

Another factor that will dictate your budget is whether you plan on doing the remodel DIY or hiring a professionalTaking a DIY approach to your bedroom upgrades will save on labor costs and allows you to complete the project on your own schedule. However, if you get in over your head on a project and things go sideways, it can be costly to fix, and you may end up having to hire a pro to get things back on track.

Before you begin your remodel, create a list of tasks and all the sub-tasks involved to assess whether they are within your skill level to DIY. Determine whether the project requires a permit and check your local zoning regulations before making any additions or extensions to your bedroom.

Which bedroom projects are best for home value?

Adding a bedroom or converting a space into a bedroom can increase your home’s value. That’s because you increase the livable square footage while also making it more appealing to a wider variety of buyers. If your home has fewer bedrooms than other recently sold homes in your area, a bedroom addition may allow you to list at a more competitive price. Talk with your agent to get an idea of what types of upgrades buyers in your area are paying top-dollar for.

Simple Bedroom Upgrades

With costs for a small bedroom remodel averaging up to $20,000, a full-scale renovation may not be in the cards for every homeowner. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to rejuvenate your bedroom. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Upgrade your décor: Appealing to the senses will help transform your bedroom in a snap. Add texture by swapping out your bed spread, pillows, and blankets. Go for plush to make it feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud or try vintage elements like knit fabrics for a more traditional comfort. Add natural elements like wood and stone to create an earthy atmosphere. Essential oils and scented candles can bring some added relaxation into the space.
  • New hardware and lighting: A simple trip to the hardware store can change the look and feel of your bedroom. Switch out your door handles, drawer pulls, shelves, and lighting fixtures to upgrade your bedroom in the span of a few hours. Select pieces that reinforce the theme you’re going for. For an industrial vibe, select rustic metals and materials. For a minimalist look, choose sleek metals like gold and chrome.
  • Decorate with plants: Not only will decorating your bedroom will plants spruce up the space, but they also help to improve air quality. If you have vaulted ceilings, shop around for vertical plants and hanging gardens that can make the most of your empty wall space. If you consider yourself a beginner gardener, consider low maintenance plants like cacti and succulents.
DesignHomeownership October 3, 2024

How to Fall-Proof Your Home

Each object in a home serves a purpose, but for those who experience dizziness and numbness, many of them can also be a potential hazard. Taking steps to reduce the risk of falling in your home is a worthy exercise for any homeowner, especially if you have elderly family members or young children living in your home or visiting often. Here are some ways you can fall proof the rooms in your home.

Kitchen

The kitchen is synonymous with spills and messes. When these accidents happen, be sure to clean them up quickly and thoroughly to reduce the risk of a falling injury. Slippery floors have been the culprit of countless broken bones and bruises, so it’s best to wait until the cleaned spot is dry until you resume cooking.

Stay low to the ground as much as possible by keeping your most used items like spices, cooking utensils, and hand towels within reach to reduce the number of times you need to use a step stool.

Bathroom

In the bathroom surfaces are often slippery and slick, and the hard tile makes for an unforgiving landing spot. It’s common for homeowners to place a non-slip mat in the shower or tub to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. Grab bars are a more permanent option for making the bathroom safer. For those interested in installing a grab bar but have reservations about the aesthetics of installing a grab bar, look at pieces that align with your existing décor. Match the grab bar with your shower head, shower rod, and towel racks to make it fit with the space.

Bedroom

The key to preventing falls in the bedroom is visibility. Bedrooms are cozy, intimate spaces, which means that space can often be limited. Keep all pathways clear and make sure that your nightstands and bedside lamps are well within reach. Stow any cords next to your bed to avoid tripping over them in the night.

Staircases

We’ve all taken a tumble on the stairs at some point or another. To mitigate the risk of falling, keep your stairs organized at all times. It’s easy for clutter to build up at the top or bottom of the stairs or on platforms between floors, but these objects are tripping hazards. Consider installing a handrail if you don’t have one or add a second one if you currently only have a handrail on one side.

Living October 1, 2024

5 Pet-Friendly House Cleaning Tips

Pets make a house a home. But as much as you love your furry friends, they do add a few entries to your list of chores. Keeping your home clean requires a bit of extra work, and some methods of upkeep are more pet-friendly than others. The following tips will help you keep your house clean and your pets happy.

