Author: Carl Setzer

Man, What a Weekend

Carl Setzer

This one was pretty full. Graduation parties, that was both delightful and alarming. I’ve known these kids since they were quite small. And I know that the next few years will be filled with these moments. The main shift that’ll happen going forward, though: I’ll have known the kids since they were even younger. Pretty soon, they’ll be kids that I’ve known since babies. Which will be really cool, and a big honking clue that I’m getting older…or just old.

Father’s Day was fun. One nice thing about living this close to both halves of my family; we were able to visit both sets of dads. Or, in my son’s view, grandpas.

With both elements, both days laden with hyper-sweet stuff. This morning I really felt the effects. Almost hangover-esque. Fuzzy head, weirdly tired. I gotta cut back, way back on the sugar. And, yeah, thought I need to get out and exercise more, I did manage to get some walks in. So, I really shouldn’t get too cranky.

But, yeah, I need to eat better. Now that summer is starting, I’ll start planning out meals again. The end of the school year has been nuts. Hopefully, things will settle back down.

Next up: I have some ideas of things to get done this summer. I haven’t been to the San Juans, and I’d like to ride the Centennial Trail. And a bunch of hiking. Anyway, more on that soon. If you have any ideas, though, leave notes in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas.

Thinking About Bothell Real Estate

Carl Setzer

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A few weeks ago I was enjoying a weekend afternoon with friends. I got to talk with some folks looking to buy a home in the area. As is often the case right now, they were frustrated with their agent. They had narrowly missed the cut on several homes, and they kept hearing about multiple offers and such. They weren’t convinced their agent was completely leveling with them. I was glad to let them know that, actually, their agent was spot on. Most well priced homes will get >1 offers. My record in 2016 has been 14.

Anyway, I took some time this evening to dive into Bothell’s current real estate market trends. So, the basics.

  • The median house price in May was $541,788.
  • 139 new homes came on the market, while 160 sold. Yes, more sold than came on the market. Quite the burn rate!
  • Layered with the above, Bothell has .9 months on inventory. If no new him need came on, we’d sell everything currently on the market within 27 days
  • The average days on market was 20.7 days! That speed is shocking

It’s helpful to remember that the city is in two counties: King and Snohomish. Which plays a piece in pricing. While the median price for the whole city of $541,788, the median in Snohomish county Bothell was only $524,950, yet the King county side was $650,000. As the adage good, “location, location, location!”

Bothell, in many ways, is the northern most frontier of the Eastside. Snohomish county is where that ends, as we see with the price delta. It’s a very neat community, though. Northshore schools are some of the best. Bothell is close to Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall, and the niceties of Bellevue, etc. Pretty close to I-5, thus had solid access to Seattle. There are lovely parks, bike trails, and so much more.

Take a look at what’s available in Bothell and let me know what you like. Think of me and my team for all your real estate needs

My, it’s rather brisk today

Carl Setzer1 Comment

After the past few days of 80 F + weather, this drop to the 60s is rather brisk. Dare I say “cold”?

However, it’s nice to not sweat so much. The drop is temperature is actually quite nice.  Just wishing I had a sweater right now. I guess I, like most Seattle-folk, aren’t happy  unless we’re complaining about the weather.

Anyway, how are you dealing with the change? Happy? Freezing? “Wait, the weather changed? I better get out from in front of my monitor…”

Lynnwood Fire Department’s Disaster Preparedness Training June 11

Carl Setzer

I can’t think of a better way to be a great neighbor.

MYN

Join us this Saturday, June 11 from 10am-noon at Fire Station 14 to build and strengthen your disaster readiness skills with the Lynnwood Fire Department. Learn the basics of first aid, ladder climbing and rescue cribbing, how to turn off your gas and water, how to use a fire extinguisher, and learn how to implement Map Your Neighborhood with your neighbors.

Fire Station 14 is located at 18800 68th Ave W, Lynnwood.

To register, contact Misty Burke at mburke@LynnwoodWA.gov or 425-670-5302.

