It List - April 2017

1550 Shenandoah Drive E, Seattle  Southern-styled traditional in the heart of Broadmoor! Sited on an expansive double lot, this treasured home has a fantastic floor plan combining elegant formals, cozy library, Four bedrooms up, a kitchen/family room, and and oversized daylight rec-room. Eight sets of French doors lead to either the intimate brick courtyard in the back or open to the balconies that trim the home. Two charming patios, a child's cottage, tree house, and lush garden all embraced by mature flowering trees and shrubs. Offered at $3,495,000. READ MORE... I am excited to announce that the very first edition of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty's Enquire Magazine has arrived! I invite you to take a look at the piece, which features some fascinating editorial on our "City of Superlatives", market trends, and exclusive listings, including two of my client's homes! READ MORE... In case you missed it, the Pacific Northwest area continues to set the pace with the Seattle metro area up 12.2% as of February 2017 bringing this trend to six months in a row at the top of the US index!  READ MORE... "Perhaps one of the best compliments I can give Laura (and advice to anyone reading this) is that I heard from several different agents that I was represented by "the best." When touring open houses on our own we would be asked who we were working with. When I mentioned Laura's name, the agents universally respected her and praised her. When purchasing my new home the seller's agent remarked to me offhand that I was in great hands with Laura, and he was right. Other agents are often the best judge of the skills and talent of their colleagues, and Laura was clearly respected and known by all. It made me feel good to know that I was in such capable hands, and in the end she proved that to me firsthand throughout my experience working with her. In sum, I cannot recommend Laura highly enough. She is capable, smart, professional, and kind. She's willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done and make a client happy. Don't hesitate to hire her--she truly is the best!" READ FULL TESTIMONIAL... Earlier this month, I was a featured expert at the Realogics Sotheby's International "Pro Panel" on winning listings! Alongside five other colleagues, I shared best practices as well as how to best leverage the power of the global brand and our local exclusives. It was an informative event and I even learned a few things myself! Central Seattle has been a seller’s market since May 2013. Months in inventory have been gradually trending downward, averaging 1.2 in 2016, 1.3 in 2015 and 1.8 in 2014. In 2016, the median price of single-family homes and condos in Central Seattle rose by 13.6%, and exceeded that of King County by 28.%. This is one of the areas where high end sales of homes are concentrated. Sellers continued to benefit from competition among buyers and this is one of the areas seeing substantially higher-than-list prices paid. READ MORE... On April 19th, more than 150 VIP guests and members of the media joined Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliates from many of the dozen featured gateway markets that participated in the exclusive all-Chinese book: “Chinese Institutions Definitive guide to USA Real Estate”. The hardcover, 300+ page book was a much anticipated collaboration led by Ben Briggs of Texas-based Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, whom resides and offices in China. Our very own Dean Jones, CEO of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty, is a contributor. Read more to find out about his East Coast tour! READ MORE... My "It Pick" for this month is the 43rd Annual Seattle International Film Festival, taking place from May 18th-June 11th all throughout Seattle. As the largest and most highly-attended film festival in the country, more than 400 films from 80 countries are screened. There is certainly something for everyone, from an opening night red carpet experience to a full series pass, complete with priority seating. Become a member and get low prices on festival ticket packages before the general public! I cannot wait to check out some of these films. Which ones are you the most excited to see?  READ MORE...

It List - March 2017

It's been a busy month at Realogics Sotheby's International Realty! This past weekend, our newest office, located in the heart of Madison Park, opened to the public. Park House is a stunning boutique showroom designed to be more than a full service real estate firm and was imagined as a space where the community can come together for featured lifestyle events. If you are in the area, I urge you to stop by and say hello! I would love to show you around.  The long-awaited 2016/2017 Market Report has arrived! In this review of market activity in the Puget Sound, explore the markets in seven key counties of Western Washington State: King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Skagit, Jefferson and Island counties. READ MORE... Last week, I attended the VIP Ground Breaking Reception for NEXUS, Seattle's most anticipated condominium community. It was a great time connecting with reservation holders and touring the finished space, including the full-scale, fully furnished model home!  READ MORE... Romantic Village in Santa Barbara  Perched on a crest with views of the ocean, harbor, and mountains, the secluded estate was designed and built in the 1930s by celebrated architect Wallace Frost. After living in Italy, Frost created the two-story, 10,500-square-foot residence for himself, emulating the classical style of 17th-century Italian villas and creating an air of Old World romance and refinement. Impeccable attention was paid to every detail: a classic barrel-tiled roof, terra-cotta surfaces, wide wood flooring planks, rustic exposed ceiling beams, 18th-century Italian tiles, vintage light fixtures, and sturdy walls of locally quarried stone. Offered at $45,000,000. READ MORE... I was recently interviewed by Seattle Refined on why taking a look at the East Village in downtown Seattle is a smart choice when considering a move as a downsizer. From saving money and building double equity to enjoying the all inclusive, luxury amenities of new condominium towers like NEXUS, see why the East Village is the best place for Seattle’s empty nesters. READ MORE... 5227 55th Avenue NE, Seattle  Built in 2008, this stately home combines timeless traditional detailing with a floor plan that lives for today. Deep moldings, high ceilings, cypress paneled library, fantastic kitchen with butlers pantry, breakfast & family room. Did I forget to mention the backyard? French doors lead to a covered patio with a fireplace, outdoor saltwater pool and lavish, private garden. Four bedrooms up plus bonus & laundry. Nothing like this currently available in Seattle. Relaxed & refined luxury living. Offered at $4,300,000. READ MORE... 6078 Moonrise Lane, Freeland  Moonrise Cottage is an easy living, private sanctuary at the end the lane. Sweeping views of the Sound, Mt. Rainier, shipping lanes and 4th of July fireworks displays! Luxurious kitchen/family room with AGA stove, walk-in pantry, easy connection to laundry room & a 2-car garage. The main living room boasts dramatic vaulted ceilings and a handsome central fireplace. Three sets of French doors open from the main floor to an over-sized entertaining deck. Offered at $1,195,000. READ MORE... Since the implementation of the 15% foreign investment tax in Vancouver, Chinese buyers have been rapidly moving their attention to the Seattle market. According to Juwai.com, "Searches for properties in Seattle more than doubled after the new tax went into effect in August, drawing more inquiries than any other American city and beating out past favorites Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. Searches for Seattle on the site jumped by 125% in November." READ MORE... Strideline was started by Jake and Riley in 2009 while they were in high school with their graduation money. They started out as Seatown Lax as they were lacrosse players and named it after the sport. After the Skyline designs took over they changed their name to Strideline and can now be found in major retailers including Champs, Nordstrom, Lids, Macy's, Costco, and various others. Strideline socks are worn by all athletes from the prep to pro level. Some notable athletes and names that wear Strideline socks include Marshawn Lynch, Doug Baldwin, Antonio Brown, Nate Robinson, Thomas Robinson, Rick Ross, Wiz Khalifa, Lil' Wayne, DJ Khaled and others. The company resides in Eastlake and now has over 30 employees from sales staff, designers, operations, marketing, and much more. A brand new addition to their brand includes the Strideline Guarantee. This guarantee states "If these aren't the most comfortable socks you've ever worn, call us at 206 734 6870 for a full refund. No questions asked." READ MORE...