SOLD • January 23, 2025

SOLD: Sophisticated Condo with Gorgeous River Views

by Don Koonce

55 Williams Avenue S #305
Renton, WA 98057
Listed at $465,000

MLS #: 2306078
Days on OneHome: 19
Beds: 2
Baths: 2

Sophisticated 2bed/2bath with gorgeous river views in coveted 55 Williams Community. Beautiful modern finishes, views from nearly every room, swanky new firplc w/ remote flame, granite kitchen w/ bar seating open to living spaces, appliances barely unwrapped, private covered balcony for year-round enjoyment of the river. Abundant storage, W/D in-unit, secure garage, elevator-no steps! Dream location w/ every amenity on the dial: Walk to fun downtown Renton, Boon Boona coffee, pubs-to-fine dining, bookstores, antiques, Transit Center & more. Bushels of necessities & entertainment at Renton Landing, Cedar River Trail is curb side, short hop to kayaking at Coulon Park. Superbly maintained by strong HOA—ideal turnkey for lock & go living! More.

Living • January 21, 2025

Simple Ways to Conserve Energy at Home

by Don Koonce

Whether you want to use less energy to reduce your carbon footprint or your monthly costs, there are plenty of easy ways to conserve the electricity and natural gas you’re using in your home. Energy conservation can be as simple as closing your curtains, changing a light bulb, turning down your thermostat, or closing the fireplace damper. Many of the most inexpensive solutions quickly pay for themselves in conservation, which you ultimately benefit from when you get your power bill.

Do Your Chores During “Off Peak” Hours

One of the biggest ways you can conserve energy is to take advantage of “off-peak” hours. This is a step that everyone can take because it simply involves shifting your use of major appliances, such as ovens, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers, to a time when the demand on the power supply is lower.

Check with your power company to see if they have peak hour rate changes and adjust your schedule as you can to do your laundry and dishes during the off-peak times.

And when it’s time, upgrade your large appliances to Energy Star products for the most efficient and use of your power.

Small Changes in Your Laundry Cycle

Another way you can save energy is by washing your clothes in cold water and only running full loads. This reduces the need for your machine to heat the water and has the double benefit of keeping your clothes in good condition for longer, further reducing your textile waste when you don’t have to replace your clothes as often.

To speed up the clothes drying process, add a dry towel or two to your machine to soak up excess moisture. Another option is wool dryer balls which not only help clothes dry faster, but you can also add drops of your favorite essential oils in place of single-use dryer sheets, which cause dust build up in your dryer vents and add to the landfill.

It’s also important to keep to a maintenance schedule with your washer and dryer. Clear out the lint trap after every load and make sure the dryer hose and vent are clear. Clean the filter on your washer once a month to keep things running efficiently.

More: Saving in the Laundry Room

Heating and Cooling Tips

Heating and cooling systems account for almost half of home energy consumption but luckily there are several easy ways you can reduce your home’s demand.

Conventional measures, such as setting back your thermostat, are effective at lowering your energy use and costs. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates you can save 10 percent on your power bill if you turn your thermostat temperature down by 10 degrees for eight hours a day. Here are a few ways you can reduce energy consumption and save money:

Experiment with the temperature that you’re most comfortable with to determine if you can keep your thermostat set to a lower temperature.
Set a schedule on your thermostat to change the temperature of your home when you’re asleep or not home, in the winter set it lower, in the summer set it higher.
Close your blinds and shades to keep the air from escaping through the windows, and to keep the sun from heating up the air inside your home.
Keep the fireplace damper closed unless you have a fire burning. Leaving the damper open can cause drafts and heat loss throughout your house.

It’s also important to keep your HVAC system clean and maintained. Change your furnace filter frequently, clear out any dusty ducts, and keep the air in your home clean with air purifiers. Doing so will enable your heating system to run more efficiently and be more cost-effective.

Update Your Lighting

It’s estimated that lighting accounts for 15 percent of your overall home energy bill, so another way you can conserve, other than turning the lights off when you leave a room, is by using energy-saving light emitting diodes (LEDs).

LEDs use about 90% less energy and last up to 25x longer than incandescent lightbulbs. They’re available in a number of shapes, sizes, and tones, making it an easy replacement for almost any bulb in your home. When shopping for LEDs, look for those with the Energy Star label on them—this ensures that you’re purchasing a product that has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

More: How to Find the Right Lighting For Your Home

For more information about energy conservation, please visit www.energystar.org.

