What do home buyers want now?

MacMansions are out. According to professional home designers and builders who were recently surveyed, today's home buyers are looking for value, economy and smart design -- not surprising in our current economic climate.


As families re-learn the art and pleasure of spending more time together, they want their homes to reflect these values and accommodate their leisure.

So, what are the features that accomplish these goals?

1. Large kitchens with island eating bars

2. Open floor plans that flow from the kitchen to the family room and beyond

3. Energy saving appliances, windows, heating/cooling systems

4. Home office space -- often for 2 working adults

5. Oversized garages for 2-3 cars, plus storage space

6. Master suites on the main floor

7. Outdoor living areas such as decks, patios and fire pits

8. Walkability -- nearby amenities including schools, playgrounds and transit stops

9. Ceiling fans and skylights

What about you? What does your dream house look like?

Free list of Open House events

Here's an easy way to get a list of all the houses being held open this weekend. Use the search tool link below to find all Opens or just those that fit your criterion.

It includes listings by various real estate companies/agents, assuming the event has been posted in the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service).

I hold an Open House nearly every Saturday and Sunday. This weekend I'll be at 8801 Fauntleroy Way. Come visit me between 1-4 on Saturday and 2-5 on Sunday.

Open House Search engine.

Weekend Open House on Fauntleroy

I had so much fun and sun at Bruce Butterfield's Fauntleroy Cove listing last weekend, that I asked him if I could hold it open again this week!

So today from 1-4 and Sunday from 2-5, I will be at 8801 Fauntleroy Way SW, very near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. This home has a legal ADU (aka Mother-in-Law apartment) with 2 bedrooms on the lower level and another 2 bedrooms upstairs. The owner has also provided architect's plans for converting the house back into a single family home in case you don't want your mother-in-law living with you (because she is really going to want to, once she sees it).

There is off-street parking for two cars in addition to the garage -- a rare occurance for homes in this area -- so you won't have to worry about finding a parking space.

As I often do, I will be giving away coupons for a free ice cream cone at West Seattle's own Husky Deli, so don't miss out.

This weekend's Open House

I had so much fun and sun at Bruce Butterfield's Fauntleroy Cove listing last weekend, that I asked him if I could hold it open again this week! Saturday from 1-4 and Sunday from 2-5, I will be at 8801 Fauntleroy Way SW, very near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. This home has a legal ADU (aka Mother-in-Law apartment) with 2 bedrooms on the lower level and another 2 bedrooms upstairs. The owner has also provided architect's plans for converting the house back into a single family home in case you don't want your mother-in-law living with you ;)

There is off-street parking for two cars in addition to the garage -- a rare occurance for homes in this area -- so you won't have to worry about finding a parking space.

As I often do, I will be giving away coupons for a free ice cream cone at West Seattle's own Husky Deli, so don't miss out.

Current mortgage loan rates

"Rates have seemed to really settled in, and are still very good," according to Troy Chambers, loan officer for Arboretum Mortgage. "Please let me know if anyone you know is in need of my services. Please feel free to contact my cell phone at any time at 425-418-5103."

Troy Chambers
Arboretum Mortgage
Phone: 206-720-6628
Fax: 206-860-9340
troy@arboretummortgage.com

Table of loan rates.

Sunday Open House

Today (Sunday) from 1-4P I will be enjoying fabulous views of from above Fauntleroy Cove as I hold Open Bruce Butterfield's listing at 8801 Fauntleroy Way SW near the ferry dock. This is two homes in one, with a mother-in-law unit on the bottom floor. Now priced at $780K. Come by and take a look and pick up your coupon for a free ice cream cone from West Seattle's own Husky Deli.

Need directions? Give me a call at 206-708-9800.

Free "Open House" list

Here's an easy way to get a list of all the houses being held open this weekend. Use the search tool link below to find all Opens or just those that fit your criterion.

It includes listings by various real estate companies/agents, assuming the event has been posted in the NWMLS (Northwest Multiple Listing Service).

I hold an Open House nearly every Saturday and Sunday. Call or text me to find out where I'll be this weekend.

Open House Search engine.