Enrico's Blog

King County Residential & Condominium Absorption Rates 2004-2008 1M+ Market

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:15:41 -0500

Attached are the Condominium and Residential Absorption Rates for $1Million + homes in King County from 2004 through 2008 compiled by our office in April 2008. As you can see, the absorption rate in this price range is currently about half of those of all listings combined.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

April, 2004-2008 Condominium Pending Sales Trends

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:03:06 -0500

Attached are the Condominium Pending Sales Trends in King County from 2004 through 2008 compiled by our office in April 2008. As you can see, the current numbers are substantially down from this time last year. However, we are seeing the number of sales in our office go up in our office and our numbers are better than last year this month. It will be interesting to see what impact it will have on this statistic.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

April 08, 2004-2008 Residential King County Absorption Rates

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:17:01 -0500

Attached are the Residential Absorption Rates in King County from 2004 through 2008 compiled by our office in April 2008. Historically, we see an increase in the number of sales in the coming two months. It will be instesting to see whether this will imporve the absorption rates.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

April 08, 2004-2008 Condominium King County Absorption Rates

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 19 May 2008 18:33:44 -0500

Attached are the Condominium Absorption Rates in King County from 2004 through 2008 compiled by our office in April 2008. Historically, we see an increase in the number of sales in the coming two months and we see the absorption rate go up. Are you as eagerly awaiting the numbers following as I am?

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

South Lake Union Zoning Changes

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:51:19 -0500

Recently I read about the potential zoning changes in the South Lake Union neighborhood which would allow buildings up to 40 stories in this neighborhood. If these changes will be accepted, it will drastically change the character and feel of our city. As a houseboat resident, I would like to see a more modest aproach and want to learn more about the 65' to 240' plan mentioned in the following articles.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/361929_slu06.html

http://www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_050608WAB_south_lake_union_skyscrapers_TP.d49a89c2.html

What do you think about the proposed changes?

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Lake Union Housebarge with Boat Moorage

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:02:40 -0500

Lovely, cozy housebarge in an oversized slip with extra space for a 20+ft boat. Conveniently located adjacent to the Burke-Gilman trail and a few minutes from Fremont, Wallingford and UW. 1bed, full bath, living and kitchen w/ vaulted clgs. Upst. bedr. with skylight in fiberglass roof. This is one of the 36 housebarges with a City of Seattle permit. It has been carefully maintained and is in mint condition. It is move-in ready and ready to rock you to sleep at night! Welcome to Lake Union!

For more information see: http://www.seattlebydesign.com/sbd/index.php?album=Gas-Works-Park-Marina-3401

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

RentedNewcastle 3 bedroom Condo

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:35:12 -0500

Large 3 bedroom condo in a beautiful setting. Only a minute from grocery, shops, restaurants & freeway access. Secured entry, gated parking garage & elevator. This home is the largest floor plan in the complex. Stunning corner unit with amazing territorial view. Spacious floor plan featuring arched doorways, abundant storage, pantry, 2 balconies, custom wood blinds & amazing master suite with 2 walk-in closets, private bath & balcony. Home also features extra storage unit and reserved parking in the carport. Home owners dues include earthquake insurance, water, sewer and garbage.

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

West Seattle Charmer: 6414 47th Ave SW

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 06:23:52 -0500

Absolutely charming West Seattle home. Cozy in the winter and perfect for entertaining in the summer. This home offers hardwood floors, 2 bedrooms, updated bath, living room with fireplace, dining room and kitchen on the main floor. The lower level offers a large open finished room (also with fireplace), a large laundry room and 1-car + garage. The lot is beautifully manicured and boasts a wonderful deck in the back yard - perfect for summer barbeques.

Seattle Condos: Seattle Heights #701

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 10:10:57 -0500

Absolutely, the Best in Belltown living. It just doesn't get any better than this! Light filled 1bdr/1ba view home in Seattle Heights Building. Views of Seattle & the Space Needle. Deeded parking space and storage unit. 24-hour concierge, Central A/C. Home has 11' ceilings and is ideally located on same floor as amenities including: Hot Tub, Indoor Pool, Sauna, Clubroom and view decks. Fully equipped Gym and Business center are on the floors right below. Full security building. All appliances including Washer & Dryer left for New Owner.

