Community August 10, 2023

2023 Football & Hockey Schedules, Recipes & Tips…

Football is BACK and hockey is coming in hot! Scroll down for printable schedules, tailgating hacks (including how to pack the perfect cooler!), and favorite gameday recipes. Fans of all ages will also love our printable bingo sheets.

Need to brush up on your sports lingo? Check out Wikipedia’s handy football and hockey glossaries. You can say impressive things like, “Are they running a 3-4 defense?” and “It’s not icing unless the puck passes the goal line…”






 

Windermere Mercer Island

 

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

© Copyright 2023, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.

Real Estate March 15, 2023

7 Ways to Make Life Easier When Selling Your Home

When it’s time to sell a home, we all dream of a flawlessly executed transaction where everything goes smoothly and ends with a win-win for you and the buyer. Here are seven tips to help make that happen—and avoid surprise expenses along the way…

1. Repair Your Home First

Making repairs to your home before you sell not only makes it more appealing to buyers, but it can also help you avoid the additional costs that can result from the buyer’s inspection. Disclosing any repairs that still need to be made will help you move smoothly to closing and avoid problems that could otherwise kill the deal. Consider conducting a pre-listing inspection to make sure everything is out in the open before you sell.

2. Make Sure Your Price is Right

The key to selling your home quickly is to find the right buyers. To find the right buyers, your home must be correctly priced. I use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)—a thorough, data-backed examination of your home and how it compares to other listings in your area—to accurately price your home. Without an agent’s CMA, it’s easy for your home to be listed at the wrong price.

    • Avoid Overpricing: Overpricing your home will attract the wrong buyers because you will force your home into competition with other listings that are fundamentally superior or have more to offer. When comparing other homes to yours, buyers will focus on the discrepancies and the features your home lacks. Overpricing will often cause homes to sit on the market for extended periods of time and become less appealing to buyers.
    • Avoid Underpricing: Under competitive market conditions, intentionally underpricing a home is a common strategy to attract buyer attention with the goal of starting a bidding war to drive the price of the home up. However, several things must go correctly for this to happen. In all other cases, underpricing your home reflects a lack of knowledge about where its market value fits into the fabric of current local market conditions and can leave you, the seller, unsatisfied with the price your home ultimately fetches.

3. Invest In Staging & Professional Photography

First impressions matter when selling a home. The vast majority of buyers are searching online and taking virtual tours of homes they’re interested in. As such, it’s well worth the time and money to hire a high-quality photographer and I always provide this for my sellers. The right photography can make all the difference in the minds of buyers.

Home staging is also a critical element for getting the most value for a home and selling it quickly. You can even DIY if you have the time and modern decor. It’s also the perfect time to inspect your home for any minor or cosmetic repairs that can be addressed quickly. An aesthetically pleasing home will attract more eyes, and any edge you can give your home over competing listings may be just the ticket to getting it sold.

4. Keep Your Emotions in Check

Selling your home is an act of learning how to let it go. Once you know you’re ready to sell, you’ll need to be able to look at it with an objective eye. This will allow you to approach decisions from a neutral standpoint and work towards what is best for the sale of the home. Having clear judgement will also help you get through the negotiating process and steer yourself toward a smooth closing. Stepping back can be tough, but a good agent will always be happy to give you guidance and help you keep perspective.

5. Wait Until You’re Ready

It may be tempting to rush your listing to take advantage of local market conditions, but waiting until you have all your ducks in a row will make life so much easier. Knowing when to sell your home is a mixture of being financially prepared, having the right agent, and understanding how your home fits into the current local market landscape. Once you’re ready, here are some tips on timing the market.

6. Use an Agent

…and I’m not just saying it because I’m an agent! Selling a home “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) can save on commission fees, but is a complex and risky process that can easily lead to serious costs. An agent will help you front marketing costs, provide sound advice to help you avoid legal trouble, and ultimately shoulder some of the liability for the transaction. Being represented by an experienced professional will help you avoid mistakes during the offer process, negotiations, and closing that could otherwise be costly or jeopardize the sale. It’s no wonder that a vast majority of sellers choose to work with an agent.

7. Be Willing to Negotiate

Approaching buyers’ offers with an open mind will ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. Before the offers start to come in, it’s important to work with your agent to understand your expectations and strategize which terms and contingencies you’re willing to negotiate on. That way, you can quickly identify the right offer when it comes along. Showing a willingness to work with buyers will also keep them engaged and make sure you don’t leave potential deals on the table.


 

Mercer island blog, windermere mercer island, windermere real estate, seattle blog, live on mercer, live on guides, community information, neighborhood information, real estate, mercer island community, mercer island community blog, mercer island blogger, mi reporter, mercer island real estate info,

© Copyright 2023 Windermere Mercer Island.

