You will notice many similarities in the list of homes below. First of all, the majority of them sold very quickly, many in less than two weeks. Many saw multiple offers and many are homes priced around $500k. Many are close to the ferry with small lots.
The long held idea of the “perfect home” has changed for many people. “Perfection” used to be much larger, cost a lot more and typically come with a lot of property to maintain. As we inch out of this recession many new definitions are being written and we see that clearly illustrated in many of the homes purchased in 2011. As we turn the page to 2012, “perfection” for more and people means less debt, less commute, less to maintain. Simple, really.
In 2012 I expect to see even more buyers shopping for and buying homes that are smart, efficient and practical, yet still charming, special and inspired.
Happy New Year – see you out there!
This home caused quite a flurry. A flurry of offers. Eight total. This Wing Point neighborhood cottage designed by architect Roger Long is cozy, yet, bright and open. The garden is literally a work of art. The trend towards the “not-so-big” house and the proximity to the ferry made many buyers jump for the opportunity to live in this artistic in-town cottage for under $400k.
Click here for a blog post about the Wing Point Neighborhood.
This home is in the sunny historic farmland area of Eagledale. This home and location oozes charm. Not a surprise weddings have been held on the property and for a buyer who wants old world charm in good condition, these homes are hard to find in this price point. Another unique opportunity.
Click here for a blog post about the Eagledale Neighborhood.
A home by this builder also made my Top 10 list back in 2008. The Rolling Bay Land Company builds healthy homes and this one was designed by Studio Hamlet. The design is as modern as the construction is Green. From blown-in wool insulation to an 1,100 gallon rain cistern, this home is a smart collection of ideas, inspiration and innovation. And Green innovation at any price point is admirable, but for under $500k it list-worthy!
Click here for a blog post about the Rolling Bay Neighborhood.
Another Wing Point home. And another Craftsman style home. And . . . another home that saw multiple offers. Close to the ferry, on the Wing Point Golf Course and in an active price range. Warm woodwork and cozy spaces. Although the home is just over 2,000 square feet, the finishes, quality, and location live large.
Click here for a blog post about the Wing Point Neighborhood.
This home has what many buyers consider the perfect package. It has two of my favorite amenities: a Mother-in-law space over the garage and walking proximity to schools. Quality woodwork and finishes with an open floorplan and just the right size at about 2,300 square feet. No surprise it lasted less than a month.
Click here for a blog post about the North Town Woods Neighborhood.
A sophisticated woodsy retreat near popular Battle Point Park. This home sold in the high $800k’s just a few years earlier. Deeded water access, a detached office connected by a breezeway, and a home with a smart floor plan, extensive woodwork with clever built-ins, fenced gardens. An amazing value.
Click here for a blog post about the Battle Point Park Neighborhood.
A home built by Bill Corbin was also on my list last year. Bill Corbin builds them fresh and modern with clean lines. This home sits on five wooded acres – with trails and bridges. A brand new home with concrete counters in the kitchen and sleek modern tiles in the bathrooms. A large home in a retreat setting.
Farmhouse perfection in Hidden Cove Estates. For someone looking for something a little different, this was it. Some homes look like farmhouses on the outside, then just have vanilla finishes. This home brought the classic charm of an old farmhouse inside with a quality distressed painted white cabinets in the kitchen, pine woodwork throughout the home, a sunroom and covered porches.
I think this home tops the list for homes I got the most inquires about over the course of the year. A large newer, waterfront home at this price-point drew a lot of attention. Warm Northwest Contemporary Style, high end finishes and western facing Olympic Mountain Sunsets made this a popular package.
Pristine south end low bank waterfront. Walking out to the water on the backyard boardwalk, the grand view of Mt. Rainier, framed by watercolor landscaping is like instantly stepping into vacation mode. To think you could do that every day is pretty special. A guest house, main house, garden space, all set back from the road with a gated entrance. Privacy hard to find on Point White Drive.
All photos courtesy NWMLS.