It List - August 2016

 

On August 12th, I attended the second annual Soirée en Blanc at the Mercer Island home of our fearless leaders, Dean & Stacy Jones. It was a fabulous evening celebrating the close-knit network of brokers, vendors and clients who make up the RSIR family.  

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I am thrilled to share that I am featured in the latest edition of Seattle Magazine as a featured Madison Park & Broadmoor specialist! The Pacific Northwest is home to a diverse collection of communities, dynamic lifestyles and real estate micro-climates. I invite you to discover market trends and perspectives in your area, where every residence is a Realogics Sotheby's International Realty home.  

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2030 Parkside Drive E, Seattle | This treasured Georgian Colonial, sited on an expansive, flat double lot in Broadmoor, went pending in 2 days! Handsome "curb appeal" greets you, from the symmetry of the home & divided light windows to the lovely brick pathways and mature holly hedge. Offered at $3,395,000.

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Foreign buyers in Vancouver will be paying more for investment properties this month (beginning August 2). The Canadian provincial government of British Columbia has enacted a 15% real property transfer tax on foreigner-purchased properties in Metropolitan Vancouver, adding $300,000 to the cost of a two-million-dollar home.

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For many celebrities, successful executives, and business owners at the pinnacle of their careers, a legacy home is chief among the rewards for which they have been striving. It offers a place of refuge from their hectic routine, and for some, a place of productive solitude that allows them to focus and reflect. The Legacy Homes Report, produced by Realogics Sotheby's International Realty, compares the markets of the San Juan Islands in Washington and the North & South Shore of Long Island, New York.

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Home of the Day is a feature presented by the Puget Sound Business Journal and Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. With a unique listing featured EACH DAY, this is your invitation to view some of Puget Sound’s most luxurious properties.

Year-to-date, the program has reached some incredible marks. The photo galleries have experienced over 600,000 page views by 40,000 unique visitors, with more than 1 million photos seen (85% of users view all photos in each gallery). The daily afternoon newsletter reaches 23,197 subscribers. I can't wait to see how these numbers grow by the end of the year. 

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If you have read my newsletter before, you know that I like to listen to podcasts or audio books while I walk. I am bringing this book to your attention because I have not only read it when it first came out in 2003, but I have continued to listen to it over the years in audio format (The Modern Scholar series through Audible) which Margaret MacMillan herself narrates. Professor Macmillan is an exceptional history writer: engaging, direct and interesting (sometimes even funny), but also a wide-ranging thinker who see and explains the vast sweep of history. Her knowledge of world history and her ability to explain it concisely and in a way that is so engaging to the reader is exceptional. So many of the decisions that were made during this time have had ripples that we are still dealing with today, and they are fully illustrated in her explanations of the various ethnic claims for land and self-rule; her ability to compare and contrast these claims is extraordinary. The bottom line is that this is truly a history book that is very hard to put down, and also one that can give one so much insight into the complicated issues that we are still dealing with in 2016. I highly recommend both the book and the audio version (she is such a fantastic narrator, honestly I might even say I like the audio version best).

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It List - July 2016

 

I am pleased to share the newest edition of the Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Waterfront Report, containing information on home values, sales trends, and market activity throughout waterfront locations in the Puget Sound region. Overall, we are seeing a higher average sales price and decreased days on market driven by rising competition for available homes in an environment of lower inventory as sellers wait to see how high their home values might rise. I hope you enjoy and find value in this report.

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907 Harvard Avenue E, Seattle | A distinguished cornerstone residence in treasured Merrill Court, discreetly nestled in the heart of the Harvard-Belmont Historic District. Merrill Court is an urban refuge of 10 exceptional brick homes combining old world elegance with modern updates. A private elevator connects all 3 floors to the secure garage. At over 4200 square feet, this residence combines a turn-key lifestyle with a grand scale that is very hard to find! Offered at $2,895,000.

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Eager homebuyers rallied during the first half of 2016 increasing unit absorption and median home prices by 48% and 28%, respectively according to analysis of Northwest Multiple Listing Service data. The typical condominium is selling in just over a month with a median home value of $575,000. However, a closer look reveals that 135 of the 381 condominium closings so far this year were in the INSIGNIA condominium tower, a new construction development (and one remaining developer-owned unit in the Four Seasons Private Residences) whereas there were effectively no new construction deliveries or closings during the same term in 2015.

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1644 Windermere Drive E, Seattle | Beloved & coveted, this extraordinary residence is sited on almost 3 lots in the heart of Broadmoor. Totally re-built in 2009, with no expense spared: English hand painted wallpaper, hand planed plank floors from a 200 year old barn, antique built-in vanities, limestone fireplaces, waxed sugar pine paneled library & welcoming Dutch doors. Separate carriage house residence. Sold for $6,150,000.

