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Local Market Update: “Greatest Seller’s Market In Recent Memory”
2015 closed out the year with home prices hitting new highs, and inventory hitting new lows. The market is tough for buyers who are competing for a dwindling number of homes, but it’s also the greatest seller’s market in recent memory. What’s in store for 2016? Here is what Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner forecasts.
King County
King County achieved two milestones in December. The number of homes on the market hit a historic low – the smallest number of active listings since at least 1993. And the median price for a single-family home hit an all-time high of $508,000, surpassing the previous high of $481,000 set in 2007. Those wanting to buy in King County can find more affordable options by heading south. The median home price in Southwest King County was $305,000. The median price in Southeast King County was $349,950.
Seattle
The hot market in Seattle just keeps getting hotter. High demand has sent prices soaring. The median home price in December hit a new peak of $600,000, an increase of 20 percent over a year ago. Homes here sell within days of coming on the market, often for substantially more than the list price. In December, a 1600 square foot bungalow in the popular Ballard neighborhood sold in eight days for $750,000 – $75,000 over the asking price. With just a few weeks of inventory available, home prices and competition are projected to stay strong. More.
Help Feed Hungry Neighbors; Rainier Valley Food Bank Needs YOU!
Dear Friends,
My office – Windermere Real Estate Mount Baker – has just kicked-off an important food drive for the Rainier Valley Food Bank (RVFB), where 20,000 residents are served each month and donations tend to drop precipitously after the holidays.
When you donate to RVFB, your money goes primarily to the food budget. Their local, national and government partnerships and subsidies allow RVFB to buy more food with $1 than the average person can at the grocery store.
Can you help? Through the end of February, we’re collecting food or monetary donations at the Windermere Mount Baker office (4919 South Genesee Street) where you can drop donations off anytime between 8 am and 6 pm Monday through Friday. Or just give me a call (206-999-8159) and I’ll swing by your place to pick them up. I’m happy to do it; it’ll be a good excuse to visit!
In the meantime, here’s a quick list of items most in need at RVFB:
- Rice & pasta
- Canned soups
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruits
- Canned tomatoes
- Diapers & infant formula
- Canned chicken, SPAM & tuna
- Soy or rice milk
- Multicultural foods
- Cold cereal
- Gluten-free foods
Thank you for your support!
Serena
Happy New Year! Where in South Seattle to Exercise Those New Year’s Resolutions
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
According to the hundreds of South Seattle residents who recently voted in the fifth annual Best of South Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards – the definitive list of who to know, where to eat and what to do in one of America’s most diverse zip codes – these are the top 10 hyper-local spots to get in shape. What’s your favorite?
1. Columbia City Fitness Center (Columbia City)
Columbia City Fitness Center is a family-owned and operated gym with certified fitness experts that can help people of all levels. Owned by neighborhood fixtures Flozzell and Andrew “Bull” Stewart and voted Best Gym in the 2014 Best of South Seattle Reader’s Choice Awards. (4860 Rainier Ave. S./)
2. The Studio at Rainier Valley (North Rainier)
The Studio at Rainier Valley is located in the heart of southeast Seattle and offers several programs including Tae Kwon Do, dance and self-defense workshops, as well as several different types of yoga (Forrest Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Hour of Power and Vinyasa Flow). The studio is also available for rental. (3333 Rainier Ave S, Suite D/)
3. Rainier Health and Fitness (Othello)
Offering Senior’s fitness classes throughout the week as well as yoga (gentle as well as vigorous), cycling and ladies night. One benefit of membership is childcare for kids up to age 10 allowing busy parents the opportunity to try out new offerings such as a cycle and core class combining the benefits of cycling with core strengthening exercises. (7722 Rainier Ave. S./)
4. Seattle Gymnastics Academy (Columbia City)
