Living August 27, 2024

10 Tips for Sustainable Gardening

Spring is calling and the flowers are in bloom. It’s the time of the year that many homeowners start spending more time in the garden. Having a healthy garden is one of the best ways to create a sustainable home and reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Here are some eco-friendly tips that will help to make your garden even more sustainable.

10 Tips for Sustainable Gardening

1. Compost Your Waste

Composting, which puts your natural waste to good use, is the cornerstone of any sustainable garden. All grass clippings, dead leaves, plants, flowers, and the like are rich in nutrients. By composting, you provide your garden with a natural fertilizer, free of contaminants. Not only will this provide nourishment, but it will also help to produce healthier and tastier food.

2. Mulching

If having a sustainable garden is your goal, it’s important to treat your soil with care. Mulching enriches the soil and ensures it’s as healthy as can be. Mulch conserves the moisture in your soil, ensuring it won’t dry out. It also reduces weed growth and naturally moderates the temperature of the soil. Mulching can cover either bare soil or freshly planted food and flowers.

3. Garden Design

It’s natural to want to accentuate the beauty of your garden when designing it, but the sustainable gardener will prioritize giving plants what they need. Take into consideration which plants need direct access to sunlight, which need the most space in the garden, and any special requirements a plant may need to inhabit optimal growing conditions.

4. Use Natural Weed Killers

One of the pillars of organic gardening is to reduce the use of chemicals whenever and wherever possible. Homemade recipes involving vinegar and corn gluten meal are effective substitutes for harmful, chemical-based weed killers. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to weed by hand often.

5. Use Water Efficiently

Substantial watering is critical to keeping your garden healthy, but overwatering is a common practice and leads to an unsustainable garden. Research the amount of water your plants and flowers need to make sure you aren’t overwatering. If you live in a rainy climate, rain barrels are a useful tool as their function is to catch and conserve the water from your downspouts.

6. Animal Manure

For a more sustainable garden and even healthier soil, consider adding animal manure. Chicken, sheep, and cow manure are all popular choices. Rich in nutrients, it can be used both as a fertilizer and as a soil conditioner. Make sure the manure you purchase is free of pathogens and ask about the recommended window of time from application to harvest before you begin using it.

7. Go Local

Planting natively is a fast ticket to sustainable gardening. Native plants are innately acclimated to local climate conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain. Native plants often require less water to grow due to their familiarity with the soil and rainfall in your region, which cuts down on your garden’s total water intake.

8. Collect Dried Seeds

Believe it or not, you can save your seeds and sow them next year. Wait until the seed is fully ripe before you collect it. It’s important to gather seeds when the weather is dry and to store them in a dry place. To produce healthy plants in the future, the seed must be completely dry. 

9. Control Garden Slugs

Slugs are known to wreak havoc on gardens, eating through leaves and fruit, leaving a trail of destruction. There are many ways of controlling slugs in your gardens, but some may do more harm than good. If you choose to use slug bait, go organic. Many slug baits contain chemicals that are highly toxic to other animals.

10. Replace Your Gas Mower

How else can you reduce your garden’s carbon footprint? Replace your gas mower with a more sustainable alternative. Electric mowers and push mowers are functional and more eco-friendly replacements. For added sustainability, consider replacing your other gas-powered equipment, such as trimmers and leaf blowers.

Living August 22, 2024

Decorating with House Plants to Match Your Décor Style

Interior design solutions come in all shapes and sizes. After all your furniture items, art, and other physical items are all in their right place, decorating with house plants can provide the perfect final touch. The best plants for your home are the ones that will thrive in your local climate while complementing your existing décor. Here are a few common house plants and their corresponding interior design styles to aid your decorating efforts.

