the
home connection
Volume 11 | Issue 5
MAY 2020
EYE ON THE MARKET The real estate industry was deemed by the state of Washington to be an essential business in March, and that declaration has allowed market activity to continue, although reduced due to social distancing restrictions. Technology has played an important role in helping everyone come together to safely work within the restrictions. For example, buyers are able to tour homes online before making an appointment to take next steps. Brokers are reporting that currently listed homes that are properly priced and in good condition are still moving. Despite the current restrictions in place (only 2 people at a time for in-home viewings) there are still some rapidly moving sales and even a few multiple offer situations occurring within the existing inventory.
EXPERIENCE THIS! Mortgage rates were down again in mid-April, falling to a 30-year low and further fueling the market during these usual times as buyers may benefit from more purchasing power. Sellers who are not quite ready to sell may find now is a great time to begin planning home improvements to get the best return on their investment when the time comes. Some might even consider knocking out a few projects to get a head start.
It’s expected that once Washington businesses are able to ramp back up and expand their services, pent up demand will heat up across the Puget Sound region. Sellers are encouraged to be prepared.
Seattle Art Museum
Heritage Flying Museum
The Museum of Flight
Tacoma Art Museum
Seattle Symphony
Travel Tacoma
Seattle Aquarium
Washington State Historical Museum
Woodland Park Zoo
Washington Capitol Building Tour
TAKING INVENTORY WHILE STAYING AT HOME With most of us spending more time at home these days, creating a home inventory is another project that’s probably on your to do list. A home inventory can save you time and heartache in case you ever need to file an insurance claim. Check the website of your homeowner’s insurance company for a home inventory checklist, template or app you can download. • Document each item as completely as possible and take photos or video. Include brand, model number, serial number, purchase date, condition, etc. • Include receipts, canceled checks or an appraisal report to prove what you paid for (or the value of) items. • Also remember to include items you don’t use regularly, such as holiday decorations, sports equipment or tools. • Did you receive high-value gifts for a recent birthday or anniversary? For rare or valuable items such as jewelry, antiques, art-work or wine collections, you may want to consider adding additional insurance (a rider) to your policy. • Keep the completed list outside of your home. While some may choose to save a document to the cloud, you may also want to have a hard copy stored at your office, at a family member’s house or in a safe-deposit box. • Update the list annually.
May IMPORTANT DATES Friday, May 1 May Day
Sunday, May 10 Mother’s Day
Wednesday, May 6 National Nurses Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 16 Armed Forces Day
May 4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week
Monday, May 25 Memorial Day
Property Tax Updates SENIOR/DISABLED PERSONS PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION NEW Income Limit Change for 2020 Income limit for Income Threshold 3 is now indexed to 65% of the median household income by county statewide.
NEW COMBINED DISPOSABLE INCOME LIMITS: King ............................ $58,423 Pierce ......................... $45,708 Snohomish ..…….......... $55,743 Thurston .................... $48,566 For more information visit dor.wa.gov or contact your county assessor’s office. Your local county assessor or treasurer’s office can answer questions regarding tax statements and specifics about paying property tax.
DEADLINE FOR FIRST-HALF PROPERTY TAXES EXTENDED TO JUNE 1ST Individual residential and commercial taxpayers who pay property taxes themselves, rather than through their mortgage lender, can delay payment until June 1, 2020 without late charges, due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Banks and other financial institutions that pay property taxes on behalf of their lending customers will still need to meet the original April 30 deadline. Your local county assessor or treasurer’s office can answer specifics questions about paying property tax. PIERCE COUNTY: co.pierce.wa.us/atr SNOHOMISH COUNTY: snohomishcountywa.gov/assessor KING COUNTY: kingcounty.gov/Assessor.aspx THURSTON COUNTY: co.thurston.wa.us/assessor/
gift ideas
From virtual to a promise or service to be redeemed in the future, here are a few ideas to show Mom you care, especially during these times: Support your local small businesses now with a gift card for a future spa, hair salon or nail salon appointment. Plant flowers around the yard or in pots on the patio for months of cheery summer color Coordinate clicking start with your mom and stream a movie or arts performance. Check in by text or facetime to keep the connection. Create a kitchen herb garden in mason jars and include a few recipes she can try. Commission a custom hand-drawn family portrait from an artist on etsy.com (Printable Wisdom) Even moms can sometimes need a bit of help locating their keys or other items. A Tile (or other brand) tracker can ensure her favorite or most misplaced items are only a click away. Call your mom! The tried and true phone call still works.
creating a space to work from home & home school For many of us, our home has become a full-time office and for some, also a child’s classroom. Here are a few tips that may help you make the most of your space: Straighten up your entire house during non-work hours so you can focus on your work and not the mess that needs to be tackled in another room of your house. Identify the tools you will use most frequently and have all needed supplies, reference books, trash can and recycle bin near your workspace. Use a workspace with a flat surface, good lighting, and comfortable chairs that you can sit in for a while. Have plenty of storage to avoid clutter build up.
Divide your workspace from your personal space and if possible, create a work area in a place that can be left undisturbed (not the table you would have to clear off for regular meals, if possible). For instance, you could set up a card table in a quiet place in the house that is free from distractions.
Consider using outdoor spaces that
Volume 11 | Issue 5
may be used for study or work areas in warmer weather such as garden tables, gazebos, and patio tables. Not warm enough to work on your patio? Bring some green inside with a desk plant. Have a dedicated place in your home to stash electronics that may be distracting during your work time. (for some, smartphone accessibility may reduce productivity) Make sure the other people in your home realize your need for space and when you are not to be disturbed. If possible, set a schedule and take meaningful breaks. Time your breaks as per your normal work schedule. (15 minute breaks are great for a quick self-recharge.)