Surprised by Seattle P-I story

I was quite surprised by the tone and content of the front page story of this morning's Seattle P-I. For months the papers have been spreading word of doom and gloom in the real estate market and now, suddenly, they are pronouncing the Seattle market as "still strong." http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/361487_demand02.html

Even more surprising is their contention that sellers still have the upper hand in West Seattle (and other parts of Seattle). Don't get me wrong, I agree that Seattle is still a strong market. In fact, I've been criticized by a reader for espousing that opinion. But I think you will have to look far and wide to find an agent who believes that we are not currently in a buyer's market. That's not a bad thing, it's just the current reality.

What do you think? Who is in the driver's seat in West Seattle right now, buyers or sellers?

Weekend Open House

This weekend I will be holding open this great little starter home in the Westwood Village neighborhood. The address is 8444 34th Ave SW. It's a two bedroom/1 bathroom home with an extra "bonus" room for office, den or whatever. Listed by Prudential agent, Tracy Hepler, the price is $324,950. I will be there from 1-4 both Saturday and Sunday. Come by and give me your impressions.

A mini-makeover for your bathroom

If you have read my previous postings about “Cost vs. Value” in home remodels, you probably already know that the two rooms in your home that provide the most bang for your resale buck are the kitchen and the bathroom. According to Remodeling Magazine, the average cost for a mid-range bathroom remodel in 2007 was just under $15,000. If you don’t have the time, energy or money to undergo a major facelift, consider these less invasive, lower cost procedures inspired by Lytel Young, of HGTV’s Save My Bath.

1) Replace your old medicine cabinet with a large, framed mirror.
2) Replace old or harsh lighting with softer alternatives such as wall sconces or overhead fixtures with dimmers.
3) Re-caulk the tub and shower, and scrub or replace the grout.
4) Paint the walls in neutral tones, adding color with big, plush towels.
5) Hang some framed art or trailing plants.
6) Keep your toiletries in fun, funky baskets to clear off the countertops.
7) Replace the cabinet hardware with updated handles and drawer pulls.

“Clean, simple and orderly,” are the three watchwords that Young swears when revamping a bathroom.

If you have ideas of your own to share, please comment!