Additional workshops will be held on the following dates:

  • Sunday, June 26, 2pm-4pm (en espanol)
  • Wednesday, July 13, 6pm-8pm
  • Tuesday, September 27, 6pm-8pm

Follow us on Twitter @LynnwoodFire

Lynnwood’s Azteca Is Gone

Carl Setzer

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It closed over a month ago (according to my chums at Lynnwood Today). Well, I haven’t been by the site in a couple of weeks and, boom, I see a vacant store front. It’s been ages since I’ve set foot in there, so, well, there you go. Per the article, the signs were still up, hence why I don’t think I noticed it being vacant. Now, though, the windows are out as the storefront is being renovated. I didn’t see any signage pointing to a new store (no “coming soon” or whatnot, but I doubt the building’s owners would invest in that major of a renovation unless they had a tenant lined up. However, I’ll ask around and keep my eyes peeled.

Update: OK, went riding along the Interurban and got a closer look. There is a “Coming Soon” sign up where they’re working. Couldn’t are it closely, though. I’m sure I’ll get to see more details soon.

A fun find in eastern Snohomish County

Carl Setzer

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Found a fun property for sale: a $14.4 million dollar estate in eastern Snohomish county. Probably better to call it a compound. Comes with a lake, golf course, train (with roundabout…I’m sure scaled down some), and go cart track to name a few amenities. Got a couple million laying to spend on an amazing experience for your family? Let me know!

Reflections On The Week

Carl Setzer

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Another piece: Lynnwood’s highest price point seems to be east of 99. Many of those are newly constructed, especially the parts that abut Bothell. Of course, there are the view homes in Blue Ridge, but even they have been hovering in the high 500s, and I haven’t seen one break 600k recently. Just observations.

I also noted the number of condos sold in Lynnwood. Less that half the total sales, but a solid contributor to Lynnwood’s overall sales numbers. The lower price point really helps with affordability. Remember, though, that condo association dues play a part in financing. If your acceptable monthly mortgage payment is $2,000 and dues are $300, it’ll more like you’re financing $1,700. (This is not exact. Lender’s computations are more complex, so I always recommend developing a relationship with a good one. I know several I trust deeply, fyi)  I’ll take a deeper dive into condos soon. They are cool and provide some really affordable options.

Life’s getting easier for buyers. More inventory means less competition. But the summer buyers are coming soon. It’s going to be a zany few months. It’ll be fun!relationship

Home Maintenance Tip Of The Day: Driveways

Carl Setzer

I get many emails from a wide array of folks. Got the message below from a contractor acquaintance. Now, I must admit, driveway maintenance is not generally on my radar. However, it’s an important thing to do to maintain your home’s value. Messed up driveways are pretty annoying.

Anyway, read and learn!

Every driveway has a life expectancy, this is determined by two key factors, the base and the thickness of the asphalt.
However, the Pavement will eventually crack. When this happens don’t use liquid asphalt. while it might hide the problem for a month or two, that is all it will do. It is preferable to have a Professional come out and look at it, instead of trying to fix it yourself.
Small dips in the driveway will deteriorate faster than the rest of the driveway allowing puddles of water to collect and eventually form potholes in your driveway. These should be fixed immediately as not to cause long term damage.

An Edmonds Haiku

Carl Setzer

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Along the water
Clarity flowing inwards
A day in Edmonds

I love the tranquil feeling of walking along the Edmonds shoreline. One of my favorite places on earth. Memories; of my my grandparents, my mom, my wife and now watching my son grow up. All these upon the sandy shores near the ferry. Part of what makes the place home.

Reflections on Memorial Day Weekend

Carl Setzer

Though most of the weekend was a bit damp, I am quite pleased. Meet friends for coffee Saturday at Edmonds Cafe Louvre, Sunday had friends over for smores and a movie. Today, after a brief trip, we walked down at the Edmonds Marina, then I strolled through the neighborhood to grab a coke. Lastly, I zipped out to Albertsons for some groceries. Not high demand, which is good right now. Rest.

But getting together with friends was my favorite part. It makes me feel the most blessed. And grateful.

I’m surrounded by good, loving people. My life is pretty awesome.