Sell Your Home Successfully With These Helpful Tips

Many homes sit on the market for months and even years. Owners think that lowering the asking price will entice buyers but it only sends red flags and creates the idea that there is something wrong with the house that is causing it to not sell. Owners become frustrated and not sure what to do. If you follow the 5 tips below, you won’t have to worry as these tips will help your home sell quickly.
1.   Price it Low:   Many owners are hesitant to set an asking price lower than the estimated value of their home but it helps sell the house quickly. Most want to ask more than the value to give room to drop the price during negotiations but by asking a lower price, more buyers become interested and compete for the home which often results in a selling price that is higher than the value of the home and a much shorter time spent on the market. A real estate agent in Northern California listed a house for $535,000 even though it had been appraised at $560,000. The house had multiple bidders and sold for $575,000 within weeks.
2.   Try a New Sales Approach:   If your house is not selling and nobody is looking, try a new approach to advertising your home. Put out a larger ad that gives little, but important, information. The info should catch the buyer’s interest and lure them in. Use a photo that shows nice curb appeal and descriptive words. Be sure to keep the house clean so that buyers will be intrigued with what they see.
3.   Do Not Try to Fight the Market:   If in general houses are just not selling, don’t try too hard to get exactly what you want for your home. In a not-so-great market, many people have a hard time getting financed or can’t buy a new home until theirs sells. You may not get the price you hoped for but by accepting a lower offer you will be done with the deal and less stressed.
4.   Renovations Don’t Guarantee a Sale:   Although a new coat of paint or new carpet may make your home look nicer and allow the asking price to go up a little, spending a ton of money on renovations will not necessarily sell your home or at least not for the price you would hope for. A lot of sellers spend thousands of dollars making changes hoping that they can sell their home for a higher price and earn their money back that was spent on the renovations. Some changes are good but for the most part the price is based on appraisals of the surrounding houses. If you ask $100,000 more than what the houses in your neighborhood are worth because you remodeled the kitchen and put in new floors, buyers will find your home to be over priced and walk away.
5.   Advertise Your Home Online:   In this day and age everyone is doing everything online. There are more people searching for homes online than there are circling ads in the paper. Post an ad online using attractive and good quality pictures to advertise your home. Use social media to get the word out that you are selling. People aren’t walking into real estate offices asking “find me something” as often as they used to. They are now coming in with a list of homes they found advertised online.
Bonus Tip:   Find a good realtor. Interview at least 3 real estate agents before choosing one. Be sure to trust them and their methods. Selling houses is what they do for a living and they know what they are doing. If you’re looking for a Seattle real estate expert, contact your local Real Estate agent today.

Mobile Becoming Dominant Platform For Home Shoppers

Have you searched the real estate market using your mobile phone or ipad? According to Zillow, in 2012 more than half of all their traffic was using their search capabilities through mobile, and now as 2013 comes to a close, they’ve estimated that over 60% of their users are mobile users, hitting 70% mobile users on the weekends. Because mobile is clearly becoming the dominant platform to use in your home search, Zillow has put together a list of interesting highlights from mobile users in 2013. According to Zillow, mobile users spent over 5 billion minutes on the Zillow app, which averages about 16 minutes per person in the US. Shoppers views homes over 2.5 billion times, which is up 150% percent from this time last year. Almost 100 million gps-tracking searches were used nationwide on Zillow’s mobile app this year, and over 4.7 million loan requests were submitted through mobile users, which increased nearly 72% from this time last year. For more information about the mobile home search, contact your local real estate broker today.

Is SLU Too Expensive For Seattle Startups?

According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, Chris DeVore of Techstars and Founder Co-op predicts that South Lake Union is becoming too expensive for Seattle startups. Startups innately need inexpensive office space to get their company up and running, and the combination of the new Amazon towers and other large scale office buildings in South Lake Union are beginning to push startups out. So where will these new businesses flock? DeVore predicts the University District is the next big up and coming neighborhood to become popular for startups, and he is so confident that he’s moving both of his businesses in at the end of the year.

He lists several strong points – the light rail will soon service the area, and it would be convenient to have all that tech talent from the University right outside your office doorstep. The City of Seattle is also planning on updating the U District’s zoning regulations to allow taller buildings, an enhancement that would likely attract larger office tenants. If you’re office is looking for new scenery, contact your local commercial real estate office today.

Credit Options For Home Buyers

Buying a home is exciting and stressful especially if you are a first time home buyer. Finding the right home can be challenging but the biggest challenge is financing it. You need to have enough money in the bank to convince the lender you can make monthly payments on top of having enough to cover the costs of closing the loan in order to obtain a mortgage loan. Some home buyers search for available home buyer credits to help fund the purchasing process. Here are a few options available:
Mortgage Credit Certificate: MCC is available for first time home buyers in certain states and provides up to $8,000 in tax credits for those who have not owned a home in the previous three years, meet certain income criteria and will be using the new home as their permanent residence.

Good Neighbor Next Door Program: This program makes homes available for up to 50 percent off the listing price as long as the buyer agrees to live in the home for at least three years. HUD offers credits to school teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who purchase single-family homes in areas targeted for revitalization.

Credits for Native American Buyers: HUD provides two programs for Native Americans who wish to buy a home. Native Americans are given access to sources to private mortgage financing to buy homes in Indian or Alaskan Native areas through the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. Members of Indian tribes who cannot qualify for mortgages through other sources can be guaranteed a loan through The Tribal Housing Activities Loan Guarantee Program.

The Federal Housing Authority has several other options to help reduce the burden of financing a
 home for first time home buyers, single parents, minorities and people with moderate-low income.

If you're in the market to buy a home, contact your local real estate agent today.

