WCB 253 Magazine January 2024

JANUARY 2024

Local Real Estate Market Trends Plus...

Real Estate Agency Law What these changes mean for you

Color of the Year

Cleaning out the Clutter

Tranquility of Nature

Donating, thrifting, and helping the environment

...and more The power of Windermere. The personalized service of Windermere Chambers Bay.

"We will open the book.

Its pages are blank.

We are going to put words on them ourselves.

The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." -Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Local Real Estate Market Trends Plus...

WCB in the Community Our Agents serving on Community Boards in 2024

Real Estate Agency Law What the changes mean for you

2024 Colors of the Year Inspired by Nature

Local Feature Clearing out the clutter Thrifting around Tacoma

Home Maintenance Your checklist for the year

January Events What's Happening?

2024 Renovation?

Your planning guide

Market Updates

WCB IN THE COMMUNITY! The power of Windermere, the personalized service of Chambers Bay.

Thank you to Elizabeth Foster for leading the Tacoma Pierce County Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS in 2023.

We look forward to seeing what you do as President Elect for Washington State in 2024.

Thank you to Elsa Borgen for serving on the TPCAR Board of Directors as Treasurer in 2023

Congratulations to Devin Scherck for being elected 2024 Vice President for the Tacoma Pierce County Chapter of Women's Council of REALTORS.

Congratulations to Byron Pullen and Karly Oswald for being selected to represent WCB at the 2024 TPCAR Leadership Academy.

Byron Pullen and Elizabeth Foster will also be representing Tacoma Pierce County on the Washington REALTORS Board of Directors for the next 2 years.

2024 Color of the year As we step into a new year, the world of design and style is ablaze with the allure of the "Color of the Year." Embracing a palette that mirrors the tranquility of nature, 2024 showcases a harmonious blend of soothing earth tones, profound moody hues, and a spectrum of captivating blues. These colors not only evoke a sense of calmness and serenity but also carry the essence of grounding and connecting with the natural world.

Whether it's the rich, warm tones reminiscent of sun-kissed landscapes or the deep, mysterious shades that stir the imagination, this year's color trends promise to infuse spaces with depth, character, and a touch of timeless elegance.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AND SEE ADDITIONAL COLORS

PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz825

BENJAMIN MOORE CC-860 Blue Nova 825

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SW6239 Upward

This luminous yet gentle hue brings a soft touch to any room, fostering an atmosphere perfect for relaxation and contemplation.

Plus, its contemporary undertones make it a seamless fit for modern design aesthetics.

A luxurious and grounded blue, equally suited for accent pieces or covering entire color-drenched rooms. This choice reflects the seamless integration of modern and traditional styles currently trending in home interiors.

A bright and breezy blue it is crafted to instill tranquility into any space.

Use it as a neutral on walls or ceilings, complemented by light, earth-tone accents, or create a statement accent wall for a pop without overwhelming the space.

pantone.com

benjaminmoore.com

sherwin-williams.com

Photo: BEHR Facebook

Photo: VALSPAR Webstire

GLIDDEN PPG1091-3 Limitless

VALSPAR 8003-37D Renew Blue

BEHR PPU18-1 Cracked Pepper

A warm, nearly-yellow neutral that seamlessly pairs with various color schemes. Described as an "anything-but-yellow honey beige" by Glidden's color experts, it is designed to harmonize with both warm and cool tones, aligning with the current trend towards warmth.

A tranquil and meditative shade of soft sky blue that draws inspiration from natural elements like fog, mist, clouds, and glacier lakes. For a coastal escape, pair with jute or driftwood accessories.

Achieve a crisp, clean look by combining it with bright white for the perfect pop of color.

A deep, almost-black charcoal hue, infusing spaces with a sophisticated allure. Its neutrality makes it adaptable to various design styles, ranging from midcentury modern to rustic farmhouse, while also harmonizing with different textures.

glidden.com

valspar.com

behr.com

What’s Old is New: How Thrifting Can Help Save Money and the Environment By: Celeste Schueler With welcoming a new year, people may be creating New Year’s resolutions for a variety of reasons. A few of the ways people can make a lasting impact on their wallets and the environment is to learn how to thrift and how to properly donate and recycle their used items.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, there are so many options to reuse, recycle, and upcycle practically anything. From finding places to recycle old clothes to various vintage and thrift stores to donate gently used items, there are endless options in person and online. Public libraries also offer classes and services on how to repair home goods and clothes as well. From Pierce County and around Tacoma to places in Seattle as well as online options such as ThredUp, there are great options for donating gently used items to clear closet space as well as help nonprofits.

However, a lot of people get overwhelmed when it comes to divvying their things for donation. How can people learn what to recycle, what to donate, and what to possibly repair or reuse or regift?

Clothes and items such as purses, wallets, shoes, and housewares in great condition are perfect for a free clothing swap within the community. Gently used books are wonderful to donate to Little Free Libraries or possibly sell back to a used bookstore such as Half Price Books. Gently used items still in good condition are also terrific to donate to a thrift store that fundraises or helps a nonprofit. There are also consignment shops to donate clothes and gently used furniture. Just a few options in Tacoma are Mission Thrift on 6th Avenue, Value Village in University Place, St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, and Life Center Thrift Store.

Items that are in need of repair, such as small holes in tops and sweaters or ripped seams in pants and jeans, can easily be fixed by a local tailor or the Tacoma Public Library and Federal Way Public Libraries offer days for things to be repaired.

What about items that are beyond repair, stained, or worn out? There are options for those as well. Some big fashion retailers such as H&M and American Eagle offer in store clothing recycling and Madewell offers blue jean recycling. Local options around the area include some Value Village locations and Savers Recycling, Inc. in Fife. There are also clothing recycling donation boxes around Tacoma.

