DecorFor BuyersFor Home OwnersInvestingReal Estate RelatedTips & TricksUpgrades & Renovations February 12, 2021

When Establishing a Home Office, Should You Buy New or Remodel?

When Establishing a Home Office, Should You Buy New or Remodel?

 

Bellevue Home Office by Kari Haas

West Bellevue Beauty Home Office

 

When you have dreams of running your own business from home, your first reaction is likely to evaluate your current space. Is it big enough? Can you actually run a business from home without violating zoning regulations? How can you ensure your business’s success in this space? These are all fair questions, and ones you should answer before you decide on whether to buy a new home or remodel your existing space to fit your professional plans.

No matter your real estate needs, expert realtor Kari Haas can help you reach your goals! For more information, submit this form or call/text (206) 719-2224.

 

Twin Lakes Custom Split Level Home Office

 

Buying New

 

Buying a new home makes a lot of sense if you have equity in your current property and need a larger space. Determine the value of your current property and your remaining mortgage, which will give you an idea of how much cash you have to work with to put down on another. You should also confirm that your city or county will allow your type of business to operate in a residential zone. Chances are, if you simply need a home office and don’t plan to meet with clients, you can more or less relocate anywhere.

Next, you’ll want to take preemptive steps to separate your personal finances from your business’s cash flow. Do this by forming an LLC, which also has tax advantages and reduces your personal financial liability if your business begins to struggle. Forming an LLC is not complicated, and you can typically use a formation service and file on your own. Zen Business outlines the steps required to form an LLC in Washington and explains that this will start by registering a business entity name.

 

Dramatic Styling & Luxury Design Home Office in Edmonds

 

Remodeling

 

In some cases, staying where you are is the most family and budget-friendly option. This is especially true when you already have space, such as a garage or walk-in attic, that you don’t use. Remodeling a garage or other unfinished area can be expensive, and you can expect to invest thousands of dollars to make it right. That being said, it is still less expensive than spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new home.

Before you begin such a large undertaking, consult with numerous contractors for quotes. You’ll also want to confirm that their license is up to date and verify that they carry liability insurance.

With doing over 50 transactions a year and helping her clients remodel homes, Kari Haas is an excellent person to support you in a remodel. Whether it is bouncing around ideas or providing trusted referrals, Kari Haas is there to help you.

 

Charming Remodeled Showstopping Tudor Home Office in Seattle

 

Making Do

 

Many of us simply don’t have the funds to buy a new home or renovate an existing space when we are also starting a business. This doesn’t mean that you can’t work from the comfort of home and have a creative and productive space from which to do so. Look around at your current setup. A spare bedroom, bonus room, or even large walk-in closet can easily be turned into a home office. A desk and chair, overhead lighting, and a strong internet connection may be all you need to get started.

When you’re ready to make your move to home-based entrepreneurship, you have options. Whether you choose to buy a new home, renovate your existing space, or stay put, you are getting ready to start a brand-new adventure. No matter the choice, be prepared, plan your budget, and get ready to get to work.

 

 

This post was originally submitted by Tina Martin and has been edited by the Kari Haas Team. Tina is the creator of Ideaspired.com, where she helps people follow their dreams and be their own inspiration.

Real Estate Market Updates & Insight January 15, 2021

January 2021 Real Estate Update

The end of 2020 marked a most unusual year, and the real estate market was no exception. While homes sales usually take a holiday during December, this year saw the continuation of an exceptionally strong and competitive market. New listings, closed sales and home prices all went up. With supply nowhere close to meeting demand, the strong market is expected to extend into 2021.

Inventory continues to be the biggest challenge for buyers. While King County had a 62% increase in new listings compared to a year ago, homes were snapped up quickly, leaving the county with just over two weeks of available inventory at the end of the month. The supply of single-family homes was down 35% year-over-year. Buyers considering a condo had far more choices. Inventory was up 45%, but at about five weeks of available units the condo market is still significantly short of the four month supply that is considered balanced. Inventory in Snohomish County was even more strained, with the month end showing only a one-week supply of homes. At the end of December there were only 373 homes on the market in all of Snohomish County, a 63% drop from a year ago. With inventory this tight, it’s more important than ever for buyers to work with their agent on a strategic plan for getting the home they want.

 

Kari Haas is a 2020 Five Star Professional award winner!

Click here to read the announcement!

