(Note: this is a press release / self-promotion)  Seattle Condos and Lofts (SCL) is pleased to announce that King5.com, the NBC affiliate in Seattle and part of Belo, has selected the SCL blog to provide content for King5.com's new condo section.   King5.com receives over 6-million visitors per month giving Seattle Condos and Lofts tremendous exposure.SCL is the top-ranked condo blog in the Northwest and among the most visited consumer-focused real estate blogs in Washington (per Alexa).   Additionally, SCL regularly out-paces industry blogs such as RSS Pieces, Real Estate Tomato and TransparentRE (per BlogTopSites).  03/08/2007

Seattle - Montlake's Arboretum Waterfront Park Spring was in the air this week, so I headed to Montlake to take a walk at the Arboretum's Waterfront Park.   This is a great place to take a walk and getaway to enjoy a little nature break here in Seattle, and the City is very close by with the 520 Freeway bridges crossing over the water.  This park is in Montlake, which is the neighborhood or Urban Village that lies just south of the University of Washington in Seattle.       I even got to say "Hello" to a pair of friendly mallard ducks who came over to see if I had any duck goodies to share.  Crossing over the little bridges to get onto the marshy islands is a little adventure and an easy walk on cushy bark trails.         It was the middle of the week the trail was peaceful, and I only ... 03/07/2007

The Loan Pre-Approval Process Obtaining pre-approval for a home loan cannot be stressed enough.  Not only does it assure you that you are looking in the correct price range, it also assures the seller that you are a legitimate buyer.  If you need a recommendation of a lender, I can provide you with several contact names.  Searching for a home can definitely start in advance of the loan pre-approval, but it is best to be pre-approved before submitting an offer to a seller.Let's Make An Offer When you find the right home, the next step is to write an offer on the property.  Keep in mind that if you like it, chances are you are not alone.  Acting quickly can make the difference between living there and telling your friends about the house that got away.  Writing up an offer generally takes... 03/06/2007

February rebounded from a slow January start with condos in Seattle’s core neighborhoods realizing healthy increases, based on median sold prices. Though, average sold prices did take a tumble.  For the most part inventory remained stable while the number of closed sales increased in February compared to January.  Source: NWMLS - information deemed accurate but not guaranteed. For more information about Seattle Condos please visit SeattleCondosAndLofts.com.  03/05/2007

I received a call today from someone I met about 3 years ago. Mrs. Smith was from out of state and we went out looking at properties back in 2004. Well, the timing wasn't right for her then, however she calls today and we discuss the fact that she feels the time is now to sell an investment (rental) property she has currently that is in a declining market. She wants to replace it with 2 properties in our local and of course, paying a hefty tax is not a big desire. She can sell for roughly $700,000 and would like to replace it with two properties with the roughly $600k she has left after paying off the mortgage. Some of the issue's we discussed was whether she could close on a sale now without knowing what she was going to buy, could she handle everything herself, what was the timing, do... 03/01/2007

The Fremont Bridge Northend motorists know this contemporary view of the Fremont Bridge, for when it's up -- and it has been up more than a half-million times since it started teeter-tottering more than (in the mid-1980s) 68 years ago -- you have three or more minutes to gaze up at it and beyond to the green skyline of Fremont. The bascule (meaning it operates like a seesaw by means of a balance) bridge was built for the Lake Washington Ship Canal and opened along with the canal in 1917. The older photo of the older bridge was shot about 14 years before that. The scene was first published in Pacific Northwest, a short-lived but slick monthly which sought to promote Seattle's culture and real estate by putting the best construction on everything. Fremont was no exception. Pacific Northwe... 02/27/2007

I predict that Daylight Savings Time being moved to March 11, 2007 will have an impact on real estate sales in areas that are not currently sluggish, such as the Seattle Area where I am. We have always known that "getting light later" expands the market to people look at property after work and not just on weekends or in the dark.  In my experience, "in the dark showings" less often result in a client ready to write an offer, than seeing the property in the daytime. For the first time in history (I think) Daylight Savings time is EARLY, early at March 11.  So "Gentelmen, Start Your Engines" and be ready for the Early "Spring Forward" of 2007. 02/27/2007

