Hosted by Tony Meier & Team - Windermere Real Estate/NE
Over the last two years I have had the opportunity to work with Tony as both a listing agent and a buyers representative. Given my experience, I cannot imagine working with anyone else to meet my Real estate needs. He provides the highest levels of service and gets the job done every time.
Kevin Hafer – Sold in Kirkland – 2009
Thinking of remodeling your home? In this week’s cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at the bathroom. This is another area that has a dramatic impact on a home’s desirability and salability! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area
Bathroom Addition Project Description: Add a full 6-by-8-foot bath over a crawl space with poured concrete walls. Include cultured-marble vanity top with molded sink; standard chrome faucets; 30-by-60-inch white fiberglass tub/shower with ceramic tile surround; single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced faucet; white low-profile toilet; general and spot lighting; electrical wiring to code; mirrored medicine cabinet; linen storage closet or cabinet; vinyl wallpaper; painted trim; and ceramic tile floor.
Project cost: $43,639
Resale value: $34,585
Cost recouped: 79.3%
Bathroom Remodel Project Description: Update an existing 5-by-7-foot bathroom. Replace all fixtures to include 30-by-60-inch porcelain-on-steel tub with 4×4-inch ceramic tile surround; new single-lever temperature and pressure-balanced shower control; standard white toilet; solid-surface vanity counter with integral sink; recessed medicine cabinet with light; ceramic tile floor; vinyl wallpaper.
Project cost: $17,981
Resale value: $16,660
Cost recouped: 92.7%
Bathroom Remodel – Upscale Project Description: Expand an existing 35-square-foot bathroom to 100 square feet within existing house footprint. Relocate all fixtures. Include 42-by-42-inch neo-angle shower with ceramic tile walls with accent strip, recessed shower caddy, body spray fixtures, and frameless glass enclosure. Include a customized whirlpool tub; stone countertop with two sinks; two mirrored medicine cabinets with lighting; a compartmentalized commode area with one-piece toilet; and a humidistat-controlled exhaust fan. Use all color fixtures. Use larger matching ceramic tiles on the floor, laid on the diagonal with ceramic tile base molding. Add general and spot lighting including waterproof shower fixture. Cabinetry shall include a custom drawer base and wall cabinets for a built-in look. Extend HVAC system, and include electric in-floor heating and heated towel bars.
Project cost: $57,433
Resale value: $48,638
Cost recouped: 84.7%
All of the statistical information was provided by
c 2008 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2008 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com
If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates
By: Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
This week we will be looking at the Condo market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep this in mind:
1. These are an average of the all price ranges in the area. Some price ranges are definitely moving faster than others! If you would like to know how things break down in a specific price range for an area, send me an email at tony@eastsidehomes.com
2. These numbers are a result of the sales activity over the last 7 weeks when comparing the number of active listing vs. the number of pending sales to determine what the market absorption rate is for a particular area.
3. When measuring the heat of the market, the following rules apply:
a. 12 weeks or less = Seller’s Market
b. 12-24 weeks = Balanced Market
c. 24 or more weeks = Buyer’s Market
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 500 (Bellevue, South of I-90) = 63.6 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 510 (Mercer Island) = 38 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 520 (Bellevue, West of 405) = 84.9 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 530 (Bellevue, East of 405) = 34.6 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 540 (East of Lake Sammamish) = 38.4 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 550 (Redmond/Carnation) = 18.2 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 560 (Kirkland/Bridle Trails) = 54.7 weeks of inventory
Condo Only, NWMLS Area 600 (Juanita/Woodinville) = 47.4 weeks of inventory
If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
425-466-1000
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has released new FHA and conforming loan limits based on changes enacted last week as part of the massive economic stimulus bill.
Under the legislation, loan limits in high-cost areas are increased to $729,750, the same as last year. They had dropped to $625,500 this year before passage of the legislation.
In a Mortgagee Letter released yesterday on the change, HUD says the new loan limit for an area will be based on market calculations from either this year or last year, whichever is the higher of the two calculations
Given current market conditions, many areas are staying at the 2008 mortgage limit.
Here are the current limits for SEATTLE – BELLEVUE – EVERETT – TACOMA, WA METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Single Family / Condo = $567,500
Duplex = $726,500
Tri-plex = $878,150
4-plex = $1,091,350
If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Thinking of remodeling your home? In this week’s cost vs. value segment we’ll be looking at the kitchen. Remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most dramatic changes made to enhance a home’s value and general appeal. After all, isn’t that where most good parties are! Here are the latest numbers for the Seattle area.
