More • March 2, 2016

Windermere Foundation 2015 Infographic

by Marilou Ubungen

If you’ve bought or sold a home through Windermere Real Estate, you’re a part of the Windermere Foundation, and you’ve helped make a positive difference in the lives of your neighbors in need. The following infographic shows the types of services funded by the Windermere Foundation, and illustrates how even a small amount can make a big difference for low-income and homeless children and their families.

The Windermere Foundation had a goal to reach $30 million in total donations by the end of 2015. Thanks to the generosity of Windermere owners, agents, staff, and our community partners, we reached that goal three months early! Because of this we were able to fulfill 636 grants and help 409 organizations that provide goods and services to those in need in our communities.

If you’d like to help support programs in your community, please click the Donate button.

To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit http://www.windermere.com/foundation.

More • February 26, 2016

#YourStoryIsOurStory: Building a Business with the Community in Mind

by Windermere Staff

Amy Allen, a Windermere Real Estate agent in Poulsbo, Washington is passionate about her work. When Gabi and Joe were ready to sell their home, they asked their community for recommendations on a real estate agent they could trust. Amy’s name came up, and her reputation preceded her. She was prepared to help, every step of the way, finding a painter, stager and professional photographer, making the selling process as painless as possible.

According to Amy “there is nothing better than the confidence of my clients and other real estate professionals”.

Throughout the year we will be posting some of our favorite #YourStoryIsOurStory videos, photos, and blog posts. Please take a minute to share your experiences, and follow #YourStoryIsOurStory on our blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest pages.

More • February 25, 2016

YMCA Kids Hoop It Up at Half-Time Fundraiser Show

by Marilou Ubungen

Since 1989, a portion of the proceeds from every home purchased or sold through Windermere Real Estate is donated to the Windermere Foundation. The Foundation uses these donations to provide funding to programs that support low-income and homeless families in our communities. One event that we have supported over the past few years is the annual Husky Hoops half-time free-throw fundraiser at a University of Washington men’s basketball game. At this year’s game, the University of Washington played the team from Stanford.

Three youth from the University Family YMCA participated in this year’s event on Saturday, February 20th. The Foundation donated $100 for each free-throw that was made during the special half-time event, with a minimum $1,000 donation. The three YMCA kids put on a great show this year, wowing the crowd by making 12 baskets! The kids had a blast and the University Family YMCA received $1,200 from the half-time event.

The YMCA is just one of the many organizations that the Windermere Foundation has supported, donating funds over the years towards tuition-assistance for low-income children to attend quality after-school enrichment programs and summer camp activities. To date, the Windermere Foundation has raised over $30 million for programs and organizations that provide shelter, clothing, children’s programs, emergency assistance, and other services to those who need our help the most.

To find out more about the Windermere Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit http://www.windermere.com/foundation

Living • February 25, 2016

Keeping up with the Joneses: The Harsh Realities of Renovation

by Guest Author

A brief update on our progress thus far and a few reflections on buying a Seattle fixer:

Lows:

The amount of Ibuprofen. The reality is renovations take a lot of hard, back-breaking work. Our home was built in the early 1940s and the walls are mostly plaster which is pretty difficult to work with (demo, drill, repair, etc.) We are saving a lot of money by doing the work ourselves but it makes sense why people sometimes choose to hire this work out.

Time runs out quickly. Every day we have a plan for the renovations and we complete about 70% of those goals. You see the progress you’re making but you battle the feeling that you’re not getting anywhere.

Dirty all the time. We are caked in caulk and grout. Our house is dusty and disorganized (and we haven’t even moved in!)

Nothing is free. It cost $120 to get rid of the 2,000lbs of house debris and lawn gnomes. Plaster is heavy. Gnomes are heavier.

Highs:

Getting exactly what we want. From fixtures to grout color, this bathroom is 100% what we envisioned. It’s also a small step up from the linoleum, orange formica countertop and stained glass bear window. (#savethebear)

Quality of output. My father and I hand-polished every single hexagon tile on our floor after we spread the grout last night. When it’s your home and you’re the one putting in the work, you take the time to do it right.