December 11, 2013 11:10 am

Buying a home is exciting and stressful especially if you are a first time home buyer. Finding the right home can be challenging but the biggest challenge is financing it. You need to have enough money in the bank to convince the lender you can make monthly payments on top of having enough to cover the costs of closing the loan in order to obtain a mortgage loan. Some home buyers search for available home buyer credits to help fund the purchasing process. Here are a few options available:
Mortgage Credit Certificate: MCC is available for first time home buyers in certain states and provides up to $8,000 in tax credits for those who have not owned a home in the previous three years, meet certain income criteria and will be using the new home as their permanent residence.
Good Neighbor Next Door Program: This program makes homes available for up to 50 percent off the listing price as long as the buyer agrees to live in the home for at least three years. HUD offers credits to school teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who purchase single-family homes in areas targeted for revitalization.
Credits for Native American Buyers: HUD provides two programs for Native Americans who wish to buy a home. Native Americans are given access to sources to private mortgage financing to buy homes in Indian or Alaskan Native areas through the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. Members of Indian tribes who cannot qualify for mortgages through other sources can be guaranteed a loan through The Tribal Housing Activities Loan Guarantee Program.
The Federal Housing Authority has several other options to help reduce the burden of financing a home for first time home buyers, single parents, minorities and people with moderate-low income.
If you're interested in buying a home, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4273580/credit-options-for-home-buyers?share_opt=1#sthash.hgxKKztD.dpuf

December 11, 2013 11:10 am

Buying a home is exciting and stressful especially if you are a first time home buyer. Finding the right home can be challenging but the biggest challenge is financing it. You need to have enough money in the bank to convince the lender you can make monthly payments on top of having enough to cover the costs of closing the loan in order to obtain a mortgage loan. Some home buyers search for available home buyer credits to help fund the purchasing process. Here are a few options available:
Mortgage Credit Certificate: MCC is available for first time home buyers in certain states and provides up to $8,000 in tax credits for those who have not owned a home in the previous three years, meet certain income criteria and will be using the new home as their permanent residence.
Good Neighbor Next Door Program: This program makes homes available for up to 50 percent off the listing price as long as the buyer agrees to live in the home for at least three years. HUD offers credits to school teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who purchase single-family homes in areas targeted for revitalization.
Credits for Native American Buyers: HUD provides two programs for Native Americans who wish to buy a home. Native Americans are given access to sources to private mortgage financing to buy homes in Indian or Alaskan Native areas through the Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. Members of Indian tribes who cannot qualify for mortgages through other sources can be guaranteed a loan through The Tribal Housing Activities Loan Guarantee Program.
The Federal Housing Authority has several other options to help reduce the burden of financing a home for first time home buyers, single parents, minorities and people with moderate-low income.
If you're interested in buying a home, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4273580/credit-options-for-home-buyers?share_opt=1#sthash.hgxKKztD.dpuf

Easy Steps to Create a Cozy and Cost-Efficiant Home

Now that the cold weather has arrived it is a great time to add a few steps in warming up your home in cost-efficient yet cozy ways.

Curtains are a great addition to the home. Some might think that curtains are outdated but there are many fashionable curtains available at great prices. The heavier the curtain the better. When closed the curtain can block the cold from drafty windows and help save you money on the heater bill.

Using the new Cree brand LED bulbs instead of incandescent and florescent light bulbs will save you money. They pay for themselves in a year and last will last nine more!

Replacing old thermostats with Nest brand thermostats can cut heating costs by thirty percent each month. They look better and are programmable. They track your habits and adjust accordingly as well as connect to WiFi and can be controlled from your ipad.

Having hardwood or tile floors can keep your home cooler in the warmer months but can be a bit chillier on your feet in the winter. Add a thick rug to warm the space up and make it more comfortable.

By simply adding comfortable and soft upholstery fabrics to lampshades, curtains, or a heavy throw blankets will make a room feel warmer.

UW Approves New $123.5 Million Animal Research Facility

Despite the number of protesters sitting in on the meeting Thursday, UW Board of Regents approved a new 2-story animal research facility to be built near the shore of Portage Bay. Protesters holding signs “No New Animal Lab” were not only upset about the fact that it was approved but also that the decision was made so quickly without much discussion. The board says that everything regarding the issue had been discussed in a previously held meeting. Two UW students who were among the 30 protesters there were aloud to comment on the vote. They hoped that the University of Washington would become a leader in phasing out animal experimentation which is becoming a growing trend throughout the United States. Harvard has announced plans to shut down its primate research center.
The number of animals being used in experiments has decreased substantially. While these numbers are decreasing, UW is making plans to make room for an increase in numbers of animals it will house for experimentation. It currently houses 650 monkeys and other primates with plans of making room for an additional 280 as well as doubling the number of pigs and up to 20 percent the number of rodents. UW’s animals are currently spread out at different locations in facilities not meant for animals to be kept in. The new underground facility will be a proper environment for the number of animals UW plans to accommodate.
UW feels that in order to continue medical research, animal experimentation is needed. UW does use alternatives to animal testing whenever possible. Animal-rights activists urge UW to reconsider there plans.

Capitol Hill Single Family Making Room For Row Homes

There has been a surplus of rowhomes and townhomes planned and in development in the Capitol Hill neighborhood recently, and one of the larger projects planned happens to be taking residence in place of one of the oldest known single family homes in the neighborhood. The house (or what is left of one) located at 339 16th Ave E was purchased by gProjects, Capitol Hill developer Graham Black’s firm for $1.3 million.  The firm has plans to develop a three story 8 unit rowhome project named Project 339 that will be a half block wide and designed by architecture firm Workshop AD. The project will include covered parking, a private roof top deck, and small yard space. For more information on new residential developments in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

There has been a surplus of rowhomes and townhomes planned and in development in the Capitol Hill neighborhood recently, and one of the larger projects planned happens to be taking residence in place of one of the oldest known single family homes in the neighborhood. The house (or what is left of one) located at 339 16th Ave E was purchased by gProjects, Capitol Hill developer Graham Black’s firm for $1.3 million.  The firm has plans to develop a three story 8 unit rowhome project named Project 339 that will be a half block wide and designed by architecture firm Workshop AD. The project will include covered parking, a private roof top deck, and small yard space. For more information on new residential developments in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4249217/capitol-hill-single-family-making-room-for-row-homes#sthash.xfqSXFsG.dpuf

There has been a surplus of rowhomes and townhomes planned and in development in the Capitol Hill neighborhood recently, and one of the larger projects planned happens to be taking residence in place of one of the oldest known single family homes in the neighborhood. The house (or what is left of one) located at 339 16th Ave E was purchased by gProjects, Capitol Hill developer Graham Black’s firm for $1.3 million.  The firm has plans to develop a three story 8 unit rowhome project named Project 339 that will be a half block wide and designed by architecture firm Workshop AD. The project will include covered parking, a private roof top deck, and small yard space. For more information on new residential developments in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4249217/capitol-hill-single-family-making-room-for-row-homes#sthash.xfqSXFsG.dpuf