Real Estate News & Information • January 16, 2025

Local Market Update – January 2025

by Don Koonce

Despite a wet and windy holiday season, buyers remained active in December. According to NWMLS data, showings and keybox usage increased by 3% and 6% year over year, respectively. Active listings saw double-digit percentage increases across all four markets compared to the previous year, providing buyers with more options. As is typical, there was a seasonal decline in active sales from November, likely as sellers delayed listing their homes until spring in anticipation of a busier market. With the new year underway, new listings are expected to ramp up as we approach spring selling season.

King County’s median residential sold price rose 3% year over year to $875,000 in December but dropped 5% from November’s $925,000, reflecting seasonal softening in competition and creating opportunities for buyers. Active residential sales increased 21% year over year, while closed residential sales climbed 13%. Meanwhile, December’s median sold price for King County condos fell 2% from the previous year, declining from $537,000 to $525,000. A 31% surge in closed condo sales compared to a year earlier points to strong buyer activity in this segment, likely driven by affordability concerns amid high interest rates.

In Seattle, single-family homes saw the median sold price rise 6% year over year to $898,900 in December, highlighting continued demand in the region. However, a 7% price drop from November suggests the typical winter slowdown influenced the market. Following the same trend, active and pending residential sales both fell 33% month over month. Still, active residential listings rose 12% compared to the year prior, signaling overall healthier inventories. Seattle’s condo market also saw notable shifts, with active listings jumping 41% year over year, though they decreased 28% between November and December. Median condo prices dropped 6% from the year prior to $550,000, likely due to higher inventory levels and increased buyer choice.

The Eastside continues to see robust real estate prices, with December’s median residential sold price climbing 7% year over year to $1,545,000. Active residential listings rose 22% from the previous year, offering buyers more selection, though closed and pending sales both dropped 7%. This decline in sales activity could reflect affordability challenges and the seasonal slowdown. The Eastside condo market performed particularly well, with the median sold price increasing 10% year over year to $695,000. Closed condo sales surged 54% compared to December 2023, underscoring strong demand in this segment. However, a 69% increase in active condo listings from the prior year suggests that supply is catching up to demand, potentially leading to more balanced market conditions as the year progresses.

Snohomish County’s residential market saw impressive growth in December, with the median sold price rising 15% year over year to $789,950. Active home listings climbed 34% from a year earlier, giving buyers broader options. While pending sales dropped 10% compared to December 2023, closed residential sales increased by 10%, showing that buyers remained engaged despite high interest rates and rising prices. The county’s condo market experienced a dramatic 108% year-over-year increase in active listings. However, closed and pending sales struggled to keep pace, pointing to increased competition among sellers for buyer attention. Even so, the median sold price for condos rose 5% year-over-year to $549,975, indicating continued demand for well-priced properties.

As buyers and sellers adapt to the ongoing impact of higher interest rates, the spring market is likely to bring both opportunities and challenges. Rising inventory levels may influence buyer demand and pricing strategies in the months ahead. To understand the forces at play in today’s real estate landscape, reach out to a Windermere advisor for real-time advice and tailored strategies.

More.

Design • January 14, 2025

Pantone Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

by Don Koonce

Pantone recently introduced a soft brown Mocha Mousse as its Color of the Year selection for 2025.

“A warming rich brown hue, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort,” read the announcement.

In celebration of the 26th anniversary of Pantone Color of the Year, Pantone will highlight the color in events and experiences all over the world. From New York and London, to Shanghai and Mumbai, Pantone will share public spaces and color events that will make Mocha Mousse accessible for all.

Design • January 9, 2025

What is Prefab Architecture?

by Don Koonce

Short for “prefabricated,” prefab architecture refers to a type of construction where building components are manufactured off-site and then transported and assembled at the construction site. In recent years, prefab architecture has transformed how homes are built and designed, gaining popularity due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. In this post, we’ll explore the various types of prefab architecture, examine its pros and cons, and help you determine whether it fits your lifestyle, wants, and needs.

What is Prefab Architecture?

