May 10, 2008
Traditional real estate-speak includes a carefully crafted lexicon of terms designed to appeal to the typical buyer. Read through any ad and you’ll find key words like charming, luxury, granite, stainless steel, and gorgeous interspersed throughout the home description. These words are strategically used to lure the reader into touring the home, as well as to instill a sense of confirmation bias in the potential buyer. Hey, these are tried and true techniques, and the house description is often the seller’s first (and only) chance to attract potential buyers.
However, in the Seattle/Bellevue area, where high-tech geeks run amuck, is the traditional real estate lingo enough? Perhaps not, and especially in these times of housing surplus, sellers need another way to stand out from the crowd, which is best accomplished by knowing your market. To do this, simply look at the work demographic. For example, in Bellevue, four of the top 10 companies, or 60% of individual employees, are in the high tech geek fields.
Largest Bellevue Area Private-Sector Employers (as projected through end of 2009):
1. Microsoft — 7,500
2. T-Mobile — 3,200
3. Boeing — 2,800
4. Overlake Hospital — 2,200
5. Expedia — 1,650
6. Verizon — 1,500
7. Safeway — 1,200
8. Nordstrom — 1,100
9. Puget Sound Energy — 1,100
10. Symetra Financial - 900
11. Eddie Bauer — 680
Source: Bellevue Economic Development Office
Consequently, if you have a home to sell, stand out from the crowd and market what’s unique to your home that might be interesting to the geek with a wallet. Wherever possible, drop a few alluring, geek-speak terms in a subtle, but not-too-revealing font, and you’ll leave them breathless for sure!
| Media room |
Sonos music system |
| CAT5 Ethernet |
Integrated |
| FiOS |
Multi-room |
| Theater room |
Security |
| Flat panel |
Multi-zone |
| Screening room |
Wired |
| Invisible |
Fiber optic |
| High speed |
Projection |
| Automatic |
THX certified |
|
|
May 9, 2008
Long surveys suck. Especially when you know many of the results are going to end up on a corporate Powerpoint as useless filler. That’s why we’re getting down to the nitty gritty. We want to know who are readers are and why you read Redfin Sweet Digs. That’s it. Please take a minute to fill out our blog survey. It will help us improve Sweet Digs, Scout’s honor.
Click here to take the survey.
We’ll share the results with everyone in a couple weeks. Thanks.
-The Sweet Digs Team
Photo credit: glenOX on Flickr
May 9, 2008
Recent posts on Sweet Digs Seattle:
This little piece was inspired by Neha Grey’s fabulous post on the Divine Caroline blog on “Colossal Castle or Humble Home? Same Price – Your Choice”. In real estate they say the three key things are “location, location, location” and here are few Seattle examples to add to Neha’s.
Lynnwood vs. Queen Anne - $500,000
In Lynnwood you could have this 5 bedroom 3.5 bath castle that even features a “bill pay station” in the kitchen. When you have a big house like this you’ll need a station for all those heating, water, and housekeeping bills.
In Seattle the same dough will buy you a teeny weenie one bedroom one bath condo on Queen Anne with a great view of the Space Needle and your refrigerator from the living room sofa.
Woodinville vs. Downtown - $1,000,000
In Woodinville you could own majestic views of your expansive 1.2 acre lot and emerald green front lawn or you could drop a cool mil in Downtown Seattle and look out onto the entire Puget Sound. In Woodinville you get four times the living space and probably about one fourth the traffic but it will take you four times as long to get to the Symphony or Barney’s.
Open houses this weekend:
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, May 10th 1-4pm
23725 NE 24th Pl
Sammamish, WA 98074
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Starbucks.
Favorite places to go: Pine Lake Park and Deer Park.
Favorite restaurants in the area: DC’s Grill, Lanponi Thai and Ika Sushi.
Best features of the home: The home has lots of sunshine, vibrant colors and a big recreation room.
Favorite rooms: The kitchen and living room.
Any remodeling since last purchase?: The kitchen has granite counter tops, stainless steel sink, and under-counter lighting. I also installed tile in master bathroom, smart contemporary chandeliers throughout the house. I had the exterior painted and put a new treatment on the roof.
