May Seattle Real Estate News

New statistics are out.

NE Seattle (710) median sales price is $421K; in 2005 it was $416K .

NW Seattle (705) median sales price is $381K; in 2005 it was $350K.

Next, QA/Magnolia (700) is $561K; in 2005 it was $578K.

And Capital Hill/Etc (390) is$470K; in 2005 is was $536K. 

Will The Real Estate Market Turn Around?

Getting a bank loan is more difficult than it has been in recent years, but many new incentives offer help, especially to new home buyers. Mortgage rates are at all time lows, and a tax credits can lure buyers back to the marketplace. Recent price drops make home buying bargain shopping, but many still fear prices will go lower, and this is slowing the market recover. But of the biggest factors delaying the turnaround is fear. The foreclosures have flooded the marketplace and devalued the inventory. But the main reason the market is slow is this: Consumer Confidence.

Read full article here.

http://www.helium.com/items/848017-will-the-real-estate-market-rebound-soon

Tips to Create Curb Appeal in Seattle

Creating curb appeal will help you sell your home more quickly. Here are some tips to increase the visual appeal of your home.

SPRING CLEAN-UP 

Remove any damage from winter rain. Wash your windows and clean out gutters. Power wash to remove moss from siding and walkways. Rake up leaves left from last winter, and trim fallen tree limbs. Make sure the house looks well kept and free of personal touches, like birdhouses or flags. Keep landscape free of clutter.

ENTRYWAYS

The entry way is usually the best place to make a significant change to the look of your home. Cut bushes to make sure the door is visible from the road.
FRONT DOOR

An old door detracts buyers. Replace door with newer models, some of which have side windows to let in light and are more welcoming.

ADDRESS IDENTIFICATION

Make sure that your address is clearly visible from a car driving past. Make it easy for a prospective buyer to find you.

SIDING

Paint a neutral color if new paint is needed. Refresh the paint job where needed. New siding can usually be applied over the old siding. Some of the new siding looks so much like wood that it is hard to tell the difference.

LANDSCAPING

Remove any plants damaged by the winter, or those that have grown too large.  Prune trees and shrubs no taller than bottom of front windows. Remove any plants with thorns or plants that attract bees or insects.

 

Tulips in Seattle

 

 

LAWN

Keep the lawn mowed. In an area that refuses to grow grass, put in a flowerbed, or add a bench and rockery. 

LIGHTS

Buyers may visit your neighborhood in the evenings. Accent to walkway or a design element with lights or invest in solar powered lights.

Add uniqueness to your home so it will stand out from the others on the market and you will sell your home quickly. With buyers returning to the market in Idaho’s spring thaw, increasing curb appeal will increase the market value and attract more buyers as you sell your home.

Buying or Selling a Home in Seattle?

Seattle Garden on Queen Anne Hill