When Windermere opened its doors in 1972, real estate was a very different business. Sales contracts were written on cocktail napkins and sealed with a handshake. There were no websites, iPhone apps or, in some cases, even yard signs, so you had to rely entirely on your agent to show you what was for sale. Back then, there was a lot of emphasis placed on competition and sales quotas. This created a proprietary culture that valued winning agent-of-the-month over building long-term relationships with clients – and it didn’t do our industry any favors in terms of credibility.
When our dad started Windermere, he set out to change this. His focus was to put relationships before sales quotas. Relationships that last not just for a transaction, but for a lifetime. It was an aggressive undertaking, but he eventually built an office – and an entire company – of like-minded professionals who understood the importance of truly great service.
Fast forward forty years and much has changed in real estate. The cocktail napkins have been replaced by digital contracts and the home search process has moved almost entirely online. We’ve also seen the rise of technology companies that offer real estate services of one kind or another. However, despite all the bells and whistles, most of these companies look at buyers and sellers as leads, not as people who are about to embark upon a major financial and emotional decision. We love what technology has done for real estate, but Windermere’s business lives and dies by the relationships we have with our clients and our community. It’s one of the only things that hasn’t changed over the last four decades.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “The more things change, the more they stay the same”. We couldn’t agree more. It’s impossible for us to predict what the future holds for real estate, no more than our dad could have predicted where we’d be today back in 1972. But, it’s probably safe to say that technology will continue to change our industry in new and exciting ways – just as relationships will remain central to Windermere’s core values for generations to come.
Condominium homes are a great, low-maintenance choice for a primary residence, second home, or investment property. This alternative to the traditional single-family home has unique issues to consider before buying, as well as unique benefits. Here’s some background information to help you decide whether purchasing a condo is a good match for you.
The popularity of condominiums with baby boomers and young professionals continues to surge. Condo sales are up 23 percent from 2013 with a medium price of $209,600 according to the National Association of Realtors. Many buyers are realizing that condominium homes can be a great way to enjoy the benefits of home ownership combined with extensive amenities and a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Increasingly, condos are not just for first-time homebuyers looking for a less expensive entry into the housing market. Empty-nesters and retirees are happy to give up mowing the lawn and painting the house. Busy professionals can experience luxury living knowing their home is safe and well-maintained while they are away on business. If you are considering buying a condominium for a home, here are a few things you should know:
Condominium basics:
With condominiums, you own everything in your unit on your side of the walls. Individual owners hold title to the condominium unit only, not the land beneath the unit. All owners share title to the common areas: the grounds, lobby, halls, parking areas and other amenities. A homeowners’ association (HOA) usually manages the complex and collects a monthly fee from all condominium owners to pay for the operation and maintenance of the property. These fees may include such items as insurance, landscape, and grounds upkeep, pool maintenance, security, and administrative costs.
The owners of the units in a condominium are all automatic members of the condo association. The association is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, who manage the operations and upkeep of the property. A professional management company may also be involved in assisting the board in their decisions. The condo association also administers rules and regulations designed to ensure safety and maintain the value of your investment. Examples include whether or not pets are allowed and the hours of use for condominium facilities, such as pools and work-out rooms. Should a major expense occur, all owners are responsible for paying their fair share of the expense.
The pros and cons of condominium living:
The condominium lifestyle has many benefits, but condominium ownership isn’t for everyone. Part of it depends on your lifestyle. Condominium living may not be optimum for large families with active kids. The other factor is personal style. By necessity, condominium associations have a number of standardized rules. You need to decide whether these regulations work for you or not. Here are some points to keep in mind if you’re considering condominium living.
Cost: Condominium homes typically cost less than houses, so they’re a great choice for fist-time buyers. However, because condominiums are concentrated in more expensive locations, and sizes are generally smaller than a comparable single-family home, the price per square foot for a condominium is usually higher.
Convenience: People who love living in condominiums always cite the convenience factor. It’s nice to have someone else take care of landscaping, upkeep, and security. Condominium homes are often located in urban areas where restaurants, groceries, and entertainment are just a short walk away.
Luxury amenities: May condominiums offer an array of amenities that the majority of homeowners couldn’t afford on their own, such as fitness centers, clubhouses, wine cellars, roof-top decks, and swimming pools. Lobbies of upscale condominiums can rival those of four-star hotels, making a great impression on residents.
Privacy: Since you share common walls and floors with other condominium owners, there is less privacy than what you’d expect in a single-family home. While condominiums are built with noise abatement features, you may still occasionally hear the sound of your neighbors.
Space: With the exception of very high-end units, condominiums are generally smaller than single-family homes. That means less storage space and often, smaller rooms. The patios and balconies of individual units are usually much smaller as well.
