What is Mosquito Fleet?
By Maria Kalafatich |
MOSQUITO FLEET Long before road systems were introduced in Western Washington, the only option for reaching Gig Harbor ...
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WHY GIG HARBOR IS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE
Why is Gig Harbor, Washington such a delightful place to spend your retirement years?
Gig Harbor is embraced as an idyllic haven for retirees in Western Washington, and it's not hard to see why! Nestled amidst breathtaking waterfront vistas and exuding a cozy small-town ambiance on the picturesque Olympic Peninsula, Gig Harbor boasts notably low crime rates. According to SmartAsset.com, approximately 24.6% of Gig Harbor's population are retirees, making it the 4th best place to retire in the entire U.S.
What makes Gig Harbor so special for retirees? Well, there's a plethora of attractions and amenities tailored just for you! Explore the rich maritime heritage at the Harbor History Museum, enjoy serene strolls at Skansie Brothers Park, or embark on scenic bike rides along the Cushman Trail. For those seeking a taste of local spirits, the Heritage Distilling Co. awaits with open doors. And let's not forget the Gig Harbor Yacht Club for those with a passion for sailing!
But it's not just about leisure; Gig Harbor offers essential services and facilities to ensure a comfortable retirement lifestyle. From the YMCA and Gig Harbor Senior Center to retirement communities like Heron's Key and Kensington Place, there's a supportive network in place. Plus, health care needs are covered with facilities like St. Anthony's Hospital and Pt. Fosdick Medical Center nearby.
When it comes to staying active, Gig Harbor has you covered with esteemed golf clubs like Canterwood Golf & County Club and Gig Harbor Golf Club. And for those who prefer a quiet night out, the Galaxy movie theatre offers discounted screenings for seniors every Tuesday.
For added convenience, transportation options abound, including city buses, Uber, and Gig Harbor Taxi. And if you ever need assistance with estate planning, clutter reduction, or legal matters, Gig Harbor provides access to professionals specializing in elder care.
So, why wait? Come join the vibrant community of retirees in Gig Harbor, where every day feels like a blissful adventure by the sea!
In March, the real estate market witnessed a slight uptick in both active listings and pending homes, heralding a notable shift in market dynamics. With more properties hitting the market and a surge in pending sales, our monthly supply soared to 2.32 months, signaling the further transition into a seller's market. This increase in supply, coupled with heightened buyer demand, has tilted the balance in favor of sellers, paving the way for potentially favorable outcomes in negotiations.
MORTGAGE RATES UPDATE
Mortgage rates saw a general decrease from November to April, staying steady this month. According to Mortgage News Daily, we saw rates drop from 7.69% on 11/01 to 7.05% on 04/01. Make sure to click the graphic above to hear about helpful loan programs at CCM!
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Discover secluded hideaways where crystal-clear waters meet pristine beaches, offering unparalleled luxury and relaxation. From the lush landscapes of Fiji to the exclusive retreats in the Caribbean, each resort in this blog promises an unforgettable experience tailored to your desires. Escape to paradise and read more here!
READ OTHER ISSUES OF MARIA'S LUXURY NEWSLETTER
Narrows Bridge History
By Maria Kalafatich |
NARROWS BRIDGE HISTORY The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," was an engineering marvel that spanned ...
Read More 
Why is Gig Harbor Called Gig Harbor?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY IS GIG HARBOR CALLED GIG HARBOR? Incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque ...
Read More NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: RAFT ISLAND
Initially named Allshouse by Captain Wilkes in 1841, the name Raft Island was given since those at the time thought it looked like a "raft floating on the water".
The whole island was purchased back in 1928 by a Californian by the name of George O. Noble, a wealthy mining engineer, who had planned a personal estate with "a private wharf, stables for riding horses, roads, trails and terrace landscaping," the newspaper said. George actually had a 788 foot wood bridge built to access the island from the mainland. This aging bridge was replaced with a new bridge fairly recently in 2014.
Located just 5.5 miles from the city of Gig Harbor, Raft Island is roughly 160 acres in size (at high tide) and surrounded by the mainland with views to the west of the Olympic Mountains and Cutts Island to the south. With its protected location, this is a fun island to kayak and paddleboard around. The water is warm (relatively) in the close-by inlets, which makes it a good place to boat, ski and swim. There are two neighborhood stores, each within 2-5 minutes from the bridge on the mainland.
