Buyers • June 8, 2021

Relocating for Remote Work

by Don Koonce

As the ubiquity of working from home continues, many homeowners are making the decision to move. Whether the motivation for relocating is to lower the cost of living, to be closer to family, or simply a fresh start, there are various factors to keep in mind when relocating for remote work.

Before You Relocate

Before you make the jump to a new life in a new place, making time for some strategic planning will help ensure your relocation goes as smoothly as possible. A logical first step is to consider the financial impact of your move. Depending on your company’s policy, there may be adjustments to your pay when you relocate. If this is the case, factor in your pay change as you form your relocation budget. Research the cost of living in your new hometown to understand how a compensation adjustment may affect your home search and your lifestyle once you move.

If you are moving out of state, relocating could affect your benefits and your taxes as well. There’s a chance that your employer’s health insurance plan does not offer coverage in the state you’re moving to. Talk to your employer to discuss your options. Before moving out-of-state, find out whether the two states have a reciprocal tax agreement, especially if you’re moving between states that have differing income tax regulations.

Your New Home for Remote Work

Working remote has given homeowners the freedom to choose their desired location, unbound by a work commute, especially if their company has indicated that there are no clear signs of returning to in-person work anytime soon. Knowing your desired work environment will help to tailor your home search. If you’re looking for peace and quiet while you work, explore listings in rural areas. If the hubbub of city life is your idea of a comforting backdrop, direct your attention to metropolitan areas.

For the remote worker, it’s more important than ever that your home accommodates your working needs. As many homeowners have experienced throughout the pandemic, you spend a great deal of time in your home office, so finding the home with the best workspace for you should be a priority. If you desire a private area where you can focus, a home with an open floor plan may not be the best choice. Instead, you may want to look for homes with a separate bonus room or extra bedroom.

Once you’ve moved into your new home, it’s time to put together your home office. Whether your previous home office was a professionally curated environment or a makeshift workspace in the corner of a room, a new home means a fresh start for your remote work. Like many homeowners, by now you’ve likely got a solid grasp on what your ideal home office looks like. Keep those elements alive when you relocate and enjoy productive workdays in your new home.

Sellers • June 3, 2021

Selling a Home with Pets

by Don Koonce

For pet owners, it’s hard to imagine their home without a furry friend. However, when it comes time to sell, showcasing the qualities of a home should take precedence over the pets that live in it. This creates additional steps in the process of preparing your home for sale, but it makes all the difference in the minds of buyers.

Staging Your Home

A well-staged home makes it appealing to the widest variety of buyers and has significant ROI potential when it hits the market. However, having a pet can complicate the staging process. Buyers may lose interest in the home if they see traces of pets, so it’s a good idea to hide any and all signs of their presence.

It’s especially important to hide evidence of your pet in marketing photos. Prepare for your home’s listing photos by cleaning and vacuuming, making sure all pet stains are gone and any pet-related damage is repaired. Stow any pet carriers, cages, toys, food bowls, and other supplies that may hinder the photographer’s ability to capture the essence of a room.

Showing Your Home

Before inviting potential buyers inside, it’s best to give your home a deep clean to improve your home’s air quality, and to rid your carpets, flooring, and surfaces of pet odors and any dirt they may have tracked in over time. If you’re using your own furniture, vacuum and clean everything to extract as much fur and pet dander as possible. Talk to your agent to see if it’s a better idea to stage your home with rented furniture. If your pets have caused any damage in the home, make repairs or replacements as needed. After tending to your home’s interior, don’t forget to clean up after your pets in your yard as well. Fill in any holes in the lawn, freshen up your flower beds, and tidy up any areas of the landscaping where your pets may have dug.