5 Pet-Friendly House Cleaning Tips

1. Safely Clean Up Accidents

When pet owners buy a home, they proceed knowing full well that pet accidents and messes are bound to happen. Cleaning up messes quickly is important for keeping your home clean, but it will also remove the scent, so your pets don’t come back to that same area with the same intentions. When shopping around, look for cleaning products that are safe for animals and don’t contain any toxic chemicals.

2. Deep Clean to Reduce Smells

Pets have a knack for leaving a scent behind. Every pet owner knows the feeling of going through their normal cleaning routine to extinguish the pet smell from their home, only for it to linger after they’re done. To really get your home smelling fresh again, you’ll need to target your pets’ favorite areas as well as the commonly missed cleaning spots throughout your home like underneath furniture, along the baseboards, etc. You’ll be surprised at how much dirt and fur you find in these places.

 

An orange cat watches her owner work on his computer as he sits on the living room couch

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Marco VDM

 

3. Clean Pet Toys Regularly

Your pets’ toys are magnets for dirt, fur, drool, and other unwanted substances. It’s a homeowner’s nightmare to imagine spending hours cleaning your home top to bottom, only for a muddy ball your pets have been chewing on to roll across the carpet. Cleaning toys regularly is also healthier for your pets as it helps to reduce the spread of germs. If your pets’ toys are dishwasher safe, pop them in the dishwasher every once in a while to get them squeaky clean.

4. Keep the Air Clean

Even after you’ve exhausted all your cleaning efforts on the surfaces throughout your home, pet fur and dander can still travel through the air. It’s important to clean the air in your home, especially if members of your household have allergies. Consider investing in an air purifier, which will filter air particles to remove dust and odors, giving everyone in your home—pets included—cleaner air to enjoy.

5. The Importance of Well-Groomed Pets

In the context of a clean, pet-friendly home, there’s one surface that’s more important than any—your pets themselves. Every pet owner has their routine; whether that’s regularly maintaining their cat’s litter box, wiping off the dog’s paws in the mudroom before letting them inside, regular baths and brushing, or keeping nails trimmed to avoid furniture and carpet damage, these are the boxes that must be checked to keep your home clean. For all your cleaning efforts, if your pets are still messy, then the spaces in your home will follow suit.

Read the following blog post for more information on maintaining a pet-friendly home as you look to sell:

Selling a Home with Pets

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Prostock-Studio

SOLD September 26, 2024

SOLD: Homes in Burien, Tacoma and Tukwila

UNDER CONTRACT REPRESENTING BUYER:

2233 SW 154th Street
Burien, WA 98166
$800,000

  • MLS #2286662
  • CLIP #7641223826
  • Beds: 3
  • Baths: 2
  • Size: 1,850 sqft
  • Days on OneHome: 4

Listen to whispers from the Sound & surround yourself with breathtaking, vacation worthy views. Create an organic sense of tranquility & embrace memorable gatherings in this spacious, Nordic-style home with vaulted ceilings. A newer kitchen with brand new solid quartz slab. Remodeled bath with restoration hardware like cabinetry & tiled like floors. Gas fireplace & mini split. Newer roof, vinyl windows, light fixtures, carpet & sustainable wide plank hardwood floors. The lines blur between inside & out – step outside on the deck & maybe catch a shooting star or meander to the cedar hot tub & allow yourself to just be… Blocks to downtown Burien with all the trendy neighborhood shops, local nosh spots & my favorite indie-owned bookstore! More.

SOLD REPRESENTING BUYERS:

6407 22nd Street Court NE
Tacoma, WA 98422
$710,000

Listed For: $699,950
Sold for 1.4% over asking

  • MLS #2252918
  • CLIP #6717634391
  • Beds: 4
  • Baths: 3
  • Size: 2,039 sqft
  • Days on OneHome: 71

This property showcases the coveted Richmond floorplan, featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms spanning 2039 sq. ft. with AC. Entertain effortlessly in the spacious great room, complemented by a stunning kitchen boasting granite counters, stainless appliances, and stylish painted cabinetry. Retreat to the luxurious Owner’s Suite with a 5-piece bath and expansive walk-in closet. Nestled within walking distance to schools and just a short drive to Tacoma’s amenities, Norpoint Place offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. More.

