homes: Russell Investments Moves to Seattle, Purchases WAMU Center Commercial Real Estate - 09/10/09 11:00 PM
The newest company to join the Seattle skyline is Russell Investments, formerly of Tacoma, WA.  Known for it's industry-standard Russell 1000 and Russell 2000 indexes, the company is well known by investors and institutions across the country.   They manage around $150 billion in funds and assets for large institutions and conglomerates.
One of Russell's biggest factors in the decision to move was the availability of inexpensive commercial real estate in downtown Seattle.  The WAMU center, assessed for $300 million, was sold by Chase to Russell for just $115 million.  The building has been largely empty since Chase took over WAMU operations, … (0 comments)

homes: Possible extension of first time home buyer tax credit in the works - 08/23/09 11:17 PM
There's a big push by lawmakers, real estate professionals, and lobbying groups to extend the current tax credit for home buyers.  First time home buyers can currently get an $8000 tax credit for buying a primary home.  This credit lasts through November 30, with all transactions needing to be closed by that date to qualify.
There are a number of proposals from Republican and Democrat legislators to extend and even expand the tax credit.  While some proposals are for a 6 to 12 month extension, the expanded monetary guidelines could have even bigger ramifications.  One proposal is to increase the maximum … (2 comments)

homes: Seattle Home Sales Rise Again in July - 08/06/09 12:32 PM
According to the latest stats from the NWMLS, home sales in the Seattle area are continuing their summer rebound.  Based on the number of calls I'm getting from Seattle buyers who are looking to use the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit before the November expiration, I'd imagine this rally will last later into the fall than the usual cyclical summer real estate surge.
Total real estate sales in King County were are their highest point in two years, while pending sales were up over 10% in King and Snohomish Counties.  While prices in Seattle are still down about 13% compared … (0 comments)

homes: Add a "Call Me Now" Button to Your ActiveRain Blog - Google Voice Widget - 08/01/09 03:10 PM
Last week I wrote a post on Google Voice for real estate professionals, how to sign up, and its features/uses.   I recently added the Google Voice widget to my ActiveRain blog, and it's easy to set up once you have an account (thanks to Bob Southard in GA for the inspiration).  There's one permanently on my sidebar (to the right) and one in this post (below).
**If you can't see the widgets, they sometimes load slowly. For reliability, I'd recommend placing them in your sidebar over directly in a post**

You need a Google Voice account first, apply for an invitation at voice.google.com.  Set up … (67 comments)

homes: When will the foreclosure numbers match the bank-owned homes/REO numbers in Seattle? - 07/30/09 12:42 AM
The number of Seattle bank-owned homes listed on the NWMLS has remained fairly steady throughout the month of June.  Even though we have been hearing about total foreclosure numbers rising, the numbers of those homes that are being released on the market by the banks haven't reacted quite yet.
At the start of of June, there were around 100 bank-owned homes in Seattle on the MLS, and about 180 total bank-owned homes when Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Shoreline are included.  As we reach the end of June, the numbers are virtually the same, with just a handful of new foreclosed homes on … (0 comments)

homes: Wallingford condos under $300k - Affordable Seattle homes - 07/29/09 08:53 AM
The Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle is comprised mainly of single family homes.  There are a few pockets of condos, mostly built around the South end of the neighborhood near Lake Union.  The majority of Wallingford condos are South of N 40th Street, and close to Gasworks Park, although there have been a few new construction condos built near the business and entertainment center of Wallingford, N 45th Street.

Although prices for condos in Wallingford remain fairly high, there are a handful of good buys for first time buyers or people looking for a bargain in this well-known neighborhood.
As of today, … (0 comments)

homes: Wallingford, Seattle's Most Affordable Homes For Sale - 07/28/09 10:55 AM
The Wallingford neighborhood of Northwest Seattle is known as being fairly expensive, but there are some houses that have come on the market recently that ease that label.  While most Wallingford homes start around $600,000, there are a few houses for sale that are under $550k and worth looking into.
Wallingford, seattle There are a couple of townhomes listed at just under $400,000 right now, and both are fairly new construction, good-looking homes.  Wallingford doesn't have a lot of townhomes or condos in general, so this is a good first buy to get into the neighborhood without breaking the bank.
The … (0 comments)