Classes are broken out by age range, skill level and gender with summer gymnastics camps, an indoor playground for rainy days and a bi-monthly parent’s night out from 6 to 10 pm, including pizza, games and a movie along with gymnastics to work up an appetite. Kids ages 5-12 are welcome, drop off ends at 7 pm. (5034 37th Ave. S. #200/206-708-7497)
5. Southside Booty Camp (Southeast Seattle)
Southside Booty Camp offers outdoor fitness boot camps for women in the Seattle area. Experts teach exercise classes in parks throughout Seattle, including several in South Seattle. (3815 S. Othello St./)
6. Rainier Community Center (Columbia City)
Many family friendly fitness options can be found at the Rainier Community Center where affordable (and some free) classes are offered for all ages (starting at six months). The community center has yoga, martial arts, dance, aerobics and much more every day of the week. The winter schedule can be found here. (4600 38th Ave. S./)
7. Rainier Beach Community Center & Pool (Rainier Beach)
This $25 million, 46,500 square foot, state-of-the-art facility includes two new pools (lap and leisure), a new gym, computer lab, arts and crafts space, kitchen area, teen rooms and childcare facility. A great place for the whole family to work out and have fun together. (8825 Rainier Ave. S./)
8. Seattle Bouldering Project (North Rainier)
Awesome climbing gym with high ceilings, open layout, natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows, enormous climbing walls, topout boulders, innovative and grade-consistent routesetting, seamless padding, a fleet of rental crash pads, full-service fitness center, locker rooms with showers, yoga, weights, cross-training, youth programs, kids areas and tons of parking. (900 Poplar Pl. S./)
9. Crossfit RE (Genesee)
Crossfit RE offers Crossfit classes and training for all skill levels. Coach Darrick Bourgeois is breathing new life into the neighborhood with beginner classes, personal training sessions and offerings throughout the day for more experienced Crossfit enthusiasts. (4243 Rainier Ave. S./)
10. Rocket Crossfit (Hillman City)
Introductory class options for beginners as well as challenging classes for crossfit devotees in a fun, encouraging environment. (5720 Rainier Ave. S./)
Columbia City Fitness Center is a family owned and operated wellness center that has provided award-winning service for health and advocacy in the Greater Seattle Area for nearly a decade. Photo/Go: South Seattle
Top 7 Ways to Keep Mold Out of Your Home
Exposure to damp and moldy environments can cause a variety of potential health effects. For people who are sensitive to molds, they can cause nasal stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing, eye irritation, or, in some cases, skin irritation. Follow these tips to keep mold out of your home!
- Keep the humidity level in your home below 50%.
- Make sure that your home has adequate ventilation.
- Use “mold inhibitors” in paints.
- Clean your bathroom with mold-killing products, such as one part household bleach mixed with 10 parts water.
- Do not carpet bathrooms or other damp locations.
- Remove and replace any water-damaged rugs, furniture or other materials immediately.
- Run your bathroom fan for at least 20-minutes after showering.
Wishing you a fun holiday season and lots of love and happiness in 2016!
Dear friends,
I want to thank you so much for your support this year, referrals are the mainstay of my business, and I am truly grateful for your trust in me.
In the spirit of giving back I will continue to donate a percentage of my income to charitable causes such as Treehouse for Kids and Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank. Also, I’m proud to work for a company that gives back to the community big time. Since 1989, the Windermere foundation has donated more than $30 million to low-income and homeless individuals and families!
May this coming year be a good one for all of us.
Sincerely,
Take good care,
Serena
10 Small Organizations Doing Big Things in South Seattle (Part 1)
Reposted with permission from GO: South Seattle:
There are so many dedicated groups doing important work in South Seattle that we’re bringing them to you in two parts! What qualifies as a small outfit? For our purposes, we used information from The Seattle Foundation to select organizations with less than 30 full-time employees (FTE). Look for Part 2 to be posted soon. Please consider these groups in your year-end giving budget. Happy holidays!