1 bedroom / 1 bath
685 square feet
11' ceilings
exterior balcony
condo located on same floor as amenities
amenities include Hot Tub, Indoor Pool, Sauna, Clubroom, view decks, fully equipped gym and business center.
Built in 1993
City/skyline views
Central AC
All appliances stay
Washer/dryer included
parking space
storage unit
2007 taxes: $2,364

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Sold! - Seattle Condos: FIX / MADORE Bldg #201, a great address in Pike Place Market

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:58:14 -0500

Welcome to the historic Fix/Madore Building wedged between Kasala and World Spice Herb + Teahouse in Pike Place Market. Affordable spacious and fun studio live/work loft with exposed brick walls and exposed beams. A perfect home, office or pied-a-terre in the center of Seattle that can add spice to someone's life!

Features:

Short Stroll to Pike Place Market, Waterfront, parks and shopping
Peek vies of Puget Sound
Full bathroom
All appliances stay
Secured Entry
On-site Laundry Room
HOD's - $230 (includes cable TV, earthquake insurance, w/s/g)
597 Square Feet
Built in 1910
2007 Taxes: $1,842
MLS# 28032484

For additional information on this condo visit: http://www.seattlebydesign.com/sbd/index.php?album=Condominium-04 or for additional information on Fix/Madore: http://seattlebydesign.com/blog/?p=67

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Top Producer vs Outlook vs ???

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:43:40 -0500

I have been using Top Producer for the last few years, primarily as a database and a calender. I used Microsoft Outlook previous to TP, but the problem was that when I hired an assistant, she needed to have access to our database and my calendar. One of the great things about Top Producer is that the information is stored on-line so that it can be accessed from any computer with web access. (TP 8i will resolve the JAVA issue) I use Outlook for e-mail, but not for anything else at this time.

I am not a big fan on the monthly subscription fees for Top Producer. I prefer to pay for a program and be done with it. I also use Top Producer for the Palm which allows me to carry my database and calendar with me. I have been contemplating buying a different phone that is Windows based and during my research I found out I will need an additional fee of $14.95/month just for their "MOBILITY" feature. I am already paying around $350/yr for top Producer. I must say, I felt like I was being gauged and vs the Palm, the only feature I will gain is that it will update wireless. Does $180/yr not seem too much money for this feature?

To evaluate whether I want to continue to use Top Producer or switch back to Outlook, I have been trying to do some research this weekend. I hear that with Outlook Exchange you can store your calendar on-line and allow others to have access to it and sync to it. To enhance Outlook's functionality for Real Estate, I read about Active Agent for Outlook. Has anyone used this program with Outlook Exchange? They charge a one time fee of $299, but by the time you add on all the features that Top Producer offers out of the box, my bill will be approaching $1,000 or so.

Is my frugal nature getting the best of me and should I bite the bullet and continue to use Top Producer or is there a better solution out there? If you have a better solution that allows my assistant to have access to the database and calendar, what do you use and how do you have it set up?

Your comments and suggestions are appreciated!

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

Seattle Condos: Site 17, 2440 Western Ave #507

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 00:23:02 -0600

Welcome to Urban Living at it's best! This is a wonderful & extremely clean true 1 bedroom 1 bathroom home in the heart of all Seattle has to offer. Fun & spacious open living area with partial sound view. All stainless steel appliances, eating space & breakfast bar. Building amenities include a private fitness center, controlled access, garage parking, on-site manager, elevator, lovely common area and two roof-top decks! Unit includes washer/dryer and extra closet space. Literally steps to the stunning waterfront, SAM Sculpture Park , Pike Place Market, Downtown shopping, and then some! Great opportunity to be close to it all!

