15 WAYS TO CONSERVE ENERGY THIS WINTER AND BEYOND

By Ken Urman, Realtor

We live in an area noted for its concern about energy conservation and the health of our natural world. To help you conserve, here is a list of 15 things you can do this winter to make your home more energy efficient. Some of these tips are both inexpensive and easy to do. Others

involve some cost and may require a professional. All of these improvements will make your home more energy -efficient for the long run, and some will qualify for rebates or tax credits.

According to Puget Sound Energy (PSE), a typical household in our area will use about 40 percent more kilowatts per month compared to summer averages. Did you know that you can call PSE for a free “HomePrint™ Assessment?” A qualified specialist will create an overview of your energy use and make recommendations for how you can reduce consumption. You will also get immediate installation of up to 20 high-efficiency LED light bulbs and up to two high-performance showerheads. The specialist will also provide information about available product rebates, contractor referrals and weatherization assistance.

Here’s the list:

1.        Replace exterior and garage doors with insulated doors.

2.       Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket.

3.       Caulk cracks and holes around window and door frames.

4.       Add a layer of insulation in your attic.

5.       Add a layer of insulation and plastic in the crawlspace under your house to keep out cold and dampness.

6.       Upgrade to high-efficiency UV blocking windows for year-round savings.

7.       If your home is built on a concrete slab, install radiant heating in the floors, especially in bathrooms.

8.       Seal and insulate openings where wires, cables and pipes enter the house.

9.       Upgrade to a newer/more efficient furnace or heat pump (Replacing a standard electric furnace with an energy efficient ductless heat pump could save up to $1,000).

10.   Replace a water heater with instant water heaters at points of use (to save water and electricity).

11.   Add doors to your fireplace and close them when the fireplace is not in use.

12.   Cover holes around switches and outlets to block cold air (kits are available at hardware and home improvements stores.

13.   Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances.

14.   Install a re-circulating heater on your bathtub water supply (save water and electricity).

15.   Install vent-free gas logs in your fireplace for more efficient heating and to prevent loss of heat up the chimney.

If you need the names of some reliable contractors, give me a call.

How Much Do You Know About Washington?

By Ken Urman, Realtor-Broker

Are you a new resident of the State of Washington? Are you a long-time resident with a desire to learn more about the people, history, natural resources, and economy of the state? Are you considering a move to Washington? To answer your questions and introduce you to everything Washington, the office of Kim Wyman, Secretary of State, has created a beautiful and informative booklet entitled, “Simply Washington.”

The Average Washingtonian

Who are we as Washingtonians? Included in the “Simply Washington” booklet is the following portrait of the average Washingtonian:

“The 2010 census shows the population of Washington state is 6,724,540. In 2014, Washington’s population was estimated to be 6,968,200. The population has increased more than 14 percent since the last census, in 2000. The population is split evenly between males and females. The average Washingtonian is about 37 years old, and the average household earns an average of $55,628 a year. The average family size is three people. Those who work spend about 25 minutes commuting to or from their place of work. About 30 percent of Washingtonians are currently enrolled in school and just fewer than 50 percent of Washingtonians have a college degree, the highest percentage in the nation. “

Stay Tuned for More Information

I am delighted to offer the digital edition of this booklet on my website. You can click here to download. During the next few months, I’ll be sharing excerpts and images from the booklet on my social media pages and here, in my blog. There will always be a link that will take you to my download page.

In the booklet’s introduction, Ms. Wyman wrote, “We’ll offer some glimpses of the scenic wonders, the endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, the amazing diversity of a well-educated workforce, and the history and heritage of a proud people, including our First Citizens.” For example, did you know that Washington is the most trade-dependent state in the country? Follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest to find out how much you already know and learn something new about the great state of Washington.

I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the state of Washington and that you will join me on a journey of discovery during the next weeks and months. This is a wonderful resource, and I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to download your complimentary copy of the booklet here.  