There are roughly 200 homes total on the island. Those who own homes on the island become members of the Raft Island Improvement Association (RIIA) and have access to 2 community beaches. One is on the south end next to the bridge and includes a boat launch, dock, kayak racks and picnic tables. The second park is on the north end of the island facing the Olympic Mountains. There are also tennis courts in the middle of the island that are currently being rebuilt and improved.
This stunning waterfront home was recently listed on Raft Island. With breathtaking views, thoughtful updates, and possibly the longest dock with deep water moorage in all of Gig Harbor, it is no wonder it went under contract in just a week!
Take a tour around the island and see what it's all about. You may fall in love with it!
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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Explore the cutting-edge innovations and stylish trends shaping the heart of your home. Whether you're planning a renovation or simply seeking inspiration, these top trends are sure to elevate your home to the next level of sophistication and comfort. Get inspired here.
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LUXURY LISTINGS
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Curious about the newest luxury listings around? Explore these stunning homes, and possibly discover your dream home today.
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SHREDDING EVENT & FOOD DRIVE
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Are you drowning in old paperwork? Need to clear out the clutter? Join us on May 18th at our Soundview office in Gig Harbor for our complimentary shredding event! Simply drive up to the shred truck, dump your papers, and be on your way. We will also be collecting non-perishable food donations for the Gig Harbor Fish Food Bank, so while you're shredding, why not clean out your pantry and bring along a few items to help those in need?
Join us for a day of community, convenience, and charity. Hope to see you there!
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HOME VALUATION TOOL
Interested in maximizing the value of your home? Homebot is a financial technology platform that allows you to make informed decisions about your mortgage, home equity, and overall financial situation. By providing tailored market trends, property values, and mortgage rates, Homebot can help you manage your finances more effectively. Whether you are looking to refinance, tap into your home equity, or optimize your mortgage payments, this is an essential tool for all homeowners. Sign up here for free!
For additional information or any questions with regard to the current market or if you are interested in a no obligation valuation of your home, please feel free to contact me anytime and as always, I appreciate your referrals!
MOSQUITO FLEET
Long before road systems were introduced in Western Washington, the only option for reaching Gig Harbor and other towns along the waterways was by way of the Mosquito Fleet steamships. Starting in 1836, this fleet of ships carrying passengers and freight ran all along the Puget Sound and nearby waterways and rivers stopping at every waterfront dock.
By the late 1920s, automobiles and highways were the preferred method of transportation. A new Tacoma Narrows bridge was built, which from our last article did not survive, and was named "Galloping Gertie." Between the time when Galloping Gertie collapsed and when the second bridge was completed, a state-run ferry service delivered drivers directly into downtown Gig Harbor. Remains of the ferry dock can still be seen just outside the mouth of the harbor at the southeast end of Harborview Drive.
The only two Mosquito Fleet vessels still in existence are the Virginia V, now listed on the National Register of Historical Places docked in South Lake Union, and the Carlisle II, a passenger-only ferry built in 1917 which still runs between Bremerton and Port Orchard.
For more in-depth information, try "Mosquito Fleet of South Puget Sound (Images of America)", a great book by Jean Findlay and Robin Paterson.
January inventory in the luxury market is down 1% over last month, however, sales increased 6% with the average price per sq. ft. up 3% over this time last year. With 94 homes for sale in Pierce County (over $1.2M) and 27 under contract, the ratio is 29%, suggesting a solid "buyers market".
MORTGAGE RATES UPDATE
Mortgage rates saw a general decrease from September to February. According to Mortgage News Daily, we saw rates drop from 7.08% on 09/01 to 6.63% on 02/01.
TRAVEL & LEISURE
Escape the cold and embrace the sun with this curated list of 11 warm-weather vacations to take this winter! From the pristine beaches of Cabo and the vibrant atmosphere of Florida to the lush landscapes of Kauai and the serene shores of Bermuda, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences under the sun. Dive into this blog to discover the perfect winter getaway that suits your taste and budget, and start planning your dream vacation today!
READ OTHER ISSUES OF MARIA'S LUXURY NEWSLETTER
Why is Gig Harbor a Great Place to Retire?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY GIG HARBOR IS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE Why is Gig Harbor, Washington such a delightful place ...
Read More
Narrows Bridge History
By Maria Kalafatich |
NARROWS BRIDGE HISTORY The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," was an engineering marvel that spanned ...