homes: Lake Union Views in Seattle - Lowest-Priced Homes - 07/24/09 04:02 PM
Some of the best water view homes in Seattle are those around Lake Union.  From the north end homes looking at the downtown skyline, to Capitol hill's view of Queen Anne and vice-versa, there's a great mix of serene waterfront and bustling city life in the same view.
There are a handful of Lake Union view homes available now under $400k, which is fairly affordable considering the neighborhoods that surround the lake. 
In North Capitol Hill, there's a small 2/1 house at about 1000 square feet.  It looks to be a rehab project, but with the location and views, it's a … (0 comments)

homes: Google Voice for Real Estate Pros - So Far, So Good - 07/24/09 11:03 AM
I was introduced to the new Google Voice service by other bloggers here on Active Rain - thanks for the heads up.  Already having had a Grand Central account (purchased by Google) that had been practically mothballed, I logged into try out the new services available.  If you don't have an account yet, you can sign up on the waiting list for an "invitation" at voice.google.com.

For those unfamiliar, Google Voice allows you to select a new, local phone number for free (local area code being key for real estate pros).  This number can be used as your "gateway" phone … (18 comments)

homes: Lake Washington on the cheap - Waterfront deals on Seattle waterfront - 07/23/09 12:55 AM
Lake Washington waterfront homes comprise the largest number of Seattle area waterfront properties.  Although the prices are generally high, there are a few gems right now that are still in the price range of "mere mortals".
On the North end of Lake Washington, there is one home in Kenmore and two homes in Matthews Beach that are listed under $1 million.  The Kenmore home has 62 feet of gently sloping waterfront, while both Matthews Beach homes have quick dropoffs, meaning deep water, docks, and easy boat launching from your back yard.  This neighborhood still seems undervalued, in my opinion.
On the South … (0 comments)

homes: Waterfront Lake Union - Affordable Seattle waterfront homes - 07/23/09 12:17 AM
When we talk about Lake Union waterfront homes, the conversation usually centers on houseboats and floating homes.  While those may be some great values, there are a few condos that do come on the market that are waterfront buildings with docks and boat slips available.
We've seen some very affordable houseboats on the Northlake side of Lake Union.  There are currently 5 houseboats under $250k, which is a great starting point for buying real estate.  Be aware of extra slip rental, management, facilites fees that may apply for houseboat living.  There's even a floating home in Eastlake at just $350,000 right … (0 comments)

homes: Affordable waterfront on the Puget Sound in Seattle - 07/22/09 11:55 PM
With prices on Seattle waterfront homes at their lowest point in years, there are some great deals on some Puget Sound waterfront real estate.  A couple of deals we're seeing lately that might pique your interest:
North Beach (Northwest Seattle near Blue Ridge and North of Ballard) is a beautiful, quiet community.  There are two waterfront homes on the Puget Sound that are listed at much lower prices than we've seen in the past.  One small bungalow is listed at just $375,000.  At 1 bed, 1 bath, and around 600 sq ft, it's a cozy hideaway on the water. 
Just down … (0 comments)

homes: More Bank-Owned Foreclosures Come to Market in Seattle this Month - 07/14/09 07:18 PM
The number of bank-owned homes on the NWMLS rose this month, as foreclosed homes are being released to the public for sale.  Although foreclosures are still relatively low in Seattle, as compared to most large U.S. cities, we do have a significant number for sale.  These can be great bargains for buyers looking to make a move while the market is down.  We have everything from a studio houseboat on Lake Union to an expansive $5 million Capitol Hill mansion available at bank prices.
Current Bank-Owned home listings:
Seattle:  67 houses, 38 condos
Bellevue:  15 houses, 16 condos
Redmond:  6 houses, 1 … (3 comments)

homes: Queen Anne, Seattle House and Townhome sales up 30% in June 2009 - 07/14/09 12:49 PM
Home Sales in Queen Anne followed the general trend of Seattle real estate sales, with a 30% increase in house and townhome sales this June as compared to last year.  There were a total of 30 of these homes sold in Queen Anne this June, as opposed to just 23 in 2008.  The sales prices actually showed a slight increase this year, moving up from a $625,000 median to $629,000 this year.
The only low point for the house and townhome market in Queen Anne was marketing time, as time on market moved up slightly from 39 days to 44 days.  Considering … (0 comments)