This Is the Right Time to Buy a Condo

By Ken Urman, Realtor

Favorable Market Conditions

Many individuals and families considering a home purchase should consider a condo right now.  Current market conditions are very favorable for condos. A condo purchase is a good way to take the

first step into home ownership or into a very desirable city. A condo purchase is also an excellent choice for many retirees or those nearing retirement. A condo purchase is also a wise step for families that know their children plan to attend a particular college or university. Buying a condo can provide relief from school room and board fees as well as providing a stable rental income down the road.

If you have been watching the housing market with a view to buying a new home, you have seen the prices of single family homes rocket to levels almost equal to those at the height of the housing bubble (seven years ago). At the same time, rental prices have also risen sharply. Condo prices, however, have not risen at the same rate in many parts of the Seattle metro area. Today, many who want to own their own home are asking, “Is this the right time to buy a condo?”

 

The Price Picture

According to data from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, condo prices in 19 of the 36 sub-markets in King and Snohomish Counties remain more than 20 percent below their peak during the bubble. In fact, condo prices have fully recovered in only three areas: downtown Seattle, Bellevue and Kirkland (all of which are major job centers.  In many of these submarkets, rental prices are notably higher than mortgage payment prices paid by condo owners.

Like single family home prices, condominium prices have changed in different ways in different parts of our area. For example, condo prices in downtown Bellevue reached new heights last year, but this year, fell by 14 percent. Prices also fell this year in West Seattle, the Eastside south of I-90 and Burien. In many other neighborhoods, condo prices are rising at a faster rate than are single family home prices

 

FHA Issues

FHA rules and qualification requirements have created unique challenges for some potential condo buyers. On the one hand, condos are attractive options for first-time home buyers because the prices are typically significantly lower than prices of single family homes. On the other hand, however, unless they are able to qualify for private loans, many first time buyers will be unable to get a FHA loan on many condominiums.

In 2008 (when the bubble burst), the FHA required condo associations to be recertified every two years. Many condo associations lost FHA approval because they lacked a recent study of their cash reserves, they had more than 15 percent of units delinquent on dues, or more than half of the units were rentals. The ability of many condo associations to recertify every two years made it impossible for first time buyers to qualify for FHA loans.

Certification of condominium associations for FHA loans also affects the attractiveness of the condo to some other buyers, as well. Many realtors and potential buyers view FHA certification as a seal of approval on the association as a sound and reliable business. In addition, the investors who helped the single family home market recover were also shut out of many condos because the associations capped the number of units that could be rentals in a desire to keep owners of the condos happy.

 

Assessing the Pros and Cons

Purchasing a condominium is a good way for single people, young married couples, and young families to

take the first steps of home ownership. Condominiums are also a popular choice for retired (or near-retirement) individuals or couples who might want to unburden themselves of larger homes, home maintenance, and yard care. Many other people want to own their home, but value the freedom to come and go without concerns of security, upkeep and yard care. What is more, many people prefer living in closer proximity to their neighbors.

Clearly, condo living has both pros and cons for most owners. What might be an advantage for one condo owner is considered a disadvantage for another. Therefore, each person or family considering purchase of a condo should carefully weigh the alternatives with a knowledgeable Realtor before signing a contract.

Challenges of condo ownership and lifestyle include:

1.     Property values in the future can be affected by other owners – due to noise, lifestyle, upkeep of the unit, etc.

2.     Annual dues and special assessments –These are typically consistent, and they cover maintenance of the common areas, insurance and repairs. Yet, they are an additional monthly cost that can preclude ownership for some. Further, they can increase dramatically when a big project (roofing, replacing the pool, re-paving the parking lot) assessment is charged.

3.     Community rules typically govern such matters as quiet times, noise regulations, whether or not a unit can be rented out, parking, visitor parking, and much more. Some find these rules restrictive.

Benefits of condo ownership and lifestyle include:

1.     Community rules typically govern such matters as quiet times, noise regulations, whether or not a

unit can be rented out, parking, visitor parking, and much more. These rules typically protect residents from abuse by neighbors.