Read More
Why is Gig Harbor Called Gig Harbor?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY IS GIG HARBOR CALLED GIG HARBOR? Incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque ...
Read More NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: SHORE ACRES
The Gig Harbor neighborhoods of Shore Acres and Reid Drive stand out as distinctive pockets, characterized by their suburban and coastal charm and boasting valuable waterfront real estate. With high-end view and waterfront homes within established neighborhoods and located just minutes above downtown and a short drive from Uptown, these neighborhoods are highly coveted for their proximity to Gig Harbor's amenities and easy access to Hwy. 16. Stunning views of orcas, eagles, abundant marine traffic, and Mt. Rainier add to the allure. Access to the Cushman Trail from these areas is convenient, offering residents the opportunity to walk or ride bikes for miles.
Residents in the Shore Acres/Reid Rd. locales enjoy an upper-middle-income status, rendering it an above-average income neighborhood. Almost 50% of the working population holds executive, management, and professional occupations, contributing to the neighborhood's notable efficiency in commuting, with the majority spending under 15 minutes commuting one-way—one of the shortest commutes nationwide.
Remarkably, the Shore Acres neighborhood hosts a higher percentage of people with Norwegian and Croatian ancestry than almost any other neighborhood in America.
Overlooking the Shore Acres/Reid Rd. is the Olympic Village which was established in 1990 as a clean and modern one-stop shopping center. A notable anchor within is the popular Cutters Point coffee shop, featuring indoor-outdoor options, great coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. The village houses essential businesses and diverse food options, including Asian cuisine, fast food, a gas station, a beauty supply, massage, an auto shop, Mail Plus, Ross, Ulta, Bartell Drugs, Goodwill, and newcomers like the Stretch Zone.
Adjacent to Olympic Village are the Rush Buildings, comprising two three-story office buildings hosting various professional businesses such as physical therapy, dentistry, orthodontics, orthopedic surgery, financial companies, and Windermere Professional Partners. Further down the street lies the new Original Pancake House, a popular breakfast spot in the area.
A spectacular waterfront house recently listed at $2.375M just sold after only 4 days on the market in the Reid Dr. neighborhood. View the listing here for more details and to see the incredible views that many homes in Shore Acres get to experience.
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Step into the world of seamless indoor-outdoor living with this captivating blog featuring 20 stunning spaces that invite the sun to illuminate your home. From expansive glass walls framing picturesque views to chic patio setups perfect for lounging under the sky, these spaces seamlessly blend the comforts of indoor living with the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether you're seeking design inspiration or simply craving a breath of fresh air, explore this curated collection and reimagine your living spaces with a touch of sunshine.
STAY TUNED
Keep your eyes open for an exciting event coming your way this May (date TBD)! Windermere Real Estate is hosting a free shredding event, where you can securely dispose of your documents while enjoying a fantastic BBQ. It's the perfect opportunity to declutter your space and enjoy some delicious food with the community. Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of shredding and savoring!
For additional information or any questions with regard to the current market or if you are interested in a no obligation valuation of your home, please feel free to contact me anytime and as always, I appreciate your referrals!
NARROWS BRIDGE HISTORY
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as "Galloping Gertie," was an engineering marvel that spanned the Tacoma Narrows strait. Opening in 1940, it gained infamy for its dramatic oscillations in windy conditions, which eventually led to its collapse just months later. The bridge's failure became a pivotal moment in engineering history, prompting a reevaluation of design principles and aerodynamics.
Decades later, the documentary "700 Feet Down" revisited this tragic event, delving into the bridge's construction, its spectacular demise, and the lessons learned from this engineering catastrophe. Through archival footage, expert analysis, and personal accounts, the film sheds light on the human and technical factors behind one of the most iconic failures in structural engineering, offering valuable insights into the pursuit of safer and more resilient infrastructure. Watch the documentary here!
January inventory in the luxury market is down 1% over last month, however, sales increased 6% with the average price per sq. ft. up 3% over this time last year. With 94 homes for sale in Pierce County (over $1.2M) and 27 under contract, the ratio is 29%, suggesting a solid "buyers market".
MORTGAGE RATES UPDATE
Mortgage rates saw a general decrease from September to February. According to Mortgage News Daily, we saw rates drop from 7.08% on 09/01 to 6.63% on 02/01.
