Friday, December 28, 2012

West Seattle’s Blake Apartments to Begin Construction Soon

big-house-01According to the folks over at the West Seattle Blog, Indigo Real Estate Services has announced that plans for the 5020 California SW apartment complex are scheduled to begin construction in January 2013, and their aiming to be open for tenants the summer of 2014. That means for those West Seattleites who have anxiously been waiting for 5 or so years for  an update on the former Spring Hills project: the Blake Apartments are back on!
The Blake was named after the most visible island that can be seen from the building rooftop deck, the complex will also offer views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains for its residents. The Blake will be an upscale, pet friendly establishment, with 101 units including two story town homes, studios, 1 bed 1 bath, and 2 bed 2 bath apartments. It will have 87 underground parking stalls, and a secure indoor bike storage, with a greater ratio for tenant parking than most complexes in the Junction. For more updates and information on the Blake, submit your contact information today.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Can Your Landlord Require You to Invest in Renter’s Insurance?

rentalThe quick answer is yes; an influx of landlords are requiring their tenants to have a renter’s insurance policy set in place, during the time of their tenancy. This must be addressed before the signing of a lease, and outlined within your lease. In other words, your landlord may not require you to obtain a policy half way through your lease term, but when your lease is up and it’s time to renew, they can add that within the requirements that need to be met for an updated lease.

While some renters don’t feel the need for insurance, there are actually benefits for both renters and landlords, as a result of having a tenant with renter’s insurance. The first good thing renters should know is that having renter’s insurance is relatively inexpensive, (usually between $125-$175 a year) and provides decent coverage, should something happen to your home. What can insurance cover you ask? Things like damage done to your home from flooding, fires, and people stealing your belongings to name a few, and when these things happen, it’s nice to not have to eat all of the costs, and have insurance providers take some of the weight off your plate. It can also provide some liability coverage should someone get hurt in your home, a dog bite, etc. If you’re interested in obtaining a policy even if you’re not required, it can really be a small price to pay, in the case of extensive damage. Calling your insurance provider to receive a quote is a good first step.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Seattle University Gets Approval to Plan Expansion

Yesterday Seattle University received the approval from the City Council for a plan that would more than double the school’s square footage of campus space on Broadway & Madison St. Right now the University is spread across 2.04 million sf of the 4.8 acre campus. According to the Daily Journal of Commerce, the school’s master plan is designed to stimulate growth of the University over the next 10-20 years, and by 2028 the school hopes to add 2.1 million sf of classrooms, parking, housing, retail and other buildings.
The plan includes taller buildings, and expansion of the campus’ boundary lines, and campus officials have said that the plan is necessary in preparation for the projected growth of the university; an estimated 2,500 students by 2028. Will this affect the cost of rent in the area? Most likely, but officials will have plans for housing to accommodate the influx of students who want to live on campus as well. The city’s approval doesn’t necessary approve any specific projects, but does allow the University to continue planning.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Capitol Hill Craftsman Home Available


This lovely 4 bed 2 bath craftsman home in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is now available for rent! The home has a gourmet kitchen with an island breakfast bar for gathering around the kitchen. There is also a formal dining room, and large living room with hardwood flooring. The top floor hosts a master bedroom with a nice sitting area and two additional bedrooms, while the lower level has a family room and additional bedroom. Fore more information on this home or other Seattle Rentals visit Ewing & Clark.
Status: For Rent
Bed/Bath: 4/2.0
Price: $3,900

Friday, November 30, 2012

Madison Park Rental Available

This 3 bed, 3 bath home in Madison Park will be available for rent in December, and if you’re looking for a short term lease you’re in luck, as they are looking to rent for 3-4 months. There are two bedrooms on the 2nd floor and an office on the 3rd floor with a view of the neighborhood. The master bedroom has a fireplace and 3/4 connecting bathroom, lots of windows allow plenty of natural light. The main floor hosts the roomy kitchen, dining room, living room, and an additional powder room. The homes also has a spacious  fenced backyard, with a large deck for entertaining. There are also 2 side patios along the South side of the home and a laundry room in the basement. This home comes with 2 car garage parking off of the alleyway, and is partially furnished. The home is in close proximity to Madison Park favorites like the Broadmoor Golf Club, Seattle Tennis Club, and Madison Park. For more information on this home or other Seattle Rentals visit Ewing & Clark Inc.