There has been a surplus of rowhomes and townhomes planned and in development in the Capitol Hill neighborhood recently, and one of the larger projects planned happens to be taking residence in place of one of the oldest known single family homes in the neighborhood. The house (or what is left of one) located at 339 16th Ave E was purchased by gProjects, Capitol Hill developer Graham Black’s firm for $1.3 million.  The firm has plans to develop a three story 8 unit rowhome project named Project 339 that will be a half block wide and designed by architecture firm Workshop AD. The project will include covered parking, a private roof top deck, and small yard space. For more information on new residential developments in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4249217/capitol-hill-single-family-making-room-for-row-homes#sthash.xfqSXFsG.dpuf

There has been a surplus of rowhomes and townhomes planned and in development in the Capitol Hill neighborhood recently, and one of the larger projects planned happens to be taking residence in place of one of the oldest known single family homes in the neighborhood. The house (or what is left of one) located at 339 16th Ave E was purchased by gProjects, Capitol Hill developer Graham Black’s firm for $1.3 million.  The firm has plans to develop a three story 8 unit rowhome project named Project 339 that will be a half block wide and designed by architecture firm Workshop AD. The project will include covered parking, a private roof top deck, and small yard space. For more information on new residential developments in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4249217/capitol-hill-single-family-making-room-for-row-homes#sthash.xfqSXFsG.dpuf

There has been a surplus of rowhomes and townhomes planned and in development in the Capitol Hill neighborhood recently, and one of the larger projects planned happens to be taking residence in place of one of the oldest known single family homes in the neighborhood. The house (or what is left of one) located at 339 16th Ave E was purchased by gProjects, Capitol Hill developer Graham Black’s firm for $1.3 million.  The firm has plans to develop a three story 8 unit rowhome project named Project 339 that will be a half block wide and designed by architecture firm Workshop AD. The project will include covered parking, a private roof top deck, and small yard space. For more information on new residential developments in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

- See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4249217/capitol-hill-single-family-making-room-for-row-homes#sthash.xfqSXFsG.dpuf

King County Median Home Price on the Rise

According to the Seattle Times, the median home price for a single family home has risen 15% in King County from this time last year, after a rise in home sales over the summer. The median price for a single family in King County in July rose to $434,000, the highest it has been over the last 5 years.
In October we experienced a more balanced market, with 2,187 homes sold which was 10% more than those closed in October 2012 according the the NWMLS. Over the last year we’ve seen competitive bidding wars due to low inventory, and last month we began to see more listings on the market. In King County there were 4,575 single family residences listed, 6% up from last year, and while inventory is still relatively tight, we’re beginning to see a healthier real estate market emerge. If you’re interested in buying or selling your home, contact your local real estate agent today.

Rent vs. Buy: When to Take the Plunge to Escape the Rising Rents

Seattle Condo Available: $270,000

When is the right time to buy? That is  the question many generation Y Seattleites are asking themselves as the price in rent continues to climb, and mortgage rates begin to slowly climb. Seattle residents in their 20s are currently watching rent increases surge, and are all wondering when interest rates will begin to be too high for them to afford as well. This age group became young adults at the time of the market’s slippery slopes in 2007, and do not want to be stuck in the financial crisis their family and friends may have suffered before. The tug of war between rent vs. buy has been debated time and again, and it seems to have comes to a head in today’s marketplace.
The median Seattle home sale price is up 15% in August from a year ago, and rent is up 6% in comparison to last year; is it time for generation Y to take the purchasing plunge? There are a lot of factors for them to consider, and contacting a local real estate representative is a step in the right direction to determine if it’s time for you.

Why You Should Consider School Districts When Searching For a Home

As you begin your home search, there are plenty of things you already know to factor in the decision: price, neighborhood attributes,  beds and baths, square footage, and proximity to work. But have you considered looking into which school districts are round the neighborhood you’re searching? In Seattle as we know many new homeowners aren’t planning on having children anytime soon or maybe not at all, but this doesn’t mean that you should cast the school district factor aside; even if you do not have children or do not plan to, the quality of education nearby can greatly affect how much you pay for your home, and how much you can expect to sell it for in the future. You’ll pay more for your home if it is within a good school district. Parents of school age children are always searching for high school ratings, and often will pay more to live in a zoned neighborhood within a highly rated district. A good school district can also protect you from the ups and downs of the real estate market; even in an unpredictable market, a home in a great school district will likely see nearby home values staying consistent or above the median. This will protect you when it comes time for the resale, and although there are no guarantees, you can rest assured parents will always be looking to move to the best neighborhoods with the top schools. For more information on Seattle real estate, please contact your local agent today.

UW Planning to Redevelop Raniner Square

Some may not know that the University of Washington is one of Seattle’s largest land owners in the city. UW owns Rainier Square and plans to make changes soon. They have reached out to at least four developers, 2 local and 2 national, and have asked them to come up with ideas to redesign the properties. The developers have until the end of the month to submit their proposals, UW will then choose one in November. UW hopes to begin the redevelopments in a year.

How the Housing Market Could be Affected by the Government Shutdown

Photo Courtesy of Puget Sound Business Journal

Just as the housing market is getting better there is now a possibility of it to begin to slightly decline again. With government workers facing possible furloughs, consumers may not have the confidence to purchase a home. A steady income is needed to be able to make payments on a mortgage but some will not be receiving paychecks and may back out of deals and put off buying a new home until things become more stable again. Most lending companies will not be affected and will resume lending for mortgages since they are not federally owned. Other government funded sources for the housing market such as the Federal Housing Administration and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs may be shut down and therefore will not process applications and requests for assistance. If people are not getting the money they need, they will not be renting or buying homes during a government shut down. That being said, a short term disruption of funds during that time would certainly be detrimental, but shouldn’t have a long term affect on demand or housing affordability.

