the
Volume 10 | Issue 9
EYE ON THE
SEPTEMBER 2019
market
As the summer comes to an end, mortgage applications continue at a steadily increasing pace and rates remain at historic lows. Experts predict this may positively impact home sales during what’s left of this amazing year for our local market. Meanwhile, buyers with more selection and more breathing room are taking time to broaden their search areas. Cities in south King County, Pierce County and also Kitsap County are attracting attention and becoming hot spots. Kitsap County is seeing a significant increase in interest, with many buyers citing its affordability, upward-trending economy and in some cases, a quicker commute to the Seattle area. Home prices for Kitsap and farther north in Skagit County have ticked upward. The
LOCAL latest statistics released by the Northwest MLS show a 5- to7-percent increase in single-family home prices over the last year. Inventory for most counties is at or below two months. In particular, Pierce County showed 1.3 months of inventory for the month of July, and Thurston County has had less than a month. Overall, Seattle-area single -family home prices have fluctuated over the last few months. At the beginning of the summer, prices seemed to steadily increase but then flattened, and we’re seeing a slight decrease as we near the end of summer. This slowing trend appears to be consistent around the nation. As fall approaches, the market is expected to see less activity than in our summer months, but compared to the rest of the nation, the Seattle area continues to thrive.
happenings
8/22-9/2 Evergreen State Fair in Monroe | evergreenfair.org 8/30-9/1 Bumbershoot Music Festival in Seattle | bumbershoot.com 8/30-9/1 Olympia Harbor Days harbordays.com 8/30-9/22 Washington State Fair in Puyallup | thefair.com *The Fair is closed Tuesdays and Sept. 4
6-7 Cider Summit cidersummitnw.com 6-8 Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival mukfest.com 6-8 San Gennaro Festival of Seattle sangennarofestivalseattle.org 7 Brats, Brews & Bands experienceolympia.com
app corner: DOCUMENTING YOUR STUFF It’s a good idea to have photos of your home and its contents for insurance purposes. With the latest smartphones, you can now easily capture, edit and store high-quality photos. Here’s a list of apps to help you document your valuable possessions. Sortly This app operates as a complete Encircle Upload photos, notes and the library for all of your physical value of items you own. It’s a great tool belongings. You’re able to sort them for moving and estate planning. You can by physical location, categories, SKU also submit insurance claims through numbers and more. It’s quick and easy the app in the event of something going to export your record list into a CSV file, missing. PDF or Dropbox. Memento Database With plenty of template options, this mobile database allows you to organize items however you see fit. In addition to import/export options, there’s also synchronization with other apps.
Evernote Not only is this platform available on iOS/Android, it’s also available in a desktop version. You can organize photos, videos, texts and links into a format that works for you. You can download these apps from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store from your smartphone.
7 Crossing Kirkland explorekirkland.com 8 Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival seattlelivealohafestival.com 14 Chinatown-ID Night Market cidbia.org 15 Ready, Set, Go…Run 5K and Kids4Kids 1k | bellevue.com 19 Hustle & Heart Night Market experienceolympia.com 20-22 Kirkland Oktoberfest explorekirkland.com 20-22 Fremont Oktoberfest fremontoktoberfest.com continued next page
September
IMPORTANT DATES
Monday, September 2 Labor Day Counties and CW Title closed
Wednesday, September 11 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance
Sunday, September 8 Grandparents Day
Tuesday, September 17 Constitution Day | Citizenship Day
Sunday, September 8 International Literacy Day
Monday, September 23 Fall begins
LOCAL
happenings continued
21 Fishermen’s Fall Festival fishermensfallfestival.org 21 Luminata fremontartscouncil.org
#WIREFRAUD facts
helping you protect your hard-earned money
?
25-29 Fashion Week at the Bellevue Collection fashionweekbellevue.com
did you know...
27, 29 22nd Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival manhattanshort.com 28 HAWKtoberfest 2019! facebook.com/ events/798501180515915/
Wire fraud in real estate transactions has increased exponentially in the last few years and continues to put more consumers and businesses at risk.
21-22 Edmonds Art Studio Tour edmondsartstudiotour.com 22 An Incredible Feast seattlefarmersmarkets.org
28 Steins and Stems puyallupmainstreet.com 28-29 43rd Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival | cwb.org/ festival 28-29 Northwest Tea Festival nwteafestival.com
28-29 The Italian Festival festaseattle.com 29 Base 2 Space runsignup.com
29 Snohomish Classic Car Display snohomishcoc.com
According to data from the FBI, in 2018, there were over 11,000 victims of real estate-related internet crime, with a loss of over $149 million. Washington state alone reported over 10,000 victims of internet crime and ranks No. 6 in the nation in terms of number of victims. Over 20,000 complaints regarding business/email compromise were reported, with over $1.2 billion in losses. It’s extremely important to never act on wire instructions sent to you via email or text. If you suspect wire fraud with your transaction or have questions about wire procedures, contact your escrow closer immediately at a known and verified number.
HOME DÉCOR INSPIRED BY THE
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is known for its one-of-a-kind décor style. Design elements that are part of this style can include: • Nature-inspired accessories, furniture
• • • • • • • • • • • •
and structural elements that incorporate soft curves and irregular shapes. Natural materials such as stone, rustic wood and natural fabrics, instead of synthetics. Imperfections made by nature and natural forms that are highlighted, not hidden. Use of neutral color schemes and textures that take their cue from wood and stone. Bright, open and airy home interiors that are simultaneously cozy and comfortable. Use of natural light as a design element either through windows or solar tubes. Mixture of live indoor plants with elements that were living, such as wood, cotton, leather and seagrass. Antique centerpieces that are fallcolored and vintage. Experiment with dark candle combos and scents like pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon. Try plaids for tableware and trimmings. Festive wreaths with apple or corn accents add a nice fall touch. Go with the farmhouse feel and add antique pitchers and glassware. For your bed spread, try adding Pendleton blankets with detailed patterns and colors,
Remember: Organic home design doesn’t mean just going green with eco-friendly structures, amenities and gadgets. Organic home décor can touch, and be tailored to match, every facet of your lifestyle.
Volume 10 | Issue 9