Status: For Rent
Bed/Bath: 3BR/3BTH
Price: $4,300

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Leschi Rental Available: $2,250


Remodeled Leschi cottage available for lease starting December 1st. The Leschi home has been updated with double-pane windows, new electrical, plumbing, and A/C to cool both up and downstairs.  Upstairs the property includes two bedrooms, a bathroom featuring a granite, tile & heated floors, and French doors opening to a deck with garden views. On the main floor, oak floors and crown molding in living and dining rooms.  The kitchen has heated tile floors, granite counters & added storage. French doors off the back of the house lead to a deck drenched in Wisteria. The daylight basement includes a third bedroom, another bathroom and laundry room. The outside includes a fenced back yard and parking for up to four cars.

The Leschi rental is located just above Leschi Park and just north of Frink Park.  Strolled down the old cable car trail through Leschi Park to Lake Washington and the Leschi business district or travel to Downtown Seattle within 15 minutes.

Address: 112 32nd Ave South
Status: For Rent – Available December 1st
Bed/Bath: 3/1.75
List Price: $2,250
Please contact Nate Pearson if you are interested in this Seattle rental.

Monday, October 22, 2012

Estimating Apartment Utility Costs

When you’re searching for a new rental, utility costs aren’t always the first thing that comes to mind when configuring your financing.  You’re aware you need to plan for them, but the costs aren’t always clear, so before you sign the lease, be sure to account for extra rental expenses. During the winter months, you can expect to pay between $30-50 a month for electricity, largely depending on how much you’re at home, how careful you are about turning off the lights, and how energy efficient your appliances are.
Photo Courtesy of Movingtoday.com
Photo courtesy of Movingtoday.com
If you live in a multi-unit building, there is a chance there will be no extra costs for heat, and the Landlord will have added the additional costs for heat into the cost of rent. If you’re renting a house, and have gas or forced air heating you could be paying at least $100 a month in the winter time, but the best way to determine the costs would be to ask the landlord or a previous tenant. If you don’t want to spend time trying to connect to your neighbor’s Internet for free, you’ll need to plan for $30-45 a month for Internet costs, which can be cheaper if you’re bundling with cable or a phone line. It’s also never a bad idea to look into getting renter’s insurance, especially if you’re a first time renter. You never know what can happen, and planning ahead to be safe is actually very affordable, sometimes around $150 a year. For a general rule of thumb if you leave out the cable, you can expect to pay roughly 20% of your rent in utilities if you live alone, and 10% if you’re living with a roommate.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Helpful Tips to Get the Landlord to Pick You

As a new prospective renter, you’ve probably spent countless weekends searching for the perfect rental for yourself, and finally stumble on the right one for you; only problem is, 20 other potential tenants have applied and think it’s the perfect place for them too! Are there things you can do to help yourself standout amongst the other applications? Yes of course! Zillow has provided a few useful tips to set you ahead of the rest. First and foremost, you should really only be pursuing rental accommodations that you can afford. If you go into a showing knowing the maximum rent you can afford with your income, you’re in great shape. You’re landlord needs to know that you’re capable of paying your rent, and paying it on time, so being knowledgeable of this is important at the time of viewing.
Knowing your credit history is also important, as almost every landlord these days will be doing their homework, and checking your credit score prior to giving the OK to accept your application. Credit scores generally range from 300-850, and according to Zillow, a score of 550-580 should be sufficient for a first time renter with a decent income. You can actually go online and check your credit score for free through the Federal government once a year, and you’ll want to do so before searching for an apartment so you can keep that in mind. You should also dress presentable when meeting with a potential landlord to view an apartment (remember while it may feel like you’re interviewing them for finding the right home for you, their actually interviewing you to make sure you’re the perfect fit to work with their company, and the building’s tenants too!). Be on time, and dress business casual, or dressy casual will do the trick, as the first impression on how you appear, and present yourself during this initial meeting is crucial to setting yourself apart from the rest. For other tips, and things you can do to give yourself a head-start in the rental world, visit Zillow’s Blog.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Queen Anne Rental Home: $2,550