homes: Seattle's Phinney Ridge Homes - Sales Up, Prices Up, Days On Market Down - 07/13/09 11:59 PM
Phinney Ridge, Seattle home sales are up significantly this summer as compared to last year.  June 2009 sales of houses and townhomes in Phinney Ridge were up 7.7% as compared to the same month in 2008.  More surprisingly, median home prices were up 9.3% over last year.  The median sales price in June 2008 was $525,000 in Phinney Ridge, and rose to $574,000 in 2009. 
The icing on the cake of this neighborhood's market's statistics is the marketing time.  Total time on market has been cut in half, as the median time went from 56 days to 28 days in 2008 vs. 2009.  … (0 comments)

homes: Mukilteo, WA named in Money Magazine's Top 10 Cities to Live in the U.S. - 07/13/09 11:25 PM
Mukilteo is a quiet, suburan city just 25 miles North of Seattle.  It has an award-winning school district, beautiful views of the Puget Sound, master-planned neighborhoods, and an overall charming appeal.  Money Magazine seems to agree.

The Money Magazine list of the top 10 best places to live list was just released, and Mukilteo checked in at number 10.  This is a big accolade for a city that is many times overshadowed by its larger neighbors.  The homes were selected based on good schools, affordable homes, low crime rates, and strong economies.
Money Magazine Article - Top 10 Cities To … (0 comments)

homes: Ballard, Seattle Real Estate Market - June Homes Selling Fast And Furious - 07/11/09 05:51 PM
Sales of Ballard, Seattle houses and townhomes are up big for June of 2009.  Compared to the same month in 2008, total sales are up 19%,  and sales of single family homes are up 17%.  These are significant improvements in a comparable seasonal sales category.
Homes in Ballard are also selling faster than ever.  There's no way to describe the Ballard market right now except as "hot".  Median days on market was just 14 days for all townhomes and houses, and single family homes had a median marketing time of just 12 days.  These are some of the fastest sale times we've … (1 comments)

homes: Bellevue Foreclosures - New Weekly Listings - Bank-Owned Homes in Bellevue - 07/09/09 10:57 AM
Listings of Bellevue Foreclosures are now available on SeattleHome.com.  Search all of the bank-owned homes in Bellevue - houses, townhomes, and condos.
Bank-owned homes are available on the NWMLS for agents to search, but the public MLS interface doesn't allow for this search.  We now have weekly updates of Bellevue bank-owned homes, all active MLS listings available for immediate purchase to the public.
Bellevue Bank-Owned Homes Search
… (1 comments)

homes: New Seattle Foreclosures Search on SeattleHome.com - 07/09/09 01:30 AM
Currently, the MLS in Seattle doesn't provide the ability to the public to search for foreclosures specifically.  As of today, you can find the latest foreclosed, bank-owned homes on SeattleHome.com.
Through some hard work on our part, we are now able to offer weekly listings of the newest Seattle foreclosures on our site.  We currently only list Seattle bank-owned homes, but we will soon include other King County cities including Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Shoreline, to name a few.
Seattle Foreclosure Search
In the meantime, click on the following link for a list of bank-owned homes in your area.
Sam DeBord and … (1 comments)

homes: Seattle's Green Lake Condo Sales, First Half of 2009 - 07/08/09 12:28 AM
Condo sales in the Green Lake neighborhood of Seattle have been slower than single family home sales during the first half of 2009.  Days on Market has averaged 61 days so far, a significant margin above houses .  Median prices for the first half of 2009 stand at $215,000 for a typical 2 bedroom, 1 bath condo.
Much of the longer time on the market may be attributed to pre-sale, under construction projects.  Many of these condos will go on the market well before completion and artificially inflate the marketing time by including presale time.  Even still, for such a well-known and … (0 comments)

 
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Sam DeBord - Seattle Real Estate Broker

Seattle, WA

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SeattleHome.com -Coldwell Banker Danforth

Address: 222 Wall St #100, Seattle, WA, 98121

Cell Phone: (206) 658-3225

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2009 $10MM+ Sales

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206-658-3225


Seattle Waterfront Homes - Seattle Real Estate news, including waterfront homes, water view homes, floating homes, and houseboats.

Sam DeBord and Brian Wiegand
SeattleHome.com
Seattle Real Estate Brokers
Coldwell Banker Danforth
(206) 658-3225

Seattle Homes For Sale
Bellevue Homes For Sale

© Seattle Homes, LLC: - Sam DeBord, Managing Broker, Realtor Coldwell Banker Seattle: Coldwell Banker Danforth & Associates Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Google + | Sam (at) SeattleHome.com



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