By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on January 19th, 2013%
Is Seattle’s real estate turning into E-Bay?
 It’s a fact that Seattle’s real estate market is looking more like spring time in the Pacific Northwest; not the quiet winter month’s people tend to expect. Buyers are out in full force and it’s not unusual to have 100 buyers through a Saturday or Sunday open house. This is simply due to supply and demand: low inventory of homes for sale. Are buyers frustrated or has it become the norm? Is Seattle real estate turning into E-Bay?
I couldn’t help but smile when my client asked me if the property I was showing him was going to turn into an E-Bay auction. The property was a luxury home and on the market for less than 24 hours. I simply told him “yes”. I then followed by “but what do you have to lose?” If you don’t try then you’ll never know.
Here’s the deal: buyers will either see a new listing (priced accordingly) and the listing agent delays reviewing any offers after 6 days of market exposure. Or buyers will see a new listing where the listing agent omits this remark and its first come, first serve. I’ve sold several homes by just being first in this instance. It saves buyers a lot of money and anxiety. Thankfully I’ve had buyers who are accessible and are motivated to meet me at the property very quickly. If you run into the first scenario, however, chances are the property will most likely go to “the highest bidder”. So how do you get there?
Have a buyer’s agent who is on the ball and can educate you about the market. I’ve seen things selling for about 7% over list price or about $50k. Obviously buyers need to have their finances together. I haven’t seen an FHA in a long, long time. Everything is conventional or cash now. Good thing interest rates are crazy low right now. Get the home pre-inspected IF IT MAKES SENSE TO. If it’s a short sale, probably don’t need to get it pre-inspected. Buyers: if you can’t go enough above the list price (and this is where a good buyer’s agent comes in) then don’t waste $300 to $500 for a pre-inspection. There are other terms and conditions and of course every situation is unique. Feel free to contact me if you’d like more market conditions or making your offer stand out.
I don’t see buyers getting frustrated, at least not the buyers I’m working with. I see more buyers making more offers and if I didn’t know better, I think they’re enjoying the excitement.
Oh and my client with the E-Bay question got the house of his dreams, with multiple offers and his family moves in next month.
See ya next time,
Molly Cartwright, Broker and Green Lake resident
molly@cooperjacobs.com
direct 206.841.6800
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on December 4th, 2012%
Wallingford Home Sales
While Wallingford’s population is greater than Green Lake or Phinney Ridge, it had fewer closings for the month of November, showing buyers and sellers just how tight the inventory continues to be in the desireable Wallingford neighborhood.
Wallingford saw ten home sales in the month of November with a median price of $585,000, an uptick from the month before. The highest sale in November was $1.049,000.00 and the lowest sale was a $169,000.00 condo. I have plenty of reasons why it’s the right time for a seller to list their home right now in Seattle’s NE and NW neighborhoods.
More of your questions happily answered by emailing me at molly@cooperjacobs.com
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on November 5th, 2012%
How To Buy When You Already Own
Do you own your home or condo but want to sell it and buy something with more space, a different location, or perhaps a view? 
One option is to take out a HELOC. A Home Equity Line of Credit (ask me for a lender with great programs of these right now) lets you take out a certain percentage of your home’s equity to use as a downpayment on your new home. To find out how much equity you have, contact a Realtor, like myself, to research the value of your home (it changes ALL the time). If you have a certain percentage of equity, you can qualify for a new loan. And if you’re preapproved for your new home loan, I can get the home you want to sell prepped for the market pronto!
Another option is a bridge loan. A bridge loan has some ramifications though. They generally tend to have higher interest rates and need to be paid back in a specified amount of time. It’s like a short term loan on your current property to buy a different property. It’s all about timing with a bridge loan. You can find out more about bridge loans HERE.
You can always make an offer contingent on your home selling. This is perhaps the option offering the least amount of risk. Of course with our current market today, properties are moving fast and a contingent offer isn’t as clean as an offer with a definitive close date, for example. But if are you a homeowner considering the contingent offer option, consider the right list price and a home in tip-top shape, it won’t take long to sell.
molly a. cartwright | seattle realtor
cooper jacobs real estate, llc
206.841.6800
“Serving home buyers and sellers in Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods”
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on October 13th, 2012%
Do you ever wonder how this real estate stuff works when you buy or sell a home? Who pays who in a real estate transaction?
 Over the years, I’ve had plenty of buyers ask me how much my realtor fees are if we work together. Likewise, I’ve had sellers shocked to find out what they have to pay for excise tax in our city. A seller’s net proceeds or a buyer’s closing cost worksheet are always in my back pocket to get down to an approximate number. Traditionally the commission percentage (which can vary) come from the seller’s wallet (sorry guys)…but that’s not to say there can be different scenarios.