Autonomy: As a condominium owner, you are required to follow the laws of the associations. That means giving up a certain about of control and getting involved in the group decision-making process. Laws vary greatly from property to property, and some people may find certain rules too restrictive. If you long to paint your front door red or decorate your deck with tiki lanterns, condominium living might not be for you.
Things to consider when you decide to buy:
Condominium homes vary from intimate studios to eclectic lofts and luxury penthouses. The right condominium is the one that best fits your lifestyle. Here are a few questions to ask to determine which condominium is right for you.
How will you use it?
Will your condominium be your primary residence? A second home? An investment property? While a studio may be too small for a primary residence, it might be a perfect beachfront getaway. Also consider how your lifestyle may change over the next five to seven years. If you are close to retirement, you may want to have the option of turning a vacation condominium into your permanent home.
Where would you like to live?
Some people love the excitement and sophistication of urban living. Others dream of skiing every weekend. Whether it’s the sound of the surf or the lure of the golf course, a condominium home affords you the ability to live a carefree lifestyle in virtually any setting.
What amenities are most important to you?
The variety of condominium amenities increases each year. Decide what you want, and you can be assured of finding it. Most urban and resort condominiums have an enticing array of extras, from spas to movie screening rooms to tennis courts.
What are your specific needs?
Do you have a pet? Some associations don’t allow them; others have limitations on their size. Parking can be a major issue, especially in dense, urban areas. How many spaces do you get per unit? Do you pay extra if you have more vehicles?
Finally, once you’ve found a property you like, examine the association’s declaration, rules, and bylaws to make sure they fit your needs. The association will provide you with an outline of their monthly fees and exactly what they cover so you can accurately budget your expenses.
Review the association board’s meeting minutes from the past year to get an idea of any issues the association is working on. An analysis of sales demand and property appreciation compared to like units may help ensure that you make the best possible investment.
Do you deck the halls of your home with cherished family holiday decorations or are you drawn to the sleek minimalist lines of contemporary holiday displays? For those of you who might be looking for ways to give life to old decorations or you simply need some inspiration to add to your current repertoire, we have added a Modern Holiday Décor board to our Pinterest page. You can find many more home ideas at www.Pinterest.com/WindermereRE
Hanukah
Hanukah came early this year so you may want to consider updating your menorah for next year. Here are some sleek modern designs:
For many of us, the holidays give us an opportunity to spend special time with our parents. This can be a great time to check in, not only on life events, but also a good time to look for and address any health concerns you may have for your aging parents.
As folks age, they experience cognitive and physical changes that mean they need more help to stay in their current home. Or, it may be time to start discussing future living options, from improvements to their current home, a move to a retirement community, or an assisted living facility. Here are some tips on how to assess your parents and other loved ones needs:
Watching and listening
If you have two parents, try to spend time alone with each one. Sometimes one spouse feels they need to take care of the other all by themselves. In our family, my mother took on all of caretaking when our dad got dementia. She covered for him for many years. She wouldn’t consider hiring help nor ask for much help. Finally she reached the breaking point and just couldn’t deal with it a minute longer. Then we had to make an emergency placement to an assisted living facility. That was not fun. I wished we had stepped in sooner and had time to find a place on a more relaxed timeline.
Use the holidays as a time to touch base. The goal is not to decide anything specific. It’s an emotional and tender time of year. You can check on your parent’s status and safety just by being there, chatting and watching.
Basic Needs and Cognitive issues
Offer to help make a meal with your parent and see how that goes. Are they able to start a dish, pull all the ingredients together, and follow through with cooking it? Is there a fridge full of really old bits of food? What is out on the counters? People who are having cognitive problems frequently cannot follow through a complex set of tasks to produce a meal. Are there dishes from two weeks ago in the sink or on the counter? They may need something like Meals on Wheels or someone to cook for them a few times a week. A cleaner/helper could come in every other day to help around meal times.
Driving
Go for a drive to the store and have your parent do the driving. Are they driving too slowly or not able to take in the activity around them? Most older people will stop driving at night long before they are willing to give up driving altogether. You can point out the different options for transport, such as taxis, Access, or friends.
Home Safety
Watch their balance and ability to move around the house. Are there clear pathways to walk without tripping? Are there throw rugs? Throw rugs are actually one of the biggest hazards in a home for an older person. Is the bathroom safe? Does it have grab bars? A raised toilet seat? When discussing the need to put in safety precautions, like bars or removing some of the clutter, it is helpful to let your older parent know that falls are the most common reason that folks wind up in the hospital–and have to move from their home. If they can keep from falling they will last much longer at home.