Wallingford's main commercial district runs along NE 45th Street, stretching more than a mile from Stone Way on the west to the bridge over Interstate I-5. Wallingford is among the most liberal neighborhoods politically in Seattle, which is saying a lot. Although apartment buildings dot the hillsides throughout the neighborhood, most of the homes in Wallingford are 1920's-1930's "bungalow" style Craftsman houses. Many of these have been either kept in good repair or restored in the last several decades to their Arts & Crafts style. One of the quirks of Wallingford noted by outsiders is the lack of stop signs at any of the intersections of its streets -- the neighborly cooperation of its inhabitants must keep Wallingford residents from needing traffic direction. While not as historically... 02/27/2007

Millions of homes are sold each year, and while each transaction is different every seller wants the same thing - the highest price with the least amount of hassle and aggravation.Home selling is more complex than it used to be. As a seller you need to be aware of a range of issues and deal with many complex forms. You also need to know that buyer agents represent buyers and are working to get the best deal for their buyer clients.  Successfully selling your home requires experience and training in areas such as real estate, marketing, financing, negotiation and closing - this is the very expertise REALTORS® offer. Know Why You Want to Sell Your Home First, you should have a clear idea why you want to sell your home.Selling a home is an important matter and there should be a good reason... 02/26/2007

I grew up in Selah Washington which is a small town outside of Yakima.  I made the move to Seattle to attend college.  At first I felt really lost in this city and the odd city layout didn't help either.  Anyone who has lived here knows that if you miss your turn in Seattle you can't always just go around the block.  I felt really overwhelmed and a little intimidated.  This was fleeting of course and I soon began to get my bearings.  After a few years of moving around from neighborhood to neighborhood I finally found Ballard.  I was immidiately in love with the small town feel that graces it's downtown area.  At the time all I had heard about Ballard were jokes on Almost Live.  Ballard is really changing and the downtown area on Market Street has become revitalized over the last several... 02/23/2007

The Seattle Times is reporting the new owners of Seattle’s venerable Smith Tower has designs on converting it to condos.  At one time, Smith Tower was the tallest building on the west coast. Chicago-based Walton Street Capital filed papers with the city Wednesday to begin what could be a months-long process of getting approval to redo the tower as housing. Some people seem to think it may be a reasonable proposition: Matthew Gardner, principal in the Seattle-based land-use economics firm Gardner Johnson, said Smith Tower’s conversion “could be incredible.” “The building itself is iconic, so it does make sense to go down this road.” Gardner also said the switch would benefit Pioneer Square by bringing more residents into the neighborhood. Smith Tower has struggled a bit to attract and r... 02/22/2007

Flea Market Fun in Funky FremontSeattle's Fremont neighborhood, self declared "Center of the Universe" has an outdoor, year-round Flea Market every Sunday.                                                                                                                                                                                                        I recently spent a Sunday late morning and early afternoon with some friends poking around finding a couple of treasures and lunch at the Red Door Restaurant & Bar.    We started off by fueling up at Peet's Coffee & Teas at Fremont's main corner, Fremont Ave N and Canal St.  The Red Door used to have that location until it was picked up and moved a couple of blocks west for "development". Fortified with fresh hot coffee and treats, we hit... 02/21/2007

Since 1987, Windermere Real Estate has been supporting the inspiring sport of crew, an exercise requiring precision, stamina and teamwork to excel. Annually on the first Saturday in May, Windermere and the University of Washington produce a one-of-a-kind crew competition taking place the opening weekend of boating season along the shores of Seattle’s Montlake Cut. Thousands of spectators line the shore to watch our international guests, invited top-caliber collegiate rowing teams, U.S. Olympians, and local rowing clubs compete in The Windermere Cup, a highly-anticipated regatta which is free to the community. When/Where: Saturday, 05 May 2007 - Montlake Cut, Seattle, WA 02/20/2007

