July 2020 Newsletter

the

Home Connection

Volume 11 | Issue 7

JULY 2020

eye on the market

Real estate has continued to simmer, with fewer listings, but enough demand to still have buyers in competition for the best listings. Brokers are reporting some multiple offer situations for properties price properly and in good condition.

Social distancing guidelines haven’t deterred those on the hunt for a home and brokers and real estate adjacent industries have stepped up to create safe environments and implemented processes that allow business to continue. Virtual open houses, prerecorded tours and live private showings have all been widely used by brokers across our region. The shortage of listings is the only thing holding back our market from levels similar to last year.

experience this!

While listings are down significantly, the most recent statistics from the Northwest MLS show, median closed-sales prices for single-family homes are down year-overyear in King County by 4 percent, but in Snohomish County, prices are up by 3.21 percent, in Pierce County up by 7.18 percent and in Thurston County up by 6.55 percent. Interest rates remain low, allowing buyers in the market to stretch their money a bit farther. This could come in handy for those looking to buy more space (inside and outside) due to spending more time at home.

Timing is everything. With the Governor’s Safe Start Proclamation, more sellers may decide to put their homes on the market in hopes of selling quickly, which would allow them to begin their own home search. Having a place to call home before the end of summer and the start of the school year is a top priority for many, as some are waiting to hear what the plan is for for opening local school districts in September. The preference of course is to be settled in a home in time to make plans for the fall.

Everyone is encouraged to stay vigilant.

At the very least, you should always assume scammers are monitoring your email. If something seems suspicious, do not open it or click on any links. If you

At Home Trivia – July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Various Topics

Blarney Castle in Ireland

Independence 5K Virtual Race

wire fraud facts According to data from the FBI, in 2019, Americans lost nearly $1.7 billion to real estate scams just that year. And now, during this time of crisis, there’s been an uptick in the attempts for wire fraud in real estate transactions. Fraudsters have taken this stressful time and run with attempts to confuse people who are distracted by current events as they are in the midst of closing on a home.

July Virtual Events Ohio’s Glenn and Experiences Research Center 4th of July Virtual Virtual Tour Concert featuring Kymm and Andy

suspect wire fraud with your transaction or have question about wire procedures, contact your escrow closer immediately at a known and verified number.

Lastly, spread the word about these scammers. The more people who are aware of wire fraud, the better we’ll all be able to prevent it from happening.

Online Craft Chocolate Tasting

Monterey Bay Aquarium Jelly Cam

National Museum of the United States Air Force Virtual Tour

Virtual Poetry Reading July 26th

What’s Your Tea Type (Virtual Tea Tasting) July 4th

july important dates

Flag etiquette

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day! Should you choose to fly your flag this July 4th, here are a few tips:

Saturday, July 4 Independence Day

Monday, July 20 Moon Day (Lunar Landing)

• The flag should not be flown in inclement weather unless it is an allweather flag.

Tuesday, July 7 World Chocolate Day

Sunday, July 26 Parents’ Day

• The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset, or 24 hours a day if illuminated properly during hours of darkness.

Sunday, July 19 Ice Cream Day

• The flag should not touch anything below it or rest on the ground.

Optimizing your outdoor space Many of us are spending plenty of time at home this summer. With the great weather we usually experience during July, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your outdoor spaces.

If you plan to work from home on your patio, include a dining table, outdoor coffee table or side table you can use as a workspace. If it’s far away from your wifi router, be sure to invest in a wifi extender that will ensure you get maximum speed from your home network.

Kids are out of school and will stake their claim to your patio.

Remember to create a designated spot for them by including room for their toys and games. Look for stackable items that also double as storage to make cleanup time a breeze.

When the sun goes down, temperatures also fall. If you don’t have an outdoor fireplace, a fire pit or propane patio heater can extend those long summer days far into the evening. They come in varying sizes to fit any space.

If your outdoor space is on the smaller size, try moving all of your seating to the perimeter of your outdoor area to maintain the maximum amount of open space. Also consider armless chairs to provide an airier and more open feel.

Also good for smaller spaces are allweather cushions to use on the ground or folding chairs or stools, paired with all-weather seat cushions, that will take up less space when not in use.

Of course, even in our region we get those blazing sunny days. If you plan to spend time outside, include some shady areas, or shademaking objects such as patio umbrellas or movable room dividers which can block the sun when shade is preferred.

Works of art can inspire and if your patio has a protected space (under the eaves to avoid direct sun and shelter from the rain) you can hang an inexpensive piece of art that can serve as a focal point. Alternatively, a fence or wall can make the perfect canvas for a mural or abstract work. Search for how-to videos that demonstrate how you can create your own planters and sculptures with a bag of concrete, empty yogurt containers and your imagination.

Lastly, don’t forget what’s under your feet. Outdoor rugs can make a cold concrete slab cozy, or a deck a nice place to sleep under the stars.

Volume 11 | Issue 7

• The flag should be cleaned and mended when necessary.

• If the flag is damaged or worn out, it should be disposed of with dignity.

When displaying the flag…

• From your porch, place the union (blue section) at the peak of the staff.

• Against a wall or on a window, place the union (blue section) at the top left corner.

• On your vehicle, clamp the staff to the right front fender.

• With another flag, place the U.S. flag to your left when crossed.

• Keep your flag completely dry and folded properly — into a triangle, with the union (blue section) visible — before storing it in a well-ventilated area. For more information about your American flag, please visit www.usa.gov/flag.