(May 2006 – that’s me removing old patio to prepare for above grade deck.) It’s Summer. Lot of projects are underway for many homeowners. For those considering homeownership, perhaps one of the strategies for buying a home is to consider a fixer. Sweat equity is one way to produce equity the old fashioned way. It…
Real Estate Market "Magic"
This article in the Mercer Island Reporter cracked me up, if only because of the headline: Island real estate market still magic. Fewer homes have been on the market on the Island over the past six months and slightly fewer homes sold as compared to last year. Prices for those that did sell were up…
Wharton’s Conclusion: Soft Landing
In case you haven’t noticed, Gregory Wharton has posted the final chapter in his series on Seattle real estate prices. If you thought my response to his previous post was long, you’re in for a shock. Find a comfy chair and make sure you have a good-sized block of time to tackle his 3,500-word thesis…
Housing Appreciation: the dirty little secret
First, I’d like to thank Tim Ellis for inviting me to discuss housing and escrow topics on this blog as a guest. Being that many readers of this blog want to demystify home ownership and aspire to become homeowners in a meaningful way, my hope is that our collective experience (wife and I) will be…
Yet Another Condo Conversion Article
Here’s yet another article in the Times focusing in on condo conversions: In the first six months of this year, 1,162 Seattle apartments have become condos or are headed for conversion, a pace that would far exceed last year’s total of 1,551 conversions. The trend is happening outside Seattle, as well. Last year saw about…