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REIT Broker Report- HMCG
2007-08-17 02:19:00
H&M Consulting Group of Jacksonville, FL conducted a survey with 11 brokers and 3 real estate agents in Boston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, San Diego, Washington DC and Seattle.  I happened to be one of the agents interviewed and thought you might enjoy this read.  Short and sweet, but I must say I ...
More About: Market trends , Report , Rentals , Broker , REIT

Smith Tower Condominiums- Almost there!
2007-08-17 00:45:00
The Seattle?s Pioneer Square Preservation Board approved the proposal to build-out 150 condominiums in the Smith Tower !  Seattle PI, click here Seattle Times, click here
More About: Downtown , Condominiums , Domini

The Parc- UPDATE: Coming sooner than you think
2007-08-15 06:49:00
I had the honor of walking through the north tower on a hardhat tour today and I must say- The Parc is coming along!  The ambiance of the hallway décor is strikingly similar to that of Avenue One but the full-service amenities of the 24-hour concierge, fitness center, roof top deck and owner?s lounge will ...
More About: Update , Belltown , Condominiums , Ming

Vulcan is seeing Green?again - The Borealis Apartments
2007-08-15 05:39:00
I am just getting back into the news but thought I would deliver the scoop on Vulcan ’s newest apartment building that is springing up on the corner of Denny and Dexter.   The Borealis Apartments will be 5 stories tall comprised of 53 units, 2 levels of underground parking and amenities including a roof top deck, on-site ...
More About: Green , South Lake Union , Rentals

UrbanAsh has been POSH?D!
2007-08-15 04:48:00
While I was away, UrbanAsh was POSH’D! For those of you not familiar with the terminology, the site has been recognized for design and content excellence in the world of real estate websites/blogs.  UrbanAsh will be proudly featured all month along with 20 other beautiful sites, visit and vote! 
More About: Posh , Been , Has Been

Take a little trip?Part II
2007-08-08 10:51:00
I hate missing out (and catching up) BUT I am heading out of town this morning (8/8) and will return Sunday (8/12)- can be reached via email!
More About: Trip , Part , Litt

NEW Listing! Watermark Tower #1005
2007-08-08 10:44:00
Here is my latest… Watermark Tower #1005 1107 1st Ave  1bd/1ba: $479,000- NEW Listing !  MLS#  27144837           Amazing Opportunity: Spacious 10th floor 1 bd/1ba corner unit w/unobstructed views of Elliott Bay & Olympic Mountains! Boasting with character and light, this condo has over 710sqft, a large private deck, tons of windows, reserved prkg/strg, updates throughout and all the modern essentials. Located in ...
More About: Downtown , Term

July Recap - Sales Down, Home Prices Up
2007-08-07 08:02:00
Here is the recap? - The Median home price in King County was $425, 000 last month, up 9% from July 2006 (NWMLS). - The number of homes for sale increased more than 50+% in King and Snohomish County while the number of pending sales fell (NWMLS). - Condo sales pending rose 3.7% and prices were 10.5% higher ...
More About: Sales , Market trends , Home , Recap

Cracking Down on Gift Giving?
2007-08-07 07:18:00
Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler is currently conducting an investigation on 5+ companies suspicious of violating Washington?s $25 gift giving limit.  Stewart Title is among those accused with financial documents revealing more than 100 violations between December 2006 and March 2007.  Kreidler added ?I’m appalled that this company clearly has paid no attention to our message that this ...
More About: Gift , Giving , Cracking , Ving

Mortgage Update: GOOD, BAD OR UGLY?
2007-08-06 18:26:00
GOOD, BAD OR UGLY? All of the above, if we’re looking at last week and home loan rates. Good news came in the form of friendly inflation and employment news, which helped rates on conforming home loans improve by about .125% over the course of the week. “Conforming” home loans are those under $417K, and ...
More About: Mortgage , Update , Ugly , Mort

SeattlePI: Is Condo Boom a Rental Crisis?
2007-08-04 17:17:00
There was a legislative hearing on Friday that addressed concerns about the recent number of apartment buildings being converted to condos- from 236 in 2002 to approaching 5,000 last year in King County alone! The SeattlePI touched on the topic in today’s paper…click here to read a previous post!
More About: Rental , Condo , Rentals , Boom , Crisis