After you’ve prepared your home for showings, there’s the question of what to do with your pets once buyers actually start taking tours. Ask a family member, friend, pet sitter, or neighbor to watch your pets while the showings take place. If you’re not able to find someone to watch them, form a strategy to temporarily relocate your pets during showings. If they must stay in the home, garage, or backyard during tours, it’s best to give buyers advanced notice that there are pets on the property. Talk to your agent about posting signage communicating their presence so that there are no surprises as guests make their way through the house.

Taking all these precautions will help to present your home in the best light without detracting certain buyers, for whom the signs of a pet may cause them to lose interest. On the other hand, if any buyers inquire about how the home can accommodate their pet, you and your agent will be more than ready to answer any questions they may have.

Selling Your Home

For more information on the process of selling your home, visit the Selling Page on our blog. To get an idea of what your home is worth, try our free home value calculator below:

What’s My Home Worth?

Homeownership • June 1, 2021

7 Weekend Home Projects

by Don Koonce

So many projects, so little time. That tends to be the mantra for homeowners with an ever-growing to-do list and limited availability to accomplish their tasks. Fortunately, the weekend is an opportunity to dig into certain projects and see them to their completion by the time the weekdays come around again. These seven weekend home projects can be accomplished within a couple of days and will make a dent in your to-do list.

1. Upgrade Your Kitchen Cabinets

Giving your kitchen cabinets a facelift is a simple way to give your kitchen a makeover. When staining wood cabinets, begin by removing the cabinet doors and hardware, then wipe the doors to clear away and dust and dirt. After applying and removing wood stripper, sand the doors to get them primed and ready for a new stain. When painting cabinets, choose a color that works well with your appliances. As you pack up the contents of the cabinets keep your most frequently used items nearby so you can access them during your project. To add a finishing touch to your weekend cabinet makeover, shop around for new hardware and drawer inserts.

Image Source: Getty Images

2. Refresh Your Front Entry

Your home’s front entry is the key to making a lasting first impression and helps to enhance your curb appeal. Make a statement by giving your front door a fresh coat of boldly colored paint, look for stylish house numbers, and add classic front entry elements like a sitting bench or swing for ultimate comfort.

3. Improve Your Home Office

Whether you work remotely or in person, much can be done in a weekend to improve the functionality of your home office. Creating an environment conducive to your productivity helps to separate your office from the rest of your home, maintaining a balance between your work life and your home life. Situate your desk near a window to attract natural light. If the room has no windows, orient your seating so you’re facing the open space of the room. Experiment with therapy lights, ergonomic chairs, and soothing décor to make your office as comfortable as can be.

4. Curate Your Bathroom

In one weekend your bathroom can be transformed into a sanctuary of self-care. Refinishing your tub is a cost-effective alternative to a replacement. Start by removing any and all hardware, then sand the whole surface, filling in any cracks or holes with putty. Once you’ve sanded down the putty, apply multiple layers of primer and topcoat following the manufacturer’s instructions and buff the surface. Replace your vanity’s cabinet hardware and drawer pulls, matching them with your shower rod, faucet and shower head to tie the room together. Switch out your shower curtain and carpets for bold colors to liven up the space or choose neutral tones to create an organic feel.

Image Source: Getty Images

5. Organize Room-By-Room

Spending a weekend organizing each room of the house is sure to make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. Bookcases and coffee tables are magnets for clutter in the living room. Start by emptying everything and sort the items into three piles: keep, dispose, donate, (this method of organization will do wonders for your closets and bedroom as well), and invest in storage bins to keep the space tidy. In the bathroom, organize the medicine cabinet and vanity drawers first. Get rid of expired medication, makeup, and toiletries. Take the same approach to your shower. Once you’ve gone through everything, reassess your shower shelving to fit your newly organized inventory. After working your way through your kitchen cabinets, consider either a hanging or wall-mounted pot and pan rack to save space.

