the
Home Connection
Volume 12 | Issue 7
JULY 2021
eye on the market The summer market has been heating up despite hopes that homebuyers would experience some relief. High demand kept supply depleted with nearly half the inventory of the same time a year ago and new listings being much lower than expected. In fact, the number of active listings for single family homes dropped in the month-to-month comparison for the first time in twenty years according to MLS data. On the other hand, median prices for homes hit record highs. The Northwest MLS data shows double-digit price hikes were widespread across most counties when compared with the same month a year ago. In King County prices are up by 29.46 percent, in Snohomish County up by 35.08 percent, in Pierce County
experience this! up by almost 23.46 percent in Thurston County up by almost 22.96 percent, and in Spokane County up by nearly 36.9% (Spokane Association of REALTORS). Homes are also selling for well over asking price, reflecting possible bidding wars driven by competition and low interest rates. That high demand is expected to continue into the summer with record breaking activity. MLS data shows in the four-county Puget Sound region, the list-to-sales price ratio on single family homes that closed last month above asking price was 107.3 Percent. Similarly in Spokane, 102.5 percent. As summer keeps progressing, it will be interesting to see how home prices and inventory fluctuate and if there will be a resulting market slowdown.
House window washing tips
Wings to Wheels 2021 7/3-7/4
Legends Car Show 7/17-7/18
Spokane Drive-In Fireworks Show 7/4
Bellevue Arts Museum Virtual Arts Fair 7/21-8/4
HUB Sports Center Drive-in Movie 7/16
Speedway Summer Showdown 7/23-7/24
Orting Rock Festival 7/17
Seattle World Whiskey Day 7/24
Auto Angels Annual Car Show 7/17-7/18
Kirkland Summerfest 7/30-8/1
Cleaning windows may seem like an easy chore, however, properly cleaning windows can be difficult and often overlooked. Here are a few tips and steps to help you make the inside and outside of your windows gleam. Cleaning the Inside of Windows 1. Fill a bucket with cool, clean water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. 2. Put a large bath towel underneath the window to catch any spilling water. 3. Use a clean sponge or microfiber towel to go over the surface of the window, starting at the top and working down to the bottom. It’s also important to wipe down the frame as well, both inside and out.
4. Spray the window thoroughly with the vinegar and water solution, or a commercial window cleaning product. 5. Use a lint-free, clean towel or paper towel to dry the window thoroughly. Use a Z-shaped motion to avoid streaks. 6. If dirt or streaks are still visible, spray and dry again. Dirty windows often need two rounds of spraying and drying.
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July important dates Sunday, July 4 Independence Day
Saturday, July 17 World Emoji Day
Sunday, July 25 Parent’s Day
Wednesday, July 7 World Chocolate Day
Sunday, July 18 Ice Cream Day
Thursday, July 15 Get to Know Your Customers Day
Saturday, July 24 Moon Day
Friday, July 30 International Day of Friendship
House window washing tips continued from previous page
Cleaning Windows From the Outside 1. Outside windows usually have more stains and dirt as they are exposed to the elements. Begin by rinsing the windows with a hose, then fill a bucket with clean, cool water and a few drops of liquid dish soap.
Wire Fraud Facts According to data from the FBI, in 2020, Americans lost nearly $1.8 billion to real estate scams just that year. In fact, there has been an increase of more than 300,000 complaints of internet fraud from 2019. Fraudsters have become more sophisticated with attempts to confuse people who are in the midst of closing on a home. Everyone is encouraged to stay vigilant. You should always assume scammers are monitoring your email. If something seems suspicious, do not open it or click on any links. If you 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.
2. Using a soft microfiber cloth, go over the surface of the window. For higher windows, use a sponge mop with a pole to reach. 3. Rinse again thoroughly with a hose. 4. Spray or mop with the vinegar and water solution or with a commercial cleaning product. 5. Dry the window with a rubber-bladed squeegee or lint-free towel. Angle the squeegee towards the bottom of the window and work from top to bottom. Wipe the squeegee with a clean, dry towel at the bottom of each stroke.
Best grilling tools Summer is in full swing and with the warmer weather and time spent outside, it’s barbequing season. To help elevate your grilling game and to make barbequing easier, it’s important to have the right tools to aid your efforts. Here are a few recommended tools that will help you turn up the heat this summer.
• Cuisinart CGS-134 Grilling Tool Set with Grill Glove. This
set comes with three basic grilling tools, a grill spatula, a grill fork, and grill tongs, including a heat-resistant glove.
• Weber Original Large Fish Basket. A grilling basket for fish with an expandable user-friendly design. This tool seamlessly cooks fish and solves the issue of fish sticking to and falling apart on the grill.
amazon.com
amazon.com
• Misto Brushed Aluminum Oil Sprayer. Add seasonings,
oil, vinegar, or other liquids you might want to coat your vegetables in without getting oil on your hands. amazon.com
• Lavatools Javelin PRO Duo. An accurate grill thermometer with a lighted display. lavatools.com
• Weber 6673 Original Wide Spatula. A grilling spatula with a wide head for easy turning.
• Premiala Meat Claws. Meat shredding claws that ensure you won’t burn your hands or bend tableware while pulling pork, brisket, or poultry. The stainless steel design also prevents sauces from sticking to the tool and grill. amazon.com • Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker Half Sheet. Large, double-thick, rolled-edge metal sheet pans that make grilling multiple food items at once easier. Target.com
homedepot.com
Volume 12 | Issue 7