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Market Stats for March 2020 have arrived! Chris Doucet - Compass
#MarketReport The latest stats from the NWMLS are out! As we all do our part to flatten the curve from the COVID-19 pandemic - Real Estate, Stagers & Movers, and Photography have all been deemed as essential businesses. At Compass we have adapted with Virtual Agent Services, providing a high-quality virtual experience to my clients. Demand remains high and buyers will have their choice soon as inventory rises. Thinking of buying or selling? Contact me today to learn how I can help you navigate the market ahead!
#CompassConcierge #CompassPNW @compasswashington
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While we are Home
in Newsletter
As our required quarantine continues for another month, I have decided that I like my house.
This was never meant to be a forever place. My husband and I purchased it at the lowest point in the Seattle market as a semi fixer. We liked the simplicity of the mid century style and the Magnolia neighborhood and the fact that we did not have to park one car on the street. We planned and executed a major remodel, inside and out, anticipating a move to something larger in two years.
10 years later, we are still here. Although modest, we have territorial views from Mt Rainier to Mt Baker, the city skyline, Queen Anne's west slope and Fisherman's terminal. Due to our one way street and how high we sit on the terrain, we need no window coverings for privacy and we maximize the light exposure. We face mainly east but our backyard faces west to capture the sunset glows. With some assistance from professionals, we have transformed the backyard and it is lush with trees and flowers and a deck. Right now, I am looking out to a pale pink cherry tree in our front yard and our “Old Man’s Walking Stick” is ready to burst with golden buds. The harbinger of spring.
One of the reasons we purchased this home was the full height lower level. The huge bedroom there allows us both to work from home which has been a godsend lately.
Our main floor maintains the 1965 ambiance but has been renovated from floor to ceiling--kitchen, baths, windows, systems. Downstairs we have made a cozy home theater room with fireplace which has become especially enticing for watching the last seasons of Homeland over the last few weeks.
Does it have warts? Of course, but not ones readily apparent on these days of lockdown. Sitting on my living room sofa with views of the Mountain, laptop in hand and 2 cats to keep me company is not bad duty.
There is another home or two in our future. I am in real estate and we love having a project but, for now, I am appreciating what I have and feeling thankful to be right here. As Compass says, I have found my place in the world. For the next month at least.
One of the most extraordinary views in Magnolia on the market!
Call me crazy but I think that this is a great time to post a listing. What better things do luxury buyers have to do than troll the internet for scrumptious properties for when we are released from our required “staycation”?
3727 W Barrett is a beauty. I listed it a few weeks ago but took it off of the market for a needed refresh.
We always had one of the best views in the city and one of the best locations so here it is transformed for the way we all want to live—now.
Gorgeous, neutral carpeting was installed over 3 floors (yes, hardwoods remain), all new cream white paint coats the walls, a hex tile now adorns the floor of the master bathroom which is almost Belltown condo sized . Wallpaper has been removed, new lighting graces the vaulted entry and baths and the staging…How do I say it is beyond sexy but warm? Chantel at Experience Design made it look ready for a family to move right in.
This home is large but scaled for everyone to have a special space. A full floor master suite with sitting room, office or meditation/yoga room , spa bath and his and her closets so big that you don’t have to relocate your off season clothing.
The main floor is made for entertaining with spaces that flow from the formal living room into the dining area, kitchen and enormous great room. Two pantries, bath, laundry and guest suite also occupy this level. Need I forget to mention the exceedingly rare 3 car garage?
The lower floor is made for kids, guest and wine! 3 bedrooms, family room, baths and a 400-bottle wine cellar complete with tasting room. Let the party begin!
But what about the views? Located on a quiet corner at the highest point in the city (water tower is a block away) and former location of the residence of iconic restaurateur, Ivar Hagland, this is a view that rivals any in our picturesque city. From its lofty perch, vistas sweep from the Olympic Mountains to the Cascades over Puget Sound with Mt Rainier and downtown front and center. Sparkling sunsets and glittering nighttime panoramas with ever changing marine traffic enchant.
Don’t like traffic? No worries. In ten minutes by car and a few more by bus, you are at Seattle Center, downtown, South Lake Union or the Stadiums. Expedia is a bike ride close as is Discovery Park if hiking is more to your liking.
3727 West Barratt has the neighborhood feel of suburbia but a mere few blocks to Magnolia Village, where you can find everything your heart desires without racing into the city. Every tradesperson will call you by name in a matter of weeks. It’s that kind of place.
So while we are in lockdown, check out these photos and the virtual tour and bring up your pent up demand for a private showing once we resurface.
I will be waiting.
Chris
Home Sweet Home?
By Chris Doucet
If you have been sheltering in place, as recommended by the governor and the CDC, you are probably getting cabin fever like me. Being corralled is not something we wanted or anticipated but here we are…
To look at it on the bright side, being sequestered in close quarters with family members does allow us an opportunity to evaluate where we live and how we live when we really need to live in our space.
This virus may require us to work from home and create an office space rather than juggling a laptop on the sofa; to give kids a place to play, study and create; a kitchen appropriate to preparing meals rather than dishing takeout; an outdoor space for fresh air or maybe something that you weren’t missing in your home until now.
This is the perfect time to make a nest that does serve your family or evaluate whether to find a different home that will work better as we venture into a new reality.
Many families have downsized. Parents working outside the home, kids with multiple after school events, workouts at the gym—busy lives—has allowed us to live in smaller homes.
Is it a time to rethink?
➟ If your abode is adequately sized but not properly configured or if the décor is not dialed in, how do you envision it for the future?
➟ Decluttering, hanging art, repositioning furniture may do the trick or, perhaps, a remodel is required.
➟ Consider making updates that you have delayed or maybe never contemplated until now.
➟ With low interest rates and markets in turmoil, investment in a tangible asset makes eminent sense. Everyone needs a place to live and thrive.
If you are in lockdown, use this time to shop for properties online or get some design ideas from Houzz or other creative online sites. Smart agents will have listings with great photos, video tours or virtual showings without leaving home.
This is the time to rethink how we are living and living well in a changed world.