new england clam bake

If you know me at all, you know I love to entertain. It doesn't take more than a soft breeze to get me in gear. So when my daughters' school auction needed some dinner themed donations, I jumped at the chance to host a New England Clam Bake (keeping in theme with the auction). Joining me as host are my co-chairs, Shannon and Laura.

It's been fun scouting local venues for hosting this type of a dinner. Wanting to be on, or near the beach, we looked at some charming VRBO properties and historic sites offered through Seattle Parks and Recreation.

charming waterfront VRBO property

The beach house at Golden Gardens can be rented for events

But in the end we found a charming house boat on Lake Union. With stunning views of the Seattle skyline as a back drop (and 80 weather), this will surely be the perfect spot for our guests to sit back and enjoy a lovely evening.

If you're looking for a fun idea for a casual party, I encourage you to host a New England Clam Bake. It's pretty easy to pull together and creates a festive event perfect for connecting. Here's our menu:

starters

lobster mac 'n cheese

jumbo shrimp in cocktail sauce

Chesapeake Bay crab cakes

first course

chilled melon with mint soup

entree

traditional boil with

clams, mussels, crawfish, chorizo, potatoes, corn cobs

 dessert

berry crisp with vanilla ice cream

bevies

specialty drink (lemonade, Malibu rum, coconut liquor, prosecco)

lemonade, dry white wine, beer

If you feel compelled to find your own beachfront home to host a New England Clam Bake, this beautiful 3.77 acre property on 400' of waterfront on pristine Case Inlet is on the market. 

until next time.

la chasse au bonheur

living large in a small house

I read an article today that talked about a new trend: living large in a small house. I think this is a first, never before have I been a trend setter (always wearing the classics, listening to the classics, investing in the classics) but today, I am!

I have believed in living in small homes my whole life. I grew up on a lake that was dotted with over the top McMansions. But not our home - ours was a sweet, New England style Salt Box that housed the six of us!  I currently live in a small storybook Tudor with only two bedrooms up and enough room for us, the kids and our pets (barely). But we make it work. This past week we were honored with hosting our extended family for my youngest daughter's 8th grade graduation. 26 guests crowded together in our back yard (oh how I prayed for sun) because there isn't enough room inside for that many people -at least not in one, or even two, rooms (as you can see in the photos below). It was a lovely day, which we spent outside, and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely (I hope).

our tiny entry

our back porch filled with love

our tiny breakfast room

dining for six, eight if we all hold our breath :)

our graduate (and her dog) in the living room

Ok, I am off topic a bit but my point is, you don't have to have a large home to entertain, a cottage does just fine! It's the warmth and welcome of your home that your family and guests remember, not the number of bedrooms or size of the day rooms. Maybe that's why this article stood out to me.


The following is a synopsis of the article:

NEW HOMES ON UNDERSIZED LOTS

Density is a big topic right now, especially in Seattle, so DPD is allowing single-property lots to be split into two "undersized" lots. Typically, the original house stands as-is (on a lot about half the size it was), while a new, small home is built in what was the backyard or side yard.

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BACKYARD COTTAGES

Sometimes referred to as "accessory dwelling units," and more commonly known as "mother-in-law houses," backyard cottages are small, second homes built on the same lot as an existing house. The owner of the property owns both homes, and typically leases the backyard cottage, or offers it for free to a family member.

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SMALL PRE-FABRICATED HOMES

To accommodate the growing desire for small living spaces, a number of companies are specializing in pre-fabricated small homes, which cost less than custom-construction and are faster to build.

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MICRO APARTMENTS

Often just 200 square feet of space, these tiny apartments rent for around half what a traditional urban apartment might cost, and have become a hit with students and lower-income tenants.

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MOBILE HOMES

For those who like the idea of spending less on a smaller living space, and being able to move at will, mobile homes continue to be popular, together with mobile-home parks.

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This articles references a website for more information - notsobighouse.com.

Until next time.

la chasse au bonheur

Interiors with a winning color palette - Go Hawks!

Driving through the neighborhoods, our pride is evident.