6. Fix Up Your Fence

Whether your fence needs a simple wash, a new sealant or stain, or repair, tending to it will freshen up your yard while also extending the life of your fence. Power washers are a helpful tool in getting your fence clean before re-staining, but a sprayer that’s too powerful could damage the wood. Let the fence dry for one to two days before applying the stain. As long as any damage that needs repair is contained to a section of the fence, a weekend should be plenty of time to get it fixed. To replace any damaged rails, pry them off their posts with a crowbar or cut the damaged section out with a handsaw. When repairing fence posts, be sure to remove any rails that are connected to it.

7. Build a Firepit

Common firepit materials include brick, stone, or cinder blocks. Outline your firepit before you start digging. Once the hole is dug six to eight inches deep, fill in the hole with gravel until it is level with the ground. Choose your materials, fix the stones into the ground, compact them together, and enjoy your time by the fire. Check for local burn bans or regulations.

SOLD • May 28, 2021

SOLD: Two Seattle & Tacoma-Area Homes

by Don Koonce

336 Summit Ave.
Fircrest, WA 98466
Selling Price: $713,000

4 Beds
3.25 Baths
2,904 SqFt
Year Built: 1945

Sitting on the summit in the city of Fircrest you have found a gem that features the owners suite on the main level & a studio apartment on the lower level w/2 separate entrances offering an amazing opportunity for additional income or just to keep everyone close! Great for multi-generational living! Offered for the 1st time on the market in 37yrs you will adore the original layout of this 1940’s home w/an addition & updates that add more living space. Real hardwood floors greet you & lead to island kitchen, living & vaulted family rooms with lots of daylight & privacy! Don’t miss the massive amounts of attic storage! Lower level offers a huge utility rm, attached 2 car garage & entrance to the studio apt. Quiet alley access, deck & more!

5432 34th Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98126
Selling Price: $799,950

3 Beds
1.75 Baths
1,440 SqFt
Year Built: 1947

Impeccably designed by owner architects, this reimagined 3 bed/1.75 bath home celebrates the spirit of NW architecture. No detail was spared in this studs-out renovation with hand-selected materials including reclaimed wood floors, Heath ceramic tile, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, clear VG cedar siding, a 50-year metal roof, Marvin windows + so much more. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises and expansive mountain views and relax in your peaceful backyard with raised garden beds, an orchard & multiple gathering areas. Ample off-street parking with electric car charging station plus an oversized lot with DADU potential. Just steps to Camp Long, Longfellow Creek trails and central to both Alaska & Morgan Junctions. A true urban oasis!

Sellers • May 27, 2021

What is a Seller’s Market?

by Don Koonce

When the housing market favors sellers, a seller can expect ideal conditions for selling their home. However, that’s not to say that a seller’s market doesn’t come with its own unique set of challenges for parties on both sides of the transaction. That’s why it’s critical for buyers and sellers to work with an agent who not only understands their wants and needs but who can also help them navigate highly competitive market conditions.

What is a Seller’s Market?

A seller’s market occurs when demand exceeds supply. When inventory is limited, competition amongst buyers is fierce. Median sales prices increase, days on market decrease, and homes commonly receive multiple offers, often over their original asking price.

Selling in a Seller’s Market

Though demand is high in a seller’s market, staging and making any necessary repairs are still important steps to take before hitting the market. An agent can help a seller make important decisions about which repairs and updates help add value to the home.

When it comes to offers and negotiations in a seller’s market, sellers have the leverage. It’s common for homes to fetch more than their asking price with multiple offers on the table. Though prices are being driven up by demand, a seller may choose to list their home at or just below fair market value with the hopes of starting a bidding war. Because competition is so high, buyers may be willing to waive an inspection contingency to help make their offer stand out. Agents can help sellers decide whether they should conduct a pre-listing inspection, which sometimes helps the seller get more offers and command a higher price.

With multiple offers on the table, it may be tempting to simply choose the one with the highest figure; however, the best offer is also the one that removes risk and aligns with the seller’s goals. Whether that entails waived contingencies, a shorter closing window, or an all-cash offer, in a seller’s market, the seller has the power to choose. Sellers should fully review each offer with the help of their agent before proceeding.

