Sellers • July 5, 2022

Preparing to Sell Your Home: A Complete Checklist

by Don Koonce

Getting your home ready to sell can feel like a circus act. Without the right organization, juggling the countless moving parts involved in this stage of the selling process can take its toll. This is the perfect opportunity to create a checklist to keep yourself on track and within your budget. The following information will illuminate the key responsibilities you face as a homeowner as you prepare to hit the market.

We’ve included a comprehensive checklist below of the common tasks required to get your home ready to sell. It is also available as an interactive web page and downloadable pdf here: Get Ready to Sell Checklist

Preparing to Sell Your Home: Working with an Agent

Before you start working on the house itself, it’s best to get the ball rolling on the strategic aspects of selling a home. Working with a real estate agent is the best way to get your home sold for the best price in a timely manner.

A listing agent will represent you throughout the selling process to determine the value of your home, coordinate open houses, market the property, and negotiate with buyers to reach a deal. In the early stages of your discussions with your agent, they will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to see what price your home could fetch on the market, accounting for various factors that influence home prices such as seasonality and local market conditions. Based on the findings of your agent’s CMA, you can discuss whether remodeling fits into your go-to-market strategy, and your agent can provide intel on which remodeling projects could deliver significant ROI based on buying trends, your location, and what comparable listings in your market are offering.

Home value estimation tools can help you get an idea of what your home is worth to facilitate your conversations with your agent. Use our free Home Worth Calculator by clicking the button below:

Preparing to Sell Your Home: A Complete Checklist

Once you’ve found an agent, you’re ready to get your home in tip-top selling shape. The following checklist is available as a free downloadable PDF here:

Get Ready to Sell Checklist – PDF

Exterior

This list of value-adding curb appeal projects will help to form buyers’ first impressions of your home and make your ever-important exterior listing photos stand out amongst the competition.

Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat
Fix loose trim and fencing
Clear gutters and downspouts
Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front-door lanterns work
Clean and repair the roof as needed
Clear garage of clutter and tidy shelves
Inspect chimney for cracks and damage

Yard

Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary
Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs
Weed flowers beds
Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs, and trees
Clean grease and oil stains from driveway

Decks/Patios

Paint or stain worn areas on wood decks
Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees
Clean all deck rails and make sure they’re secure; replace missing slats or posts
Clean outdoor furniture

Front Door

Polish or stain worn areas on wood decks
Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks
Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure
Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes

Windows

Clean all windows inside and out
If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills
Make sure all windows open and close easily
Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals
Make sure window screens are clean and secure; replace any screens with holes or tears

Front Entry

Clean entryway floors and area rugs
Downsize clutter in the entry and entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness
Double-check entry lighting to make sure it works

Interior

Not only will these interior projects get your house sparkling clean, but they’re also preparatory steps for staging your home and hosting open houses.

General Interior Cleaning

Clean all floors, carpets, walls, and trim
Replace burned-out light bulbs
Empty trash
Remove family photos, valuables, and prescription drugs
Tidy up clutter

Kitchen

Fix dripping faucets
Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious
Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors
Clean the oven and cook top thoroughly
Set the table

Living/Family/Dining Rooms

Give rooms a fresh coat of paint as needed
Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls
Make sure all wallpaper is secure
Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped
Clean or replace draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light
Make sure draperies and blinds open and close
Steam-clean carpets
Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors
Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room
Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies, that you wish to move with you
Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

Bathrooms

Make sure sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops are clean and free of stains
Repair any leaky faucets
Remove grout and soap stains from tile
Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout
Make sure all joints are caulked
Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans are operating
Install a new shower curtain and buy matching towels
Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers, out of sight

Bedrooms

Repair cracks in ceiling and walls
Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary
Make sure all wallpaper is secure
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light
Put away toys, clothes, and clutter
Neatly make up the beds

Basement

Check for water penetration or dampness; call for professional repairs if necessary
Get rid of musty odors
Clean furnace, hot water heater, and drains
Make sure light fixtures work
Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner
Make sure stairway handrail is secure

Tidy Extras

Use air fresheners or bake treats to make the house smell good
Plant flowers to brighten the walkway and enrich the entry
Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves
Remove all “fixer” cars, campers, and boats from the property
Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables
Tidy and declutter all closets
Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows
Store pet supplies
At night, turn on the porch light and outdoor lighting
Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

SOLD • June 28, 2022

SOLD: 5 Seattle Homes

by Don Koonce

Sold Representing Buyers

4419 49th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98118

MLS #1927866
Sold: $525,000
Listed: $525,000
Beds · 3
Baths · 1
1,200 sqft
Days on Market: 5

Fantastic opportunity to own adorable home in coveted Lakewood area just waiting for your updates…or build your dream house and take advantage of potential Lake Washington views. Sitting high off of the quiet tree lined street, this cozy period home features 3 bedrooms and 1 bath with formal living and dining room and large kitchen with eating space. Home has great layout and private backyard. Ideal location – 1 block to cafes and fitness center and just a short 5 minute walk to Lake Washington.

