Northwest life • January 3, 2023

Art exhibits coming to Seattle area in 2023

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Much of the focus in the Pacific Northwest is rightfully focused on the out of doors. However, the Seattle area also as a vibrant arts scene that is worth taking a look at.

The Seattle area’s sophisticated cultural scene embraces a wide range of artistic forms and styles. Our brokers are looking forward to these exciting art exhibits coming up near Seattle-area homes for sale.

New Art and Sounds from the Pacific Northwest: Indie Folk – Bellevue Art Museum, 510 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
For indigenous cultures art frequently combined form and function. New Art and Sounds from the Pacific Northwest: Indie Folk, showing just minutes from Bellevue home for sale, highlights woven baskets, quilts, tooled-wood objects, and other items made by hand with whatever materials were available. Portland’s Mississippi Records curated the background soundtrack featuring regional folk singers. The exhibit runs through January 29. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for students, and $8 for ages 7-17.
All the World’s a Stage – Patricia Rovzar Gallery, 1111 1st Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Theater and visual art meet in All the World’s a Stage. Artist Patrick LoCicero, who often turns to the past for inspiration, became fascinated with Pierrot, the stock character from 17th-century Italian theater. LoCicero’s collage-style paintings explore the many facets of this humorous yet tragic character. The exhibit runs through January 28. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free.
The Walt Disney Studios and World War II – The Museum of Flight, 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, WA 98108
What do Disney cartoons have to do with American war efforts? More than the public realizes, as demonstrated in The Walt Disney Studios and World War II. When Walt Disney agreed to allow his Burbank studio lot to serve as an Army anti-aircraft base, he also put his staff to work producing film and print campaigns. More than 550 film clips and artifacts are included in the exhibit, which runs through February 5. The Museum of Flight is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults and $17 for ages 5-17.
PNW x PNW: Photographs from the Henry Art Collection, Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, 15 Ave. NE & NE 41st St., Seattle, WA 98195
The spectacular scenery of the Pacific Northwest draws millions of tourists each year, but no one knows the region’s beauty like local residents. PNW x PNW: Photographs from the Henry Art Collection features works from noted artist such as Eirik Johnson, Mary Randlett, and Imogen Cunningham, who have lived and worked in the region. The exhibit runs through February 5. Hours are 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Admission is free, but donations up to $20 are suggested.
Mygration – Nordic Art Museum, 2655 NW Market St., Seattle, WA 98107
Mygration opens a window to a fascinating episode in American and Scandinavian history. In the late 19th century, the U.S. government invited Sámi herders to train Alaskan herders. When their contract was up, many of the Sámi stayed to join the Gold Rush. Sámi artist Tomas Colbengtson and Swedish artist Stina Folkbrandt used photos and paintings to tell this little-known story. Folkbrandt also created a mural in the same theme to adorn a façade on the museum’s campus. The exhibit runs through March 5. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day but Monday. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for college students, and $10 for ages 5-18, with no charge on the first Thursday of each month.
In Your Eyes: Experiment Like ESTAR(SER) – Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
With In Your Eyes: Experiment Like ESTAR(SER), viewers become part of the exhibit. In addition to displays of triads from the museum’s collection, visitors are asked to create their own using magnetic reproductions of select artworks. The exhibit runs through October 15. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, and admission is free.

There’s always something new to see at the Seattle area museums and galleries!

Put your own artistic stamp on a new home in Seattle. Contact us at Coldwell Banker Bain for all your real estate needs

Market Trends • March 28, 2022

Coldwell Banker Bain is No. 1 in the world

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

CBBain top affiliate logo

(In March, 2021, Coldwell Banker Bain was named the top Coldwell Banker affiliate in the world for 2021. My decision to join the Edmonds office felt right from the beginning. I had no idea at the time just how right it was. It feels very good to be surrounded by the best.)

(Earlier this month, Coldwell Banker Bain was named the top Coldwell Banker affiliate in the world for 2021. My decision to join the Edmonds office felt right from the beginning. I had no idea at the time just how right it was. It feels very good to be surrounded by the best.)

Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a Realogy (NYSE: RLGY) brand, has announced its 2021 year-end award recipients for numerous Coldwell Banker^® affiliated company, office, team, and agent categories in North America.

Coldwell Banker Bain has, once again, earned the Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle designation for outstanding performance in volume, ranking as the top network affiliate in adjusted gross income out of 3,000 offices across 40 countries and territories. The company achieved a total sales volume of more than $8 billion in 2021.

In addition to achieving Coldwell Banker’s highest honor, Coldwell Banker Bain was also recognized for its performance in top categories overall, as follows:

#1 affiliate in North America for Adjusted Gross Commission Income
#1 affiliate for Adjusted Gross Income and Units by state, Washington and Oregon
#1 office for Adjusted Gross Income and Units in Washington State, #6 office for Adjusted Gross Income nationally – Coldwell Banker Bain of Bellevue
#1 office for Adjusted Gross Income and Units in Oregon – Coldwell Banker Bain of Bend
#2 broker for Adjusted Gross Income in Washington State – Christi Clark, Coldwell Banker Bain of Bellevue
#2 broker for Adjusted Gross Income in Oregon – Patrick J. Henry, Coldwell Banker Bain of Portland Uptown

Additionally, 17 Coldwell Banker Bain offices were named to its international categories of President’s Elite, President’s Circle, Diamond Society, and Sterling Society, representing Gross Commissionable Income of $1,000,000 to $125,000, respectively.

Twenty-two offices throughout Washington and Oregon were also named to its Premier category, reflecting prestigious designation earned by sales volumes and commission.

“These Coldwell Banker network recognitions underscore the tireless work of our brokers in 2021, despite continued uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mike Grady, Coldwell Banker Bain president and chief executive officer. “Our brokers’ tenacity, commitment to excellent client service, and market knowledge endear them to each community they serve.”

Buying a home • Moving • March 21, 2022

Here are 10 things you might forget after moving

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Image of packing box and Coldwell Banker Bain logo

Yes, moving can be an emotionally and physically challenging time. When you’re in the new place and have a moment to sit down, go over this list provided by the experts at Coldwell Banker Bain to make sure you have all the details covered.

Moving to a new house can be a stressful and chaotic ordeal. You have a thousand different things to worry about. There’s a good chance something will be forgotten.

Whether it’s an item you didn’t pack up or a task you neglected to do, it’s not uncommon to get to your new home, only to say, “What happened to the ______?!” Here are some of the most common things people forget.

Often Forgotten Items and Tasks

Important Documents
This includes birth certificates, medical records, social security cards, etc. You only need to access them occasionally, so you put them away in a little-used space, where you can find them if you need them. Then during moving, you forget to check that little-used space, and it all gets left behind. They may be little-used, but they’re also extremely important, and take a lot of time and money to get new copies of. Pack your important documents and records up well in advance of your move, to be sure you bring them with you.
Valuables
Do you have jewelry, valuable antiques, or even cash, hidden away for a rainy day? Maybe you’re keeping something under a loose floorboard, or behind a panel in the wall. It’s surprisingly common for people to leave their hidden valuables behind when they move. Wherever your “secret spot” is, don’t forget to check it, and get everything out.
Keys
Keys are small, and easy to lose during a move. Take particular note of the keys you use that aren’t on the keyring you carry with you, such as to cabinets, or safety deposit boxes. If they get lost or forgotten, at best it’s a major hassle. At worst, it can be a disaster. Don’t forget them. If you have any spare, hidden housekeys in the yard, collect those too, and give them to the new owners.
Garden Tools
While you’re packing up everything in the house, don’t forget the things in the garage, or in the yard. Is there a garden hose connected to an outdoor spigot? Shovels, spades, and rakes in the tool shed? Be sure to check your outdoor areas for forgotten items.
Plants
If you have any potted plants outdoors, it’s easy to forget about them. The same goes for lawn ornaments. Anything that’s not a permanent fixture of the yard, needs to be packed up and brought with you.
Kitchen Appliances
You’ve had your coffeemaker and microwave so long, it’s like they’re part of the decor. In your mind, you think of them as part of the kitchen, rather than belongings to be packed up. Then you get to your new home and realize this kitchen doesn’t have a coffeemaker or microwave. That’s because you left them behind.
Dry Cleaning and Library Books
If you’re moving a long distance away, don’t forget to take care of any local business before you go. Picking up your dry cleaning is a task that can fall by the wayside, as is returning library books. Then, when you’re a thousand miles away, you suddenly realize you don’t have your favorite suit, or you DO have the book your child did a book report on last month.
Memberships
If you pay for membership to any local clubs or facilities (e.g. a gym membership), see if there are branches near your new home, to which you can transfer your membership. If there’s not, be sure to cancel, so you’re not paying for a club you’re too far away to attend.
Mail and Bills
Don’t forget to make arrangements with the post office to forward your mail to your new address. Then, go through all the bills you receive at your current address and notify each of them of your new address. The last thing you want is unpaid bills or important letters that you didn’t receive because they were sent to your old house.
Healthcare
Getting your prescription medication at a different pharmacy from your usual one can be a difficult process, and may take time. Don’t wait until you run out of an important medication before making arrangements with a pharmacy in your new neighborhood. Take care of it ahead of time, so you don’t have to deal with a gap in your medicine. It’s also important to notify your doctor and your health insurance provider that you’ll be moving. Depending on how far you’re moving, you may need to switch doctors, or you may not be covered anymore by your current policy.

