DIY Area Rug Washing

It can easily cost $200 to have a rug professionally cleaned. It’s also a hassle.

You can clean it yourself by placing a plastic drop cloth or tarp underneath it, then using a carpet cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can rent one at many different grocery stores, or borrow one from a friend. Make sure to vacuum it well, first!

April Events

Here is a list of some exciting things happening  this month in  and around Seattle!

1-30: SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL tulipfestival.org

2-19: SEATTLE RESTAURANT WEEK 3-course meal, 165 restaurants, dinner & some lunch offers. srw.seattletimes.com

20-22: CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Celebrate Seattle’s friendship with Japan and Japan’s gift of 1000 cherry trees in 1976. Enjoy Japanese art, dance, music, and food. http://www.cherryblossomfest.org/

28-29: NW GREEN HOME TOUR Free and fun for the whole family, selfguided tour features healthier and greener new single-family, multi-family, tiny homes & remodels in the greater Seattle area. www.nwgreenhometour.org

In The Market

WEST SEATTLE LISTING WITH 12 OFFERS! LISTED: $515,000 SOLD: $660,00

Northwest Multiple Listing figures for March show a surge in pending sales compared to February as the spring market heats up. Compared to a month ago, pending sales climbed more than 29% (from 7,980 in February to 10,311 in March).

NWMLS member brokers continue to work on increasing the supply of listings. We added 10,595 new listings during March, slightly more than a year ago when we added 10,321 properties to the market. Last month's additions marked a big gain from February when 7,284 new listings were added.

As has been the pattern, pending sales nearly equaled the number of new listings. Prices overall are up about 13.2% from a year ago, and even more so in the four- county Puget Sound region. Among these four counties, Kitsap had the largest year- over-year increase at 19%, but King County homes are still the priciest.

The median price for last month's sales of single family homes and condos combined in King County is $625,000, up 17.9% from a year ago. For single family homes, excluding condos, the median price for last month's sales was $689,950. Year-over-year prices are up more than 18% in Pierce County and about 14.3% in Snohomish County.

The hot market seems to affect all price ranges. The MLS statistics confirmed sales of luxury homes are rising. A comparison of first quarter figures show the year-over- year number of homes sold, priced at $1 million or more, rose nearly 28%.

Out of the 78 markets surveyed, Seattle is ranked #1 for 2018 by PWC and the Urban Land Institute. The positive outlook crosses all sectors with the strongest for investment and development in Industrial and Single Family Housing.

I am happy to meet for coffee to discuss the market and how it impacts your real estate.

Present For Mom?

PAINT SOME POTTERY FOR HER ON APRIL 29th

Hi Clients and Friends!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the MOM in your life?

Bring the kids and come join the fun and make  a gift for Mother's Day! I will provide the beer, juice and snacks. The pottery runs an average of $25/piece.  Perfect for ages 2-adult. We have spaces for 10 people.  

Please RSVP by April 25th!!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pottery-painting-for-moms-day-tickets-45071337584

Home Organization: Reducing Paper Clutter with “The Cloud”

Organization is not a skill that has come naturally to me.  Thankfully, over the years of setting systems in place to keep me organized, I have found some great tools. Evernote.com is a free note taking, organizing and archiving app that works on your computer and phone. It, or other note taking cloud-based software, can help you get your home in order.

Here are some suggestions:

1.  Take a home inventory for insurance (see link for helpful tips). This can be done by taking a photo of the item of value and its receipt.

2. Save invoices and receipts of home improvements. This can be useful when you sell. Here is why it can save you money!

3. Keep track of your current paint colors.

4. Save warranties and manuals online.

5. Collect links and photos of design ideas for upcoming projects.

I hope you find these tips as helpful as I have! How do you use the cloud to keep your home organized?