December 18th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
It used to be that I could procrastinate putting up the Christmas decorations. That was before my kids could read a calendar…before they were strong enough to pull the storage boxes out from under the stairs. This year, on the day after Thanksgiving, my hallway was blocked with Rubbermaid bins; and the boys were nagging me.
The most important thing to my boys is the Christmas train. Every year they look forward to setting it up, hearing its tinny whistle, smelling the special engine oil, maneuvering the tracks and switches. It’s their delight; and each year the little boy in me is reawakened as we work together creating a miniature world of wonder.
This photo from The Great Beyond brings it all back: Snow, trains, Ballard in winter….It doesn’t get any better than this. Now this is…
Ballard Undressed!
December 1st, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
I love Christmas time and there is no better place to celebrate it than in the Ballard area. One of my favorite places is Swanson’s Nursery on 15th NW and 98th. I take my kids there to get hot chocolate; then we browse through their gift shop, awed by their array of glittering and festive Christmas gifts and decorations. The kids always have to check out the koi before we head out to say “hi” to the live reindeer, Dasher and Blitzen.
Swanson’s gets it right at Christmas time (as they do year-round), with their miniature train scene, incredible live plants, Christmas trees, wreaths, garland and multiple photo opportunities (including a cute sleigh featuring a live reindeer). It’s part of our family holiday tradition; the kids start begging to go as soon as they see the “Live Reindeer” sign on 15th NW. Make the time to go and be inspired by the beauty and freshness of this local nursery.
Thank you Mcoughlin for allowing me to use your photo.
November 23rd, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
A Ballard tradition: Watching the annual flotilla of ships dressed up with bright lights, Santa Clause captains and all the Holiday cheer you can think of. They begin by going through the Locks and up the Puget Sound and then returning on Tuesday, December 15th.
How to view these cheery vessels? There are several ways: First is to buy a home that has a great view. I would strongly suggest this one (have I mentioned there are some great deals for move-up buyers?). You can see homes for sale at Ballard Real Estate. Now…turning from my shameless self-promotion…Some, er, more practical means of catching the Holiday Ships:
Find a rich friend who has a home with a great view and invite yourself over. If that does not work, you can always try the budget-friendly approach by going to the Ballard Locks and watching the parade of ships float through the locks, all up close. They will be there approximately 8:10-8:30pm. You can also bundle up and hit the beach at Golden Gardens, where they will be sailing though around 9:05-9:25pm.
Finally, you can be a part of the festivities. Enjoy good wine, food, music and company by booking a ride on the Argosy Cruise Ship which is leading the parade.
Thank you Suswar for the photo.
November 20th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
Several Greenwood business owners on 85th took a huge hit a couple of weeks ago when an arsonist destroyed everything the business owners had. Luckily the arsonist was caught, but the lingering financial and emotional loss remains. Since the tragedy there has been a huge rally to help these business owners get back on their feet.
A group from Mars Hill Church in Ballard is helping by putting together a silent auction to raise money for the Greenwood Arson victims. The auction is on Friday, December 18th from 7-10 pm at the Upper Crust on the corner of 85th and Greenwood Ave. It will cost $5 to get in the door and is open to the whole community. You can enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while you peruse the many items to bid on.
They are still seeking donations for the auction. So far they have items ranging from massages to salon services and gift baskets. If you have any goods or services you would be willing to donate, please contact them at greenwoodfireauction@gmail.com.
This is an amazing reflection of what our community is all about: People helping people. Now that is…
Ballard Undressed!
**At Ballard Undressed we love to post your Ballard area photos. We are sticking to the area of Puget Sound to Aurora and from 105th to the Canal. If you have a photo that you want to share In this Ballard Blog please join the Ballard Undressed at Flickr.com – or you can email the photos directly to me at dave@davehansonhometeam.com. To find out more about living in this great area of Seattle go to Ballard real estate.
November 18th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
Last week, after the Senate gave its final and fully supportive approval to the home buyer tax credit extension. The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to pass the legislation, sending the tax credit to President Obama who’s final sign-off on Friday made it official.
The $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, which was slated to expire Nov. 30, 2009, will be extended for contracts signed before May 1, 2010 that close before July 1, 2010. First-time buyers, who are in the process of closing now, no longer have to worry about qualifying for the $8,000 tax credit if they do end up closing after the Nov. 30 deadline. The new legislation also increases the income limit for couples with incomes up to $225,000, a nearly $55,000 increase above the current level.
In addition, buyers who already own a home are also now eligible for a tax credit and the purchase of a home. The $6,500 maximum credit will be available to existing homeowners who have lived in their current residence for five of the prior eight years. The legislation does set forth several provisions, including: limiting eligibility for existing homeowners to homes worth $800,000 or less, as well as making both credits available only for primary residences, not second homes or investment properties. The legislation will take effect November 7, 2009 and is not retroactive.
The original first-time home buyer tax credit jump-started the housing market, driving home sales to the highest level in more than two years. The National Association REALTORS® reported sales jumped 9.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million units in September – 9.2 percent higher than the 5.10 million-unit pace in September 2008.
Don’t underestimate what the Ballard real estate market will do these next 6 months. The $8,000 credit motivated a great number of buyers to purchase this fall; and the new $6,500 credit for move-up buyers will most likely kindle interest in higher-priced homes. There are some amazing deals on the market now; and I fully expect this new legislation to be a boom to the market. This is an opportunity that should not be missed! I’d love to help you figure out your options, so call me at 206-686-7525.
November 16th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
The Nordic Heritage museum in Ballard is having its annual holiday Yulefest on Saturday and Sunday, November 21 and 22nd. Forgive my Norwegian bias, but I firmly believe that complete immersion in Scandinavian culture is the best way to begin the Holiday season.
