Live Queen Anne

Housing Market

Earlier today, CNN had an article summarizing where we are today and what we can expect in the future. For some of you, this is not new information but in summary: the worst seems to be behind us, but growth and appreciation will not be immediate. Sturdy recovery is a slow and steady process.

2009 Seattle Real Estate Overview

Gorgeous images by Andria Lindquist, AndriaLindquist@gmail.com

Looking back at 2009, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service summarized the real estate market happenings revealing a few refreshingly positive signs. Overall, median home prices fell making housing more affordable for buyers. This median landed at $380,000, which is 16.5% lower than the 2007 peak, but still $100,000 higher than in 2002. Activity also picked up in many counties neighboring the Puget Sound where more sales were made in 2009 than 2008. Fun facts: the lowest priced home sale last year was $40,900 in Kent and the highest was $15.56 million in Mercer Island. More information can be found in this Seattle Times article. The link is a little slow to load, but it is well worth the wait!

Queen Anne's Best!

What better place is there to relish in the numerous Queen Anne victories on Seattle Magazine’s “Best Of” the city’s businesses than on my blog! The following Queen Anne companies earned top positioning on this year’s lists.

Best Theater Company – Teatro ZinZanni (located at 222 Mercer St.)
Best Performing Arts Venue – Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center (305 Harrison St.
Best Hairstylist – Jonathan Flint at Salon Joseph (600 W McGraw St.)
Best Grocery Store – Metropolitan Market (Two locations in QA: 1908 Queen Anne Ave N. & 100 Mercer St.)
Best Doggy Day Care – Downtown Dog Lounge (1405 Elliott Ave W)
Best Pizza Place – Zeeks Pizza (41 Dravus St. near SPU)

Residences on eighth - on the market today!

My newest Queen Anne property is on the market today starting at $1,395,000! An urban locale defined by excellence, the Residences on Eighth Ave sit perched on Queen Anne’s Northeast bluff boasting panoramic views of the city skyline, Lake Union, and Cascade Mountains. The symbols of the Seattle life at your door-step; the Residences on Eighth present a constant seasonal display of sailboats, Fourth of July fireworks, Christmas ships, changing leaves, picturesque snowcapped mountains, and much more. The impeccable design from Mithun Architects incorporates open layout concepts of ample height and width coupled with a dramatic pairing of walnut and steel. The open staircases, window design, and custom ceiling angles welcome gorgeous light-filled days along with starry evenings. For more photos and virtual tours visit: eighthavennorth.com. Call or email me for more information or to set up a private viewing. 425.299.6307, face@nwgrealestate.com. I will also be hosting an open house to the public on this upcoming Sunday from 12-4pm.

Address:2030-2034 8th Ave N

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The Ultimate Moving Checklist

Two Months Before

Sort and purge. Go through every room of your house and decide what you’d like to keep and what you can get rid of. Think about whether any items will require special packing or extra insurance coverage.
Research. Start investigating moving company options. Do not rely on a quote over the phone; request an on-site estimate. Get an estimate in writing from each company, and make sure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation)number on it.

Related: 12 Steps to Hiring a Mover
Create a moving binder. Use this binder to keep track of everything—all your estimates, your receipts, and an inventory of all the items you’re moving.
Organize school records. Go to your children’s school and arrange for their records to be transferred to their new school district.

Six Weeks Before

Order supplies. Order boxes and other supplies such as tape, Bubble Wrap, and permanent markers. Don’t forget to order specialty containers, such as dish barrels or wardrobe boxes.
Use it or lose it. Start using up things that you don’t want to move, like frozen or perishable foods and cleaning supplies.
Take measurements. Check room dimensions at your new home, if possible, and make sure larger pieces of furniture will fit through the door.

One Month Before

Choose your mover and confirm the arrangements. Select a company and get written confirmation of your moving date, costs, and other details.
Begin packing. Start packing the things that you use most infrequently, such as the waffle iron and croquet set. While packing, note items of special value that might require additional insurance from your moving company. Make sure to declare, in writing, any items valued over $100 per pound, such as a computer.
Label. Clearly label and number each box with its contents and the room it’s destined for. This will help you to keep an inventory of your belongings. Pack and label “essentials” boxes of items you’ll need right away.
Separate valuables. Add items such as jewelry and important files to a safe box that you’ll personally transport to your new home. Make sure to put the mover’s estimate in this box. You’ll need it for reference on moving day.
Do a change of address. Go to your local post office and fill out a change-of-address form, or do it online at usps.gov. But in case there are stragglers, it’s always wise to ask a close neighbor to look out for mail after you’ve moved. Check in with him or her two weeks after the move, and again two weeks after that.
Notify important parties. Alert the following of your move: banks, brokerage firms, your employer’s human resources department, magazine and newspapers you subscribe to, and credit card, insurance, and utility companies.
Forward medical records. Arrange for medical records to be sent to any new health-care providers or obtain copies of them yourself. Ask for referrals.

