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May 2023 Real Estate Market Update
As the weather warms, so too does our real estate market, it seems. With dwindling inventory and climbing prices, the housing market is on an upswing, even if it’s a small one. This places sellers back in the driver’s seat, with buyers forced to compete against multiple offers and in the face of higher interest rates than last spring.
The evidence for the market’s positive growth can be found in higher median closed sales prices, an increased percentage of multiple offers, and a higher median percentage paid above the original asking price. At this point, the primary constraint on the market is a lower number of active listings. Many sellers are reluctant to part with their historically low-interest rates from the pandemic years, and with volatile interest rates, it’s an understandable predicament.
The lower number of available homes on the market has contributed to rising prices as buyers compete for a limited pool of properties. This trend often leads to multiple offers and bidding wars, further increasing prices.
For those buyers who do decide to jump into the fray, interest rates remain a key factor in determining their buying power. For the last few months, activity in the market has ticked up when rates dip, but some buyers are willing to face higher interest rates with the plan of refinancing when rates settle.
Even with that in mind, interest rates can have a huge impact on a buyer’s price bracket. For example, the median Seattle home price has declined by about 13% ($133,950) year-over-year. However, the increase in interest rates has offset this reduction. As a result, the median monthly mortgage payment remains around $5,507, which is comparable to the payment amount from a year ago — despite a lower median sold price.
Although home prices in our region may be lower year-over-year, prices have generally been increasing each month this year. In King County, April’s median single-family home price was $875,000. That’s down 12.6% from last April’s $995,000 but up from a median of $840,000 in March. A single month of available inventory means competition for homes is tight throughout the county.
In Seattle, April’s median price for a single-family home was $886,000 — down quite a bit from the same month last year, when the median price was $1,019,950. However, prices were up from a median of $869,975 in March, and a low inventory of just over a month’s supply means demand is still high, and prices are likely to keep inching upward. Condo prices in the city were actually up year-over-year, with a median sold price of $539,000 in April, compared to $512,500 in April 2022.
The Eastside also saw month-over-month price growth in April, with the median price for a single-family home landing at $1,450,000. This is up from $1,411,500 in March. Despite a 15% decrease in year-over-year prices, the current monthly price growth trend is notable. It’s likely we will not see the exponential price increases of the pandemic again anytime soon, making slow, steady growth the norm once again. The Eastside also has about one month of inventory for single-family homes, making it once again a competitive market.
Finally, Snohomish County saw month-over-month price growth in April as well. The median price of a single-family home was $767,500, up from $724,000 in March. With less than one month of available inventory, the housing market in Snohomish County is trending warm-to-hot. Condos in the county had the tightest inventory of any market, with less than two weeks’ supply. That, combined with April’s median sold price of $544,900, makes the Snohomish County condo market a competitive market for buyers to break into.
If you have questions about these housing market trends or real estate in general, please reach out to Kari (206)719-2224
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
March 2023 Real Estate Market Update
A recent surge in purchase activity indicates that the early spring real estate market is in full swing in our region. Fluctuating interest rates have caused some buyers to converge on properly-priced listings when rates are down, while potential sellers have been hesitant to let go of the historically low mortgages they have on their homes. This has led to a well-known dynamic in our region: not enough inventory to meet the current demand, causing buyers to compete again in multiple offer scenarios. The likely effect of this push-pull will be higher prices in the coming months, despite the constraints of higher (and unpredictable) mortgage rates.
The current interest rate environment is the difference between the level of competition the market is experiencing now and the frenzy of the pandemic market. Buying power is lessened by higher mortgage payments, and with rates still in flux, creative financing is key for many buyers.
That being said, Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner notes buyers are eager to take advantage of brief dips in rates when they appear. “What is interesting is that home prices rose between January and February, which tells me that buyers jumped on the opportunity to take advantage of mortgage rates that dipped below 6.1% five times between mid-January end early February,” Gardner said.
In King County, single-family home prices did rise from $781,098 in January to $800,000, though that’s down 6.7% from $857,750 in February 2022. Condos were also up, with a median price of $468,500 last month compared to $450,000 in January.
Seattle followed the same pattern, with the median price of single-family homes rising from $803,750 in January to $825,000 last month. While that is still down 11% from $925,000 this time last year, interest rates have played a large part in what buyers can reasonably afford. In the last two years alone, the median interest payment for a single-family home has risen 54%, from $3,283 in February 2021 to $5,085 — an increase of $1,802. Despite this, demand is still high, as buyers do what they can to break into the market. In February, 28% of Seattle homes sold above list price, and 53% of listings sold in under two weeks.
