Pending Sales up in May Year-over-Year in most of Seattle by Rebecca Carlson

According to the NWMLS, pending sales of residential homes was up in May 2011, compared to May 2010, for most of the main neighborhoods in Seattle.  One of the ‘hottest’ areas was MLS area 380 – which encompasses Mt. Baker, Columbia City and Seward Park (among others).  Pending sales were up 61% in May 2011 compared to the same month in 2010!   71 units were pending in area 380 in May this year, versus 44 units  in 2010.  Area 390 (Capitol Hill, Madison Park, Madrona) was a close second at 60% increase year over year in May.  And, in third place is West Seattle (area 140), with 48% increase and the highest number of units (151 units pending).  It’s also interesting to note that the average days on market of these pending sales is lower in 2011 than in 2010 in two of the three mentioned areas above (area 140 & 390).  This matches the sentiments of many Realtors this past month who have seen multiple offers on many properties, some selling in just a day!  In fact, this surge in pending sales has left many buyers out there frustrated by the lack of good options right now.  While buyers are still very ‘picky’, well-appointed homes are selling quickly.  If you are a seller hesitant about the market, you might want to reconsider! 

Email me at rebeccacarlson@cbbain.com if you’d like a copy of the entire report.

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Seattle ranked #10 Destination in the US by TripAdvisor.com

Each year, TripAdvisor.com picks its favorite destinations around the world. This year’s 2011 Traveler’s Choice Awards picked Seattle as it’s #10 best destination in the US. Other top picks are New York City, and Hawaii. What makes Seattle stand out?  The short article on Seattle highlights the Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and watching boats go through the Ballard Locks.   I would add shopping and dining in the Pike/Pine area of Capitol Hill, taking a float plane to Friday Harbor (via Kenmore Air) and watching the sun reflect off the downtown buildings at sunset from Hamilton Viewpoint Park in West Seattle.

If you were a tourist for a day in Seattle, what would you do or see?

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Mercer Island schools ranked #2 by new study

In a recent study by GreatSchools.com and Forbes Magazine, they “… analyzed various data points for the report, including public school test scores, median home prices, population, and unemployment rates. The site considered 17,589 towns and cities in 49 states and Washington, D.C…Towns with populations under 10,000, fewer than five K-12 public schools, or unemployment rates higher than the state average were also not considered. ”  After compiling their data, they identified the Top 10 public schools in the country.  Who was Number 1?  Falmouth, ME.  Number 2?  Our own Mercer Island!  According to the study, 95% of  Mercer Island high school students graduate and the average SAT scores of the students are 635 Math, 613 Verbal.  While Mercer Island represents a higher income population, 1/3 of the schools that made it on the Top 10 list are in towns where the average home price is between $200K-$399K.  (Mercer Island’s average home price:  $708K)

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10 Things I Love About Seattle by Rebecca Carlson

In the July issue of “Seattle Metro Magazine”, they list their Top 100 Reasons to love Seattle.  I’ve lived in Seattle for over 20 years and thought I’d share some of my top reasons.  Here are 10 (in no particular order): 

1. So many great restaurants, so little time!  We are definitely a city that loves to eat out.  (me included!)  No matter where you live in Seattle, there’s a great restaurant.  And, just when you think you have hit them all, another one pops up.  I guess that’s why we are one of the best cities in the country to start a new restaurant!
2. The water and views of water.  Whether you like a salt water view or a lake view, we’ve got them! 
3. Speaking of water, I love the West Seattle Water Taxi. 
4. Summers in Seattle.  Yes, we have to put up with long, dreary winters, but it’s soooo worth it! (ok, except this summer, which has kind of sucked the past few weeks!)
5. Proximity to Canada.  I spend a lot of time in Whistler and Egmont, and love that we’re just a few hours from Beautiful British Columbia!
6. Our liberal views.  Being one the least religious cities in the country probably has something to do with this, but I love our progressive, open-minded attitudes.  (well, at least most of us — although we aren’t perfect!)
7. Being eco-friendly is a normal way of life here.  Whether it’s the recycling nazi’s who will fine you for not recycling enough of your garbage, or all of the cool salvaged goods stores like Earthwise and Second Use, it’s hard not being eco-friendly.   In fact, it’s almost gotten to the point where if you don’t compost and recycle you get the “Scarlet Letter” written on your eco-friendly, organic t-shirt.   (instead of “A” it’s “R” for Recycle!)
8. So many amazing neighborhoods.  For those of you who follow my blog regularly, you know my favorites.  But, for you newbies, here are just a few I never tire of visiting:  N. Admiral (West Seattle), Mt. Baker, N. Capitol Hill, Sunset Hill (Ballard), Queen Anne, Washington Park, Magnolia and Bryant.  (ok, that’s more than a few, but there’s just too many I couldn’t stop!)
9. The Space Needle.  While I think it’s too expensive to pay for the elevator ride to the top, I love how it’s such an iconic symbol of our city.  And, it’s such a beautiful part of our skyline view. 
10. We have a lot of rich people in this city, but you’d never know it.  We don’t have a lot ‘old’ money like you find on the East Coast, which gives us a more laid-back attitude about money.  Thanks to companies like Microsoft and Amazon (just to name a few), we have a lot of millionaires, many of whom drive a Prius and strut around the city wearing their nylon rain jackets.  (ok, so we may not be the best dressed city out there.)