SOLD LISTING:

4705 S 164th Street
Tukwila, WA 98188
$449,000

  • MLS #2265153
  • CLIP #8817641167
  • Beds: 2
  • Baths: 1
  • Size: 1,180 sqft
  • Days on OneHome: 34

Surprise! Distinctive log cabin on ¼+ acre corner lot close to every urban convenience on the compass. Unique 1940’s homestead has modern finishes (regular drywall interior), full of freshly painted light-filled spaces, orig. honey-colored fir floors in superb condition, cozy liv rm w/ fireplc, open country kitchen. Pet-friendly backyard is completely fenced, new privacy fence on the west side. Unfinishd basmt for mega storage or workshop, 1car garage; PLENTY of extra parking in driveway. 5min or less to airport, all major freeways, PCC, Trader Joe’s, Old Town Burien, Southcenter; Light Rail for stadiums, downtown, and beyond. Pre-inspected, newer double-paned windows, new roof 2019, transferrable warranty. Lotta value at this price! More.

Real Estate News & Information September 24, 2024

Local Market Update – September 2024

In the waning days of summer, the local real estate market saw rising sold prices, declining mortgage rates and rising inventory. The price trend shows that sellers are still seeing gains by listing their homes. The rate and supply trends are motivating buyers to be active in the market this fall.

As of the second week of September, mortgage rates were at their lowest level in 19 months, sitting at 6.2% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan. With at least one rate cut coming from the Federal Reserve this fall, buyers and investors are feeling bullish. It will be interesting to see how our region’s supply of homes – which is significantly higher than at this time last year – gets absorbed in the coming months by rate-motivated buyers.

Last month the median sold price of a King County single-family home sold price rose 5.4% year over year, up to $955,000 from $906,250 in August 2023. The monthly trend was more encouraging to home buyers, however, as August’s median sold price dipped 4.4% from July’s $999,000. Also good for buyers: the number of single-family home listings at the end of August was 29% higher than it was a year ago. King County condo prices stayed static year-over-year at $525,000, despite a 69% jump in available supply.

Seattle saw a 3.4% year-over-year increase in single-family home prices, up to $930,000 from $899,000 in August 2023. This represented a 4.4% monthly price drop from July’s median of $972,500. At the end of August, Seattle’s supply of single-family home listings was up 34% from the previous year, which is great news for buyers, but down 8% from July levels, which could benefit sellers. Seattle condo prices dropped 3.5% year over year, from $575,000 to $555,000, a more typical response to rising inventory, which was 39% higher than a year ago.

On the Eastside, the median sold price of a single-family home was $1,550,000 in August, up 6.7% year-over-year and down 4.3% from July. Pending sales dropped 16% from July, while inventory remained relatively flat between July and August. Eastside condo prices rose 2.3% year over year to $614,000, which was down 2.2% from July’s median of $627,500. At the end of August, the supply of listed condos was up 119% from the previous year and 18% from the end of July. Eastside buyers may be giving single-family homes another look as interest rates decline.

The Snohomish County market was quite active in August, with pending unit sales of single-family homes up 8% from July and 18% from the previous year. Median sold prices were up 6.8% year over year – to $780,000 from $730,563 in August 2023 – but down 4.7% from July’s median of $818,419. This month-over-month price dip occurred even in the face of continued low supply, at 1.2 months of inventory. Snohomish County condos saw August price gains, with the $589,975 median sold price up 24.2% from a year ago and 5.4% from July, despite inventory levels that were 76% higher than a year ago.

As fall begins, our local real estate market has positive markers, strong activity and relative balance. With hopes for further interest rate drops in the coming months, there should be opportunity ahead for both buyers and sellers.

More.