So why am I a buyer’s agent? First of all, I absolutely love working with buyers! And secondly I LOVE looking at homes. I listen very carefully my clients. First we have to get through the NEEDS and then we talk about the WANTS. I love the satisfaction of walking into a home with my clients and they instantly fall in love with it. But more times than not, there are compromises so I’m all about letting my clients know what their options are. The permit process, the cost of remodeling, the little tweaks you can do here and there. It’s all so much fun to me and I can see the client getting excited as we proceed down the road.
The road is an exciting one too. I can probably explain the transaction process of buying or selling a home about 100 different ways depending on the client (unfortunately not in a 100 different languages because that would be really cool). Sometimes it’s a new home buyer, sometimes its an investor, and sometimes it’s a buy up or a buy down . I talk to the buyer about terms, the market, escrow, inspection, appraisal, the 21 page purchase and sale contract and specifically what to expect and what not to expect. It’s great! The anticipation of presenting a killer offer to the seller is my favorite. Are you interested in talking to me as a buyer’s agent? I’d be happy to talk to you too!
I HEART Green Lake (my ‘hood), Tangletown, Wallingford, Phinney, Ravenna and Ballard. Got car. Will travel.
molly a. cartwright | seattle realtor since 2001
cooper jacobs real estate, llc
206.841.6800 | cooperjacobs.com | greenlakeloop.com
“Serving home buyers and sellers in Seattle’s most popular neighborhoods”
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on September 11th, 2012%
Ready To Sell? List of Things To Do
 Is Your Home Physically Fit? To give your home a competitive edge when it’s time to sell, make sure it is in good physical condition. This not only makes your home more attractive and desirable, it also simplifies the negotiation process when the time comes for the buyer’s pre-purchase inspection.According to home inspection experts, approximately half the resale homes in the market today have at least one significant defect. Routine maintenance is the best way to prevent major, costly problems from developing in the first place. If you have been putting off those repairs, now is the time to make them.
A Home Seller’s Check List
Over the years, I’ve identified a list of common problems that typically appear on buyer’s home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home’s appeal and its selling price. It also sets the stage for a favorable home inspection report for the buyer, and thereby helps to expedite the sale. The following checklist can help you achieve these marketing goals.
1. CHECK THE MAJOR SYSTEMS
After size, style, and location, a home buyer’s primary concern is the condition of the home’s basic structure and major mechanical systems. Most buyers do not want to invest a great deal of money correcting problems in such critical areas. A pre-listing home inspection of the visible and accessible home components can reveal most of these problems, and include recommended repairs, if needed, on the following major items: Roof structure and covering. Foundation, basement, and/or crawl space. Central heating and air conditioning systems. Electrical system. Plumbing system.
2. MAKE MAINTENANCE IMPROVEMENTS
A number of maintenance improvements are relatively easy and inexpensive to make, yet they can substantially improve a home’s appearance, efficiency, and comfort. A professional home inspector may make helpful maintenance suggestions, such as: Trim trees and shrubs which touch or overhang the house. Apply new caulking and weather stripping as needed around windows and doors. Clean gutters of debris and leaves; repair or replace cracked or broken gutters, downspouts, and extensions to ensure proper drainage. Replace bathroom caulk or grouting where necessary to prevent seepage and improve appearance. Ventilate closed basements and crawl spaces, or install a dehumidifier, to prevent excessive moisture build-up. Regrade soil around the foundation, as needed to keep water away from the house. Replace dirty filters in the heating and air conditioning systems. Have the heating and air conditioning systems professionally serviced. Have chimneys professionally cleaned, and install chimney hoods or caps as needed.
If you’re thinking about selling, a pre-listing inspection isn’t necessarily a bad idea. I have inspector referrals if you are interested. Feel free to contact me for more information about listing your home!
Molly Cartwright, Broker
(206) 841-6800
Molly@CooperJacobs.com
By Kim Mulligan Seattle Realtor Cooper Jacobs Real Estate 206-579-9066, on April 28th, 2012%
Cute One-of-a-Kind Green Lake House Open This Weekend
Here’s the link to the listing: As a Phinneywood specialist and longtime resident I am holding a very special open house this Saturday and Sunday April 28 and 29th from 1-4 for National Open House weekend. This home is truly one of a kind in the area. Located just a couple of short blocks from the Woodland Park Zoo. A few years ago it was a neglected original Green Lake cabin from the beginning of the last century (maybe even older) then it was completely reinvented as a charming family home on a small foot print with a second story and a finished basement. It might have had one of the smallest floor areas five years ago, but it lives big now. Perched above the street it boasts privacy and and a quiet backyard complete with a water feature and granite retaining walls.
