the
Volume 10 | Issue 3
EYE ON THE
MARCH 2019
MARCH happenings
market
The Highway 99 tunnel is finally complete, and commuters are beginning to experience the benefits. While the weeks leading up to completion of the tunnel were gruesome for some commuters, overall, most say it wasn’t as bad as they anticipated. Later in 2019, tolls through the tunnel are expected to range from $1 to $2.25, depending on the time of day. Buying and selling activity overall has slowed so far in 2019. The culprit isn't the economy or job decline, however. Local real estate agents think that it is because expectations are becoming more realistic. This even-paced market is good news for buyers, though —particularly millennials who will have a greater opportunity for homeownership with fewer competing bids on the table. Student debt is still an obstacle to millennials when it comes to purchasing a home, but this demographic is expected to take over the market in 2019.
Microsoft's plan to contribute $500 million to affordable housing in the Seattle area has homebuyers and potential sellers wondering what effect it will have on home values. Affordablehousing groups and local mayors are excited about the impact the contribution could have on housing for low-income families. City officials are also hoping it will alleviate issues that service and retail workers experience in finding housing in the cities in which they work. For example, there are middle-income residents who work on the Eastside, but cannot afford to live where they work. While the allocation of Microsoft's contribution is still unclear, as far as developing and planning go, officials remain optimistic that it will provide benefits one way or another. At the very least, Microsoft’s pledge shines a light on our region’s affordable-housing issue and may prompt other companies to follow its lead.
1-3 Seattle Home Show seattlehomeshow.com/info
1-3 Sewing & Stitchery Expo sewexpo.com 2 Snohomish Wine Festival snohomishcoc.com/WineFestival/ 2 4th Annual WhiskeyRocks NW kzok.iheart.com/featured/ whiskey-rocks-northwest/ 2 Cabernet Classic seattleuncorked.com/ event/2024/ 8-10 Everett Home & Garden Show liveineverett.com/cal//everetthome-amp-garden-show-1
9 Seattle Cocktail District seattlecocktailweek.com/ cocktaildistrict/
springtime FIRST IMPRESSIONS If you’re planning an open house, here are a few tips that will help you make a great first impression: BATHROOMS: Nonessentials are out of sight and organized. Shower and tub are clean. Towels are folded neatly. Toilet is clean and lid is down. Sink and surfaces are wiped down and sanitized. LIVING ROOM: Pillows/cushions are tidy. TV screen is dusted.
BEDROOMS: Linens are washed and beds are nicely made. Dirty clothes are out of sight in hamper. Toys and knickknacks are put away. Closet is organized. YARD: Yard is tidy for time of year. Walkway/doorstep is swept. Outside lights are on. Outdoor toys and tools are put away.
14-17 Emerald City Comic Con emeraldcitycomiccon.com 16 Kirkland Shamrock Run kirklandshamrockrun.com
KITCHEN: Sink is clear of dishes. Grind vinegar ice cubes in garbage disposal to sharpen blades and kill bacteria causing odor. Countertops are sanitized and clear of clutter. Range and microwave are clean and degreased. All appliances are inspected and cleaned.
16 St. Paddy’s Day Run Tacoma stpaddyruntacoma.com 16-17 Irish Festival seattlecenter.com/festal/ detail.aspx?id=3 17 St. Patrick’s Day Dash 5K stpatsdash.com 21-24 Samsarafest samsarafest.com 22-24 Victorian Heritage Festival 2018.vicfest.org/ 30-31 VegFest vegofwa.org/vegfest/