Buying in a Seller’s Market

Buyers in a seller’s market must act fast. Due to the high level of competition, they must be prepared for a frustrating scenario where their offers may not win out. This emphasizes the importance of working with a buyer’s agent. In a seller’s market, it’s more likely that the buying process will include such factors as seller review dates and escalation clauses. A buyer’s agent will help navigate these challenges while working with their client to make their offer stand out. They will formulate a strategy, comparing their client’s wish list and budget against the limited number of homes available and proceeding accordingly. A buyer’s agent will also set the expectation that, due to the competitive nature of the market, finding the right home may take longer than expected.

In a seller’s market, the buyer is at a disadvantage when it comes to negotiations. The chance of getting a contingent offer is minimal and pushing for certain closing dates and specific repairs may do more harm than good to their offer. A cash offer has significant power in a seller’s market. If a buyer can make a cash-heavy or even all-cash offer, it is likely to stand out to the seller. It gives the buyer more buying power and greatly increases their chances of winning a bidding war.

For more information on the conditions of your local market, visit our website for Quarterly Real Estate Market Updates from our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. For assistance planning a home sale or purchase, please feel free to contact me.

SOLD • May 26, 2021

SOLD: 4 Seattle Homes +1 Kent Fixer

by Don Koonce

10053 64th Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98178
Listing Price: $675,000

Swanky view property in popular Upper Rainier Beach! Epic Art Deco architecture, fancy curved walls, sculpted millwork, and period fixtures smartly reflect the glamorous hi-fashion that is the hallmark of this era. Primary rooms open onto impressive Lake/Mtn/Mercer Is views. Classic mullioned corner and port windows let in abundant light, rich hardwoods and pretty fireplace create a warm welcome. Updated kitchen has high-end appl., crafted tilework, custom pendant lighting, and clever storage systems-no wasted space. Expensive main floor bath renovation has designer art-deco styling. Basement has 3rd bedroom & fun steampunk bath. Grand deck for entertaining, beautiful gardens. Lush in-city living, all walk dist. to the fun local diners & pubs.

7904 S 134th Place
Seattle, WA 98178
Listing Price: $530,000

Sweet Craftsman-Farmhouse-Cottage in Secluded Woodland Setting/Spectacular Mount Rainier Views. Adorable is the only word-cuter than a baby lamb/bunny/chick. Open floor plan, wood floors, big picture windows, pretty fireplace, dining, easy 1-level living. Updated kitchen & bath, double windows, new roof, copper plumbing, Thermo-Pride furnace, new septic system. Studio space for home office/daily retreat/hobbies. Basement has shop space & storage. Remarkable sylvan setting! Stunning yard w/ so many gathering places: Multi–level deck, fire circle, cedar towers, garden paths. All this tranquility & privacy just min. to I-5, 167, 405, Renton, Georgetown and beyond. Hold onto your heart-you have reached your (secret) destination.

5412 S Othello St.
Seattle, WA 98118
Listing Price: $760,000

Exciting opportunity to own move-in ready 4bedrm in excellent neighborhood! Solid mid-century brick construction is a popular favorite for endurability; gleaming hardwoods, skylights, French doors, open stair railings and a touch of whimsy make it a delightful living space. Living/dining/kitchen are all open for inclusive entertaining; French doors lead to deck and gardens for summer parties. 3bedrooms main flr, updated baths w/ hi-end quartz/tile/marble & new fixtures. 2 gas fireplaces, finished basmt with REAL 4th bedrm and cozy rec rm, secure entry to garage plus storage. BONUS: Solar panels for ultra-energy savings. Walk to beaches and parks, just min. to Columbia City & 15-20min walk to Light Rail. Bring your stuff & settle in.

