After an impressive Q4, and a decent start to the year in January, this February saw buyer activity – and listing activity – slow down a bit relative to last year. I think the rise in mortgage rates back to around 7% this winter has finally cooled off some of the buyer enthusiasm we saw in Q4.

Here are the four key metrics I watch to track supply and demand in the market: closed and pending sales, which tell us a lot about demand; and listings – new and active – which tell us a lot about supply.

Click to view full Market Update

Photos: Historylink.org

Housebuilding in Seattle: A History

The history of housebuilding in Seattle offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s evolving landscape, especially in light of Washington state’s ongoing updates to its zoning regulations. From the late 1800s to the early 2000s, Seattle's housing development has been shaped by various social, economic, and political forces. This article explores that rich history, highlighting key milestones and the shifts that have defined the city's growth and urban development.

Click to view full History Link article

SPRING INTO ACTION:

5 EASY AND ESSENTIAL HOUSE TUNE-UP TIPS

Check Your Smoke Alarms
It's a good habit to swap out your smoke alarm batteries when the clocks change. Keep things safe by making sure both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working perfectly for the spring season.

Purge the Pantry
Time for a pantry refresh! Clear out the expired items and give your fridge a little love too. A clean, organized pantry makes your spring cleaning complete.

Replace Furnace Filters
Change your furnace filter every 90 days to keep the air in your home fresh and your system running smoothly. Dust, hair, and debris can clog up the filter, making it harder for your furnace to do its job.

Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
Lint buildup in your dryer vent can be a fire hazard! Not only that, but cleaning it out helps your dryer run more efficiently. Give it a good clean at least once a year, and while you're ticking off your spring checklist, now’s the perfect time.

Clean Your Gutters
Don’t forget your gutters! Clear them of debris, leaves, and anything else that might clog the flow. Clean gutters help keep water away from your home, preventing moisture buildup and potential damage to your foundation.

Save the date for more spring cleaning fun!

DROP OFF AT
Sephardic Bikur Holim Congregation
6500 52nd Ave. S., Seattle

PAPER SHREDDING AVAILABLE!
Confidential Data Disposal will have a large shredding truck at the event.

Click for a list of acceptable items

Seattle is known as the “Emerald City” due to its lush greenery, and the city has more than 489 parks! The city boasts a parks system encompassing 489 parks, shorelines, and preserved spaces, totaling 6,441 acres—approximately 12% of Seattle's land area. Notably, 99% of residents live within a half-mile of a park. The largest of these is Discovery Park in Magnolia, covering 534 acres of forestland and saltwater beaches.