1743 NW 57th Street #302
Seattle, WA 98107

MLS #1933258
Sold: $380,000
Listed: $380,000
Beds · 1
Baths · 2
Days on Market: 3

Easy living in the heart of Ballard! This spacious Bal Harbor corner unit features one bedroom, one and 1/2 baths, a wood-burning fireplace, deck and an in-unit washer & dryer and storage. Enjoy cozy evenings with wood-burning fireplace. Convenient designated parking makes life easy! Built in 1980 this 18 unit building is within steps to popular Ballard Sunday market, tons of cool shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops and all that Ballard has to offer.

Pending Listing

12046 66th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98178

MLS #1933207
Sold: $670,000
Listed: $670,000
Beds · 4
Baths · 2
1,870 sqft
Days on Market: 7

Updated MidCentury in private location at the end of a quiet dead-end street. Popular split-level floor plan has gleaming original cabinetry & hardware in near-perfect condition, pretty quartz & tile upgrades, big picture windows for abundant warm natural light, 2 cozy fireplcs, entertainment-sized deck for gracious outdoor living, extra large well-designed yard w/ established gardens & NW native greenery. 3bedrms main flr (hardwoods here), fully finished Lower Level, 600+sqft garage has shop space and tons of storage! Updated systems, Mini-split HP, A/C. I-5, major commute routes & Light Rail 5min away; shopping, entertainment, parks & recreation all in time-saving 3mile circle.

Listings Sold

5637 S Ryan Street
Seattle, WA 98178

MLS #1918700
Sold: $1,175,000
Listed For: $850,000
Sold for 38.2% over asking
Beds · 3
Baths · 2
1,960 sqft
Days on Market: 6

Fully re-invented modern bungalow on prime corner lot with vista views of Lk WA, Mt. Baker & Seattle/Bellevue skylines. Studs-out top quality renovations completed in 2016 with an eye for art as well as architecture. Streamlined design for easy living, a wonderful mix of open & intimate spaces, strategically placed skylights/windows create seamless views of enchanting gardens, greenery and sky from nearly every room, hardwds and porcelain tile floors thru-out, hi-end kitchen, tile baths, steam shower, gas heat, A/C & more. Spectacular outdoor spaces, 13, 800sqft of privacy, garden paths, patios, rhodies, maples, etc. Future DADU? Prized Upper Rainier Beach close to I-5 & light rail. Let the pride of ownership begin.

10631 59th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98178

MLS #1930321
Sold: $700,000
Listed: $620,000
Sold for 12.9% over asking
Beds · 3
Baths · 2
1,040 sqft
Days on Market: 3

Pretty and polished midcentury ranch home in popular Upper Rainier Beach! Solid built-to-last construction & MCM style supported by 21st century systems. Newly refinished oak hardwds, classic sandstone firplc, quality granite & tile kitchen, modern vinyl dbl-paned windows, new baths with designer tile work and sleek low-profile fixtures, updated electric, plumbing, ductless split A/C, & newer roof. XXL backyard is completely fenced, ideal for gardening and entertaining with room left over for future DADU. Secure attached garage, wide streets for guest parking. Dream location for your entire compass: Silly-close to I-5, major arterials, Light Rail, fun in Upper Rainier Beach, Georgetown, Renton, soul-soothing hiking trails, parks & Lk WA.

Buyers • June 23, 2022

What Happens After Making an Offer on a House?

by Don Koonce

Making an offer on a house feels like a reason to celebrate. You’ve applied for financing, worked with your agent to search for available listings, put in time attending open houses, and have found the place you’re ready to call home. However, celebrating at this stage in the buying process could leave you heartbroken if your offer isn’t accepted.

So, what happens after you make an offer on a house? Revealing what goes on behind the curtain in this critical stage of the buying process will help you understand what to expect next. First, let’s take a look at the three ways a seller can respond to your offer.

What Happens After Making an Offer on a House?

The seller rejects your offer:

If a seller rejects your offer, your agent may be able to relay information from the listing agent as to why it was insufficient. This can serve as a learning opportunity for the next time you prepare an offer.

