current real estate market Archives

July 2017 – Just Listed – Under Contract

Posted on July 7, 2017July 7, 2017 by Erin in Just Listed, Just Sold, Waterfront

Exceptional Results Every Time!!!!
How hard does your broker work to make you happy?

JUST LISTED

Lake Washington Waterfront - Double lot, no bank waterfront

7016 55th Ave S, Seattle, Washington 98118 USA

Offered at $4,999,888.00 USD

Waterfront living at its finest!

Your opportunity to own an in-town oasis on the shores of Lake Washington awaits! This acre plus of pristine 120′ no bank lakefront greets you with endless sunrises, picturesque Mt. Rainier and expansive full lake views. Sited at the water’s edge is a gorgeous 5,320sf custom residence with 6 beds, 5 baths and never ending views. Minutes from I-5, I-90, downtown Seattle, high tech employers. Private, hidden, gated drive. Two lots- endless opportunities.

By Appointment only.

presented by Erin Harold and Chris Judd

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UNDER CONTRACT

13815 123rd Ave NE, Kirkland, Wa 98034

MLS # – 1148363

Offered at: $690,000

This home went on market and sold in under 4 days with competetive offers, over asking price!

A home run for both buyer and seller. Cogratulations to you both.

This home is convenient to Microsoft, ATT Wireless, Google and other major employment center, and less than a mile away from Evergreen Hospital, the new Village at Totem Lake shopping district and Kingsgate Transit center. It is a rare find and will not last!

Live Listing Link- MSIR

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Does your broker make you feel important?

Do they answer the phone when you call?

Do they instill confidence in you?

Do they work hard to ensure your success?

No?

Then why do you work with them?

Call me! My clients matter.

I look forward to meeting you.

REAL ESTATE NEWS & INFORMATION

Seattle makes Outside magazine’s 25 ‘best-towns ever’ list (and here’s the rest)
www.seattletimes.com | Jul 7, 2017
Seattle is named one of 25 of
Read more

Testimonials – Erin Harold
erinharold.com | Jun 29, 2016
Erin did a good job taking everyone in the families opinions and finding great selection of houses to look at. She was a lot…
Read more

EXCLUSIVELY OFFERED BY

Erin Harold
BrokerMarketplace Sothebys International Realty
16261 Redmond Way
Redmond, Washington United States 98052

erin.harold@sothebysrealty.com
www.ErinHarold.com
206.326.8961

Let me find you the home you dream about!

Posted on April 1, 2014January 7, 2015 by Erin in Just Purchased, List your Property

I specialize in matching each client with their perfect property!

The Meydenbauer – In Old Town Bellevue, Washington

Purchased: $539,000

I received a phone call from my client, asking me to help find for her the perfect condominium. She wanted something beautiful, close in, livable, with space for guests and something that was a sound financial investment for her property portfolio. I asked her some very specific questions and then did a target specific search based on only the things I knew she loved. I then took her out on a tour the very same day, to view in person what I had hand selected for her.

We looked at 3 properties that day, and she fell in love with The Meydenbaur property the minute we entered. It is unique, exquisite, perfectly placed, walkable and a very sound investment.

Being a savvy businesswoman, she had some very poignant questions, and wanted to see some comparable properties to ensure this was a good fit for her. She also wanted to compare some of the financial investment aspects of this purchase, to others that may be similar investments.

I did a second search for her that evening, finding a few properties that would give her the best idea of what her money could buy and how it would bring her a good rate of return overall. We went to see those properties the next morning.

After viewing all of these properties, she decided to go with the one she loved originally. It was not only the most beautiful, but a very sound investment.

I was able to put together a strong offer for her and the property was successfully purchased that very same day! It closed early, with absolutely no problems.

If this is the kind of thing you would like to experience with your next property purchase, than I am your perfect agent.

Give me a call and let me find the perfect property for your next investment or family home.

I deliver results. Quickly, effectively, and precisely. Every single time.

Winter Home-Buying Smart, Experts Say…..