Features:

• true 1 bdrm / 1 bath

• living Room w/eating space

• breakfast bar

• all appliances stay, w/d in unit

• partial sound view

• garage parking (2nd flr, #23)

• storage

• rooftop deck, gym, community room

• HOD's - $273 (includes, earthquake insurance, w/s/g)

• 642 square feet

• built in 1998

• 2007 taxes $2116

For additional information on this condo visit: http://www.seattlebydesign.com/sbd/index.php?album=Site-17-507-condo or for additional information on Site 17: http://seattlebydesign.com/blog/?p=52

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

LISTING FEEDBACK

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:13:50 -0600

When listing a property, it is crucial that we provide our clients feedback regarding the showing/previewing activity on their home. I provide my clients data and statistics on a weekly basis regarding internet traffic from the websites I advertise and list my properties on. I also call agents to ask them if they have any questions about the property and what they thought of the home and price. I then send this in a weekly e-mail report to the client.

Instead of calling agents, I have thought about using a service like homefeedback.com. Have you used this and if so, are you happy with its results? Are the results deminishing now that more agents are using this software? Do you have other strategies and techniques you use to provide value to your listing clients?

Thank you for your feedback and sugestions!

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain: Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats and all Seattle Real Estate Listings

The benefits of LOWER INTEREST RATES

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:44:20 -0600

Fed Chairman Ed Bernanke lowered its benchmark lending rate last week by .75% from 4.25% to 3.5%. This translated in lower mortgage interest rates which is spurring on a refinance boom. Rates on some 30 year fixed rate loans can be seen as low as 5.125%, down from 6.5% a year ago. This translates into refinance opportunities for people who previously committed to ARM loans who's fixed terms expired or about to expire.

Reduced interest rates provides substantial savings for people looking to buy a home. On a conforming loan of $417,000, a mortgage last year would have been $2635.72. Today this same mortgage is $2,270.50 per month. This translates into a savings of $465.22 per month or $5,582.64 per year or $167,479.20 over the life of the mortgage! Very low interest interest rates combined with a soft market offers HUGE opportunities for buyers and investors. I cannot imagine much better circumstances under which to buy.

Will this return the market return to its 2005 high? I do not think so. With mixed economic forecasts, I think very few buyers will be looking to make a quick buck through Real Estate. There are fewer buyers out there that are looking for a quick profit. I anticipate that buyers that are making longer term investments will fare extreemly well in today's market.

The previous calculations also demonstrate how crucial it is for buyers to shop around for the best interest rate (relative to closing costs) when they purchase a home. An 1/8% difference in interest rate will make a big difference over the life of the loan. Many buyers negotiate a great deal at the time of purchase, but but do not pay close attention to the mortgages they use to close the transaction. If not handled carefully, gains made at the time of purchase can be quickly lost by using the wrong mortgage when closing the transaction. I always recommend my clients shop 3-6 lenders before they commit to a product. They will see that some lenders will much better understand what they are trying to accomplish with the investment than others. These will likely suggest the most appropriate mortgage for the investment they are making.

Happy Buying and Selling!

Enrico Pozzo . Coldwell Banker Bain . http://www.seattlebydesign.com/

Cool websites

Enrico Pozzo, Seattle Condos, Lofts, Houseboats (Coldwell Banker Bain) — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 22:59:11 -0600

Just in case you have not found these great websites that offer very useful tools when buying or selling real estate:

BeNeighbor - a website that builds community among condominium owners: http://www.beneighbor.com/

WalkScore: - a website that shows you what is in walkable distance from the address you enter: http://www.walkscore.com/

ZipSkinny - a website that provides you sensus information of the zipcode you enter: http://www.zipskinny.com/

Enrico Pozzo, Coldwell Banker Bain, www.SeattlebyDesign.com

Enrico's Blog

King County Residential & Condominium Absorption Rates 2004-2008 1M+ Market

April, 2004-2008 Condominium Pending Sales Trends

April 08, 2004-2008 Residential King County Absorption Rates

April 08, 2004-2008 Condominium King County Absorption Rates

South Lake Union Zoning Changes

Lake Union Housebarge with Boat Moorage

**Rented**Newcastle 3 bedroom Condo

West Seattle Charmer: 6414 47th Ave SW

Seattle Condos: Seattle Heights #701

Sold! - Seattle Condos: FIX / MADORE Bldg #201, a great address in Pike Place Market

Top Producer vs Outlook vs ???

Seattle Condos: Site 17, 2440 Western Ave #507

LISTING FEEDBACK

The benefits of LOWER INTEREST RATES

Cool websites

RentedNewcastle 3 bedroom Condo