On the Eastside, the median price of a single-family home last month was $1,340,000 — down over 21% from a year ago, when the median was $1,697,500. However, February sold prices were up from January when the median was $1,320,000. A sure sign that the Eastside market is becoming more competitive, in the last three months, both the number of homes selling above the asking price and the amount over list price have doubled.
In Snohomish County, the median price for single-family homes fell 7.4% year-over-year to $690,560. Unlike the other regions, that’s also down from January’s median price of $699,000. The higher interest rates could be causing more buyers in this market to pause as they wait for prices and rates to stabilize. The relative affordability of Snohomish County has long been a draw for many buyers, who now may be more sensitive to the fluctuations of the market.
Looking ahead, Matthew Gardner predicts we will see more of the same trends. “Year over year, home sales prices are down, but that isn’t surprising given that a year ago, homebuyers were scrambling to buy in the face of mortgage rates that were about to skyrocket,” he said. “I expect we will see a similar story for the next few months.”
If you have questions about what these market conditions mean for you, please give the Kari Haas Real Estate Team a call!
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
October 2022 Real Estate Market Update
Increasing listings inventory, lengthening time on the market and a slowdown in home price increases across the Puget Sound region herald a return to normalcy and better opportunities for buyers. According to September data from the NWMLS, active listings nearly doubled from a year ago, with pending sales declining by about 31%.
“The ‘Great Reversion’ continues, with the number of homes in the tri-county market of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties up 106% from a year ago,” says Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. “It’s worth noting that current inventory levels in King and Snohomish counties are still around 13% lower than they were in September 2019 prior to the pandemic-induced market shift.”
While the recent sales data may be pointing to a market shift of a different sort, they may reflect some normal seasonal trends as well. October is typically an average selling month, with November typically performing about 76% as well as an average month, and December and January slowing even further as the holidays and end of year pull some buyers from their home searches.
That being said, last month still saw year-over-year price increases in Puget Sound’s busiest metros, despite some month-over-month price dips. King County single-family homes saw a price decrease from $899,999 in August to $875,000 last month. That’s still up from last September’s median price of $825,600, and condos also saw year-over-year price increases, from $466,501 last September to $483,000 this September. With about two months’ inventory for both housing types, King County buyers are better able to take their time and consider the details of their purchase.
Seattle also saw a slight month-over-month decrease in single-family home prices, from a median price of $927,000 in August to $900,000 last month. That’s still up six percent from $850,000 in September 2021. Conversely, year-over-year condo prices slumped a bit, falling to $499,000 last month from $505,000 in September 2021. Condo inventory has also increased, with buyers benefitting from over two months’ supply. Sellers are encouraged to price wisely and accurately to beat the competition in these conditions.
The Eastside was the only area to see prices stay the same month-over-month, with the median price for a single-family home remaining constant at $1,350,000. That’s an increase from the median price of $1,310,000 in 2021. Active inventory also increased, up to 1.9 months’ supply. The last time the Eastside had this many listings (approximately 1,200) was before the pandemic in 2019.
Snohomish County followed Seattle and King County, with prices dropping slightly to a median of $735,000 for single-family homes last month — down from $749,000 in August. Inventory was slightly tighter in the area, with about 1.75 months’ supply, though it’s still an improvement over the tight inventory at the height of the pandemic.
Many buyers are feeling a bit of a “pandemic hangover” when it comes to interest rates, which may be contributing to the increase in inventory across the region. The conditions that led to the historic low-interest rates were unprecedented, and buyers now need to be willing to consider buying at a higher rate with the goal of refinancing later on if they’re able.
The future of the local market will be dictated by fluctuations in interest rates. If rates increase from the September average of 6.11%, real estate experts expect new pending sales to continue to be 25% – 30% below the prior year in units. Median closed sale prices will roughly decline 10% for each 1% increase in interest rates. However, if interest rates decline from the September average, we can expect pending sales to increase, prices to remain flat, and active inventory to decline more than normal.
Matthew Gardner also points out that home prices “remain positive compared to a year ago.” He doesn’t expect this to change by the end of 2022. By spring, however, Gardner believes “it’s likely that year-over-year prices will start to trend negative. That said, I firmly believe that this will only be a short period of correction, so homeowners in the Puget Sound area shouldn’t be too concerned, especially given that 64% of them are sitting on over 50% of home equity.”