Forgetting things during a move is common, but if you have someone knowledgeable to help you, the ordeal becomes easier. Our brokers can guide you through the process and make it less chaotic, so you have more time to focus on the tasks above. Contact us and let us help you move into your dream house.

Uncategorized • November 29, 2021

How to get that home that everyone seems to want

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Market graphic with Coldwell Banker Bain logo

Regardless of interest rates, housing inventory and other variables, a quality home that is well-priced will likely attract a lot of attention. The experts at Coldwell Banker Bain put together these tips to help you navigate a competitive market and get your dream home.

Securing a home in a competitive market can feel challenging, if not impossible. Below, we’ve rounded a few tips to give you the best chance possible at getting your dream home in the competitive market. Following our guide and working with our brokers will help you stay ahead of the pack and position yourself as a potential buyer.

Get pre-approved
Before you even begin house hunting, get a pre-approval letter from a lender. Shopping with a pre-approval in hand shows sellers a lender has verified your income, creditworthiness, and other numbers, and you have the capacity to buy their house. A pre-approval letter will communicate that you’re a serious buyer. If there are several offers on the table, interested parties without financing could be tossed out. Pre-approval qualifies you for financing and gives you a competitive edge. And keep in mind that pre-qualification is not the same as pre-approval.
List your needs and wants
Now is the time to break out a notepad and start making a list of your needs and wants. Needs are non-negotiable features that your next home must have. Wants are features you’d like your next home to have but would be willing to sacrifice if you find a good home. For example, you may need a large backyard for your children or pets. You may prefer hardwood floors or an updated kitchen, but those may not be deal-breakers. Knowing your non-negotiable items will help determine whether a home meets your minimum requirements. If it does, you’ll be able to act quickly and make an offer in today’s competitive market.
Find a great Realtor
A great real-estate broker is your secret weapon when buying a home in a competitive market. One starting point is to look for a broker with the Realtor designation, from the National Association of Realtors. Not only do they have a solid understanding of the current market and the neighborhood you’re interested in, but they also have terrific connections and great negotiations skills, which will work to your advantage. Before you hire a broker, be sure to get referrals, check online reviews, contact several recent clients, and find out their experience. When you have a list of at least three contenders, ask important questions. The inside knowledge of an excellent broker can put you on the fast track to success.
Look for homes under your budget
In a competitive market, you can expect to compete against multiple or dozens of bidders on one home. As such, it may not be a good idea to look for homes at the top of your budget because chances are another person will outbid you. A good strategy is to look for homes that are below your budget so you can have room to offer above the asking price without going outside your target price point or dipping into your savings. You may also consider an escalation clause, which states that you’ll put your bid at a certain price point higher than other competing bids – but make sure you know when to stop.
Be ready to move fast
Once you’ve found a home that ticks the boxes in your needs list, be ready to put in an offer right away. Your offer should include all relevant information, forms, and disclosures the seller will need to make a decision. An incomplete offer could end up in the trash in a multiple offer situation. Pay attention to details and make sure your offer is complete. Your agent will be happy to help you draft your offer and have your negotiating strategies at the ready. Also, know how high you’re willing to go if there are other offers and be ready to make tough decisions quickly and decisively.
Consider making a large down payment
Making a sizeable down payment is another way to strengthen your offer. Of course, you should save up enough for a down payment when buying a home, but it’s more important than ever to do so when buying in a competitive market. You want to show the seller that you are serious, can afford the home, and is ready to put your money where your mouth is.
Keep trying
A competitive market could mean that you “lose” a few homes to other buyers. Home inventory is remarkably low and homes tend to sell remarkably quickly when they come on the market. If your offer isn’t accepted, do not be discouraged. Keep searching and putting in offers until you’re able to find a home that you love.