Bonding with the people you’re working alongside. I learned that my dad was drafted into the Vietnam war while he was dating my mom but the request was recalled as the war dwindled. I watched my wife balance our baby on her hip while putting her whole weight into every piece of laid tile. The four of us have spent at least 40 hours together in that tiny bathroom and we’re closer because of it.

Tyler Davis Jones is a Windermere Real Estate agent in Seattle who, with his wife Jenn, recently traded in their in-city condo for a 1940s fixer-upper. Tyler and Jenn, along with the help of some very generous friends and family members, are taking on all the renovations themselves. You can follow the transformation process on the Windermere Blog or on Tyler’s website and Instagram.

Next week on the blog: Would you do a DIY home renovation again?

Living • February 22, 2016

The Tax Benefits Every Homeowner Should Know About

by Chad Basinger DRE# 01817600

This article originally appeared in Times of San Diego

The housing market on the West Coast is predominantly very strong and more and more people are becoming homeowners. While there are many intangible benefits to owning a home, such as pride of ownership and setting down roots in the neighborhood, the tangible benefits are just as great. In addition to benefitting from possible appreciation, there are many tax deductions available that help reduce your annual income taxes.

Tax breaks are available for any type of home — single-family residence, town house, mobile home, or condominium. However, to take full tax advantage of owning a home, property owners need to understand the expenses they can deduct, and learn some tips to get the most tax advantages out of home ownership.

Mortgage Interest

A house payment is comprised of two parts: principal and interest. The principal goes toward reducing the amount you owe on your loan and is not deductible. However, the interest you pay is deductible as an itemized expense on your tax return. You can generally deduct interest on the first $1 million of your mortgage. You can also deduct interest on the first $100,000 of a home equity loan.

Property Taxes

Another big part of most monthly loan payments is taxes, which go into an escrow account for payment when the taxes are due. This amount should be included on the annual statement homeowners get from their lenders, along with their loan interest information. These taxes will be an annual deduction as long as the home is owned.

Home Improvements

If using a home equity loan or other loan secured by a home to finance home improvements, these loans will qualify for the same mortgage interest deductions as the main mortgage. Only the interest associated with the first $100,000 is deductible.Making improvements on a home can help you reduce your taxes in two possible ways:

Tracking home improvements can help when the time comes to sell. If a home sells for more than it was purchased for, that extra money is considered taxable income. You are allowed to add capital improvements to the cost/tax basis of your home. If a home sells for more than it was purchased for plus any capital improvements, that extra money is considered taxable income. Keep in mind that most taxpayers are exempted from paying taxes on the first $250,000 (for single filers) and $500,000 (for joint filers) of gains.

Home Office Deduction

If a homeowner works from home, they can take a deduction for the room or space used as an office. This includes working from a garage, as well as a typical office space.

This deduction can include expenses like mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, and repairs, and is calculated based on “the percentage of your home devoted to your business activities,” according to the IRS.

Home Energy Tax Credits

For homeowners looking to make their home a little greener, the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit can help offset the cost of energy efficiency improvements. People who install solar panels most commonly take advantage of this credit. Homeowners can save up to 30 percent of the total cost of installing certain renewable energy sources in their home. Even better, this is a credit, which means it directly lowers a homeowner’s tax bill.

Of course, every homeowner’s financial situation is different, so please consult with a tax professional regarding your individual tax liability.

Chad Basinger is a real estate agent in San Diego with Windermere Homes & Estates. He has held his CPA license since 1994, has his CFP Certificate, and has been a licensed Realtor since 2007.

Living • February 18, 2016

6 Ways to Incorporate the Color of the Year in Your Home

by Guest Author

The Pantone Color of the Year was announced a couple of months ago and we can’t express how awesome these colors are apart, let alone together. For the first time Pantone introduces two shades as the Color of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity are a fusion of warm and cool; promoting not only a non-traditional color match, but also gender equality. Here are six different ways to integrate these heavenly colors into your home.