Medical Needs
Do a quick cruise through the medicine cabinet. Check dates on meds. If your parent is taking a lot of medications, have a discussion about how that is going for them and if they have a pill box to organize their meds. Make a list of what their meds are so that, if you have an emergency doctor visit with them, you will have all that information at hand.
Having “the talk”
Sometimes the holidays, or just after, are a good time to have “the talk” about what your parent is concerned about as they get older. It is a time for listening, not telling. Be sensitive to what they want and respect their need to make their own decisions. We all are afraid of losing our independence. Do they want to stay in their home? A majority do. What steps can you take now to help them do that? Prepare yourself ahead of time with some options that might be acceptable to them. Or would they like to move to a community where they can get more help as they need it? Family dynamics are so different. Some families would never consider having their parent in a community where others take care of them, and yet, some parents would never want their own children to have to take care of them. There are lots of options. Start talking about it early and make a plan.
Penny Bolton has been helping people make a move successfully in Seattle since 1991. A lifelong resident, she is known for her knowledge of the market and for her determination to get her clients their best outcome whether buying or selling. She and her business partner, Rebecca Evans, are famous within the real estate community for their thorough preparation of their listings and their professional representation of their buyers.
On November 16, attendees from selected Spokane area schools, Anna Ogden Hall, a women’s shelter, and Family Promise, a homeless transition program, were able to select boots at the Windermere Annual Boots & Gloves event. This event has been put on each year since 1999, through a long standing partnership with Windermere and Big 5 Sporting Goods. At the event, 119 pairs of boots were selected and 114 packages of socks were distributed to those who attended. (Gloves were not available this year due to inventories not being available in time for the event.) Agents from all the Spokane area Windermere offices were there to assist the kids while they picked out their boots and a package of socks.
“Every year for the past 10 plus years, the Windermere Foundation has been providing shoes and socks every fall for former or currently homeless families. Each child gets to choose any pair of shoes on the entire wall. As the shock wears off and the smile bursts across their faces, the moment is priceless.” ~ Steve Allen, Director of Family Promise
Many of our Windermere offices throughout our network were hard at work this month, helping local organizations in their communities. Here are just a few:
Napa Coat Drive Windermere Napa office participated in Napa’s America Recycles Day on November 16, helping to collect coats for children and adults. Items collected were to be distributed to those in need through the Salvation Army.
Thanksgiving for Mukilteo families Windermere Mukilteo office adopted two families for the holidays through Columbia Elementary School. The office assembled a Thanksgiving food basket for a family of four and a family of six.
Coats for Nickelsville Windermere Ballard office collected clean, reusable coats in November to be donated to the displaced residents of Nickelsville.
Socks of Love Windermere Bellevue West office worked with Eastside Baby Corner, gathering donations in November for the “Socks of Love” drive, benefitting children from birth to 12 years of age.
Coat & Blanket Drive Windermere offices throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington are collecting new or gently used coats and blankets in November through December 20 for their annual coat and blanket drive. Click here for locations.
Food Drive for Eloise Cooking Pot Food Bank Windermere Tacoma-North, Tacoma-Professional Partners, and Tacoma-University Place offices held a food drive to benefit the communities of east and south Tacoma, WA. On November 21, they delivered 1,613 items to the Eloise Cooking Pot Food Bank. Items collected were distributed with other food items for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Thanksgiving for Yelm family Windermere Yelm office worked with a community agency and the Yelm Chamber of Commerce to select a family in need to help for Thanksgiving. Donations made by the agents were collected to fund a Thanksgiving meal and other holiday items.
Holiday Support for Treehouse Windermere Mount Baker office dedicates the month of November each year to Treehouse, an organization which provides clothes, toys, and school supplies, and access to critical extracurricular activities and community resources to children in foster care. Agents donate and collect funds in order to shop for items such as clothes, toys, electronics, and personal grooming items for Treehouse.
Food Drive for South Kitsap Helpline Windermere Port Orchard office collected and delivered 591 pounds of food to South Kitsap Helpline in support of their food drive.
Gig Harbor Basket Brigade Windermere Gig Harbor, Gig Harbor-Downtown, and Gig Harbor-Key Peninsula offices were drop off points for the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade in November. Last year, the offices put together over 500 food baskets for local families in need.
Food Drive for Hopelink – Kenmore Windermere Northlake office is holding a holiday tree lighting event and free Santa photos on November 30. They will be collecting nonperishable food items at this event to be donated to Hopelink in Kenmore.
Coat Drive for Union Gospel Mission Windermere Seattle-Wall Street office collected coats this month for the Union Gospel Mission.
