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Have you ever wanted to live in Ballard?
June 3, 2016 /It’s common knowledge that Seattle has a long and proud maritime history. Whether you’re enjoying a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island, visiting the aquarium on the pier, or simply renting a paddleboat out on Green Lake, you'll never be far from the water. In the midst of all this briny heritage is Ballard, a nook of northwest Seattle with especially strong ties to the sea. By coincidence, it’s also one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city. Ballard has a long, rich history that stretches back to the 1850s. Originally an independent town populated by fishermen of Scandinavian descent, Ballard has since been incorporated into Seattle and blossomed into a hotspot for culture, food, and drink. One of Ballard’s most popular attractions is the Nordic Heritage Museum, which specializes in preserving and celebrating Nordic culture through dance, film, music, and an extensive series of classes and lectures. On particularly sunny days, visitors can stroll down to Ballard’s popular Golden Gardens Park, a coastal recreation area with forest trails, sandy beaches, and ample views of the Puget Sound. If you’re going to visit Ballard, however, you’ve got to emphasize eating and drinking. In a city renowned for its culinary scene,…Read more
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Rising rental market good indication for housing market in the Puget Sound
May 19, 2011 /Two articles published this week indicate that after four years of a struggling real estate market, perhaps things are on the rebound in the Puget Sound. An article entitled "Expect 'new highs' for Seattle apartment rents" published in the Puget Sound Business Journal on May 13th states that the generation of new jobs, slow new construction starts, and low vacancy rates could push rental rates up almost 4% this year. This sentiment is echoed a similar article entitled "Renters finding landlords have upper hand in this market" published by The Seattle Times on the same day. The Times story is a little more allegorical, detailing the struggles of local residents as they adjust to a stronger rental market. A strengthening rental market is a good indication of a coming housing recovery, as higher rents will prompt more buyers to look to the affordability of home ownership. The largest growing segment of our clientele are investors buying homes to either hold or rehab - yet another indicator that our market is on a path toward recovery.Read more
