How to Rock Adding a Co-Signer on a Mortgage!!!  When your fantasy of owning a home meets the reality of qualifying mortgage, it can sometimes mean that you'll need a little help.  And in more than a few of those cases, the most elegant solution can be a co-signer, technically known as a "non-occupant co-borrower" within the mortgage industry. So, who makes a good co-signer and who's just "bad company?" Let's learn how co-signers can impact, both good and bad, the three most critical elements of any loan approval; income, assets and credit. I won't deny it,  Rob SpinosaSVP of Mortgage LendingGuaranteed RateNMLS: 22343 Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 rob.spinosa@rate.com Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 *The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-r... 08/25/2022

Residential properties across the NWMLS (26 counties) sold for 107.8% over asking price in April.  King County is one of two counties where inventory is down from a year ago.  This is especially true for condos where inventory is down 35%.  Thus King County prices are up nearly 20% for single family homes and 12.6% for condos  Median price in King County for a house is now nearly $1 million ($995,000) and condos are $518,000.  Nevertheless, inventory across the NWMLS is up slightly and with an uptick in interest rates, some think the real estate market will start to calm.  But, so far, the real estate market continues to be brisk and prices have continued to increase. Closed Seattle home transactions are down to 836 sales compared to 1,022 the previous April, Nevertheless, the average p... 05/12/2022

The holiday season is historically slow time in the Seattle real estate market.  During COVID the last two years, the real estate market has not been as affected by  holidays as other years.  This November and last November are nearly identical in the number of transactions.  Both years the number of pending sales were nearly 8,600 and the number of closes sales were within 1.14% (8,976 in 2021 vs 8,875 in 2020). Only 6,455 listings were added this November which was well below the pending sales of nearly 8,600.  This continues the downward trend on inventory in the NWMLS.  Real estate inventory continues to be historically low.   For example, King County inventory is down over 10,000 listings compared to 2010 (see chart). King County Active Listings as of:   Nov 2021   1,149 Active Lis... 12/23/2021

Looking for an excellent new lifestyle or to elevate your home in general?  This is a fantastic floating home!  Elevate beyond your expectations in Portage Bay. Starting from the rooftop deck with two seating areas to soak up the view & fire pit to enjoy year round. Custom extra wide spiral staircase leads you to the covered deck off the main floor living area. Open concept for dining, cooking, and entertaining. Stunning ethanol fireplace, sleek kitchen w/ two eat-in areas, Wolf gas range, & Dekton countertops. Travel down the stairs to the bedroom level. The most beautiful bathroom and primary closet will knock your socks off. We love the breezeway between the two rooms on this level. Go for a dip in the lake or hot tub and take in the lapping water around you. The basement has room fo... 11/27/2021

Across the Northwest Multiple Listing Service inventory is down over 23% and prices are up 15% from last year. Prices in Seattle, while not as impressive, are still up 5.3%.  Other areas of King County have seen large gains. For example, Vashon prices are up 33% and the Eastside is up 17.3%.  The Eastside and even Seattle are luxury real estate markets.  In October, Seattle homes had an average sales price of $1.05 million and sell for an average of 15 days.  On the Eastside, the Bellevue area between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish had an average sales price of nearly $2.46 million while Mercer Island homes sold for an average of $2.42 million.  Condos have recovered nicely.  Condo sales slowed during the early part of the pandemic, but condo inventory is down 55% from a year ago.  ... 11/10/2021

There are different methods that home buyers may use to find a real estate agent to work with. While some may use the services of a real estate agent who they know personally, others may reach out to a professional who they have located online. Regardless of whether you previously knew the individual in a non-professional setting or not, it is important that you check your agent's reference and testimonials before you get started with the home buying process. There are several good reasons for this.     The Importance Of AccessibilityWhether you are trying to find the perfect property and submit an offer before anyone else or you are actively negotiating with a seller, you need your real estate agent to be accessible to you. Simply because you are friends with the agent or they were fri... 09/09/2021

Just Sold! Stunning, Private Retreat with Puget Sound Views OverviewMapsFeaturesMarket Stats Sale Price $2,650,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms1.75 BathroomsInterior: 2,570 sqftLot: 1.92 acre(s)Year Built: 2011MLS #: 1740234 Location 5308 Gold Court SWSeattle, WA 98136 Description *SOLD* The Kevin Meyer Group represented the Happy Buyer's of this beautiful home, winning out in a multiple offer situation! Gated shy 2 ACRE parcel overlooking Puget Sound Sweeping 180 unobstructable views ( you control trees ) Private retreat estate setting in the heart of West Seattle above Beach Drive. first time on market in 75 years, 10 year old custom rambler, 1000+ sq ft of sweeping view decks, huge 1000+ sq ft "rock star "detached garage with studio office, shop. Walking trails on bot... 04/13/2021