Step into the Old World with Scandinavian entertainment, featuring fiddlers, singers and folk dancers. Looking for a unique gift? Nordic-inspired vendors will have hand-crafted items to peruse. And when you get hungry, Scandinavian food and drink is available. Don’t worry! It’s not just lutefisk and lefse. There will be traditional Scandinavian sandwiches, pastries and Glögg (the Scandinavian version of hot spiced wine and a traditional beverage of the holiday season), just to mention a few of the tasty items for sale.
And no Yulefest would be complete without SANTA! Free children’s crafts and activities as well as Santa photos ($5) can also be found in the museum’s Dream of America exhibit.
Yulefest is a fundraiser for the museum, located at 3014 NW 67th St; and entrance is by donation: Suggested donation is $3 for adults, $1 for children under 12, and kids under 5 get in free. Limited parking is available for a suggested donation of $2.
Even if you don’t Snakker du norsk (speak Norwegian), you’ll enjoy yourself. God jul (Have a good Christmas)!
Thank you Gino for the photo.
November 13th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
What was life before Home Depot and Lowes? Remember Ernst Hardware and Thurman’s? Many hardware stores have come and some have gone, but Crown Hill Hardware on the corner of NW 80th and 15th NW has endured. I remember walking up from our home on Alonzo to Crown Hill Hardware to buy items for my dad. It was usually something like nails or paint and Crown Hill Hardware always had it. They have been and always will be the “go to” place for quick items you need. Just the other day my wife’s mop fell apart. She walked it over there and within 5 minutes they had fixed it. No waiting around for an elusive salesperson, just good old-fashioned “welcome-you-when-you walk-in-the-door” service. And it only cost her 25 cents! Now that is…
Ballard Undressed!
Thank you photophonic for the use of this photo!
**At Ballard Undressed we love to post your Ballard area photos. We are sticking to the area of Puget Sound to Aurora and from 105th to the Canal. If you have a photo that you want to share In this Ballard Blog please join the Ballard Undressed at Flickr.com – or you can email the photos directly to me at dave@davehansonhometeam.com. To find out more about living in this great area of Seattle go to Ballard real estate.
November 12th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
Seattle has many great parks. One of the best places to relax and enjoy the beach and scenery is Golden Gardens. You can play in the sand, go for a long walk, get an ice cream cone, beach comb, barbecue, have a bonfire – just enjoy life! The train runs in the background and usually toots its horn, which makes you jump with its sheer loudness. If you’re there in the mornings you might see the fishermen come in and show off their catch of the day. You can also enjoy the boat traffic going in and out of the Ballard locks and the Marina. If you’re lucky you might see some kite surfing. Lastly, make sure you walk down to the pond beyond the parking lot and greet the resident turtles. You can often find them basking in the sun on top of the many floating logs there.
Golden Gardens is beautiful year-round; and here in Seattle we don’t let a little cold weather stop us from enjoying our beaches and parks! So bundle up the kids, grand kids or the family pet and head for Golden Gardens. You will be glad you did.
Thank you Wonderlane for the photo!
November 6th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
The enormous BARDAHL sign has been a symbol of Ballard as far back as I can remember. Looming over south Ballard, the neon mammoth faithfully illuminates one huge red letter at a time, every night. Driving back into town over the Ballard bridge, it welcomes all to our lovely neighborhood. You can’t miss it. So I thought I would include this different perspective on the old symbol as this week’s focus for Ballard Undressed Fridays. Thank you andrewasmith for the use of this picture. Now this is…
Ballard Undressed!
**At Ballard Undressed we love to post your Ballard area photos. We are sticking to the area of Puget Sound to Aurora and from 105th to the Canal. If you have a photo that you want to share In this Ballard Blog please join the Ballard Undressed at Flickr.com – or you can email the photos directly to me at dave@davehansonhometeam.com. To find out more about living in this great area of Seattle go to Ballard real estate.
November 4th, 2009
Posted by Dave Hanson
Did you hear?!! The $8,000 tax credit has been brought to the House and has been accepted. Now it is going to the Senate to be extended until April 30th, 2010 – really good news for the real estate market and the economy. These terms might change just like it did last time. It went from $15,000 to $8,000 so just be aware that the senate can change its amount or dates.
There was a surge in sales this October, typical of this time of year, but undoubtedly supported by the anticipated November 30th tax incentive deadline. Allowing for the usual holiday slowdown, I anticipate the deadline extension will make a noticeable impact on sales starting next year.
It’s still a first time home buyers market. Fifty percent of our sales were below $400,000 and there were 9 fewer sales of homes over $600,000 than last month. So here are some thoughts: If you are a seller and you have a home under $400,000 you are in a good spot. If you have a home in the range of $400-600,000 you are still looking good. However, if your home is over $600,000, you are going to have a much tougher time, as there were only 8 sales in this price range last month. With lots of competition and not a lot of buyers in this range, you’re going to have to price your home competitively in order to get it sold.
If you are a buyer, there are unbelievable deals with great interest rates, good prices with tax incentives. You can’t beat this environment. If you are a move-up buyer, sell your home for the most you can get and then negotiate like crazy on the upper end. You should do well.
Today I am going to go over the Ballard Real Estate sales figures for the month of September – from 105th to the Canal and from Puget Sound to Aurora. All sales figures come from the NWMLS and represent residential sales only:
Ballard Real Estate sales for October 2009
- Active (as of the end of October): 253 – 21 more than last month
- In Escrow (pending): 130 – 40 more than last month
- Expired: 25 – 2 more than last month
- Closed: 90 – 18 less than last month
The highest-priced home that sold was $1,857,000 and the lowest was $265,000. Only 8 Ballard homes sold over $600,000 and 44 homes sold under $400,000 - only 2 more than last month.
