Kirkland Archives - EastsideHomes.com

Time in the Market Beats Trying To Time the Market

Are you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this. Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise. If you’re able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it’ll be worth it in the long run. Let’s connect if you’re ready to talk through ways we can make it happen.

The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed

In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.

It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they’re doing.

According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):

Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving or walking by. And when it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy that there’s a house for sale in the area. It also puts your agent’s contact information on display, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch.
Having an Open House – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers – and that can lead to stronger offers. And since you’ll only need to leave once for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you, too. Plus, an open house helps your agent get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they’re not as sold on.
Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website – Having your house on your agent’s website presents it in a professional way to buyers. And odds are, people visiting your agent’s website are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers.
Social Networking – Posting your house on social helps get your house in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones.
Providing Virtual Tours – For buyers who are relocating from out of town, virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are. This helps reach more potential buyers who may not be able to come to see your house in person.
Using Video – Video is an excellent way for your agent to show off some of the top features of your house like your kitchen, large closets, outdoor entertainment areas, and other key details that could attract buyers.
Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to your agent’s expansive database is another way they’ll get it in front of even more people. Great agents may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market as a way to boost interest and excitement before it officially has an open house.

Here’s what it comes down to. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos. But a great agent will do so much more than that.

They’ll not only lean on their expertise, they’ll put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes an impression on buyers, and ultimately, sells.

Bottom Line

As a seller, working with a creative local real estate agent is a smart way to ensure your house grabs the attention of the right buyers. If you’re ready to sell and want to talk about strategies we can use to get your house sold, let’s chat.

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.

There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore two solutions that could help get you into your first home, regardless of the market.

1. FHA Loans

If your down payment savings and credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:

Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.
Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing. This means that when conventional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan.

The first step is to connect with a lender who can help you explore your options and determine if you qualify.

2. Homeownership Assistance Programs

And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know there are over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs available across the U.S. according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:

Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000. And that’s not a small number.
Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even bigger boost.

Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource confirms a little-known fact:

“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.”

If you want to learn more or see what you qualify for, be sure to lean on the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help that’s out there, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to stop wondering if buying a home is possible and start exploring solutions, let’s connect.

SOLD! – Juanita Bay Remodel! Great room style home with sunny west facing yard near Juanita Beach in Kirkland

Listed at $1,100,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website

The spacious 1,870 s.f. floorplan features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths on a 9,600 s.f. lot in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood. Special features include: Close proximity to Juantia Village. Open concept living! Remodeled Kitchen with stainless steel appliances, updated baths, hardwood floors throughout upper level, huge west-facing back yard with greenhouse, and large bonus room on lower level. Air conditioning and new roof too!

Inviting, spacious entry welcomes you with beautiful slate flooring, convenient coat closet, and abundance of natural light. Formal living includes wall of windows, soaring ceiling, gas fireplace with brick surround, and space for entertaining. Large, fully remodeled kitchen with quartz counters, subway tile backsplash, newer stainless steel appliances including gas range, large center island with breakfast bar, abundance of cabinetry, and slider leading to back deck and yard. Spacious, open dining room adjacent to kitchen and living room.

Gorgeous primary suite with large closet and spacious, updated primary bath. Primary bath features beautiful tile flooring, gorgeous vanity with quartz counters, and tile-wrapped walk-in shower. Two large additional bedrooms on the upper level, with abundance of natural light. Updated main hall bathroom with new vanity and quartz counter, tile flooring and tile-wrapped shower over tub.

Lower level features large family room with updated laminate flooring, and wood fireplace insert with brick surround, perfect for entertainment or play. Adjacent bathroom allows space to be used for visiting guest. Laundry room & guest bath combo with walk-in shower, and newer full size LG washer and dryer.

The beautiful, huge, & sunny west-facing back yard features: Entertainment sized deck, lush plantings include raspberry, blueberries & cherries with greenhouse for additional gardening space. Ample lawn for play surrounded in mature landscaping.

Attached two car garage with back yard access door. Extra storage shelving included!

Lake Washington Schools – Bell Elementary, Finn Hill Middle & Juanita High.

SOLD! – Beautifully Updated 5 Bed, 3 Bath Home on Quiet Cul-de-sac in Finn Hill Neighborhood of Kirkland!