1. Anything is Possible Theatre Company
Anything is Possible is a small theater company dedicated to creating and producing original children’s theater productions to under-served communities in the Rainier Valley. Its mission is to inspiring lifelong interest in theater by engaging new audiences through dynamic and original productions. Founded in 2005; Executive Director Ellen Cooper; 1 FTE; 5,000 individuals served. (5030 45th Ave S., Seattle, WA, 98118-2310; 206-760-1336)
2. Bike Works
Bike Works is dedicated to building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling. They offer collaborative youth programming designed to develop creativity, community and leadership, by repurposing and recycling bicycles and by keeping cycling accessible and affordable. Founded in 1996; Executive Director Deb Salls; 17 FTE; 7,000 individuals served. (3715 S. Hudson St., Seattle, WA 98118; 206-695-2522)
3. Community Arts Create
Community Arts Create believes that every community needs to experience and have access to art education and art opportunities that highlight the culture, traditions, ideas, and progress of those who make up the community itself. Its mission is to build community through self-discovery and shared experiences. Founded in 2011; Executive Director Benjamin Hunter; 0 FTE; 2,500 individuals served (5623 Rainier Ave S., Seattle, WA 98118; 206-669-8106)
4. GOT GREEN
GOT GREEN is a Southeast Seattle-based grassroots organizing group led by people of color and low-income people dedicated to cultivating multi-generational community leaders of the Green Movement. Their goal is to turn the promise of the new, green economy into tangible benefits for our communities. Founded in 2008; Executive Director Jill Mangaliman; 4 FTE; 3,458 individuals served. (3518 S. Edmonds St.; Seattle, WA 98118; 206-290-5136)
5. Northwest African American Museum
The only African American museum in the region, NAAM presents the often overlooked stories and achievements of African Americans in the Pacific Northwest through unique exhibitions, tours, public events and educational resources. Its public programs reach a wide and diverse audience. Founded in 2006; Executive Director Rosanna Sharpe; 10 FTE; 15,000 individuals served (2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle, WA 98144-3818; 206-518-6000)
6. Rainier Valley Food Bank
Serving one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the nation, the Rainier Valley Food Bank provides healthy, well-balanced groceries to anyone in need of food. With more 1,500 hours of community volunteer hours each month, RVFB is a model for neighbors feeding neighbors. Founded in 1991; Executive Director Sam Osborne; 3 FTE; 14,000 individuals served. (4205 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118; 206-723-4105)
7. Rainier Valley Historical Society
The Rainier Valley Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the history and heritage of the Rainier Valley and its people, and to promote public involvement in and appreciation of its history and culture. Its roots date back to 1891, and its collection includes more than 2,500 photographs, thousands of documents, 100-plus artifacts, and more than 40 oral history recordings. Founded in 1993; Executive Director Virginia H. Wright; 1 FTE; 1,000 individuals served (3710 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle, WA 98118; 206-723-1663)
8. Seattle Children’s PlayGarden
The Seattle Children’s PlayGarden improves the lives of children with physical or mental disabilities by providing full access to a safe indoor/outdoor recreation space and offering inclusive programs that encourage their potential. The public park is situated at the south-end of Colman Playfield in Seattle’s south-central neighborhood. Founded in 2002; Executive Director Elizabeth Bullard; 1 FTE; 1,500 individuals served (1745 24th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144; 206-325-5576
9. Seward Park Audubon Center
The Seward Park Audubon Center is part of national Audubon’s vision to make conservation the path to a better future by building a constituency as diverse as nature to help protect nature. The Center’s mission is to inspire people of all backgrounds to conserve natural ecosystems and build healthy communities for people, birds and other wildlife. Founded in 1905; Center Director Joseph Manson; 5 FTE; 23,000 individuals served (5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S., Seattle, WA 98118-3008; 206-652-2444)
10. Southeast Seattle Education Coalition
A group of 50 organizations and more than 100 individuals working to improve education for all children, especially those in Southeast Seattle and those farthest away from opportunities. Dedicated to rallying communities of color and allies to improve Southeast Seattle Schools so that all students succeed and all families are empowered. Founded in 2011; Executive Director Erin Okuno; 1 FTE; 1,000 individuals served (3829B S. Edmunds St., Seattle, WA 98118; 425-243-7079)
Photo/Rainier Valley Food Bank
Serena’s List Contractor Close-Up: Madrigal Painting
Need to improve your curb appeal? Spruce things up before the in-laws arrive?
Call Oscar at Madrigal Painting — a conscientious and reasonably priced interior and exterior house painter.
Madrigal Painting is just one of more than 80 quality businesses found on Serena’s List — a line-up of my favorite real estate-related contractors. Madrigal Painting is owned and operated by longtime local Oscar Madrigal, who holds Construction Contractor and Painting/Wallcovering licenses.