10 DREAMY AMALFI COAST TOWNS TO VISIT IN ITALY
From the pastel-hued houses perched on cliffs to the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, each town along this picturesque coastline holds its own unique charm and allure.
Discover hidden gems like Positano with its winding streets and vibrant bougainvillea, or explore the historical treasures of Amalfi and Ravello.
Whether you're seeking seaside relaxation, cultural immersion, or culinary delights, this curated list promises to inspire your wanderlust and guide you to unforgettable experiences in this breathtaking Italian paradise. Explore more here.
Why is Gig Harbor a Great Place to Retire?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY GIG HARBOR IS A GREAT PLACE TO RETIRE Why is Gig Harbor, Washington such a delightful place ...
Read More
What is Mosquito Fleet?
By Maria Kalafatich |
MOSQUITO FLEET Long before road systems were introduced in Western Washington, the only option for reaching Gig Harbor ...
Read More
Why is Gig Harbor Called Gig Harbor?
By Maria Kalafatich |
WHY IS GIG HARBOR CALLED GIG HARBOR? Incorporated in 1946, Gig Harbor is one of the most picturesque ...
Read More NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: WAUNA, WA
Looking for affordable waterfront with spectacular South Puget Sound views? Wauna, WA is one of the best values in waterfront & view properties, just 10 miles from downtown Gig Harbor!
Located just across the Purdy Bridge with a population of 4,689, this rural community has more to offer than meets the eye. Enjoy intimate beach side dining at Massimo's Italian Restaurant providing nightly sunsets overlooking Henderson Bay or get together with friends at the popular Beer Vault with live music & game nights.
Wauna also has some of the best beaches and parks in all of Gig Harbor with a rural feel including 360 Park and the Purdy Sand Spit which provides front row seating to the orca whales, sea lions, migratory birds and the top location in all of Gig Harbor for fly fishing. The public schools in Wauna are highly rated, and easy access to Hwy 16, Costco, Home Depot and the YMCA!
This elegant estate was recently listed in the Wauna community of Bel Mar 1. With sweeping, southerly views of Mt. Rainier and the sparkling Puget Sound, this beautiful home is the epitome of the picturesque neighborhoods and stunning nature views you can come to expect living in Wauna.
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LUXURY PORTFOLIO NEWSLETTER
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Looking to stay up to date on all of the current luxury trends? Luxury Portfolio International's newsletter offers the latest news in luxury design, travel, lifestyle and real estate. Click here to subscribe!
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HOMEBOT: BUILD WEALTH
Interested in maximizing the value of your home? Homebot is a financial technology platform that allows you to make informed decisions about your mortgage, home equity, and overall financial situation. By providing tailored market trends, property values, and mortgage rates, Homebot can help you manage your finances more effectively. Whether you are looking to refinance, tap into your home equity, or optimize your mortgage payments, this is an essential tool for all homeowners. Sign up here for free!
For additional information or any questions with regard to the current market or if you are interested in a no obligation valuation of your home, please feel free to contact me anytime and as always, I appreciate your referrals!
Shopping in Gig Harbor is amazing! And we love and cherish our small businesses – and we have plenty of them! Here is a sampling of the great small shops and other venues to try when you are visiting. We promise to tour you around while you search for your new home.
Gift Shops
Rosedale Gardens
Treasures for Humanity
Salons
Studio Six Salon and Spa
Rebel’tude
Restaurants
BBQ2U
The Devoted Kiss
The NetShed
Thai Hut
Gardening
Raft Island Roses
Specialty Stores
For the Love of Spice
The Beach Basket
Leave a comment on your favorites – or list what you know of these businesses. It is so important to support small businesses, especially during this difficult time.
Happy Shopping!
Maria K. 
Two generations of the Schmidtke family are celebrating Gig Harbor’s gift shop, Beach Basket’s 50th year in business. From left, Kim Stokke, Julian Schmidtke, Leslie Schmidtke, and Michael Schmidtke. Photo Credit: The Gateway Staff, The News Tribune.
Some quick tips on the new reality:
Who would’ve thought six months ago that everyone in your work world would have seen the inside of your home? Or that a wandering baby would be more interesting (and necessary) than the presentation you worked for weeks to make perfect?
Welcome to life 2.0 and working from home.