The Bedroom

The easiest way to stay up to date with the latest design styles is through your bedding. Start with a neutral comforter, then pick Rose Quartz or Serenity colored sheets. Every time you get into bed you’ll get a little reminder of what these colors represent: an antidote to modern day stresses. Whether you choose the warm embracing tone of Rose Quartz or the cool tranquil Serenity blue, you’re ensured a soothing sense of order and peace. This is the perfect way to relax at night and make sure you wake up on the right side of the bed.

The Kitchen

A SMEG fridge is about the cutest way we can think of to jazz up your kitchen. These adorable fridges will add a pop of color
and a retro feel to your home. Think of it as an ode to 2016 and the amazing year you are going to create for yourself. If you don’t want to commit to the Color of the Year in the form of an appliance, add some towels or kitchen decor.

The Bathroom

If you’re thinking of remodeling your bathroom, go bold and opt for Rose Quartz or Serenity colored tiles. If tile is a little too permanent, opt for a new rug and towels in one of these lovely colors. Perhaps you should get new towels to go with the newly improved room because who doesn’t love a reason to get brand new fluff?

The Dining Room

This one is easy. It’s all about the tablecloth and napkins in Serenity with a touch of Rose Quartz – or visa versa. You can easily accent your table with fresh flowers in this year’s colors too (we’re thinking pink peonies). If you’re really serious about color, invest in some dinnerware or serving pieces as well.

The Office

Offices are often the forgotten room in a house where function overshadows form. Why not spruce up your office by painting the walls (or at least one wall) Rose Quartz or Serenity? You can also add a touch of color with desk accessories and an accent pillow on your chair.

The Closet

This is essentially its own room right? It’s beginning to look a lot like spring and we think you should celebrate the end of winter with a little shopping. Here’s some inspiration for how to add this year’s colors into your wardrobe in a seriously sleek and classy style.

For more ideas and color pairings, check out the Color of the Year site.

This article originally appeared on WindermereSeattle.com

Living • February 17, 2016

Keeping up with the Joneses: How Much Does it Cost to Update a Bathroom? (Part 2)

by Guest Author

Remember that cutesy little budget we posted late last week? There are a few things we naïvely left off that list… and I’d try to list them all but that would require getting up off the couch and digging out the 1,634 receipts from Home Depot that are currently floating around my diaper bag (along with an old banana and a jar of spackle. I'm not kidding.)

So in addition to buying all of that stuff we talked about last time, you’ll also need:

Backerboad seam tape: I knew we needed backerboard but seam tape?? Backerboard is a cement-ish board that you screw into the floor and shower walls. You also will need this metal tape stuff (backerboard seam tape) to lay between the seams to keep the boards together. Also, repeatedly drilling into a cement board may make your significant other scream obscenities. $5
Ceramic tile caulk and caulk gun: It’s important to get a good seal the seams around the tub and tile on the ground and in the shower before you lay your tile. We had an old caulk gun at the condo but #impatient $18
Tile adhesive (PRE-MIXED): That last bit is in caps for a reason, party people. Turns out the $5 you spend on “mix it up yourself” adhesive will leave you alone at 9:52pm with a bucket full of gritty goop that will turn into cement and ruin your bucket. $52
Replacement bucket: $3

My wise and reno-experienced mother-in-law once said “Whatever you think you’ll spend on a home project, double it. And whatever time you think it’ll take to complete… triple it.” We’re 6 days into our renovation and we should have moved in yesterday but had to push it out a week sooooooo totes on track! But hey, we’re still having a ton of fun despite the obscenities.

Next, we tile!

Next week on the blog: The Harsh Realities of Renovation

More • February 12, 2016

Windermere Real Estate Shows Two Property Listings at Annual Modernism Week Event in Palm Springs

by Shelley Rossi

In addition to great weather, beautiful scenery, world-class golf courses and fabulous shopping, Palm Springs is also full of modern era architecture that dates back to the 1950s. Each year, the city of Palm Springs shows its appreciation for these structural designs with its annual Modernism Week, a celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture.

This exciting festival will feature more than 250 events in the Palm Springs area from February 11-21 with an expected attendance of more than 60,000 visitors. Highlights of the event include films, lectures, architectural bus tours, nightly parties, live music, tours of Sunnylands, fashion shows, classic cars, modern garden tours, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more. Signature Home Tours will also be available throughout the event, where participants can view and tour properties that have unique history and elegant modern designs.