University Food Bank Backpack Drive Windermere Wedgwood office collected single-serving and take home nonperishable foods, plus young teen toiletry items for the University Food Bank in support of their Packs for Kids program. These items are used for weekend backpacks to assist children on free and reduced lunch programs at local schools.
Thanksgiving Food Baskets –Whatcom County Windermere Bellingham-Bakerview, Bellingham-Fairhaven, Birch Bay-Blaine, and Lynden offices collected items for 60 Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need throughout Whatcom County. Agents from all of the Windermere Whatcom offices donated items for the baskets, which were delivered to local women care shelters and the Opportunity Council in Bellingham for distribution.
The Windermere Foundation is grateful this Thanksgiving holiday – and throughout the year – for the continued support from our Windermere offices, community partners and friends.
When making an important decision like buying a new home, personal circumstances are often a driving force. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, need more space for your growing family, downsizing to fit an empty nest, or looking for a retirement property, finding the right information, the right real estate agent, and the right properties that fit your needs are all important parts of that process. Based on recent studies by the National Association of REALTORS® on generational trends, we can identify the best resources to help you in any phase of your life.
Among all generations, the first step most buyers take when searching for a home is online. Younger generations tend to find the home they eventually purchase online, while older generations generally find the home they purchase through their real estate agent.
Across generations, home ownership still represents a significant step in achieving the American Dream. According to a study by LearnVest, an online financial resource, 77 percent of those surveyed believed that buying a home of their own was, “first and foremost in achieving the American Dream”.
Millennials:
1980-2000
Also known as Generation Y or the Echo Boomers because this generation almost equals the baby boomers in population. This age group is the second largest group of recent homebuyers, representing 28 percent according to the National Association of REALTORS . Seventy nine percent of homebuyers in this age are purchasing their first home. According to the 2012 Trulia American Dream Study, ninety three percent of renters in this generation plan on purchasing a home someday.
When considering a home purchase, Millennials (and some Generation X buyers) place a high value on convenience to work, affordability, and the quality of school district. This generation is the most likely to choose an urban center as the location of their first home. According to market research by Gfk Roper, this group is most interested in their home being a social hub, with a focus on entertainment and amenities.
When looking for a real estate agent, Millennials are most likely to looks to friends and family for a referral. They generally place a high value on an agent’s honesty and trustworthiness because they are often relying on their agent to walk them through the home purchase process for the first time.
Generation X:
1965-1979
As the largest group of recent homebuyers, the LearnVest findings suggest that 72 percent of Americans in this generation are already homeowners. They also represent the largest group of home sellers, with a substantial percentage of the group looking to upgrade their home to accommodate their growing families or increase investment. Experts in the real estate industry expect this group to lead in the recovered real estate market.
Generation X households are more likely to have a dual income, with both adult members in the household working. According to a study by GfK Roper, a market research company, this generation placed state-of-the-art kitchens at the top of their priorities, as well as large closets and amenities for organization, since many Gen Xers have children living in their homes. They are less concerned about formality in their home and have less interest in formal dining and living rooms.
Baby Boomers:
1946-1964
Interestingly enough, the NAR study finds that as the age of the homebuyer increases, the age of the home being purchased declines. Baby boomers and older buyers are looking for newer construction, with less need for renovations or large maintenance issues. This generation ranks state-of-the-art kitchens, whirlpool baths, walk-in closets, and hobby spaces high on their list of must-haves, according to GfK Roper.
The boomer generation is also looking to the future for both themselves and their aging parents, “fourteen percent of homebuyers over the age of 48 are looking to purchase senior-related homes, for themselves or others” according to the NAR study. Boomer parents are becoming accustomed to (or preparing for) an empty nest, so this group may be downsizing or looking for a home that specifically fits their needs.
Silent Generation:
1925-1945
This generation of buyers places a bigger emphasis on finding a home closer to friends, family, and health facilities. While this generation uses the Internet to find their home in the early stages of a home search, they work more directly with a trusted real estate agent to find the home that specifically fits their needs. A home purchase for members of this generation will likely not be a first-time experience so they are less willing to compromise on the price, size, or condition of a home. This generation is generally more satisfied with the homebuying and selling process because they have been through it before and know what to expect. According to the Trulia American Dream study, this group is also most likely to have realistic assumptions about the cost of a home and mortgage.
Windermere Real Estate is proud to partner with Gardner Economics on this analysis of the Western Washington real estate market. This report is designed to offer insight into the realities of the housing market. Numbers alone do not always give an accurate picture of local economic conditions; therefore our goal is to provide an explanation of what the statistics mean and how they impact the Western Washington housing economy. We hope that this information may assist you with making an informed real estate decision. For further information about the real estate market in your area, please contact your Windermere agent.