As a Realtor, I’ve been working both from home and from an office for years. But I know this reality is new and scary for a lot of people. Allow me to give you some tips that have helped me…
- Have a designated space. Since I am a house-lover by trade and by choice, you knew I’d start there. This is easy if you have a room already dedicated, but if you don’t, have some peripherals to signify when you are working and when you are not. That may be a desk with a larger monitor if you have a laptop. Make sure your chair is comfy and adjustable. Having a second monitor is a great plus if you have the space. Keep desk clutter to a minimum as well. If you do frequent ZOOM calls, you’ll want to have a neutral backdrop to video yourself. And…if you need a home that makes working from home more productive…call me!
- Have a designated schedule. Keep yourself tied to a set schedule. This will train your brain to focus better when you are working and relax better when you are not. Your family will also respect boundaries better if they see you sticking to your schedule. My newborn isn’t so good with boundary setting yet, but that is part of their joy.
- Have designated breaks and take them. Don’t work through your lunch or coffee breaks. Get up, and don’t eat at your desk. Rest, relax, take a walk. This will help you focus during work if you can decompress during your breaks.
- Have a designated phone number or ring. If you can get a cell just for work great, but if you can’t, assign a different cell ringtone for work calls. This will keep you from checking every ring if you know your boss and mother sound different.
- Designate some rituals. Make sure your morning routine, lunch routine and even changing out of work clothes become a mental roadmap. This will help you keep work and life in their own lanes.
Did you notice a theme? Yes, DESIGNATE! Be empowered! This may not be ideal for you, but when you take mental charge of your time and life, you will feel that you are strong enough to tackle anything life, work, COVID or your newborn can through at you.
Because…you are strong enough.
I wasn’t kidding about contacting me if it’s time to buy a new home or list your home. People are moving out of King County in droves, which always heats up the surrounding market. This means there will be people wanting to move into Gig Harbor since more people are…working from home.
Would love to talk about your buying options with you.
COVID-19 has been a scary time for all of us. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, you may have some questions. I’m going to answer the ones I’m hearing most frequently.
Can I still buy a house during the COVID – 19 Crisis?
Yes, you absolutely can still buy a home during this crisis. There are just a few extra precautions that are implemented for sellers and buyers when showing a home-like: wear a mask, wear gloves, use hand sanitizer, and 2 people in a home at one time.
What do I do if I am in the middle of a move and house hunt?
House moves are still happening, movers are essential types of business. You can search for homes online, then when you find a home you want to see your agent makes a showing appointment for you both to see the home, use Marco Polo video to view the home, or face time.
Are you keeping regular business hours?
Yes, I am. 8am-6pm and answer phone up until 8pm. 7 days a week.
Are there special assistance programs available for purchasing homes?
You need to get a pre-approval from your lender or I can refer you to a few great people I work with that will go over all the loan programs, payments, rates, etc.
Are you still showing houses?
Yes I am.
Can you help me find a place to rent while I wait this out?
The Rental Market is very tight but you can check on Zillow rentals, Spinaker Property Management, & HCS Property Management.
How are you making sure the houses you show are clean and safe for my family?
When making showing appointments for buyers I ask the agent if the home has been cleaned and if there are masks, booties, hand sanitizer and I carry it all in my car in a showing basket that we can use before and after a showing.
Any community resources you know of?
I’m following the Governor’s recommendations, the NWMLS & CDC for the COVID-19 disease.
I am always here to help in any way that I can, don’t hesitate to give me a call if you need help selling or buying a home during the pandemic.
*photo credit: cward360
Quick market update on our favorite city- Gig Harbor
Hey friends!
I want to give you a quick update on the Gig Harbor real estate market. If it seems like houses are for sale all over our beloved city…it’s because THEY ARE! Once people visit and see the views, the green surroundings, and quick access to everything, they want to live here!
January 2020 was quite active for a winter month. The median sale price was $380,000 and the average price was $330,000. These amounts are an increase of just over 1% for the month and 13% for the year. Yes, you read that right- 13% increase for the year!
Just over 800 homes sold, and almost a thousand homes went on the market. That is an active winter month.
The average time on the market was just under five weeks. This time on the market is down 35% for the year. So, when homes pop up in Gig Harbor, they sell FAST!
Currently, there are two sellers for every buyer. My guess is that number will change pretty dramatically over the next few months as people come out of their homes, see their shadow, and start thinking about moving. Spring is always a great time to sell as the winter funk starts to fade.
So- with all of this in mind, what should you do?