 

Low inventory and high demand continued to push prices upward. The median single-family home price in King County was up 10% over a year ago to $740,000. Price increases varied significantly by area. Seattle home prices were up 10%. The traditionally more affordable area of Southwest King County, which includes Federal Way and Burien, saw prices jump 15%. And on the Eastside, the most expensive market in King County, home prices soared 17% — the largest increase of any area in the county. Home prices in Snohomish County rose 12% to $573,495, just shy of its all-time high of $575,000.

With 2021 ushering in a new record low for interest rates, and inventory at its tightest in recent memory, 2021 is expected to remain a very competitive market.

Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner’s prediction: “As we move into 2021, I expect continued strong demand from buyers, but unfortunately, the likelihood that there will be any significant increase in inventory is slim. As a result, I believe prices will continue to rise, which is good news for sellers, but raises concerns about affordability. This, combined with modestly rising mortgage rates, could end up taking some steam out of the market but overall, I expect housing to continue being a very bright spot in the Puget Sound economy.”

The charts below provide a brief overview of market activity. If you are interested in more information, every Monday Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner provides an update regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the US economy and housing market. You can get Matthew’s latest update here.

 

 

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This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com

About Kari HaasEvents December 24, 2020

Kari’s 2021 Birthday Extravaganza: Virtual Trivia & Drive-By Party

Kari's Birthday Extravaganza Graphic

 

We are so excited for Kari’s 2021 Birthday Extravaganza! Kari’s friends, family, clients and colleagues are invited to join in on the fun. For more info and to RSVP, click here!

 

Kari’s birthday is Saturday, January 9th. On that day we are hosting two important events:

1-3pm | Drive-By Party

7-9pm | Virtual Trivia Happy Hour (winners will get prizes, of course!)

 

We need your RSVP by January 6th! To receive a fun party bag to use during the Virtual Trivia Happy Hour event, RSVP by January 4th!

 

RSVP required for both events. For more info and to RSVP, click here or copy this link and paste it into your web browser: https://forms.gle/wmxxoM3C8FFGj6Ru9.

 

 

InvestingKari's BlogUpgrades & Renovations December 24, 2020

Eco-Friendly Smart Home Upgrades For Greener Living

https://www.pexels.com/photo/cooking-hands-handwashing-health-545013/

 

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.

 

 

InvestingKari's BlogReal Estate Market Updates & Insight December 17, 2020

December 2020 Real Estate Market Update

Nothing about 2020 is normal, and that includes real estate trends. The housing market typically slows significantly during the holiday season, but that is not the case this year. Buyer interest is strong, sales are up, and prices have followed suit.

A recent report ranked our area as the most competitive real estate market in the country, with 71% of homes selling within two weeks. While the number of new listings in November were up compared to a year ago, there just wasn’t enough inventory to meet the current surge in demand.

In King County there were 37% fewer single-family homes on the market – 1,621 homes this November vs. 2,592 a year ago. Inventory in Snohomish County is even more strained. At the end of the month there were just 416 homes for sale as compared to 1,204 a year ago, a 65% drop. Both counties had about a two week supply of homes at the end of November. A four month supply of inventory is considered balanced. Buyers in the market for a condominium in King County had much more options. Condo inventory was up 39% over last year.

The inventory-starved market sent home prices higher. The median single-family home price in King County was up 10% over a year ago to $730,500. Home prices in Snohomish County rose 14% to $566,000. In a survey of homebuyers looking for a home during Covid-19, 82% said they would go over budget to get their ideal home. Record-low interest rates have helped soften the blow of soaring prices a bit. According to Freddie Mac, rates on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to their lowest level, at 2.71%, for the 14th time this year.

With low inventory and high demand, buyers need to be ready to compete. That means being pre-approved or willing to offer cash, and working with an agent on a plan that includes counter-offers, escalation clauses and other strategies to help win the sale. As many consider working remotely long-term, our home has become more important to us than ever.

The charts below provide a brief overview of market activity. If you are interested in more information, every Monday Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner provides an update regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the US economy and housing market. You can get Matthew’s latest update here.

 

Kari Haas is a 2020 Five Star Professional award winner!

Click here to read the announcement!

 

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This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com

About Kari HaasNeighborhoodsVolunteer work November 24, 2020

Giving Tuesday 2020

 

Kari’s Top 5 Places to Give on Giving Tuesday 2020

Giving Tuesday ushers in the charitable season, immediately following Thanksgiving and the popular shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. There are so many amazing organizations deserving donations on Giving Tuesday near and far. Here are my top 5 local organizations!

  1. Bellevue Youth Theatre

Mission Statement: BYT’s mission is to provide opportunities in the performing arts for all young people, regardless of income or ability, and allow them to perform before a live audience. At the same time, the theater provides the community with quality productions, which are both entertaining and socially relevant for the entire family.

