Matrix News

Seattle's Distinct, Unique Neighborhoods

Seattle has truly unique, distinct neighborhoods separated not only by blocks, but also by waterways, lakes, bridges, hills and ravines. For those looking to relocate or visit, this guide to Seattle neighborhoods gives you a quick overview (Source: Seattle Times):

When Jim Diers arrived in Seattle in 1976 from Iowa, he admitted he “didn’t get it.”

“I was overwhelmed by the size of the city and I felt a loss of a sense of community that I had known in Iowa,” he said.

Last chance for homebuyers at Navarro in Puyallup

The final few homes are now released for sale at Navarro in Puyallup South Hill. These Lennar homes come complete with "Everything's Included" features and will be ready for move-in this summer.

Navarro is located at the edge of the Gem Heights community, conveniently kitty-corner from a grocery store and the local elementary school. Only four homes remain for sale at Navarro:

Market News

Home appraisals no longer derailing sales

(Source: CNN Money)

Consider this one more sign that the housing market is heating up: Appraisers are putting higher values on homes again, allowing for more deals to go through.

During the housing bust, sales were often derailed by low-ball appraisals that fell far shy of a home's selling price.

Builder Confidence Improves in May

WASHINGTON, May 15 - Builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes improved three points to a 44 reading on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) for May, released today. This gain, from a downwardly revised 41 in April, reflected improvement in all three index components - current sales conditions, sales expectations and traffic of prospective buyers.

"Builders are noting an increased sense of urgency among potential buyers as a result of thinning inventories of homes for sale, continuing affordable mortgage rates and strengthening local economies," noted National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, N.C. "This is definitely an encouraging sign even amidst rising challenges with regard to the cost and availability of building materials, lots and labor."

Featured Properties

Just Listed: Madison Park Condo with Sweeping Lake WA View

SOLD! --- New Listing in Seattle's Madison Park. Top floor condominium in boutique building of just six homes. Located across from waterfront park. Sparkling views of Lake Washington from the main living area and huge view deck.

This home features three bedrooms and two bathrooms in 1,400 sq. ft. Light and bright interior finishes. Open living space with hardwoods throughout and gas fireplace in living room.

New Everett View Home - $359,990

NEW 3-bedroom + den , 2,149 sq. ft. home in established community of Pinehurst at Waldenwood. Beautiful mountain views from both floors.

Slab granite kitchen counters and work island, stainless steel appliances, gas range and a walk-in pantry. Extensive wood floors through kitchen/dining/entry.