Oscar has painted my own home several times over the years, as well as those of many of my clients, and I recommend him highly. Tell him Serena sent you!
Madrigal Painting
827 23rd Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98144
(425) 761-8978
With more than 80 quality contractors specializing in everything from asbestos abatement to window cleaning, Serena’s List is your guide to getting it done in South Seattle. Just sign up for monthly updates in the top left corner and we’ll send your copy straight away!
Top 10 Tips for Saving Energy In The Kitchen
Guest post from Rinehart Inspection Services:
The kitchen, with all its appliances, gadgets and heat, is a real hotspot for potential energy saving. Since the oven uses the most energy and creates a vast amount of heat while cooking foods, it’s a good place to start!
1. When baking cookies use two trays. While one is in the oven baking, the other one is prepped with raw cookies – ready to replace the tray in the oven with no wasted heat and some time saved.
2. Baking bread? Fill the oven with foil wrapped potatoes. The baked potatoes can be stored in the fridge without the foil and used throughout the week in a myriad of recipes, or as a side dish. This method can be applied to a menu plan in that if you are baking one dish, try to include a side dish that is baked as well.
3. Turn off the oven a minute or two before the dish is done, the residual heat will finish the cooking.
4. When done with the oven, open the door to allow any leftover heat to warm the home.
5. Pasta cooking water can be left out until it has completely cooled – so that the heat and moisture are released back into the air.
6. Before pulling the plug, consider leaving hot dishwater (and bath water) until it cools. Why pay to heat up your sewer pipes?
7. When cooking vegetables, consider steaming instead of boiling. When steamed, more nutrients are retained in the food, and because it requires less water to heat – there is less energy used.
8. Rather than running the tap when cleaning vegetables, use a bowl of water. Later, reuse it to water outdoor plants.
9. Reusing water from rinsing out the coffeepot for outdoor plants, the compost or lawn is something we do all the time. Rich in nitrogen as well as some trace minerals, coffeepots should be diluted with water before using. Choose a different group of plants every day and you may find you no longer have to water or fertilize them very often at all. Cooking water (pasta, steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes etc.) can be used in the same way – just let it cool first. All of these water sources contain extra nutrients that will aid your gardens immensely. Very hot cooking water can be used to kill weeds – simply pour it directly on the weed and around its roots.
10. After meals, scrape your dishes into the compost bucket before rinsing. While rinsing, place other soiled dishes, jars and utensils underneath while you work; it will begin the presoaking process – reducing labor and water use. Anything caught in the sink basket can be contributed to the compost, too. Save about 5 gallons of water per washing by doing dishes in a few inches of hot soapy water. It may seem funny to do this – but by turning the hot water tap on to rinse the dishes into the sink the level will slowly increase and will maintain a hot temperature. This way, another sink full of water solely for rinsing is no longer necessary. We sometimes use rinse water to pre- soak stuck on dishes as well.
Holidays in South Seattle: 10 Fun Community Sales & Events
Argosy Christmas Ships at Mount Baker Beach. Photo courtesy of Mount Baker Community Club.
Article reused with permission from GO: South Seattle:
There are so many fun holiday sales and events coming up right here in South Seattle, who cares what’s north of I-90? Below are just a few of our favorites:
1. Argosy Christmas Ships Festival
Each night, through Dec. 23, the flotilla will sail to different Puget Sound waterfront communities including several in southeast Seattle, while on-board choirs sing 20-minute performances. On shore, friends and neighbors can gather around bonfires and watch. The first of two Southeast Seattle Christmas Ship visits will take place on Wed., Dec. 2, at Pritchard Beach Park (7:50-8:10 pm) and Seward Park (8:25-8:45 pm).
2. Seward Park Clay Studio Holiday Sale
Meet Pacific Northwest clay artists and purchase ceramic art by more than 40 local artists. Sale opens Fri., Dec 4, 6:30 to 9:30 pm with light refreshments, beverages and first pick of the great selection of ceramic art. Sale continues through Wed., Dec. 23; 10 am to 6 pm weekends, and noon to 7 pm weekdays (5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S.).