If you have questions about how home inventory or inflation could impact your position in the real estate market, please call the Kari Haas Real Estate Team.
EASTSIDE
KING COUNTY
SEATTLE
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com.
6 Tips for Moving and Starting Over in New State
Moving is both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Without proper planning, it can become chaos, slowing down your chance to adjust quickly to your new home. If you’re moving to a new state, you may come across even more obstacles. Consider these tips to help you simplify the process.
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Start Planning Far in Advance
Planning a move properly means starting the process far in advance. For example, research shows that you should have enough to cover at least three months of expenses before you move. Start the packing process at least two months before the moving date, and consider putting items in storage if you’re not sure you want to take them or think you may not have room. You can find storage companies that offer discounts, such as a month free, for new customers.
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Consider Location When Looking for a Home
Talk to a local real estate agent before you start looking for a home in your new state. Kari Haas can help you find your dream home. Your goal should always be to find a place that best suits your needs in a location you love. Remember, location is often the most important aspect when searching for a home. You want an agent who can tell you about the school districts and shopping available in the area. A more desired location will cost more, but it will also have a higher resale value.
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Starting Your Own Business
If you’re thinking about starting your own business in your new location, make sure you have all the plans in order before you make the big move. Create a thorough business plan to help you stay on track and show potential investors what your company has to offer. Your plan should include an executive summary about the business and products or services you’ll provide, how you plan to structure your business, any funding you will need, and any financial projections you’ve made about the company.
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Join Your Community
If you’re looking for ways to get involved in your new community, join local social media groups or look for a community app where you can access local news and necessary information. Introduce yourself to neighbors virtually and in person to get to know people quickly. Being more involved helps you adjust more quickly.
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Consider Investing in a Home Warranty
A home warranty is a service contract that covers the repair or replacement of major home appliances and systems, such as air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and more. Many homeowners choose to get a home warranty to protect themselves from the high cost of repairs and replacements. Home warranties typically cover items for one year and can be renewed annually. When you’re weighing home warranty cost vs benefit, be sure to look over the home inspection report to see if there are any red flags.
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Figure Out Your New Cost of Living
One of the first things you should do is research the cost of living in your new state. Start by looking for averages of things such as rent or mortgage, food, education, and entertainment. In Washington, housing costs are above the national average, but you can expect to pay less for health care and utilities. Washington is home to some of the best public schools in the country, so you can find affordable education for your children.
Before moving to a new state, choose a location, learn about the cost of living, consider investing in a home warranty, and think about starting a new business. Once you’ve completed your move, you’ll be ready to settle into your new life. Take the time to get to know your area, and you’ll speed up the process of feeling comfortable. Focusing on the positives of the move will help you overcome any possible homesickness.
Image via Pexels
This post was originally written by a guest blogger, Lisa Walker.
May 2022 Real Estate Market Update
After a long stint of suppressed housing inventory across our region, buyers may, at last, have more options as the supply of available homes ticks up ahead of the summer market. The month-over-month increase in inventory has been as much as 50% in some areas, offering renewed opportunities for those buyers who are not dissuaded by high home prices and rising mortgage rates.
The Eastside appears to have experienced the most dramatic inventory growth, with .79 months of available single-family homes last month compared to .46 in March. Seattle increased slightly to .59 months of inventory, while Snohomish also had a notable increase up to .67 months of inventory compared to .46 in March.
The increase in supply is likely occurring because rising home prices and mortgage rates have put a slight damper on sales in the area. Last month, the median sold price for a single-family home in Seattle surpassed $1 million for the first time—landing at a historic $1,019,950. This is up 16.6% year-over-year from $875,000 in April 2021. The median price for single-family homes on the Eastside last month was an eye-watering $1,722,500, with 80% of homes selling over list price. Although inventory has increased in the area, Eastside homes are still selling quickly, with 96% of listings selling in under two weeks. King County as a whole also saw prices increase, with the median sold price for single-family homes reaching $995,000, up from $830,000 a year ago.
Snohomish County home prices have kept pace with the market, with the median sold price for a single-family home reaching $839,298. That’s an increase of 24.3% year-over-year from $675,000 in April 2021. This is likely due to increased demand from buyers who can’t compete in the intense Seattle and Eastside market, seeking more bang for their buck in the relatively more affordable Snohomish County market.