Listed at $1,275,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website

The spacious 2,530 s.f. floorplan features 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths on a 7,000 s.f. lot on Finn Hill in Kirkland. Special features include: Custom remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances including gas range, Central AC, fully fenced back yard with dog run, beautiful hardwood floors, tastefully updated bathrooms, white painted millwork and doors, updated windows, and two gas fireplaces inserts.

Inviting, spacious entry welcomes you with soaring ceiling, natural light and decorative light fixture. Formal living room includes: Vaulted ceiling, wall of windows, beautiful gas fireplace & mantle with decorative ceramic tile veneers, and ample space for entertaining. The large dining room sits adjacent to kitchen, complete with decorative light fixture and French door access to the back deck. Large, fully updated kitchen with granite counters, abundant cabinetry, newer stainless steel appliances including gas range, and large breakfast bar center island.

Private and massive primary suite is filled with natural light, and includes large closet with gorgeous custom doors and built-in shelving. Primary bath features wrap around double vanity with tile counters, stunning tile wrapped walk-in shower, and separate jetted soaking tub. Two additional large bedrooms on the upper level, with ample closet space and abundance of natural light. Beautifully updated main hall bathroom with tile wrapped shower over tub.

Lower level features large family room with gas fireplace, plenty of space to entertain or use as a game room! Two additional bedrooms downstairs, updated full hall bathroom, and full size washer & dryer in the utility room! Oversized garage with space for storage, craft or workshop area and back door to yard.

The massive, newly fenced back yard with entertainment sized deck, covered patio off the family room, and lush privacy plantings create an abundance of space to garden, entertain or play!

Lake Washington Schools – Sandburg Elementary, Finn Hill Middle & Lake Washington High.

SOLD! – Wonderful 3 bed, 1.75 bath water view condo in Juanita Bay

Listed at $575,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website

Wonderful Kirkland condo at the base of Finn Hill in Juanita. The spacious floorplan is 1,324 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 1.75 baths, plus a water view! Special features include: New carpet throughout, fresh paint, lofted primary suite with vaulted ceiling, carport parking space and storage unit.

The inviting entry greets you with gorgeous, light-filled living room and large coat closet. Bright and open formal living room with large sun soaked window, fireplace and vaulted ceiling. Spacious kitchen with tile flooring, solid surface counters and ample storage. Large, formal dining room with decorative light fixture, and door to the balcony!

Gorgeous, lofted primary suite with wall of windows, vaulted ceiling, new carpet, and large primary bathroom with updated vanity and walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms on the main level are spacious with large closets and vaulted ceilings. Adjacent full hall bathroom with updated vanity and light fixture, tile flooring and shower over tub.

Assigned carport parking space and storage unit are included! Additional parking available in front of building. Pending deck railing replacement project by HOA (special assessment to be paid by seller at closing), includes aluminum railing with glass inserts as shown on neighboring building to the Southwest.

Lake Washington School District – Sandburg Elementary, Finn Hill Middle School, and Juanita High School.

Sold 13% Above List Price With 4 Offers! Inviting 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath + Bonus Room Townhome at The Enclave Community in Kirkland

Listed at $985,000
Click Here For Full Details

Ideally located detached end unit townhome in the quiet community of The Enclave in Kirkland. The spacious floorplan boasts 2,603 s.f. and features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, bonus room and 2 car garage on a secluded dead end street. Recent updates include: New interior paint, new carpet and refinished hardwood floors.

Generous covered front porch welcomes you to this home. The light, open entry invites you in with hardwood floors leading up to living areas. Living room and dining room with big windows providing ample natural light and French doors to private deck. Spacious, open kitchen with granite counters, custom tile backsplash, ample cabinets, breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. Sunny nook area with large window looking out to deck. Large family room with gas fireplace and slider to rear deck. Powder room on main floor is great for guests.

Large, inviting master bedroom with walk-in closet. Master bath includes double vanity, soaking tub with tile surround and shower. Two additional bedroom are spacious. Full bathroom adjacent to the bedroom. Laundry room with shelving – full size washer and dryer included. Lower level includes access to garage, full bath and large bonus room – could be a great home office, entertainment area, play space or guest area.

Cozy deck with space to BBQ, relax and enjoy the serene setting of The Enclave. Fully fenced yard with garden space with room for any kind of play! Attached 2 car garage with room for storage. Additional parking in the driveway and guest parking out front too!

HOA dues include: Common area maintenance.

Outstanding Lake Washington schools – Bell Elementary, Finn Hill Middle School & Juanita High.

August 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing

Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.