Welcome to my Real Estate advice column, “Dear Don,” where I answer all your burning Real Estate questions. Send yours to me at donkoonce@windermere.com, and I’ll try to answer them in future columns.
Dear Don:
How much money do I need to buy a home?
Inquiring Eileen
As we head into a new decade, the Windermere Foundation reached a milestone in 2019 by raising nearly $3 million, bringing the grand total to over $40 million in donations raised since 1989.
Twenty-five percent of the funds raised in 2019 were donated by agents from their commissions. The rest was raised through office fundraisers, additional giving by owners, agents, and staff, and public donations. These dollars stay local, as each Windermere Real Estate office has their own Foundation funds, supporting low-income and homeless families in the communities where offices do business.
Image Source: Canva
Ask a homeowner which room they would most like to improve, and most will point to the kitchen – the starting point for every meal and the heart of the home.
Ask those same people why they don’t move forward with a kitchen remodel, and many will say the project seems so overwhelming they don’t know where to start. If your kitchen needs an upgrade, here are some step-by-step suggestions to get you started.
Gather your thoughts
The steps that follow will all progress much easier if you take time beforehand to form a strong opinion about the desired look and layout of your new kitchen.
This analysis of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. I hope this information helps you to make well-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the housing market in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
Employment in Washington State continues to soften; it is currently at an annual growth rate of 1.7%. I believe that is a temporary slowdown and we will see the pace of employment growth improve as we move further into the new year. It’s clear that businesses are continuing to feel the effects of the trade war with China and this is impacting hiring practices. This is, of course, in addition to the issues that Boeing currently faces regarding the 737 MAX.
In the fourth quarter of 2019 the state unemployment rate was 4.4%, marginally lower than the 4.5% level of a year ago. My most recent economic forecast suggests that statewide job growth in 2020 will rise 2.2%, with a total of 76,300 new jobs created.
This one is for my vegetarian / vegan friends.
I have been going to Georgetown Liquor Company for many years. The best way to describe the ambiance is vegetarian biker bar. It is a bit divey, but the food is delicious.
The servers can be surly, friendly, and most often, entertaining. There’s usually plenty of parking in the small, but giant pothole ridden parking lot with puddles that you could lose a Fiat 500 in. The train track are just 20 feet away from the bar / restaurant, so it can be bone shaking when the trains rumble by.
Welcome to my Real Estate advice column, “Dear Don,” where I answer all your burning Real Estate questions. Send yours to me at donkoonce@windermere.com, and I’ll try to answer them in future columns.
Dear Don:
How much are closing costs?
Curious Carl
Image Source: Canva
With some creative thinking and a few do-it-yourself projects, you too can transform an everyday bathroom into a spa-like experience:
High-end shower head
There are a plethora of shower head options available today that can make even a simple shower space feel like a luxuriating experience.
Heated towel rack
Once out of the tub/shower, heated towels help you comfortably maintain your body temperature while the pampering continues.
Dimmable lights
Adjust the bathroom lights to match your moods and activities: brighter for primping, and dimmed to create a calming effect.
Less clutter
Not everything that’s meant for the bathroom needs to be stored in the bathroom. Look for things that can be moved elsewhere to make the space feel a bit bigger and more organized.
Calming scents
Essential oils, luxury soaps, and scented candles are an easy way to create an aromatic atmosphere of luxuriousness.
If you find yourself downtown craving good food and drinks, I recommend stopping in at Il Bistro. Image courtesy of Il Bistro.
Dear friends: One of my favorite pastimes is trying out new restaurants with my husband Alan and other friends. This review is my way of sharing that with you as well. Enjoy!
Il Bistro is a cozy Italian restaurant with exposed brick walls, oak floors, beautiful bar, and low lighting tucked away in the cobblestone ally between a graffiti mural and the famous gum wall at Pike Place Market.
Since it is in tourist country, you would expect it to also be touristy, but it felt like it had attracted mostly locals. They are often booked up, so reservations are recommended. The dress code is listed as business casual, but we saw plenty of people dressed in jeans. They have a pretty extensive wine list, beer, and several craft cocktails, so you are almost guaranteed to find a favorite drink.
Welcome to my Real Estate advice column, “Dear Don,” where I answer all your burning Real Estate questions. Send yours to me at donkoonce@windermere.com, and I’ll try to answer them in future columns.
Dear Don:
Are some neighborhoods a better investment?
Wondering Will
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
