March 19, 2010
By Jane Hodges at 6:22 pm
Adding density to our neighborhoods doesn’t have to mean slapping up poorly-designed and unattractive multi-family housing. Many architects and developers do their best to maximize both form and function on odd lots and among lots of old buildings. Bad-looking housing—whether designed for renters or owners—is such an urban issue that City Council member Sally Clark, along with [...] read more →
March 18, 2010
By Jane Hodges at 5:01 pm
Cohousing – “intentional” living communities where residents occupy their own houses or condo units but otherwise share everything from potlucks to P-Patch duty with neighbors—is resurfacing in metro Seattle for the first time in more than a decade. Currently, two new developments are seeking members in advance of ground-breaking on Capitol Hill and in Newcastle [...] read more →
March 12, 2010
By Jane Hodges at 1:18 pm
Cheaper than the normal sale process, more dignified than buying at auction, so-called "bulk buying" deals hawk condos en masse at developer-approved and bank-approved discounts. Bulk buying opportunities are coming to a neighborhood near you this weekend. read more →
March 5, 2010
By Jane Hodges at 2:48 pm
During November and December, the City Council passed a set of ordinances designed to reduce the proliferation of derelict properties in neighborhoods like Delridge and Roosevelt. The ordinances created expensive fines for owners who willfully neglected properties and let them degenerate to “nuisance” status, and also set forth some new rules concerning demolition permitting. The big idea [...] read more →
March 4, 2010
By Jane Hodges at 4:28 pm
Spring ushers in a period of optimism in the real estate industry. Generally, that’s when buyers and sellers get down to business after six months of market hibernation. It’s when agents bust out with that old cliche: There’s never been a better time to buy. It’s when sellers exhale, sensing that people are placing their faith in real [...] read more →
