Lifestyle real estate newsletter | June 2020
How coronavirus may change the way we think about home function The current COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the world is living. For the first time in decades, Americans are spending far more time at home and only leaving the house only out of necessity. This time surrounded by our families has required our homes to function in new ways. People are working from home much more than they ever had before, the dining room has become homeschool headquarters and the kitchen is getting a lot more mileage these days. Will some of these needs become permanent or will we have a short memory? Here are some ways that pandemic is changing the way we function in our homes:
decrease the amount of times they need to venture out to buy groceries and to have more stock on hand to prevent food shortages.
The Kitchen
One area of the home that had been trending downward in terms of need due to the flexibility of tablets and laptops is the home office. Before the pandemic, many homes did not have a dedicated office; in some cases, they may have multi-purpose room such as a guest bedroom with a desk, a formal living room with an office-like corner, or the infamous built-in kitchen desk. This usage may have worked when the home office’s primary purpose was to pay bills and store documents. However, many people working
With governments urging their constituents to stay home as much as possible, people are cooking more at home. Across the country, restaurants have had to shift to serving only takeout and some have temporarily closed their doors to weather the coronavirus crisis. All this time cooking has people reconsidering the layout and function of their kitchens. Most specifically, people are wishing they had more storage space for food and staples to
In terms of how this applies to the kitchen, this can be achieved with: • Better kitchen organization • Bigger pantries • Additional fridge or freezer space With additional focus on the need to have several weeks of emergency supplies on hand including water, these features were already trending up before the pandemic hit. They could become even more important features moving forward.
The Home Office
from home find they need a quiet dedicated functional office space (and sometimes two separate spaces for couples who are both spend a lot of time on the phone or via Zoom meetings).
Flex Space
Open concept can be great for the kitchen and living areas, but spaces tucked away may become more desirable for people looking to have a school space for their kids or a workout space for their Pelotons or Mirrors. While we may not see a surge in home improvement investment to gain these new features, homeowners may look for ways to incorporate these now. When it is time to sell, marketing these features may pay off in big dividends. How has the time at home changed the way you look at your space? For additional information on our local market, call 206.730.0962 or email, nina@ninabjornstal.com.
N I N A B J O R N S TA L 206.730.0962 | Cell or Text nina@ninabjornstal.com | E https://realestatenina.com | W
15117 Main Street B106 | Mill Creek WA 98012
N I N A B J O R N S TA L 15117 Main Street B106 Mill Creek WA 98012
pending sale | final price coming... 4411 130th Place SW|Mukilteo 98275 MLS #1601969 4 Beds | 2.5 Bath | 2304 Sq Ft Nina Bjornstal | ABR Buyer Rep M Hubbard | Seller Rep
Multiple offers submitted for this sought after Mukilteo home. We negotiated prudently and my clients offer was accepted. I’m so happy for them. The market continues to be hot for seller’s and definitely a challenge for buyers with limited inventory still a major challenge. Both Sellers and Buyers will be in for a fast market as the summer real estate season begins and we are able to get out into the world again.
Market watch update | see the market trending in your county april 2020
may 2020
King County
Median sale price: $619,970 h Average sale price: $749,514 h List to sale price: 100% h Months of Inventory: 1.9 i Avg Days on Market: 32 i
King County
Median sale price: $615,740 i Average sale price: $745,707 i List to sale price: 100% Months of Inventory: 1.9 Avg Days on Market: 32
Snohomish County
Snohomish County
Pierce County
Pierce County
Median sale price: $474,950 h Average sale price; $510,974 h List to sale price: 100% Months of Inventory: 1.7 Avg Days on Market: 30 i Median sale price: $370,000 h Average sale price: $402,352 h List to sale price: 100% Months of Inventory: 1.8 Avg Days on Market: 31 i
Median sale price: $475,000 h Average sale price; $511,180 h List to sale price: 100% Months of Inventory: 1.7 Avg Days on Market: 30 Median sale price: $370,000 Average sale price: $403,821 h List to sale price: 100% Months of Inventory: 1.7 i Avg Days on Market: 31
I am currently taking on new clients.
The most sincere compliments I receive are the personal referrals from you. Thank you so much! Remember how much fun we had finding your home? I’d love to help them create new memories, too.
N I N A B J O R N S TA L 206.730.0962 | Cell or Text nina@ninabjornstal.com
If your home is currently listed this is not a solicitation for your listing, please disregard this mailer. | 20 20 Lifestyle real estate by nina