There are so many things to do to prepare your home for sale. It seems like many of us make the decision to sell our property and then wonder, when prepping my home for sale, what should I focus on? My partner Ahmed and I have a team, at Keller Williams North Seattle, Seattle Level Up. We help sellers get organized to prep your home for sale and what to focus on.North Seattle has experienced very high demand for housing the past few years and this past year during the pandemic the greater Seattle area is in a serious drought for inventory.The job market here in Seattle remains steady and strong due to many of the local industries which are global companies. That has even more people moving into the area hoping to become buyers and take advantage of the amazing historically low mortgage ... 04/01/2021

Just Sold! Custom Modern Seattle Home OverviewMapsFeaturesMarket Stats $2,215,000 Custom Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms3.25 BathroomsInterior: 3,730 sqftLot: 4,409 sqftYear Built: 2018MLS #: 1664345 Location 1601 29th AvenueSeattle, WA 98122 Description Exquisite, custom built home showcasing contemporary styling, soaring ceilings, top of the line finishes and functionality. Chef’s kitchen features Jenn-Air Pro appliances, marble waterfall counters, expansive island, walk-in pantry and must-see wine room. Home is adorned with custom finishes including 6' oak flooring throughout, hand built barn doors, built-ins and an unparalleled owner's suite with dual walk-in closets and 5-piece bath. Top floor sanctuary features wet bar, walls of windows and 410SF deck.   View All Avai... 01/06/2021

NWMLS Real Estate ReportYear over year, closed sales are up 23% and pending sales have increased nearly 8% which has caused real estate inventory to decrease to 43% and prices to increase to 13.8%.  While inventory is down 43%, it varies per county by quite a bit.  For example, King County inventory is down “only” 18% from last November, while many such as Snohomish counties are all down a minimum of 63%Seattle HomesThis November, 848 Seattle homes sold for a median sales price of nearly $935,000 compared to the 683 Seattle homes that sold for an average of just over $858,000.  Thus, Seattle sales saw an increase of sales of 24% and an increase of home prices of 9%.  Housing inventory continues to struggle to keep up with the number of Seattle home sales so high.  Seattle luxury real es... 12/17/2020

Update on Greater Seattle Condo MarketThe Seattle condo market has been steady in 2020. For example, through October 2020 the average Seattle condo price in Downtown and Belltown is just over $839,000. In contrast, the average condo in the area sold for over $863,000 in 2019, but that is only part of the story For instance, price per square foot is significant because the condo inventory, especially in Downtown/Belltown, is generally homogeneous. In 2020, condominiums in the Downtown/Belltown area have been selling for nearly $800/sq ft while in 2019 the price was just under $775.sq ft. Nevertheless inventory has been ticking up the last couple months. This is good news for condo buyers, because unlike home buyers in the Seattle real estate market who have seen tight inventory, more Sea... 11/05/2020

Inventory Down Despite a Plethora of New ListingsThe Seattle real estate market is in King County which is one of the 23 counties that combine to make the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS).  While interest rates are low on a national level, the local home inventory is the big story.  There is very low home inventory despite a huge increase of new listings coming on the market in August.  For instance, there was an increase of 11,943 new residential listings in August up from 10,488 last August.  Still at the end of month residential listings were down almost 43% from last year (9,591 vs 16,697).     Buyers Snatching up Homes QuicklyBuyers are snatching up homes as soon as they come on the market.  The NWMLS's pending sales are up 23% as compared to last August.  In addition, Au... 09/11/2020

Sage-built Townhome in Superb Ballard Location Overview Maps Photos Features Market Stats *Sold* List Price $949,500 Single Family Home - Townhome Main Features 3 Bedrooms2.5 BathroomsInterior: 1,810 sqftLot: 1,373 sqftYear Built: 2015MLS #: 1657532 Location 1737 60th Street Unit ASeattle, WA 98107 Description *Just Sold, in days at list price!*  Outstanding opportunity to establish yourself in Ballard – a highly desired, charming community where maritime heritage and hip hangouts coexist to create a unique, easygoing vibe. This good-as-new Sage Homes build offers everything you’d desire in a modern townhome: clean architectural lines, premium finishes, and three stories of flexible, light-filled spaces that enhance your hosting and private time equally well. The oversized owner’s suit... 09/04/2020

Just Sold Modern Georgetown Townhome OverviewMapsPhotosFeaturesMarket Stats Sale Price $623,482 Single Family Home - Townhome Main Features 2 Bedrooms1.75 BathroomsInterior: 1,490 sqftLot: 862 sqftYear Built: 2017MLS #: 1657686 Location 6236 Corson Ave SUnit DSeattle, WA 98108 Description This smart and inviting townhome offers SoHo-style living in the heart of avant-garde Georgetown. Inspired by the neighborhood, industrial design elements and warm, modern finishes are found throughout: handsome reclaimed wood stairs, Ceasarstone quartz countertops, dramatic metal staircases and more. The open-concept kitchen/dining/living room offers incredible flexibility for entertaining; move effortlessly from the big game to the big reveal of your latest culinary creation, aided by gorgeous stain... 09/04/2020

