SECOND HOME
ASTORIA, OREGON
$849,000
Astoria sits at the northwest tip of Oregon, where the Columbia empties into the Pacific. The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria enjoys a revitalized 1920s-era downtown with shopping and dining destinations. But it’s the cool summers and abundant water and outdoor activities provided by three rivers and the lush forests of Fort Stevens State Park that appeal to visitors. This three-story home is a perfect example of the Victorian-style home the town is known for. Built in 1890 the house has been fully restored and offers views of the Columbia, original hardwood floors, formal gardens, and a carriage house garage.
Listed by Debra Bowe, Windermere Real Estate.
WHEN ANA AND ROBERT BOWMAN relocated to Seattle with two daughters and a German shepherd in tow, they wanted two things in a home: new construction and a close-in location. The Bowmans previously owned an 84-year-old Tudor, and they were ready to put away their toolbox and weekly fix-it lists and find a more open floor plan.
That’s why the Bowmans bought an infill home in Lake City, just a few blocks from Sand Point Country Club and Lake Washington. “If you want to live in the urban core and you want to live in new construction, infill housing is the only game in town,” says David Neiman, primary architect at Seattle’s custom home builders Urban Infillers.
Infill homes are typically built on undersized lots with steep slopes, unstable soils, or conflicts with adjacent uses, and they’re popping up in Seattle neighborhoods such as Magnolia, Phinney Ridge, and Ballard. The awkward plots keep some buyers away, but developers compensate by creating designs with open spaces and large windows, using high-quality materials, and building green. The goal is to entice buyers put off by irregular, less-than-spectacular plots and to improve a home’s resale potential.
For the Bowmans, the odd plot did little to detract from the lifestyle the house offered them. “You get the upside of moving into a new home in an established neighborhood,” Ana says. And in Seattle new infill homes sell at a premium; on average, they fetch at least $200,000 more than older homes in the same neighborhood. But for some buyers, the benefits are worth the price.
BUYING POWER
Condos
Condo sales remain strong, even as area home prices soften and more units flood the market. The median price for a condo in King County rose to $279,970 in October, according to Northwest MLS data, a 7.8 percent increase from a year ago. In the same period single-family homes appreciated by just 0.9 percent. Low prices don”t tell the whole story, though—new construction and nonconversions cost more, as do larger units in buildings with amenities such as concierges, fitness rooms, and laundry services.
Wallingford $398,800
Details 4422 Bagley Ave N, Ste 305; 751 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, built 2006.
Selling points Multilevel loft with high ceilings and large windows. Washer and dryer, secured garage parking space, and storage unit included.
Listed by Rich and Nanette Bergdahl, Re/Max Northwest Realtors.
Lower Queen Anne $775,000
Details 22 W Lee St, Ste 202; 1,477 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, built 2007.
Selling points Large, two-bedroom ADA-accessible space, two decks, study, and private master bath. Walk to Queen Anne shops and restaurants.
Listed by Debbie Lee, Williams Marketing.
Downtown $1,995,000
Details 715 Second Ave, Ste 1704; 2,304 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2½ baths, built 2000.
Selling points Luxury, southeast corner condo in 20-unit Millennium Tower, in the heart of Pioneer Square. Custom-designed unit includes custom mill work and Venetian plaster walls.
Listed by Ewing & Clark, Inc.
Published in the Hot Breakfast Spots issue of Seattle Met.
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