June 29, 2018
Building Your Home's Amenities Into Experiences
Posted in Luxury by John Trupin
The value of a home is more than what it can be bought and sold for – it also lies in how it makes you feel. Security and comfort are vital components, as well as convenience; however, what many buyers are looking for in a home in 2018 are amenities that deliver a luxury experience. With that in mind, we decided to take a look at a few ways a home can add an “experience” that sets itself apart.
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June 27, 2018
The Risks and Rewards of Purchasing a Bank-Owned Home
Posted in Buying by John Trupin
The process of purchasing a home directly from a lender can be long and arduous, but could very well be worth it in the end. If you have your sights on a particular home or are looking to find a deal on your first, working directly with the lender may be your only option. Purchasing a bank-owned home is not for the faint of heart, here are some tips for negotiating the REO process:
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June 26, 2018
What to Expect From Property Taxes in Washington State in 2018-19
Posted in Economics 101 Videos by Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist, Windermere Real Estate
Why have property taxes gone up so much in Washington State this year and what can we expect them to do in 2019? Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner answers the question that many homeowners are asking.
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June 25, 2018
What's in a Condo? The In-Between Style of Home That Might Be the Right Fit for You
Posted in Buying by John Trupin
Condominium homes are a great, low-maintenance choice for a primary residence, second home, or investment property. This alternative to the traditional single-family home has unique issues to consider before buying, as well as unique benefits. Here’s some background information to help you decide whether purchasing a condo is a good match for you.
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June 22, 2018
Beyond Alexa - Other Smart Appliances You Can Use In Your Home
Posted in Living by John Trupin
A month ago the nation’s largest home-building company, Lennar, announced they would begin including Amazon’s “Alexa” smart speaker system as an integrated function in new homes they construct. In the United States alone there are reportedly at least 39 million privately owned smart speakers, and the growth seems likely to only continue. With an eye to the future, we decided to shine a light...
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June 20, 2018
Windermere Hosts Fourth Annual Washington Waterfront Home Tour
Posted in Luxury by John Trupin
Do you find yourself drawn to the water? Are you at your happiest launching a boat on the beach or fishing off a dock just yards from your back door? If you dream of a waterfront life, then you’re in luck! This June 23-24 we are hosting the fourth-annual Washington Waterfront Home Tour. More than 60 homes from as far north as Birch Bay, down throughout the Puget Sound, and even...
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June 18, 2018
The Office Away From the Office - Prioritizing a Home Work Space
Posted in Living by John Trupin
Most people dream of working from home but ask anyone who does it on a regular basis, and they’ll tell you how hard it can be to stay productive when you work where you live. The most disciplined telecommuters will tell you that you need a structured routine and organization to rise and grind and get into work mode.
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June 13, 2018
Finding an Affordable Vacation Through a Home Exchange
Posted by John Trupin
Summer is here, which means vacations are on the mind, but as always the cost can feel prohibitive. As folks take less and less time off work, people shortening their vacations, staying closer to home, or going nowhere at all for “staycations”. Another way to save money, while still getting away, is to leverage your own home for a home exchange.
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June 11, 2018
A Beginner's Guide to Securing a Mortgage Loan
Posted in Buying by John Trupin
Entering into debt is a concept I grew up diametrically opposed to. I was raised, like many with frugal family members, to understand that anything you couldn’t pay for on the spot was something you couldn’t afford. But as we age we learn the pathway to financial growth requires a commitment beyond what many of us can deliver up front. Building and stabilizing wealth is, for many families...
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June 08, 2018
Today is Windermere’s Annual Community Service Day!
Posted in Community by Marilou Ubungen
Today, you may notice that your local Windermere office is closed, or it may take a little bit longer for your Windermere agent to get back to you. That’s because it’s our annual Windermere Community Service Day, and Windermere offices across the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, Utah, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona are taking a day off from selling homes...
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