Welcome to Friday! If you happened to be moving across I-90 this morning you may have been witness to floating Santas on paddle boards! What did you see? Windermere broker Mike Ferreri headed out on an annual Santa paddle (8th annual!) along the I-90 bridge. They pushed off at 7:30 am to spread some Holiday Cheer to those making the work commute while at the same time raising funds for those battling cancer. More detail here! Ps, who will join me next year get dressed up and hit the water with me? I plan to be there! Thanks Mike & all for spreading the holiday cheer from the water all for a good cause!

Welcome back to our second cup of coffee with Windermere broker Kristin Munger! Together we hope that by sharing these monthly conversations you become even more confident in answering those “how is the market” questions we all get. No doubt this time of year – peoples will ask.

Grab a warm beverage and enjoy – right here! *we referenced the article below too…

Windermere Insights: Forecasting the 2022 King County Real Estate Market

Windermere Insights: Forecasting the 2022 King County Real Estate Market

Those of you transacting between now and the New Year – when computing time for purchase and sale agreements, please regard Friday, December 24th and Friday, December 31st as legal holidays. Christmas and New Year’s Day are legal holidays under Washington law.

…and oh, a little oldie but a goodie from Jimmy Fallon to put a bow on this week! Made me giggle and move a little. A Song From SNL: I Wish It Was Christmas Today – right here!

FWL is signing off for 2021. However you chose to spend these next couple of weeks – I hope you each find & enjoy the peace of the season. – Laura

Welcome to Friday all! I spent yesterday away from offices in a thinking & planning retreat – these beautiful structures downtown inspired my day! I hope they do you.

Amplifying market chatter this week in my “sweep”, encouragement to set time aside to plan for 2022 and a visual of the entertainment that has continued to grace our home during the holidays – who knew the elf was such a baller (as pictured below)!?

Let’s get right to it…and oh, if you missed this headline this week – good news for your buyers: Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) limits for conforming loans (mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) increased from $776,250 to $891,250 in the higher-cost tri-county area encompassing King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

Seattle Residential readers digest talking points:

*need password to windermerestats.com – text me: 206.227.7133*

Median Price in November continued steady at $850,000, up 4% from a year ago and flat from September 2021 (850) and October 2021 (850).

Active Inventory dropped to 315 houses for sale. Ten-year average is 788 for the end of November and was at 859 for November 2020.

November to February have the fewest new listings taken in a year based on historical averages. 

Successful buyers need to be decisive and aggressive. They need strong leadership from you.

The Eastside and Seattle markets continue to be different. 

Curious about the Eastside Residential readers digest talking points?

1 st quarter price appreciation is happening now!

Median Price in November hit an all-time high at $1,428,000. Up 35% from a year ago and 4.6% from a month ago (October 2021).

Active Inventory dropped to an all-time low of 100 houses for sale.

Ten-year average is about 1,000 at for the end of November and 300 for November 2020.

Next week, Windermere broker Kristin Munger & I will again sip coffee and mic up for a market chat session – stay tuned on that! We’ll be doing this monthly heading into 2022. I’ll include storytelling on what is winning the day (29 offers in Bryant and 52 on a home on the Eastside). Speaking of 2022…

…a reminder that my 2022 planner is available to each of you as a guide. Go to my resources tab (upper right) > 2022 business planner – link to site here.

I’m ready for 2022. Are you? But first, entertainment from elf (dunking, fishing, eating cookies with baby Yoda) and a hopeful pause to enjoy the holiday soon!

All in, for us. All in, for you. – Laura

Welcome to Friday! I’m fired up! Why? Macklemore singing atop the Pike Place Market and my 2022 business planner is ready to distribute. A great way to wrap this week…and if you are “popping tags” this weekend (aka, Macklemore’s vernacular for shopping) – “pop” local!

Macklemore: Next Year ft. Windser | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – turn up your speakers and start thinking about 2022 – right here!

…and when you are ready to carve out time in business planning – feel free to use my template as a guide. Go to my resources tab (upper right) > 2022 business planner – link to site here.

And to bookend this week – sharing a quick story. Last evening I received this text, “Hi friend! Just sent my 40th property review of the year, and wanted to thank you for the push to get them going and stay committed“…so I now ask my readers…

What will you commit to in 2022 that will make a difference in your business?

Ps, congratulations broker, Eva Conner for 40 property reviews and counting in 2021! A nod to you.

That’s a wrap for today! And oh, if Macklemore isn’t your thing – maybe Carrie Underwood’s stretchy pants holiday jingle will get you moving!

Dance on into the continued holiday season…

– Laura

Live local. Shop local. Give local.