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This luxury boutique condominium, built in the highly coveted neighborhood of Madison Park, is nestled on a unique piece of land that boasts unparalleled views of Lake Washington and downtown Bellevue skyline. This distinct condominium, Built by Barcelo Homes and designed in collaboration with Hybrid Architects, provides three private residences with three bedrooms and three and a half baths, encompassing over 2400 square feet of built green luxury not including multiple private outdoor spaces individually designed for each home.

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"I would highly recommend Laura as an agent. Her professionalism was outstanding and her attention to detail extraordinary. She was there for us, at any time of day or night, returning our phone calls, text, emails immediately. She was such a pleasure to work with and had terrific ideas about marketing our home, which by the way, sold in two weeks. Anyone would be lucky to have her as their agent."

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In the fourth annual Disruptor 50 list, CNBC features private companies in 15 industries — from aerospace to financial services to cybersecurity to retail — whose innovations are revolutionizing the business landscape. These forward-thinking starts-ups have identified unexploited niches in the marketplace that have the potential to become billion-dollar businesses, and they rushed to fill them.

MEET THE COMPANIES >>

 

It List - JUNE 2016

 

Earlier this month, I joined over 55 Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty representatives in Las Vegas for the annual Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates Global Networking Event! It was a superb event, complete with numerous breakout sessions covering topics from Brand Conversation and Negotiation to Leveraging Media and New Developments. One of the best parts was networking with more than 2,000 SIR brokers from around the globe. I am so proud to be a part of this extraordinary brand. 

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Featured in Seattle Magazine | Realogics Sotheby's International Realty recently coordinated an extensive insert in the latest edition of Seattle Magazine, featuring 14 different neighborhoods around the sound. I was asked to be the resident expert for Broadmoor and Madison Park, sharing my love of these treasured neighborhoods. If you are interested in reading more about your neighborhood, I invite you to explore the full spread below! 

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Seattle home prices have hit a record and are now rising faster than any major city outside the Pacific Northwest, according to the latest S&P/Case-Shiller data. Compared with a year ago, Seattle area single-family home values in March were up 10.8 percent, behind only Portland, where prices have shot up 12.3 percent in the last year. The Seattle growth rate was more than double the national average of 5.2 percent.

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67 Roulac Lane, Friday Harbor | Introducing Friday Harbor Estate I. This unparalleled land portfolio of 38.72 fenced acres, currently owned by Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band, is located in a sheltered bay with a 360' deep water dock for a large yacht. The 11,686 square foot main residence is self-sustaining and features contemporary architecture with interior/exterior living spaces. Offered at $16,800,000.

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Be among the first to preview NEXUS' property floor plans and preliminary price guidance for the extraordinary residential opportunity coming soon to downtown Seattle’s burgeoning “East Village” neighborhood. Interesting in reserving a home? I urge you to explore the website below to access information that will be helpful in preparing your upcoming reservation once NEXUS is released on June 4th.

RSVP FOR RESERVATIONS >>

The vision at Sotheby's International Realty® is about artfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives. This video explores the evolution of the extraordinary qualities that set our brand apart along with some interesting global statistics, which combined reinforce the marketing strategies that we employ to help us maintain our leadership role in the luxury real estate marketplace   

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"Laura Halliday of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty represented us in the recent purchase of a home in Broadmoor. If I were a school teacher, I would have given her an A plus. Laura has all the qualities one wants in a real estate agent. She has experience, integrity, reliability and patience. She is also an extremely hard worker. She is the kind of person one would hope to have as a friend, neighbor and business associate. The laws and regulations in purchasing a home have become extremely complex since the Great Recession of 2009. There was great peace of mind in having Laura guide us through the challenges and complexities of purchasing our new home."

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I recently learned about WeWork, a company that transforms buildings into beautiful, collaborative work spaces that encourage a co-working environment. With a network of over 40,000, it is easy for members to get inspired and thrive. I find this concept fascinating - membership is affordable (starting as low as $45/month) and offers a network of thousands of potential customers. WeWork currently operates co-working spaces at three locations in Seattle: The original location in South Lake Union, as well as newer spaces in the Holyoke Building and Westlake Tower in downtown Seattle. 

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It List - May 2016

 

Our Madison Park office is currently under way! The new branch will be comprised of a boutique retail storefront called “The Park House” located at 4031 East Madison Street with an administrative annex located across the street at 4020 East Madison Street that offers room to grow. The Park House is offered as a retail living room but it will also be a venue for special events. We will showcase homes from around the corner and around the globe with a focus on sun, snow and surf destinations where our network is especially well-positioned to represent second home lifestyles and investment opportunities.