This 4 bed 2 bath home in the Queen Anne neighborhood is just one block away from the bustling Queen Anne Ave, seconds away from restaurants,  shops, grocery stores, and Seattle nightlife. This home has an expansive living room with a gorgeous wood burning fireplace, and ample natural light. The spacious dining room has a drop down chandelier and the kitchen opens up right into the private fenced backyard. The upper level has 3 large bedrooms, and one bathroom, and the master has a small view! The basement in this unit in completely finished and has a cozy family room, bedroom, bathroom and a utility room attached. For more information on this rental, visit Ewing & Clark Inc.


Status: For Rent
Bed/Bath: Four/Two
Price: $2,550





Monday, September 10, 2012

Zillow Launches New Rental App for the iPhone

If you’re a renter in the greater Puget Sound, you’re probably familiar with how competitive the market is today, and looking for that edge to help stay one step ahead of the rest. Renters have the task of sorting through their options, and have to view several properties at once, sometimes multiple in one day and must remember which ones they liked, and what qualities they liked about them. To aid renters on their quest for the perfect rental, Zillow has launched a new rental app for the iPhone, just like their rental app that came out for the Android in April.

The new rental app has features that will allow renters to access rental listings, see whats around the property’s neighborhood, (schools, restaurants, parks, shopping, etc) and search by neighborhood. Renters will be able to use GPS and voice search options to search rentals in a specific area, and  use color coded options to see which listings are new to the market. Renters will also be able to view their favorite listings side by side, for a detailed comparison, and can contact landlords right there on the spot. If you have an iPhone and searching for rentals in the neighborhood, give this one a try!

Monday, August 20, 2012

Vacationing Late Summer? Review Home Security Tips to Keep Your Rental Safe While Away

Summer is prime time for vacationers to pack up and get in the car, and it’s smart to make sure your home is secured before leaving the humble abode for an extended weekend or longer. Zillow has compiled a precautionary checklist to review before leaving your home alone, and the first item on the list is to consider having a house sitter or consulting with your friends and neighbors to see if they’re able to check on the house while you’re gone, which could be simple if you’re having someone check on your pets, or water your plants.
It might be wise for a neighbor to park in front of your home while you’re away, creating the illusion that someone is home at all times. Shutting off a main valve might be a cautious step to take before you leave to avoid any pipes leaking, which can cause extensive damage, and become very costly. You could consider putting up motion sensor lights (check with your landlord to see if this is feasible) or electrical timers for inside lighting, again you could also have your neighbors stop by and do the same thing. For other tips on securing your home, visit Zillow.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Does Your Rental Have an Ugly View? Tips For Disguising It!

The great thing about Seattle neighborhoods is that there is almost always a view of something beautiful around the corner from your home; but that can also mean that your direct view isn’t the greatest. Many rentals, especially those homes with rental basements or mother in law apartment rentals can have a view of a warped neighbor’s yard, or better yet your  unattractive neighbor’s living room, who without fail loves to do yoga in tiny neon spandex around the time your hosting happy hour. Thankfully Zillow has come to the rescue with some great ideas to disguise your unappealing view, and turn it around to something worth staring at.
Window coverings, such as curtains or shutters, especially when they’re working together can block out the background, and dress up the window area. Custom shades can run a little higher, but might be worth it for full coverage views. Also if replacing the window itself isn’t an option, a fun way to blur views is with decorative window film that is applied right to the glass, especially around the holidays! If you have a knack for plants, you could install some shelving in front of the windows and disperse with light craving plants. You could also create the same affect with a large hanging plant, or a large drooping vine. For more information on other tips to disguise your unsightly view, visit Zillow’s Tips & Advise Blog.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Zillow Updates Mobile Rental App Features

If your search for rentals is getting time consuming, and keeping you out of the beautiful Seattle sunshine we look forward to all year round, take your search on the go with a real estate mobile app! In April, Zillow launched their mobile rentals app for the Android, adding to the most popular real estate apps across all platforms.