Posted on December 19, 2013 by Erin in Real Estate Market Data

Holidays, cold weather and vacation time create a vacuum of inactivity in the U.S. real estate market, which is why experts recommend picking up a bargain during this time if at all possible. People selling during this time are obviously motivated, which may mean better prices. Experts say this is particularly true this year, because home prices and mortgage interest rates are expected to climb before the spring selling season begins. Buyers should remember that homes may not show well in winter and should accommodate for that when evaluating a potential purchase. For more on this continue reading the following article from TheStreet.

http://www.nuwireinvestor.com/articles/winter-home-buying-smart-experts-say-61475.aspx

What does the market look like right now?

Posted on September 5, 2013 by Erin in Real Estate Market Data

Here is some great info on the current market from my associate David Skow. He is a wealth of information. I love to share this kind of info with our clients, thanks Dave!

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE… The standard response from the pundits to last week’s 1.3% drop in Pending Home Sales for July could make it hard to maintain a positive approach. The typical explanation was that the drop was all due to the recent uptick in mortgage rates. But the truth is, slightly higher mortgage rates are only causing a drop in refinances. That’s because for buyers, mortgage rates are still historically low and home prices remain attractive. Supporting this, the Mortgage Bankers Association Purchase Loan Index was up 2% for the week ending August 23 and is up 6% on an annual basis.

Here’s some more positive news ignored by the pundits. Even with the small monthly drop, Pending Home Sales were up 6.7% in July from the year before. In fact, they’ve now beaten year-ago levels for 27 months in a row. Those eager to report the end of the housing recovery were also disappointed to see the latest S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Home prices in 20 major metros were up 2.2% in June and are up 12.1% year-over-year. And this time around, all 20 cities posted both monthly and annual gains.

Definition of the day:

A pundit (sometimes called Talking Head) is someone who offers to mass media his or her opinion or commentary on a particular subject area.

DID YOU KNOW?… A recent report showed that if there were no housing bubble and home prices simply rose at the historic average of about 3.6% a year, they’d be almost right where they are today.

Thanks again for the info Dave!!!

Dave Skow Loan Officer 2200 6th Ave Seattle WA 98121 cell (206)714-9745

List your Property, Real Estate Market Data

Posted on August 29, 2013January 7, 2015 by Erin in Just Listed, List your Property, Real Estate Market Data

Autumn presents the colors worthy of a masterpiece

The colors of autumn create a warm, inviting backdrop that blends cool evenings with great food and libation shared at home among family and friends. If you are in the market for a new residence for those harmonious evenings, allow us to assist. We take great pride in artfully uniting extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives.

If you are looking to sell your property, the fall is a great time to list your home. The fall offers far less competition for sellers, and the buyers that are looking tend to be more serious and urgently searching than many of those who are just starting out searches in the spring.

Let us show you the unique experience that Sotheby’s is known for. Elegance, attention to detail, exquisite marketing and exceptional results. No matter what the property, every client receives the same level of service. We will make sure this Fall is your favorite season!

Celine Dion Lists her Beautiful Jupiter Island, Florida home with Sotheby’s International Realty!

Posted on August 28, 2013January 14, 2015 by Erin in Famous homes sold by Sotheby's International Realty, Just Listed

Alexandre Parent

The Bahamian-style home of Celine Dion.

I wants to say Congratulations are in order to Cristina Condon of Sotheby’s International Realty in Palm Beach and referring Agent Joseph Montanaro, of Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec on their gorgeous listing here! See the article below recently published in the Wall Street Journal announcing this great property!

Celine Dion is putting her Jupiter Island, Fla., compound on the market for $72
million.

The 5.7-acre property has a Bahamian-style home that is nearly 10,000 square feet with five bedrooms and five en suite bathrooms, a formal living room with vaulted ceilings, a screened-in porch, a media room, an elevator and guest wing. The master suite has a walk-in closet with an automated rack for clothing and an automated carousel for shoes. It also has a wraparound terrace and two decks, one with an fireplace and another with a hot tub.

