Welcome to Friday everyone! This week I thought to put together a “Top Ten” list of what I’m seeing + hearing in our local real estate market. These subtleties can show us a lot and certainly help our clients pivot as needed and find success. In talking with one of our Madison Park brokers this week she referenced this market in being the hardest she has seen in 27 years…this too coming from a broker experiencing a ton of success in this market.

Let’s commit to our office meetings in diving even deeper into this Top Ten list. Continue to bring your stories, discover the weekly pulse and we’ll all benefit. The education we bring collectively to the market is a point of difference that sets us apart.

1. Seller Expectations. Be sure to ask your Seller prior to going to market…are they prepared to sell for their List Price? A must ask question.
2. Multiple Offers. If you are the Listing Broker, please take the time to call everyone back in a timely manner. This matters. Communicate as if you were the Selling broker with a Buyer awaiting an update. Emotions running very high – for all of us right now. Listing Brokers can help manage this.
3. Offer review dates? Watch + study what is happening each week. This trend could be changing. Let’s talk about it.
4. Running short on time with your pipeline building activities? Answer: Annual real estate reviews – these continue to have the highest ROI in both referrals and CMA requests. Need help in what to include? Click here for a sample step by step guide and suggested content all using Moxi Present. *Commit to two per week.
5. Letters. If you are sending letters in mass to uncover possible inventory – please be sure your letters are speaking to The Truth. “I have a buyer for your home?” – Do you? [as an example] Speaking the truth translates to integrity + professionalism.
6. SOCs. Study the micro market of the property you are bringing to market. Audit what the SOCs are and have been in that area + price point + property type. Know the landscape and be able to “show”/articulate this to a Seller.
7. Historically listings taken and active listings at the end of the month grow from April through July. Hope to continue to see this trend!
8. Historically the majority of the year’s appreciation occurs in the first six months. What does this mean? Buyers may be able to be a little more picky with more listings coming yet will still have to be aggressive with their offers. We aren’t out of the woods there yet.
9. April 2018.  66% of homes in Seattle sold for over list price and 84.3% sold in less than 15 days. These are the properties that sold – keep in mind, not all homes that came to market sold. This market comes down to setting [and resetting] expectations. All April stats here. Password: wremay
10. What have you noticed? I want to hear it. Use the “leave a comment box” upper left of this blog and let me hear it! Together we will continue to navigate the subtleties – week by week!

Stay curious my friends and have a fantastic weekend in productive work + play!

Laura Smith, Co-owner | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

#WeAreWindermere

Welcome to Friday everyone. I started today celebrating the life of Christopher Grimm of our Ballard office. What I took from this special gathering was a reminder of the impact we have in people’s lives. From those 30 second interactions we have with others, to saying hello to someone walking by, to having a drink with girlfriends (yes, I had a chance to do this late last night!) to putting a phone away when we cross the threshold of our front door after a long day. We each make an impact in our walk. It’s a choice and I am grateful for the reminder.

FWL we will feature & hit the repeat button on Episode #9 of my Double Down podcast. Before we do, a quick note with respect to our Brand Reveal and troubles with some of the Custom Xpress flyer templates. Our Tune Up team has been able to clearly articulate to our Marketing Department your feedback. Behind the scenes there is an all hands on deck approach to address anything that needs a fix post Brand Reveal. Custom Xpress who has authorized people to work overtime to help expedite.

I will also say, while out touring this week I’ve seen stunning marketing materials with our new branding marks – Custom Xpress goodness. Plus, a sign of more listing inventory. Well done!!!

If you need help with flyers, Maddy from our Tune Up team is standing by to help:: tuneup@windermere.com is a go-to solution in the immediate.

 Please join me – 34 minutes with David Daniel (Demco), Matthew Gardner (Chief Economist) and co-host, Jordan Malloch as we discuss + comment on Waterfront Seattle’s proposed LID and digest Matthew’s commentary on Seattle’s economy post Q1 Gardner Report – and how this is reflected in our real estate marketplace.

Stay curious my friends and have a fantastic Mother’s Day weekend in productive work + play!

#WeAreWindermere

Laura Smith, Co-owner | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Windermere Real Estate Co.

Welcome to Friday and the eve of all things Windermere Cup! Looking for all the “know before you go” details – click here. The currency with our new branding marks plastered all of the University of Washington has been fun to see! This weekend is the epitome of community + sport. I hope you take advantage where you can. #WeAreWindermere

Fridays with Laura features Episode #9 of my Double Down podcast. Please join me – 34 minutes with David Daniel (Demco), Matthew Gardner (Chief Economist) and co-host, Jordan Malloch as we discuss + comment on Waterfront Seattle’s proposed LID and digest Matthew’s commentary on Seattle’s economy post Q1 Gardner Report – and how this is reflected in our real estate marketplace.