And, if you want to show off that pride, it couldn't be any easier. Seahawks franchised gear is everywhere (you want to be).  Ace and Home Depot have you covered for DIY projects:

NFL 120-B

NFL 120-D

You can shout your allegiance from the top of your roof with these ready-made signs that announce just about anything you want. Or, turn to Etsy to find custom items that allow for a little personalization. 

Of course, the NFL has their line of franchise items that you can buy to decorate your home.

While I love seeing all this pride, my preference for decorating is always more subtle. So I thought it might be nice to showcase some different interiors that gently say, "Go Hawks!".

Let's start with the color palette:

Then depending on your feel, build from there:

Traditional with an edge Seahawks!

Graphic Seahawks!

Bold Seahawks!

Classic Seahawks!

Coastal Seahawks

Nautical Seahawks!

Mod Seahawks!

Upper Crust Seahawks!

IKEA Seahawks!

13 Coins Seahawks!

Baby Seahawks!

Sleep tight Seahawks!

Here are just a few accessories I found online. Any of these would be a winner in your home!

No caption is really needed for this - gorgeous, and from IKEA!

Gorgeous statement pillows - these definitely say, "We won the Super Bowl" don't they?

Vintage Seahawks blue armchair - how perfect is this for your armchair coach?

Stunning Seahawks blue panels!

Nothing like starting them out young!

Well, I don't think there is anything else to say but,

GO HAWKS!

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur

2014 Residential Real Estate Predictions

At this time of the year, I like to review what happened in our economy and our market over the past twelve months, and make some predictions for our residential real estate for the upcoming year.  

HERE ARE MY PREDICTIONS:

1)     Housing Inventory – There are a number of factors affecting our inventory levels. Low interest rates are attracting investors from hedge funds/private equity firms and Baby Boomers to purchase real estate for rentals. The economy is improving and improved consumer confidence has brought more buyers back into the market. Foreclosures are down and short sales are rapidly going away. New construction is still stuttering. These factors are forcing inventory numbers down to record low levels and will contribute to an inventory shortage in 2014.

2)     Prices – Prices will increase dramatically in 2014 in part due to shortages in inventory.  The median expected house prices should rise over 12% nationally while Washington should rise 14%. Home prices will see a strong upswing in an overwhelming majority of metro areas. City life is luring Baby Boomers and Gen X’rs, and buyers are rushing to buy properties closer to urban centers. Prices will increase by over 20% in markets like Seattle and surrounding areas.

3)     Appreciation for High-Demand Areas/Styles – Appreciation will reach over 20% in 2014. Specifically ramblers, urban hubs, smaller properties with high-end finishes, homes for Baby Boomers with aging parents, and homes for Baby Boomers with boomerang children will continue to be in high demand.

4)     Interest Rates – The Federal Reserve intends to keep the funds rate near zero until our economy is stronger. This will ensure short-term rates remain low through 2014. With this rate at a historic low (between 0-0.25%) since 2008, the short term Fed funds rate should not raise much before 2015. Longer-term rates will rise in 2014 due to increased activity in housing market and a stronger global economy. Treasury rate will rise to 3.1-3.3, and 30-year mortgages could rise to 5.5% by the end of 2014.

5)     FICO Scores – FICO scores for closed loans increased 2007-2012. This made it harder to get a loan. FICO scores on closed loans will reduce in 2014 due in part to easing up lending which will result in another surge of buying in 2014. In 2014 FICO score on closed loans will average below 690.

6)     2nd Home Market – 2nd home sales will continue to see a strong increase due to the passing of wealth from the Silent Generation to Baby Boomers.

7)     Remodeling – The demand for traditional remodeling and for lifestyle remodeling will continue to increase due to the demand for floor plans and homes that can accommodate multi-family living. Due to the aging population, bathroom remodeling will exceed kitchen remodeling in 2014.

8)     National Unemployment – Our national unemployment rate is down from the 10% high in Oct 2009. We could hit as low as 6.8% by end of 2014.

If you would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact me at 206-915-0916 or via email at darcy@windermere.com

Until next time,

la chasse au bonheur