Most romantic spots: View from Master bedroom window of the cascades, Backyard with lots of fruit trees,
Walking around the Summeridge community, Pine Lake Park
What’s in the neighborhood: Everything! The house is in a quiet neighborhood and close to great schools, trails for hiking, biking, jogging, wonderful parks, tennis courts, and the public library. Also close by: bus stop, Albertsons, and a nursery that sells organic produce. There is a lot of great golf nearby: Mount Si, Carnation, Snoqualmie, and Sahale golf courses. It is only 12 miles to Snoqualmie falls.
What I will miss the most: I will miss how spacious house the house is and the yard. The backyard is great barbecuing and sipping margaritas while lying in the hammock with a book in my hand.
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, May 10th 11am - 5pm
Sunday, May 18th 11am - 5pm
6249 1st Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Lots to choose from. My favorites are Herkimers, Fresh Flours, and Diva.
Favorite places to go: Paths are worn from our front door to Sully’s Snow Goose Saloon and the Barking Dog and 74th Street Ale Houses. What can I say? I like craft beers.
Favorite restaurants in the area: When we want burgers, Red Mill can’t be beat. Mae’s Phinney Ridge Cafe is the place for funky gargantuan breakfasts. Carmelita is a treat, even if you’re not vegetarian. The Santa Fe Cafe and Stumbling Goat Bistro are great for special occasions. This just scratches the surface.
Best features of the home: From our perch high on the west side of Phinney Ridge, views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, and the panorama from Discovery Park to Crown Hill just can’t be beat, especially from our rooftop deck. Maintenance-free landscaping means there’s no lawn to mow, leaving time for more important things. Multiple levels and vaulted ceilings create rooms with interesting shapes. In summer we live on our decks: puttering in the recessed garden plots, barbecuing salmon, sipping wine, and watching the sun set.
Favorite rooms: The great room—where kitchen, dining room, and living room flow together—is the heart of our house and favorite place. It’s pre-wired for surround sound and great for entertaining, especially in summer when the party spills out onto the back deck through the open back door.
Any remodeling since last purchase?: New hardwood floors in the great room and master bedroom. New tile floors in the master bathroom, second bathroom, and laundry area. Newly carpeted stairs between levels. The kitchen has new granite counter tops, microwave oven, and stainless steel refrigerator. There’s a new picture window in the great room to bring even more of the big view indoors. The house was completely repainted by hand five years ago. Both the rooftop and lower decks have been refinished. The aggregate driveway and walkway were recently power washed.
Most romantic spot: The window seat in the master bedroom is big enough for two people to sit toe-to-toe while enjoying an unobstructed view as the sun sets behind the Olympic Mountains. The huge picture window opens to let in fresh evening air, sometimes carrying the smell of saltwater or a foghorn’s drone from nearby Puget Sound. As the sky darkens, Ballard lights up below while stars appear through the overhead skylights. Flick on reading lights if you want, or snuggle up side-by-side to watch the night slowly blacken.
What’s in the neighborhood: Woodland Park Zoo. Sunset Park. Green Lake. Lots of new trendy shops and bistros on the main drag (Phinney and Greenwood Avenues). Stately craftsman homes and stunning gardens along quiet, winding, tree-lined streets.
What I will miss the most: Our wonderful neighbors, the terrific neighborhood, and the ever-present view of the Olympic Mountains.
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, May 10th 1-4pm
Sunday, May 18th 1-4pm
32507 41st Ave SW
Federal Way, WA 98023
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: As a self-diagnosed coffee addict, I frequent many of the local coffee shops in the neighborhood. My favorite is the Dash Point Starbucks, a 3 minute drive away. This Starbucks has a large, cozy seating area for lazy days or a very convenient drive-thru for most every other day. The coffee shop is located in the parking lot of the Dash Point Metropolitan Market, allowing for quick stops in for gourmet groceries and beautiful flowers to adorn our table.
Favorite places to go: In the summertime, we pack up the family and enjoy days on the beach at Dash Point State Park. When the weather isn’t cooperating, swim lessons at the Aquatic center or shopping in downtown Tacoma provide us with many fun activities.
