Backyard Cottages

Seeking to promote both affordable housing and a gentle increase in density in single-family neighborhoods, the City Council in 2006 decided to allow what are officially called “detached accessory dwelling units” (DADUs) in a limited part of the city. This pilot program in Southeast Seattle allowed backyard cottages only east of Interstate 5 and south [...]

Worth-the-Price Home Fix-ups

Home Gain, a marketing company, surveyed 600 real estate professionals, to discover which DIY improvement projects give sellers the biggest return for their bucks. Here are 6 projects under $1000 (costs are estimates,) that made the list: 1-Cleaning and decluttering… Declutter countertops and refrigerators, organize closets and shelves, and make the home sparkling clean.  Cost: [...]

August Gardening Helpful Hints

In addition to watering very well, and deeply, here are a few tips to keep your garden looking good as we head toward Fall: Be sure to check the hanging baskets and containers every day during hot weather and about every second day on moderate summer days. Don’t just check the surface… Push your finger [...]

Don’t Depersonalize Before Selling

“Depersonalize” – this term drives me crazy. Some agents and sites suggest completely depersonalizing your home. My suggestion is a resounding don’t do it! There is a big difference between de-cluttering and de-personalizing. Houses in my opinion are not just brick and mortar. There is history and an energy about them. Buyers want to know [...]

Better Bedroom, Better Sleep

Don’t you want to be the best you can be, and get the most out of your life?  Check out these major bedroom blunders, that are probably getting in the way: 1-Too Much Light – This one is a biggie – light exposure is one of our strongest regulators of our biological clocks, and nighttime [...]

Staging Your Home on a Tight Budget

When working with Sellers we always stress the importance of a staged home.  Most of the time sellers have only one chance at catching attention of a potential buyer.  Staging your home is a way to make your home appealing to incoming homebuyers and making it look its best on the Internet. Staging a home [...]