Minor Kitchen Remodel Project Description: In a functional but dated 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of cabinetry and countertops, leave cabinet boxes in place but replace fronts with new raised-panel wood doors and drawers, including new hardware. Replace wall oven and cooktop with new energy-efficient models. Replace laminate countertops; install mid-priced sink and faucet. Repaint trim, add wall covering, and remove and replace resilient flooring.
Project cost: $22,476
Resale value: $22,595
Cost Recouped: 100.5%
Major Kitchen Remodel – Midrange Project Description: Update an outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with a functional layout of 30 linear feet of semi-custom wood cabinets, including a 3-by-5-foot island; laminate countertops; and standard double-tub stainless-steel sink with standard single-lever faucet. Include energy-efficient wall oven, cooktop, ventilation system, built-in microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and custom lighting. Add new resilient flooring. Finish with painted walls, trim, and ceiling.
Project cost: $61,570
Resale value: $57,600
Cost Recouped: 93.6%
Major Kitchen Remodel – Upscale Project Description: Update outmoded 200-square-foot kitchen with 30 linear feet of top-of-the-line custom cherry cabinets with built-in sliding shelves and other interior accessories. Include stone countertops with imported ceramic or glass tile backsplash; built-in refrigerator, cooktop, and 36-inch commercial grade range and vent hood; built-in warming drawer, trash compactor, and built-in combination microwave and convection oven. Install high-end undermount sink with designer faucets, and built-in water filtration system. Add new general and task lighting including low-voltage under-cabinet lights. Install cork flooring, cherry trim.
Project cost: $118,374
Resale value: $101,470
Cost recouped: 85.7%
All of the statistical information was provided by If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com Posted By:
c 2008 Hanley Wood, LLC. Reproduced by permission. Complete city data from the Remodeling 2008 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded for free at www.costvsvalue.com
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates
By: Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Seattle Area over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind:
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 140 (West Seattle) = 23.5 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 380 (Central Seattle) = 35.6 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 385 (SODO/Beacon Hill) = 21.6 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 390 (Central Seattle) = 37 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 700 (Queen Anne/Magnolia) = 31.8 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 705 (Ballard/Greenlake) = 15.5 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 710 (North Seattle) = 18.7 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 715 (Richmond Beach) = 20 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 720 (Lake Forest Park) = 41.4 weeks of inventory
Interesting to note: The seller is firmly in control under $400k in areas 705 & 710!
If you have any questions on this information or would like to know the strength in your area and price range, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates
By: Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind:
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 500 (Bellevue, South of I-90) = 42.6 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 510 (Mercer Island) = 97.5 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 520 (Bellevue, West of 405) = 68.8 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 530 (Bellevue, East of 405) = 32.9 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 540 (East of Lake Sammamish) = 42.3 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 550 (Redmond/Carnation) = 45.5 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 560 (Kirkland/Bridle Trails) = 39.1 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 600 (Juanita/Woodinville) = 45.1 weeks of inventory
If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Eastside & Seattle Market Absorption Rates
By: Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
This week we will be looking at the Residential market absorption rates for the Eastside over the last 7 weeks. When looking at these numbers, keep in this in mind:
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 500 (Bellevue, South of I-90) = 42.6 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 510 (Mercer Island) = 97.5 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 520 (Bellevue, West of 405) = 68.8 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 530 (Bellevue, East of 405) = 32.9 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 540 (East of Lake Sammamish) = 42.3 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 550 (Redmond/Carnation) = 45.5 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 560 (Kirkland/Bridle Trails) = 39.1 weeks of inventory
Residential Only, NWMLS Area 600 (Juanita/Woodinville) = 45.1 weeks of inventory
If you have any questions on this information, I welcome you to email me at tony@eastsidehomes.com
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Seattle’s Eastside Market Absorption Rates, Bellevue Real Estate, Redmond Real Estate, Woodinville Real Estate, Bothell Real Estate, Issaquah Real Estate, Kirkland Real Estate, Sammamish Real Estate, Seattle Real Estate
Kirkland Listing – $400,000 – Charming Kirkland Home just up from Juanita Bay!