2.     Lower cost for entry to ownership and lower monthly payments. Typically, condo prices are about half of single family home prices in this area. Lower taxes.

3.     Parking area, community area and amenities are tended and maintained by the community association. Community security is managed by the association. Rules enforced by the association.

4.     Annual fees and dues often cost less than putting aside money regularly for home and yard maintenance and repairs.

 

       If you are considering a change, ask yourself, “Is this the right time to buy a condo?” This is clearly the ideal time to buy a condo in the Seattle –Mercer Island – Bellevue area. If you think a condo might be a good purchase at this time, please call me. I have helped many clients sift the pros and cons of condo purchases and sort through all of the documents, contingencies, rules and regulations and financing complexities. It would be my pleasure to help you evaluate a condo purchase in such a favorable market. If a condo makes sense for you, I can help you purchase the “right” condo property. Remember, I’ll bring the coffee.

 

 

 

 

 

Bellevue Named Second Most Livable City in the USA

By Ken Urman, Realtor  

Bellevue is the buzz this week. Named the second most livable city in the nation, there is a great deal of interest in all that the city of Bellevue has to offer.

 As explained by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service in a recent article, "The "most livable" rankings, compiled by 24/7 Wall St., were based on a range of variables, including crime rates, employment growth, educational attainment, housing affordability, and the availability of certain amenities such as parks, access to outdoor activities, and sports clubs."

You can learn much more about Bellevue by downloading a copy of  the Bellevue Relocation Resource Kit from my website. I put a great deal of thought and time into creating these kits to help people learn about the communities as they consider a home purchase. 

Bellevue is a wonderful city with great schools, attractive neighborhoods and beautiful parks. 

I would like to point out, as well, that I feel other Eastside cities like Issaquah, Renton and Kirkland offer some of the same attributes as Bellevue. You can download relocation resource kits about these cities on my website as well.  

If you are considering a move to Bellevue or another Eastside city, please give me a call. I would be delighted to help you or a friend explore these cities and find a perfect new home. Call me at the number below, and remember: I'll bring the coffee!

Get to Know Mercer Island’s Downtown Neighborhood – Part 3: Lifestyles

By Ken Urman, Realtor

This post is the third and final article in a series on the Downtown Community of Mercer Island. The previous articles examined the decision to revitalize the downtown area, and the guiding principles and aims; the architecture and major new buildings in the downtown area.

The significant redevelopment of the downtown area of Mercer Island is in progress, and residents see the effects of redevelopment efforts. It is easy to see that continuing development will create more of the same effects. New buildings, street plans, parking areas and traffic patterns that are in place are a good indication of what to expect in the future.

One of the pivotal needs and driving concerns of the downtown renaissance was a need for alternatives to single-family homes on Mercer Island. The aim was to provide a number of mixed-use structures in the downtown area that would offer both residences and shopping, dining, entertaining venues. Mid-rise buildings (three to five stories avoid the overpowering feeling often created by high-rise structures and blend more effectively with the single-family homes throughout the island. In addition, most of the structures are required to provide parking for residents and free parking for those who are shopping or dining in the community.

Town Center Evolving

There are now about 1,000 residents in the Town Center, a number that could classify the growing downtown corridor as a neighborhood.  The city has invested more than $5 million to date in streetscape improvements (trees, ornamental pavement and pedestrian-friendly crosswalks). Recently completed projects have created 960 new residences, as well as 2250 new parking spaces and 124,000 square feet of retail, commercial, and restaurant space.  Legacy Mercer Island is currently under construction.

Legacy Mercer Island, at the corner of S.E. 27th Street and 76th Avenue S.E. is a five-story mixed use project

that will include 209 apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial space. Completion is expected by the summer of 2016. It includes a public plaza and parking.