Seattle is surrounded by water with Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east.  In addtion, Seattle is essentially cut in half by Portage Bay, Lake Union and the Ship Canal.  Seattle also has smaller lakes such as Green Lake, Bitter Lake, and Haller Lake. Finally, Seattle features the Duwamish River and smaller creeks such Thornton Creek and Longfellow Creek.Nonetheless, as discussed in another blog, Seattle Waterfront Homes are rare.  One reason is Seattle parks take up much of the shoreline.  For example, Green Lake is surrounded entirely by parks: Green Lake Park and Lower Woodland.  Another example is Alki Beach takes up most of West Seattle's east and north facing shoreline.  Commercial real estate also sits along miles of Seattle's water's edge.  Downtown Seattle is ... 08/25/2020

Just Listed! Brand New Luxury Condo in Downtown Seattle Overview Maps Photos Features Market Stats $599,999 Condominium Main Features 1 Bedroom1 BathroomInterior: 676 sqftYear Built: 2020MLS #: 1592672 Location 1808 Minor AveUnit 1107Seattle, WA 98101 Description Brand New Luxury 1 bed + den, 1 bath Condo on 11th Floor. Beautiful kitchen w/island upgrade, marble, spa like bath, A/C, hardwoods, den and open living area w/views. Nexus boasts 24/7 Concierge, co-working, fitness center, dog run/lounge, private meeting, dining rooms, exhibition kitchen, sky bar, roof terrace, Sky Club on 40th floor and much more! 98% walk-ability, minutes from Amazon and Google! View All Available Seattle Area Properties Price Your Home Here   04/24/2020

One of my favorite things about living in Northeast Seattle is the countless parks that are either a walk, bike ride, or short drive away. My favorite of these is a quiet little community center just north of NE 65th and East of Green Lake. It’s a bit hidden in a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” kind of way.  The Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center has it all. It’s a day center for kids of all ages with programs ranging from karate to orchestra. As I don’t have kids of my own, I haven’t explored the indoor amenities and can’t give any insight on those, though they seem promising and all-encompassing. However, I am very familiar with the outdoor area which includes multiple jungle gyms, a basketball court, a tennis court, walking path, playfield and last, but certainly not least, a community gar... 02/08/2020

Looking for Portage Bay floating homes with sailboat moorage in Seattle? Finding a protected area of Seattle's Lake Union for your sailboat can sometimes be tricky, but there is a cool eastern arm of the lake called Portage Bay and the floating homes there tend to have a larger percentage of great sailboat moorage opportunities.  In addition to the larger marina with rental slips towards the end of Shelby Street, there are Portage Bay floating homes with sailboat moorage on various docks along the south end of Portage Bay on the Capitol Hill side. Seattle floating homes can be found in other parts of Lake Union as well, but Portage Bay tends to be a more gentle water and as a result moorage is more protected. When looking for a Portage Bay floating home with sailboat moorage involved, m... 02/03/2020

Setting the record straight on Seattle condos sales in Denny Triangle!If you have been looking at Seattle condos in or around Downtown Seattle, then you may have checked out Insigia Condos already.  In addtiion to SPIRE Condominiums, Insignia is one of the "go to" complexes for Belltown Condos and Denny Triangle Condos, so Molly and I were super excited to be chosen to represent one of the penthouses as their exclusive broker. Insignia encompasses two towers and has two addresses.  The North Tower is at 583 Battery St and the South tower is at 588 Bell street. In looking at the NWMLS stats, the average dollar per square foot in the North tower for all historical sales is $793.38 and the average for the South Tower is $780.69.  The listing which with we shattered all records in the compl... 01/02/2020

It's no secret: the greater Seattle area is a vegan paradise!  A quick Google search for "Most vegan cities in the US", and you'll see Seattle in the top 5 on a variety of sites. Most vegan blogs will list off the heavy hitters, usually with lines out the door on weekends: Wayward vegan cafe, Plum Bistro, and of course, the all vegan grocery store, Vegan Haven.  These are all amazing, showstopping restaurants that are worth a visit during your Pacific Northwest tenure. The purpose of this blog, however, is to showcase some of our favorite places that don't always get the spotlight on other vegan blogs. If you're new to the area, or just looking to try some new places out, here are some great places! Blossom Vegetarian (Renton)Zen Buddhist Nun Hue Phan mastered recipes mimicking meat & c... 10/17/2019