11827 104th Ave NE, Kirkland
2240 s.f., 5 bedroom, 2.25 bath home with big family room & den on a private, west facing 9,200 s.f. lot in Idylwood – just above Juanita Bay in Kirkland!
For more information and DOZENS of photos go to http://www.CharmingKirklandHome.com
Charming home in Idylwood just up from Juanita Bay! This spacious home is 2240 s.f. and features 5 bedrooms, 2.25 baths plus office/craft room on a private, west facing lot! Large living room with brick fireplace. Formal dining room with slider to rear deck and yard – perfect for BBQing or entertaining! Generous kitchen with breakfast nook and pantry closet – all appliances included! Master bedroom with large closet and attached 3/4 bath. Three additional bedrooms upstairs are all spacious. Main bath in hall with shower over tub. Huge family room with fireplace and slider to rear yard – perfect for relaxing or as a game room for entertaining! Large 5th bedroom on lower level is private retreat for guests. Office/craft room provides a great space to follow your passion. Half bath with attached laundry room – washer & dryer included. Well manicured yard is flat with a huge lawn for play! Attached two car garage with storage shelving. Outstanding Lake Washington schools – Bell Elementary, Kirkland Junior High & Lake Washington High. Easy access to Juanita Beach & Park, Downtown Kirkland, shopping, restaurants & I405.
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
425-466-1000
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
Thank you to my clients who have nominated me as a 2008 FIVE STAR: Best In Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agent! With 14,000 agents in the Seattle area it is nice to be recognized as one of the best in my field. Here is the official press release:
Posted: December 5, 2008
Seattle, WA (December 5, 2008) – In the December 2008 issue of Seattle magazine, the 2008 FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agents (SM) are announced.
Seattle magazine formed a partnership with Crescendo Business Services, an independent research firm, to identify the “best in client satisfaction” real estate agents serving the Seattle area. In May of 2008, Crescendo surveyed by mail and phone 29,000 Seattle area residents who had recently purchased homes. An additional 250 surveys were sent to mortgage and title companies, who are often best able to judge a real estate agent’s technical skills and knowledge.
On the surveys, recipients were asked to evaluate only real estate agents whom they knew through personal experience. They were asked to evaluate them based upon nine criteria, including, customer service, integrity, market knowledge, communication, negotiation, closing preparation, finding the right home, marketing of the home and overall satisfaction.
By June, stacks of surveys had arrived and Crescendo began carefully scoring and screening each nominee with both the Washington State Real Estate Commission’s database to make certain that licenses were up to date and that no disciplinary actions were pending. Before finalizing the list, nominated agents were reviewed by a blue ribbon panel of local industry experts.
The panel consisted of realty company executives, professional and trade association officers and others directly involved in housing-related businesses. Although panelists’ comments were incorporated into the final score, safeguards were built into the review process to reduce the ability of panel members to influence the composition of the final list on the basis of company affiliation.
This year’s list of “FIVE STAR: Best in Client Satisfaction” real estate agents represents less than 6 percent of actively licensed real estate agents in the Seattle area. We hope this list serves as a referral network for the 170,000 readers of Seattle magazine. Is this list exhaustive? Of course not. There are undoubtedly many other excellent real estate agents that are not on the list this year, but don’t be surprised to see them next year.
RESEARCH DECLARATIONS:
As with any research or recognition program, it is important that we provide you the following declarations:
· The 2008 FIVE STAR Real Estate Agents do not pay a fee to be included in the research or the final list of FIVE STAR:Best in Client Satisfaction Real Estate Agents.
· The overall evaluation score of a real estate agent reflects an average of all respondents and may not be representative of any one client’s evaluation.
· The FIVE STAR Award is not indicative of the real estate agents future performance.
· The inclusion of a real estate agent on the FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent list should not be construed as an endorsement of the real estate agent by Crescendo Business Services or Seattle magazine.
· Working with a FIVE STAR Real Estate Agent or any real estate agent is no guarantee that the selected real estate agent will be awarded this accomplishment by Crescendo in the future.
· For more information on the FIVE STAR Award and the research/selection methodology, go to: .
Kind Regards,
FIVE STAR Marketing and Sales Team
Crescendo Business Services
Posted By:
Tony Meier
Eastside & Seattle Realtor
425-466-1000
EastsideHomesBlog.com
EastsideHomes.com
Seattle's Eastside Real Estate Resource
tony@eastsidehomes.com