5251 45th Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98118
Listing Price: $985,000

Sophisticated and stylish living in excellent location just a short stroll to Seward Park/Lk WA! Smart architectural design paired with wood and light is the perfect elixir for those wanting maximum functionality with a soft landing. Ultra-relaxing private setting, soaring ceilings crowned by clerestory windows, solid oak floors, gas fireplace, well-appointed kitchen, big windows/glass doors with views of beautiful natural landscaping from nearly every room. Open living inside & out, multiple decks/patios/ green space for entertaining and gardening. Hardi-plank construction and solar energy=high efficiency, low maint., enduring value. Walk to beach, close to all the fun in Columbia & Hillman Cities, 20min walk to Lite Rail-easy to go play!

9834 S 231st St.
Kent, WA 98031
Listing Price: $275,000

This house needs a little TLC. OK, it needs a LOT of TLC, but could be a huge upside for the right investor. Lots of possibilities here. Fix & flip, or tear down and build new on this 20,304 Sq Ft gently sloping lot. Maybe build 2 homes? Home features 3 bedrooms 1.5 baths 2 car garage, newer electrical panel, and fireplace. Will need a new septic system, or per conversation with City of Kent, sewer connection may be possible. Buyer to verify all to their satisfaction. Located a short drive from Kent Station and many neighborhood shops and restaurants.

Sellers • May 25, 2021

The Risks of FSBO

by Don Koonce

Selling a home is a complex process that requires patience, knowledge of the market, and a deep understanding of the financial processes. And that’s just the beginning. Accordingly, many homeowners trust in a professional to sell their home by working with a real estate agent. Despite the expertise an agent brings to the table, some homeowners choose to go it alone, bearing the responsibility of a successful home sale on their own shoulders. If you’re thinking about selling “For Sale by Owner”, or FSBO, know that there are certain risks and obstacles that can easily cause your home selling journey to veer off course.

The Risks of FSBO

Real estate agents are professionals who possess a vast knowledge of both the industry at large and local market conditions acquired through years of training, certifications, and working with clients. For FSBO sellers, the complexities of the home selling process can easily illuminate a lack of experience and leave them feeling unsure of how to continue, or worse, situations may arise where proceeding incorrectly could jeopardize the transaction. This lack of expertise could lead to incorrectly pricing your home, which will attract the wrong buyers. An accurately priced home requires market knowledge and an objective approach to the home’s value, which can be tough for homeowners. The more time an overpriced home spends on the market, the more likely the price will have to be lowered. A home with a lowered price that has been on the market for some time is less appealing to buyers than an accurately priced new listing. An underpriced home could leave significant money on the table for the seller.

A common motivating factor for wanting to sell FSBO is that, in the case of a successful sale, the seller avoids paying commission to an agent. However, what that commission ultimately pays for is a vast skill set that is specifically trained to get you the most money for your home. Agents not only have access to all kinds of information on local market conditions, trends in the real estate market, and data on comparable homes in your area, they are also connected to a network of potential buyers and have the marketing know-how for appealing to them and any others in your market. To attempt to approach this same level of visibility while selling FSBO means incurring additional expenses like ad placement, signage, hiring a photographer, and more.

Selling a home takes up a great deal of time. FSBO sellers can expect to stage the home, host showings and tours, answer phone calls from buyers, interview home inspectors, and coordinate open houses, all while gathering data on the local market—and that’s all before any negotiations or paperwork. When an offer comes through, FSBO sellers must dive into the extensive documentation required for the mortgage, title transfer, and any other legalese involved in the transaction. It’s like having another job that you may simply not have time for, whereas a real estate agent’s job is to dedicate their time, energy, and experience to the successful sale of your home.

All these factors make selling FSBO a risky proposition. Mistakes in the selling process can lead to both financial and legal implications, but part of a real estate agent’s expertise is knowing how and when these dangers can arise and navigating them properly. If you’re looking to sell your home, please feel free to contact me.