Regional Economics
This report is a little late as, along with many others, we were at the mercy of the Federal government shutdown in early October. This shutdown did not just delay our employment data, it was also decided that September figures were not important and, therefore, there was no count at all!
As such, we were forced to use August’s figures which, while certainly not perfect, at least provide us with some indications as to the direction of our regional economy.
Looking at total employment, the numbers continue to impress with the overall area adding 53,960 new jobs over the past 12 months—up from the 50,670 seen between July 2012 and July 2013.
Total employment growth over the past year was seen in all but eight counties. I have to say that it continues to frustrate me that we still have several counties where employment gains remain hard to find. Although the job losses were very limited—other than in Cowlitz County—I will still rest easier when I see these secondary markets improving their employment bases.
Unsurprisingly, King County (+3.8%) maintains its top position relative to employment growth. This was, somewhat surprisingly, followed by Whatcom County (+3%). Mason (+2.4%), Kittitas (+2.4%), and Pierce (+2%) rounded out the other top-performing counties.
As I mentioned earlier, job losses were generally modest, with San Juan (-3.3%), Cowlitz (-2.8%), Grays Harbor (-2.1%), and Lewis (-1.9%) Counties suffering the greatest percentage losses. In aggregate, the counties that saw contraction in employment lost a total of 3,100 jobs.
In terms of absolute numbers, we continue to see the bifurcation of employment growth within the state, with the central Puget Sound region (King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties) now home to 79.2 percent of all regional jobs, up from 78.7 percent a year ago. This tri-county market has added 53,960 jobs over the past 12 months, representing all but 60 net jobs gained over the past year. The tri-county area also added 20,100 jobs over the past three months, while the balance of the market lost 4,290 positions.
When we look at the unemployment rate in the region, every county did show improvement in their unemployment rates when compared to a year ago, and all but two have lower unemployment when compared to three months ago.
The only counties that saw their unemployment rates rise over the past quarter were King and Snohomish. This was a little surprising and, when we looked closer at the data, there were no clear reasons why the number of unemployed people grew by almost 30 percent in both counties. There was no growth in the labor force that would explain it so we are, for now, putting it down to being an anomaly that will correct in the next month or two.
Year over year, the greatest drop in unemployment was seen in Lewis County where the rate dropped by 1.6 percent. This was followed by Cowlitz County where unemployment dropped by 1.5 percent, and Tacoma which dropped by 1.4 percent. The smallest improvement was seen in San Juan County where the rate improved by a modest 0.4 percent.
In general, the employment picture remains positive and, with total employment growth of 2.5 percent, we remain well above the U.S. rate of 1.7 percent. That said, I still want to see a more broad-based improvement in jobs. Many counties in the state are not improving at the rate that I would like to see. As such, I can only maintain the “B+” grade that I gave last quarter.
Regional Real Estate
It was a funny summer. Interest rates started to climb in June, and this certainly had an effect on the housing market with sales increasing nicely. What was also pleasing to see was a corresponding growth in listing activity.
As compared to September of 2012, listings in the region are up by 7.5 percent, and are now 12.4 percent higher than seen at the end of the second quarter of 2013.
The greatest growth in listings was seen in Snohomish County, which saw a remarkable 36 percent increase in units for sale when compared to a year ago. Every other county measured increases in the single digits, with just three counties reporting fewer homes for sale than a year ago. These were Skagit (-3%), and Cowlitz and Jefferson which each saw available inventories less than one percent lower than a year ago.
Most counties added to the stock of homes for sale, but some notable exceptions were in Island (-5%) and Jefferson (-4%) Counties.
I would temper this with the fact that listings in the region are still 43 percent lower than seen in September of 2008—just as the market was correcting.
When we look at sales activity, the region reported 48,203 home sales in the first three quarters of 2013—a 19.2 percent improvement over the same period in 2012. And when compared to the previous quarter, sales were up by a very reasonable 4.6 percent.
In the third quarter, sales essentially rose across the board with the greatest increase coming in San Juan County, where the market reported 48 percent more homes in the quarter than in Q2. (The total increase, however, was from 44 to 65 sales). This was followed by Grays Harbor (+44%), Jefferson (+37%), and Mason (+30%) Counties. Very slight contraction was seen in Snohomish and Skagit Counties, but sales were less than one percent lower than seen in the previous quarter.
Listings and sales are both on the rise and it will be interesting to see how the year finishes. During third quarter we saw interest rates rise and then pull back. Did this “pull” some sales forward that would otherwise have happened later in the year? Only time will tell.