Decorating with House Plants to Match Your Décor Style

Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern interior design is ubiquitous, and for good reason. Its simple concepts, open spacing, and emphasis on natural elements make it one of the premier interior design styles for homeowners and design experts alike. A Split-Leaf Philodendron, or “Swiss cheese plant,” is ideally suited for these interior spaces, and its signature leaf holes make it a visual focal point. Swiss cheese plants will thrive in open spaces with access to natural light, climbing toward the ceiling as space allows. For the same reasons, Fiddle-Leaf Figs feel at home in a mid-century modern aesthetic.

 

Woman watering a Swiss cheese plant from a watering can in her living room

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: funebre

Industrial

There’s an inherent give and take with industrial interior design in that it foregoes traditional elements that we associate with comfort for stylistic choices that create a strict-yet-visually appealing environment. Decorating with house plants can add vibrance to an industrial backdrop of wood, steel, brick, stone, and copper without compromising the edginess of the style. Both Snake Plants and Cast Iron Plants will harmonize with an Industrial space. Both are low-maintenance plants that mesh well with materials that evoke toughness and durability.

Minimalist

The combination of minimalism and house plants is a match made in heaven. Given minimalism’s focus on the reduction of waste and clutter and the importance of bringing the outdoors in, all signs point toward decorating with house plants. Being selective about which plants you include will keep everything in line with the fundamental concepts of minimalism—too many plants and things would easily feel off balance. Large-leaf plants are a perfect solution for minimalist decorators, such as Rubber Plants, Bird of Paradise, and Silver Evergreen.

Comfortable chic living room with Traditional interior design style features, like neutral color pallet with wood and wicker accents, is expertly designed with large houseplants next to the couch

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Liudmila Chernetska

Farmhouse

The Farmhouse interior style prioritizes cleanliness and an inviting spirit. Its white-washed backdrop of whites, grays, and beiges makes it a fitting canvas for the lush green additions that a selection of house plants can provide. Spider Plants work well to fill shelf space, which come in both solid green and white-striped varieties. These plants are easy to take care of and thrive in partial sun or shade. Aloe Vera plants in the kitchen can refresh the look of your shelving or counter space.

Modern farmhouse living room with a large grey couch, a coffee table, a fireplace, and big windows, with large wooden beams across the ceiling

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: xavierarnau

Traditional

Homeowners with traditionally styled interiors have a whole host of options to choose from. Any classic plant species will complement its traditional surroundings, but more specific choices can bring out the uniqueness in your home. If your decorations are rife with patterns and geometric shapes, perhaps a fern or Amazon Lily would help to balance the room. Bamboo may be a natural fit for your home depending on your existing décor. If you’re looking for a hanging display to fill empty wall space, consider Devil’s Ivy.

As always, research the watering and sunlight needs of a house plant before bringing it into your home. For more on decorating with house plants, be sure to read our room-by-room guide:

The Best Indoor Plants for Every Room

 


­­­­­­Featured Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: Tanya Paton

Living August 20, 2024

What to Do When Water Damages Your Home

Even if you’ve done all you can to prevent water damage in your home, there’s still a possibility it could occur. During a water damage emergency, it’s important to have a plan in place and be proactive to make sure things don’t go from bad to worse.

How to Handle Water Damage In Your Home

If your home is in danger of flooding, evacuate the area until it is safe to return. In all other situations, as soon as you notice any water damage, it’s time to act quickly to prevent further damage. Water reaching an electrical source spells danger, so be sure to switch off your circuit breakers to cut the electricity. If your circuit breakers are in the same room as the source of the water damage, it’s best to stay away and call an electrician. Unplug devices from outlets as well to avoid getting shocked. In all situations, wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective gear.

After the electricity has been turned off, the next step is to find the source of the water damage. In the case of a burst pipe or a leaking hot water tank, cut the water supply by switching their shut-off valves. If the water damage has occurred in a small, contained area, you may be able to handle the repair independently. But if the water damage has spread to a large area, it will require a professional.

Moving furniture, household items, and possessions not only helps to protect them, but will also clear the area for when professionals arrive, allowing them to get right to work. If the water continues to flow while the technician is on their way, try to prevent further damage by slowing its spread using buckets, towels, and mops. These items don’t have the salvaging power of a professional’s tools, but anything you can do before they arrive could help to prevent further damage.