Affordability issues have also trickled into the condominium market, as some prospective homebuyers divert from the single-family market to condos. Eastside condo prices have increased 29.7% year-over-year to $674,444 last month from $520,000 in April 2021. In Snohomish County, the median sold price for condos rose to $550,000 year-over-year from $432,250 last year. That’s an increase of 27.2%.
Despite rising home prices and heftier mortgage rates, many buyers are still eager to take advantage of the financial benefits of homeownership. According to Windermere’s Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner, “Owning real estate is a hedge against rising inflation. Homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage will always have the same monthly payment, even as other costs rise.”
If you have questions about how to find the opportunities presented by today’s market, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Seattle
Eastside
King County
Snohomish County
VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT
This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com
A Smarter Way To Invest In Your Child’s Education
Investing to Pay Off Your Child’s College Tuition
What if you could invest in something that earned enough profit to pay for your child’s college tuition and still kept your initial investment growing towards your own retirement? That’s the picture when you purchase a home or condo as an investment for college. There are options in every price bracket and investment models that work no matter how soon college starts.
Current Interest Rates
Interest rates are historically low and the demand for housing is continually rising in our tech-rich, mild-weathered, economically-advantaged area. Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, Google, SpaceX, Boeing, and Facebook attract over 5,000 new people per month to the Sound. This has given the Pacific Northwest a hot housing market that’s grown strongly for generations. Don’t you wish you had bought Mercer Island waterfront in the 1980s? In a few years, we’ll look back on today’s market the same way.
Here’s where your kids come in. You may already be proactively depositing into a college fund. This is a step in the right direction but it’s not a terrific investment. Instead, you want to pay for your child’s college and keep your investment growing. The dollars go in and grow at a snail’s pace of interest or rise and fall with the stock market and hopefully you get back more than you put in. There are some tax advantages….
Tax Advantages of Investing in Real Estate
The tax advantages of real estate are huge. The interest paid on your investment mortgage is tax deductible and you also enjoy depreciation, so you get to shelter and keep more of your hard-earned wages from the very start.
Here’s the magic in using real estate for your college fund: When you purchase a home with a mortgage you are leveraging your money at a higher rate of return than you could possibly attain with any other safe vehicle. “Aha!” you say, “Safe? Remember the housing bubble and how home values dropped?” Yes, yes I do! But here’s the thing: Prices are back just a few years later and we are seeing the highest price growth ever. Seattle enjoys a historically strong market, remember?
Leverage
What’s leverage? It gives real estate a 5:1 advantage (typically) over other kinds of investment with almost zero additional risk. Leverage is where you invest some money, and a bank supplies the rest of what you need – up to 80% loan-to-value without additional fees. That means a $50k “ordinary” investment into the stock market controls $50k of stock, and when values eventually double your profit is 100%. Great! But $50k in real estate controls $250k in property, so after doubling in 10-12 years you profit a whopping 500% plus rental income and tax benefits.
Let’s say you put down $50,000 on a $250,000 condo or home. Your mortgage and costs should be covered by the market rent. When your child is ready for college you can do a cash-out refi to access most of your profits without incurring a tax bill. Then after refinancing you will continue receiving rent and your investment keeps appreciating, as opposed to liquidating stocks and paying tax on the profit.
How to get Started
By now you might be asking yourself, “How can I do this? How am I going to make this work for my children, family, and retirement?”
First and foremost, it’s critical to have a good agent. Use someone trustworthy who is knowledgeable about the local market, has an eye for a good investment, and with a proven track record of getting things done. Since the hot market inspires multiple-offer bidding frenzies for good homes, you especially need an agent who knows how to win in multiple offer situations with strong negotiation skills.
If your kids are young, you have enough time by starting now. But even if your kids are in middle school, you’ll be able to supplement student loans while continuing appreciation will quickly pay off those loans after your child graduates college.
Get Started Now!
In conclusion, pick a good road and start right away. Real estate is the best road around. Like any good habit, this kind of investment improves your life gradually and builds on itself, so you know you’ll kick yourself for not starting sooner. Today is officially the soonest you can start, so just do it. Get started now.
Not only does Kari Haas have more than 300 real estate deals under her belt, but she has an outstanding success rate. When multiple offer situations arise, Kari’s clients win in over 95% of those instances! Put the Kari Haas Real Estate team behind you. Call or email us today!