Favorite restaurants in the area: We love to gorge ourselves at Salty’s Sunday brunch. Salty’s is conveniently located on the Redondo pier, allowing us to burn off brunch with a walk down the beautiful waterfront boardwalk afterwards. For a more intimate, romantic setting, we love the Lobster Shop at Dash Point or the Cliffhouse Restaurant overlooking the Port of Tacoma.
Best features of the home: The location is definitely one of the best features of our home. On this very private lot, from any room in the house you can take in the blue skies and territorial views. Unlike new construction, this home is well-spaced between neighbors and backs up to a beautiful ivy-covered hill. The spacious master bedroom has a large balcony over-looking nearby Treasure Island Park on Lake Lorene. The large downstairs bonus room is a nice retreat for late-night movies or game night with friends.
Favorite rooms: The living room and dining room make a perfect entertaining space. Cozy up to the fire and enjoy the view out the front windows or take the party out to the back deck and enjoy warm summer nights in the privacy of the secluded yard.
Any remodeling since last purchase?: Yes! All common areas have fresh paint, contemporary lighting fixtures, and new baseboard trim. The main bathroom has a new laminate wood floor, updated cabinetry, fixtures and counter top. Kitchen has a new laminate wood floor, updated cabinetry and newer appliances. Living and dining room feature a custom-made wood mantel and beautiful crown molding.
Most romantic spot: Spend some quiet time at Treasure Island Park watching the ducks on the lake or simply taking in the scenery. Situated between the “Twin Lakes,” the park is encircled with a paved path great for romantic sunset strolls or daily exercise.
What’s in the neighborhood: Twin Lakes is surrounded by shopping, restaurants and a multitude of neighborhood and state parks. We’re a three minute drive from stores, such as Metropolitan Market, Fred Meyer, Walgreens and QFC, just to name a few. There are also quite a few take-out and dine-in restaurants nearby.
What I will miss the most: Twin Lakes! We love being so close to golf at the Twin Lake Golf Course and Country Club (we love it so much, we even got married there!). The neighborhood is safe and full of friendly neighbors. Just 40 minutes to Seattle and 5 minutes to the beach…it doesn’t get much better than that!
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, May 10th 1-4pm
20518 73rd Dr SE
Snohomish, WA 98296
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Molbak’s Café, Snoqualmie Gourmet Ice Cream’s Café, and Lyon’s Den. On a beautiful day you can walk to get ice cream and get a little exercise to work off that ice cream – a 2 mile round trip walk.
Favorite places to go: Flower World, Molbak’s, Sammamish River Trail, Downtown Woodinville, Downtown Snohomish, even Mill Creek. This area is definitely a gardener’s paradise. No wonder Flower World and Molbak’s are nearby. For an active lifestyle, both the Sammamish River Trail and the Centennial Trail are easily accessible.
Favorite restaurants in the area: Maltby Café. Hands down the best cinnamon rolls and breakfasts. For a quick, cheap meal — $1.50 hotdogs at the Woodinville Costco. Of course, that’s also that Purple Café in Woodinville. There’s no shortage of choices that are less than 10 minutes away.
Best features of the home: The neighborhood! Modern craftsman on over .5 acre. It’s quiet here but still really accessible to all the great things in the northern part of the Eastside. I love the wrought iron stair rail and the wainscoting. There’s something timeless about both those features that accommodate many home décor styles.
Favorite rooms: The living room. It’s my favorite spot to read. I also enjoy the master on the main. I never realized how much I would appreciate having my own private sanctuary away from the noise of a busy family.
Any remodeling since last purchase?: The house in only 6 years old. New exterior paint.
Most romantic spot: The trails. Each .5 acre property backs up to a forested walking trail that’s well maintained.
What’s in the neighborhood: Park for kids and many walking trails. Quiet, beautiful neighborhood of houses that is also connected to similar neighborhoods.
What I will miss the most: The setting. It’s nice not to live in a cookie cutter neighborhood. Privacy is supreme. Your neighbors are nearby so you have all the advantages of a neighborhood without know what they’re having for dinner!