Prefab architecture is any structure built using components made off-site and then brought to a lot for assembly. Due to increasing appeal, prefab homes now come in various sizes, styles, and distinct forms to suit a range of needs and preferences. They can range from small backyard bungalows or guest houses to larger, multi-story, single-family homes, and the best part, they can be highly customizable. Some of the most common types of prefab construction include kit homes, modular homes, and panelized homes, each with its own set of benefits.

Kit Homes

A kit home is a prefabricated home that comes in pre-cut materials and is delivered to a property with instructions for building. They are smaller and more straightforward structures, often chosen by those who prefer a DIY approach. These homes are also typically more affordable and customizable.

Modular Homes

Similarly, modular homes are prefabricated homes made up of sections, known as modules, also made in a factory or off-site and then transported to the construction site. Unlike kit homes, modular homes must be assembled on a permanent foundation. Due to the pre-built sections, modular homes tend to be quicker to assemble and require the least amount of on-site work.

Panelized Homes

Panelized homes are another popular method of prefab architecture. Instead of building entire sections or modules, this technique involves constructing individual panels—including walls, floors, and roofs—in a factory. Compared to modular homes, panelized homes offer much more flexibility and customization in design and layout during the building process.

Pros and Cons of Prefab Architecture

Prefab architecture offers many benefits that make it an appealing choice for many people. The primary advantages include reduced costs, faster construction times, and a smaller environmental footprint with excellent energy efficiency. This is due to the controlled factory environment where the building components are made, minimizing waste, optimizing materials, and reducing on-site interferences like weather delays or unexpected construction challenges. Additionally, prefab homes often come with high-quality construction standards and can be highly customizable to fit different styles and preferences.

However, there are still some downsides and drawbacks to consider when thinking about investing in a prefab home. Land costs, transportation fees, utilities setup, and the need for permits can make for higher upfront expenses than expected. Additionally, some locations have stricter zoning laws and building regulations that may prevent or limit where prefab homes can be placed.

Is Prefab Right for You?

Prefab architecture combines affordability and sustainability, offering an innovative solution for those seeking a modern and efficient living space. So, whether you’re looking to downsize or embrace a more eco-friendly lifestyle, a prefab home could be the ideal choice for your next home.

Real Estate News & Information • January 7, 2025

Co-buying & Co-owning a Home 2025 Report

by Don Koonce

Introduction: A Movement, Not a Trend

In 2025, over 61 million Americans co-own a home¹ with someone who isn’t their spouse—nearly 20% of the population.

Co-buying and co-ownership aren’t just alternatives; they’re essential paths to modern homeownership. Today, 30% of all US home sales are to co-buyers²—a transformative shift in how Americans approach housing.

Co-ownership offers an accelerated path to wealth creation, but without proper tools, it can become a minefield of financial, relational, and legal challenges. On average, co-owner groups say they need help with six major aspects of managing joint homeownership. Learn more.

More about CoBuy:

Living • December 30, 2024

The Benefits of Adding a Catio to Your Home

by Don Koonce

Cat owners are often faced with many considerations as they fill their homes with toys and cat trees to appease the kings and queens of the household. One such consideration is how to best use the space. Adding a catio to your home will help keep your cat entertained and safe and can be easily customized to fit the needs of any living space.

Buying with Your Pets in Mind

The Benefits of Adding a Catio to Your Home

A catio can offer a wide range of benefits for you and your cat, including daily enrichment opportunities. Catios provide easy access to the outdoors where they can stimulate their senses. By providing this connection to the outside world, cats can independently spend their days as they please with a wide variety of options to choose from.

Catios also keep your feline friends safe from the dangers that lurk outside. While they’re able to enjoy the outdoors, the enclosed space keeps them nearby while keeping predators out. This prevents accidents with cars on a busy street and run-ins with potentially harmful animals found in residential areas such as raccoons, and in certain areas, coyotes. It also keeps out other cats, preventing exposure to diseases and accidental pregnancies.

A Tonkinese cat about to jump onto a tree outside in the safety of a cat proofed garden catio with flowers in the background.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: ahloch

In addition to the benefits catios provide for your furry friend, you will also improve the livability of your home by reducing the damage to your furniture and rugs or carpet. When your cats can enjoy that space, they are less likely to exert their pent-up energy on your carpeted and upholstered pieces.

For those cats who act on their hunting instincts, a catio is also a great way to keep local wildlife out of your home. From their perch in their enclosure, they will get to smell and watch birds, mice, and rabbits, but they won’t have the opportunity to hunt them. Saving these lives helps your neighborhood’s ecosystem and saves you from having to clean up the mess afterwards.