As shown in the chart below, nine counties saw the average sales prices at levels above that seen a year ago, with seven exhibiting prices below that seen in September of 2012. In aggregate, the average price of homes sold in the counties analyzed was nine percent higher at the end of the third quarter of 2013 than seen a year before.
Of the counties that saw appreciation, the most pronounced gains were seen in Jefferson County where prices rose by 21.5 percent. Significant gains were also seen in Whatcom (+15.5%), Kitsap (+14.1%), King (+11.7%), Cowlitz (+11.2%), and Snohomish (+10.3%) Counties. Declines were seen in the notoriously volatile San Juan County where home prices were 42 percent lower than a year ago. Price drops were also seen in Grays Harbor (-9.2%), Lewis (-8%), Island (-4.6%), Clallam (-4.1%), Skagit (-3%), and Mason (-1%) Counties.
When we look at the market versus the previous quarter, ten counties saw prices rise with six contracting. On the positive side, sales in the quarter grew the fastest in Clallam County where prices were 11.1 percent higher than seen at the end of Q2. Substantial increases were also seen in Whatcom (+8.9%), Kitsap (+5.9%), and San Juan (+5%) Counties. The most pronounced decline was seen in Lewis County where prices fell by 9.7 percent. Losses were also seen in Kittitas (-7.2%), Island (-7%), Skagit (-3.8%), Pierce (-3.3%), and Mason (-2.5%) Counties.
When compared to the housing market from two years ago, all but four counties saw home price growth, and we are now—five years later—starting to see some price growth versus September of 2008 when housing prices were at their peak.
The market has entered what I will refer to as a period of calm. The double-digit price growth that we have experienced over the past year or so is set to taper—which is not a bad thing. It is pleasing to see an increase in homes for sale in many markets throughout Washington. The market is demonstrating stability, and buyers are increasingly comfortable with the view that home buying is not an inherent risk.
I am upping the grade from a “C+” to a “B-”. Prices are calming and, although interest rates are sure to rise in 2014, the increase will not be parabolic. Rather, I believe that rising rates, along with higher inventory levels, will encourage those that are still on the fence, to get off.
Conclusions
The economy and the housing market both continue to improve, but there are headwinds that need to be addressed.
The health of the housing market relies heavily on the greater economy. When the region, and the country as a whole, grows economically, jobs are created, wealth increases, and this has a direct effect on homeownership.
Recent events in the “other” Washington continue to be a concern. For now, the effects of the sequester, debt ceiling, and Affordable Health Care for America Act remain unknown. In as much as the government went back to work after a brief respite, and agreed to temporarily increase the debt ceiling, a more permanent solution was not enacted. This causes uncertainty in the private sector, which is very important since private companies are the ones who have essentially created all the jobs that have been seen over the past five years.
Why do I mention this? Until we get resolution to the issues that face the nation, we will not grow at our potential. This affects all of us, because it can lead us to adjust our spending patterns —which can include our home buying decisions—as we tend to fear what we do not know.
I do believe that our government will come up with long-term solutions to these problems; however, until they do, many will still keep tight hold of their spending “reins”. That said, the current economic environment is certainly better than it has been for several years. As long as we believe that our elected officials will address the bigger issues that face the nation, we will continue to exhibit economic growth, but not at the rate which I would like to see.
About Matthew Gardner
Mr. Gardner is a land use economist and principal with Gardner Economics and is considered by many to be one of the foremost real estate analysts in the Pacific Northwest.
In addition to managing his consulting practice, Mr. Gardner chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; sits on the Urban Land Institutes Technical Assistance Panel; is an Advisory Board Member for the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington; and is the Editor of the Washington State University’s Central Puget Sound Real Estate Research Report.
He is also the retained economist for the Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties. He has twenty-five years of professional experience in the U.K. and U.S.
He has appeared on CNN, NBC and NPR news services to discuss real estate issues, and is regularly cited in the Wall Street Journal and all local media.
On Friday, October 18, Windermere offices in California, Nevada, and Arizona took some time off from selling houses to be a part of Windermere’s annual Community Service Day. Over the past two weeks, we have heard some remarkable stories about the rewards of volunteering and what it means to give back to those in our communities who need it most.
Here are some highlights from Community Service Day:
Arizona, Warm Winter Coat Drive
Windermere Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Scottsdale collected winter clothing and spent their Community Service Day packing up jackets and blankets to help local families stay warm for the winter.
California, Contra Costa/Salano Food Bank
Windermere Bay Properties offices in Clayton and Walnut Creek worked at their local food bank collecting 1,859 pounds of food and packing more than 740 boxes of food for families.
California, Make-A-Wish Foundation
On Friday October 4 Windermere Redding held their second annual fundraiser in lieu of Community Service Day, benefiting the local chapter Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Alyssa Araiza Wings of Angels Organization for children with cancer. This year they raised $16,685 for these great charities!