Real Estate Listings September 20, 2024

NEW LISTINGS: Spacious Pike/Pine Unit + Upper Rainier Beach Bungalow

5733 S Gazelle Street
Seattle, WA 98118
Listed at $478,800

  • MLS #2281237
  • CLIP #2312727090
  • Beds: 1
  • Baths: 1
  • Size:642 sqft
  • Days on OneHome: 14

Carefree, low-maint. bungalow in Lk Washington’s highly favored Upper Rainier Beach, prized for its full slate of popular in-city amenities curated by a community with a BIG small-town personality. Flexible light-filled open design helps spaces live large, fully equipped kitch, updated subway tile bath, mini-splits for comfortable year-round heating/cooling, dbl-paned windows, metal roof, newer water heater. Fantastic condo alternative for those who dream of abundant private outdoor space for gardening/entertaining (future DADU?), no HOA or shared walls, quick access to shops, restaurants, parks & local favorite gathering spots. All is w/i 1mi. radius, from Light Rail to Launch-the-Kayak! Here’s your chance to work less, play A LOT. More.

1707 Boylston Avenue #101
Seattle, WA 98122
Listed at $429,800

  • MLS #2282361
  • CLIP #2510631346
  • Beds: 1
  • Baths: 1
  • Days on OneHome: 14

Uncommonly spacious 1bedrm main floor unit just steps to the Pike/ Pine Corridor. Upscale urban finishes, cork floors thru-out, granite kitchen w/ SS appliances & accents, liv/din easily expands onto private balcony for a fresh-air start to your mornings, end-of-day relaxation, or extra seating for guests. Building amenities incl. swank lobby entry, common rm, gym, secure parking, bike storage and a deluxe pet spa/ grooming station after visiting Plymouth Pillars off-leash dog park. Within a few blocks in any direction is nearly every conceivable variety of restaurant, entertainment, and cultural venue, or hop the Light Rail for longer distances. Strong HOA, high reserves & earthquake insur. This is the whole in-city package! More.

Design September 19, 2024

Kitchen Remodel Must Haves

Many kitchen remodels are prompted by a desire for more storage, but there are plenty of reasons to want an upgrade. Whether your complaint is crowded counters, out-of-date appliances, or spending too much time cleaning up after a meal, there are ways to add functionality without sacrificing your aesthetic when you renovate your kitchen.

Storage

If you’re tired of finding expired food at the back of your lower cabinets or needing a step stool to reach items in the upper ones, roll-out cabinets and pantry shelves are a necessity. A roll-out garbage cabinet will keep trash and recycling cans out of sight (and smell). Be sure to use heavy-duty, reinforced hinges that can bear the weight of two, full cans.

Toasters, coffee makers, blenders, and air fryers can easily overcrowd kitchen counters. Appliance garages that hide away commonly used kitchen appliances now come in just about every configuration you can think of. If you love baking, you probably love your stand-up mixer even more. But moving it around can be a pain. Fortunately, installing a mixer riser into a lower cabinet is relatively simple and will put your favorite appliance right where you need it, only when you need it.

Cooking

Though some passionate cooks still swear by their gas ranges, induction cooktops have become all the rage for several good reasons. In addition to being easier to clean than gas stoves, induction cooktops are more efficient because all the heat they produce goes directly to your cookware rather than into the atmosphere of your home. And with inductor stoves, you never have to worry about dangerous fumes or open flames.

You don’t have to be an avid entertainer or the one who hosts Thanksgiving every year to reap the benefits from a double oven. Even cooking dinner for one or two people can be a challenge when you need to roast or bake things for different times or at different temperatures. A double oven fixes that, and it can improve efficiency if you prepare a dish using only the smaller oven since it takes less energy to heat up a smaller space. For extra user-friendliness, install the oven at counter height so you don’t have to bend over to pull out heavy dishes

Speaking of heavy… if your sink and cooktop are a bit distant from each other, a pot filler installed on the wall behind your stove could be a game changer. Say goodbye to heaving large pots of sloshing water across the kitchen!

For as long as microwaves have been around, people have wondered how to get them off their counters or make them appear more attractive. These days, microwave drawers are the new must-have kitchen upgrade. Instead of a door that swings open, the microwave is the entire drawer that slides out, and it can go in your kitchen island or along any cabinet wall.