Windermere Real Estate will be showing two such properties throughout the event, including "The Lilliana Gardens Glass House", an architectural gem currently listed with Windermere Real Estate | Leaskou Partners. The second is a mid-century style home on Buckboard Lane that is loaded with modern features and listed by Windermere Homes & Estates.

The Lilliana Garden Glass House, which is located in the Mesa neighborhood, is a four-bedroom, three-bath home designed by Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison in 1954, and is currently listed at $1,588,000. The current owner spent more than seven years lovingly restoring this exceptional home, consulting with Donald Wexler throughout the process in order to retain the original artistry, while also incorporating contemporary fixtures and finishes. With its sharp angles, clean lines and walls of glass, there are ever changing lights and shadows inside the home, which makes it a living piece of art – and a great fit for Palm Springs’ Modern Week.

The Buckboard Lane listing, located in B Bar H Ranch, is centrally located from Palm Desert’s most popular attractions, including shopping outlets, golf courses, casinos and more. Although the home was built in 2006, it was designed by Architect Lance O'Donnell, and modeled after homes of the 1950s. Currently listed at $334,950, this home has a very sharp, mid-century theme, featuring an open

floor plan, gorgeous natural stone counters, and mosaic tile throughout the entrance, kitchen and bathrooms. Modern polished concrete floors expand through the living areas and into the master bedroom. The home features a butterfly roof design, outfitted with solar panels to maximize energy efficiency year-round. The backyard pool also utilizes solar energy with a low-maintenance saltwater system. All rooms have access to wrap around decks to enjoy the misting system that surrounds the home and private gardens, which have terrific views of snow-capped mountains and desert vistas.

Modernism Week also has a charitable component which provides scholarships to local students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design. They also support local and state preservation organizations and neighborhood groups in their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

Living • February 11, 2016

Three Projects, Three Ways: Valentine’s Gifts for Your Loved Ones

by Windermere Staff

Love it, or hate it, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! If you want to create a thoughtful gift for a loved one (or for yourself because you TOTALLY deserve it), try one of these easy, inexpensive, do-it-yourself Valentine’s Day ideas!

Three-dimensional flower art:

The ladies at “A Beautiful Mess” have amazing craft ideas, so we decided to try out their flower collage. The results are so fun!

Supply list:

A favorite family picture- blown up to 5*7 or larger

Fabric flowers; you can find these at a local craft store. For a fun touch, pick up some fabric butterflies too

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

A shadow box or a picture frame with the glass popped out

Directions:

Let inspiration be your guide; mock up your design before breaking out the glue gun

Glue flowers around the frame

Let the glue dry and then display your work of art!

Difficulty level: 1

A heart shaped picture collage:

Do you have so many favorite photos that you can’t pick just one? Are you an Instagram addict? Then this fun project is for you. You can use as many pictures as your frame will fit.

Supply list:

A picture frame

A piece of cardstock or paper cut to fit your frame

Cardstock cut into a stencil heart shape

A pile of your favorite photos

Scissors

Craft glue or scrapbooking adhesive

Fancy accent paper (optional)

Directions:

Decide the quantity of photographs you want to display

Arrange your photos on your blank sheet to determine the best placement

Cut each photo into the same size heart (use a stencil heart or heart shaped paper punch for this)

Arrange your pictures on the card stock

If you want to add some dimension, cut out hearts from the fancy accent paper to display behind your photos

Once everything is exactly how you like it, glue it all down

Let everything dry and finish by adding your frame!

Difficulty level: 2

The writing’s on the wall

Do you have a favorite quote about love? Make a modern wall hanging with some simple tools and your favorite words!