Great question… first of all, if you are thinking about ANY real estate issues, make me your first call. I live with my finger on the pulse of the entire region and I can help you discern between a good idea and a great idea. And when it comes to real estate, the difference between good and great can be thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars in your pocket.
If you are debating selling your home…call me! I’ll take a look at your home and give you great options to ensure you get the top dollar for your home.
If you are debating buying a new home…call me! My eyes are scouring the available listings daily! Nothing makes me happier than finding a house that is underpriced or in a distressed selling situation and calling one of my clients! This creates quick transactions that help both the seller and the buyer.
Thanks for reading! I love Gig Harbor and I REALLY LOVE handing keys over to people whose lives are about to get better.
Hope to talk to you soon!
Maria
A great article came across my desk the other week about the home featured in the mid-eighties movie “Money Pit.” This was the hysterical movie with Tom Hanks and Shelly Long who were two yuppie home buyers who decided to buy a fixer and …well, fix it! Every home-fixer on the planet laughed until they cried at their never-ending parade of disasters. Of course, the reason the laughter turned to tears is we all remember the tears we’ve shed working on a ‘fixer-upper.’ This article focused on the fact that the same house used in the movie was recently sold for a huge LOSS. The couple who purchased the house set out to remodel, and spent close to $6 MILLION fixing up the home they purchased for just over $2 million.
Eventually, our owners decided to put the home on the market and asked a cool $12 million.
(Crickets)
And so they dropped the price.
(Crickets)
And…dropped it again. And again… until they finally sold the property for $3.5 million dollars.
So what is the moral of this story? I’m glad you asked.
Remodeling is a two-edged sword. The upside is you invest money to get the home that meets your needs and hopefully satisfies a few desires. The downside is, something you may love might not be something a potential home buyer may even like. The experts looking at this story all agree the couple spent too much money on their very personal, very ornate tastes. They added en suite bedrooms, an elegant pool (complete with a pool house), stunning fireplaces, and a modern, open kitchen. Plus, their desires were to create an over-the-top entertaining
palace that would reek excess and elegance. Sadly, the experts agreed that they over-developed for the time and for the area.
How then does a couple know what they should remodel and how much should they spend? They should make sure to have a friend like me in their corner.
As a rule, bathrooms and kitchens are safest, but be sure that your remodels don’t push your price above what your neighborhood can sustain when your home goes for sale. And, when it comes to return on investment, pools sink your return on investment to the bottom. I’d love to talk to you before you remodel if you are thinking of making a few changes before you list! I
spend all my days looking at homes like yours and seeing how buyers respond. Before you make any changes- give me a call!
Thank you for reading…and keep me in mind if you are looking or thinking of listing. I’d love to make the
whole process easier and make sure you get the best financial result!
Contrary to popular belief- buying homes in the Fall and Winter can be the best times if you know what to look for…and what to avoid.
Fewer Buyers Mean More Motivated Sellers!
This time of year, usually means the families with kids are already situated. Those owners of homes that didn’t sell will be extra motivated. Find a few homes you like and start the discussion. As your realtor, I can make sure you are negotiating from a place of strength to maximize your budget!
The year-end clock is ticking!
Many sellers will want to have their home sold by year-end! Tax considerations for the seller are a very real financial issue.
For a buyer, ‘Auld Lang Syne’ should be your theme song. Certainly, jump on the house you love at the price you can afford…but if you have a little flexibility in your timeline, waiting till the clock strikes twelve is to your advantage!
Winter Exposes Many Flaws
It’s easy to make a home look perfect when the grass is nice and green. But no leaves and drab gardens will give a buyer some more information and negotiating room. If the seller has been watching their home go from glorious Summer to drab-and-dreary Winter, they may start to panic a bit.
‘Days on Market’ Mean Dollars Off Price
Memorial Day…Mother’s Day…Father’s Day…Fourth of July… as those Holidays go buy and Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, a seller may get nervous. Especially as the Calendar says December and January.
If you have time on your side, you can score an amazing value if a seller has to get out from under their property. As your realtor, I’ve been watching homes age on the market and can inform you of when a great time might be to offer an extra-low price. This means you’ll either get more home or pay less for the home you want.
While most people are thinking of Football, Turkey and Mistletoe…we can be thinking about snagging the Real Estate bargain of the year!
Send me an email and we can start talking!
mariakalafatich@windermere.com
© 2024 Windermere Real Estate
