Neighborhood Spotlight: Discovering Queen Anne, Seattle
What’s in store for Seattle Real Estate? 2024 is your year for strategic movies.
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is pleased to present you with our 2024 Forecast Report. In this report, you’ll find curated pieces on our local housing markets, year-over-year comparisons, retrospective reviews, and more all provided by some of the most knowledgeable thought leaders in the region. As mortgage rates decline and the desirability of the region endures, beckoning people worldwide with job opportunities and beautiful natural scenery, demand to own remains high and activity is projected to return. The experts featured in the 2024 report have provided their data-backed predictions on what we can expect in the upcoming year.
Unlock the hidden potential of your property with expert staging. In the dynamic world of real estate, first impressions matter. Our “before and after” transformations of this Seattle home not only highlight the aesthetic appeal but also underscore the tangible impact on your property’s market value.
As the winter winds sweep through Seattle, we invite you to immerse yourself in the warmth of the extraordinary views our high-end properties offer. After the holidays come to a close and winter settles in, we always take a bit of joy in looking ahead to the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through the spring and summer seasons.
Year in Review: The Seattle Real Estate Market in 2023
Rising interest rates were a driver of a slowing real estate market in Seattle for 2023. As expected, the median sales price of $870K and average price per square foot of $536 were both down just under 6 percent compared to 2022. As we look ahead to 2024, we expect to see a similar market ahead, but with increasing spikes of opportunity and optimism.
If you’re considering selling your home in 2024, don’t wait until the summer!
Most Seattle home sellers think summer is the best time to list their home for sale. They would be WRONG—and we have the data to prove it. The main reason why the first quarter of the year is best to maximize your sale? Supply and demand. Since the majority of would-be home sellers target spring and summer for listing their homes, the Puget Sound region always sees a lack of available inventory. But buyer demand only builds during the quiet holiday months just prior. So, the few sellers who get their act together in time to list in January, February, and March enjoy massive turnouts to open houses, multiple offers, and bidding wars.
Selling your home is the end of one chapter and the start of a brand-new one. It’s a monumental step that can often lead to great financial gain and set you up for success in your future real estate transactions. However, it is no small task, and to successfully sell your home you’ll need to prepare yourself with key information, targeted strategies, and forward-thinking to seamlessly traverse the complex real estate market. We’re covering some of the biggest pitfalls you should avoid and how to properly prepare for your selling journey so that you can triumphantly make it to the finish line—i.e. a lucrative closing.
Selling your home can signal the end of one chapter and the beginning of another—it’s an exciting life change that can be incredibly profitable. You likely gathered some helpful real estate knowledge when you purchased your home, but now that you’re on the other side of the transaction, there are important tips and considerations to have in your back pocket as you embark on your home-selling journey. Read on for a breakdown designed to empower you with helpful knowledge as you take the first step toward a successful sale.
Making your first home purchase can feel overwhelming for a myriad of reasons, but one of the most simple and reoccurring questions that will likely pop into your head will be: “What is everyone talking about?” The real estate industry is teeming with insider jargon and terms that you likely will not encounter anywhere else. So, let’s break down some of these terms so that when you do run across them during your home-buying journey, you can feel like an informed, seasoned pro.
When listing your home, it’s important to take strategic steps to make it as appealing as possible to buyers. As buyers view photos and videos of your home and eventually tour it in person, they’re looking to be able to envision themselves in the home. Staging your home, which involves rearranging furniture—or even temporarily decorating your home in borrowed furniture and décor—removing personal effects, and arranging décor, such as plants and artwork, is so that your home attracts the widest buyer pool and fetches the highest price possible.
Exploring Washington’s Wine Country - Renowned both locally and internationally, Washington state is the second largest wine-producing state in the U.S., with the number of wineries rapidly increasing in the past decade. Not only do the scenic vineyards create tourism opportunities and generate revenue, but they also offer residents the perfect excuse for a nearby getaway with stunning surrounding scenery, quality wine, and the opportunity to support some of our finest local businesses. Currently, Washington boasts 20 American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs, which are federally recognized designated grape-growing areas.