Water Damage – Insurance

Contacting your insurance company as soon as possible will help to navigate the situation. Find out what steps they may require you to take in the event of a flooding emergency. It’s helpful to get a claims adjuster to your home quickly to assess the situation and provide estimates on the potential cost of making repairs. Water damage can easily feel overwhelming and chaotic, but it’s important to photograph the incident. Take photos of the source of the damage, where it spread, and the damage it caused—both to the home and any personal items of value. Documenting the incident will inform your claim with your insurance company.

Whether the damage is covered by your insurance depends on the source of the problem and how your policy is arranged. If the damage was a result of an underlying condition that worsened over time, your claim may be denied. If this happens, ask for a detailed explanation to understand the gaps in your policy. This emphasizes the importance of regular home maintenance on the systems that control the water in your home. Even if you run into a costly repair, it’s better to be aware of deficiencies and fix them than to wait and be faced with a full-fledged emergency later on. Take time to review your policy as is and understand what you as the homeowner are ultimately responsible for in the event of an emergency.

For more information on how to get ahead of potential home emergencies, read Windermere’s guides on preparing for wildfires and winter storms.

Real Estate News & Information August 15, 2024

Local Market Update – August 2024

Local Market Update – August 2024

The lazy days of summer are upon us, but home and condo sales are not the least bit idle. Just last month every area in this report saw more homes sell and for higher median prices than a year ago. And this month we’ve witnessed the year’s single biggest one-week drop in mortgage rates, which have fallen to the lowest level in 15 months. Paired with declining mortgage rates is rising inventory, with each of the areas below seeing a year-over-year increase in the supply of both homes and condos. These trends give late-summer hope to buyers who just a few months ago faced fierce market headwinds. Late summer typically sees a much slower market, but this year buyers might just be inspired and incentivized to make things hum more than usual.   

In King County, the median sold price for a single-family home increased 11% year over year, up from $897,500 in July 2023 to $999,000 last month. That reversed a price decline between May and June, after May’s record high of $1,001,000. Unit sales of single-family homes also increased in July, up 10% year over year. King County condo prices also rose last month, up 4% year over year from $510,000 last July to $530,000 last month. The number of active King County condo listings is up dramatically over last year, with a 64% jump between July 2023 and the end of last month. 

Despite having the region’s highest supply of homes as measured in months of available inventory, Seattle saw the median sold price of a single-family home rise 8% year over year, from $957,000 in July 2023 to $972,500 last month. The number of Seattle homes sold in July was also up 8% from a year ago. Seattle condo prices rose 2% year over year from $550,000 to $559,000, while the number of active listings rose by 44% over a year ago. Unit sales of condos dipped by 14% last month versus July 2023.  

On the Eastside, home sales were robust last month, with 32% more homes changing hands than a year ago. This was accompanied by an 8% year-over-year price gain, as the median sold price of an Eastside single-family home stood at $1,620,000 last month, slightly down from June’s mark of $1,635,000. In July, 43% of home sales closed above asking price, compared to the year’s peak of 59% in April. And July’s condo prices rose 5% year over year to $627,500, despite an 83% increase in the number of actively listed Eastside condos.  

By the end of July, the number of for-sale Snohomish County homes was up 38% year over year. Despite this, the median sold price of a single-family home rose 9% compared to July 2023. The Snohomish County condo market experienced a similar dynamic last month, with the median sold price rising 13% (from $495,000 a year ago to $560,000) despite a massive (137%) jump in the number of listed units. Last month, 21% more condos changed hands than in July 2023. 

Similar stories are reflected throughout the markets reported above: growing supply meeting steady buyer activity leading to prices that are also holding steady. Some of these dynamics may seem counterintuitive, but they reflect a transitioning market and, combined with lower mortgage rates, a season of renewed opportunity for many buyers.  