If you’re ready to buy a home in the Pacific Northwest, Coldwell Banker Bain can help. We put our knowledge, skills, and experience on your side to help you find the perfect place to call home. Contact us today to get started.

Buying a home • August 24, 2020

Five things first-time buyers should know

by Eugene "Jim" Hills

Buyer graphic and Coldwell Banker Bain logo

Buying a home is still a part of the American dream. If that’s where you find yourself today, then here are five tips prepared by the experts at Coldwell Banker Bain that you should know before moving forward.

Buying your first home can, of course, be a stressful process, and the more you know going in, the better off you’ll be. Our brokers are always here to help. Here’s what most first-time homebuyers wish they had known before starting the process:

You’re not buying for the life you have today
It’s one thing to buy a house that fits your current lifestyle. It’s quite another to buy a house that fits your lifestyle five, ten, or twenty years for now. But a house is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, and you must think about it in the long term. Ask yourself some questions about what will your life look like down the road and whether the house you’re looking at will be right for it. Are you planning on getting married or having kids? How long do you expect to be at your current job? If you’re not confident that your house will still be the right house in a few years, you may want to keep looking.
It’s OK to shop around for a mortgage
A lot of first-time homebuyers are so worried about whether or not they’ll be able to secure a mortgage that they take the first offer they get. Less than half of today’s buyers shop around for a home loan. That’s a big mistake, and it’s one that could end up costing you a lot of money. Rates offered by lending institutions vary widely, which is one of the reasons why it’s important to always talk to multiple lenders. As a general rule, it’s best to speak with at least three lenders and a mortgage broker before you make any commitments.
Buy what you can afford
Buy what you can afford might seem like obvious advice, but keep one thing in mind: the amount you can afford isn’t necessarily the same as what your mortgage lender thinks you can afford. Many homeowners get pre-approved for more than they end up spending, and that’s not a bad thing. While pre-approval for a mortgage is a great step toward determining your budget, it shouldn’t be the only one. You need to do your own math to decide how much you can afford. Factor in all your income and expenses, and keep in mind that you should never put yourself in a position where you’re spending more than 30% of your income on housing.
Don’t get caught up in the superficial
When you’re in the market for homes for sale, it’s important to remember that there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ house. That’s why it’s really important not to fixate too much on imperfections, especially small ones that can be easily fixed. If the house is dirty, the walls are an ugly color, or the fixtures are outdated, these are all superficial problems. Start out by making a list of priorities. Write out all your must-haves and would-like-to-haves so you can evaluate any house you look at based on whether it meets your needs.
The right real-estate broker can make all the difference
Some buyers shy away from working with a real estate agent because they’re wary about the cost. But it’s worth remembering that a good buyer’s agent will be working in your best interest. The same can’t be said for the listing agent, who is essentially trying to help their client sell their home for as much as possible. Working with a great agent can actually save you money, but that’s not the only benefit. They will also help you with all of the more complicated or overwhelming parts of buying a house, from working with your lender and negotiating the price to overseeing inspections and signing the closing paperwork.

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Contact us today to learn more and get started on the road to homeownership.