Tips for Moving Without the Headache
Top Moving Tips:
Packing up your life into cardboard boxes and schlepping it across town or across the country can be a hassle. But, as Huffington Post suggests, you can make your move a lot simpler if you plan ahead. With that in mind, here are some tips from realtor Kari Haas for moving without the headache.
Purchase a Home
Before you begin the moving process, you’ll have to buy a suitable home. To get started, your first step is finding a realtor. It’s really important who you choose to represent you. A professional team with a good track record of being able to negotiate and market successfully for your benefit can put far more in your pocket than you might save with a discount broker or friend of a friend. This is many people’s largest investment and it always amazes me that a lot of people choose their cousin’s wife’s brother’s best friend without checking their success rate or reviews, based on relationship alone without regard for their financial well-being. A good realtor will also have connections within the industry and will have mortgage professionals that they recommend and who will help you with the preapproval process.
Pay a Pro
If your budget permits it and you have a lot to pack, consider hiring a professional moving company. Consumer Reports recommends selecting a company with good references and making sure they are properly licensed and insured for damage. Of course, the Kari Haas Real Estate Team has a list of resources and vendors, as well as a professional support team to help streamline the process.
Movers are well-trained and know the best methods and techniques for packaging and shipping your valuables. Their inventory process ensures you won’t have boxes that get knocked around in a friend’s truck or get left behind at the old place by mistake. You’ll avoid the potential for mishaps and injuries.
Get Organized
If you elect to do this without professional movers, create a checklist and start packing well in advance of moving day. Pack heavy items in small boxes and lightweight items in larger boxes. Pack your glasses and dishware in your table linens and kitchen towels for extra padding.
Color-code your boxes by room and load them with respect to what you’ll need access to first. Fill an overnight bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, medications and cleaning supplies and keep it with you close at hand; these are the things you’ll need as soon as you arrive in the new place.
Look After Your Devices
Before disassembling electronic setups, take photos of how they are configured. This will make it easier to get everything back up and working in the new place. Use small baggies to store screws and other hardware, and tape them to the component they were removed from.
Make sure to back up your data beforehand, and if you have manuals it’s a good idea to box them with their items. Consider removing batteries to prevent them from breaking down (or exploding) in warm conditions or on bumpy roads. Wrap all electronics carefully in protective materials designed for that purpose. Also, some electronic items respond badly to being shaken, so you should minimize movement in their boxes.
Know Where the Important Stuff Is
Gather up important documents, such as birth certificates, licenses, passports, wills, insurance papers, and vaccination and medical records, because it’s important to transport these yourself, keeping them close at hand. For example, it is better to have them with you than lost in a box you may not open for a few days.
Ensure your pets’ shots and certifications are up to date and take pictures of them in case of emergency. Make sure not to lose track of your pet’s information. Microchipping can be helpful in this instance, so make sure your vet is updated with your new contact information.
Get Help
Hire a babysitter if you have children and consider hiring a pet sitter if you have pets. Moving day is usually a little bit chaotic and stressful. It’s always easier if the kids and the pets aren’t underfoot. If you can’t take children and critters to the sitter, consider enlisting one of your moving buddies to act as chief child chaser and pet wrangler on the day.
With the right preparations and proper planning, your move will go smoothly and your property will be protected from damage. You’ll cut down on the time spent unboxing and organizing in your new home and prevent needless rummaging through unidentified boxes. To prepare your move in advance, use a checklist, pack items carefully, and identify them correctly for the trip. This will make moving day less stressful and time-consuming for you and your family.
The Kari Haas Real Estate Team has a team of professionals prepared to help you every step of the way. Whether it is junk removal, professional organization, or packing services our team is here for you!
Not only does Kari Haas have more than 300 real estate deals under her belt, but she has an outstanding success rate. When multiple offer situations arise, Kari’s clients win in over 95% of those instances! Put the Kari Haas Real Estate team behind you. Call or email us today!
This post was originally submitted by Lisa Walker and has been edited by the Kari Haas Real Estate Team.
Eco-Friendly Smart Home Upgrades For Greener Living
Smart home tech obviously offers a lot to get excited about, but did you know it can also make your home more eco-friendly? There are a ton of smart home upgrades that go a long way toward reducing your carbon footprint. This will make your home greener, lower your electricity bills, and can even boost your property value!