This time last year I shared your favorite “shop local” jaunts – as inspired by you – the readers of FWL! No doubt, the same need exists for our favorite local businesses this year. Being “Small Business Saturday” I didn’t want to miss an extra post to give an extra dose of love to where we spend our holiday dollars this year.

As I actively work to fall back in love with my city and see further resurgence I am hopeful you will again deliver on sharing your “shop local” spots. You delivered last year!

I continue to do my best (and teach my kids!) to change habits and shop locally. I do believe we can make a difference in supporting our smaller & local retailers who have made Seattle, Seattle.

Seattle! What will be your favorite spots to shop local this holiday season?

In the comment section of this blog (or text: 206.227.7133 / email me: laurasmith@windermere.com) shops that need an add to this awesome list – inspired by you – the readers. Together we created the below list in 2020 – looking forward to see the growth in 2021.

Miir has it right, on their homepage, “Do Great Things with Great Love – meaningful giving made simple…”

Sip and Ship

Brimmer and Heeltap

Seven Hills Running Shop

Alair Seattle Gift Shop

Snapdoodle Toys

Largesse

Home Cake Decorating Supply Co

Pike Place Market

The Old Ballard Catering co (aka, The Counter)

Bus Stop Expresso

Brick + Mortar

Ridge Pizza

Varlamos

Ida Loves Dresses

Edit *day trip to Whidbey anyone? If so, check out Prima Bistro, Saltwater & Seabiscuit Bakery

Salt Blade

Wally Pets Supplies Wallingford

City People’s Mercantile

Katterman’s

Cloud City Coffee

The Acorn Shop

University Bookstore

Math & Stuff

Seattle Coin Shop

Labels Consignment Shop

Seatown Sweets

Sskein (pronounced skayn)

Bottle House

Easy Monkey Taphouse

Handmade Showroom

Winemaker, Lisa Callan Callan Cellers

Market Street Shoes

Opus Co. *currently featuring cocktails to go

Bakers on Sunset Hill *rumor has it, best Manhattan in town!

Eight Generation

Top Pot Doughnuts

Archie McPhee

Carmilia’s in West Seattle

Seattle Yarn

Martha E Harris in Madison Park

Seattle Candle Company

Canlis

Deep Sea Sugar & Salt

Gray Pants Studio

Queen Anne Dispatch

All the Best Pet Care

Kari Gran skin care (former Windermere brokers, Kari Gran & Lisa Strain!)

A Bit of Taste Queen Anne Olive Oil Co.

Jarbo Madison Madison Valley & Bellevue

Filson Stadium District

Glassybaby

Salt House Mercantile

Eat Sea Creatures, Renee Erickson’s restaurants and Larder

Made in Washington

Les Amis

The Woolly Mammoth

Coro by Salumi

Miir

Baleen

Intentionalist

Savor Seattle – Iconic Market Box is a collection of your favorite Pike Place Market vendors

Kavu

Book Larder

Stuhlbergs

Studio RA Boutique

Capers

NW Art and Frame

Click!

Husky Deli

LikeaLove

Pegasus Book Exchange

Paper Boat Booksellers

DIGS

Watson Kennedy

Fireworks

Big Johns PFI

Madison Books

Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets

McIntosh Art Co.

Third Place Books

Retail Therapy

LUCCA great finds

Blue Poppy Floral

Refind

Salt & Straw

Nordstrom

Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery

CERTAIN STANDARD

Crunchy Red Fruit

Swansons Nursery

Refugee Artisan Initiative

KNACK modern gift giving

Mighty-O Donuts

ZINC contemporary

Scandinavian Specialties

Fiestas Gift Set – Frelard Tamales

Live local. Shop local. Give local. – Laura

No doubt I’ve shared many of posts around gratitude – the science behind it – and all the benefits in focusing on this super power = gratitude. And naturally we take stock this week with the Thanksgiving holiday. You would expect me to write about it again today – wouldn’t you? Well, kind of…let’s start with a story from this week…

Yesterday I was up early getting gas in the car before getting kids in all different directions and while gas was pumping I popped into the store associated with the gas station to grab some gatorades for after hoop practice later that day. As I was checking out, the cashier said to me – “that will be $11.57.” My response? “No thank you.” She looked at me sideways and I then realized I didn’t hear her at all. What did I expect her to say? “Would you like a receipt?”…to which my response would have made sense! Geez…

Lesson learned. I was on autopilot.

This moment led me to commit this week in Thanksgivings to taking inventory in where I am on autopilot. I bet there is even more to be grateful for when I take stock in these smaller and appearing tiny moments.

