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.