The NWMLS is Going GREEN!
2007-08-04 03:43:00
The Northwest Multiple Listing Service has plans to change their listing forms and database so that properties with environmental certifications, energy efficient features and sustainable materials can be easily recognized. In the recent press release, Ben Kaufman (co-owner and managing broker of Green Works Realty) commented on the modification- “Green homes are increasingly sought after in the ...
More About: Going , Goin

Business is booming and we are hiring?
2007-08-04 03:21:00
If you or someone you know could be potentially interested in learning more, please have them contact me.  Below is a little blurb that has been floating about… Unique Real Estate Sales and Leasing Opportunity! NW Property Group is a high quality residential real estate leasing and brokerage company in need of an experienced, energetic and self-motivated ...
More About: Business , Hiring , Ming , Sine

Remember?I-90 Closures BOTH Saturday & Sunday
2007-08-04 01:55:00
I-90 will be closed from 12:45 to 2:40 Saturday and Sunday and the express lanes will close at 10:45am each day.  The state Department of Transportation recommends drivers who plan on using I-90 should do so an hour prior to closing times.  On/off ramps to avoid and will be closed 30 minutes before closures: northbound and ...
More About: Nightlife

Brother & Sister Team Behind the Stewart | Minor Cube-Style Lofts
2007-08-02 09:01:00
I ran across this piece the Puget Sound Business Journal put together last month about the Stewart | Minor Condominiums. Eugene (28, COO, UW Grad) and Tanya Gershman (24, Marketing Director, SU Grad) of GIS USA Inc. have been putting their creativity to the test by introducing cube-style lofts for the hotel/condo project scheduled for 2010 ...
More About: Style , Downtown , Team , Cube

Hot & Cold: Ballard?s Real Estate Market & Rental Crisis
2007-08-02 07:39:00
Today one of my wonderful clients saved a copy of the Ballard News-Tribune that featured the title ?Massive housing demand here? across the front page.  It was too interesting and informative to ignore as I personally have witnessed the shortage of rentals in the neighborhood due to condo conversions- Enjoy!  Ballard Housing: Massive housing demand here (Rebekah ...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Real Estate Market , Market , Rental

Oprah- Smallest Homes & Tips for Maximizing Square Footage
2007-08-01 03:06:00
I just got back from my primitive family vacation at Steamboat Rock in eastern Washington and as I was unpacking I overheard Oprah talking about the smallest most efficient homes she has ever seen- Tiny Homes, Big Ideas.  From a 96 sq ft mobile cabin and America?s skinniest townhouse (just 7 feet wide!) to a 265 ...
More About: Lifestyle , Tips , Moda , Belltown

Everything on Schedule at 5th & Madison Condominiums
2007-07-28 02:02:00
Last week there were concerns about possible delays at the 5th and Madison Condominiums due to the recent sales transaction but it doesn?t look like it will be impacting October occupancy!  Over 75% of the homes have been sold and they will be unveiling 2 concept homes in late August, décor provided by Roche Bobois. 
More About: Lifestyle , Real Estate , Schedule , Thing

Take a little trip?
2007-07-28 01:57:00
Just wanted to let you all know that I will be out of town tomorrow through the 31st.  Hopefully I won?t miss out on too much but will make sure to update you when I return! 
More About: Lifestyle , Trip , Litt

What is NEW & FOR SALE in Fremont!- Update
2007-07-27 02:08:00
So here is the scoop on what is NEW and FOR SALE in Fremont ! The construction is in its final phase over at Azul Flats and they now have a 2 bedroom model home and presentation center (home #301).  The have sold 16 homes already and are offering a $7,500 buyers bonus on all 2 bedrooms.  The grand ...
More About: For Sale , Real Estate , Sale , Update

FOUR Simple Questions Your Lender Must Answer Correctly
2007-07-24 00:06:00
What are mortgage interest rates based on? The only correct answer is Mortgage Backed Securities or Mortgage Bonds, not the Fed or the 10-year Treasury Note. While the 10-year Treasury Note sometimes trends in the same direction as Mortgage Bonds, it is not unusual to see them move in completely opposite directions. Do not work with ...
More About: Questions , Answer , Simple , Ender , Must