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, your Windermere advisor can shed more light on how best to navigate this market to your advantage.   

More.

Sellers August 13, 2024

The Pitfalls of Overpricing Your Home

When a homeowner prepares to put their house up for sale, two things are usually top of mind: how long will it take to sell and how much can we get for it. During a seller’s market, when stories of bidding wars and cash offers abound, it can be tempting to put as high a price tag on your home as possible. But even when the market favors sellers, overpricing your home can jeopardize your efforts to sell quickly and get top dollar.

Missing Your Market

The vast majority of homebuyers start their search online, and the first criteria they often enter is the price range. If your home is above the high point of their range, buyers in your target market will never even see your listing—it simply won’t show up in their searches. In addition, it’s human nature to go after the top item in a collection. Buyers want the most house they can get within their budget. This means you want to be the best house compared to those in your price range, rather than among the bottom compared to those in a more expensive bracket.

Key takeaway: You want to shine against your competition, not pale by comparison

Playing the Numbers

Selling a home is a numbers game: the more potential buyers, the greater chance of an offer. Overpriced homes get fewer showings, both in person and online. Your agent will tell you that showings are critical to capturing the interest of buyers, but if the home is overpriced, they will have difficulty attracting attention to your home. This can slow the entire home selling process, leaving both you and your agent feeling frustrated.

Key takeaway: More showings = more offers.

Going Stale

It’s also human nature to be drawn to what’s new, the bright, shiny object, as the saying goes. New listings attract the most attention—that’s when buyer interest is highest. The longer your home is on the market, the less appealing it becomes. And at a certain point, you may be forced to lower the price. Many buyers and their agents will assume the reason the house has been on the market so long, and why you had to lower the price, is because there is something wrong with it. Once the price drops begin, they can continue, which creates the risk of selling your home for less than what it is worth.
In addition, the longer your home is on the market, the more expenses you incur. Mortgage payments, utilities costs, and seller’s fees will continue to pile up, making it harder to recover from these costs when your home does eventually sell.

Key takeaway: Be the bright, shiny object.

Losing at the Last Minute

Let’s say you do find a buyer at the overpriced cost. During closing, the lender will order an appraisal of your home. If the appraiser finds that the market value of the home is less than the selling price, they could deny financing. If that happens and you are forced to put the house back on the market, buyers’ agents will be able to see that it’s a relisting, could assume something is wrong with the house and share those concerns with their client.

Key takeaway: Be realistic about value.

To get an estimate of the value of your home, try Windermere’s free Home Worth Calculator at the link below:

What is my home worth? 

Living August 8, 2024

You’ve Moved into Your New Home. Now What?

Congratulations on your new home! You made it through the arduous process that is buying a new home. Now it’s time to take on the task of moving in.

You did your research about the neighborhood and you feel like you know the home like the back of your hand. However, there are some things to do as you move in to protect your newest investment, and yourself, from the unknown variables in and around your home.

Change the locks garage door codes

Previous owners might have changed the locks, but they may not know who all has a key or a code to open your garage, especially neighbors who they trusted to watch their place while they were away. Changing the codes and locks on all the doors ensures that you have complete control over entry to your home.

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Living August 6, 2024

Beat the Heat Without AC

There’s no doubt about it: summers are getting hotter. While many of us who live in the western United States have been able to do without central AC in years past, rising temps make it more difficult to beat the heat. If installing central air is beyond your budget, try these tips to keep cool. The best part: some of them are free!

Get Low

Heat rises, so the lower you can get, the cooler you will be. Basements are often the coolest part of the house because they are low and often darker due to a lack of windows. Spend the hottest part of the day in your basement or on the lowest floor of your home. If your home has a hard time cooling off at night, consider moving your bedroom to the first floor or basement for the dog days of summer.