Seattle is famous for iconic, scenic spots that offer residents and visitors alike the opportunity for fun in the sun (or rain) amid some quintessential PNW sights. From the striking Space Needle to recognizable parks that have been featured in films, like Gas Works, to the bustling wharf, there are plenty of famous spots around the city that bring in big crowds daily. These spots are all must-sees for anyone exploring the city for the first time, but for Seattle residents who have had their fill of the fun tourist destinations in their neighborhood, it’s nice to venture out and discover some lesser-known places to spend an afternoon relaxing or recreating. Read on for some insight into ways to avoid a crowd as the days warm up and more and more people are out and about in our beautiful city.
Summer Kitchen Inspo for Your PNW Home
Today’s homeowner doesn’t need a summer kitchen like the homeowners of the 18th and 19th centuries did, but the concept can still serve up plenty of design inspiration, particularly as we move into warmer months. Summer kitchens were outdoor buildings, separate from the main house, that helped conceal the smells of cooking and heat generated by wood-burning stoves from the home’s residents. Originally considered a luxury, as it meant having a home with two separate kitchens, they gained popularity and became more accessible to more people as time went on before eventually falling out of favor.
A condominium is an incredible real estate asset. Whether someone is purchasing one as their forever home, an investment opportunity, or a chance to downsize, condos present certain benefits that single-family houses do not offer. Additionally, condos are a great opportunity for first-time buyers to transition from renting to owning property, oftentimes creating offering more affordability than buying a house. It’s important to do ample research before beginning the search, particularly because as a first-time buyer you won’t likely have much practical experience in the real estate market. Here are the top things to consider before making an exciting purchase.
Whidbey Island is a place so idyllic, it almost seems magical. The largest of the Island County islands, residents and visitors are treated to an abundance of natural beauty, small-town charm, and an endless list of outdoor activities to partake in. It’s certainly a popular tourist destination, but actually living on the island offers a type of lifestyle that is the stuff of daydreams.
Whidbey provides both the sense of peaceful seclusion and accessibility to all of the big-city amenities that await in Seattle just a drive and short ferry ride away. Here are a few reasons why so many residents are proud to call the place home.
Deciding to start seriously saving for a home is incredibly exciting, but for first-time homebuyers, you’re probably wondering just how much you need to save. In the past, most buyers stuck with the rule that you should have at least 20 percent of the total price saved for the down payment. However, the median down payment is actually only 14 percent, and first-time buyers can even get away with putting down much less than that. Of course, the higher the price range of homes you’re looking at, the more money you’re going to have to save. You may find that looking for homes in a lower price range will allow you to own sooner than if you were trying to save for a more expensive property.
Seattle is a diverse, vibrant city with so much to offer in terms of culture, dining, shopping, and community. Each neighborhood has its own unique identity with a different vibe and offerings, so where you decide to put roots down in the city is going to play a huge part in how your day-to-day life looks. For families with children, you’re not only choosing the best area for your own needs but also the needs of your kids, so read on for a breakdown of Seattle’s best neighborhoods to buy a home in if you have children.
Lake swims, sunset cruises, and sunny hikes make summertime special, but we’re officially entering skiing and snowboarding season here in the PNW, and I for one can’t wait to get some time on the mountain in. We’re incredibly lucky to be so close to some amazing resorts, offering a diverse mix of slopes, amenities, and opportunities for folks of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner having fun on the bunny slopes or a seasoned pro ready to spend all winter on the hill, there’s plenty of snowy fun to be had right in our own beautiful backyard. Read on for a local business shoutout and a quick breakdown of some of the best local mountains.
Whidbey Island holds a truly special place in my heart as the place where I grew up and the home to my vacation cabin. This idyllic island boasts picturesque farmland, beautiful beaches, and diverse terrain. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise and even if you don’t make it your permanent home, it certainly deserves a day-trip visit. Whether you’re craving fresh air and outdoor exploration, or you want to stroll the streets of Oak Harbor and shop local boutiques, you can’t go wrong with any type of itinerary. Check out some of my top picks for sights to see and things to do on the island.