the
JULY 2016
Volume 7 | Issue 7
EYE ON THE
market
The summer is in full swing, and buyers aren’t taking a vacation from their home search. While inventory increased slightly at the beginning of the summer, and interest rates have also begun to rise, it remains a swift and challenging market. Buyers seeking affordable homes with more space are responding to the challenge by considering new areas. For many, this means choosing a longer commute in exchange for getting into a home sooner. Where to start looking? If there were areas previously eliminated due to commute times or lack of proximity to amenities, buyers may want to take another look. Commuters from South Seattle, and Snohomish and Pierce counties, now have new HOV lanes, light rail, or other transportation options and improvements to their routes.
LOCAL happenings Many areas have rebounded from the economic downturn of a few years ago and are attracting amenities such as hotels, restaurants, retail and other commercial businesses needed to support a growing, thriving community. While buyers may find relatively less competition in outlying communities, increased interest in these areas has already led to shorter time on the market and higher prices in recent months. NWMLS stats from May show a year-over-year increase of almost 7 percent in closed sales for single-family homes in Snohomish County and 12.8 percent in Pierce County. With new prospective buyers streaming into the area, we can expect tough competition and continuing high demand throughout our region this year. With some additional research and broadening of criteria, buyers may discover new options for their next home and put themselves in a good position to make their next move in the near future.
STAY SAFE ON THE WATER THIS
summer
Use the tips below to keep yourself and your family safe in the water this summer! The best thing is learn to swim.
Inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket in or around water. Never swim alone. Try to swim in lifeguard-supervised areas. Never dive headfirst unless the spot is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions. Be very cautious in rivers and lakes, as it is harder to see deep down where logs, boulders and stumps are located. Maintain constant supervision of children around any water environment, regardless of their skill level. Even shallow water poses a danger. Check weather reports, and stop boating if you see or hear of a storm.
Anytime you go out in a boat, make
sure someone knows where you are going and how long you plan to be out. Inspect the boat and motor well, and make sure everyone on board has a life preserver. Set water safety rules for your family, and make sure everyone understands them. Adults and teens should take a CPR course. Contact your local fire department or visit the websites below to find a class near you: acprclass.com cprseattle.com cpr1staid.com chealthcare.com redcross.org/wa/seattle
4 An Edmonds Kind of 4th edmondswa.com 4 Bellevue Family 4th bellevuedowntown.com 4 Seafair Summer Fourth at Gas Works Park | seafair.com 4 Tacoma Freedom Fair freedomfair.com 7-9 Arlington Fly-in arlingtonflyin.org 8-9 Redmond Derby Days redmondderbydays.com 8-10 Kent Cornucopia Days kcdays.com 9-10 Ballard SeafoodFest seafoodfest.org 9-10 Mill Creek Festival & Street Fair millcreekfestival.com 14-16 Timber! Outdoor Music Festival in Carnation | timbermusicfest.com 14-17 King County Fair in Enumclaw cityofenumclaw.net 15-17 Bite of Seattle biteofseattle.com 16-17 Tacoma Maritime Fest tacomamaritimefest.org 22-24 Capitol Hill Block Party capitolhillblockparty.com 22-24 Renton River Days rentonriverdays.org 29-31 Bellevue Arts Museum ARTSfair bellevuearts.org 30 Seafair Torchlight Parade seafair.com
July I M P O R TA N T D AT E S Monday, July 4 CW Title and Escrow and all Counties are closed in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.
decorating
Have a Safe and Happy Independence Day!
TIPS FOR A CHILD’S ROOM
Here are a few tips to help you create a space both you and your child will enjoy for years to come. Use space based on the age of the
child. A toddler will need more floor space to play, while an older child may want a table and chairs to sit and do homework with friends. Removable wall decals allow you to
change out the theme of a room without having to plan and budget for a major project. Use your child’s own artwork and
Choose a few durable, high-quality
items that will grow with your child. Many furniture items are designed to adapt to a growing child with just a few adjustments. The simpler it is, the more flexible it is.
photography instead of purchasing art for the room. Get enlargements made in standard sizes, which will make it easy to find frames to fit. Place art, photos and other wall accessories at a height that works from your child’s perspective.
TIPS FOR STAYING COOL THIS
Think out of the box for storage
options. Kids of all ages need lots of storage space for their toys, clothes, shoes, sports equipment and schoolrelated items. A hanging shoe organizer will serve nicely to organize toys for a toddler, but then can later be used for shoes for an older child. Labels will help your child know where to put things when it’s time to straighten their room. And finally (or perhaps the first thing
you should do), let your child have a say in how their space is decorated. Help them search for items that showcase their interests and achievements while also expressing their personality.
summer
Hot enough for you? There are lots of inexpensive things you can do to keep your home cool in the hot summer months. Read the tips below to find out more! Keep the blinds and curtains closed. Invest in ceiling fans in the main Stay away from heat-producing If you want to let light in, open a few rooms of your home, or for a cheaper activities, such as running the that do not face the sun. Open and option, try window fans. Be sure to dishwasher, during daytime hours. close different shades as the sun read the directions on how to properly Instead, wait until moves throughout the day. install them. evening time, when it’s Open windows early in the morning, Make sure your attic is properly beginning to when it’s cool, to get a cross breeze insulated. cool down. going. As the day heats up, close them Refrain from cooking on the stove-top and the blinds. Open them again after Always have or in the oven. Instead, cook on the the sun has set. ice water, BBQ or prepare meals that don’t lemonade Purchase blackout shades (cheap ones require cooking. If you do cook inside, or iced tea are available), especially for the rooms cook enough for the next day. in your fridge you sleep in. Keep them closed to help beat the heat! throughout the day. Volume 7 | Issue 7