Stay curious my friends and have a fantastic WRE Cup weekend in productive work + play!

#WeAreWindermere

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Windermere Real Estate Co.

Welcome to the wrap of another Friday, together! I’m pumped about this one, it’s my  #100 blog post. Thanks for following – you inspire me to write. Ok, back to it – Trivia throw down a complete success last night! We packed The Market Arms in Ballard, fun was had, culture was enjoyed, community was felt, we made a difference and ideas were born – all thanks to the creative spirit of Ballard broker, Sara Medford, our Ballard office and the contagious energy of our Windermere Foundation reps! THAT will indeed be an annual event – I think we’ll need a bigger space next year – amazing turnout. #WeAreWindermere

Today I wrapped up recording of Episode #9 of my Double Down podcast. With co-host Jordan Malloch we had a lively conversation with David Daniel (Demco) and Matthew Gardner. Topics included: what socks Matthew was wearing, the Waterfront Seattle LID, Seattle economics, Amazon and the like. Next week plan to listen in – I learned a ton today!

In the immediate if you have a hankering for #’s, our Western Washington Q1 Gardner Report is hot off the press this week – ready for you to digest and then share with others. Click the image below! Need help sharing, just ask. We can help.

Spring is indeed the time of renewal! Our brand refresh is here…May 1st – yes, that is this upcoming Tuesday. Our offices are busy in getting your signage + business cards into the production line-ups.  We’ll keep you posted on arrival of the new goods! Ps, folks have asked about swag with the new “marks” – hats, gear and the like coming our way!

Click here to see more and feel free to share your social media feeds! 

…and a reminder in our upcoming community happenings – we now have 4 shred events upcoming! Nice to know we have options to shout out. Good luck this weekend Wedgwood – I’m certain you’ll again fill the trucks!

April 28th | 11-3 | Wedgwood Office

May 12th | 11-1 | Ballard Office

May 12th | 11-2 *shred only* | Madison Park Office

May 19th | 10-2 | Metropolitan Market, hosted by Sand Point

Stay curious my friends and have a fantastic weekend in productive work + play. Here to help, that is the ultimate goal!

#WeAreWindermere

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Windermere Real Estate Co.

Welcome to Friday! The sun is out, I see blue sky. Should I stop right there?! Ok, I will proceed – let’s sweep this week and prepare for the next…our weekly habit and digestible bites, together. First things first, a throw down…

Windermere Ballard is issuing a trivia night throw down challenge!! Do you have your team together? Are you smarter than Ballard? On Thursday, April 26th at 6:30pm, Ballard will be getting together at The Market Arms for Trivia Night. The cost is $40 per team (up to 4 people per team) and everything raised goes to the Windermere Foundation. There will be prizes for the winner, best team name, and best outfit. And bragging rights. Rumor has it, Sand Point has 5 teams already! Smack talk begins…3, 2, 1, NOW!

To reserve your spot, go to your fabulous WRE Foundation rep in your office or email Ballard broker, Sara Medford at smedford@windermere.com.

This. I’m just learning about this. I may be late to the table in sharing and am wrapping my head around the proposed LID for our waterfront neighbors. I’m pondering adding this as a topic to my next podcast, as I learn more. Demco most likely will have soundbites for us – what we should know, be speaking to, disclosing…as real estate professionals should this come to light. In the immediate, dive in and learn with me…Waterfront Seattle | Local Improvement District [LID]

I did not know this either! Broker, Diane Terry is our guest blogger today based on her social media post this week. Diane, thank you for sharing!

*and yes, I asked permission to re-post!*

…”Amazon will give you a discount for 90 days? It’s among the offers of 10-25 percent off you can access when you file a change-of-address with the U.S. postal service. You’ll get coupons for CB2, West Elm, Wayfair, Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond and more.

But the cherry on top is Amazon, from which you probably order dozens of little things every time you settle into a new place. Whether you’re nabbing a new abode or sending a child off to college, don’t forget to take advantage of the only “free money” that comes with moving.” – Diane Terry Amazon move details here!

…and speaking to lending a hand in moving  + community happenings – we have 3 shred events upcoming! Nice to know we have options to shout out. #WeAreWindermere

April 28th | 11-3 | Wedgwood Office

May 12th | 11-2 *shred only* | Madison Park Office

May 19th | 10-2 | Metropolitan Market, hosted by Sand Point

Stay curious my friends and have a fantastic weekend in productive work + play. Here to help, that is the ultimate goal!

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Windermere Real Estate Co.