Ps, when she & I realized what interaction had really happened we had a really good laugh together. No doubt, laughter is too something I am grateful for.

All in, for Thanksgivings. – Laura

Welcome to Friday all! This week I’m hitting you with new content yet with the same intentions of my podcast pre-pandemic. To be honest, running my podcast (and writing this blog) are two of my very favorite activities to do. Interestingly enough however – the pandemic environment allowed me to see much more efficient ways to get a guest “mic’d up” and have a conversation – way less time on the backend (production etc…) to share with all of you.

Today I will release a simple recorded zoom with Windermere Eastlake broker, Kristin Munger. Kristin is not only a dear friend – she is a lover of coffee, crossfit, stats, storytelling and people. Call these next 25 minutes “coffee with Kristin” as we talk through market stats and finding new and interesting ways to speak to them, and, over time – trends to notice.

As we head into the holiday season, I’m guessing many of you will see friends & family that you may not have had a chance to do this time last year. As we approach safely gathering, I too believe you will be asked “how is the market?” From month to month, Kristin & I will “mic up” with that in mind and provide you more talking points. It’s one thing to read “talking points” on a page – it is another to experience it in a conversation.

Welcome to today’s conversation and our first “coffee with Kristin”! Grab your coffee and tune in – right here!

Ps, in the future, we will provide a monthly look within 3-7 minutes (ok, maybe 5-10). Today’s recording goes 25 to set the stage for future conversations together.

And oh, I’m signed up for next week’s “All About ADU’s – Seattle Seminar via Zoom” hosted by Seattle King County REALTORS. Feel free to join me for a two-part (2 hours on 2 days) virtual course intended for  professionals looking to increase their knowledge about ADU development in the city of Seattle. I think this is a space we should all now be able to speak to. This class is specific to the Seattle market. Class information & registration here.

That’s a wrap for today – have a wonderful Friday & on into the weekend!

All in, for stats. All in, for storytelling. All in, for you.

– Laura

Well, that was a week! There was an election in our city. Looks like the vote was for change in Seattle. I’m very grateful Zillow wasn’t part of my portfolio. Oops, an example of an iBuying platform a bust. And oh, turns out a home’s value is not an algorithm. And, with further disruption this week in real estate headlines with Coldwell Banker Bain selling to a nation firm – I’m again reminded of how proud I am to be affiliated with a family run business who will celebrate 50 years next year! #WeAreWindermere

Let’s move beyond the headlines and get to a handful of things from my desk this week in recap…

Q3 Western Washington Real Estate Market update now available – here. Beyond the Q3 report – what questions(s) do you have for our Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner? Submit a question here and I’ll circle back on a November blog post with further commentary after hosting a meeting with Mr. Gardner and my offices in the coming weeks. What is on your mind? Let me know and I’ll seek clarity from Mr. Gardner himself!

Who attended and/or who missed the October 2021 Battle of the Barristers event? My favorite class of the year. This week I hosted an hour recap with attorney (aka, barrister) – Lars Neste with Demco Law Firm. We ran thru the 5 scenarios from class with a specific focus on the key learning take-aways from each. If you’d like watch the hour recording – text me and I’ll send it to your email. 206.227.7133

That is a wrap on this Friday, November 5th 2021 – turning focus to celebrating this now teen – 13 today! Time to go whip up some chocolate chip pancakes before the birthday girl wakes! Have a wonderful Friday and on into the weekend everyone. I appreciate being surrounded by all of you. Birthdays of any kind give me pause to take inventory on the good.

All in, for you. All in, for us. – Laura

Welcome to Friday and hello to the atmospheric river overhead! As promised, leaving the good read right here all of October. I’ll be back with new curated commentary next Friday. I will however share this hour long conversation from the DSA (Downtown Seattle Association) on the retails road ahead – one of the best things I digested this week. I love my city and have hope for resurgence in areas we desperately need. All in, for Seattle. All right here.

And oh, Happy Halloween! Couldn’t help be share a visit from Ted Lasso this week at our Eastlake Office – jealous anyone? #BeAGoldfish

And this too – did anyone figure out the color of the carpet in the original Windermere office? Read on…

I’m hosting “The Windermere Way” book here all of October now that we have this read in a digital version (ISSUU). The “preface” below, along with a link to the entire book is now available for your fall reading list. I just finished re-reading it cover to cover & I hope you will you join me? And, for those of you in my Seattle Windermere Real Estate Co. offices – it just might pay off if you read it in its entirety – knee deep in planning November FUN around the content! Turn the pages – the more you know – the more you could win! Trivia anyone?