The seller makes a counteroffer:

Counteroffers can make buying a home feel like a chess match. This is an indication that your offer has piqued the seller’s interest. Once you receive a counteroffer, it’s a matter of ironing out the finer details to reach a deal. Sellers will typically request alterations like a higher price, a modification to your contingencies, or an adjustment of closing dates.

You can accept or reject the counteroffer or come back with a counteroffer of your own, which may continue for multiple rounds until the two parties reach an agreement. Prepare for counteroffers ahead of time with your agent by discussing your price limit, how much you’re willing to budge on your contingencies, your flexibility around closing dates, etc.

The seller accepts your offer:

The smoothest result after submitting your offer is the seller accepting it, but that doesn’t mean you’ve crossed the finish line yet. Once the seller formally accepts your offer, you’ll be “under contract,” meaning both parties have agreed to move forward with the deal. Before closing, any contingencies attached to the offer must be met.

This explains why you’ll occasionally see properties listed as “under contract.” It means the seller has accepted an offer and there’s a good chance the deal will go through, but because the sale is not yet final, the property is technically not off the table. Other interested buyers will make backup offers in case the first offer falls through.

After your offer has been accepted, you’re officially in the homestretch of the buying process. Once the purchase agreement is signed, it becomes legally binding. Backing out of a real estate transaction has varying consequences, depending on the timing of the withdrawal and its level of compliance with the attached contingencies. Learn more here:

What Happens When a Buyer Backs Out of a Real Estate Transaction?

If you intend to move forward with your purchase, finalizing the deal is a matter of completing the following steps before you can claim your new home:

The Home Buying Process: Closing

Next, you’ll deposit your earnest money in an escrow account. This deposit of funds lets the seller know you’re serious about closing on the home. In return, the seller agrees to take the home off the market. When the sale closes, the money goes toward the down payment or closing costs.
The timeline for inspections during the closing process vary state to state. Getting the home inspected allows you to ask the seller that certain repairs be made, request seller concessions, and renegotiate your offer. If you included an inspection contingency in your contract, you could walk away from the deal with your earnest money if you decide the property’s issues are too much to handle.
Contact your mortgage lender to relay the final details of the purchase so you can go about securing financing. Getting pre-approved early on helps to streamline this part of the closing process.
A title search will generate a report for you and your lender detailing the history of the home you’re buying to ensure there are no legal barriers against purchasing it.
Now you’re ready to close! Several legal documents are prepared, leading to the transfer of ownership from seller to buyer. You’ll also pay closing costs at this time. Once closing is finalized and the funds in escrow have been distributed, the home is yours!

Real Estate News & Information • June 21, 2022

Moving Patterns for U.S. Homeowners and Renters in 2021

by Don Koonce

This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market. This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.

Hello there. I’m Windermere Real Estate’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner and welcome to the latest episode of Monday with Matthew. Over the past few months, analysts like myself have been starting to get our hands on early numbers from the Census Bureau and, although we won’t get the bulk of the data for another several months, I thought it would be interesting to take a quick look at some of the information that the government has put out specifically as it relates to patterns.

This is a relevant topic given the pandemic, with many people wondering if we saw a mass shift in where we choose to live because of COVID-19. This belief that we packed up and moved because of the pandemic is, at face value, quite credible, especially given that home sales in 2021 were at levels we haven’t seen since 2006. But the reality, at least from the data we have received so far, actually tells a different story.

Moving Patterns for U.S. Homeowners and Renters in 2021

We Move More Infrequently

This first chart looks at people and not households and it shows that, contrary to popular belief, we’re actually moving less frequently now then we have done in decades, with the share of people not moving in a single year rising from just about 84% to over 91½%. Of course, we are having fewer children now than we did, but not to the degree that would change the trend.

Unsurprisingly, Renters Move More Often than Owners

And when we break this down between homeowners and renters there is quite the discrepancy between the two groups. Although the number of renters not moving has risen from 67½ percent up to 84% since 2000, the number of homeowners staying put has moved from almost 91% all the way up to 95% last year.

So, the data thus far is not suggesting that we saw any form of mass exodus following the pandemic, in fact we haven’t been moving as much for the past 2-decades, but people did move since COVID-19 hit and the reasons they did were fascinating. The following charts are broken up into four categories of movers: those who moved for family reasons; those who moved for employment related reasons; those that moved for housing related reasons; and finally, those that moved for other reasons.