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to save money? Maybe another to get away from fast fashion, which is becoming a major polluter of the environment. Learning to thrift is a great way to do both. In need of a new jacket or sweater?

Or perhaps it’s time to find some new home décor or set of dishes or glassware? Thrift stores are the perfect place to find gently used and even name brand items for inexpensive prices.

Some clothing items still have the original tags or dishes are new in boxes. Places like Mission Thrift and Value Village can have name brand items such as Levi’s or Lucky Brand jeans and even Coach or Michael Kors purses. Gently used coffee mugs and reusable tumblers and water bottles make thoughtful gifts and there are all sorts of picture frames and even hardback books for great prices. Sometimes thrift stores even have brand new art and craft supplies for a fraction of the cost versus Target or Walmart.

Recycling and donating items help clear your closets and homes while helping others, and thrifting items versus buying new helps the environment as well as saves money. Learning to shop greener helps everyone. If the goals of 2024 are to help the environment as well as save money, then thrifting is a marvelous option.

Get to clearing those closets and sorting items.

Happy New Year and happy thrifting!

Fix it Night with Pierce County Library System

Local Thrifting Black Sheep Resale 4020 S Steele St #106, Tacoma, WA 98409 Life Center Thrift 6331 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98406 Mission Thrift 2502 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405 Northwest Furniture Bank 117 Puyallup Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421 PopUp Kids Shop & Second Born Maternity 7530 28th St W Suite B, University Place, WA 98466 Runway Fashion Exchange 4020 S Steele St, Tacoma, WA 98409 S.A.V.E. Thrift Store 14201 Purdy Ln NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332 St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store 4009 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 Tacoma Habitat for Humanity Store 4824 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 The Nook 1416 East Main Street, Suite B, Puyallup, WA 98371 Value Village 6802 19th St W, University Place, WA 98466

Poshmark

Online Ridwell

ThreadUP

Electronic Recycle SBK Recycyle 6815 26th St East, Fife, WA 98424

Services Agreements Beginning January 1, 2024, the state will require not just a Listing Brokerage Services Agreement but also a Buyer Brokerage Services Agreement to further protect the consumer and create clear guidelines and expectations about commissions from both sides of the transaction.

Service Agreements are good for all parties in the transaction and create clarity and transparency for all to see and understand. Real estate professionals provide a personal and financial service and are held to the same standard of care as an attorney. Fair compensation is negotiated on all sides of the transaction. While over 40% of real estate professionals have only closed 1 transaction, at Windermere Chambers Bay we hold ourselves to a higher standard. 2024 should prove to be a challenging but successful year in real estate and times like these who you work with really does matter.

Windermere Chambers Bay

Crafting Your Dream Space: A Guide to Planning a Successful Home Renovation If you are planning on embarking on a on a home renovation journey this year, it can both thrilling and rewarding. By following these steps and staying organized, you'll be well on your way to creating a space that reflects your style and enhances your lifestyle. Happy renovating!

1. Define Your Goals and Priorities: Before you start tearing down walls, take some time to define your renovation goals and priorities. Ask yourself questions like: What do I want to achieve with this renovation?

Are there specific areas of my home that need attention?

What is my budget range?

2. Research and Gather Inspiration: Explore magazines, websites, and social media platforms for inspiration. Create a vision board or a digital folder with images and ideas that resonate with your style. This will be a valuable reference point as you move through the planning process.

3. Set a Realistic Budget: Establishing a realistic budget is crucial. Consider the scope of your project, including materials, labor, permits, and potential unforeseen costs. A well-defined budget will guide your decisions and help you prioritize aspects of the renovation.

4. Create a Detailed Plan: Work with a professional designer or architect to create a detailed plan for your renovation. This plan should include: Layout changes Electrical and plumbing considerations Material specifications Project timeline 5. Select a Reputable Contractor: Choosing the right contractor is a pivotal step. Research local contractors, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. Interview potential contractors, checking their licenses and certifications. A trustworthy contractor can make a significant difference in the success of your project.

6. Obtain Necessary Permits: Check with your local municipality to determine if permits are required for your renovation. Securing the necessary permits is essential to ensure your project complies with building codes and regulations.

7. Prepare for Temporary Disruptions: Renovations often come with some inconvenience. Be prepared for temporary disruptions to your daily routine, and plan accordingly. Communicate with your contractor about any specific concerns or requirements.

8. Stay Involved and Communicate: Regular communication with your contractor is vital. Stay involved in the process, ask questions, and address concerns promptly. This collaboration ensures that the project aligns with your vision.

9. Celebrate the Progress: As the renovation progresses, take moments to celebrate the milestones achieved. Acknowledge the hard work of everyone involved and keep the excitement alive.

10. Finalize Details and Enjoy Your New Space: Before wrapping up the project, ensure all final details are addressed. Walk through the renovated space with your contractor, make any necessary adjustments, and finally, enjoy your transformed home!

Buying to Selling in this Market

Months of Pending Inventory

New Listings in Pierce County

1.9

575

Even compared to last month

Down 43.3% compared to last month

Sold values and days on market are holding steady while the number of closings show a seasonal decline. It happens at this time every year.

Who you work with matters.

PIERCE COUNTY STATS

December 2023

Median SOLD Price

516,250 Even Year over Year Up .7% from last month

Number of Closed Sales this Month

623 Down .02% compared to last month

Days on Market

22

Up 5 days compared to last month

MUCH LIKE PEOPLE, EVERY MARKET IS UNIQUE. SOME MARKETS HAVE VIEWS, SOME LARGE YARDS. FROM HOMES BUILT AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY TO NEW CONSTRUCTION, EACH AREA HAS ITS OWN FEATURES AND TYPES OF HOMES.

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