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Posts Tagged "Keller Williams"


  • Four Smart Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection

    May 30, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    A good home inspection should provide you with information about a home's current condition. The inspector's job is to do a general analysis of the entire home, not go over the home with a fine tooth comb. If something looks like it needs further investigation, the inspector will recommend hiring a specialist, or contractor. The inspector will also provide a general timeline of the lifespan left on the home's major systems, providing you with information about future upkeep for the home. To connect with a quality agent, get in touch with Pickett Street today (info@pickettstreet.com or (425) 502-5397). Additionally, to help you make sure you get the most out of your home inspections, here are a few tips. For Buyers: 1.  Research your home inspector. As a millennial, I can’t buy anything these days without obsessively reading reviews online. For example, I just spent 30 minutes researching backyard doggie pools on Amazon. While I might be taking consumer research to the extreme in this particular instance, finding a good home inspector definitely requires careful research. Here are a few questions to keep in mind when researching your home inspector: How long have they been inspecting homes? How many inspections have they performed?…Read more

  • The First Three Steps to Buying a Home

    May 18, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    You know those things in life that feel sort of insurmountable and impossible to begin? For my partner, it’s putting his socks away. For me, it’s doing my taxes, or going for runs when it’s anywhere above 60 degrees (this Washington State girl needs her cool, mild climates!). And there are larger tasks that can feel difficult as well--finally tackling that home improvement project, perhaps, or selling or buying a home. Fortunately, when it comes to buying a home, Pickett Street has already done all the work to help you get organized and get started. This week, Pickett Street held another class for home buyers. If you missed it, not to worry–Pickett Street holds this class regularly, and the next one will be June 12. Also, for more information about this class or about buying or selling a home, get in touch with the team at info@pickettstreet.com or (425) 502-5397. To further help you, here are the eight steps to buying a home. 1. Decide to buy. Would buying a home would be a smart, positive step in your life right now? Here are a few bits of data to help you make this decision: It is now more expensive…Read more

  • Experience Vs. Innovation: Three Tips For Choosing a Real Estate Agent

    May 11, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    I was recently chatting with an old friend when the conversation turned to real estate. I congratulated her and her fiancé on buying their first home together. “How’d you do it?” I asked. It was, after all, only seven years ago she and I were broke English teachers living in France, drinking two euro bottles of wine and eating nutella straight out of the jar on the floor of our 150-square-foot, unfurnished living quarters. Those were indeed classy times. “Honestly,” she said. “Our real estate broker saved our @** with his helpfulness.” Pardon my friend’s French there, but her enthusiasm about working with a great agent demonstrates how important it is to choosing a real estate agent who can advocate for you during the home buying process. According to the National Association of Realtors, 87% of buyers purchase their home through a real estate agent or broker, which is a significant increase from 69% in 2001. So, what should you look for in a real estate agent? Some experts say it’s important to find an older agent who has more experience, while others say you should look to younger agents for their knowledge of technology and the evolving market. Pickett…Read more

  • How Keller Williams’ 10th Annual RED Day Gives Back

    May 3, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    There is a wonderful documentary on Netflix called Happy that makes me cry big messy tears every time I watch it. This film is about, as the title suggests, happiness; the filmmakers explore the meaning of this feeling within cultures and among individuals all over the world, and attempt to answer the question, "what makes people truly happy?" Featuring research from psychologists and sociologists, the film concludes that the critical elements of a happy life are physical activity, gratitude, connections to community, and compassion/service to others. (It's also a bit more nuanced and complex than this--I recommend you grab some tissues and watch the film!) Because they understand the importance of these values, Keller Williams Realty and Pickett Street Properties engage in daily efforts and host several annual events to foster meaningful connections to community and opportunities to give. One shining example: every year on the second Thursday in May, Keller Williams offices across the country celebrate RED Day (renew, energize, and donate). 2018’s 10th annual RED Day on May 10th is fast approaching. Here’s what you need to know about this day. (For more information, feel free to contact Pickett Street at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.) What’s RED Day?…Read more

