the
Home Connection
Volume 12 | Issue 3
MARCH 2021
eye on the market Spring is just around the corner and for the housing market, this typically means a thawing of the winter slow down and the start of a busy spring market. However, the market remained hot through the winter and has continued its unprecedented pace. Intense homebuying activity continues to be driven by historically low interest rates and record low inventory of houses to purchase. In fact, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service data shows that despite an uptick in new listings in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston counties last month, demand still far outweighed supply and yet again has driven prices upward for prospective homebuyers. Year over year price growth continues to remain far above long-term averages.
experience this! The Northwest MLS shows median closed-sale prices for single-family homes have increased significantly when compared with the same month a year ago. In King County prices are up by 14.98 percent, in Snohomish County up by 17.66 percent, in Pierce County up by almost 15.79 percent and in Thurston County up by nearly 16.75 percent. For homebuyers to compete with current market conditions, there have been increases in trends such as buyers making their first offer above the list price, cash offers, and waived inspections in the hopes of securing a home in a ‘seller’s market.’ Brokers predict that we will see more of the same trends throughout the spring and summer as long as inventory and mortgage rates remain low. It will be interesting to see if this pace will in fact be sustainable and how this will continue to impact the Washington real estate market in the coming months.
Housewarming gift ideas
Destiny City Film Festival 2/26 – 3/7
Tour the Great Wall of China
Tacoma RV Show 3/4 – 3/72/6
View from the Eiffel Tower
Everett Half Marathon 3/27-3/28
Live web cams at the Georgia Aquarium
Virtual Irish Festival
Explore The National Gallery in London
Virtual tour of Louvre museum
Access Mars with NASA’s rover
Moving into a new home is a milestone to celebrate. If you are looking for the perfect housewarming gift, take a look at these thoughtful and useful presents that a homeowner will appreciate. 1. Flowertown Weddings Engraved Cutting Board; Customizable cutting board made with genuine wood, makes a great personalized housewarming gift. etsy.com $20.95 2. Linoto Linen Coaster Set; Protective washable coasters are great for protecting surfaces and come in a classic neutral shade that compliments home décor. linoto.com $12 3. Mixology & Craft Copper Bartender Kit; Beautiful well maid cocktail set that includes a jigger,
muddler, mixing spoon, cocktail shaker, strainer, liquor pourers, ice tongs, and corkscrew. amazon.com $69.99 4. Uncommon Goods Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden; Self-watering mason jars are perfect for easily planting seeds and starting your garden. They fit on most windowsills and shelves. unccommongoods.com $20 5. Anthropologie Matte Latte Bowls; These colorful latte bowls are perfect for hot drinks, serving, or mixing continued on next page
March important dates Wednesday, March 3 World Wildlife Day
Sunday, March 14 Pi Day
Saturday, March 20 First Day of Spring
Monday, March 8 International Women’s Day
Wednesday, March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
Tuesday, March 30 National Doctor’s Day
Housewarming gift ideas continued from previous page
St. Patrick’s Day at home ideas Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year may look a little different than in past years. However, with a little creativity, you can still get into the spirit with these fun ideas and activities.
• Wear green: wearing clothing or an accessory that is green is a classic St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
backyard, or an area where clovers can be found and have them search for lucky four-leaf clovers. This is a great activity for kids, as it gets them outside and keeps them entertained. • Learn Irish dancing: Find an online video tutorial that will show you how to do Irish step. This traditional dancing is a corner stone of Irish culture and a great workout to enjoy.
• Listen to Irish music: playing Irish music is a great way to liven up any room and will get you in the holiday mood.
• Make an Irish meal: There are many delicious St. Patrick’s Day recipes online that can inspire your holiday meal. Find an Irish dish you want to try this year and spice up your cooking routine.
• Search for four-leaf clovers: Take children to a grassy field, your
and make a great addition to the kitchen staples. anthropologie.com $19.20 6. PENGKE Freestanding Wine Rack; This chic wine rack is great for storing bottles in style and makes a great display for guests. amazon.com $31.99 7. Anthropologie Marbled Acacia Cheese Board; This beautiful platter is great for artfully serving cheese, fruits, and charcuterie. anthropologie.com $34 8. Black + Decker Purify Air Fryer; This countertop machine features dual convection fans that quickly fry foods without using oil, for a healthier take on your favorite fried classics. amazon.com $72.99 9. BEEKMAN 1802 Hand Wash & Lotion Caddy. This luxurious set features a stylish and reusable caddy, two bottles of hand soap and a bottle of lotion, all made with goat milk and botanical ingredients. Set hsn.com $32.50 10. Brewsense Drip Coffee Maker. This high end coffee maker delivers a rich, bold, hot cup of coffee and can be programed to brew the perfect cup ahead of time. amazon.com $89.95
Home Color trends 2021 Here are the trendy colors chosen by paint companies and color exerts, and ide as for how to incorporate them in your hom e:
PANTONE Color: “Ul�mate Gray + Illumina�ng” Buzz: Gray e mbodies dependability and a solid founda�on while Illumina�on embodies sunshine, warmth, and op�mism. Use on: furniture and accents in a room
PPG Color: “Misty Aqua” Buzz: so�, muted turquoise with an aquamarine undertone. Gives a serene feel to a room. Use on: bedroom walls
Sherwin Williams Color: “Urbane Bronze”
Benjamin Moore Color: “Aegean Teal”
Buzz: This bold and understated color taps into nature with a warm and
Buzz: blue -green hue with gentle undertones gives a soothing and
earthy feel. Use: Window trims or accent walls
invi�ng feel to a home. Use on: Kitchen walls and cabinets
Volume 12 | Issue 3