The property includes an eight-bedroom guesthouse, a tennis house with a simulated golf range, a pool house and a beach house with a sleeping loft and massage room. There are three pools, one at the rear of the property by the Atlantic Ocean, and two connecting pools at the front that have their own water park, with two slides, a bridge over a lazy river and watergun “stations.” The property has more than 400 linear feet on the ocean and has a four-car tandem garage and an additional three-car garage.

Ms. Dion and her manager husband, René Angélil, bought part of the land under her Canadian firm, Renlec Management, in 2005 for $12.5 million and then bought the adjacent property in 2008 for $7 million also under Renlec, according to public records. The couple razed the home on the first property to build their current spread, which was completed in 2010, according to referring agent Joseph Montanaro, of Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec.

Mr. Montanaro says Ms. Dion is selling the property because she’s going to be spending more time in Las Vegas, where her Caesars Palace show contract has been extended until 2019. Ms. Dion didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The listing agent is Cristina Condon of Sotheby’s International Realty in Palm Beach.

Some great Articles on the current Real Estate Market

Posted on August 12, 2013January 7, 2015 by Erin in Real Estate Market Data, Sotheby's International Realty Associates Listings, The Sotheby's International Realty Marketing Advantage, Tips on Buying and Selling Property

Below you will find some fantastic links to some great Real Estate Market Information!

Stay informed and make the most of your property!

Let me know how I can help!

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Million Dollar Home Sales Jump in U.S. as Wealthy Return

Home sales from Los Angeles to Charleston, South Carolina that are priced at more than $1 million are gaining at triple the pace of the broader market, according to real estate research firm DataQuick Inc

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-08-08/million-dollar-home-sales-jump-in-u-s-as-wealthy-return.html

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Seller’s market: home sales and prices rise; supply falls

Home sales percolated higher in July, with pending sales, closed sales and prices all substantially higher than the same month in the previous year in most counties of Washington state

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2013/08/06/home-sales-prices-rise-in-puget-sound.html?ana=e_du_pub&s=article_du&ed=2013-08-06&u=mHKDyZWvGoqr5MRJiP2WTp0ZD1t&t=1375828276

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King County median home price up 15 percent over year ago

A bump in interest rates in July didn’t derail the strongest home-buying stretch in the Seattle area since 2007, as the median price climbed year-over-year for the 16th consecutive month

http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2021549284_julyhomesalesxml.html

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Forecasters say home values will jump 6.7 percent this year

More than 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists predict home values will rise an average 6.7 percent year over year in 2013, according to Zillow’s latest home price expectations survey – See more at:

http://www.inman.com/wire/forecasters-say-home-values-will-jump-6-7-this-year/#sthash.cKtj0HFJ.dpuf

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Highlights of Zillow’s Interview with President Obama

President Obama answers housing questions from Americans around the country in an interview with Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2013/08/09/highlights-zillows-interview-president-obama

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NAR: Obama’s Zillow-moderated housing chat ‘not a serious discussion’

The selection of Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff as the moderator of President Barack Obama’s chat with America about housing today seems to have the National Association of Realtors scrambling to explain how Zillow, and not NAR, got the call from the White House

http://www.inman.com/2013/08/07/nar-obamas-zillow-moderated-housing-chat-not-a-serious-discussion/#sthash.rUzZLulJ.dpuf

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Obama Looks to End Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac

President Barack Obama on Tuesday officially launched his campaign to transfer most of the risk currently undertaken by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the private sector, saying during a speech in Arizona that the U.S. government should phase out the mortgage finance giants as part of an effort to prevent another taxpayer-funded bailout

http://www.law.com/jsp/nj/PubArticleNJ.jsp?id=1202614112285&Obama_Looks_to_End_Fannie_Mae_Freddie_Mac#ixzz2bUuqAB7h

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Fannie Mae Makes It Rain for Obama