Stanford Hotels Bought Downtown Lot for $16.75M

San Francisco’s Stanford Hotels Corp. is buying a downtown Seattle development site for a whopping $16.75 million dollars! According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, the price that the Hotel folks are forking over is significantly less than the $30 million that the previous New York Group had paid for it back in 2007 (and has since lost in foreclosure) but is also almost twice the offer another company previously offered for the lot. The lot is located at 1903 Fifth Avenue, across from the Westin Seattle, and Stanford has declined to comment on any future plans for the lot at this time. According to the PSBJ, Stanford is also planning a 15 story hotel at 300 Terry Ave N in South Lake Union. There were a number of offers for the property which was originally listed in 2012 at $7.5M, but the finally selling price clearly indicated that Seattle is a highly sought after marketplace for development sites.

Tips for Seattle Home Buyers

Even if you’re an experienced buyer, buying real estate takes time and patience, and hard work to find the right home. Is it an investment home you’re after, or your first home? Zillow has compiled a list of things all buyer should keep in mind when thinking about buying real estate, and here is the synopsis:
Even though mortgage interest rates have slightly risen, they are still at historic lows. This has caused many people to put a pause on their home search, scared by the recent change in rates, but that could be a mistake, as rates will likely continue to increase over the next few years. Buyers should also keep in mind that while you’re real estate agent can give you guidance,it is your job at the end of the day to make every decision. Be sure that the home your purchasing is a smart financial investment for you, and review the title documents, mortgage loan documents and disclosures, etc. Do your research to avoid any problems down the road. Generally speaking, shopping around for 4-12 months is a good time frame to give yourself to look at dozens of properties before zoning in on the right one. Drive around the neighborhoods you think you’d like to live in regularly, and be realistic about the price range. No home is absolutely perfect, so do your research and shop around before you choose the right home for you. For more information on Seattle real estate, contact your local real estate agent today.

DSA Density Report Shows Spike in Residential Growth

The DSA has released a detailed report of all of the benefits of the density of Downtown Seattle, and their findings examine everything from employment and residential density, to the effect on transportation and farm growth. Downtown residents only make up 4% of the city’s total land mass, but you might be surprised by some of the impressive stats showed compared to the rest of Seattle. By encouraging growth in residential and employment density, the benefits may finally  outweigh the challenges.
They’ve documented that the efficient use of space should contribute to our area’s jobs, salaries, and revenue. Downtown density also increases transportation efficiency through increased public transit, and a more efficient system. The DSA’s report also indicated that there are environmental benefits to downtown density, a direct result from a decrease in carbon emissions from downtown workers and residents. You can view the full DSA report online, check it out for more information. You might be surprised to find that the downtown area is 4 times as dense as the rest of Seattle!

Tips to Redecorating Your Family Room

If you’re looking into a full family room update with new furniture, a fresh coat of paint, and accessories beginning the process can be very exciting, but also quite expensive. If you’re getting tired of looking at the same space everyday, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the difference a little change can make. The folks over at Zillow have compiled a list of a few changes to consider when redecorating on a budget that won’t break the bank. The first change that can surely drastically change the look and feel of the space is giving it a fresh coat of paint – and if you have a large family room that will require alot of paint, try painting only an accent wall to spice things up. A splash of a vibrant color on one wall can create a drastic change, and is relatively affordable. Try neutrals if you’re painting the whole room, and try something bold or bright if you’re choosing an accent wall.
Updating the mill work can be a game changer many don’t initially think about when beginning the decorating process, but new crown molding, or larger baseboards can really make a difference. Choosing a new rug can also spice up a room, even a new rug layered over your carpet can define a space. New furniture can of course completely change the look and feel of your room, and your wallet, but try searching for a new end table, or painting your coffee table a new bright color. You can also update accessories like pillows on your couch, or new lamps on your table to change the look and feel of the larger pieces of furniture. Without fail, getting rid of the items you don’t like or need in your room and cleaning it up can really make a huge difference as well. For more decorating tips on a budget, visit Zillow.

How Does Seattle Stack Up in Priciest Cities for New Parents?

Any new parent can tell you that having children will cost you a pretty penny, but which cities will have new parents reaching deeper into their pockets? According to the Seattle Pi, the average cost for that first year for new parents is around $26,000 in the US after insurance, upgrading the house to make room,daycare and other expenses. Most parents factor in the cost of diaper runs, baby prepping the home and feedings etc, but some have trouble wrapping their head around the bigger expenses like expanding the home.
In Pi article, an agent reportedly reviewed the cost of adding an extra room, nine months of childcare, out of pocket cost for prenatal care, and first year of post delivery health care, as well as everyday items like diapers, strollers etc. when figuring out which US cities are the priciest for new parents. The stats are in, and the results might surprise you. The most expensive city for new parents was listed as San Jose, Calif. with a total cost for the first year reported to be $41,600. Out of the 20 cities listed, Chicago was the least expensive city for new parents, with a first year cost reported to be $25,500. Where does Seattle stack up among these cities? Seattle was listed as number 13 on the list, with an average first year cost reported to be $27,400 for new parents. To view a list of other US cities cost for new parents, visit the Seattle Pi today.

End of Summer Tips to Keep Your Home Cool

Now that we’re right in the thick of summer weather, the heat might have gotten to some of us fair weathered Seattleites- but never fear, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the sunshine while staying cool! There are several things you can do these last weeks of summer, most of which come at little or no expense to you, which other options might cost you, but might be worth it in summers to come. Seeking shaded areas in these later summer months is a great way to keep cool, under the tree in the backyard, or putting up an umbrella over that patio furniture on the deck. Cooking outdoors is another great way to keep it cool indoors- turning on the oven or boiling water for pasta can make it stifling in the kitchen, why not grill some burgers on the BBQ, and keep the heat outside?
Keeping the air circulating inside is crucial to staying cool, and bringing that cool night air inside with window fans and house fans is a great way to maximize the circulation in the evening. If you don’t own too many fans, you can open windows on the upper floor and lower floor to create a stacked effect, drawing out hot air on the upper floor, and bringing in the cooler air on the lower level. Sealing the leaks in your home, is as important in the summer as it is in the winter. Air leaking in and out can mean that the cool air is escaping just as soon as you’re able to circulate it, so be sure to check your wall and ceiling openings, or ask your landlord about what options you might have. For more information on Seattle residential real estate, contact your local real estate agent today.