3. Handmade Holiday Craft Bazaar in Hillman City
Get a start on all your holiday gifts at this 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar: local, handmade, affordable gifts you’ll love to give (or get)! For three days Tin Umbrella Coffee will be ‘transformed’ as 12 makers come together in one location to keep you shopping local, and get you out of the malls! 5 pm to 7 pm Fri., Dec. 4; 8 am to 2 pm Sat., Dec. 5, and Sun., Dec. 6. Get your coffee, buy a gift direct from the artists. Support local business and artisans. Plus, this year: an extra-special holiday art show, lovingly curated by Hillman City’s Magic Lantern Montessori. Tin Umbrella Coffee Roasters (5600 Rainier Ave. S.).
4. Light Up the Beach Holiday Challenge Open House
On Fri., Dec 4, from 5 to 8 pm, the 2nd Annual Light Up the Beach Holiday Challenge and community open house. Meet business owners, enjoy complimentary hospitality, entertainment, and activities, collect stamps on a passport and vote for your favorite displays. Carolers, food, crafts, dance & music performances, giant chess, luminaria, SPD Mobile Unit tours, free Santa photos and more!
5. Black Santa at the Northwest African American Museum
Get free photos taken with Black Santa at the Northwest African American Museum on Sat., Dec. 5, from 12 to 4 pm.
6. Lakewood Seward Park Holiday Bazaar
The annual Lakewood Seward Park Holiday Bazaar is a great place to browse for interesting thing to buy from local vendors – many unique and hand crafted items. Guests will enjoy gifts, raffle prizes and refreshments. Sat., Dec. 5, 10 am to 3 pm at Lakewood Seward Park Community Club (4916 S. Angeline St.).
7. Mount Baker Home Tour and Art & Craft Fair
The Mount Baker Home Tour and accompanying Art & Craft Fair will be held Sat, Dec 5, from 10 am to 4 pm, when the owners of some of Mount Baker’s most beautiful and historic homes will open their doors, and allow the community to view the homes, their breathtaking period details and elegant grounds. Get some of your holiday shopping done while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee & cookies at the Art & Craft Fair at the Clubhouse. (2811 Mount Rainier Dr. S.).
8. Happy Holly Days Studio Sale at City Art Farm
It’s handmade heaven at City Art Farm on Sat., Dec. 5. Tons of great gifts for your creative types. 11 am-6 pm (3959 Renton Ave. S.).
9. El Centro de la Raza Christmas Tree Sale
Get your locally grown Christmas tree from Fri., Nov. 27 through Wed., Dec. 23. This event not only supports El Centro de la Raza, but also a small local business run by two brothers from Oaxaca, Mexico.
10. More Christmas Ships & Mount Baker Holiday Party
The Christmas Ship will return to the south-end on Sun., Dec. 6, with visits to Ferdinand Street Park (5:40-6 pm), Stan Sayres Memorial Park (6:15-6:35 pm) and Mount Baker Beach Park (6:45-7:05 pm). After the last show, follow the beautiful path of luminarias from the beach up to Mount Baker Community Club for a festive holiday celebration with refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus!
Hot Real Estate Market Shows Little Sign of Slowing Down
The hot real estate market shows little sign of slowing down. Home prices continued to move upward. With the number of pending sales exceeding the number of new listings, the supply of homes is falling well short of demand. The inventory of homes in the Puget Sound area is 23 percent less than a year ago.
King County
Inventory remained tight throughout King County with just five weeks of available supply. Limited inventory has fueled home prices, pushing the median price of a home up seven percent over last year to $480,000. Home prices vary significantly based on location. While the median home price was $555,000 in Seattle, the median price was $449,950 in North King County, and $297,824 in Southwest King County.
Seattle
A recent analysis ranked Seattle as the nation’s #1 hottest market for single family homes. That demand has depleted the supply of homes, which stands at just under one month of inventory. Demand has also kept prices climbing. The median price of a home in Seattle increased eight percent over the previous year to $555,000.
Eastside
Home prices on the Eastside continue to be well above those in other parts of King County. The median price for homes sold in October was $667,000, an eight percent increase over the previous year. Inventory remains at historic lows, with only a six week supply available – far below the three to six months of supply that is considered to be balanced.