Fannie Mae (FNMA) said this morning that its second-quarter profit nearly doubled, to $10.1 billion, as home prices surged and more consumers made good on their mortgage payments

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-08/fannie-mae-makes-it-rain-for-obama

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Oregon home prices keep going up and up and up

Oregon ranked No. 6 in the nation for rising home prices in June

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/real-estate-daily/2013/08/oregon-home-prices-keep-going-up-and.html

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Hip, Urban, Middle-Aged

Baby boomers are moving into trendy urban neighborhoods, but young residents aren’t always thrilled

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578644080452044960.html

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Should Home Sellers Overprice or Underprice Real-Estate Listings?

“The Price Is Right” isn’t just a game show. It is a mental strategy real-estate agents use to get the most money when listing a home.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578643942655355194.html?mod=WSJ_3Up_RealEstate

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When Condo Developers Suggest Preferred Lenders

Some condo developers and owners are playing favorites, asking potential buyers to use a “preferred” lender when buying a home

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578642082895473800.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_MansionWeekly

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Eminent Domain Abuse

Robert Hockett of Cornell University Law on the Kudkow Report

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/08/08/mortgage-delinquencies-hit-five-year-low/

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Freddie Mac may sue over eminent domain seizures

Freddie Mac on Wednesday said it is considering legal action against Richmond, Calif, if the city uses eminent domain to seize mortgages of local residents

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100946560

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Frank Sinatra’s party pad

Back in his heyday, ‘Ol’ Blue Eyes’ leased this mid-century modern estate perched high above Los Angeles

http://money.cnn.com/video/pf/2013/07/18/pf-uh-frank-sinatra-party-pad.cnnmoney/index.html

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California city’s drastic foreclosure remedy: Seizure

The California city of Richmond said Tuesday that it’s ready to take an extraordinary step in its bid to stop foreclosures — threatening to wrest mortgages from the investors who now control them

http://money.cnn.com/2013/07/30/real_estate/richmond-underwater-homes/index.html

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Million-dollar ranches for sale

Located on hundreds of acres in some of the most scenic parts of the U.S., these ranches are selling for millions of dollars

http://money.cnn.com/gallery/real_estate/2013/07/18/million-dollar-ranches/index.html

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Oh, yeaaahh: Iconic house from ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ for sale

Remember this house? Cameron Frye, Ferris Bueller’s best friend in the cult classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, kicks a car through those windows. The listing is held by Meladee Hughes of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

http://www.nbcnews.com/business/oh-yeaaahh-iconic-house-ferris-buellers-day-sale-6C10869250

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Mortgage rate spike finally hits housing

A sharp jump in mortgage rates from May to June are now beginning to weigh on the housing recovery

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100952350

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Million-dollar ranches for sale

Located on hundreds of acres in some of the most scenic parts of the U.S., these ranches are selling for millions of dollars

http://money.cnn.com/gallery/real_estate/2013/07/18/million-dollar-ranches/index.html

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Banks face more housing headaches

CNBC’s Jackie DeAngelis has the latest details on federal regulations taking aim at JPMorgan and PNC over mortgage related issues

http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?play=1&video=3000189235

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Bathtubs That Make a Splash

A new wave of bath designs, from the high-tech to the artistic

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578641872218710886.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_Mansion_MiddleBucket

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Home prices post highest annual gain in 7.5 years Aug 8, 2013

U.S. median home prices posted their highest annual gain in 7 1/2 years in the second quarter of 2013 –

http://www.inman.com/wire/71941/

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Home prices trending at fastest upward pace since 1977

U.S. home prices rose for the 16th consecutive month in June and are trending at the fastest upward pace since 1977 –

http://www.inman.com/wire/home-prices-trending-at-fastest-upward-pace-since-1977/#sthash.3fcR2iGB.dpuf

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Here’s Where President Obama Is Going on Vacation

Julianna Goldman reports on President Obama’s $7.6 million Martha’s Vineyard vacation home. She speaks on Bloomberg Television’s “In The Loop.” (Source: Bloomberg