Zillow Rentals was created to address the needs of users by organizing listings in an easily accessible way, from the right neighborhood, to the number of bedrooms, and baths. Now Zillow has expanded that list of features to include a pet policy search filter, a keyword search, and expanded list of amenities (such as on-site laundry, parking,  cable-ready, walk score, and more!). Searching for the perfect rental can be time consuming, and it appears mobile apps like Zillow are helping potential renters simplify their search on the go. For more information on the Zillow app updates, click here.

Friday, July 6, 2012

How is Your Cost of Rent Determined?

There are several factors that come into play when owners, landlords, and housing boards decide how much to rent a particular space for. In Seattle it can be assumed that since inventory is low, the cost of rent is rising and will continue to do so for the next few years. The Seattle Transit Blog has an interesting take on how your rental price is determined, and why that price was decided maybe even before your apartment was built!
According to Seattle Transit, construction costs, and debt accumulated are taken into consideration, as well as what the market will hold when determining the set rent. They suggest that the cost of rent is decided before the unit is finished being built. There is a supply and demand factor in the housing price decision. If inventory is low, rent is high, but if there is a surge in construction maybe the quality of housing will decrease and renters will wind up eating extra costs. Seattle Transit suggests that if all goes well in the construction process, and attracts prospective tenants, we should be seeing an increase in supply and lower costs in housing production. Read the full story to gain a better understand of all the bells and whistles that come into play when deciding that final rental rate. Understanding that there are many factors at hand and wrapping your head around what those factors are should open the flood gates for new ideas to cut costs for renters and builders alike.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Seattle Designer Offers Personal Incite on Remodeling

When Seattle Designer Judy Tall finalized her divorce, she packed up her belongings in Mercer Island and began the move to her newly purchased Tudor in Denny Blaine. According to the Seattle Times, she fell in love with the neighborhood and her master bedroom with an abundance of natural light, but wasn’t 100% sold on the rest of the place. She waited a year before remodeling, and says that “you have to know how you live in a house, and what works and what doesn’t.”

Photo Courtesy of Seattle Times, Tall’s expansive master bedroom

Before Tall became an interior designer she was an acupuncturist, and tries to brings elements of healing into play with her design concepts. She told the Times that whether you’re moving into a new space, or someone recently moved out or in, there are several emotions that come into play when redesigning or remodeling your home. Tall said that a large portion of her clientele chooses to remodel because they’re going through a life transition, and that’s just what she was going through when she decided to redo her home in Denny Blaine. From her choice in tranquil paint colors, to the picture rail below the coved ceiling, Tall tried to make each and every room in the place more cozy and comfortable for her to live in. She believes that every change serves a purpose, and should bring great joy to a living space. For more information about her Tudor design, visit the Seattle Times.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

How Much Has Your Rent Increased? Rental Prices: Past and Present

Do you find yourself wondering what your rental cost would have been, had you moved into your basic one bedroom apartment 3 years ago? Me too! The cost of rent in the Greater Seattle area has steadily risen over the past few years without inventory changes, although builders are starting to pick up where they left off, and apartment building construction is now on the rise all over the city. If you were to take a look at the cost of living in your neighborhood, say in 2007, how much do you think your overall cost of living would change? Well we’ve got the results! Seattle Metropolitan has compiled a list of the stats and the changes might make you resent your non waterfront view home. For instance, the average cost of rent in the Ballard neighborhood back in 2007 was $755, and today the same unit costs around $1,188. Ouch! Take a peak at your neighborhood, you might wish you could rent a time machine.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

For Rent: Laurelhurst Waterfront Home

This Jim Olson designed waterfront home in the Laurelhurst neighborhood has stunning architectural craftsmanship with strong horizontal lines, steel detailing and huge walls of glass. The home has a stunning entryway, with high ceilings and an open floor plan. The lower level of the house has a wonderful walk out to the Lake Washington waterfront, with your own brand new teak dock out to the jet-ski lifts, and boat dock area. This home is located near Laurelhurst Park, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Union Bay. For more information on this Laurelhurst listing with Western exposure, click here.