In addition, plans for the Town Center Theatre complex are progressing rapidly. The city of Mercer Island has selected a site at the western edge of Mercerdale Park that was used previously as a recycling facility. The plans include a 350 seat venue, a 100 foot recital hall, and a black box theater area.  The city has committed to a site at the western edge of Mercerdale Park, what used to be a recycling facility. The expansive lobby included in the plans will provide space for gallery exhibitions. There will also be classroom space and administrative offices for Youth Theater Northwest, which has been without a facility since its previous office was needed for construction of the Island’s fourth elementary school. This complex will provide a true cultural center for all residents.

The residents of the downtown area represent a cross-section of Mercer Island as a whole. Residential offerings are sufficiently diverse to meet the needs of all price ranges and lifestyles – from affordable apartments to luxury condominiums. What has surprised many long-time residents of Mercer Island is that a number of the two and three bedroom apartments are being used by families with children and pets. Many of the buildings constructed in the early stages of redevelopment were changed from condos to apartments because the market was soft when they were built. Some may still convert to condos in the future.

It is hoped that the downtown area will become a stepping stone onto the island for young married couples and singles and young families. Downtown living is a great way to get to know what life is like on Mercer Island before buying. People of all ages have found it to be an area conducive to their lifestyle. The downtown neighborhood consists of very environmentally conscious affluent communities that prefer to travel by bicycle or by bus.

Unfortunately, to date entertainment venues are completely lacking, and there are no plans at present for movie theaters or clubs. For the most part, there is just not enough population to support them when Bellevue and Seattle are so accessible. There are two major grocery stores and two major chain drug stores, as well as many small retailers.

A Light Rail Connection by 2023. Sound Transit and King County Metro are still refining design ideas and

options for a light rail terminal in the downtown area. The terminal will be located in the center of I-90. The entrance will be at 77^th Avenue SE and 80^th Avenue SE. The station is near the Mercer Island Park-and-Ride lot and addresses the goals of promoting mixed-use development in the Town Center. It will include a bicycle and pedestrian trail connection and bus transfers at the station entrance. The station will feature covered bicycle storage and public art. Construction will begin in 2015, with completion scheduled by 2023. Additional details are available in the

Community guide to construction.

Aljoya Mercer Island is a high-end senior community in the downtown area that provides for all types of needs and desires of the residents. This continuing-care facility is designed for active lifestyles, and is

 attracting both newcomers to Mercer Island and long-time residents who want to give up the yard care and home maintenance for a luxurious and fulfilling lifestyle, both inside and outside the facility. With 114 residences, Aljoya (which means “happiness”), Mercer Island offers “everything from spacious studios, to expansive three-bedroom apartments, each designed for maximum comfort, convenience and style.” The extensive list of amenities includes everything residents might need or expect.

When construction in the downtown community is complete, we can expect to see a thriving neighborhood of singles, couples, and families of all ages, who prefer the downtown lifestyle. The latest updates on downtown renovations are available online. The downtown renaissance brings new opportunities for small business and new choices in residential living to Mercer Island. It is a joy to welcome this diversity and change in the downtown core. If you are interested in a home in Mercer Island’s downtown neighborhood, please give me a call. It would be a pleasure to show you the many options available. Remember, I’ll bring the coffee.

 

Get to Know Mercer Island’s Downtown Community – Part 2: Architecture

By Ken Urman, Realtor

The renaissance of Mercer Island’s downtown community was instigated by the Growth Management Act (GMA) of  1990 and a State-issued requirement that Mercer Island plan to accommodate 3,000 additional residents. Because Mercer Island was essentially built-out at the time with single family homes, downtown was the only place to build high-occupancy buildings that would provide 1,437 new housing units by 2022. Implementation of the plan brings significant change to the once-sleepy downtown area. The most obvious change is in the architecture of the new buildings.

Empty parking lots, aging buildings and familiar traffic patterns are being replaced by mid-rise apartment and condominium buildings with office and retail space on the first floor or two. These new buildings are changing the appearance of the downtown area and occupying the space previously available for parking and altering familiar traffic patterns. When fully implemented, the redevelopment plan will add more than 80,000 square feet of retail space, 24 condos, and at least 700 apartments.