Reasons to Move (1)

So, starting with family-related reasons, it was not surprising to see the major reason for both owners and renters to move was to establish a new household, nor was it surprising to see a greater share of renters headed out on their own than homeowners. Finally, the share of those moving because of a change in marital status was essentially the same between renters and homeowners. And when we look at employment related reasons for people moving last year, a greater share of renters moved because of a new job than homeowners, and more renters moved to be closer to their workplaces than did homeowners. Again, not really surprising, given that a large share of renters work in service-based industries and therefore proximity to their workplaces is important. You will also see that a greater share of homeowners than renters moved because they lost their jobs and, finally—and not at all surprisingly—far more homeowners moved because they chose to retire than renters.

Reasons to Move (2)

And when we look at housing related reasons that people moved, a large share of owners and renters moved from their current home or apartment and into a new, bigger, better house or apartment. A statistically significant share looked to move into a better neighborhood, and I do wonder whether owners were doing this because of the ability to work from home and possibly move to a better location further away from their workplaces. And even though renters tend to stay closer to their workplaces, I wonder whether these renters weren’t in white-collar industries and that the ability to work from home has led them to move into an area that they perceive to be better suited to them.

And finally, a significant share of renters moved because of the fact that rents have been skyrocketing over the past 18-months or so. This clearly impacted some homeowners, too. And finally, under the “other” category, more renters than owners moved because they were either entering or exiting a relationship with a domestic partner, and more renters left to either go to college or because they had completed their degrees.

Health-related reasons for moving had a significant impact on homeowners over renters, and I found it particularly interesting to see a lot of owners saying that “climate” was a reason for their move. Of course, I can only hypothesize as to whether people are simply looking to move to warmer climates or whether climate change is starting to have an increasingly large influence on where we choose to live. My gut tells me that climate change is becoming a far more important consideration for homeowners, although we can’t deny that a lot of people, specifically on the East Coast, moved South during the pandemic.

These next few charts break down movers not just by whether they our owners or renters but also by ethnicity.

2021 Mobility by Ethnicity & Tenure: Owners vs Renters Movers and Non-Movers

Here you can see that homeowners across these three ethnicities were pretty much uniform in their desire to stay in their existing home with only 4 to 5% moving. And renters who, as we have already seen, did move more frequently last year than homeowners, were also in a very tight range at between 83 and 85%.

2021 Mobility by Ethnicity & Tenure: Owners vs Renters Movers and Non-Movers (2)

And the same can be said about Hispanic owners and mixed race families, with about 95% not moving last year. Now this is modestly lower than White, Black, or Asian households, but the difference is very marginal. As for renters, between 83 and almost 88% of them within these three ethnicities moved last year, but you will see a bigger share of Hispanic renters stayed put as opposed to all the other ethnicities shown here.

2021 Mobility by Ethnicity & Tenure: Moves In & Out of State

Looking closer now at those who did move, even though fewer Asian households moved when compared to all other ethnicities, far more left the state than stayed, and the same was true for Asian renters with over a quarter moving out of state.

2021 Mobility by Ethnicity & Tenure: Moves In & Out of State (2)

Again, a greater share of the Hispanic homeowners who did move last year stayed in the state where their old house was, and the share of mixed households was roughly at the average for all ethnicities. And the share of Hispanic and mixed-race renters who stayed in State was also about average.

What I see from the data is that the huge shift that many expected during COVID has not been affirmed—at least not by the numbers we have looked at. That said, we are sure to see numerous revisions because of the issues that COVID 19 has posed on Census takers, so we may get a different story as more data is released and revisions posted. What I found to be most interesting in the numbers we have looked at was the massive increase in renters moving in with their “significant others.” But I am not surprised, given that there are around 48½ million people aged between 20 and 30, and this is their time!

And I was also interested in the share of the population who moved due to climate. I will be doing some more digging around in the darkest recesses of the Census Bureau website to see if I can find out more about this. Although I can’t confirm it, my gut tells me that climate—and specifically climate change—will be a factor of growing importance when people are thinking about where they want to live.

And there you have it. As always, if you have any questions or comments about this particular topic, please do reach out to me but, in the meantime, stay safe out there and I look forward to visiting with you all again next month.

Bye now.

Living • June 16, 2022

How to Plant an Herb Garden

by Don Koonce

Homeowners are always seeking ways to breathe new life into the spaces in their homes. Using nature to achieve this transformation is beneficial in several ways. Planting an herb garden not only helps to make your kitchen feel fresh and sustainable, but it can make your food taste better, too. Here are some tips for getting your herb garden started.

How to Plant an Herb Garden

Like other indoor plants, the key to properly supporting your herb garden is to cultivate fertile growing conditions. Herbs love sun, so you’ll want to position your plants in an area where they have access to sunlight. If sunlight is hard to come by in your local climate, consider investing in a grow light. Even if space is limited, the following locations can be a fitting home for your herb garden:

Container Garden

Container gardens give you the flexibility to move your herbs around the house. This can be especially helpful if you get inconsistent or spotty sunlight.