30 Reasons to Call Seattle Your Home

Those of us who grew up in Seattle can easily gush about our beautiful mountains, our clean air, craft IPAs, and coffee shops on every corner. We can easily come up with a slew of reasons why someone considering the big move should take that leap and call Seattle their home, and the folks over at Movoto have compiled the perfect list of reasons that could (and should) convince anyone they need to move to our city. Along with the obvious reasons listed above, this fun filled list includes everything from ferry rides, Tom Douglas restaurants and a loyal fan-base of unpredictable sports teams, it also includes things like “ours dogs are treated like people” (or better) and it’s totally normal to have a city chicken coop- because who doesn’t want farm fresh eggs for breakfast?We love the rain, we have a huge indie underground music scene, and we can travel to a beach, climb a mountain, visit wine country or hike through a forest all within 30 minutes of the city. Need we say more? If you’re thinking about moving to Seattle, or have friends who need a little convincing, check out the rest of the items on their list, and add a few of your favorites for a personal touch. If you're looking for places to live in and around Seattle, contact your local Real estate agent today.

Seattle's Most Kid-Friendly Neighborhoods

Moving with your family on top of trying to figure out logistics can quickly become a full time job (or recurring nightmare), so doing some research before the big move is essential. You’ll want to research the school districts in the area, and find out what is most important to your family such as a shorter commute, or close proximity to parks and shopping.

Seattle has several neighborhoods that are highly populated with families, and there are also several neighborhoods where people under the age of 18 are fairly scarce. According to an article in the Seattle Times and their data source Experian, the Laurelhurst neighborhood has the highest population of children at 29.3%, and has 11 times more children as the Belltown neighborhood (2.6%). Other family friendly neighborhoods include South Beacon Hill (26.9%), North Seattle’s View Ridge (26%), and Mt Baker (25.3%).

The neighborhoods with the lease number of children include the University District (3.3%) Downtown Seattle (3.2%) and Lower Queen Anne (3.6%).
There are also neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill (8%) and Portage Bay (7.8%) that are in the middle, both lightly populated with children, but  also have a high number of young adults without children.
If you are looking for a new home and trying to find a perfect neighborhood for whatever your needs are, please contact

Seattle Rental Rates Continue to Rise, Mortgage Rates at Historic Low

Over the past year, there has been more new construction for apartments than over the past two decades, but rental rates in Seattle seem to be unaffected. According to the Seattle Times, vacancy rates continues to remain low, and while the price retention doesn’t sit well with renters, the nearly 2,000 new apartments that filled quickly over the past year indicates a healthy rental market. Over the past few months the average rental rate rose to $1,190, and the vacancy rate in the city is set at 4.41%. Many are concerned that the overbuilding will affect rates, as a percentage of current renters are expected to become home buyers in the near future, but that didn’t seem to happen this year.

Photo credit: www.third-estate.com

Many attribute this to the influx of employment opportunities in the city with Amazon Microsoft, and Google, setting the bar higher for an increase in employee housing, thus creating a greater need in Seattle’s rental market.While rental rates continue to rise in the area, mortgage rates have remained at historic lows, and prices have started to rise, making it the perfect time to buy, or sell your home.

Seattle Housing Prices Reach Biggest Year Over Year Gain Since 2000!

Seattle housing prices continue to rise, and have jumped another 12.1 percent in April from a year ago, according to the Case Shiller price index, released today. Our housing market posted a slight gain of 2.7% from March, the biggest month over month increase we’ve seen since 2000! All other cities in the 20 city index also posted gains except for Detroit. 
There were 12 cities overall that posted double digit year over year gains including Seattle, while cities like Las Vegas, San Francisco, phoenix, and Atlanta posted gains of over 20%. In general, the housing recovery is getting stronger, and more sustainable, and ready to ease home buyers and sellers back to the marketplace. If you’re looking to buy or sell your home int he Seattle area, contact your local Real Estate agent today.

Seattle Homeowners Buy Air Rights

The newest trend in the Seattle Real Estate Market isn’t adding another story, or buying a summer home on the Eastside; its all up in the air. According to King 5, The growing hype over “air rights” has homeowners in neighborhoods like Magnolia, Blue Ridge and Somerset in Bellevue scrambling to own the air above their homes. It is becoming more popular as our population density increases, and homeowners can’t spread out and extend their homes, so as the population increases, we build up. To prevent a neighbor from building upwards and blocking the view, many homeowners are will to pay a hefty price to protect their views.
According to King 5, two homeowners in Magnolia purchased the home next to theirs for $600,000 because they were worried about the damage a new neighbor could do to their waterfront view. They rented out the home for 9 years, and then finally sold it, but still retain the air rights above the property. They ended up asking for $100,000 less than the average asking price, and as a result the new homeowners aren’t legally allowed to build up or add a second story to the home. Generally these are rights can be anywhere between $50,000 to $250,000, but every home is different. Bill Gate’s air rights are in the upward millions. But homeowners that do own their air rights agree it’s money well spent to protect their views.

5 Steps to Take Before Buying Your First Home

With the housing market heating up again it has become more competitive and lenders are demanding more documentation regarding the sale process which means that as a first time buyer you want to be prepared and not have anything that can snarl the process. The following 5 steps will help a first time home buyer prepare for their first home purchase.
1.  Be sure to check your credit report. Make sure that there isn’t anything that shouldn’t be on there such as paid off balances, fraudulent charges or even family members’ credit. Your credit should be as clean as possible. Pay off any and all debt possible. If you feel the need to cancel any credit cards, do so strategically. If you decide to cancel multiple credit cards in a short time period be aware that can send out red flags to lenders. The best thing to do is to close the newest cards. Lenders like to see that you have a long standing relationship with credit companies as well as have more credit available a month than what you spend. It is also a good idea to have a savings account.
2.  Create a monthly budget so that you know what to expect spending wise when you buy a home. Wright down all your finances and as you save money for your first home, live as if you are making a mortgage payment so that you will be prepared spend less money once the home is bought. Be sure to stick to your budget.
3.  Be sure to find a good agent to help you in the search and buying process of your first home. Your agent should be showing you homes with in your price range, listen to your wants and needs pertaining to the house, help you become a strategic bidder, guide you through the process and they should be concerned about making you happy and not solely about their commission.
4. Find a good lender. It is important to find a lender that explains all aspects of the loan to you and one that is willing to look over your credit report with you and give advice as to what you can do to improve it. Be sure to interview several lenders before choosing one and wait until you find one you are happy with before having your credit checked. It will be another red flag and bump on your credit report if it shows your credit has been checked several times within a short time period. Do not settle for what may seem like the best deal such as settling with a lending company which you found and signed up with online. You may get a good rate but when the time comes to speak with an agent you may have difficulty getting a hold of one.
5. Keep a look out for properties and be ready to make an offer. The market has become competitive and you want to be quick at making a wise and competitive offer. Don’t make large purchases such as a new car which may lower your housing budget. When you find the house you are interested in, call utility providers and ask for usage history or contact the HOA so that you are aware of the average costs of living at a certain property and you don’t end up going over budget. Remember to continue to live and spend as if you are already making house payments so that you don’t end up under budget.