 Beautiful Lanscaping and Shade Gardens Safe to say you haven’t seen another lot like this, and the house is completely remodeled top to bottom. What was once a garage is now a finished bedroom (buyer to verify) or office space and a 3/4 bath. It’s the kind of house that you could easily drive right by on the street without noticing it perched proudly above the street and out of the way, but once you are inside you will find light filled spaces and views over Greenlake Park towards the Cascade Mountains and beyond in your own little private “treehouse”. The master is on the top floor along with another bedroom and a spacious full bath. The ground floor entry level has gleaming hardwood floors, a kitchen with granite counter tops and Stainless Steel appliances, the original brick fireplace in the living room, dining space and a powder room all in an open floor plan.
 Open Ground Floor Plan Downstairs is the laundry room and the converted garage. This house doesn’t scream” look at me”, tucked behind and underneath mature trees but you will appreciate the privacy the mature plantings provide when you are inside. Outside is a well executed landscape plan with low maintenance in mind and year-round color. It’s a charming oasis without a lawn to mow. Complete with a functioning pond,backyard deck and other outdoor “rooms”. OK, it might be a stretch, calling this a” treehouse” with it’s firm concrete foundation and traditional stick built construction. I am referring to how it feels to live in this space. Perched high above the street and sidewalk, placed well above the neighbor to the east, buffeted by the beautiful granite walls to the west (they don’t make them like they used to!), under the large tree to the back of the lot, and the unique tree south of the front door. What I am alluding to is the sense of peace and quiet and privacy with the views looking over the neighbor’s home to the views to the east from the master bedroom and balcony and to the views towards the south in the second upstairs bedroom and ground level.
 Bird's eye view from the sunny side of the street One can’t help but feel above it all in their own private light-filled spaces away from whatever might be happening down below at street level. It’s a very walkable neighborhood, zoo concerts blocks away in the summer along with the Woodlawn and Greenlake parks just down the hill. Up the hill with a Walk Score of 69 is Phinney Ave North with all the restuarants, pubs and galleries. The PNA has zip cars as well as classes and it’s myriad of other activites. To learn more about this special jewelbox of a home please contact: Kim Mulligan kim-mulligan.com kim@cooperjacobs.com 206-579-9066
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on February 16th, 2012%
Should I buy a Co-op?
“Should I buy a Co-op?” asked my client. Hmmm…good question! We’ve been looking at condominiums in a higher end neighborhood in Seattle. It’s a good shoe-in for an expensive neighborhood.
I think we can largely agree it’s a good time to buy real estate in general right now. But let’s back up for a sec. First let me answer the question what is a condo association and what is a co-op association.
Condominium is a big building with individual units. Each unit has a tax parcel number and the owner has ownership of the interior walls inside. They also own the Title for the unit. Each owner pays a home owner due (HOD). Which it turn goes into an account managed by the home owner association. If there are any needed assessments (aka repairs) on the building or lawsuits to pay out, it is debited from this account. You qualify. You buy. You’re in.
Co-Op is a big building with individual units. The building is the company. The units are the shareholders within the company. You don’t hold Title. The co-op committee does. And usually the building is one big parcel number. There are home owner dues just like condo ownership. You interview with the co-op board. You buy. You’re in. Oh yeah, and no dogs (usually) and no leasing (usually).
Should you buy a co-op? Yes, you should. If you are a person who likes people, who likes sharing, who likes working together for a common goal, then yes buy a co-op. If you like relinquishing some of your control issues and collaborating with your fellow shareholders, then yes you should think about buying a co-op. If you don’t want to pay 1.78% excise tax as a seller in King County, co-op is a way to avoid this tax.
Should you buy a co-op? No, you should think twice about buying a co-op if you own a dog (usually), if you like larger buildings (co-ops are generally smaller buildings), if you are an investor/landlord and intend to rent. Oh, and perhaps you don’t want to know who your neighbors are.
Financing is no different for co-ops. You can do an FHA loan if you want. Just make sure you ask for the Financials Addendum from the building. This is similar to the Resale Certificate for a condo building. It contains meeting minutes, financials, and future assessments.
Hope this bit of info helped you make the right move. Questions? I’m here.
Ciao.
Molly@cooperjacobs.com
206.841.6800
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on November 11th, 2010%
October 2010 Real Estate: Green Lake vs Wallingford
Green Lake vs Wallingford
I was curious how many homes sold just for the month of October 2010 in Green vs Wallingford.