Adapted from articles that originally appeared on the Windermere blog, November 22, 2021 & April 7, 2021, by Sandy Dodge.

 

Community August 13, 2022

2022 Football Schedules, Recipes & Tips…

Are you ready for some football? Fall is just around the corner and tickets are on sale now for 12s ready to cheer on a new era of promising rookies, as well as UW & WSU fans ready to show their college spirit.  Scroll down for printable schedules, tailgating hacks (including how to pack the perfect cooler!), our favorite gameday recipes, and printable bingo cards to keep even the youngest fans entertained…




 

Mercer island blog, windermere mercer island, windermere real estate, seattle blog, live on mercer, live on guides, community information, neighborhood information, real estate, mercer island community, mercer island community blog, mercer island blogger, mi reporter, mercer island real estate info,

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com

© Copyright 2022 Windermere Mercer Island

Living & Trends June 13, 2022

10 Tips for Sustainable Gardening

Sunny days are finally here, the flowers are in bloom, and the timing is perfect to give your garden some love. Having a healthy garden is one of the best ways to create a sustainable home and reduce your household’s carbon footprint. Below are some eco-friendly tips that will help to make your garden even more sustainable…

 

1. Compost Your Waste

Composting, which puts your natural waste to good use, is the cornerstone of any sustainable garden. All grass clippings, dead leaves, plants, flowers, and the like are rich in nutrients. By composting, you provide your garden with a natural fertilizer, free of contaminants. Not only will this provide nourishment, but it will also help to produce healthier and tastier food. Here’s how to do it.

 

2. Try Mulching

If having a sustainable garden is your goal, it’s important to treat your soil with care. Laying down a couple of inches of mulch in mid- to late spring (think: grass clippings, wood chips or chopped leaves) enriches the soil and ensures it’s as healthy as can be. Mulch also conserves soil moisture, reduces weed growth and naturally moderates the temperature of the soil. You can cover either bare dirt or freshly planted food and flowers. Find more tips here.

 

3. Optimize Your Garden Design

It’s natural to want to accentuate the beauty of your garden when designing it, but the sustainable gardener will prioritize giving plants what they need. Take into consideration which plants need direct access to sunlight, which need the most space in the garden, and any special requirements a plant may need to inhabit optimal growing conditions.

Companion planting (choosing plants that benefit each other) will attract pollinators and deter pests. For example, peas & beans feed the soil with nitrogen, and nasturtiums can lure aphids away from other plants. Plant basil and tomatoes together, too–basil boosts the flavor of the tomatoes while scaring away pests.

 

4. Use Natural Weed Killers

One of the pillars of organic gardening is to reduce the use of chemicals whenever and wherever possible. Preventing weeds naturally by using landscape cloth, mulch or corn gluten meal is a great way to start. You can also make your own DIY weed killer from household items like vinegar or even boiling water as an effective substitute for harmful, chemical-based weed killers. Whichever method you choose, it’s important to weed by hand often.

 

5. Water Wisely

Substantial watering is critical to keeping your garden healthy, but overwatering is a common practice and leads to an unsustainable garden. Research the amount of water your plants and flowers need to make sure you aren’t overwatering. In our rainy climate, rain barrels are a useful tool as their function is to catch and conserve the water from your downspouts. Here’s a charming Canadian video on how to make and install a rain barrel.

 

6. Repurpose Poop

It’s time to get down and dirty. For a more sustainable garden and even healthier soil, consider adding animal manure. Chicken, sheep, and cow manure are all popular choices. Rich in nutrients, it can be used both as a fertilizer and as a soil conditioner. Make sure the manure you purchase is free of pathogens and ask about the recommended window of time from application to harvest before you begin using it.

 

7. Go Local

Planting natively is a fast ticket to sustainable gardening. Native plants are innately acclimated to local climate conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain. Native plants often require less water to grow due to their familiarity with the soil and rainfall in your region, which cuts down on your garden’s total water intake.

 

8. Collect Dried Seeds

YES, you can save your seeds and sow them next year. Wait until the seed is fully ripe before you collect it. It’s important to gather seeds when the weather is dry and to store them in a dry place. To produce healthy plants in the future, the seed must be completely dry. Here are some great tips on collecting & storing seeds.

 

9. Stop Garden Slugs

Slugs love wreaking havoc on gardens, eating through leaves and fruit, leaving a trail of destruction. Fortunately, there are also many things they hate…coffee grounds, for example. Chickens. Rosemary. Fennel. Drowning in beer traps. Check out these awesome tricks for making eco-friendly slug repellant…you can use these to replace traditional slug baits, which contain chemicals that are highly toxic to other animals.