May Stats Preview: Inventory and Sales Are Up

Based on King and Snohomish County public records, foreclosures are   slowly decreasing to normal levels while inventory rose for the second month in a row. Measured by the number of “Warranty Deeds” filed with King County, sales rose 15% from March to April and were up 28% year-over-year. In Snohomish County, sales rose 8% month-over-month and 26% from May of last year.
Foreclosures in King County fell again but were just above last year’s level. Although Snohomish County increased in foreclosures, they are still at their second-lowest level in the last 11 months.
Buyers will be happy to hear that inventory in King County rose 15.6% this year compared to 2.3% between April and May of last year. Listing fell 3.1% last year in Snohomish County. This year they were up 6.0%.

Home Prices Up 10.6% This Year

Compared to cities tracked in a national index, Seattle home prices rose  faster between February and March than 18 of the 19 other cities that were tracked. The 12 month rise was still within the national average. According the Standard & Poor’s/Case Shiller home price index, Seattle prices rose 3.0 percent for the month and 10.6 percent for the year.
Compared to a year ago, U.S. home prices jumped 10.9 percent in March which was the most since April 2006. More buyers are bidding on a small supply which is driving prices higher, making the market more competitive as well as improving the housing market. Phoenix had the highest annual gain with 22.5 percent followed by San Francisco with 22.2 percent and Las Vegas with 20.6 percent. New York had the smallest annual increase with only 2.6 percent.
Although the market is seeing higher gains, many home owners are not putting their homes on the market which is contributing to home prices rising and encouraging builders to heighten construction. Applications for building permits rose in April making it the highest level in close to 5 years. If you're looking to buy or sell your home, contact your local real estate agent today.

Annual U.S. Home Value Appreciation Up for 6th Straight Month

According to the April Zillow Real Estate Market Reports, U.S. home value continues to climb. April was the sixth consecutive month that home values exceeded a 5 percent climb. This is the largest streak since 2006. The streak should not be expected to last. As more inventory is offered in the market some home prices will have to fall to level out with the rest. The Zillow Home Value Forecast predicts a 4 percent climb in the next year although most markets have already hit bottom.

National rents declined 2 percent in April compared to March. Demand for rental properties is still strong. Many investors are buying homes, fixing them up and turning them into rental units. Because of this, many markets are seeing less inventory and sharp home value appreciation brought on by the investors. Over the past month there has been a slight increase in inventory in some markets as more housing is constructed as well as more sellers enter the market. If you're interested in selling or buying a home, please contact your local real estate expert today.

The Housing Market is Heating Up and Many Homebuyers are Clueless

According to a study conducted by Zillow, when it comes to understanding mortgages, buyers answered basic questions about terms, lenders and financing wrong one third of the time. The study of over 1,000 prospective and current buyers, which was conducted in April found that 34% didn’t know the meaning of the term “annual percentage rate,” 31% of buyers didn’t think that they could get a mortgage for less than 5% down, and 1 in 4 were under the impression you should close with the lender who per-approves your mortgage. It’s important for buyers to shop around and compare rates  and reviews before finding the best loan for them. The results also showed that 34% of surveyors thought that lenders were required by law to charge the same fees to all clients for credit checks appraisals, etc, which is a false assumption. Fees will vary between bank to bank, and sometimes can be negotiated.

It can be difficult to choose which is the best deal for you, if you don’t understand what the various mortgage terms mean. The APR, or Annual Percentage Rate factors include fees, origination and underwriting fees, and other costs borrowers use to calculate the actual cost of loans. This lack of knowledge can really hurt your overall savings. Many buyers believe they need a down payment of 5% bare minimum, but loans given by the Federal Housing Administration can actually only require 3.5%. Many buyers also begin shopping around with financing in place so they’re able to move quickly on a home they really want, and according to the study, 26% of buyers believe once they’re pre-approved, they must honor that loan in closing, but that is far from the truth; there is really no obligation. If buyers see better loan terms available, they should take them! For more information for buyers and sellers, visit CNN Money.

Ways to Avoid Sabotaging Your Home Sale

According to the National Association of Realtors, 44 percent of all new listings take 90 days or more to sell, 22 percent take 6 to 12 months, and 9 percent take more than a year. It’s a seller’s market, so why are so many homes sitting on the market for so long? Jeff Dowler, an agent with Solution Real Estate in Carlsbad, California believes it most likely is because of the home owner.

Asking an unreasonably high price for the home is not going to  attract buyers. Limiting the hours and time on weekends or any day to allow the home to be shown also limits the number of potential buyers. It is best to have the house as available as possible to allow it to be viewed.

Other things that may sabotage selling your home and cause it to be kept on the market longer are:

• Not having the home ready to be viewed at any time. An agent might call wanting to show the house to a potential buyer in an hour. If the house is dirty or messy, that can turn off anyone who might have been interested.
• Smells in the house can be a turn-off as well. Musty, dirty smells will not give the house a “clean” feeling. Artificial smells from candles and deodorizers might make the interested buyer wonder what the owner is trying to cover up with the scent. If it is a nice day out, opening windows can help naturally freshen the air inside the home.
• Not keeping the home maintained and fixing things. Most buyers may not be looking for a “fixer-upper” and may notice the little things that need to be replaced. They may see that as more work for them to have to do as well as more money they will need to spend and give the home a run down feel.

Sellers who do not want to sabotage selling your home, should be flexible with allowing your agent to have time for showings, while keeping the home clean and maintained, and working with your agent to come up with a reasonable asking price. For more information on Residential Sales, contact your local real estate agent today.