There are various options when choosing materials for your containers. Terra cotta, plastic, and ceramic planters all have their respective advantages, but what’s most important is that you pair the herbs with a container whose size is conducive to its growth and has proper drainage holes.

Hanging Garden

A hanging garden is a stylish way to incorporate nature into your home. To properly set up your hanging garden, you’ll need adequate wall space. Again, prioritize access to sunlight and easy accessibility. Vertical bookshelves can make for a simple, multifunctional hanging garden, while other DIY options can help to spruce up your kitchen. Whichever route you choose, consider using lightweight materials. A mobile hanging garden can come in handy when doing chores and rearranging the house.

Window Box Garden

Box gardens are a fixture of landscaping and gardening design and can help to improve your home’s curb appeal. Once they’re filled with soil, plants, and water, window boxes can be much heavier than you’d expect, so sturdy woods that don’t rot easily—cedar, mahogany, redwood, etc.—are popular material choices. As always, proper drainage is important when crafting your window box garden. If you’re building your window box yourself, drill the proper drainage holes before assembly. Add a layer of landscaping fabric along the bottom to prevent soil from leaking.

Easy Herbs to Grow in Your Garden

After you’ve decided where you’ll set up your garden, there’s the question of which herbs to grow. The following herbs are perfectly suited for a beginner gardener’s touch and happen to be culinary staples.

Basil: Fresh basil is a game changer. Sow basil seeds around twelve inches apart to allow them to reach their full potential. This herb will take your homemade pizzas to the next level, kick your pesto recipe up a notch, and provide the perfect garnish for countless other dishes.
Thyme: Rich soil fused with organic matter will create ideal growing conditions for thyme. This herb loves the sun, so making sure it gets plenty of sunlight will maximize its flavor. Thyme pairs perfectly with roasted and slow-cooked dishes, adding a perfect layer of warmth and depth.
Cilantro: Make taco night unforgettable with fresh cilantro. With enough heat, cilantro plants will grow quickly and are known to self-sow for multiple rounds. To clear up confusion, cilantro and coriander come from the same plant. “Cilantro” refers to the leaves, while “coriander” is the name for the plant’s seeds, which are often ground up when used in cooking.
Mint: Potting mint is key to keeping it well maintained. Without a proper container, it will run wild. There are many varieties of mint, ranging from classics like spearmint and peppermint to exotic strands such as chocolate and cinnamon mint.
Parsley: Parsley takes its sweet time to germinate, so consider buying plants rather than seeds to speed up the growing process. Countless recipes lean on the fresh taste of parsley, so you can’t go wrong dedicating a decent amount of real estate in your herb garden to it.
Oregano: Oregano thrives in sunny conditions. To maximize growth, plant its seeds some time in spring when the soil is warm. A staple of Italian cooking, having fresh oregano in your herb garden will give your pizza and pasta recipes an extra kick.
Chives: Known for their grass-like look, chives are closely related to onions but have their own distinct taste. Sow their seeds in spring and water regularly to keep their soil moist. Chives are a flavorful alternate for onions or scallions, while their bright green color makes them a perfect garnish for soups, salads, and sauces.

For more information on cultivating your home garden, read our Quick Guide to Urban Farming.

Sellers • June 14, 2022

Should You Refinance or Sell Your Home?

by Don Koonce

Homeowners can often reach a financial fork in the road when they must decide to either refinance their existing mortgage or sell their home. Each route has its respective advantages depending on your financial health, the mortgage rate market, and the future needs of your household.

Refinancing vs. Selling

When working to ease the financial burden of your existing mortgage, you have two options: refinance or sell. Refinancing your home allows you to renegotiate the terms of your loan and lower your monthly mortgage payment, while selling has the potential to put enough cash in your pocket to pay off your mortgage entirely. So, how do you decide between the two? Understanding a bit more about each option can help you determine which is best for you.

Refinancing Your Home

There are a few reasons why homeowners will typically refinance their mortgage, the most common of which being falling interest rates. Lower interest rates, after a reassessment of your mortgage, equate to lower monthly mortgage payments and significant savings over the life of the loan. If your finances have improved since you initially secured your mortgage—for example, your debt-to-income ratio has improved, or you’ve bumped up your credit score—you may be able to lock in a better rate with your lender.

Refinancing your home could also put cash in your pocket. “Cash-out refinancing” allows you to accept a mortgage for more than your principal balance and use the extra money at your discretion. Typically, homeowners will use such funds for large expenses, such as a major renovation or home improvement project.