Status: For Rent
Bed/Bath: 4/3.25
List Price: $16,000

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Pioneer Square Board Aproves 25 Story High Rise

The rumors circulating around downtown are true; the city board who has been in charge of keeping the historic presentation of Pioneer Square afloat, cast their votes and approved the modern sleek design of a 25-story apartment high rise just North of the Sodo stadiums. The all glass and steel tower will be sectioned into 2-4 story boxes, that will be positioned at varying angles. The building is part of a larger project named Stadium Place, in what previously was the North Parking Lot of Century Link Field.
Photo Courtesy of the Seattle Times, ZGF Architects

The collaborative developers Daniels Real Estate and R.D. Merril released the design the the public back in December and were met with mixed reviews, some stating that the design was far too modern to fit in with the historical appeal of Pioneer Square. But most members of the Pioneer Square Preservation Board actually had positive reviews of the design, and were all in agreeance with the new construction. The “South Tower” would be just a little shorter than the stadium, at 240 feet tall, and will have 333 units. Other projects are in the planning stages for the first phase of Stadium Place, such as a 20 story condo tower, and an office and hotel tower as well. For more information on these apartments, visit the Seattle Times.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Survey Indicates Renters Are More Optimistic About Buying

Renters in today’s market may have seen the value of their parent’s homes sky rocket, then deplete, or they most likely know someone who’s home is up for foreclosure. According to a survey done by the PulteGroup, The hope of home ownership is still in the air for many who rent and want to buy. Survey results showed that 60% of renters who said they would like to buy a home in the future have increased their intent to buy a home in comparison to a year ago. 61% of those folks also said they planned to purchase a home within the next two years.
When asked if they thought buying a home was a good investment, 44% of those poled said yes. According to Builderonline.com, the PulteGroup’s responded to the overall survey results with “We are seeing a renewed sense of optimism, especially from young professionals and young families visiting our communities nationwide,” Deborah Meyer, PulteGroup senior vice president. Many factors went into this survey and interestingly enough the pole also found that just over 1/4 of those poled believe that renting is cheaper than buying, and a little shy of a quarter are still worried about a stable job. For more information on Rentals and For Sale listings in the area, visit Craigslist.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Zillow Reports Rentals Continue to Outshine Housing Market

According to Zillow’s Real Estate Market Report in February, the median price in rent had risen 2% since February 2011, and home values had continued to fall, dropping 4.5% during the same time period. Zillow’s Rent Index illustrated that the year over year gains for an estimated 68% of metropolitan markets measured by the ZRI, and only 8% of metro areas covered by the Zillow Home Value Indexsaw home values rise.
Seattle Rental in the Leschi Neighborhood


Today’s rental market is continuing to heat up, with an emphasis on areas where home values have consistently been declining. Foreclosures have been at the forefront in keeping home values down, with foreclosure re-sales making up an  estimated 20.3% of all sales in the month of February. Zillow experts have said that we’ve made it through the worst of the housing market recession, but with the enormous inventory of foreclosures and unemployment are all still factors to overcome on the rise to recovery. For more information on rental listings in the Seattle area, visit Ewing & Clark and Craigslist.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Up and Coming Neighborhood for Renters & Buyers: Atlantic

The Atlantic neighborhood in Seattle, nestled in between Beacon Hill and Mt Baker is gaining popularity with younger home buyers and renters in recent months due to it’s convenient location, and up and coming amenities.
Not even five years ago, we remember when this neighborhood was experiencing mass redevelopment and construction of the 2nd I-90 bridge, leaving the Atlantic area is rubble, covered in a film of dirt. Left in the midst was abandoned housing, sky high dirt mounds and 23rd Ave S was closed to traffic for quite a stretch. Today the neighborhood is home to trendy bars and restaurants like Dallas BBQ Soul Food & Catering and Farestart Cafe, has a light rail stop, is in close proximity to downtown and the Eastside, and has several trails for bikers and runners; even has it’s own dog park! The neighborhood started looking promising to buyers and renters a decade ago and today affordable pricing plays a huge role in the deciding factor.  According to the Seattle Times, in February this year the median value of all single family homes in the area was estimated at $284,200, down 2.2% from the previous year. The median cost of rent in the neighborhood for a single family home was estimated at $1,674/mo, while apartments were estimated at $1,521/mo; up from the previous year, but significantly less than other areas around the city. If you’d like more information on for sale listings around the area visit Ewing & Clark, or find rentals around the neighborhood here.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Madison Park Rental - Available for $2,375 a Month