Here’s a look at how to turn your house into an eco-friendly smart home:
Staying Safe While Getting Smart
Adding smart devices to your home is a great way to improve your day-to-day life and reduce your impact on the environment. However, you must do it right, and that means doing it safely. The more devices you have connected to the internet, the more vulnerable your home is to hackers. You want to make sure you’ve secured your network as much as possible, and stay careful and thoughtful every time you add a device.
Start by creating an additional hidden WiFi network, and make that the only network you connect smart devices to. The great thing about a hidden WiFi network is that it won’t come up in “available network” searches for people nearby. Although they’re not impossible to find, they prevent you from being an easy target. You should also always set up your networks with randomly generated passwords, and only give network access to people you really trust. It is also smart to change your WiFi password after, say, a breakup — just in case.
Smart Utilities
The most straightforward way to use smart technology to reduce your carbon footprint is to build smart tech into your utility usage. For example, you could invest in a smart thermostat. This offers several carbon-footprint-friendly features — most notably, it allows you to keep your heating and cooling output low while you’re out of the house, but brings the temperature back to comfort-level before you get home.
You could also look into installing a smart faucet in your kitchen. This gives you the ability to be really specific with your water usage. For example, if you need two cups of water for a recipe, it’ll measure two cups exactly — no overage to pour out. It can also help you track your water usage, which keeps you aware and helps you moderate where possible.
Obviously, it is wonderful how these devices help reduce harm on the planet, but let’s be honest: the reduced utility bills are nice, too.
Smart Tech for Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Changes
Smart technology can make your life eco-friendlier indirectly as well by encouraging environmentally conscious lifestyle decisions. For example, you might be surprised how much smart tech is out there for indoor container gardening. You can use smart sensors to know exactly when your plants need water, whether or not they’re getting enough light, and more. This is a great support tool for anyone who wants to move toward a more self-sustainable lifestyle by growing their own herbs and foods at home.
Even something as simple as a smart home hub can encourage you to stay eco-friendly. Subscribe to environmentally-minded podcasts and set them to play on your smart speaker throughout the day. This keeps you up to date on the latest technology and science for keeping the planet healthy and empowers you to make smart decisions on a personal, professional, and political level.
Smart home tech can do a lot to keep our lives as eco-friendly as possible while also making them easier and more pleasant. Focus on the forms of tech that will shrink your utility bill, reduce your carbon footprint, and improve your property value all at once to create the perfect eco-friendly smart home.
Looking for a property so you can get started? Contact Kari Haas for help finding the perfect fit!
Photo Credit: Pexels
This post was originally submitted by Lisa Walker and has been edited by the Kari Haas Team. Lisa walker is the creator of NeighborhoodSprout.org, which provides inspiration for people putting time and energy into their homes.
Rainier Valley Is Rockin’!
Seattle has many fantastic neighborhoods. You’ve probably heard of Ballard, Queen Anne or Capitol Hill, to name a few. As these long-standing popular neighborhoods continue to increase in density, it is time to turn our attention to up-and-coming areas blossoming with fantastic restaurants and shops. Rainier Valley is on the top of our list!
For Sale: Fantastic Townhome
Located in south Seattle, Rainier Valley is a hub of excitement growing in conjunction with the communities of Columbia City, Hillman City, Brighton and Beacon Hill. Filled with independent, small and minority-owned businesses, great services and lots of activities, Rainier Valley is the place to be.
We created this handy guide to help you get started on exploring all that Rainier Valley has to offer. After hitting all the spots, we are sure you’ll fall in love with the are and want to move in!
THE NEIGHBORS
Columbia City
Columbia City is a historic landmark district in South Seattle, known for its international mix of restaurants and cafes, live music venues, Ark Lodge Cinema, and locally-owned shops and businesses. In the 1890’s, Columbia City was the last stop on the trolley line from downtown Seattle. Now, it is at the heart of the Light Rail line, 15 minutes from Sea-Tac Airport and 11 minutes to Downtown – Columbia City Business Association
Photo Credit – Columbia City Business Association Facebook
Hillman City
A community of collaborators, Hillman City is always abuzz with neighborhood gatherings and new businesses popping up. From breweries to co-working spaces, Hillman City is a wonderful area to relax and be yourself.
Brighton
Brighton is a primarily residential neighborhood in the Rainier Valley district. It is just south of the Hillman City neighborhood and about a mile and a half south of the Columbia City neighborhood and retail district. It was reportedly named “Brighton Beach” after the English resort city of Brighton in East Sussex.