7th & Madison (Class A+)- Construction Starts Next Month!
2007-07-23 23:44:00
According to the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, OPUS Northwest will begin construction on a 9 story, Class A+ office building next month at 701 Madison St.  There will be approximately 201,000 square feet available for lease and occupancy is targeted for summer 2008.  (7th & Madison Website) OPUS Northwest just completed First Hill’s M Street ...
More About: Real Estate , Construction , Downtown

Belltown Apartment Building SOLD for $82M!
2007-07-22 20:54:00
Apparently I missed this one, but Wall Street Tower, the 356-unit apartment building on 5th and Wall, sold for $82 million to Archstone-Smith a couple weeks back.  Now known as Archstone Belltown .  The seller, Simpson Housing, purchased the property for $38 million and completely renovated the complex in 2001.  Archstone-Smith is planning on doing some renovating ...
More About: Building , Real Estate , Rentals , Sold

Sales Approaching Second Phase: Veer Lofts, Rollin Street Flats & Enso
2007-07-20 03:10:00
I just got word that the initial sales phase is about to end on the 31st of this month AND come August 1st we should expect price increases and reduced inventory for Veer Lofts, Rollin Street Flats  and Enso.  They will be removing some of the homes from the market until a later date so if you are thinking of purchasing new construction in South Lake Union, now may be the time to secure the perfect floorplan at the best pricing possible! 
More About: Sales , Econ , Roach

901 5th Ave and 5th & Madison Condominiums- SOLD $300M!!
2007-07-19 02:50:00
The 41-story office building (901 5th Ave) and 5th & Madison Condominiums were purchase by Kennedy Wilson Inc today for $300M.  Everyone seems to be covering the story but the Puget Sound Business Journal and Commercial Property News reported that the price includes the completion of 5th & Madison (126-unit condominium project, $660,000 average sales price, occupancy fall 2007) and the $35M redevelopment of the office building (LEED Silver status, new lobby, common areas etc) that is already in progress.  They also mentioned that 84 condominiums have been sold in 5th and Madison and 59% of 901 5th Ave is currently leased. 
More About: Sold , Domini , Diso

Seattle Times: Rents Up, Vacancies Down
2007-07-17 01:14:00
This article is pretty interesting but please note the information is based on apartments, not condominiums for lease: -According to The Seattle Times , rental rates in the region are up over 9% from last year and vacancy rates are down to 4.24%.  Click here to read more. 

2007 Seattle Street of Dreams
2007-07-16 23:31:00
This past Friday (July 13th) was the kick-off for the annual summertime event- 2007 Seattle Street of Dreams .  This year it is located at “Quinn’s Crossing� in Woodinville, where there are 5 brand new, eco-friendly model homes.  They are ranging in size from 4,200-4,750 sq. feet and will be displaying the latest trends in green architecture, design, technology and landscaping.  Click here for information on each home. There are several events offered to the public such as wine tastings and Jazz nights- so make sure to check their website for more details.  Admission prices vary but for those adults 16+ tickets are $18.  The doors open at 10am and close at 9pm daily and the parking lot is located at Woodinville High School (19819 136th Ave NW, Woodinville) where they have shuttles going back and forth to the community. 

A&E?s Flip This House- In Search of Seattle Team for Upcoming Season!
2007-07-12 01:44:00
This morning I was contacted by Steve Grant, the Casting Director for A&E?s Flip This House and it sounds as if they are looking for a new team to be featured on the upcoming season! 813 Casting and Departure Films are conducting a nationwide search for a new cast of characters in a new city- why ...
More About: Seattle , Real Estate , Nightlife , Search

Fixer-Upper: 161 Prospect St.- $1.695 M, Active STI in 4 days!
2007-07-11 10:33:00
Last year I had a listing on Bigelow Ave in Queen Anne and as I drove to my various appointments I always noticed two houses that sat right next to each other on Prospect .  They were really hard to miss (and I am sure some of you know which homes I am talking about) because ...
More About: Real Estate , Days , Active

Another Trace Lofts Update!
2007-07-11 09:45:00
I must say, I have been really impressed with the marketing team over at Trac e Loft s.  I feel like they are constantly sponsoring events, hosting socials for potential buyers and keeping the community informed on their progress- kudos!  Also- I love their website! Mark your calendars: - Saturday, July 21st at 9:30am First-Time Home Buyer Seminar and Tour Inside ...
More About: Real Estate , Update , Capitol Hill