Two Weeks Before

Arrange to be off from work on moving day. Notify your office that you plan to supervise the move and therefore need the day off.
Tune up. Take your car to a garage, and ask the mechanic to consider what services might be needed if you’re moving to a new climate.
Clean out your safe-deposit box. If you’ll be changing banks, remove the contents of your safe-deposit box and put them in the safe box that you’ll take with you on moving day.
Contact the moving company. Reconfirm the arrangements.

One Week Before

Refill prescriptions. Stock up on prescriptions you’ll need during the next couple of weeks.
Pack your suitcases. Aim to finish your general packing a few days before your moving date. Then pack suitcases for everyone in the family with enough clothes to wear for a few days.

A Few Days Before

Defrost the freezer. If your refrigerator is moving with you, make sure to empty, clean, and defrost it at least 24 hours before moving day.
Double-check the details. Reconfirm the moving company’s arrival time and other specifics and make sure you have prepared exact, written directions to your new home for the staff. Include contact information, such as your cell phone number.
Plan for the payment. If you haven’t already arranged to pay your mover with a credit card, get a money order, cashier’s check, or cash for payment and tip. If the staff has done a good job, 10 to 15 percent of the total fee is a good tip. If your move was especially difficult, you might tip each mover up to $100. Don’t forget that refreshments are always appreciated.

In light of recent break-ins

In light of the recent break ins I have heard about from local Upper Queen Anne moms over the past Holiday weekends, I wanted to offer these very practical tips for detering thieves from our homes!

Seaview condominiums, very charming

seaview I’ve been able to frequent the Seaview Condominiums on the west end of Roy street just off of Kinnear Park multiple times recently to observe the practical rebirth of my friends studio. I’m thrilled to report she has transformed it by her own handiwork from a loved but dated unit, to a sleek, dark hardwoods, African tiled, designer painted oasis. Not only is it more livable post remodel, my friend took the marketability from a re-sale perspective and just about doubled it. Here are the most relevant building perks:

1. It borders Kinnear Park, and many of the residents live alone so it is peacefully quiet, but still within close proximity of all the lower Queen Anne entertainment.

2. All the Queen Anne charm typical of a 1930’s brick building, with plenty of curb appeal.

3. Views of the park, sound, or both!

Meet our local Beethovan of Photography

Her name is Andria Lindquist, and no one would believe she is relatively new to the photography game. She struck a chord and it made beautiful music, thats why I call her the Beethoven of photography. I have selected a sample of images to feature here, but I’m warning you if you look at her delicious blog Emerald City Sightings, you will end up reading it weekly. Each image has been poured over by her creative editing touch, and you can see examples of the dynamic range of photography styles she is capable of. If you have been skipping family photos to save on the budget, call Andria- you will get more creative, unique photos, at half the price. She does all kinds of portraits and scenic shots, including family, engagement, children, save-the-dates, commercial, and retail photography. Even big names such as Lululemon and the Seattle Times have caught on to Andria. Her clients are so pleased, word is traveling like wild fire about this Queen Anne photographer. Email andrialindquist@gmail.com to set up an appointment while she is still so unbelievably under-priced and over-qualified!

How long will it take your Queen Anne home to sell?

The freshest look at the Queen Anne home selling market right now is here. From exactly six months ago up until today, there have been 269 home sales in Queen Anne. This includes 118 condos and 151 single family residences. The average days on market until the home sold is 80, but this includes a few overpriced outliers that are swaying up the data. A more reflective number would be the median days on market which is 54 days. Not too bad in this market! I did a client tour and we were lucky enough to enjoy this gorgeous Queen Anne sunset a few weeks ago. Thought I would share!

Inspire Pilates is Offering Free Classes!

Just in time for new years resolutions! There is a shiny, new pilates studio opening on Queen Anne Avenue in January, with an emphasis on high intensity, more effective pilates. They are the only location in Seattle that offers the new hip revolution in SPX Pilates pioneered by Sebastien Lagree. Unlike traditional pilates, SPX actually burns fat, builds muscle, and improves flexibility. It is also rumored to take only half the time–sounds like there is hope I can actually make resolutions into a reality this year! To start you off, here is a link to their free 20 minute classes being offered now!

inspire pilates queen anne