the
Home Connection
Volume 13 | Issue 5
MAY 2022
eye on the market Spring is in full bloom and so is the housing market. MLS brokers reported around 10,000 mutually accepted offers this past month, which is almost a 31 percent jump from February. MLS data also shows that during this past month there was an influx of single-family homes listed, a gain of more than 41 percent from the previous month. This marked the highest volume of new listings added during a month since the fall of 2021. Increases in inventory will give buyers a wider selection and hopefully alleviate the intense competition they continue to experience, as it is still considered a ‘seller’s market.’ This is especially evident in the appreciating asking price of sellers’ homes.
experience this! 16.04 percent, and in Thurston County up by almost 18.82 percent.
In addition to the increase in home prices, mortgage rates are also on the rise. However, brokers reported that this has yet to strongly discourage home sales in most areas across Washington state. They believe that any lag in homebuying is instead due to the demand for homes perpetually outweighing supply. Consistent with efforts seen in previous months, homebuyers are making strong offers, waiving inspections, and making sure financing is in place to secure a home in the current conditions. In the future, these conditions A closer look at MLS data shows the may be affected by inventory closed sale price escalations for specific influxes, job growth in the Puget Sound, counties, compared with the same month and other economic impacts. It will be a year ago. In King County prices are up by interesting to see how these factors 12.73 percent, in Snohomish County up by interact with the real estate market as the 25 percent, in Pierce County up by almost peak season proceeds.
Spokane Bloomsday 5/1
Seattle World Whiskey Day 5/14
Discover Burien Sidewalk Sale 5/6-5/8
Angle Lake Fishing Derby 5/15
Africa Fashion Week 5/7
The Big Fake Wedding 5/18
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to show your mom or the moms in your life that you appreciate them and all that they do. Here are a few ideas to show mom you care:
• Support your local small businesses
with a gift card for a spa, hair salon or nail salon appointment.
• For the coffee loving
mom, gift her a bag of her favorite blend from her go-to coffee spot.
• Plant flowers around the
yard or in pots on the patio for months of cheery summer color.
• Give mom a bejeweled family tree with a personalized birthstone necklace.
• Create a kitchen herb garden in
mason jars and include a few recipes she can try.
Fisherman’s Seattle Beer Week Village Music Fest 5/13-5/21 5/19-5/21
• Just in time for summer, gift a
charcuterie board set that is the perfect hostess aid.
• Commission a custom handdrawn family portrait from an artist on etsy.com
• Give your mom a call. The tried-andtrue phone call still works and is a great way to catch up and connect.
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Fairchild Air Force Base SkyFest 5/14-5/15
Bothell Making Local Market 5/28
May important dates Sunday, May 1 May Day Monday, May 2-6 Teacher Appreciation Week Wednesday, May 4 Star Wars Day
Friday, May 6 National Nurses Day
Wednesday, May 11 National Receptionist Day
Saturday, May 7 Opening Day of Boating Season
Sunday, May 15 International Day of Families
Sunday, May 8 Mother’s Day
Monday, May 30 Memorial Day
May Home Checklist Pump & inspect septic tank Maintain yard growth Clean window screens
Roof maintenance tips One of the most important and sometimes overlooked parts of a house is the roof. The roof protects your home from all kinds of weather, bugs, animals and falling debris while also adding to the overall look of your house. Take a look at this maintenance guide to keep your roof in tip top shape.
• Visually inspect your roof. Twice a year (spring and fall) visually inspect your roof from the ground. Look for problem areas like lifting or missing shingles, damaged drip edge, missing or exposed fasteners, broken or drooping gutters, and piles of granules. • Clean the gutters. Have an expert clean your gutters a few times a year or after a particularly big storm to avoid water from backing up and rot from occurring. • Trim the trees around your roof. Storms can send branches, leaves, and other debris falling onto your roof. To prevent this from happening, trim overhanging tree limbs that are near your roof.
• Check the insulation. Proper insulation and ventilation in your attic can help keep your roof in good condition by reducing moisture and preventing ice dams from forming. • Inspect your rooftop for rust. If your roof was constructed with any metallic parts, then it is important to check regularly that there is not corrosion and rust on the metal. If you notice rust developing, use a wire-brush to remove the rust and then prime and paint the affected areas of the metal to keep them rust-free longer.
• Look for moss and algae. You can help prevent moss and algae from growing on the roof by keeping your attic properly ventilated and regularly removing any debris from your roof.
Spring garden and yard maintenance tips Warm spring weather is on the way and it is time to start planning for a flourishing garden and yard. Here are a few tips to help you get your garden ready for the peak season.
• Clean up the garden. Remove all debris and dead plants.
rhododendron fertilizer to feed evergreens, conifers, rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. Use an all-purpose fertilizer to feed roses and other deciduous trees.
• Sharpen your garden tools. If needed, make sure your tools
• Replace mulch as needed. One to three inches of mulch
You will also need to remove weeds, making sure to get the roots so they will not grow back. are sharpened be used for plant maintenance. This Includes giving your lawn mower a checkup, which can include changing the engine oil and air filter, as well as sharpening the blade.
• Replenish the soil. Soil can become dry after the winter
months, so it is important to add back in moisture and nourishment essential to promoting growth. Add compost or manure to the soil which will increase the health of your plantings and lawn.
helps prevent weeds and diseases and keeps your garden insulated.
• Plant new shrubs and flowers. When your existing plants
have been cared for, you can turn your attention to adding new plants. Plants that are recommended for spring are pansies, snapdragons, redbuds, lilacs, and tulips. It’s prime time for vegetables like lettuce, arugula and peas, then after the last freeze, transplanting tomatoes outside are also ideal for spring.
• Choose the correct fertilizer for the job. Use an acid-type Volume 13 | Issue 5