“To this day, I’m firmly committed to my belief that owners and agents must build strong relationships with each other, be willing to share knowledge and know-how, and learn to ask – even to rely on – each other for help. You don’t compete with each other; you work toward the same professional objectives. By doing that, everyone wins and there are not only fewer mistakes and failures, but also greater success.” – John Jacobi

After you finish “The Windermere Way” – I believe you too will agree John Jacobi is one of the great architects within our industry. It is for us to continue building in modern ways yet in keeping stride with the foundation firmly poured for us.

Enjoy turning the pages & in authoring the chapters to come – together – I’m All IN for that.

And oh, what color was the original carpet of our very first Windermere office in 1972? Read on to find out…

Here to help – the ultimate goal. – Laura

Hi everyone. This Sunday evening’s blog post will take on a life of its own throughout October. I’m going to host “The Windermere Way” book right here all of October now that we have this read in a digital version (ISSUU). The “preface” below, along with a link to the entire read is now available for your fall reading list. I’m re-reading now – will you join me? And, for those of you in my Seattle Windermere Real Estate Co. offices – it just might pay off if you read it in its entirety – knee deep in planning November FUN around the content! Turn the pages – the more you know – the more you could win! Trivia anyone?

“To this day, I’m firmly committed to my belief that owners and agents must build strong relationships with each other, be willing to share knowledge and know-how, and learn to ask – even to rely on – each other for help. You don’t compete with each other; you work toward the same professional objectives. By doing that, everyone wins and there are not only fewer mistakes and failures, but also greater success.” – John Jacobi

After you finish “The Windermere Way” – I do believe you too will agree John Jacobi is one of the great architects within our industry. It is for us to continue building in modern ways yet in keeping stride with the foundation firmly poured for us.

Enjoy turning the pages & in authoring the chapters to come – together -I’m All IN for that.

Have a great week all! I’m here to help – the ultimate goal. – Laura

Welcome to Friday all! We are certainly graced with a beautiful PNW day after a downpour yesterday. Frankly, I’ll take both! This week, my sweep is focused on Seller Conversations “now” (and always), a wee bit on burnout and a rally cap moment!

Seller Conversations “now” – 3 stories…

I witnessed a Seller receive 2 offers on their home upon listing review date (note: price did not escalate beyond asking price) and once they saw the estimated sellers net proceeds at full price they questioned whether to sell or not. They hadn’t factored in excise tax (or forgot about it) and assumed it would sell over list. Oops. Actually, double oops. Have that Seller conversation early & often with respect to review of seller net proceeds at list price to help set exceptions. An offer at list price is a possible option 😉

When reviewing multiple offers – please do not lose sight of communicating with buyer brokers. I witnessed a buyer submit on time (offers by noon), her offer expired at 9pm and broker didn’t hear a word until 9:38pm. It’s ok not to win out – yes, there is always a waiting game – just please communicate some timeline. It’s an awful place to put a buyer broker in. And, if you’d like a Friday funny – sharing this video (that has nothing to do with real estate yet gives a nod to communication) to keep things light! *you’ve been warned – a little explicit in language* Six funny minutes here.

…and for your Seller’s that decide on an offer review date & then go of script and up all timelines because they received an early offer – quickening the timeline can also have unintended consequences. When you put everyone now in a position to act even faster than they anticipated – mistakes (aka, buyer’s remorse) can happen. An optic to keep in mind. I saw that too happen this week.

This week’s practical application from last week’s “Suits of the Past” class is focused on Seller Ratification on our listing agreements.

Seller Ratification. Many brokers have the seller sign a listing agreement which is not completely filled-out at the time of signing. In order to avoid liability for incorrect listing representations, a broker must ensure that the seller has read the broker remarks and ratified them through signing a completed listing agreement.

Practical application: If you have a listing agreement signed without marketing remarks, agent remarks etc…not 100% filled in at time of seller signature – just make sure you circle back and get their “ok” in writing before exposing their home to the market – this is Seller Ratification.

It’s feeling a wee bit like 1995 for our Seattle Mariners. If you are a baseball fan – you too are anticipating a big & exciting weekend for our Seattle Mariners! It’s rally cap time to clinch the wildcard into the playoffs. Good luck to our M’s! And, for the rest of us – it’s rally cap time with 91 days left in 2021. Let’s rally for each other in all ways. Having great conversations with our Sellers, Buyers, each other. And, for those of you feeling a sense of burnout – I appreciated Michael Fanning’s 12 minutes this week on dealing with burnout. This video also recalls one of my favorite stories around “The Wind” – you might recall I shared this story earlier this year in my blog writing. A GOOD reminder. Right here.

All in, for rally caps. All in, for you. All in, for us. – Laura