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/here-s-where-president-obama-is-going-on-vacation-8pYDSHPpQu~WNH_RwY0KyQ.html

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Summer Rentals for Procrastinators

$295,000 for August including Labor Day, or $150,000 for two weeks in August

Southampton, N.Y.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323968704578649952812235728.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_realestate_mansion

Tips on Buying and Selling Property

Posted on August 10, 2013January 14, 2015 by Erin in Just Purchased, Real Estate Market Data, The Sotheby's International Realty Marketing Advantage, Tips on Buying and Selling Property

Purchased at $1,250,000This amazing investment property was found by Erin Harold.With only two in person visits from out of town clients, this dynamic duo was able to locate the perfect property for their clients investment portfolio! With the clients being unfamiliar with the Seattle and Washington state area in general, Erin was able to show her clients every area of Seattle, and it’s surrounding areas, explaining what areas were best for an investment property purchase. I was able to explain the benefits and possibilities in each distinct area, and present that information in a relevant and efficient way to the client, to ensure the best possible investment decision for them overall.

A gorgeous 12 room rental property with a close proximity to the University of Washington, this investment property proved to have an amazing 0% vacancy rate, with a very high NOI. The perfect match for any investor, providing a great source of income, and exceptional ease of ownership, it was a natural fit.

I successfully negotiated all required improvements necessary be completed by the seller, at no additional cost to their buyers, and it was purchased at asking price. It then proceeded to close without a hitch, and even closed early!

At Sotheby’s International Realty, we are know for providing excellence in every possible way. Our team of exceptionally trained and seasoned agents, use their negotiating and research savvy to deliver the best possible results to all of our clients, every time.

Globally, Sotheby’s International Realty is known for quality, distinction, and un-parallelled quality in all things. That is what you will experience, when you work with me. Without question, the best service, and the most successful results, every time.

Issaquah Highlands Home Just Listed!

Posted on July 11, 2013January 7, 2015 by Erin in Just Listed, Open Houses, Uncategorized

This is a beautiful property in the popular area of Issaquah Highlands. Located on a quiet street, yet close enough to the popular amenities of the highlands, to be a very sought after location. Close to shopping, parks and with quick access to the I-90, this property is exceptionally placed. At the top of an elegant stair, up just high enough from the sidewalk below to give ample privacy, a private porch greets you. Perfect for sitting on warm summer afternoons. A lovely entry, with vaulted ceilings, presents a warm and comfortable welcome to all who enter. Gorgeous wainscoting and large windows, bring elegance and light to your formal dining room. A large open kitchen, with breakfast bar is exceptional for entertaining, as it is right off of the open living room. French doors lead to your private, fully fenced back yard and patio for play and relaxation. The upper floor houses all three bedrooms. The large master bedroom is filled with light from the large windows. It has its own master bath, with jetted tub, and separate W.C. and walk in closet. The other two bedrooms are ample sized with large closets and lots of light. A second full bathroom completes this floor. The lower part of the home, houses an extra-large two car garage and utility room, for your convenience. This home is exceptionally priced for the value of its construction and the area, it will not last long.

Offered at $514,800.

Open Houses :

Friday 11:00 – 2:00

Saturday 11:00 – 2:00

Sunday 12:00 – 3:00

1567 NE Iris, St, Issaquah Wa. 98029

Private Escapes: Buying a Vacation Home

Posted on June 20, 2013 by Erin in Real Estate Market Data, The Sotheby's International Realty Marketing Advantage, Tips on Buying and Selling Property

“Whether in a warm-weather locale or on a snow-capped mountain, owning a second home affords the opportunity to escape to your very own private sanctuary. In a recent survey released by the National Association of REALTORS®, 78 percent of vacation and investment buyers reported that now is a good time to purchase real estate.”

An excerpt from this amazing article about Vacation homes from Sotheby’s International Realty.

http://sirluxuryrealestate.com/2013/06/20/private-escapes-buying-a-vacation-home/