Let’s not beat around the bush: The Winner with 23 homes and/or condos sold: Green Lake wins, hands down. Wally’s 6 solds in October 2010 is a distant second. Why? For one reason (being a resident of Green Lake for over 15 years), it’s a bigger area. Another reason? The price tag is just a tad bit higher in Wallingford. Although with the way rates are going, it has definitely caused increase lending in both purchases and refinances.
Home SOLD prices in Green Lake look like this: 64 days on the market (not too bad for combining 23 listings including condos and towhomes!) and averaging about $10,000 less than list price, settling at $469,700. That’s about $240.00 per square foot for a 1,980 square foot house.
How does Wallingford shape up in comparison? Less homes sold, yes, but the median price for these homes (and only two condos) were higher at $490,000 Sellers, on average, received about $18,000 less than asking price. Again, this is another great example of how real estate is a moving target. With the average days on the market much longer than Green Lake homes at 235 days in Wallingford, sellers are holding out a little more in Wallyhood because they can. Smaller geographical area means the traditional supply and demand theory wins. Surprisingly, sold homes in Wallingford averaged a little smaller than Green Lake at 1,740 average square footage or $279.00 per square foot.
We hope this information finds your inquiry about October 2010 Real Estate Green Lake vs Wallingford worthy and helpful.
Until next time…you can check us out at www.cooperjacobs.com or www.seattleafloat.com for more articles and real estate news.
By Molly Cartwright, Realtor, Cooper Jacobs Real Estate, Molly@CooperJacobs.com, 206-841-6800, on October 5th, 2010%
Looking to buy some Tangletown Real Estate? Is it a wise purchase? What kind of neighborhood life is Tangletown? What about the schools?
 Tangletown Home Geographically, Tangletown is nestled between south Green Lake and north Wallingford. Living here you can still take advantage of Green Lake’s paddle boats and basketball courts while walking to Wallingford for a glass of wine and live music. But Tangletown has its own main drag (North 56th Street) you don’t want to miss! Get an updo at Beehive Salon then walk across the street to grab one of many hotdog selections at Diggity Dog Hot Dog & Sausage stand and wash it down with a brew at the local Elysian Brewing Company ~ just kiddy corner from Might O Donuts.
Tangletown is probably most proud of Zoka. Zoka is a super cool cafe which roasts its own coffee beans, has delicious pastries and lot of seating for those important meetings with your wedding planner or hunkering down to write that mid term paper for school.
Because of the quaint parameters of Tangletown‘s borders, it has seen average solds for the last six months. 13 solds to be exact. $214,000 buys you a 500 square foot studio or an expansive $1,280,000 beautiful home with over 3,000 square feet of living space. So the average days on the market are only 24 days from these sold properties and the average price is around $564,000. This is just under the FHA loan limit of $567,500. Believe me, a minimum downpayment of 3.0% is worth buying a home in Tangletown.
The schools are amazing! Let’s start with daycare and pre-kindergarden. Green Lake Day Care and Preschool, managed by Anne Kelly, is a safe place you can trust. Located at 63rd and Green Lake, it has three separate rooms for the Poohbears, Piglets, and Tiggers in a huge brick church. My daugther went there from 1 year old as a Poohbear and graduated at age 5 as a Tigger. She’s seven now and STILL talks about her teachers from Green Lake Day Care and Preschool.
The Elementary school will be McDonald in 2012 after a complete facelift but for now, it’s Lincoln Elementary. Middle School is going to be Hamilton, and Roosevelt for high school. I recommend going to the Seattle Public Schools Website for more detailed information.
Tangletown has some charming homes on the market right now! There are 10 single family homes and 1 condo for sale in Tangletown. Find more at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate.
By Courtney Cooper, Seattle Realtor, 206.850.8841, courtney@cooperjacobs.com, on April 6th, 2010%
 Wallingford, Green Lakes’s close neighbor –
This weekend is the big Nationwide Realtor Open House Event and I wanted to highlight the open houses being held for this great occasion:
In Wallingford from 1-4 on both Saturday and Sunday, 4333 Wallingford Ave N will be held open – come see this neighborhood gem ready to move in – large spaces with tons of charm!
Wallingford is very close to Green Lake with this home being about a one mile walk to the either Lake Union or Green Lake depending on which direction you go. You can check out all Wallingford Homes For Sale – we are happy to give you a private tour. The site sweeps the MLS for Wallingford Seattle homes every 15 to 20 minutes.
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