the
MAY 2017
Volume 8 | Issue 5
EYE ON THE
market
Our strong regional economy and the steady influx of new residents continue to fuel local real estate. The most recent Northwest MLS statistics show that median closed-sale prices for singlefamily homes in March are up year-over-year, with King County seeing an overall 12.93 percent price increase. Neighboring counties continue to absorb buyers seeking more affordable options (and more space), regardless of commute considerations. Snohomish County single-family home prices increased by 10.39 percent and Pierce County by 11.32 percent. As we enter the time of year when sellers traditionally decide to list, our region is thirsty for new inventory. Price increases and inventory shortages are also affecting areas outside of the tri-county area. Thurston and Kitsap counties are now experiencing an increase in buyer interest.
LOCAL There’s been a slight uptick in the number of active listings month-over-month in most areas, but it’s also apparent these listings are quickly being snapped up by buyers. Despite price increases, most listings sell within the first 30 days. Overall statistics show a notable reduction in days on the market, in particular for condo units. Even as homes move quickly from listed to sold, brokers caution against overpricing. They advise that properly priced homes in good condition are the ones that sell quickly, while overpriced homes may languish on the market. Today’s savvy and persistent buyers may consider passing on an overpriced home even at the risk of extending their home search by weeks or even months. As summer nears, the traditional time to list is fast approaching. While our spring has struggled to warm up, the market appears to just be getting started.
mother’s day GIFT GIVING IDEAS
6 Seattle Boating Opening Day nwboatinfo.com
7 Taco Libre Truck Showdown in Fremont | 12-13 Northwest Paddling Festival at Lake Sammamish State Park 13-14 Kirkland Artist Studio Tour kirklandartscenter.org 17-20 Ballard Jazz Festival ballardjazzfestival.com May 18- Seattle International Film June 11 Festival | siff.net 20 Auburn Petpalooza auburnwa.gov
Here are a few ideas and themes to make this Mother’s Day extra special: Make Time for Mom—Create a home Thanks for the Memories, Mom—Create 20 spa with a gift basket filled with a plush a custom photo book full of fun family terry robe, towels and slippers, jars of memories from the past year. There are her favorite bath gels, soaps and scented several sites online that make it easy to 20 candles. As an added touch, create a create a unique layout. Try mixbook.com, relaxing music playlist and schedule a shutterfly.com, photo.walgreens.com, time for her to enjoy without interruption. adoramapix.com or snapfish.com. 20 You Light Up My Life, Mom—Let Mom Whatever you give for Mother’s Day, know she’s the light of your life by giving remember, it’s the thought that counts. 20 her a LuMee.com light-up case for her cellphone. Mom will always look her best when she takes selfies, and you will, too, 20-21 when you photobomb her shots. One of a Kind, Just Like Mom—Visit etsy.com, where you’re sure to find a 29 unique gift that will make this Mother’s Day one to remember. Use search terms that include her favorite things, and May 31you’ll find everything from greeting cards June 4 to jewelry, art and more.
Happy Mother’s Day!
happenings
Edmonds Jazz Connection daybreakersrotary.com Gig Harbor Beer Festival gigharborbeerfestival.com JBLM Armed Forces Day jblmmwr.com Paine Field Aviation Day painefield.com U District Streetfair udistrictstreetfair.org Memorial Day Parade in Mill Creek | cityofmillcreek.com Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival bellevuedowntown.com
May I M P O R TA N T D AT E S
runners ON YOUR MARK
Monday, May 1 May Day
Sunday, May 14 Mother’s Day
Saturday, May 6 Opening Day of Boating Tuesday, May 9 Teacher Appreciation Day
Saturday, May 20 Armed Forces Day Monday, May 29 Memorial Day
Here are a few running events in our area raising awareness and funds; many are appropriate for the entire family. Now, lace up your sneakers and get moving! May 6 Cross Out Cancer 5K | Seattle xoutcancerseattle.com
tips TO PREPARE FOR A HOME REMODEL
May 7 Chittenden Locks Centennial 5K Seattle | promotionevents.com/bl/
May is National Home Improvement Month! If you’re planning projects for the next few months, here are a few tips to help you prepare your home and family:
May 7 Walk for Water 5K walk | Seattle water1st.org/carry5/
Research. Start researching early so you can make as many decisions as possible before target areas are gutted. Get referrals. Find qualified and licensed contractors, interior designers and other professionals by contacting friends and family who can give you recommendations. Be sure to ask for references, and allow time to view past work to gauge quality and experience. Allow time for permits. Keep track of whether your contractor has applied for and received permits that are needed for the work to be begin. There may be other permits needed later, but it’ll save time to pull the permits needed by the time work is scheduled to begin. Arrange for materials early. Order supplies as soon as possible to ensure that you get the style and finishes you want without delay. Inspect everything as it arrives so that you can make exchanges of damaged items as early as possible during your renovation. Create stand-in spaces. If you’re living in your home while the work is happening, plan to set up temporary spaces to stand in for the space you’re remodeling. Be sure they’re located out of the way of contractors. For instance, if you have a bar sink in the family room, add a mini fridge and top with a small microwave so the area can serve as your kitchen for quick meals.
May 13 Inspiring Hope 10K, 5K run/walk, kids’ dash Mukilteo | inspiringhope.info May 13 Reach for College 5K | Tacoma reachtacoma.org/reach-for-college-5k-run
Prevent dirt, dust and damage. Cover furniture and other surfaces with sheets or drop cloths to protect from construction dust. This will save you time and perhaps even cleaning fees after the work is done. Also, remove fragile items from walls and shelves to protect from damage. De-stress your pets. Renovations can be hard on your pets. Have a friend look after your furry family member or kennel your pet during all or part of the renovations. If this is not possible, create an area with all your pet’s favorite toys, food and water for them to hang out in. Be sure to let contractors know which area is off limits, and caution them to not open the door. (Post a sign.) Keep kids busy. Although summer is a great time to do remodels, if you have young children who are around the house more during the summer, it might be worth considering postponing your renovations until they are back in school. Otherwise, schedule activities to keep children from being underfoot during a what is likely to be a dangerous time around the house. Stay positive. Most importantly, keep your eyes on the finish line no matter how stressful things may become. Once the work is done, you’ll get to enjoy your newly renovated space. To find additional tips for getting ready for a home remodel, visit www.nari.org. Volume 8 | Issue 5
May 20 Dawg Dash Bothell 5K run/walk, kids’ run uwb.edu/5krun May 20 FWCAT Break the Chains 5K Walk/Fun Run Federal Way | fwcat.org May 20 Annual First Peoples 5K Walk & Run Olympia | evergreen.edu/multicultural/5k
May 20 Aviation Day 5K & 10K | Mukilteo aviationday5k.com May 21 Girls on the Run 5K | Renton girlsrun.org/register-a-girl May 21 Beat the Bridge to Beat Diabetes 8K, 3-mile walk or 1-mile fun run | Seattle beatthebridge.org May 21 West Seattle 5K | Seattle westseattle5k.com
May 29 Camp Gilead River Run 5K run/walk and pancake breakfast | Carnation riverrun5k.com