In writing this, I  realized it’s hard narrowing it down to just ten.  And even now, I’m wondering if I should change a few out.  But, there it is!  I’d love to hear your thoughts on Seattle and what you love the most about it.

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Queen Anne neighborhood by Rebecca Carlson

In continuing my series on Seattle’s best neighborhoods, I’m featuring Queen Anne today.  Location, architecture and amenities are just some of the reasons Queen Anne is so fabulous!  BBut, being fabulous does come with a price tag.  Desirable, updated homes are going to start well over $800K, but bungalows can be found in the mid-500’s.  Check out my video to get a glimpse into this highly desirable neighborhood.

Here are some websites where you can find more information about Queen Anne:

Queen Anne View

Department of Neighborhoods – Queen Anne

Queen Anne Chamber of Commerce

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Beach living on Alki in Seattle by Rebecca Carlson

Seattle Metro Magazine recently unveiled their picks for the best neighborhoods in the city.  Over the next few weeks, I’ll feature a video on each of these neighborhoods so you can see firsthand what makes them special. 

The first featured neighborhood is Alki Beach in West Seattle.  This vibrant neighborhood offers something for everyone – condos, townhomes, and single family homes.  It’s an easy commute to downtown Seattle via the West Seattle Bridge, or better yet, take the Water Taxi.  The Alki neighborhood also offers an abundance of parks and recreation activities.  Whether you want to take the kids to Whale Tail Park, rent bikes on Alki, or roller skate Friday nights at the Community Center, there are many options no matter your age!   Thursday’s are biker days along Alki.  It’s a lot of fun to check out some of the cool motorcycles parading up and down the street, or parked in front of the Alki Tavern.

Lastly, there are many good restaurants to choose from and summers are a great time to people watch.  Some of my favorites are:  Cactus, Duke’s and the Alki Bakery (they have the best apple cinnamon muffins in the world!).

Oh, and yes, there’s the beach!  Yes, Seattleites, it’s a sandy beach and you can sun yourself until your heart’s content.  (just wear your 50SPF sunscreen!)  There are beach volleyball tournaments in the summer and lots of BBQ’s.  They have fire pits along the beach, as well as picnic tables on the north end of the park.  Check out the tide tables to find out when the low tides are – it’s a great time to do some beach combing!

More Info About Alki and West Seattle:

West Seattle Blog

Alki Community Center

Log House Museum

Alki Bakery

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Seattle Met Magazine’s picks for top neighborhoods, did yours make the cut?

Every year, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine (now Seattle Met Magazine) crowns a handful of Seattle neighborhoods as the “Best Places to Live”.  I look forward to this edition every year.  Unfortunately, I found this year’s article a little too predictable.  Queen Anne tops the list – of course!  And, one of my personal favorites, Capitol Hill, is also among the mentioned list.  For those of you new to Seattle, this is a great guide to the city.  But, maybe my 20+ years in Seattle has made me take these neighborhoods for granted, or perhaps I’m ready for the next best place.  Truth-be-told, there are a lot of great neighborhoods in Seattle, and to have small list just doesn’t do this great city justice!  Here are a few others that top my list:  Bryant, Ravenna, Mt. Baker, North Admiral and Sunset Hill. 

What’s your favorite Seattle neighborhood?  I’d love to hear from you!

My Blog Post of N. Capitol Hill

My Blog Post of Mt. Baker

My Blog Post of N. Admiral

Seattle Met Magazine – Full Story

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N. Admiral Neighborhood in Seattle by Rebecca Carlson

N. Admiral is a wonderful neighborhood in West Seattle.  Its proximity to downtown Seattle, the airport and the many beaches in West Seattle makes it a great place to live!  Many homes boasts stunning views of the city, or the Olympic Mountains.   Watch my video to take a peak at the types of houses you can find in this highly sought-after neighborhood.

For more information about N. Admiral, as well as West Seattle, check out these websites:
West Seattle Blog

West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

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