Homeowners with Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) will often refinance and switch to a Fixed-Rate Mortgage due to fluctuations in interest rates, locking in an established rate for the remainder of the loan term.

Refinancing in order to change the length of the loan can be beneficial as well. By switching from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage, you could save a considerable amount of money on interest over the life of the loan. If you’re looking to lower your monthly mortgage payment, you could lengthen the loan term. For example, if you’ve been paying off your 30-year mortgage for ten years but are struggling to keep up, refinancing could lower your monthly payment. However, doing so means you’ll be paying for an additional ten years’ worth of interest.

Keep in mind that refinancing your home involves getting a new mortgage, so you’ll have to go through the qualification process again. Assess your financial health and equity before you apply. Once you’re ready to move forward, your Windermere agent can recommend a few trusted lenders or mortgage brokers to provide you with a quote.

Selling Your Home

Alternatively, you can sell your home. Your agent will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine the value of your home, accounting for the various factors that influence home prices including seasonality, location, market conditions, and your home’s features.

Although you stand to receive a lump sum of cash, selling your home comes with its own set of costs. Paying for repairs, home inspections, staging expenses, agent commissions, not to mention buying or renting your next home. This can add up, so it’s important to budget properly. Selling your home also means you’ll be uprooting the life you and your household have established there, so it’s important to have a plan for your next steps before the “For Sale” sign goes in the ground.

Buyers • June 9, 2022

Managing Expectations as a First-Time Home Buyer

by Don Koonce

There’s a first time for everything. As a first-time home buyer, navigating the uncharted territory of the home buying process can be challenging to say the least. Although every home purchase is unique, there are certain knowns that can help you manage your expectations. Once you’re ready to buy, knowing a bit more about how to approach the market will have you well on your way to getting the keys to your first home.

Managing Expectations as a First-Time Home Buyer

Local Market Conditions

Your local housing market conditions will loom large in the buying process. In a competitive market (i.e. a seller’s market), prices are being driven up by demand, sellers have the leverage during negotiations, and it may take a long time to find the right home. In such a market, you can expect to compete against multiple buyers where everyone is trying to sweeten their offer to make it stand out. This usually takes the form of waived contingencies, escalation clauses, and all-cash offers. Buying in a competitive market is challenging for any buyer, let alone a first-time home buyer. Having greater buying power and getting pre-approved for a mortgage are two key paths to bolstering your financial standing and improving your chances of submitting a winning offer.

Though finding the right home is never a cakewalk, the conditions of a buyer’s market will be in your favor. In such market conditions, sellers are competing for the attention of a limited pool of buyers and are more flexible during negotiations. With less competition around you, you can afford to be more patient and selective when pursuing available listings.

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

Which homes can you afford?

It’s easy to fall in love with a home based on its listing photos, but one look at the price tag can break the spell. By knowing which homes are in your budget, you’ll be able to focus your time and effort on listings that are financially feasible. And remember, there are a myriad of costs to buying a home beyond the listing price to include in your budget.

To get an idea of what you can afford, use our free Home Monthly Payment Calculator by clicking the button below. With current rates based on national averages and customizable mortgage terms, you can experiment with different values to get an estimate of your monthly payment for any home price. By using the Home Monthly Payment Calculator, you can make a well-informed estimation of whether it’s the right time to buy.

Working with Your Agent

Fortunately, you don’t have to take on the home buying process on your own. A buyer’s agent will help to manage your expectations from start to finish by helping you look for homes, make an offer, negotiate with the seller and their agent on your behalf, and provide clarity on the closing process. Beyond their ability to get down to brass tacks and help you purchase a home, your agent will be there to answer your questions, validate your emotions, and connect you to their network of helpful resources.

Living • June 7, 2022

5 Tips for Cutting the Cord: Switching from Cable to Subscription TV

by Don Koonce

“Cutting the cord” can mean something different in every household. For some, it’s a complete abandonment of cable TV and the fees that come with it, while in another household it may be a mix of cable- and subscription-based programming. Regardless of where you are in the spectrum, it’s worth it to audit your household’s TV usage and reassess what package deal delivers the most value. Here are some tips to help you make the transition.

5 Tips for Cutting the Cord: Switching from Cable to Subscription TV

1. Budget for Subscription TV

Start by taking a deep dive into your cable or satellite bill. By breaking down the costs of your contract with your cable company, you’ll get a baseline of what you can afford as you begin to select your subscriptions.

Identify the terms of your contract, whether you’re locked in until a future date, and when the contract terminates so that you can plan the logistics of your transition smoothly. Your cable company may charge an early termination fee for contracts that are broken before the specified date.

