Strategies for Home Buyers in the Seattle Market
What does it take to buy a home in this current real estate market? Is this the time to buy an investment property? What about a home renovation? Changes in the market often bring up questions. We have two great resources this week to help you be an educated consumer, Home Buying and Home Brews and the Seattle Home Fairs. Seattle’s real estate market has been changing over the past year. Although interest rates have increased and the months supply of homes has tripled in the last year, Seattle has still seen an increase of about 1.9% in residential sales prices. What does this mean for you, as a buyer or seller? We can provide you the resources and expertise to meet your real estate goals. Our full service team is always available to you.
Home Buying and Home Brews
From two of our exceptional brokers, Ann O’Neil and Michele Flinn, an opportunity to enjoy local beers at Elysian Brewing while learning about the homebuying process at their Home Buying and Home Brews event. They are offering your first beer or tasting flight on them. From 5:30-7pm on February 5th, they will be joined by a local lender, Mary Black from Homestreet Bank, to answer all your homebuying questions. In this low-key environment, learn about down payments, offer strategies, property searches, and much more.
Local Experts
As local experts, Michele, Ann, and Mary know the strategies to demystify homebuying in Seattle. Not sure you are quite ready to buy? All are welcome at this event. The information gained may assist you in developing a plan of action. The internet is saturated in information and it can feel overwhelming to know where to start as you consider a home purchase. Get your questions answered and meet your own personal experts in the field. As a bonus, Elysian hosts Tuesday Trivia nights after the event, so stay for some trivia to finish out your evening!
Next Steps
As a follow-up to the Home Buying and Home Brews event, Michele, Ann, and Mary will be hosting a class for those who are ready for more knowledge and deeper information on the homebuying process. Learn specifics of what a real estate agent and lender can do for you as you navigate the journey into your future home. Stay tuned for more information!
Seattle Home Fairs
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is hosting two Seattle Home Fairs, one in North Seattle at the Sunset Hill Community Club on Saturday, January 26 from 10am-2pm, and one in South Seattle at the Filipino Community Center on Saturday, February 23 from 10am-2pm. Both events are free and will have excellent content for all community members, whether you are a renter, a homeowner, or a landlord.
Renters
Learn about your tenant rights as a renter in Seattle. There will also be booths educating on recycling, composting, and reducing waste. Learn about the city’s emergency management system, Emergency Communication Hubs. Do you have a plan in place if an emergency arises? Or are you struggling with the high cost of living in Seattle? Learn more about affordable housing options.
Homeowners
Visit the Rainwise team to learn how installing a rain garden or water cistern at your home could be 100% reimbursed due to the positive environment impacts. Rebuilding Together Seattle will be discussing their mission to provide free home repairs to eligible homeowners for health and safety-related needs. Other homeowner assistance programs will be in attendance, including the local community tool libraries.
Ready for a Renovation?
Learn about code requirements, the inspection process, and how to permit home renovation work. The city will have coaches available to walk you through the permitting process to simplify and clarify your future projects.
Landlords
Looking to maximize your property and income yield? Breakout sessions will include information on backyard cottages. More information coming soon on the blog, but backyard cottages, sometimes called detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) may be increasing in Seattle. Additional information for landlords will include earthquake retrofitting and rental housing rules.
Attend the Home Fair
For more information or to register to attend the Home Fairs, please visit the City of Seattle website, here.
Are you ready to buy or sell?
If a class or a fair isn’t the right fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. One of our experienced agents would be more than happy to sit down with you one on one. Our market expertise and focus on relationships gives you the advantage. Within the last decade, our agents have sold over $200,000,000 in residential real estate alone – we know the ins and outs of buying and selling a home, and we can help you meet your goals.
Talk with Home Docket today
Whether you are buying or selling a home or property in or around the Seattle area, let us navigate you through the exciting Seattle real estate market. We would love to meet you.
Schedule of Events:
Seattle Home Fairs
North Seattle Home Fair
Saturday, January 26, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunset Hill Community Club
3003 NW 66th St, Seattle, WA 98117
RSVPs are appreciated.
South Seattle Home Fair
Saturday, February 23, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Filipino Community Center
5740 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98118
RSVPs are appreciated.
Home Buying and Home Brews
Elysian Brewing Tangletown – Greenlake
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
5:30pm – 7:00pm
2106 N. 55th Street
Seattle WA 98103