Mercer Island Homes In High Demand

After a very busy week, I am delighted to announce that the house at 8631 SE 63^rd Street, Mercer Island, where I hosted open house on April 20 and 21, is now under contract. I would like to thank all who read about the listing here and came by to see this very attractive house. The owners received many offers for the home and after careful review of each offer, we were able to accept the offer that was most attractive for the sellers.

 It is comforting for any Realtor to see that their marketing efforts are creating interest in homes in desirable neighborhoods, but the frenzy we witnessed last week is a clear commentary on the market, as well. It was also gratifying to have prepared my clients for the high level of interest we would see for their home. They were prepared for the excitement, the need to review multiple offers thoroughly -- but quickly -- and to allow me to consult with them to identify and accept the offer that is best for them. I am always thrilled when my clients feel so good about the experience of selling a home.

The level of interest in this home is typical of the interest level in Mercer Island homes, particularly homes is this price range. I am honored by the trust placed in me by homeowners who have decided it might be the right time to sell and called me. I enjoy helping people decide if it is the right time for them to sell and to price their home for a seller’s market. If you are wondering if it is time to sell your home, please call me (206-230-0833).

Today, the owners of 8631 SE 63^rd Street, are another step closer to finalizing the sale of their home. Both the seller and the buyer are thrilled with the terms of the sale. On their behalf, and my own, thank you, readers, for your interest in this beautiful home. If you are looking for a new home, please watch here for my next announcement, or give me a call.

By Ken Urman, Realtor

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Colors for Your Kitchen or Bathroom

I often struggle with choosing paint colors for a property I am working on.  Often I consultant a professional.  Today, I found this article that has some great tips and information. Here are the 7 over riding tips.  More details in the article.

1. Pick one element as the foundation of your color palette
2. Start by picking the foundational color/design for the least flexible element
3. What are you attracted to?
4. Don’t be afraid to make changes
5. Don’t be afraid to pick bright, bold colors
6. Pay attention to lighting
7. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help 

Link to article with details     

Recovery

Can't always buy into what economist (number crunchers) say, however this article from NWREporter a newsletter for Washington Realtors provides strong evidence about how well the Real Estate Market in our area is recovering.

Although the recent market correction was unlike any prior ones, a strong, fundamental recovery is under way, marked by solid demand, booming apartment construction and the ingredients for "tremendous price appreciation," according to the keynote speaker at a meeting of builders. Read more

Get to Know the Groveland Community

Mercer Island’s Groveland neighborhood occupies a site once used as a Bible camp for off-island groups. The homes in Groveland are an eclectic blend of architectural styles, ranging from houses built in the early 1930's to newer custom estate type homes. Many of the original homes were built in the 1930s as lakefront weekend homes. Today, only a few of those homes remain. 

Groveland is a smaller, secluded Mercer Island community with few homes on large lots. The approximate boundaries of the community are West Mercer Way on the East, Lake Washington to the West, SE 59^th to the South, and SE 56^th to the North. The Groveland community is known also as Groveland Park, because the hub of the community is the park. Access to the park is at 80^th Avenue SE and SE 57^th.  The Groveland community also includes Christian Church Camp Subdivision. 

Some waterfront homes have private docks. Groveland Beach Park is in this neighborhood, on land purchased by the City of Mercer Island in 1965. The park provides waterfront beach access, swimming, limited fishing and boating (hand-carried boats), restrooms, a playground, and picnic/barbeque facilities.


 

The streets in Groveland have a country lane feel, due to different curbing, no lane dividers in streets, and presence of numerous shade trees. Many of the lots in this community run from street to street.

The park, and the proximity to the lake, give this community a lovely feel and make it a desirable Mercer Island community. Currently, there are two homes for sale in Groveland. Over the last 12 months, only three homes have sold.

If you have any questions about Groveland, please contact me at 206-230-0833.

Big Predictions for Housing for Next 2 Years

More positive statistics that support the real estate market improving into 2014.  I believe in our metro Seattle region we will see even better improvement and performance. 

Fannie Mae economists predict that existing-home sales will rise by 10.5 percent this year, and by 6.2 percent in 2014. The economists made even bolder projections for new single-family home sales -- growing 15.1 percent this year and 44.1 percent in 2014.Big Predictions for Housing for Next 2 Years