Supply list:

A wood frame for stretching canvas (can be found online or your local craft store)

Dark denim (enough to fit over canvas with a couple of extra inches all around)

A white fabric pencil

White fabric paint

Small acrylic paint brushes (with stiff bristles)

Masking tape

A staple gun and staples

A printed template of your favorite quote, as you would like to see it displayed

A window with natural light

Directions:

Tape your printed quote to a window with natural light shining through

Tape your fabric swatch over your template, and position the image/text in the middle of your fabric swatch (dark side facing you)

Using the white pencil, trace the quote and/or image clearly on your dark fabric

Once done, remove your fabric from the window and tape to a flat surface like a desk or table

Use the paint brush and white fabric paint to trace over your white sketches to make your text and/or image visible

Let your masterpiece dry for a few hours (amount of time varies based on the thickness of the applied paint)

Position your fabric over your wooded canvas frame. Make sure the placement is straight and where you want it

Hold your fabric in place over the frame and staple the sides to the back of the wooden frame, checking to make sure your image on the front is straight and the fabric is taught on the frame

If the fabric on the back of your frame is too long, you may want to consider trimming so it doesn’t peek out when the frame is hung on the wall

Find the perfect spot to hang your masterpiece or the perfect person to gift it to!

Difficultly level: 3

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Market News • February 10, 2016

Oregon and Southwest Washington Real Estate Market Update

by Windermere Economics

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

I’m happy to report that employment in Oregon continues to grow at a fairly healthy rate. Through November of 2015, the state added 51,000 new jobs for a growth rate of 2.9 percent. As we move into 2016, I anticipate that the region will continue to expand its job base, but at a slightly more modest pace.

In November the state unemployment rate was measured at 5.7 percent—down from 6.2 percent seen in September. In my last report I suggested that the increase in the unemployment rate was a temporary “blip” and it appears as if I was correct. I expect that this rate will also continue to contract as we move through the year.

HOME SALES ACTIVITY

Sales activity rose by 11.9 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, with 14,600 home sales.
As we have seen in the past, sales rose at the fastest rate in smaller counties, with Hood River, Columbia, and Marion Counties leading the way.
Double-digit percentage increases in closed sales were seen in a majority of the counties, but we did see modest declines in four counties.
It was interesting to note that we are starting to see home sales slow in select counties. I believe this is due to a lack of inventory rather than any other reason.

HOME PRICES

Average prices in the region rose by 7.1 percent year-over-year to $308,373. We are starting to see a slowdown in price growth, but I attribute this to a lack of inventory.
When compared to fourth quarter of 2014, Skamania County continues to see the strongest price growth with home prices rising by 34.3 percent. This remains a function of the size of the market, which allows for substantial swings in price.
All but three counties saw prices rise compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, with eight counties showing double-digit percentage gains.
Prices fell in three counties, but again, these are counties where relatively few transactions take place so they are prone to extreme swings.

DAYS ON MARKET

The average days it takes to sell a home in the region dropped by 18 days when compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.
The average time it took to sell a home in the region was 100 days.
Klamath and Hood River Counties were the only two markets where the average time it takes to sell a home rose, but these are relatively small areas, so there’s no cause for concern.
It still takes less than a month to sell homes in the Portland area market.

CONCLUSIONS

The speedometer reflects the state of the region’s housing market using housing inventory, price gains, sales velocities, interest rates and larger economics factors. The Oregon economy continues to expand and I do not see this changing in the foreseeable future. However, similar to many West Coast markets, Oregon’s inventory constraints are becoming problematic. I believe we will see more listings come online in 2016 as home equity levels continue to expand, but unfortunately it will not be enough to meet demand, and the market will remain imbalanced. I have kept the needle at the same level as last quarter. The market currently favors sellers, but buyers are growing weary of multiple offer situations and are likely to wait for inventories to rise, which will hopefully happen in the Spring.

Looking forward, I believe 2016 will be a year of few surprises. Because it is an election year, I do not expect to see any significant governmental moves that would have a major impact on the U.S. economy or the housing market.

Matthew Gardner is the Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, specializing in residential market analysis, commercial/industrial market analysis, financial analysis, and land use and regional economics. He is the former Principal of Gardner Economics, and has over 25 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

Lows:

Highs:

The Bedroom

The Bathroom

The Dining Room

<img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-216537" src="https://www.windermere.com/files/2016/02/pink-phone.jpg" alt="" width="266" height="300" data-eio="l" /> The Office

The Closet

Three-dimensional flower art:

A heart shaped picture collage:

The writing’s on the wall

The Office