The retail space is expected to revitalize the downtown area and create homes for the types of businesses needed to provide nightlife venues on Mercer Island. The residents of the apartments and condominiums are expected to be immediate clientele for the businesses located in these buildings. Those who work in the community are expected to shop there, as well. In time, if the right kinds of restaurants and shops open, the downtown/city center neighborhood could support a thriving nightlife that will keep Islanders “at home” as opposed to driving into Seattle for the evening.

Parking concerns were raised by a number of Mercer Island Residents during the planning stages of the downtown redevelopment. Some concerns have been mitigated by the requirement that all of these buildings include underground parking or lots behind the structures. Parking in downtown is free.

Although the appearance and ambiance of the downtown or city center area has changed dramatically, many believe the wide sidewalks (15 feet), pedestrian-friendly aspects of the redevelopment will maintain the relaxed lifestyle, there are some who do not like the construction of taller buildings in the downtown area. The mixed-use structures should revitalize the downtown community, especially after 5:00 pm. It should also generate a significant continuing source of tax revenue for the city. Development of the downtown core continues with many new projects in the works . . . making our city more modern and fun!

 This is the second in a series of blog posts about the Downtown Mercer Island community. Part 1 discussed the reasons for redevelopment and the goals achieved. Part 3 will look at the residents and businesses of the new downtown.  
 

By Ken Urman, Realtor

From Sleepy Town Center to Urban Renaissance: The Revitalization of Mercer Island’s Downtown

If you have lived on Mercer Island for 15 years or more, you’ve seen many changes as Mercer Island built out and continued to define itself as an upscale and sophisticated community. Islanders value the many parks and other green space areas scattered throughout the island, as well as a relaxed lifestyle with many desired amenities. What has been lacking was a vibrant downtown community where people live, work, do business, and enjoy dining and entertainment venues.
The character of the island’s neighborhoods have traditionally been suburban single-family homes where children can learn and grow, where the practice of all religions is honored and respected, where the arts and local artists are cherished, and where nature provides numerous venues for entertainment and activity. The island school district is one of the best in the state and the nation, providing opportunities for each child to learn in an optimal atmosphere. There are also many community activities, and facilities for many and varied interests.

Many of the most significant changes on the island in the last 15 years have occurred in the Town/City Center or Downtown area. As growth continued, developers were forced to turn their attention to the downtown area as the only part of the island that could accommodate expected future growth. Greater impetus cam, however as a result of the state’s 1990 Growth Management Act (GMA). The GMA required of the city a growth plan to create 1,437 new housing units for 3,000 new residents by the year 2022.

A growth plan of this scope requires many changes in the downtown sector. The first change was an upgrade of building height limits to accommodate four- to six-story structures. The second change will be creation of a neighborhood with a uniquely high population density. These two changes will, of course, bring a number of other changes and adaptations, not least of which are concerns about adequate parking and increasing need for changes in traffic flow patterns.

These changes in downtown Mercer Island also provide several opportunities for the city and for all residents of the island. In short, growth provided the impetus to move forward from “sleepy town center” to urban renaissance by thoroughly revitalizing the neighborhood. With a large number of new residents, there must be new places to shop, conduct business, and enjoy the entertainment venues desired by Mercer Island’s residents. Rather than leaving the island for good restaurants, it is possible to find restaurants in downtown. Indeed, as my next post will discuss, many of the new structures in the downtown area feature first-floor businesses with apartments or condominiums on the upper floors.

Mercer Island’s downtown neighborhood may consist mostly of mid-rise buildings, but the easygoing lifestyle will not be lost. With Mercerdale Park located on the south side of downtown, new residents will have immediate access to all of the facilities and in the park, including the skate park.   The very popular Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Thrift Store will also be convenient to residents. 

The downtown area began as a field of mud and tree stumps. During the population boom of the 1960s and 1970s, redevelopment was accomplished with quickly-built strip malls. The new growth accommodation has come with sufficient advance warning to enable the city to plan for both population growth and simultaneous transformation of the downtown area. Thus, the city has been able to manage the transition from an area of failing businesses and empty parking lots to a robust center of community life.