Welcome to Friday! I’m dipping my toe back into our local market as I prepare to re-enter post vacation next week. In taking a look at our March Seattle Reports, these are the digestible bites I have noticed…

Ps, Feel free to leave a “comment” in the comment box (upper left hand corner of FWL blog) in what you’ve noticed…I’m curious what you’ve noticed?!

***I’ll call each of you next week if you leave a comment – let’s connect!***

I’ll be back in the offices next week post Spring Break! I’ve enjoyed goofing off with these fine people in Disneyland and Palm Spring – hot, hot, hot!

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Windermere Real Estate Co.

This week, Episode #8 in our Double Down podcast is ready to deliver to you! Our episode runs just under 34 minutes with Ballard manager Darlene Sozihno, broker Kayse Gundram and Windermere’s new Regional Marketing Director, Christopher King. The topic:: marketing.

Enjoy the conversation!

Episode #8 now hosted on my homepage along with the rest of the episodes – homepage here!

…and I hope you find a little luck, a pot o’ gold or even a four leaf clover this St Patty’s Day weekend! Here to help – give a shout if you need anything.

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Six,

This week lets digest an opportunity in fun + community. Next week we’ll get back to our local market from a statistical optic as we navigate our fiercely competitive spring market.

Do you have plans for St Patrick’s Day?

Let me help you with that! Windermere is again proud to sponsor Debuts & Discoveries co-presented by University Sunrise Rotary Club and Seattle Uncorked, this year benefiting Friends of the Children.

Debuts & Discoveries is a beer, wine and spirits tasting that showcases some of the newest and best producers in Washington. This is our 5th year in sponsorship as it perfectly aligns with the Windermere ways in being local, community focused and benefitting at-risk kids right here in Seattle.

The 11th annual Debuts & Discoveries will take place on March 17th, 2018 from 5-9pm. This is an easy fun invite to your clients, sphere and the like! If you’d like to request digital marketing around this event – email Maddy:: tuneup@windermere.com – she has the creative goods!

More details + tickets here!

 Come! You might just find that pot O’ gold on St Patty’s Day!

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Six,

If you haven’t noticed just yet our 2018 Luxury Breakfasts are featuring “The Armchair Series” – a series of guest speakers outside of us – a way to bring perspective outside of our everyday.This week we hosted Skylar Olsen (Senior Economist from Zillow). Matthew Gardner interviewed Skylar – very informative and yes, lively. I jotted down a few digestible bites…from the armchair of Skylar Olsen:

A recession in our midst? | Expects to see a mild cyclical recession towards the end of 2019 – fed induced. Clearly our region is strong. HQ2 is not an Amazon flight from Seattle. Plus, Seattle is not just Amazon anymore. We’ve been welcoming Zillow, Tableau, Google etc…. Our intellectual capitol is strong in the workforce. It also turns out our housing market continues to be cheap compared to those coming from LA, San Jose and the Bay area in general. We are talking median home prices in those regions in the $1.4M range.

Bets on Amazon’s HQ2? | Austin.

2018 inventory? | Skylar is now less bullish in thinking inventory will loosen up.

Impact of foreign buyers? | Zillow’s research shows there is not a spike in on-line searches from foreign buyers in our region after Canada imposed a 15% tax on foreign homebuyers. Zillow watches and grabs data from IP addresses – they believe the best way to track where people are searching from.

First time homebuyers? | They are here. A major part of our market and will be coming on strong. Currently showing up strong on-line. Median age, 33. Median age of first time homebuyer use to be late 20’s.

Mortgage Rates? | By end of 2018 expects to see conventional loans just under 5%. Jumbo market more stable the past couple of weeks, fyi.

Appreciation this year? | Median price homes = low double digits. Luxury market = will stabilize, at a slower rate.

Bubble? | Skylar mirrors Matthew Gardner opinion on this. Answer: no bubble based on fundamentals. Instead, a slow down. A mild one.

…and as we wrap up, I’ll leave you with this brain tattoo that I head this week::

“Your speed of learning must exceed the speed of change for you to remain relevant.” Success will come to those of us that get in front of the inevitable. #alwayslearning

And for those of you what want to join me for the Battle of the Barristers – details again + registration here. Love love love to save you a seat!

 Stay curious my friends,

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood

Six,

Does offering a 3% SOC matter to your Seller?

The numbers have been crunched. The data is in (thank you manager, Rob Graham!) and yes, it is showing us that it is a financial benefit to your Seller to offer a 3% SOC. These findings are broken out by MLS area [Seattle only] and reflect our local [single family only] market for 2017:

Powerful story? I think so. Knowing the subtle is part of your value. Show it, articulate it.

 Stay curious my friends,

Laura Smith, General Manager | Windermere Real Estate Co.

Ballard + Eastlake + Madison Park + Northgate + Sand Point + Wedgwood