Bullitt Center Opened This Week!

The much anticipated uber-green Bullitt Center Building opened Monday at 11am with a ceremony; how very green of them to coordinate the opening to happen on Earth Day! They organized guided tours happening in the afternoon from noon-5pm, where the public could come check out the six story 50,000 sf space, which is designed to be one of the world’s greenest commercial buildings.
Governor Jay Inslee, and Mayor Mike McGinn spoke at the ceremony; and we're very interested to hear any feedback if anyone was able to go down check out the building?  According to the Daily Journal of Commerce, Dennis Hayes, president and CEO of the Bullit Center Foundation, was the coordinator of Seattle’s first Earth Day in 1970. What a wonderful day for Hayes and his colleagues to celebrate!

Competition in Housing Market Leads to Bidding Wars

Competition in the housing market                                          has been creating bidding wars. Many offers are being countered by rival bids. Homes are selling for well over asking price. Sellers are holding out for better deals which lessens the amount of homes available to buy while buyers are wanting to purchase homes before prices and mortgage rates begin to rise.
Some buyers are having problems purchasing a home due to constantly being out bid buy other buyers. A couple in Florida offered $5,000 over asking price for a home only to lose to a counter offer of $55,000 over asking price. They tried offering $10,000 over a $600,000 asking price and lost to a higher bidder. That house was a short sale had been on the market for only two days. They became frustrated after putting offers on homes and never hearing back only to find that the houses they had bid on were sold to a much higher bidder. They finally were able to work with an agent who was working for both the buyer and seller which would earn her double the commission. She was able to help them make an offer and purchase a home for $30,000 less than the asking price.
The National Association of Realtors reported a 19.2% decline in inventory. It is expected that homes sales will grow with the Spring selling season but availability will remain low. The balance between buyers and sellers has been thrown off balance. Sellers are being more cautious while buyers are on the hunt.

Advice for Buyers and Sellers in Today's Real Estate Market

We have established that housing is beginning to get back on track, so what are the best moves to make today? Here are some very useful tips for the buyers, sellers, and owners in today’s real estate market.
Homeowners are starting to gain confidence in listing their homes due to the rise in traffic of buyers, and the growing popularity of bidding wars, and buyers are finally able to start searching for the perfect home again with low mortgage rates. According to CNN Money, 92 of the Country’s 100 largest metro areas have seen an increase in home prices, with costs rising as high as 23% in some cities, and 69 out of 100 of the areas also saw an increase in sales volume.
If you’re in the market to buy a home, know that you’re going to have to be competitive. Inventory is low, and doing your homework beforehand, and having all of the necessary information ready to present an offer with your agent will put you one step ahead of the game. It’s also best to understand the days of making an offer 20% below the listing price generally will not work. Presenting your best offer first will sit best with sellers, and it also helps to have a few contingencies in place, and move fast as sellers aren’t keen on having to go through the process again and again. Being flexible on closing can also work in your favor, as many sellers are scrambling to find alternative housing at the same time you are.
If you’re looking into selling your home, you’re in luck because it’s finally looking like a seller’s market! In order to get your pricing right, it’s best to list competitively to your market, and keep in mind pricing above recent sales might not get you what you’re hoping for. Many homeowners think their broker’s suggested pricing is too low, but pricing within reason will grab buyers’ attention, and land you more offers. If you’re looking into downgrading, choose an agent that is keen on investment properties. And if you’re not thinking about selling your home soon, you still take advantage of the market by taking the opportunity to refinance. It’s possible in recent years, that you haven’t enough equity to refinance the mortgage at these record low rates, but it might be time to give it another try.  Everyone can benefit in today’s market, and if you have any further real state related questions, contact your local real estate agent today.

Possible Denial of 24 Story Towers in Lake Union

After an unofficial vote, it seems that building 24-story towers near South Lake Union may not happen. The majority of the vote agreed that 160 feet or 16-story towers would be more sufficient for the area and not shadow Lake Union park, as a taller building would.
It is still being debated whether or not to tweak the incentive-zoning policy which allows developers additional height by paying a certain amount of money towards benefiting the public. Vulcan, who owns the property, pitched the idea of 24-story towers along with  Mayor Mike McGinn. Vulcan is evaluating the options and deciding whether or not to agree to the 16-story towers.
An official vote from the council on whether to rezone Lake Union or not will take place April 22. The deciding vote will determine if 24-story towers will be allowed or not.

Home Prices are Finally Back on Track!

According to the latest report from Fiserv’s Case-Shiller, home prices are predicted to return back to normal, and we should expect gains in our future! After many years of unpredictability, a market increase is headed our way. According to the report, home prices are estimated to increase 3.7%  beginning in the third quarter of 2013 and 2014, and home prices in nearly every metro market are expected to see an increase in 2013. This past year we’ve seen a glimmer of a recovery, and home prices are expected to stabilize, more-so than they have in the past 15 years. From 1998 to 2006, home prices rose 5% or more each year, and once that housing bubble peaked, the plunge was devastating; dropping nearly 30.5% through September of 2012.
In the 4th quarter of 2011 is when we finally began to see signs of stabilization, according to a report by CNNMoney. From Sept 2011-2012 US home prices were on the rise, and several of the metro cities hit hardest by the housing downfall, saw the greatest gain during this time. By the end of 2013, Fisver predicts that nearly all housing markets will see an increase. If you’re looking to sell your home, contact your local Real Estate agent today!

$800k Price Drop in the Highlands!

When an Arthur Erickson designed home hits the market, most Seattleites gain interest in the story but when an Arthur Erickson designed home in the Highlands has a price drop of nearly $1,000,0000; well, now we’ve got your attention. Originally built in 1979, this home has been recognized among the most significant homes in the Pacific Northwest, and sits on 8+ acres in the Highlands. The home boasts white polished concrete & glass ceilings and an open floor plan.  To the south the home looks out over an impressive swimming pool with a sculptural meadow and a prominent woodland backdrop and to the northwest over a reflection pool with mountain and sound views beyond.  The estate also includes a James Cutler designed 1,700 sf guesthouse tucked away so not to disturb the views of the main house.  The estate was previously listed for $4,495,000 and has recently been re-listed for $3,695,000.

