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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