This weekend's Open House

This Saturday from 10A-1P and 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.

Will You Miss Out on the Tax Credit?

Only 48 days left to take advantage of one of two tax credits offered to qualified homebuyers. The first credit, $8,000, is available to first-time homebuyers. The second, $6,500, is available to current homeowners purchasing a new home. Give me a call at 206-708-9800 and I can give you more details. But DON'T DELAY, because time is getting short!

Does it pay to remodel?

It is a question homeowners often ask themselves: Should I remodel, or sell, or remodel AND sell?

How can you know which remodeling projects will net the highest return on your investment?

Each December, Remodeling magazine conducts a national survey designed to determine just that. It collects data from builders and contractors concerning costs of materials and construction from 80 metropolitan markets, and adjusts for regional pricing variations. Then they survey more than 150,000 appraisers, brokers and practitioners to estimate the resale value for each remodeling project.

Can you guess which remodeling projects typically recoup the largest ROI (return on investment)?

The correct answer -- which has been consistent for many years -- is kitchens and bathrooms. What may surprise you, however, is that a mid-range upgrade will likely reap an average 10% higher rate of return than a super-deluxe remodel. Restraint and pragmatism seem to be the wisest practices in the current economic climate.

Following are the top 6 remodeling projects for the Pacific Northwest, according to this year's survey, that will give you the biggest bang for your buck:

#6 Attic bedroom addition -- Average cost: $60,135; Average ROI: 87.7%

#5 Wood deck addition -- Average cost: $12,838; Average ROI: 91.5%

#4 Basement remodel -- Average cost: $74,974; Average ROI: 91.6%

#3 Siding replacement (fiber cement) -- Average cost: $13,759; Average ROI: 92.1%

#2 Kitchen remodel (minor) -- Average cost: $23,210; Average ROI: 94.8%

And THE #1 project in terms of recouping its cost is:

#1 Entry door replacement!! -- Average cost: Just $1,353; Average ROI: 128%
Surprised by #1? It just goes to show, a first impression can be invaluable, even when it comes to selling your home.

To access the full report, Cost vs. Value 2008-2009, go to http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2008/costvsvalue/national.aspx

Will you miss out on the tax credit? 54 days to go!

Only 54 days left to take advantage of one of two tax credits offered to qualified homebuyers. The first credit, $8,000, is available to first-time homebuyers. The second, $6,500, is available to current homeowners purchasing a new home. Give me a call at 206-708-9800 and I can give you more details. But DON'T DELAY, because time is getting short!

Queen Anne Hide-away $125,000

This cozy & charming studio co-op apartment is a steal at just $125,000. What a great investment for parents with college kids (alternative to a dorm) or frequent business travelers who need a lay-over destination that's cheaper and more comfortable than a hotel room!

I will be holding this unit Open today from 1-4PM, so come take a look. The address is 7 Harrison St, #15, just 1/2 block from Key Arena and everything else Queen Anne Hill has to offer. No car? No problem! Major bus routes stop right across the street. Be downtown in 5 minutes. Restaurants, grocery stores, retail stores, movie theater, post office and more, all just blocks away.

View a flyer for 7 Harrison St., #15.