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458 Crockett Street, Seattle | From the boxwood hedges to the elegant entry, this 1924 bungalow draws curb appeal from the days of Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald, when people would sit on their front porch watching the world go by and waving hello to the neighbors as the stars came out. The home brings an English sensibility to mind; while keeping a very practical approach to the place where life happens every day, you should always be wearing your best pearl earrings. Offered at $1,150,000.

EXPLORE THE PROPERTY >>

Featured in Seattle Magazine | Realogics Sotheby's International Realty recently coordinated an extensive insert in the latest edition of Seattle Magazine, featuring 14 different neighborhoods around the sound. I was asked to be the resident expert for Broadmoor and Madison Park, sharing my love of these treasured neighborhoods. If you are interested in reading more about your neighborhood, I invite you to explore the spread below. 

READ THE SPREAD >>

The Burrard Group, a Vancouver, BC–based real estate development firm, provided a first glimpse of downtown Seattle’s next generation condominium tower, NEXUS, and plans to offer unit reservations in May 2016, presales in Fall and break ground by late 2016 for first occupancy in 2019. Realogics Sotheby's International Realty will be the exclusive listing brokerage; Realogics Inc. will provide the marketing services. I am proud to be affiliated with a company with so much vision and cannot wait to see this project progress!

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My recent alignment with Realogics Sotheby's International Realty has connected me with extraordinary talent. I am proud to introduce the first-class team I have backing my sales and marketing. This month, meet Andrea Savage, Vice President of Marketing at Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.   

MEET ANDREA SAVAGE >>

With all thirteen homes sold at Montana Circle [including closed and pending], the collection of residences at Officer's Row represents the final opportunity to own a home at Fort Lawton. In preparation for the summer sales debut, RISE Properties introduces the "Officer's Club" - a tailored program for qualified home buyers (and their brokers) to receive priority sales information, gain preferred access to private events on an invitation-only basis, and participate in the Officer's Row reservation process before the general public announcement.

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"My wife and I were thrilled with the representation, advice, and counsel we received from Laura Halliday. We wanted to move to the Broadmoor neighborhood, and specifically wanted to work with Laura due to her expertise in the area. At the time we commenced our search, inventory was extremely limited. Undeterred, Laura confidently listed and sold our previous house and simultaneously networked to identify owners in Broadmoor who were thinking of selling. We were so impressed and pleased with her efforts on our behalf. She really took the time to understand what was important to us and coached us not to settle for anything less than a home we loved. Laura is a pleasure to work with and is an expert on Broadmoor and the surrounding markets. She is the utmost professional, a strong and effective negotiator, and all around a very nice person to be around. We recommend Laura without hesitation."

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Introducing Madoneagle, an island sanctuary of superlatives and an architectural achievement beyond compare. Enviable SW land portfolio along East Sound ranges from beachfront to high bank surrounded by a reserve. Gated and ultimately private. Reclaimed timbers, matchless craftsmanship and artisan features too numerous to list. Main estate, workshop plus guest house. Mooring buoy and near Rosario Resort marina and all-season amenities. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a visit will leave you breathless.

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I LOVE monograms! These days it’s hard for those of us that do still adore this beautiful traditional look to find anywhere to purchase something custom made. Enter Walker Valentine (out of San Francisco). This company monograms everything from linen dinner napkins to tote bags. You can select the fabric you want, the thread color and the style of the monogram ~ be still my beating heart!

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It List - April 2016

 

1644 Windermere Drive E, Seattle | Never before has this special home been offered on the open market. Beloved & coveted, this extraordinary residence is sited on almost 3 lots in the heart of Broadmoor. Totally re-built in 2009, with no expense spared: English hand painted wallpaper, hand planed plank floors from a 200 year old barn, antique built-in vanities, limestone fireplaces, waxed sugar pine paneled library, welcoming Dutch doors & much more. Separate carriage house residence. Relaxed, refined & remarkable! Offered at $6,150,000.

EXPLORE THE PROPERTY >>

Neighborhood Market Spotlight: The communities of Broadmoor, Madison Park, Capitol Hill, Denny Blaine, Madrona, and Washington Park, among others, have been a seller’s market since early 2013. In recent years, this market has established a pattern of loosening in January and late summer, then tightening through the fall and spring, respectively. Months in inventory have been gradually trending downward, averaging 1.2 in 2015, 1.6 in 2014, and 1.9 in 2013.

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My recent alignment with Realogics Sotheby's International Realty has connected me with some extraordinary talent. I am proud to introduce the first-class team I have backing my sales and marketing. This month, meet Dean Jones, Owner & CEO of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.   