Events • May 24, 2021

YOU’RE INVITED: Upper Rainier Beach Garden Stroll

by Don Koonce

Restaurant Reviews • May 20, 2021

RESTAURANT REVIEW: Pizzeria Pulcinella in Rainier Beach

by Don Koonce

COVID Status: On Monday, March 22, King County entered Phase 3 of the state’s Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan, which allows more activities to resume. Businesses, restaurants, gyms and museums are allowed to increase capacity from 25 percent to 50 percent. For more information, go here.

Recommendation: If you’re in the mood for some authentic Neapolitan pizza, I recommend giving Pizzeria Pulcinella a try.

Background: We’ve been going to Pizzeria Pulcinella for a number of years and always have a great experience.

Atmosphere: The restaurant is in a historic building that housed Lakeside Tavern as the last tenant before Pizzeria Pulcinella. Lakeside Tavern had one side of their sign upside down and the other side right side up. In that tradition, Pulcinella installed their sign the same way and have the old Lakeside Tavern sign on the wall inside their restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with the original wood floors and of course the centerpiece being the wood-fired pizza oven.

Location: Pizzeria Pulcinella sits about two miles north of the Renton/Seattle border in Rainier Beach. It’s a favorite neighborhood spot among South Seattle residents, so you’ll see lots of regulars.

Food: I have had many of the pizzas and salads and never had one that I didn’t like. My favorite salad is the Insalata Pulcinella which is mixed greens, toasted almonds, cranberries, seasonal fruit, fresh mozzarella, pomegranate red wine vinaigrette, but it is difficult to choose a favorite because they are all so good! Same goes for the pizza, but if I have to choose, it would probably be the Giovanni which is roasted pepper and pesto sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, onion, cremini mushrooms, fresh tomatoes. They also have pasta dishes and dessert.

Bonus: Pulcinella has been “certified Neapolitan” by the Verace Pizza Napolitana Association since 2009.

Pizzeria Pulcinella
10003 Rainier Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98178

Buyers • May 18, 2021

Buying with Gardening in Mind

by Don Koonce

Every home buyer has a list of must-have amenities that they’re just not willing to compromise on. For some, it could be an open floor plan or maybe a certain number of bedrooms. For others, that priority is a place to garden.

A garden provides a place where one can nurture the earth, feel connected to other living things, and have a positive impact on the environment. If you’re a home buyer who requires space to garden, here are a few things to consider:

The Hardiness Zone

When searching for a home, location is always high on the list of priorities, and for gardeners, it’s no different. If having a garden is important to you, the first thing you should do is check the hardiness zone to determine what you can realistically grow at any home you are considering buying.

Hardiness Zones are used by gardeners and growers around the United States to determine which plants will grow best in their region. The USDA uses the average annual minimum water temperature in the area to establish the zones, making it a great place to start when looking for your next garden.

Hardiness Zones don’t change by street like neighborhoods do but knowing where you are in the zones map can be a helpful guide to what to expect, especially if you’re moving to a completely new region.

Outdoor Space

Your Windermere agent will be able to use a combination of property metrics, photos, and land surveys to help narrow down your search to homes with adequate outdoor space for a garden.

Ask your agent about lot size versus the home size to make sure there is enough land to build and sustain a garden. Prior to visiting homes in person, check the exterior photos to get an idea of the area.

Local Wildlife

Local wildlife organizations have resources about the animals that might appear in your backyard. Knowing this will not only help you protect your veggies, herbs, and other plantings, but also aid in creating a wildlife-friendly sanctuary. The National Wildlife Foundation offers suggestions on how to do this and offers tips on how to attract songbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Infrastructure Requirements

Depending on the size of your garden, you may need to set up appropriate infrastructure for easier care, like a sprinkler system, raised beds, or outbuildings. If the land is uneven, consider installing raised beds that will help flatten the growing surface for your veggies and fickle flowers. A greenhouse can help you control humidity and light levels but be sure to consider the construction costs alongside your home loan amount.