Go Dark

It seems a shame to block out summer sun when many of us crave that extra daylight the rest of the year. But when outside temperatures soar, that’s exactly what you should do. Use blackout shades or curtains and keep them closed during daylight hours. If you live in a region where temperatures cool down overnight, open windows as soon temps are comfortable outside and then close them again when it warms up. If you need to do chores around the house, overnight or early morning are the best times of day to do laundry or run the dishwasher, since those appliances give off heat while in use.

Stay Hydrated

Of course, sipping on a cold drink is a great way to cool down quickly, but staying hydrated is important for other reasons. In extreme heat, dehydration can happen very quickly, and it often leads to headaches and dizziness. If you’re tired of plain water or want to avoid juice and soda, snacking on cucumbers, watermelon, pineapple, citrus fruits, and cold soups like gazpacho is a great way to keep cool and hydrated—and because you don’t have to cook them, you won’t heat up your house using the stove or oven.

Take a Cold Shower

This one seems obvious, but the effects really can last for hours. For a quicker fix, try running your wrists under cool running water, or get a rag or towel wet and wrap it around your neck or place it behind your knees.

Be Creative

A fan is nice, but when it’s just blowing around hot air, it’s not doing much to cool you down. Instead, turn your fan into a swamp cooler. Hang a wet cloth over the rotors (but not the motor), place a bowl of ice cubes in front of it, or place frozen water bottles directly behind it to cool the air that is coming through the fan. And though it’s tempting to have the fan pointing directly at you, strategically placing it so that it’s circulating air will help cool down the whole room.

Invest a Little

If you’ve used all the tricks above without success and you’re willing to spend a little money, you have options that don’t involve installing central air. Mini splits have drastically increased in popularity in the past several years thanks to their efficiency and cost effectiveness. As opposed to cooling the whole house, they give you the ability to cool only the rooms you use most. Window unit or portable air conditioners can provide similar singular-room cooling for a lot less than central air. These are also good choices for homes that don’t have the ducting required for AC.

Of course, installing central air, or even mini splits, can increase the value of your home. To find out how much, get in touch with your Windermere agent.

Living July 23, 2024

The Life Expectancy of Your Home

Every component of your home has a lifespan. Common questions asked by homeowners include when to replace the flooring or how long to expect their siding to last. This information can help when budgeting for improvements or deciding between repairing and replacing when the time comes. We’re all familiar with the cliché: They just don’t build things like they used to. And while this may be true when it comes to brick siding or slate roofing, lifespans of other household components have increased in recent years. Here are the life expectancies of the most common household items (courtesy of NAHB):

Appliances:

Among major appliances, gas ranges have a longer life expectancy than things like dishwashers and microwaves.
Chart describing the life expectancy on the most common household appliances.

Kitchen & Bath:

When choosing your countertops, factor in the life expectancies of different materials.

Flooring:

If you’re looking for longevity, wood floors are the way to go. Certain rooms in your home will be better suited for carpeting, but you can expect they’ll need replacing within a decade.

Siding & Roofing:

When choosing roofing and siding for your home, climate and maintenance level factor into the life expectancy of the material. However, brick siding and slate roofing are known to be dependable for decades.

Are extended warranties warranted?

Extended warranties, also known as service contracts or service agreements, are sold for all types of household items from appliances to electronics. They cover service calls and repairs for a specified time beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty.

You will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to you. For some, it brings a much-needed peace of mind when making such a large purchase. Also consider if the cost outweighs the value of the item. In some cases it may be less expensive to replace a broken appliance than to pay for insurance or a warranty.