Change always brings challenges, be they finding additional parking spaces, transitioning from four-way stops to traffic lights at some intersections, to anticipating new needs and planning proactively. The residents of Mercer Island have embraced this change and met challenges as they arose. Although there may be some residents who do not agree with every detail of our downtown revitalization, most embrace both the opportunities and the new face of Mercer Island’s downtown area.

This post is the first in a three-part series on the downtown neighborhood of Mercer Island. The next post will examine The New Look of Downtown, and the third will introduce the Downtown Population.

If you have other questions, or you are interested in a residence in Mercer Island’s downtown area, I would be happy to help you. Please call me at 206-230-0833. And, remember, I’ll bring the coffee.

Hot Kitchen Remodeling Trends: Appliances with Attitude

By Ken Urman, Realtor

In a recent post I outlined 10 kitchen remodeling trends. In this post I will continue to discuss kitchen remodeling trends related to appliances. Some of the trends in appliances show the influence of other trends, such as the sleek, clean look of contemporary kitchen design, the shift from under-counter cabinets to drawers, and the design of kitchens to accommodate multiple cooks.

Here are the leading trends in kitchen appliances. Some are new; others are becoming more popular.

·         Appliances in drawers. Refrigeration and microwave drawers are popular because they are accessible to all members of the family. These drawers are also safer than reaching above a range or cooktop (especially if a burner is in use at the time).

·         Refrigerator drawers can be placed anywhere in or on the edge of the kitchen (especially accessible when the kitchen is open to another room of the house). Any member of the family can get to food, snacks or beverages without getting in the way of cooking activities in the main workspace of the kitchen.

·         Wine coolers, under-counter beverage centers, etc. can be positioned for ease of access in the most desirable location.

·         For those who still prefer the control of a gas range, more powerful burners are now available. These new burners can offer an output of up to 18,000 BTUs.

·         Induction cooktops continue to rise in popularity because they are energy-efficient and because they heat up and cool down faster, making them safer. Induction cooktops carry higher price tags and require higher amps to operate.

·         If the ultimate in healthy food preparation is on your agenda, you can now choose a steam oven. It will cook faster and healthier. Some come with a second convection oven. Some also include an option that will remove spills without an extended cleaning cycle.

·         Some refrigerators are available now that include hot water dispensers in the door, as well as ice water and ice dispensing.

·         Refrigerators with French-style doors are becoming more popular. They make it much easier to view the contents of the refrigerator. The new feature this year is that some manufacturers are making refrigerators with four doors.

·         Dishwashers now offer numerous options, including three or four racks for utensils and flatware. The move to greater energy efficiency continues with dishwashers that use less water, make less noise, are larger, and even have jets in the side walls.

Other trends related to kitchen appliances include:

·         Hiding appliances behind panels that match cabinetry or enhance the contemporary style makes the overall appearance of the kitchen more suited for entertaining and for openness to other rooms of the house.

·         The most popular faucets conserve water. Many also have touchless controls.

·         Popular sinks are longer and deeper single-bowls. Some include cutting boards that conserve space.

·         Rather than leaving small appliances (can openers, coffee makers, etc.) on the counter, there is a trend of placing these appliances in “homes” or “condos” or “garages” that keep them easily accessible while keeping them out of sight and continuing the uncluttered and sleek lines of the contemporary style of kitchen design.

·         Finally, consider a built-in coffee maker that is fully visible.

New trends and functionality in appliances are less likely to become passé as quickly as a bold color of the year or countertop material. If you are remodeling, and you plan to sell your home in the near future, it is important to keep in mind that some trends will last and others will not. If you need help evaluating how your remodeling ideas will be received by today’s home buyers, please call me (206-230-0833). I would be happy to discuss your plans and discuss the questions and desires buyers in our area are looking for in their kitchens. Remember, I’ll bring the coffee!