I am proud to have been a board member and and to have helped raise funds to build the new Bellevue Youth Theatre at Crossroads Park many years ago. I am also proud to still be a strong supporter today. Click here to be part of Bellevue Youth Theatre’s mission this Giving Tuesday!

 

New Bethlehem Project
  1. Camp Solomon Schechter

Mission Statement: Camp Solomon Schechter (CSS) has a 65-year tradition of fun, friendship, and Jewish education in the Pacific Northwest. CSS values each child as an individual and strives to support their social and spiritual growth. Campers have the opportunity to be independent in a safe and nurturing environment. CSS is a fully immersive, welcoming, and spiritual Jewish environment. CSS emphasizes the values of integrity, derech eretz (respect), and tikkun olam (repairing the world), all while fostering life-long friendships. At CSS, Judaism and Joy are truly one!

Camp Solomon Schechter has been an integral part of my life and has helped shape the person I am today. I attended CSS as a camper and later worked there as a lifeguard. My children also attended (and one of them still attends!) CSS. Even my mother attended CSS! I am following my grandmother’s footsteps by being an active board member for CSS to ensure that future generations can benefit from this wonderful organization. I give to Camp Solomon Schechter on Giving Tuesday and every day! Join me by clicking here!

New Bethlehem Project, Giving Tuesday

  1. New Bethlehem Project

Mission Statement: Meet the urgent and unmet needs of families who are experiencing homelessness on the Eastside.

Helping our community’s population of people in need is a huge passion of mine. I’ve been working with the New Bethlehem Project, formerly the Eastside Winter Shelter, for many years now and it is incredibly rewarding. Though #GivingTuesday is generally about giving donations, what they really need is food, paper goods and your time. 2020 is our 7th year sponsoring the paper goods and non-perishable breakfast food drive, and we are still collecting! Call me at 206-719-2224 for more information or for a pick-up. This Giving Tuesday, give to the eastside families experiencing homelessness.

  1. Hebrew Free Loan Association

Mission Statement: To aid worthy Jewish people to be and remain self-supporting and self-respecting persons by aid of loans, grants, and such services as the individual may require. Such loans, grants, and services shall be rendered without interest or other charge.

I cannot overstate how important this organization is. I was the recipient of one of these loans many years ago as a struggling single mother. This organization was there when I was in need. It lifted me up so that I could help myself. Now I am incredibly privileged to help support this organization and therefore many people who need a little extra help. If you need help, contact HFLA today to apply for a loan! And if you are planning your Giving Tuesday donations, please include HFLA and click here!

 

  1. Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center

Mission Statement: Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is a community where horses transform the bodies, minds, and spirits of people with disabilities.

Every year I volunteer at Little Bit with my office, Windermere Bellevue Commons. We’ve been doing this as a group for 17 years and I’m proud to support such a vital, caring and nurturing service to our community. It is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people doing incredibly meaningful work. Check it out today and give to Little Bit this Giving Tuesday by clicking here!

Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Giving Tuesday

 

 

 

About Kari HaasReal Estate Market Updates & InsightReal Estate RelatedSocial Media November 24, 2020

Kari Haas is a Five Star Professional Award Winner

Five Star Real Estate Agent Congratulations BannerFor Immediate Release

October 25, 2020

 

SEATTLE, WA – Five Star Professional is pleased to announce that Kari Haas is a 2020 Five Star Real Estate Agent! Kari is among an elite group of professionals honored with the Five Star award in the Seattle area.

The Five Star Real Estate Agent award recognizes professionals who excel in client satisfaction. All award winners are chosen after undergoing rigorous research, including client nominations and evaluations, regulatory requirements, and a review by an industry Blue Ribbon Panel. After satisfying all of our research requirements, Kari has been named a Five Star Real Estate Agent!

Please join me in congratulating Kari Haas on this incredible accomplishment. You can see a congratulations Facebook post here!

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Wesser

Five Star Professional

VP, Research

 

Check out the video announcement!

 

Real Estate Market Updates & Insight November 13, 2020

November 2020 Real Estate Market Update

The number of people who can work remotely may be changing the way we view our homes, but one trend has not changed. The local housing market in October remained unseasonably hot. And that doesn’t show signs of changing any time soon.

October saw continued low inventory and record-level sales, with the number of sales exceeding that of 2019 year-to-date.

While new listings are on the rise, they are being snapped up quickly and many homes are selling in a matter of days. In King County there were 38% fewer single-family homes on the market as compared to a year ago. Snohomish County had 59% fewer listings. A four-month supply of homes for sale is considered a balanced market, but King and Snohomish counties currently have less than one month of supply.