  • Three Things to Know About the New Mayor of Everett and Its Plans for Growth

    April 27, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    Last fall, Everett elected its first female mayor. Cassie Franklin, who grew up in the Northwest and received her bachelor’s degree at Lewis and Clark College, beat candidate Judy Tuohy by just 198 votes. Here's some more information about this new leader in the Seattle area. 1. Franklin aims to tackle homelessness and has extensive experience with this issue. Before becoming mayor, Franklin was the CEO of Cocoon House, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk youth through outreach and housing options. Under her leadership, this organization grew into a regional leader. Franklin now hopes to use her experience working with Cocoon House to improve Everett’s homeless community. Franklin promises to expand the city’s Safe Streets program, which connects homeless individuals with access to treatment for addiction and mental illness, employment opportunities, supportive housing, and other services. 2. Everett is ready to explode, and Franklin wants to help. Everett’s economic resources are obvious: one of Boeing’s major facilities is located here, and the city is also home to the Port of Everett, Naval Station Everett, Providence Regional Medical Center, successful schools, Everett Community College and, WSU Everett. As Franklin commented, “Everett is poised for prosperity.” However, the…Read more

  • Three Common Fears Dispelled: Pickett Street’s Class for First Time Home Buyers

    April 20, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    This week, the Pickett Street crew held a class to ease fears and inform and encourage first time home buyers. The class opened with an anecdote from Hurricane Katrina: when many displaced residents were asked what, besides “love,” the most important four letter word is, almost all of them answered “home.” It makes sense that so many people find this word to be so powerful. In a world that can be pretty difficult sometimes, we should always feel secure in our homes. There is nothing like the feeling of returning after a long day to a space that feels peaceful, safe, and uniquely yours. Still, buying a home can also be a source of anxiety. This is where Pickett Street comes in– their home buyers class focuses on helping you feel less like “buying a home is something I could never do,” and more like “Yes! I’m ready!” I love it when uncertainty is replaced with confidence, clarity, and excitement. If you couldn’t make the class this time, not to worry. Pickett Street is making their first-time home buyers class a recurring event. Next one will be Monday, May 14th at 6-7:30pm. RSVP and claim your FREE ticket here! Also,…Read more

  • Three Things That Make Living in Washington State so Special

    April 13, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    When my family moved to the Seattle area from the East Coast back in the early 90s, Starbucks was quickly becoming the new standard for coffee, though it had yet to take over the rest of the country (and world). For us east-coasters, cappuccinos, lattes, and americanos were the most exotic beverages. Also in the 90s, Washington companies Microsoft and Amazon were just starting to boom, and grunge music was at its peak. Washington was special back then, and continues to be special today. With all of the recent buzz about its hot and competitive real estate market, I thought it might be nice to clarify what exactly makes the Puget Sound and Seattle areas so great. 1. Mountains, water, and forever-green trees Almost everyone describes the gorgeous natural scenery as one of the biggest perks of living in the Seattle area. Third-generation Washingtonian Mary Smith notes that she loves “being able to see the mountains, listening to the train as it makes its way north on the tracks by the water, and watching the ferry boats on the Puget Sound.” She adds, “I love it when it rains–the air is clear and the trees are forever green.” With the…Read more

  • Buying Off-Market Homes: A Conversation with Nicole Leong

    April 10, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    It can feel frustrating to dream about your ideal home and then struggle to actually find this home. This frustration is especially real in places like the Seattle area, where the highly competitive real estate market takes some patience (and amazing real estate agents!) to navigate. Because they understand that, for some individuals, dream homes aren’t always where they expect, Pickett Street is able to help their clients purchase off-market homes. While you might be thinking that an “off-market” home involves chatting with a trench-coated individual in some dark alley, the actual process is much more straightforward. I was recently able to chat about buying an off-market home with Pickett Street’s wonderful buyers agent Nicole Leong. Here’s what she had to say. (For more about finding your own off-market home, get in touch with Pickett Street at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com.) What exactly is an “off-market” home? An off-market home is a property that has not been listed anywhere. In an off-market real estate transaction, the seller might consider selling their home if presented with an acceptable offer. Nicole points out that an off-market home is different from a “for sale by owner,” or FSBO, home, which is a property…Read more