2. Prioritize Your Favorite Content

Choosing from the seemingly infinite selection of channels and apps can be overwhelming. When compiling your subscriptions, start by analyzing your viewing habits to determine your most necessary outlets. Whether it’s news, sports, classic movies, new movies, children’s programming, or certain prestige TV shows, choose your must-haves first and fill in your remaining subscriptions around them.

Remember that switching from cable means you’ll have to piece together the channels you previously had access to across a collection of apps and services. This often means that you’ll miss out on seeing certain shows live, but you’ll have unlimited access to a given program’s library of recorded content.

3. The Importance of High-Speed Internet

To truly enjoy your streaming services, you’ll need a strong internet connection. In general, an internet speed of least 25 Mbps (megabits per second) is recommended for streaming multiple channels and apps. As you add more devices and services, something closer to and upwards of 50 Mbps will give you a quality viewing experience.

As you shop around for the right internet service, make comparisons between different providers’ prices, download speeds, and data limits. By cross-referencing these three criteria, you’ll be able to identify which internet package is right for you. Read the fine print regarding data usage. Certain agreements may have extra fees that kick in once a certain amount of data has been surpassed. This could get expensive, especially if there are multiple people in your household watching TV frequently.

4. Purchase Your Hardware

There are a bevy of hardware options for streaming TV, including popular devices from Roku, Google, Amazon, and Apple. These devices typically come either with a remote or with an app that allows you to control your TV from your smartphone. If you prefer less hardware, a smart TV may be the way to go. Smart TVs have many of these streaming services built in and available to download. You may also continue to rent a cable box from your cable company to save on your contract costs. This could be helpful if your cable provider offers a bundling package of TV and Internet subscriptions.

5. Invest in Quality Screens

At the end of the day, your viewing experience is only as good as your screens. Investing in high-quality products will be worth it in the long run. One of the greatest benefits of streaming apps and services is their flexibility, allowing you to watch from multiple screens in multiple locations. Accordingly, it’s not just your TV that matters, but any other devices you plan on watching from, including tablets and smartphones. Fortunately, smart TVs have continued to grow in popularity and are now widely available, meaning you’ll have plenty of options to choose from at whatever price point is affordable to you and your household.

Design • June 2, 2022

5 Ways to Incorporate Nature into Your Home

by Don Koonce

Home décor often focuses heavily on the latest and greatest trends. But even the most well decorated home can feel like it’s missing a natural element. Here are five simple ways you can incorporate nature into your home to make it feel more connected to the environment it inhabits.

5 Ways to Incorporate Nature into Your Home

1. Natural Light

Natural light has the power to breathe new life into your home. Place your furniture in your living room and/or dining room to make your get-togethers feel more connected to the outdoors and orient your workspace in your home office near a window to stay productive throughout the workday. By finding ways to let the sunshine in, your home will feel refreshed and lighter. Fortunately, this doesn’t require a heavy investment. Try sheer curtains or new blinds wherever your home’s large windows are. This will help to balance the light in the larger spaces around your home, so you don’t have to rely on artificial light sources.

2. Hardwood Floors / Wood Accents

To truly feel a connection to nature throughout your home, you’ve got to work from the ground up. Making the switch to hardwood floors will significantly impact the look and feel of your home, given the large surface area of such a project. A job of this scale is likely to require the help of a professional, and you may have to find a temporary housing solution while the remodel is being carried out. But you don’t have to go to great lengths to incorporate wood into your home.

Wood accents can deliver much of the same feeling. Experiment with different combinations of driftwood, bamboo, sculptures, and signage throughout various rooms to keep your home thematically consistent.

3. Organic Materials

Materials like stone, marble, and fabrics will not only help to incorporate nature into your home but will make it feel relaxing and cozy as well. A small collection of rocks or stone pebbles with trickling water in the bathroom work every time to evoke a natural tranquility. Stone or marble tile designs and/or backsplashes help to ground a space by providing an earthy foundation. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and linen can be sprinkled throughout a home to deliver warmth and comfort while reinforcing a natural theme.

4. Decorating with Houseplants

Sometimes you don’t have to replicate nature to make your home feel more natural. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed the spaces feel by decorating with houseplants. However, there are certain rules you’ll want to follow when creating your own personal indoor ecosystem. Research the needs of each plant variety you’re interested in buying before making your final purchases. This will allow you to orient them appropriately throughout your home based on their sunlight needs. Plants that can survive with less sunlight are well suited for the darker corners of your home. If you’re not home often to tend to your plants, consider low maintenance varieties like succulents. Houseplants will add color to your home and improve the air quality while they’re at it.