Providing a litter box outside can also improve your indoor air quality by reducing smells, chemicals, and bacteria associated with cat litter. Of course, it’s not wise to replace an indoor litter box with an outdoor one, but by adding another one that’s nearby, your cat will use the indoor box less.

What Can You Do with a Catio?

The simple answer: anything you want. Catios are customizable for your space and your cat’s interests. Answering these two questions will help you start the process of designing or choosing a design to build.

How much space can you offer to the enclosure?
How will the cat(s) enter the enclosure from the house?

You may also want to consider what kind of exposure to the elements you’re comfortable with, whether it’s open air or if you need a little more protection from the elements with a solid exterior. While in some areas wire fencing might be all that’s needed, regions with harsher climates may require a more robust setup, such as insulated windows.

Catio Options

If you have a smaller space, you may consider a catio attached to a window, which won’t take up any additional square footage. Much like a garden box, you can attach a small shelf-like enclosure just outside your window and stretch it as far out as desired. The entry point can be the window, making it easy to open and close.

A shot from indoors looking outdoors of a gray cat sitting in a catio lined with wire on a window ledge.

Image Source: Shutterstock – Image Credit: SvetMedvedeva

A brown mink cat lounging in their catio enclosure enjoying the sun from a perch above.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: ahloch

If you have a yard, you can give your cat a tunnel. A simple addition to the home, attach an elongated box that juts out into the yard for your cat to explore and get a 360-degree view of the elements. You can attach this to an existing cat door or add a cat door on an exterior wall.

For those with a larger space, or if you already have a patio set up, you can build out a catio like an extension on your home. Attach the large enclosure to the exterior and use either a window or cat door for entry. Use the structure to offer a multitude of options on the outermost walls, like shelves, ramps, and hammocks. Customize it with your cat’s favorite things, like scratching posts and pet-safe plants. You can even add a chair for yourself in there if you want!

For more ideas on caring for your pets, home maintenance, and more, visit the Living category of our blog:

Windermere Blog – Living

Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Moyo Studio

SOLD • December 23, 2024

SOLD: Kent Tri-Level on Beautiful Oversized Corner Lot

by Don Koonce

12409 SE 210th Place
Kent, WA 98031
$689,000

MLS #2309137
CLIP #2120049765
Beds: 3
Baths: 3
Size: 1,630 sqft

Beautiful oversized corner lot on cul-de-sac. This tri-level offers three bedrooms plus 2.5 bath. Living room has cozy fireplace with large windows. Spacious dining room and bonus lower level rec-room on large lot. Newer engineered floors in entry, kitchen and dining. Spacious primary with private bath with newer tile floor and shower. Newer windows, RV parking, fenced garden area and more. Tons of upgrades since 2021! Installed whole home automatic generator, Bosch heat pump, sewer liner with clean out, replaced water heater, hot/cold hose bib at driveway, can lighting and more. More.

Real Estate News & Information • December 19, 2024

Local Market Update – December 2024

by Don Koonce

As the holidays approach, we’re in a season known for a natural slowdown in real estate market activity. While month-to-month declines in active listings and closed sales are expected at this time of year, these fluctuations don’t suggest a downturn. In fact, last month saw an increase in year-over-year closed sales, signaling a healthy market with sustained demand. Looking ahead to the winter months, many homeowners will begin preparing their properties for spring listings, and with interest rates remaining lower than a year ago, demand from buyers should remain strong.

In November, King County’s median residential sold price rose 4% year over year, climbing from $885,500 to $925,000. While the number of active residential listings was 14% higher than at the same time last year, it fell by 25% from October’s level, largely due to seasonal market shifts. Pending residential sales dropped 31% from the previous month but remained 15% higher than a year prior. King County condos saw a year-over-year price increase of 17%, with a median sold of $565,467. The number of active condo listings was also 49% higher than last year, giving first-time homebuyers new opportunities in this segment of the market.

Seattle’s November median residential sold price inched up 3% year over year, reaching $968,000. However, this level remained roughly flat compared to last month. The number of closed residential sales jumped 22% from the same time last year, demonstrating a notable increase in buyer activity. Active residential listings rose 13% from a year prior, but dropped 26% from October, aligning with expected seasonal trends. Meanwhile, Seattle’s condo market experienced a significant boost in inventory this November, with 32% more active listings than at the same time last year. Perhaps due to buyers having more choices this year, the median sold price for condos slipped 1%, down to $574,950.

