Serving Queen Anne & Magnolia since 1919
& Real Estate QueenAnne Magnolia & news It’s Not Just the QueenAnne
Magnolia news Vol. 96, No. 28
Queenannenews.com
JuLY 8, 2015
Weather That’s Hot June in Seattle, when temperatures were as hot as the real estate market
Y
ou already know that June was the warmest June on record in Seattle. Whew! But it was also one of the hottest Junes for real estate sales in a long time. In Queen Anne and Magnolia, 83 homes sold in June. That’s 25% more than in June 2014 and more than any June since 2005. Prices are hot too. The median price for a home sold in Queen Anne and Magnolia in June 2015 was $842,000 vs. $775,000 in June 2014, an increase of 8.6%. Of the 83 homes sold in June in the two neighborhoods, 31 sold for more than $1 million, compared to June 2014 when 18 of the 67 sales were over $1 million. Wow, that’s a 72% increase in $1M+ homes sold. Demand for homes in the Seattle area continues to sizzle as well with one explanation given recently by the Seattle Times: “New data points to a familiar scapegoat: Californians, specifically refugees from Silicon Valley’s brutal housing market.” Not surprising, given home prices down there. The median home price in the Silicon Valley in May 2015 was $1M. (Yes, half the homes sold in the Silicon Valley area went for over $1M in May.) In contrast, the median price for Seattle homes in May was $589,500. Whether tech home buyers
Unique tips for sensational summer entertaining
Kim Wesselman Windermere Real Estate
T
he weather is warm and that means entertaining season has arrived. This year, elevate your gatherings with some unique twists. From serving fresh fare to creating cozy corners in outdoor spaces, you’ll transform your parties from average to amazing in a snap.
are coming from California or are already here, high-tech job growth is certainly a factor in the hot real estate market. Job growth increases demand for houses and strong demand translates to an increase in home prices. Home prices in the Seattle area are growing faster than in all but five cities in the country. I’m not about to predict the rest of Seattle’s summer weather. But it’s safe to predict that the Seattle real estate market will stay hot for some time to come. If you have real estate topics you’d like to hear about, please send your ideas and questions to kwesselman@windermere.com.
Delightful decor Mother Nature provides the perfect backdrop for al fresco entertaining - you just have to add a few touches of color. Move potted plants into entertaining spaces for instant summer ambience. Alternatively, buy a few bunches of colorful carnations or daisies - both very affordable - and separate them into a variety of empty wine bottles for accessible elegance.
Kim Wesselman is Managing Broker at Windermere Real Estate. She has advised clients on buying and selling properties in Queen Anne and Magnolia for 12 years.
Marvelous Mason jars Mason jars are endlessly versatile, particularly for outdoor summer gatherings. Use large jars to hold silverware and napkins
Please view Queen Anne and Magnolia Home Sales Statistics on page 2
City & Mt. Rainier Views
$2,189,000
MLS 810329
securely on the buffet. Small jars are perfect for serving individual portions of appetizers. For example, start with Simply Organic dip mixes - the basis of a wholesome summer snack you can feel good about serving. Layer some into the bottom of the jars and add in a few veggie spears like carrots, celery and zucchini. Voila - an instantly adorable munch-and-go snack option.
Lovely lighting When the sun goes down the fun shouldn’t stop. Add a twinkle to your patio by grabbing the white string of lights from your holiday stash. A few strings overhead will set the ideal mood for after-dark entertaining. Finish by adding luminaries to tabletops and walkways for a beautiful glow. All you need is sand, paper bags and a few tea lights.
Superb seating Guests will want to kick back and mingle, so encourage conversation by setting up seating that lets them relax. Cluster chairs together in groups of three or five ➧ ENTERTAINING, Page 2
Create the perfect outdoor kitchen space with these easy projects
N
ow that warmer weather is here, you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible - and that includes mealtime. But what if your outdoor kitchen space is lacking? Worry not! There are several easy, affordable projects that can help you transform the area into the perfect cooking and entertaining area. Give these projects a try to recreate your space. * Start with the grill. Your grill will be the focal point of your cooking area and you’ll need to determine whether gas, charcoal or propane is right for you. If expense is a concern, propane is a more cost-effective fuel than charcoal and it doesn’t require running any lines to your grilling area, providing you with the same grilling space and fewer expenses. * Build a barbecue cover. Give your kitchen a beautiful outdoor shelter by building a barbecue cover from Western Red Cedar. This natural wood is resistant to rot, decay and insects, and it will look great no matter what the weather brings, turning a beautiful silver grey patina if left to weather naturally. In addition, building the cover is easy - simply follow the nine-step process found at RealCedar.com. ➧ DINING, Page 2
➧ INVESTMENT, Page 2
2206 Eastmont Wy W
Get Started on the path to homeownership!
Julia Eaton Harford Exceptional Location. Captivating Views. Elegant Styling. Impeccable newer Magnolia home realizes the Dream. Incredible curb appeal beckons, opening to gracious interiors. All the spaces you need to relax, entertain, work & play. Spacious living room, amenity-rich kitchen & large dining - all boast incredible City, Mt Rainier & Sound views. Decadent master w/panoramic views, + 3 more BRS up. Lower floor media, guest qtrs, office, access to fenced, landscaped yard/gardens & patio. Just blocks to Village.
NMLS #120442 | Loan Originator
(206) 818-5576
phone email julia.eaton@axiahomeloans.com WEB juliaeaton.axiahomeloans.com
View video of this home at MrMagnolia.com.
I look forward to working with you!
Corey Hays 206-818-3386 corey@mrmagnolia.com
homes@mrmagnolia.com Facebook.com/mrmagnoliahomes
Dawn Bourdo 206-948-4340 dawn@mrmagnolia.com
A registered trade name of Axia Financial LLC - NMLS ID 27830