 

10. Replace Your Gas Mower

How else can you reduce your garden’s carbon footprint? Replace your gas mower with a more sustainable alternative. Electric mowers and push mowers are functional and more eco-friendly replacements. They’re also quieter and you never have to mess with those stinky gas cans again. For added sustainability, consider replacing your other gas-powered equipment, such as trimmers and leaf blowers.

 

Pssst…Need a bigger yard for the garden of your dreams? I can help with that.

 


 

Mercer island blog, windermere mercer island, windermere real estate, seattle blog, live on mercer, live on guides, community information, neighborhood information, real estate, mercer island community, mercer island community blog, mercer island blogger, mi reporter, mercer island real estate info,

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com

© Copyright 2022, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.
Adapted from an article that originally appeared on the Windermere blog April 14th, 2021. Written by: Sandy Dodge.

Living & Trends December 14, 2021

Pro Lighting Tips to Brighten Your Home

As we approach the darkest days of the year, a few tweaks in your interior lighting scheme can brighten your home (and your mood) from the inside out. Here are some great tips from Real Simple for a lighting scheme that is flattering and functional…

 

Key Tips

  • Use a combo of overhead and up lighting for a brilliant, flattering effect
  • Include functional task lighting tailored to how the space is used—here are rules of thumb for wattage equivalents to use:
    • Reading: 40-60 watts with minimal glare
    • Work space: 60 watts max for a desk lamp, with additional soft lighting no brighter than the computer screen
    • Makeup: 60-80 total watts of light (two 40-watt side sconces, or a few 25-watt vanity bulbs)
  • Dimmer switches allow you to adapt lighting for multiple uses, while also saving energy and increasing bulb lifespans—newer smart plugs, switches and bulbs are an affordable and easy way to do it with added benefits like automation and color tuning

 

Living Room

  • Use a variety of upward glow for ambience + downward glow for reading
  • Light three corners of the room and focus one of the lights on a beautiful object or chair
  • Consider smart bulbs/plugs that allow you to adjust brightness and tone, especially if you also watch TV in this room

 

Dining Room

  • Showcase the table with a chandelier or pendant placed 36-48 inches above its surface, with a max of 100 total wattage equivalent
  • Avoid shadows on faces by choosing a fixture that is 1/2 to 3/4 the width of the table
  • Supplement with more dim, indirect lighting such as table lamps, sconces, or battery powered votive candles

 

Kitchen

  • Overhead lighting works best to illuminate work spaces—think pendants, recessed lighting, and under-cabinet lights
  • Place pendants about 36-48 inches above the countertop, spaced evenly beginning 12-15 inches from either side of the island, peninsula, or table

 

Bedroom

  • Position bedside lamps so that the bottom of the shade is 16-18 inches above the top of the mattress (a lamp that is 26-28 inches tall including the shade is usually a good bet)
  • Soft and cozy is key–angle any bright directional lighting away from the bed, and add one or two small lamps with warm, dim bulbs for a candlelight feel
  • Dimmers or smart bulbs work well here, too!

 

Baths

  • Sidelights—such as sconces—are great for makeup and should ideally be about 36-40 inches apart to evenly light your face
  • Position side fixtures about 60-65 inches up from the floor, or so that the bottom of the shades are just below eye level
  • Overhead lights provide good additional illumination for showering or cleaning
  • If your bathroom is large, consider a direct overhead light for the shower

 

 


 

Mercer island blog, windermere mercer island, windermere real estate, seattle blog, live on mercer, live on guides, community information, neighborhood information, real estate, mercer island community, mercer island community blog, mercer island blogger, mi reporter, mercer island real estate info,

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com

© Copyright 2021, Windermere Real Estate/Mercer Island.

Real Estate June 15, 2021

Thinking About Buying a Second or Vacation Home?

Here are a few tips to make sure it’s worthwhile…

These days, having your own home away from home is a compelling concept. There are many clear benefits including being able to use your home how you wish, decorate to your taste, and include your furry friends in your time away. There are also challenges to be considered as home security, maintenance, and holding expenses are nothing to ignore.

One consideration to start with is whether the home will be solely used by your family or become an income-producing vacation rental. In addition to being a lifestyle choice, this determination will impact your income taxes and insurance needs and should be made before you embark upon this journey.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both options:

 

Second Home for Your Personal UseIncome-Producing Vacation Rental


 

Owning as a Personal Second Home

 

PROS

  • Comfort: Returning to the same place is familiar and often more relaxing than staying in a hotel or vacation rental. It allows you to enjoy your space as you wish and include pets and hobbies in your home away from home. Proximity to your primary residence is an important factor. How long will it take to get there? You will likely visit more often if your second home takes under three hours to travel to. Choosing a location that you will enjoy for years to come is essential to making a good purchase decision.
  • Convenience: The ability to keep your possessions that are used exclusively at the second home simplifies travel and packing and makes it easier to be surrounded by the things you enjoy.
  • Long-term profit: While assets fluctuate in value in the short term, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate because they are located in popular areas with a geographically limited supply. At some point you could have a nice nest egg or a property that becomes a family vacation home for future generations.
  • Future retirement options: A common retirement goal is to have a place to retreat for part of the year in addition to your main residence. Whether a second home will become a full-time venue in retirement or continue to be a part-time get-away, having it established before retirement gives you options.