I love Meeting the Neighbors at my Open House!Today at my Open House for my condo listing in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, it was a little slow.The condo already had an accepeted offer on it (on the 8th day) and is STI, but since I had already put an ad in the Seattle Times for the Open House I wanted to follow through.  A little different from last week when there were lots of interested buyers passing through, and neighbors interested in seeing the condo.  I love meeting the neighbors!  It is a lot of fun hearing about the neighborhood and finding out what they think makes the neighborhood or condo complex a great place to live.  The condo became for a short time a little condo "block party" with nieghbors mingling and chatting and potential buyers (including the buyer whose offer ... 02/18/2007

Shopping you can do at Seattle's Northwest Flower & Garden Show....  Lucca Statuary Exhibit      Detail of Lucca Statuary planter.  Oh my...there are some wonderful vendors at the NWF&GS!  After checking out the Show Gardens and mulling over ideas for your condo's balcony, townhome's patio, or houses' yard you can visit the booths of the people and shops who can help with stuff to transform your outdoor room into a place to enjoy.  I visited all my favorites...too many to show and list them all, so I will highlight a few....       Fremont Gardens Exhibit                                                     Mongomongo Exhibit, lanterns                            Cool new plant, upright taro                                                                             Ravenna Gardens Exhibit... 02/17/2007

Seattle - Northwest Flower & Garden Show The Seattle Northwest Flower & Garden Show is a great place to get some wonderful ideas for your home, townhome or condo.  Creating outdoor rooms is a great way to increase your enjoyment of your home, and when time to sell adds value, how great is that!  Some of the Show Gardens this year are really dramatic, which is what I think makes the NWF&GS worth going to see even if you aren't a gardener...it' a great place to see designers and landscapers in action!  The Seattle Times' Pacific Northwest Sunday Magazine has more information about the show, and sponsors a contest for NW gardeners with the Grand Prize Garden winner going to The Chelsea Flower Show in London this May.  The magazine has wonderful photos of all three winning gardens, more ide... 02/17/2007

I wrote an article earlier today about a scammer. I can almost appreciate the creative talents of an obvious scammer like that. But when it comes to the real estate industry, I just want to puke. I stopped into a new construction site yesterday to evaluate it for one of my clients. There are four people in the room. A guy sitting at the site plan talking to a young asian couple and a woman standing a bit on the side. I see the guy giving the "hard sell" about two and only two "available" lots. I'm standing back and looking at the site plan and I see about 50 available lots. Only two of them have "available" stickers and 6-9 have a sold sticker. So doesn't that mean all of the lots with NO sticker are "available"? For some reason the young couple doesn't "get" this, but I just keep my mo... 02/17/2007

Amid the talks of bubble trouble Seattle condo resales in thea city center neighborhoods fared quite well in 2006.  Although, not at the sales or appreciation levels experienced in 2004 and 2005, last year reflected continued growth and upward values. Only one neighborhood plateaued, which surprisingly was Queen Anne, one of the most sought after neighborhoods with sweeping views of downtown.   However, it is one of the more pricier locales. Note: Compiled upon sold data from the NWMLS.  Information is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. 02/17/2007

Seattle Real Estate - Acting in my Seller's Best InterestI had a recent conversation with my seller concerning a potential buyer (a neighbor who was not looking for property) for the newly listed property who expressed some interest in the property just as it was in the process of being listed.   A couple of days into the listing period, it looked like the potential buyer may have a real interest in the property, and after talking to the potential buyer (who did not have an agent) on the phone we set up an appointment to show the property to the buyer's spouse when they returned from a trip. I called my seller to discuss this, and outlined three different possibilities that I could work out with the buyer regarding representation should they decide to make an offer, but that I needed to... 02/15/2007

"If" the beginning of every residential real estate transaction were the buyers and the sellers and their agents meeting and chatting, maybe having dinner together and a drink or two for an hour. Then everyone walks through the house together while the seller tells the buyer the story of their life in the house and the buyer and agents ask questions. Then the offer is written, and proceeds through the inspections to find things the seller just truly doesn't know about." In the comments section I said to Tim of Legacy Escrow, "Tim, the sad thing is that it is totally within our power to civilize the process." The owner received multiple offers in short order, due to our diligent efforts in getting the property "positioned to sell". We did not ask ALL of the potential buyers to sit down ... 02/15/2007