5. Decorate with Earth Tones

All the aforementioned ways of incorporating nature into your home—natural light, wood accents, organic materials, houseplants—have a signature color palette. Once you’ve decided how these categories can fit into your home, you can decorate around them with complimentary colors.

Fortunately, you won’t be limited for choice. Earth tones run from darker, rich colors like brown and rust to lighter, vibrant colors like light green and sunlight yellow. The use of these colors can be carried out in your remaining accent pieces, such as towels, carpets, pillows, and more.

SOLD • May 31, 2022

SOLD: Homes in Seattle, Tacoma & Puyallup

by Don Koonce

Currently Under Contract Representing Buyers

1743 NW 57th Street #302
Seattle, WA 98107
Listing price: $380,000

Beds: 1
Baths: 2
Days on Market: 3

4419 49th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98118
Listing price: $525,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 1
1,200 sqft
Days on Market: 5

1615 S Cedar Street
Tacoma, WA 98405
Listing price: $450,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 2
1,612 sqft
Days on Market: 4

Charming craftsman with a large floor plan to accommodate your lifestyle & hobbies. Located across from Allenmore Golf Club, Hospital, Parks, Tech College & less than a mile to bustling 6th Ave! Enjoy the large, fully fenced backyard featuring a deck, raised garden beds, & a nice sized lawn. Detached garage w/additional off-street parking spots. Beautiful hardwoods, Good sized living space w/ lots of natural light & a cozy fireplace that flows into the dining area with a large, open kitchen. Choose a bedroom upstairs or downstairs, there are two bedrooms on each level. Upper floor includes a bonus room ~ could be an office, walk-in, fitness, or convert to a 5th bedroom. It just keeps going, you can expand your living space into the basement!

Sold Listings this month

14642 8th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98166
Listing price: $650,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 1
1,360 sqft
Days on Market: 5

Squeaky-clean rambler in excellent location! Walk to fun coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants & shops in downtown Burien, or stroll to beaches at Seahurst Park when you’d rather recharge with water-sky-trees than Starbucks. This home has been gently lived in, everything newly polished for next owner. Freshly painted interior, hardwood floors, cozy wood-burning fireplace, big picture windows for lots of light, formal dining plus bistro kitchen seating, modern dble-paned windows and doors, easy-care siding. Huge fenced yard with patios and deck for entertaining and/or gardening. 4 real bedrms, 1 located in its own zone for flex use: recroom, home office, more private guestroom, etc. Just move in-make it fancy your way when you’re ready.

12301 133rd Avenue E
Puyallup, WA 98374
Listing price: $1,025,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 4
3,676 sqft
Days on Market: 3

A unique lodge style retreat on a private peaceful shy acre. Owners have worked tirelessly to create a luxurious home built with platinum quality inside & out. Big Mt. Rainier views from most every room, soaring cedar T&G vaulted ceilings, rich wood floors/millwork, new hi-end 2022 kitchen barely unwrapped, new baths, Primary 5-piece ensuite w/jetted tub & steam shower. Huge view decks w/multiple interior entries, 5 skylites, most systems updated within 0-6yrs, state of the art technology, deluxe media rm, gas heat & appl, A/C, tankless H20. Breath-takingly beautiful park like grounds, pond, lighted fountain, etc., all just 10 min to major commute routes & Sumner Sounder transit station. Pamper yourself -destination living year round!

Current Pending Listings

12046 66th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98178
Listing price: $670,000

Beds: 4
Baths: 2
1,870 sqft
Days on Market: 7

10631 59th Avenue S
Seattle, WA 98178
Listing price: $620,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
1,040 sqft
Days on Market: 3

5637 S Ryan Street
Seattle, WA 98178
$1,175,000

Beds: 3
Baths: 2
1,960 sqft
Days on Market: 6

Fully re-invented modern bungalow on prime corner lot with vista views of Lk WA, Mt. Baker & Seattle/Bellevue skylines. Studs-out top quality renovations completed in 2016 with an eye for art as well as architecture. Streamlined design for easy living, a wonderful mix of open & intimate spaces, strategically placed skylights/windows create seamless views of enchanting gardens, greenery and sky from nearly every room, hardwoods and porcelain tile floors thru-out, hi-end kitchen, tile baths, steam shower, gas heat, A/C & more. Spectacular outdoor spaces, 13, 800sqft of privacy, garden paths, patios, rhodies, maples, etc. Future DADU? Prized Upper Rainier Beach close to I-5 & light rail. Let the pride of ownership begin.