Nevada, Street Teens
Windermere Offices in Henderson, Anthem Hills, and Lake Las Vegas teamed up to make a big difference in their community by volunteering their time and making a big donation to the local program Street Teens, a drop in facility for homeless youth.
And the winners of the photo contest are…
A few weeks ago we also announced that each office that posted a Community Service Day photo on the Windermere Real Estate Facebook page would be entered in a “Photo Challenge”. The following offices participated and have earned a $100 donation to their Windermere Foundation fund:
Arizona:
Prescott, Scottsdale & Prescott Valley
California:
Clayton
El Sobrante
Walnut Creek
Nevada:
Lake Las Vegas
Henderson
Anthem Hills
The office with the most “likes” on their photo won an additional $1,000 donation benefiting their Windermere Foundation fund, which supports low-income and homeless families. With 162 “likes” and comments, the winner of this year’s Facebook Photo Challenge is Windermere Clayton!
Congratulations to all of our Windermere offices for another successful Community Service Day!
Spooky critters aren’t the only things that go bump in the night. Other possible causes? Try a zombie apocalypse, ghosts, or even vampires. Here are some tips on how to deal with whatever might be haunting your home:
Zombies
Zombies are classified as “living dead”. The theory on how zombies become, well, zombies, has been narrowed down to three possible causes:
Zombies are reanimated corpses, conjured up by witches or sorcerers to serve at their will
Zombieism is an infectious disease that is contractible through bodily fluids
Extraterrestrial radiation causes a mutation in humans, developing into zombieism
Regardless of the origin, zombies are dangerous; they feast on human flesh and brains, and are thought to have the ability to convert the entire human population into the walking dead through unknown means.
It appears the only way to keep yourself safe from a zombie is to destroy their head. Use extreme caution. If zombieism is in fact contractible by bodily fluid, use appropriate precautions. For a more detailed guide on the nuances of a zombie apocalypse and how to protect your family, here’s a book we recommend.
Ghosts
Ghosts and spirits can be difficult to detect because we generally cannot see them; instead, we become aware of their presence through a feeling, unexplained activity, or the mysterious movements of objects around the house.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to prevent ghosts from taking up residence in your home because they may have been there long before you. If you’re suspicious of the paranormal, you can have your home tested before you move in by performing a ghost inspection. You might also consider hiring professional ghost hunters. Further investigation may include asking around your neighborhood to see if there is any strange activity or known history, or talking to the real estate agent (but keep in mind, most states don’t legally require disclosures on ghosts). You can also conduct your own research to see if someone died in the house with this website.
To keep the paranormal at bay, here are some basic rituals you can do yourself:
Vampires are nocturnal predators that may or may not disguise themselves as bats. You may want to start ridding yourself of the animal variety first. Vampires, like zombies, are classified as the undead, and it is unclear if they are immortal or if vampirism is contagious.
You can identify a vampire by their elongated and pointed canine teeth. Other characteristics of vampires include, but are not limited to sporting a fashionable cape, displaying a widow’s peak hairstyle, drops of blood on their face, or even the magical ability to sparkle in the sunlight.
Here are some tips to ward off and destroy vampires:
Don’t invite a vampire in your home. Rumor has it they can only enter your home with your permission!
Get rid of any bats in and around your house.
Decorate your home with garlic. Vampires have a heightened sense of smell so the reek of garlic really turns them off.
Display sacred and religious symbols prominently in every room.
Carry a wooden steak with you everywhere. If you encounter a vampire, aim for the heart.
Decapitation is also an option.
Please remember that smaller versions of these scary visitors are harmless. Especially on Halloween. On October 31, you might see a variety of zombies, ghosts, and vampires wandering the streets, some may even come to your door. The best method of protection is to arm yourself with ample candy, distribute, and then lock the door. When done right, this should keep the little monsters at bay until next year.
It’s Halloween; the time of year when people decorate their homes with haunting embellishments and spooky décor. Bats, spiders, and rodents are all good and fun when they’re made of plastic, but when you have the real thing taking up residence in your home, it’s no treat. Here are some tips for making sure these frightening critters don’t make your house their permanent home.
Blood Suckers
While they may not turn into vampires in real life, preventing a bat infestation is actually good for your health. That’s because bats are a known carrier of rabies and an accumulation of their droppings can cause lung problems in humans. Bats can enter your home through holes less than an inch wide, and when they do, they often find the attic to be very accommodating to their needs. So, how do you keep them from settling in? Start by checking your roof and siding for any gaps. Check your attic for any signs of infestation, including: brown stains around any openings in your siding or roof (from oil on their skin), droppings, or strange sounds coming from the attic. Ghosts aren’t the only ones who like it up there.