Real Estate Listings July 19, 2024

NEW LISTING: Log Cabin on Corner Lot in Tukwila

**Open House Jul 21, 2024 • 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM**

4705 S 164th Street
Tukwila, WA 98188
$468,980

  • MLS #2265153
  • Beds: 2
  • Baths: 1
  • Size: 1,180 sqft
  • Year Built: 1940
  • Lot Size Area: 12,180.00 sqft
  • Garage Spaces: Yes
  • Heating: Baseboard

Surprise! Distinctive log cabin on ¼+ acre corner lot close to every urban convenience on the compass. Unique 1940’s homestead is move-in ready, full of light-filled freshly painted spaces, orig. honey-colored fir floors in superb condition, cozy liv rm w/ fireplace, open country kitchen. Modern finishes, newer double-paned windows, 5yr roof w / transferrable warranty. Pet-friendly backyard is completely fenced, new privacy fence on the west side. Unfinished basement has 1car garage, + space for storage or workshop. PLENTY of extra off-street parking! 5min or less to airport, all major freeways, PCC, Trader Joe’s, Old Town Burien, Southcenter; Light Rail for stadiums, downtown & beyond. Set your non-conforming spirit free-you know you want to.

Go here for more information.

Design July 18, 2024

Pet Friendly Home Decor Ideas

For many of us, pets are important members of our household, which means our homes should be as comfortable for them as they are to everyone else who lives there. When choosing how to decorate your home, whether you’re moving into a new one or welcoming a new furry or feathered friend into the one you already live in, thinking ahead about their needs can not only create a happy space for everyone but also help with the inevitable pet-related accidents and other possible issues down the road.

Cuddly-friendly Furniture

While some pet owners refuse to let animals on couches or chairs, others love to cuddle with their furry friends on or near their laps. If you fall in with the first group, create a soft space on the floor for Fido or Fluffy to lie on when the family is relaxing. Dog and cat beds come in just about every material, color, and style you can imagine, so finding one that fits in with your aesthetic should be relatively simple.

If you’re in the second group, select furniture that can withstand the wear and tear of claws, accidents, and frequent vacuuming. Leather (or faux leather) surfaces are best for homes with animals that shed. If you prefer the feel of fabric instead, choose a couch or loveseat made from stain-resistant materials or use a washable slipcover.

Throw blankets are not only cozy, but they are also great for creating a barrier between pets and furniture, and they’re a lot easier to clean than an entire couch.

Safe Plants

Incorporating live plants and greenery is a great way to add a touch of nature to your home’s interior, but not all plants are safe for pets. While fake plants are an option, they don’t provide the extra benefit of helping to clean the air you breathe while indoors.

Rattlesnake plants, spider plants, orchids, many kinds of fern, and small palms are all beautiful additions that aren’t toxic if your pup or kitten takes a nibble. There are also many types of succulents that are pet-safe, and the spiny ones will deter a pet that’s looking for a snack or—in the case of some cats—a litter box.

Flooring

When it comes to pets, accidents are usually inevitable. As well behaved and trained as they may be, pets get sick, old, and stressed. Though messes are bound to happen, lingering stains don’t have to. Hardwood, tile, and vinyl floors make it easy to wipe up anything your pet leaves behind, as well as spills they may cause. Washable rugs come in dozens of attractive styles and are great at protecting floors, especially if you add a pet-proof pad underneath. Put plastic or vinyl mats under pet feeding areas to protect floors from spills and to prevent bits of food from spreading throughout the house.

Colors

The best way to camouflage pet hair in between sweeping and vacuuming is to select furniture, carpets, and décor items that match your pet’s coat. If you’ve got a brindle pup, calico kitty, or multi-colored animal friend, patterns will be your best bet. Florals, plaids, stripes, paisleys, and other patterns also help hide stains when those inevitable spills and accidents happen.

Hidden Essentials

Our animal buddies are sweet, cute, and cuddly, but not everything about having a pet is attractive. Litter boxes, feeding stations, and sleeping crates take up a lot of room and can be eyesores. Fortunately, furniture makers have taken notice and created pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

For indoor kitties, litter boxes are necessary, but constantly seeing and smelling them isn’t. Get the box out of sight with a stylish litter box side table. Dogs can nap in style with a crate that doubles as an end table or nightstand. Feeding stations with storage make dinner time easy and keep unsightly bags of food hidden away.

Your love of animals doesn’t have to get in the way of living in style. These tips should help you find the right balance between the two.