Over the past year, there have been six residences that sold in the Highlands, three of which exceeded $3 million. Currently there are 10 active listings in the Highlands. Click the link for more information on this home or others in The Highlands.

Congrats to our Commercial Brokers for Winning Costar Power Broker Award!

Costar, a Washington State Commercial Real Estate information company has released the list of recipients for their annual Power Broker Awards. The winners for the top retail leasing brokers include Tom Graff, and Cameron Kent of Ewing & Clark, who together have established a strong leasing presence in the surrounding Seattle area. What are the awards based on you might ask? The Power Broker Awards are given to those in the community who  have an outstanding performance in what is now an increasingly competitive commercial real estate market. Performance is based on their overall leasing transaction volume for the previous year, as reported by Costar, and measured against all of the active commercial real estate brokers in their market.
Congratulations to Mr. Kent and Mr. Graff for their achievements in the industry! As Costar is among one of the largest research organizations in the US, being recognized as one of the top real estate firms and deal makers around should be considered a great achievement. For more information on the 2012 Power Broker Awards, visit Costar.

Solar Neighborhood Project Energizes Seattle Neighborhoods

Many in Seattle question whether it’s worth investing time and money in solar panels given that Seattle isn’t known for its constant sunny days. Keith Hughes, owner of West Seattle Natural Energy, pointed out that, “Berlin, Germany receives 3.2 peak sun hours per day, and 44 percent of Germany’s energy production comes from solar” where as “Seattle receives 3.8 peak hours of sunlight per day and only 1½ percent of its energy comes from solar power.”

Seattle City Light and Northwest Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (Northwest SEED) are working together to promote and change the way Seattle uses renewable energy through their  Washington initiative. The goal is to change one neighborhood at a time and to have 150 solar systems operating by the summer 2013 . Projects have already been done Queen Anne and Magnolia as well as other Seattle neighborhoods. When a community agrees to go solar Northwest SEED searches for vendors that will give bulk discount for supplies and installation to the homeowners. Each neighborhood is set up on a grid so that the energy that is not used by one homeowner will flow to other neighbors within the grid.
It is estimated that in the past two years Washington has pumped nearly $4 million into the local economy, created 14 new jobs and has generated more than 600 kilowatts of solar electricity to Seattle’s grid. Seattle City Light estimates that only 600 out of its 400,000 customers use solar energy. Benefits of using solar panels are tax credits and rebates as well as lower energy bills. Living in Seattle helps a little too. Seattle’s annual lower temperatures allow the solar panels to work better and the rain washes them off.

Will Streetcars be Returning to Seattle?

It has been over 70 years since Seattle has had streetcars. Once people began moving out of the city and into suburbs and cars became more popular and convenient, there wasn’t as much of a need for them. The rails were removed and paved streets took their place. But now, as more and more people begin moving back into the city the idea of bringing back functioning streetcars has emerged.
One idea is to have the streetcar run down 4th and 5th which would serve mostly commuters and may not have as much use on the weekends as the more favored idea of having the streetcar run down 1st Avenue would. Although having it run on 4th and 5th would be almost $50 million cheaper, being on 1st, the streetcar would run past bars, new restaurants, shops and places that are more popular to tourists all days of the week including weekends. Tom Graff of Ewing and Clark, Inc. agrees that running down 1st is the better option. It would help boost business and attract more to the area.
Some business owners are concerned that if the project does move forward, construction may cause problems by limiting parking spaces and obstructing accessibility to their businesses. They realize that they will benefit from it being on 1st and accept the idea if construction can be controlled. The City of Seattle held an open house Wednesday evening for those who wanted to learn more and discuss the topic as well as to kick off the  Center City Connector Project which will explore transit options for downtown.

Ballard Lofts Design Review Board Meeting This Month

Interested in learning more about the Ballard Lofts project? There will be a design review board meeting for the 72 unit apartment complex proposed for the corner of NW 65th and 24th Ave NW on January 28th at Ballard High School. In recent months, the project has been a  hot topic around the neighborhood, as it will be replacing the long standing Viking Tavern.
Bill Parks, the building developer will be leading the discussion at the meeting beginning at 6:30pm, and present the proposal to the community,  and will also go over priorities presented at the previous meeting. The proposal for the project includes 25 additional residential units, and 3,665 sf of ground floor retail space, as well as parking for 36 vehicles below ground. If you’d like to learn more about the project, or application of the design review process, visit the Department of Planning and Development for updates.

Good Eats in Madison Park

The holidays are over, and cooking a big meal is probably off the menu if you spent the last several weeks entertaining guests with appetizers or ham dinners. Even if you are in the mood to cook, a night out is always a welcome treat. The Madison Park neighborhood has some great spots to grab a bite and a drink, and we thought we’d mention a few:

• Madison Park Conservatory: As of November 2012, the Madison Park Conservatory has been serving up delicious gastro creations for two years. The Conservatory’s chef, Cormac Mahoney (previously of other great Seattle restaurants like Etta’s, Dahlia Lounge and Sitka & Spruce) won Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef Award for 2012. His prowess, and the overall goodness of the restaurant’s team show through in their unique and creative menu items.
• Bing’s: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Bing’s in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle make for a classic neighborhood staple. Omelettes, Benedicts, and lunch for breakfast, and sandwiches and burgers for lunch and dinner are the classic, comfortable offerings at Bing’s. When you’re craving good ol’ American tastes with a unique flourish here and there, Bing’s is the place to go.
• An entree item at Jae’s Asian Bistro. Photo credit: Jae’s gallery
  Jae’s Asian Bistro & Sushi: Jae’s owner (Jae) is a sushi artist of the highest quality. For an intriguing mix of Asian appetizers and entrees, Jae’s features a wide variety of options from lunch, through happy hour and into dinner. You can find everything from noodles to woks to curries, salads, and full-fledged entrees. The restaurant also has a “Fresh Sheet” menu that is updated monthly, for an up-to-date offering of sushi rolls, nigiri, and more. This Asian bistro is all about ‘fresh’, from seafood to veggies and everything on the side or in between.

These are just a few of the taste-bud-inspiring stops in Madison Park – we thought they deserved a quick mention. What’s your favorite restaurant in the Madison Park neighborhood of Seattle?