Cleaning

Kitchen floors are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Between meal prep, quick snacks in front of the fridge, and near-constant traffic, crumbs and dust pile up quickly. If your home already has a central vacuum system, putting a vacuum slot in the kitchen makes clean ups a breeze. Simply sweep scraps into the slot—no more bending over with the dustpan. If you don’t have a central vacuum system, there are vacuum slot inserts on the market that use a traditional replaceable bag to collect what you sweep up.

If you’ve ever watched a mixologist or bartender shake up your cocktail and then place the shaker on top of a device that shoots up warm water to clean it, you’ve seen a glass rinser in action. Installing one in your own sink adds a touch of sophistication to your kitchen and makes cleaning glasses easier and more efficient, especially for those glasses that can’t go in the dishwasher or don’t fit on the top shelf.

It seems that a modern kitchen renovation isn’t complete until you’ve installed a large, single basin sink. There’s good reason for their increased popularity: more room to soak large dishes, easier to clean, etc. To really boost the usability of a single basin sink, consider adding hardware that makes it an efficient workstation. Drying racks, cutting boards, and colanders are readily available, easy to install, and will make your extra-large sink extra handy.

Real Estate News & Information September 17, 2024

Will declining mortgage rates push up home sales?

Last week the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to its lowest level in 15 months, representing the single biggest one-week drop so far this year. Softening of mortgage rates, coupled with a recent increase in the number of local real estate listings, creates a welcome opportunity for prospective home buyers; their selection and buying power are both suddenly enhanced.  

On August 8th, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year fixed rate had fallen to 6.47%, from 6.73% the previous week. It was the second straight weekly rate drop. The borrowing cost on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages also fell, from 6.34% a year ago to 5.63% earlier this month, incentivizing homeowners to think about refinancing. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s refinance index, refinance applications were up almost 60% from the same week in 2023.   

Elevated mortgage rates have discouraged home shoppers across the nation in a housing slowdown that’s entering its third year. Recently the average rate for a 30-year mortgage has sat around 7%, which is more than double the average rate in 2021. The recent fall in rates is a sign of easing inflation and a cooling job market. If these trends persist, we can expect more refinance applications and higher refinance mortgage volumes. And if mortgage rates continue to drop, we may see more Seattle area homes and condos change hands in the coming months.   

This post was based on information found on  Seattle Times.

ArchitectureDesign September 12, 2024

Elements of Modern Farmhouse Architecture

Traditional Farmhouse architecture represents the history and the industriousness of rustic living. Clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on communal spaces are staples of farmhouse living that were ripe for a modern update. Modern Farmhouse architecture reflects elements of the traditional, but with 21st Century touches that make it especially attractive for today’s homeowners.

Rustic Wood

Because many farmhouses were just that—homes built for and by those who worked on the farm—they often used the materials that could be found nearby. The wood from trees native to the area would be used for both the interior and exterior. Since the people building the homes were mostly concerned with the functionality of the living space and speed at which they could put it together, they didn’t spend time sanding the wood to perfection or painting it, creating a rustic look and feel many modern homeowners desire. Exposed beams and reclaimed wood accents are signatures of Modern Farmhouses.

Clean lines

The simplicity borne from the need to build homes quickly and efficiently lent itself to the clean lines and minimalist spaces we see in both Traditional and Modern Farmhouses. From shiplap paneling to the often-symmetrical shapes of the home itself as well as its interior rooms, you won’t find arched doorways or curved walls in Farmhouses. Look for straight lines, gabled roofs, and large, square windows to identify a Modern Farmhouse.

Covered porches

At the end of a day of hard work on the farm, who wouldn’t want to sit on the porch, sipping something cool and enjoying the view of your property? Contemporary homeowners may define work differently than those who originally called Farmhouses home, but the appeal of spending lazy summer evenings is timeless. A large, covered porch is a telltale sign of Modern Farmhouses.

Muted color palette

Again due to the need to use nearby materials and keep things simple, Modern Farmhouses tend to use palettes that range from white to natural wood colors. Contemporary residents often break up the monochromatic tones with black industrial touches on items including light fixtures, bath and kitchen faucets, and accessories such as doorknobs and drawer pulls.

If the idea of a Modern Farmhouse style appeals to you, look for these elements as you search for homes or make plans to build your own.