Get rid of the bats now, so they can find alternative shelter before hibernation season in the winter.
Check with local pest control companies; in some states it is illegal to exterminate bats.
Locate the point of entry.
Hire a professional to evacuate the bats.
As mentioned above, bats can cause health problems; hire a professional who has experience and the right equipment. There are humane options available.
Prevent re-entry by sealing any openings.
Use mothballs to prevent re-nesting. Bats have a tendency to return to previous nesting sites, so this may need to be repeated.
Creepy Crawlies
In lists of common phobias, more than thirty percent of adults report fearing spiders, right behind public speaking and death. Most spiders that you find in your home are perfectly harmless; however, that doesn’t mean you want to share your space with them. To be on the safe side, there are some measures you can take to protect yourself from our little eight legged friends. Even a bite from a harmless spider can cause infections with itchy, red skin. In most cases, it can be treated by washing it with cool, soapy water, elevation, and an ice pack. Of course, if it shows signs of getting worse, your next step should be calling your doctor. Spider varieties that you should avoid include: Hobo spiders, Black Widows, Brown Recluses, and the Yellow Sac spider. These spiders are poisonous and can cause a number of symptoms from vomit to necrotic lesions. According to experts, spiders very rarely cause death in humans; however, if you are bit by a venomous spider you should seek immediate medical attention (and bring the spider remains with you, if possible).
Here are some tips to reduce spiders in your home:
Kill spiders on sight.
Place non-poisonous spider traps with non-toxic attractants and glue in areas where spiders are commonly found and in corners.
Be careful with common insect repellent and spider sprays, these can be toxic and harmful to children and pets.
Spiders can be deterred with essential oils: lavender, chestnut, clover leaf, and coconut.
The most effective way to prevent mice and rat infestation is to keep them out of your home in the first place. Mice can get through a gap as small as a quarter of an inch, so thoroughly inspecting the foundation and interior of your home for entrance points and sealing any cracks or holes is a great way to start. Rodents are also excellent at tracking food sources. Keep all food, including pet food and pantry items in secure bins and jars.
If you have found evidence of mice or rats (generally droppings or urine) take caution. Rodent secretions can be hazardous, and can spread salmonella or hanta virus. There are multiple methods for removing rodents from your home, including traps, poison bates, electronic and sonic devises and, a house cat, or professional exterminator.
If you are getting rid of the critters on your own you will want to follow these steps:
Identify their food source(s), entry points, and common routes around and through your home.
Remove food source with secure packaging that cannot be chewed through, such as glass containers.
Seal all entry points with wire mesh.
Place sonic devises, traps, poison, or other deterrents in the pathway of the rodents.
Use caution, make sure poison or exposed traps are not accessible to children or pets.
If you find urine, droppings, or a dead mouse you will want to spray the surface and mouse with a bleach/water solution. Using gloves and a face mask, remove the rodent and wipe all surfaces.
If you have identified a large quantity of rodents, contact a professional for removal and clean up.
You may need to take extra measures to ensure the removal is permanent by changing components of your back yard, replacing siding, or upgrading building materials to prevent outdoor nesting and re-infestation.
Image courtesy of Victor Habbick / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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Penny Bolton has been helping people make a move successfully in Seattle since 1991. A lifelong resident, she is known for her knowledge of the market and for her determination to get her clients their best outcome whether buying or selling. She and her business partner, Rebecca Evans, are famous within the real estate community for their thorough preparation of their listings and their professional representation of their buyers.
On November 16, attendees from selected Spokane area schools, Anna Ogden Hall, a women’s shelter, and Family Promise, a homeless transition program, were able to select boots at the Windermere Annual Boots & Gloves event. This event has been put on each year since 1999, through a long standing partnership with Windermere and Big 5 Sporting Goods. At the event, 119 pairs of boots were selected and 114 packages of socks were distributed to those who attended. (Gloves were not available this year due to inventories not being available in time for the event.) Agents from all the Spokane area Windermere offices were there to assist the kids while they picked out their boots and a package of socks.
Napa Coat Drive
Food Drive for South Kitsap Helpline
Year over year, the greatest drop in unemployment was seen in Lewis County where the rate dropped by 1.6 percent. This was followed by Cowlitz County where unemployment dropped by 1.5 percent, and Tacoma which dropped by 1.4 percent. The smallest improvement was seen in San Juan County where the rate improved by a modest 0.4 percent.
Mr. Gardner is a land use economist and principal with Gardner Economics and is considered by many to be one of the foremost real estate analysts in the Pacific Northwest.