On the Eastside, the number of active residential listings dropped by 27% month over month but finished November 1% higher than a year ago. Single-family homes sold for a median price of $1,537,312, reflecting a 10% year-over-year increase. The number of closed residential sales jumped 23% compared to the same time last year but decreased 20% from October. Eastside condos also saw a 10% year-over-year price increase, with the median sold price reaching $685,000, though this was down from $740,000 in October. The month-over-month decline may reflect the significant 77% increase in the number of active condo listings compared to last year, giving buyers more options.

Snohomish County experienced an 8% year-over-year increase in the median sold price of a single-family home in November, rising from $725,000 to $784,976. The number of active residential listings declined 22% month over month, likely due to seasonal changes, but still finished the month 12% higher than a year ago. Closed residential sales surged 30% year over year, while pending sales climbed 16%, signaling increased buyer demand and a robust market. Snohomish County condos also posted gains, with the median sold price rising to $535,000, up 3% from last year. At the same time, active condo listings jumped 51% compared to a year prior, providing buyers with more opportunities.

November’s hot/cold market trends mirror patterns we saw a year ago, suggesting that Q1 of 2025 could once again bring rising prices. As we look ahead, it will be interesting to see how higher asking prices and shifting interest rates shape opportunities for buyers and sellers in the coming months. For help navigating these market fluctuations, connect with your Windermere broker for expert insights and up-to-the-minute advice.

More.

Design • December 17, 2024

5 Ways to Incorporate Feng Shui into Your Home

by Don Koonce

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice, is not just about creating a calming and aesthetic space. It’s about creating a space that resonates with your energy and promotes well-being. By balancing the world’s five natural elements : water, fire, earth, metal, and wood, you can transform your living space into an environment of serenity and positivity. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you’re looking to find new ways to rearrange furniture, declutter your area, or introduce natural elements into your space, Feng Shui might just be the missing piece! Here are five simple ways to embrace the elements of Feng Shui in your home.

1. Create Depth with Water

Each element in Feng Shui carries a unique meaning. By integrating these elements in a balanced way, you can create a space that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also promotes well-being. For instance, water is believed to bring prosperity and wisdom into your life. To incorporate water into your home, add dark blue or black accents like hand towels, artwork, and small area rugs. Reflective surfaces or mirrors can also be used to symbolize the fluidity and reflection of water. Feng Shui experts believe that purposefully placed water features both within and outside of a home will bring about positive energy and good luck.

2. Transform Energy with Fire

Fire, a symbol of passion, energy, and transformation in Feng Shui, can be a powerful addition to your home. You can start by strategically placing and lighting a few candles, which is a simple way to introduce the fire element. But, if you are looking for a more intense effect, consider incorporating an indoor or outdoor fireplace to encourage gatherings and create a warm, inviting ambiance. You can also add design accents to your home using reds and oranges which will add more dynamic fire energy.

3. Establish Stability with Earth

In Feng Shui, the earth element can be associated with stability and different grounding forces. When we think of the various aspects of earth within a home, we tend to gravitate towards the more natural features like stone counters, wooden furniture, and clay accents. However, the earth element in Feng Shui goes even further than just aesthetics. More ways to incorporate this element into your home include decluttering and organizing to create flow, inviting nature in with more houseplants and natural light, and utilizing earthy tones like browns and beiges. You can also enhance these earth-centered qualities by repositioning your furniture to create more harmonious spaces.

4. Promote Precision with Metal

According to Feng Shui principles, metal is a strong symbol of precision, wealth, and efficiency. There are plenty of ways to integrate metal into your home beyond mere stainless-steel appliances. Copper, bronze, brass, and nickel accents add warmth to kitchens and living spaces. When incorporating these metals, consider using decorative features like cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and other metal accent furniture.

5. Embrace Vitality with Wood

Wood, which symbolizes growth, vitality, and new beginnings, is the final core element in Feng Shui. Consider using natural materials like bamboo, rattan, or reclaimed wood when designing with this element in your home. There are a number of ways you can harness the energy of wood, such as through furniture, flooring, or even smaller wooden accents like coasters and photo frames.