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is a giant, pea pod-shaped neighborhood in south Seattle that is booming with new development. Beacon Hill offers residents – many families and young professionals – an urban feel without being too close to the hustle and bustle with lots of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.
FOOD
Geraldine’s Counter
People come from far and wide to stand in line outside of Geraldine’s. It is continuously voted one Seattle’s top breakfast and brunch destinations – and it is right here in the heart of Rainier Valley! Located on a busy corner in Columbia City, Geraldine’s supports customers from far and wide with Americana comfort food.
Empire Espresso
Empire Espresso is a cozy Columbia City gem that manages to feel both bustling and calm enough for reading or working. The staff are known for their seasonal latte art, so every frothy cup — from traditional to matcha to cayenne — ought to feature something Instagram-worthy. And the snacks include crispy waffles (including vegan and gluten-free versions), killer paninis, and hearty hummus plates. – Eater Seattle
Amy’s Merkato
Photo Credit – Amy’s Merkato Facebook
Established in 1992 by Amy herself and now owned by Judy and Filli, Amy’s Merkato is a restaurant, deli, and café AND, of course, is also Seattle’s first Ethiopian Market. The Google reviews and Globalist praise are enough for you to be sure Amy’s Merkato is the city’s best Ethiopian restaurant.
NW Peaks Brewery
If you didn’t believe us before, you need not worry any longer. NW Peaks Brewery, a stable of the hip Ballard community, has opened its doors in Rainier Valley’s Hillman City! It features unique beers and specialty casks for special occasions. Both tap rooms are open 7 days a week and are family friendly
Pizzeria con Cucina
It began as an idea back in 2004 inspired by a trip to Italy and stoked by some life experiences in Washington DC. After the owners moved back to the beloved Pacific Northwest, hosted several backyard fundraising parties, found investors, secured a location and undertook six months of building, the doors of Pizzeria con Cucina opened in Beacon Hill on July 15th, 2011.
SHOPPING
Third Place Books
Third Place Seward Park is a general-interest bookstore featuring new and used books with a used-book buying counter open seven days a week. It opened its doors in May of 2016 in the Seward Park neighborhood of south Seattle. It provides a gathering space for its community by hosting over 200 events a year! – Third Place Books
Photo Credit – Jacob Willard Home Facebook
Jacob Willard Home
Family-owned vintage furniture shop Jacob Willard Home operated online before opening its Hillman City showroom. In addition to a wide variety of restored midcentury furniture, it sells a selection of collectibles and LPs—and offers upholstery and refinishing services. Open Tuesday-Saturday, you can swing by the shop while you’re on your way home from work, the farmers market or a stroll! – Curbed Seattle
Hello Bicycle
In the winter of 2008, Hello Bicycle was founded with the mission to bring Beacon Hill a bicycle shop that could meet the needs of the diverse ridership in the area. Sam took ownership in 2018 and continues to help, educate, and encourage riders from all skill levels and background. Hello Bicycle approaches every encounter with the highest level of customer experience and detail oriented bicycle repair.
Southcenter
Okay, so it is not in Rainier Valley per say, but Southcenter is a fantastic area and shopping mall that is super close to Rainier Valley. There you will find everything you need from Target to iFly Indoor Skydiving and beyond!
BEAUTY, HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Photo Credit – Rocket CrossFit
Rocket CrossFit
Rocket is owned by husband and wife duo Brady and Alyssa. It was started in 2011 by Brady, who had a vision about creating community through fitness. “We are pretty sure we’ve got the best trainers in the city, and our incredible members deserve no less. We are the place where you can set aside all of your fears and insecurities while you find strength you didn’t know you had, cheered on by a remarkably diverse group of people who are doing the same thing.” – Rocket Crossfit
Tina’s Hair & Nail Salon
With top ratings on Yelp, Nextdoor and more, the community members of south Seattle and Rainier Valley LOVE Tina’s Hair & Nails Salon. They basically describe Tina and her staff as beauty wizards. It is quite possibly the most beloved hair/nail salon in Seattle. You be the judge!
PARKS
Photo Credit – City of Seattle
Kubota Gardens
The greater Seattle area has oh so many parks including the magical Kubota Gardens. It is a stunning 20-acre landscape blending Japanese garden concepts with native Northwest plants. Since 1987 it has been owned by the city and is an historical landmark. Visit the park to enjoy the beautiful landscaping or join in one of its many year-round events!