The Madison Park neighborhood is praised for it's beautiful waterfront homes, views of the NW mountain ranges and short distance to several neighborhood amenities and parks. If you’re looking for a waterfront property to rent in the Seattle area, this gorgeous corner unit next to Madison Park beach and park is now up for grabs! This two bedroom one and a half bath unit is near several shops and restaurants in the area, including the Madison Park Conservatory, The Attic and Cactus eateries. The Madison Park neighborhood is said to be one of the best to live in around Seattle and if you’d like more information regarding this waterfront rental, please contact Ewing and Clark East.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Rent Continues to Rise as Home Prices Take a Dip

Remember the days when renting was cheaper than buying? While rental rates continue to soar, in many states across the country, home prices are starting to level off. According to CNN Money, home prices have declined 0.7% over the past 12 months, and the median rent for all types of homes was set at $1,350/mo in March. Several metro areas are raising their rents into the double digits across the nation. For example, in Sarasota, FL the average rent rose 12.9% year-over-year,  making it the largest jump out of the 100 largest metro areas according to real estate site, Trulia.
Metro neighborhoods where prices skyrocketed were able to do so because of a few similar factors, including a rising demand for a limited supply of rental units. The overall national vacancy rate for apartment complexes, fell 0.3% during the first quarter, dropping to it’s lowest rate since 2001. In contrast, the cost of buying a home has decreased  in several areas over the past 12 months, and mortgage rates are at an all-time low. If you’re looking to buy in the Seattle area, here is a list of exceptional homes in the Seattle luxury real estate market.  Many are still skeptical of the optimistic outlook, because there is a high percentage of Americans who aren’t able to look into buying a home at this time due to unemployment, low credit scores, etc and rental rates could continue to climb because of this factor. For an extended article, please visit CNN Money.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Scams in Seattle Rental Market

The Seattle Times has announced that there are currently scams in the housing market to be aware of when browsing for your new home. Online scammers are advertising listed homes and foreclosures as "For Rent" that they most likely do not own, and very likely have never even seen before. These homes are usually For Sale, or currently being foreclosed, and scammers are taking advantage of the new vacancies right and left. Potential renters are asked to send a deposit before receiving their keys. This scam may seem like an obvious one, but these kinds of scams have been on the rise along with unemployment and desperate apartment seekers looking for a low price ticket. Be wary if a manager asks for wired funds through Western Union or Money gram without letting you into the Unit first. For a detailed description, read the extended article here.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Seattle Rentals on the Rise

According to Bloomberg.com, U.S. apartment and rental vacancies have decreased over the last few months, which have allowed landlords and apartment buildings to increase their rental rates. There has been an increase in the number of families relocating to Seattle with companies such as Amazon, Fred Hutchinson, local hospitals, and other companies going through hiring frenzies. Many of these families aren't in a hurry to purchase, since they aren’t familiar with the Seattle neighborhoods, and aren't sure which would best suit their needs; almost all also have the luxury of temporary housing.  Larger companies tend to offer temporary housing which allows tenants the time to learn more about which neighborhoods they would prefer to live in, while simultaneously leading to a decrease in Seattle apartment vacancies. Owners of single family rental homes throughout the Puget Sound area have benefiting from those wishing to find their dream home, and opting for a house instead of an apartment. These owners benefit due to a lack of inventory and a large amount of people searching, which consequently has allowed landlords to obtain higher rental rates. To find more about Seattle Rentals, check out some current listings here.