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Four Smart Ways to Prepare for a Home Inspection
May 30, 2018 /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
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Silver Lake Split Level
May 29, 2018 /This Silver Lake split-level home has been thoughtfully updated and is loaded with features. The kitchen boasts solid state counter tops, a breakfast bar, and is stubbed for gas. The open layout flows from the kitchen into the dining room with a slider that opens to an enormous deck. The living room is anchored by a fireplace and an expansive window for tons of natural light. Large master suite hosts a barn door that opens to a huge walk-in closet, 5-piece bath with frameless double-shower, and french doors that open to the deck. Head downstairs into the sizable rec room with a wood-burning fireplace and access to the fully-fenced backyard. This home has an oversized 2 car garage with a work station and built-in shelving. Spacious detached bonus room could provide heated storage or could easily be a private hobby room: media room, music studio, etc. All of this and a gazebo, RV parking, new roof, tankless hot water heater, and new high efficiency furnace that is plumbed for A/C. Conveniently located close to shopping, schools and park-and-ride. Call Jesse Moore at 425.502.5397 for more information. To download the property flyer as a PDF, click on the link: Silver Lake Split LevelRead more
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The First Three Steps to Buying a Home
May 18, 2018 /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
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Experience Vs. Innovation: Three Tips For Choosing a Real Estate Agent
May 11, 2018 /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
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How Keller Williams’ 10th Annual RED Day Gives Back
May 3, 2018 /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
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Updated Rose Hill Condo
May 1, 2018 /This top floor, updated condo is situated in the Rose Hill neighborhood of Kirkland, and comes with dock access to Forbes Lake. The kitchen is upgraded with brand new flooring, stainless steel appliances, quartz counter tops & an undermount sink with new hardware. The floorplan flows seamlessly from the kitchen, past the dining area and into the living room which is anchored by a wood burning fireplace. The large private balcony with storage looks out to a beautiful greenbelt. All this plus a covered parking space and additional storage - near beautiful parks, great urban amenities, and easy access to 405. Call Jesse Moore at 425.502.5397 for more information.Read more