Seward Park
Just over the hill is one of the most peaceful parks Seattle has to offer. Named for William H. Seward, the Secretary of State who was responsible for America’s purchase of Alaska in 1867, Seward Park boasts 300 acres of something for everyone. It is home to eagles’ nests, forest land, old growth forest, a 2.4 mile bike and walking path, an amphitheater, a native plant garden, an art studio, a playground, shoreline, beaches and more.
SEASONAL
Columbia City Farmers Market
Seattle has a vibrant farmers market scene. The Columbia City Farmers Market, which began in 1998, is a beautiful gathering point for local farmers and community members to come together. Small farmers come in person to sell their food products to neighborhood residents while also providing education about their farm products and the importance of supporting and preserving local farmland. Check it out every Wednesday from May – October!
Photo Credit – BeatWalk
HONK! Fest West
HONK! Fest West is a free, non-profit, community music festival driven by the energetic performance of street bands in public spaces. Completely volunteer-planned and organized, HONK! festivals are a part of a global renaissance of community street band culture. For three days in Seattle area parks and streets, 25+ bands deliver music and celebration that is accessible to all. – HONK! Fest West
BeatWalk
For over 25 years, BeatWalk has brought incredible live music to the heart of Columbia City! Thanks to our generous sponsors, Beatwalk remains FREE for all ages! BeatWalk always features a great line-up of first-rate, local musicians hosted by neighborhood businesses for audiences of all ages. Since 1995 BeatWalk has brought music lovers together for a fun and safe night out on the town. – BeatWalk
SERVICES
Light Rail
Photo Credit – Kari Haas
The whole of Rainier Valley is conveniently situated along Sound Transit’s light rail including the new Othello Corridor. With numerous stops in the area, the whole city is at your fingertips! Such easy access makes Rainier Valley an excellent place to live.
Kari Haas – Windermere
After just 6 years in the industry, Kari Haas has risen to a top producer in her office of over 100 agents for the past 2 years in a row! Make sure to check out all the reviews she has on Zillow. If you or your friends are looking to buy or sell in the area, she’s the one you want.
Utilities
There is nothing more satisfying than easy access to your utilities. For that reason, we have all that info for you right here!
Cable, Internet & Phone: Comcast 800-934-6489; Wave 855-971-1252
Electricity, Garbage, Sewer & Water: Seattle Public Utilities/Seattle City Light 206-684-3000
Gas: Puget Sound Energy 888-225-5773
Nextdoor 2019 Neighborhood Favorites
Vote Kari Haas in the 2019 Neighborhood Favorites on
Nextdoor!
Voting is open through July 7th!
Neighbors on Nextdoor are voting now for their favorite local businesses of 2019, and Kari Haas Real Estate Team is in the running!
Help your neighbors connect with the Kari Haas Real Estate Team to help them sell their house & find their home by voting for us in the 2019 Neighborhood Favorites!
Please use this link to vote for our team directly: https://tinyurl.com/y6j93sny You can also find us when you log into your Nextdoor.com account—or create your new account!—and search for Kari Haas Real Estate Team, located at 100 116th Ave SE, Bellevue.
Voting closes July 7th. If we have received 20 recommendations, on Monday, July 8th we will choose a winner who both recommended us AND left a comment/review to receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
Vote Kari Haas by July 7th!
More about the 2019 Neighborhood Favorites:
Each year, customers have the chance to vote for their favorite neighborhood businesses in a variety of categories- The top voted businesses during the 2019 voting period are featured as a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite in the Recommendations section of the app
- Winning businesses are awarded a custom window sticker to showcase on their storefront
More about Nextdoor:
Nextdoor is the world’s largest social network for the neighborhood. It enables truly local conversations that empower neighbors to build stronger and safer communities.
Building connections in the real world is a universal human need. That truth, and the reality that neighborhoods are 
one of the most important and useful communities in our lives, have been a guiding principle for Nextdoor since it was founded in 2011. Neighbors in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Australia, Denmark and Sweden are using Nextdoor to:
- Find a trustworthy babysitter or recommended house painter
- Spread the word about a lost dog
- Organize a neighborhood watch group or quickly get the word out about a break-in
- Share information during a natural disaster
- Receive information from local public agencies
- Find a new home for an outgrown bicycle
- Connect with a trusted real estate agent
Nextdoor is a privately-held company based in San Francisco with the backing of prominent investors including, Benchmark Capital, Greylock Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Axel Springer, and others.
*Information in the “More About Nextdoor” section is from: https://about.nextdoor.com/
