Home touring restrictions for buyers have eased, which is good for our market.  In King and Pierce counties, we’re still technically in Phase II of the coronavirus reopening plan, but we recently got an update from Governor Inslee stating that home touring options for Realtors and their homebuyer clients were being expanded.    Until a couple of weeks ago, only two people were allowed inside a home at one time, and they had to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Now, though, up to five people (plus the broker) are allowed inside a listing. This is fan ..read more

 Here are our top tips for making your offer stand out in today’s market.   The market is hot right now, and homes are selling fast with multiple offers. Below are six important tips to remember if you’re a buyer trying to compete in today’s market; if you find yourself in a bidding war for the house of your dreams, you’ll be glad you read this.  1. Increase your earnest money. The days of $500 and $1,000 earnest money deposits are long gone. Increasing your deposit shows that you are a serious buyer acting in good faith. Our buyer specialists recommend a minimum ..read more

 Here’s my guide to selling your home during a pandemic.  We’ve had several listings over the last couple of months during this pandemic, so it is possible to buy or sell a home right now. When you do put your property on the market, things are moving quickly, but there are also some things you should understand before listing your home to overcome the present challenges.   The first thing I want to talk about is www. Staging has been one of those things that people feel is expensive and unnecessary. However, it’s so important to understand the benefits of staging t ..read more

 There are three steps you must take before touring properties.  As a homebuyer, there are three steps you need to take before you start shopping for homes if you want to set yourself up for success:   1. Pick your representation. By this I mean you should interview several brokers and pick one to represent you during the transaction. A good broker will always conduct a buyer consultation with you before entering into any agency relationship. During this consultation, they’ll set up property alerts to aid you during your search. They’ll also discuss the home purchas ..read more

Are you a minimalist single person looking for a homeowner starter kit, with little concern for space? Or maybe you’re a Hobbit, and tiny spaces appeal to you. Either way, you’re in luck. There are a surprising number of condos for sale in Seattle with 600sf, or less. The price tags are equally surprising, in that they’re outrageous. But hey, welcome to Seattle. What’s great is that this list regenerates every time you click on it, so it will always be current. So come back again, and again, whenever you want a quick, fun distraction! Jamie McAuley, Designated Broker. (206) 388-7737 D ..read more

Photo courtesy of NWMLS Are you a tech superstar with more money to burn than you know what to do with? Or maybe an up-and-coming professional athlete looking for the ultimate baller pad? Or maybe you just won the lottery, and feel like you deserve a rooftop swimming pool. There are lots of reasons you might want to see the most expensive luxury condos for sale in Seattle, this week. For most of us, it’s probably just because you’re bored at work and want to tune out for a few minutes. Het, that’s just fine! We’re here to help. What’s great is that this list regenerates every time you click ..read more

With the Seattle real estate market continuing to hit record prices, the prospect of actually buying something, especially if you’re on a budget, can seem pretty daunting. Lower prices are one of the many great reasons to consider going with a condo, rather than a detached single-family home. The lack of yard and building maintenance can also make condos appealing to buyers who’d rather spend their time on other activities. And then there are the amenities, like covered parking, pools, rooftop decks, etc., that often come along with the package. Here’s a list of the most affordable condos fo ..read more

Seattle has a long and complicated relationship with sports, and its older natives have grown up accustomed to disappointment. Though it came out of the gate with some momentum, having the first American hockey team to win the Stanley Cup, way back in 1917, Seattle has struggled since to make much of a mark on the national sports scene, until recently. I grew up in the 80’s, which was an especially dark time for Seattle sports. Back then, it was just the Mariners, the Seahawks, and the Sonics, and they were all bad. Like, the kind of bad that leaves a scar on your heart. The kind of bad that ..read more

Planning ahead for that big summer BBQ? Why not buy yourself a fancy new waterfront estate? It doesn’t even have to break the bank. There are waterfront homes for sale, in and around Seattle, starting from the mid-six-figures. They may need a little work or require a longer drive, but hey, it’s all worth it once you fire up that grill and watch the happy faces of your friends and family, who’ve come from far and wide to tell you all about how cool you are for living on the water. So go ahead and waste a few minutes fantasizing. You’ve earned it. What’s great is that this list regenerates eve ..read more

  It’s that time of year, again! That’s right, it’s time to start panicking about what to do for NYE! Don’t feel bad, though. Hardly anybody actually remembers to plan. I forget every year, until it’s almost too late. So this year, I decided to get a jump on things, and actually do some research, and I thought it’d make for a helpful update for my friends and clients. So here’s a list, or in some cases a link to a list, of great things happening around Seattle, this New Year’s Eve. This fancy Lake Union boat party “Join us on this beautiful Cruise throught Lake Union & Lake Washington ..read more