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, May 10th, 1-4 pm
2430 238th Pl NE
Sammamish, WA 98074
Seller’s Comments
Coffee shop of choice: Starbucks
Favorite place to go: Pine Lake Park, we spent many evenings at summer concerts performed by the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra or watching July 4th fireworks. It’s also an ideal place for a day out fishing or picnicking.
Best features of the home: The first thing that strikes you about the house is the dramatic 2-story entry which leads to vaulted formal living and dining rooms. The sky lights in the living room and bathrooms open up the spaces and provide a light and airy feel. The master suite is huge, at approximately 420 square feet, including the walk-in closet and 5-piece bath set. The backyard is exactly 100 feet wide, fully fenced and surrounded by 18 foot tall evergreen trees for privacy.
Favorite room: The family room, because the set up is perfect for TV/movie nights or enjoying a small get-together with friends.
Any remodeling since last sale price: New cedar siding was installed and a garden shed (6’x8’x8’) with matching siding with the house was built in year 2000.
Most romantic spot: The breakfast nook with bay window facing the backyard; there, we spent many meals together while watching the hummingbirds, finches, and juncos, etc. frequent the feeders
What’s in the neighborhood: There are some great city parks and recreational facilities nearby.
What I will miss the most: Abundant space for living and entertaining. The hummingbirds that show up in the backyard during summer. The friendly and quiet neighborhood.
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Saturday, May 10th, 1-4pm
4615 123rd Ave SE
Bellevue, WA 98006
Seller Comments
Coffee Shop of Choice: We constantly find ourselves at the Starbucks in Coal Creek Village for our caffeine fix.
Favorite Restaurant in the Area: We love Yea’s Wok in Coal Creek Village and McCormick & Schmick’s seafood restaurant in Bellevue downtown.
Favorite Places to Go: Bellevue Arts Museum and Beneroya Hall in Seattle make for a great day out.
Best Features of the Home: The wonderful Newport Hills neighborhood, which was ranked #1 Suburban Neighborhood to live in by Seattle Magazine in 2007.
Favorite Room: The living room with brick fire place and vaulted ceiling.
Any Remodeling Since Last Sale Price: Yes! The house is fully renovated. Kitchen: white cabinets, Whirlpool oven, Whirlpool microwave and GE Profile dishwasher. Sauna downstairs.
Most Romantic Spot: Gene Coulon Memorial Park is a great place to walk along the lake and watch the sunset in the evening.
What’s in the Neighborhood: Swim and Tennis Club. Factoria Mall just minutes away.
What I Will Miss the Most: The beautiful, quiet neighborhood.
May 9, 2008
Open House Date and Time:
Sunday, May 11th, 2-4pm
535 Lake Washington Blvd S
Seattle, WA 98144
Your coffee shop of choice:
Starbucks across from the Leschi marina
Favorite Restaurant:
Daniels at the Leschi marina is great. That’s Amore on 31st is a cozy Italian restaurant with great views of Seattle.
Favorite Place to Go:
We love walking through Frink Park (which turns into Leschi Park) down to the marina and beach.
Best Features:
Open, spacious living areas with great attention to detail makes the home a joy to live in.
Favorite Room:
The family room, with large windows to take in the view. It is open to the dining room and kitchen and is great for entertaining or curling up on the couch.
Has there been any remodeling since you purchased the home?:
None inside, but major work done in the front to terrace the yard and to create a great play area for kids
What’s in the Neighborhood:
Two adjacent parks (Frink and Leschi) lead down to the shopping district and marina. There is also a small business district on 31st with a restaurant/coffee shop and the Sponge School (foreign language immersion school for kids).
Most Romantic Spot:
We love to walk to the I-90 overpass and take in the lake and the view of Mount Rainier.
What you will miss the most:
It’s great being close to the small neighborhood shops and restaurants. The Leschi Market is a great shop with a fantastic wine selection. They love to talk wine and will special order wines or other items for you if you like. The area is also very green and quiet, you can’t believe you’re just minutes from downtown.
