This month, we had the pleasure to sit down with Barb Fox—Senior Account Manager at Rainier Title & Escrow. Barb has been providing exceptional service for more than 17 years in the title and escrow industry. As our go-to professional, Barb is a wealth of knowledge and it was incredibly valuable to sit down with her to get some must-know information about title insurance and escrow as part of the home buying process.
Read the Q&A below!
Los Angeles! Ari Wintraub is a top-tier broker and referral partner serving the highly-competitive L.A. market. Based in Brentwood, he serves many of the most prestigious communities in the area such as Beverly Hills, B.H. Post Office, Santa Monica, Venice, and more.
Throughout the years, we have befriended many quality real estate brokers around the country and other parts of the world. In our effort to always provide the best possible service to our clients, we have built professional relationships and friendships with the best of these brokers and touch base on a regular basis to discuss how our individual regions are changing while learning about new services and technologies they’ve implemented. This year, we will share a collection of articles co-written with some of these amazing professionals.
Seattleites know how hot the real estate market is right now and are closely monitoring the conditions of their neighborhood. The market is changing quickly and many of my friends and clients are wondering if it’s the right time to buy or sell.
Most people have a short-term mentality when it comes to real estate, but they should have a long-term mentality. Real estate should always be a long-term investment.
When to Buy
It doesn’t matter when you buy an investment property in the long run. Every time you sell a home, it costs you about 8.5%, so each investment you make is more profitable the longer that you own it. It’s always a good time to buy a property that you will hold onto for a long time!
Where to Buy
You should buy the right property for you, in the right location. What neighborhood do you want to invest in? What will connect with you personally? A real estate broker understands investing and can help you study the neighborhood for the long-term potential.
Residential is Different
What are you proud of owning? Buying a home for you and your family is a big financial investment. The home you choose should really depend on your quality of life, and what will serve you the longest.
For example, if you’re single and want to buy a one-bedroom condo, it might be worth stepping back and assessing the next few years. Do you want to have a live-in partner in the next 10 years? If your answer is yes, and a two-bedroom apartment is in your budget, this might be a better choice for you.
I got my start in real estate investment a handful of years ago while we were remodeling our house. We bought a little condo, located near the downtown Seattle core, to stay in during the remodel. We held onto it over the years and bought another condo shortly after. In the years that I’ve owned the properties, they have more than doubled in value, accumulating $500,000 worth of profit, plus the monthly income. Even though the real estate market is hot right now, I’m not thinking about selling. I really love owning these properties.
The biggest mistake I see investors make is buying a property that requires a lot of work. You will make less money in the time that you own the property. In the two years that I’ve owned my condos I’ve done just one full day of work, fixing small things like garbage disposals or air conditioning units. I purposely buy condos because I don’t have to worry about the roof or any major issues. Though I have to pay HOA fees, it’s worth it to me to not have to worry about the hassle. The most I ever have to do is manage the cleaning and painting that comes with each new tenant.
Many of my clients are considering investing in the real estate market and turn to me to explore different investment avenues. If you’re interested in having a conversation about real estate investment, please call me!
-Enrico Pozzo
It has been a busy week for us at SeattlebyDesign! Our client’s West Seattle waterfront Cape Cod is currently pending!
Enjoy the essence of San Juan Island living without ferry travel. With its wide stance, this lovely Cape Cod style home enjoys 180+ degree west-facing seascape views from most every room. Gourmet kitchen. Beachcomb, enjoy the sea life, runabout in your boat… Tide-out beach is flat and reaches for miles. Sea life galore; crabbing, oysters, clams, geoducks, seals, and eagles! Dine & entertain on a 60ft-plus deck. Hot tub included!
Continue reading…
Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty announced a pivotal sales milestone of surpassing $1 billion in residential sales volume over a trailing 12 month period as of October 2016, according to Trendgraphix research. Since commencing operations with the Sotheby’s International Realty network in February 2010, the new Seattle-based brokerage firm has quickly expanded to five regional offices including Downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Kirkland, Issaquah and Madison Park, with more than 200 brokers and employees that proudly serve all property types and price points.
Continue reading…
Designed with attention to detail resulting in a minimalism both rich and complex. Efficient, sleek, and contemporary this luminous home has a brilliant floor plan from entry to living room, dining room, and kitchen. Simple modern lines merge with warm contemporary tones from the interior to the outdoors. 4 bedroom and 2.5 bathroom remodel plus addition. Urban living in the heart of Bryant. A park with basketball, tennis courts, and playground located next door. Close by amenities include PCC, Metropolitan Market, Burke-Gilman trial, and all that U-Village has to offer. The perfect property when simplicity is what you long for.
Continue reading…
SOLD in Belltown for $255,000! Affordable urban living with a walk-score of 98. Light-filled top floor corner studio unit. Remodeled in 2007. Granite kitchen counters. Hardwood and tile floors. Homeowner dues cover everything including gas and electricity. Roll out of bed to Top Pot Doughnuts and coffee. 1 pet limit under 50 lbs (some breed restrictions). No rental cap. One of the few condos that allow short term rental e.g. Airbnb, VRBO.
Continue reading…
SOLD in Eastlake for $3,217,500! An exquisite 3 bedroom custom floating home in the ‘Best View’ position at Roanoke Reef. Elegant open living and dining room, gourmet kitchen and family room with lake views. Master suite with 5 piece luxury bath. Rich materials, elegant, mint condition. Grand roof deck with 360 degree Lake Union views & gas fire pit. Dock for water toys. Private gated entry, boat moorage, garage parking & storage.
We are proud to share that we are currently pending on our client’s spacious, sunny 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom condominium in Queen Anne! This attractive, low maintenance building is close to the grocery stores and restaurants of the surrounding neighborhood. In-unit laundry with full size washer and dryer, fireplace, deck, walk-in closet, storage. 2 secure parking spaces. Trails nearby. Adjacent to bus routes 13, 29, 31, 32.
Continue reading…