  • Desireable Moorlands Neighborhood

    April 2, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    This gorgeous 4-bedroom Craftsman home is situated off a cul-de-sac in the highly desirable Moorlands neighborhood of Kenmore. Enter on beautiful hardwoods that spill through the large family room, which can be warmed by the gas fireplace. Open concept floorplan continues into the kitchen and dining area that looks out into the treelined back yard. Upstairs, the large master bedroom has a giant walk-in closet and 5-piece bathroom with double sinks and soaking tub. Oversized 4th bedroom could be an office, play room, or media room depending on your needs. All this plus a fully fenced backyard, large deck - near Inglewood Golf Course, state parks, and Northshore Schools! Call Jesse Moore at 425.502.5397 for more information.  Read more

  • Podcasts, Free Classes, and More: Pickett Street’s Spring Calendar

    March 30, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    No one knows how to throw a party like Pickett Street. And by “throw a party,” I mean, treat their clients and team members with respect, compassion, and professionalism, host and participate in local and national events, and engage in the real estate market in endlessly fun and innovative ways. With spring in the air, the Pickett Street team has several exciting events up their sleeves. Want to join in? Get in touch with the team at (425) 502-5397 or info@pickettstreet.com and check out the list of upcoming events below: First-time Home Buyer Class When: Tuesday, April 17th @ 6-7:30pm Where: 22614 Bothell Everett Hwy. Bothell, WA 98021 As a hopefully-soon-to-be-homebuyer, I’m seriously considering skyping in for this event. Not only will there be refreshments, this entirely free (!) class will feature the Pickett Street team and Cody Touchette from Caliber Home Loans. The class will cover the home buying process from start to finish, with information about loan and financing options, down payment options, and what you need to know about the current real estate market. Contact Sarah Troske at sarah@pickettstreet.com with any questions or to sign up. 2nd Annual Pacific Northwest Operations Retreat When: April 5th through April…Read more

  • Seattle Real Estate Update: What to Expect in Spring 2018

    March 22, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    I took a walk around my Denver neighborhood last weekend and–in addition to Colorado’s usual bizarre spring weather of sunshine plus wind and snow–noticed several open houses and even more for-sale signs posted in front yards. The spring buying season is here. As we enter this season, here’s the latest Seattle real estate and mortgage news. 1. Mortgage rates decreased. After increasing throughout January and February, long-term mortgage rates recently slipped from 4.46 percent to 4.44 percent. (This time last year, the long-term mortgage rate was slightly lower at 4.3 percent.) Fixed-rate mortgages also recently decreased from 3.94 to 3.9 percent. These decreases are good news for those buying or selling homes right now; lower mortgage rates tend to motivate individuals who are on the fence to finally buy. 2. Interest on home loans is still partially deductible. Many homeowners have had questions about how the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would affect their ability to deduct interest from home equity loans and lines of credit. (Check out our blog post from earlier this year for more about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will affect you). Responding to these questions from homeowners, the IRS recently issued a…Read more

  • Kenmore’s Moorlands Neighborhood: Country Living With Modern Conveniences

    March 9, 2018 /
    Pickett Street Properties Team /

    This week, I get to talk about one of my favorite things to write about for Pickett Street: listings for new homes. I love interior design, and I find it very exciting to imagine the family or individual who gets to call each new listing their home. And this newly listed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,200-square-foot Moorlands home is particularly lovely. With hardwood floors, an open floor plan, a spacious kitchen, a gas fireplace, and a master bedroom with a big walk-in closet, double sinks, and a soaking tub, the home’s features radiate comfort and peaceful living. Other perks include a large deck, a fully fenced backyard, and a highly convenient location. Kenmore’s Moorlands neighborhood sits between Inglemoor and Inglewood. Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Lake Washington, Kenmore was founded in 1901 by Scottish settlers, which perhaps explains the origins of the neighborhood name. While it doesn’t exactly have foggy moors or Scottish castles, the city is home to excellent schools in the Northshore school district, beautiful parks, and a generally safe, peaceful atmosphere. Here’s some more information about the listing and the area. (Make sure to also check out our neighborhood profile on Kenmore.) Neighborhood Vibe In 2018, Kenmore…Read more