MEET DEAN JONES >>

"Simply stated, Laura Halliday is the best real estate agent in Seattle -- or anywhere else. We struggled before we hired Laura to help us find a home. Laura helped us find the perfect home. Laura listened, identified possibilities, and presented properties that met our parameters & our search criteria. We could not have been better served."

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Appreciation in Downtown Seattle 2015 is Greater Than the Top 100 Global Cities | According to the latest figures released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service in February 2016, King County posted a new record high for median home prices at $515,600  – increasing by nearly 19% over the prior year. And condo prices in the area increased even more countywide, rising 26% with a median price of $343,975. That means that Washington’s most populous county has officially recovered from its prior 2007 peak pricing when the Great Recession corrected home prices.

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When I have time, the way I like to “exercise” is to walk, and if at all possible, listen to a great book or a podcast as I go. This last month I was given a tip from a friend and client of mine for a fabulous podcast which I thought I would share with all of you. If you have podcasts or are on iTunes, simply steer your browser over to a Bloomberg Podcast called “Masters In Business” with Barry Ritholtz. In the January 29th episode, they interview Jonathan Miller of Miller Samuel, Inc., a real estate appraisal and accounting firm. They discuss high end home sales in NYC and the Hamptons, critique the Case-Schiller Index and have some other insights that I think you might find fascinating.

On a much lighter, but very addictive note, also check out the podcast called Serial-Season One (it’s from the creators of This American Life). Hosted by Sarah Koenig, this true story unfold one episode at a time and is impossible to stop listening to!

LISTEN NOW >>

 

It List - March 2016

 

I invite you to view the Market Report: Puget Sound Real Estate Trends & 2015 Year in Review, a comprehensive look at the 2015 real estate market in an exploration of seven key counties of Western Washington as well as 30 neighborhoods. The report touches on macroeconomic and micro trends including medium home prices, inventory levels and market drivers. Click to view the full report or contact me for a printed copy hand-delivered to your front door. 

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My recent alignment with Realogics Sotheby's International Realty has connected me with some extraordinary talent. I am proud to introduce the first-class team I have backing my sales and marketing. This month, meet Stacy Jones, Owner & Vice President of Realogics Sotheby's International Realty.   

MEET STACY JONES >>

"Laura has assisted our family with various real estate transactions in Madison Park and Broadmoor neighborhoods over the past 15 years and our experience has been great. Her local knowledge of these neighborhoods is unsurpassed. Our most recent experience with Laura was when she took our Broadmoor listing at 3356 E. Shore Dr. in June 2015 which did have some challenges. While I had anticipated and fixed some items prior to listing, our first "out of area" buyer backed out due to a number of inspection items to repair. Through her contacts, Laura quickly found a local buyer within 3 days of the previous that understood the value in the property.

When the inspection list came back, daunting as it was, Laura and I teamed up to get through all items. A bit overwhelming, but with Laura's help we got through it and closed on time. I would recommend her highly to anyone looking to buy or sale high-end property in Seattle."

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2229 Waverly Way E, Seattle | Charming, shingled Cape Cod traditional home sited on one of the most desirable streets in Broadmoor. Divided light double paned windows, custom shutters, sets of French doors & handsome brick patios & paths all contribute to its cottage sensibility. Sited on an flat, over-sized lot and surrounded by lovely mature plantings, it's the perfect spot for outdoor entertaining. Offered at $2,595,000.

Today, 2229 Waverly Way E is featured as the Home of the Day on the Puget Sound Business Journal. Help us win Home of the Week by voting here!

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1440 Broadmoor Drive E, Seattle | This sought-after Elizabeth Ayer Cape Cod classic is located right on the fairway! Walls of divided light windows, French doors, private front courtyard, lovely moldings, beautifully remodeled bathrooms, a cook's kitchen & a fantastic indoor/outdoor flow all combine to give this home a feeling of relaxed elegance. Offered at $2,650,000.

On Friday, 1440 Broadmoor Drive E will be featured as the Home of the Day on the Puget Sound Business Journal. Help us win Home of the Week by voting here!

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WOW, what an exciting time for our global brand! Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates recently reported that in 2015 its affiliated brokers and sales professionals achieved approximately $80 billion in U.S. home sales volume. Driven largely by a brand record of over 100,000 total transaction sides, this is the highest annual sales volume performance in the history of the brand and marks a 13% increase from the prior year.

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My "IT" pick for the month of March is the Blood & Sand cocktail at Bing's on East Madison. A killer combination of scotch, cherry heering, sweet vermouth & orange, this libation is the perfect spring refreshment. Be still my heart!

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