CONS

  • Initial cost: Buying a second or vacation home is a big investment. Down payment requirements are typically higher on non-primary residences and that cash outlay can take away from other investment opportunities.
  • Maintenance: Your second or vacation home will require maintenance and upkeep just like your primary residence. You’ll need to plan to tackle that yourself or hire someone else to do it for you. Let it get away from you, and you will be spending your leisure time worrying about everything that needs to get done instead of relaxing.
  • Commitment: When you are paying a significant amount of money each month for a second or vacation home, you may feel that you need to constantly visit the property to justify your investment. You’ll need to ask yourself if the idea of going to the same place over and over again is appealing or a turn-off.
  • Other considerations: Evaluating and mitigating your exposure to natural disaster (fire, flood, earthquake, tsunami, etc.) and liability risks (guest injury, burglary, squatting, vandalism, arson) on a home that is vacant for much of the time is an important consideration. Determine how you will keep your home safe and secure.

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Owning as an Income-Producing Vacation Rental

 

PROS

  • Income to offset expenses: A good vacation rental property generally provides a healthy rental revenue which could potentially cover mortgage payments and operating expenses. Using an online short-term rental service like Airbnb makes it convenient to manage your rental property. Their website interface makes pricing, marketing, and communication with potential guests straightforward and easy. Airbnb will also oversee the billing process for you.
  • Tax considerations: You may qualify for federal tax breaks and deductions related to holding your investment property. This can help offset the expense of owning and provide investment opportunities for the future.
  • Long-term profit: Like a second home, vacation properties are more likely to retain their value and appreciate over time. At some point you could have a nice nest egg or a property that becomes a family vacation home for future generations.
  • Future retirement options: While there are tax considerations to converting an income-producing property into a personal use property, owning a vacation home allows you to insulate yourself against rising real estate prices and give you options for future use.

CONS

  • Initial cost: Buying a vacation home as an investment property will require both a hefty down payment and initial start-up expenses to furnish and supply the home. You will need to evaluate that cash outlay with other potential investment opportunities.
  • Management and maintenance: Vacation rentals can be costly to manage, both in terms of time and money. These properties may require seasonal upkeep and special maintenance considerations. You may even incur costs to maintain or monitor the property even when it’s not actively being utilized.
  • Revenue fluctuations: Vacation rental properties are particularly sensitive to seasonal fluctuations and economic downturns, which could leave you financially exposed. Having a property that is attractive in multiple seasons is a definite plus.
  • Short-term rental restrictions: Many state and local municipalities are seeking to reign in short-term vacation rentals, which could put a damper on potential revenue from these properties. Many now require a minimum rental period of 30 days. In contrast, there are locations that are ideal for these kinds of short-term rentals. Look into regional ordinances, do a Google search, and check out local newspapers to discover recent talk of changing or enforcing such codes.
  • Other considerations: In addition to evaluating and mitigating your exposure to natural disaster and liability risks, you will want to consider other holding expenses. These might include higher renovation and repair costs due to high-use or damage. Most travelers expect the latest appliances and furnishings, so you will have to update every few years. Unfortunately, short-term renters are less likely to report any necessary repairs and guests are far less likely to treat the property with respect since there is no sense of ownership or obligation.

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Final Thoughts

Regardless of your decision to use the property personally or as an investment, checking in with your CPA and financial advisor is a good first step. They can advise you of pros and cons of each approach, States that are more or less favorable to own a non-primary residence in, and whether you should establish a trust or LLC to hold the property in.

Having a savvy real estate broker help you understand the local scene, evaluate options, and provide vetted resources is essential, especially when you are looking in an area you are less familiar with.

Still have questions? Conact me for assistance with exploring a second and vacation home purchase locally, or I can refer you to a great broker in other areas you are considering.

 


 

Mercer island blog, windermere mercer island, windermere real estate, seattle blog, live on mercer, live on guides, community information, neighborhood information, real estate, mercer island community, mercer island community blog, mercer island blogger, mi reporter, mercer island real estate info,

We earn the trust and loyalty of our brokers and clients by doing real estate exceptionally well. The leader in our market, we deliver client-focused service in an authentic, collaborative, and transparent manner and with the unmatched knowledge and expertise that comes from decades of experience.

2737 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040 | (206) 232-0446
mercerisland@windermere.com

© Copyright 2021 Windermere Mercer Island