With supply unable to keep up with demand, home prices are escalating at double-digit rates. The median single-family home price in King County rose 14% over a year ago to $745,000. Prices in Snohomish County jumped 17% year-over-year to a record high of $579,972. About half the homes that closed in October sold for over the asking price as compared to about a quarter of the homes the same time last year.

The real estate market here is uncommonly resilient. Growing employment in major tech industries and an enviable quality of life have made our region one of the fastest growing areas in the country. With interest rates remaining at record lows, we may well skip the traditional slowing in the winter market altogether.

The charts below provide a brief overview of market activity. If you are interested in more information, every Monday Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner provides an update regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the US economy and housing market. You can get Matthew’s latest update here.

 

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Kari is a 2020 Five Star Professional Award Winner!

 

 


This post originally appeared on GetTheWReport.com

Circle of FriendsFoodFreebies October 30, 2020

Circle of Friends with Tres Lecheria

Kari Haas is honored to partner with Tres Lecheria for the Sept/Oct/Nov 2020 Circle of Friends promotion!

Tres Lecheria Circle of Friends Postcard

 

Six times a year Kari Haas partners with a local business to bring her clients a free gift. For our fall 2020 promotion, Kari is bringing her clients a complimentary slice of the FAMOUS Tres Lecheria ‘Tres Leches Cake’!

About Tres Lecheria

Cubes Baking Co. began when Kevin started selling cube-shaped cakes from his car, a Nissan Cube. The Cube, a 4-layer cake with alternating layers of delicious cake and fillings, available in multiple flavors, was born. Cubes Baking Co. expanded to offer flan, chocoflan, Mexican wedding cookies, Jr. Cubes, cupCubes, and other seasonal items. Most of their offerings are inspired by Mexican pastries and pan dulce, and cake flavors using Mexican flavor profiles inspired by favorite snacks growing up in Southern Texas and California.

Cubes Baking Co. has recently shifted gears, focusing on it’s sister business, Tres Lecheria. Tres Lecheria  is their wholesale bakery business, focusing on tres leches cake slices in many flavors. You may have seen these delicious cakes on Netflix’s Sugar Rush: Christmas and Food Network’s Winner Cake All!

Circle of Friends

The Circle of Friends program is a way for Kari to support local businesses and provide her clients with gift. Every two months, Kari partners with a local business. Some of the businesses Kari has partnered with in the past include:

Connect with Kari Haas at 206-719-2224 to learn how you can get on her Circle of Friends list AND to create a strategy to meet your real estate needs!

 

 

 

Real Estate Market Updates & Insight October 20, 2020

October 2020 Real Estate Market Update

While daily life may seem unpredictable, the local real estate market remains extremely stable. Activity in September acted more like the traditional peak spring market with home sales soaring and prices hitting record highs. Inventory remains very tight and new listings are selling quickly in every price range.

There just aren’t enough homes on the market to meet demand. King County had about half the inventory of a year ago. Snohomish County had 63% fewer available homes. On the other hand, the number of condos on the market in King County jumped by 24% over last September. Brokers attribute the flood of new inventory to COVID remote workers looking to trade their in-city condo for more living space. Despite the increase in inventory, condo prices rose 8% in September and pending sales — the best indicator of current demand — shot up 36% over the same period last year.

The slim supply of single-family homes means bidding wars and all-cash offers were the norm, driving prices to record highs. King County saw the third consecutive month of record-setting values. The median home price hit $753,600 in September, a 14% jump over last year. Prices in Snohomish County soared 16% from a year ago to $569,997, just shy of its all-time high of $575,000. For both counties, half the homes sold for over list price in September as compared with just a quarter of the homes a year ago.

The market doesn’t show signs of cooling off any time soon. In September the greater Northwest area saw the highest number of transactions since June 2018. Pending sales were up 32% in King County and 29% in Snohomish County. Interest rates continue to be at historic lows. With the area posting some of the fastest population growth in the country, expect the market to stay unseasonably hot.

The charts below provide a brief overview of market activity. If you are interested in more information, every Monday Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner provides an update regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the US economy and housing market. You can get Matthew’s latest update here.

 

Connect with us on Twitter for the latest news!

 

 

EASTSIDE

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Keep in touch with us on Facebook!

 

KING COUNTY

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Create with us on Pinterest!

 

SEATTLE

VIEW FULL SEATTLE REPORT

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

VIEW FULL SNOHOMISH COUNTY REPORT


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